Photos and information from Medina Central School

MEDINA – In the past, the Student Association at Medina High School has collected canned goods for those in need in the community and donated them to MAAC (Medina Area Association of Churches).

Teacher and Student Association Co-Advisor Sara Cinquino says last year, with the unknowns of Covid transmission, the students took part in a peanut butter and jelly drive instead.

“This year we decided we would collect essential items like paper products and hygiene products for MAAC to distribute,” she said. “We were thrilled to be able to donate 1,971 items through our school drive.”

Members of the Medina Fire Department on Wednesday stopped at the school, where the students helped them load the donations into their ambulances.

Sherry Tuohey, a volunteer with MAAC says she is very grateful for the outreach project from the High School.

“The students did an outstanding job!” she said. “I couldn’t believe all the personal care and paper products we received. These will be so beneficial to families we are helping this Christmas. I want to thank them for making it such a huge success!”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Main Street in Albion is shown on Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Orleans County on Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. The watch also includes Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.

There will be southwesterly winds from 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 mph possible, the Weather Service said.

“Damaging winds may bring down numerous trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Some property damage possible. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

On Friday the temperature is forecast for a high of 48, and then goes up to 66 on Saturday. Sunday is forecast to be sunny with a high of 42.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Heidi Dorpfeld, left, and Jean Bogue chat in the lounge of the new home of Trade 180 at 25 East Bank St., Albion. Trade 180 supports young marginalized people in Orleans County ages 18 to 25 with life skills and work readiness.

ALBION – While working for 12 years as a job coach to special needs youth at BOCES, Heidi Dorpfeld often noticed how the children thrived while receiving extra attention in school, but often fell through the cracks when left on their own in the outside world.

That gave her an idea for a program which would help these students transition from one lifestyle to another, and she formed Trade 180, what she calls “A home of hope to become whole.”

Earlier this year, Dorpfeld and her team were working to renovate a home on East Avenue owned by Harvest Christian Fellowship, with plans to open her ministry there.

Then she was contacted by the Giordano family from Kent with an offer too good to be true.

Beth Giordano had formerly run Rise Above Ministries for years out of a building she owned at 25 Bank St. After hearing about Dorpfeld’s plans, she contacted her and offered to give Dorpfeld the building for $1.

With help from supporters, including Ninandre Bogue of Lyndonville, who did most of the painting in the building, they transformed it into a classroom, gathering room, training kitchen and office space for Trade 180.

Last Saturday they held an open house and basket raffle to introduce the community to their new venture.

Their program for men 18 to 25 includes a class titled “Powered for Life” and “Jobs for Life,” a nationally accredited program. Participants learn faith-based character building, conflict resolution, dignity of work, life skills, a trade and how to act in an interview and prepare a resume. Both men and women will learn in a 16-session class how to find and keep a job, develop character and receive a supportive community through mentorship.

The Biblical curriculum will help young people discover God’s purpose for their lives, thereby helping them become inspired, Dorpfeld said.

“We focus on special needs – not necessarily physical – but emotional and spiritual,” she said. “We want to get young people before they go down the wrong road.”

Classes are noon to 3 p.m. and lunch is served. In addition to an instructor, a nutritionist is available and mentors will be on hand.

Trade 180 is operating under the umbrella of Harvest Christian Fellowship. They are counting on donations and support from the community to operate. Anyone is invited to become a mentor, volunteer or support Trade 180 with a financial donation.

Donations may be made by logging on to www.hcforleans.com (under Trade 180 tab).

The building at 25 East Bank St. was given by Beth Giordano to a new working training ministry.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Passengers on the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum got a ride to the North Pole Saturday and Sunday. Near record crowds filled all six excursions. The event will return this Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 18 and 19, with nearly all but a few single seats sold out.

MEDINA – The Polar Express may delight children of all ages, but a couple who rode the fairy tale train on Sunday got to experience a little magic of their own.

Grace Stewart, event and volunteer coordinator for the Museum, was helping with crowds on the platform of the train when she spotted a man down on his knees in front of the holiday display on the deck of the museum.

She immediately rushed up the steps to learn that Jared Finn had just proposed to his girlfriend Ally Kirkey. In front of the couple were his children holding a sign which read “Will you marry our dad?”

Of course, she said, “Yes.”

In all the excitement Stewart failed to ask where the couple were from.

Provided photo: Jared Finn proposed to Ally Kirkey on Sunday and she said yes.

Also on Sunday, another family was noticed on one of the first-class cars celebrating a surprise birthday for a relative.

More than 5,000 people rode the Polar Express on Saturday and Sunday, a scenario that is expected to be repeated the next two weekends at the Medina Railroad Museum.

While most of the seats for the next two weekends are sold out, visitors are encouraged to visit the museum and see the extensive decorations staff has spent several weeks putting up, in preparation for the Polar Express.

Riders on the train get to enjoy hot chocolate, singing and story telling from the famed Polar Express book. Each child gets a gift, meet Santa and the hobo who board at the North Pole.

Plenty of Polar Express toys and gifts are available in the gift tent and museum gift shop.

Provided photo: Erik Olsen, pastor of East Shelby Community Bible Church, leads the choir in singing Christmas carols at a previous Old Fashioned Christmas celebration at West Jackson corners, the miniature village created by the church on East Shelby Road.

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Community Bible Church will again host its annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Sunday at the church at 5278 East Shelby Rd.

The event, from noon to 5 p.m., will feature old-time Christmas traditions and activities at the church and in the miniature village of West Jackson Corners.

There will be crafts for children, swags for mom, cookies for dad and dancing for everyone’s entertainment. The Band of Renown will present a Christmas concert at noon, and the choir will sing in the village and in the church.

Visitors are invited to see the new barn and the extra-large manger scene. There will be an opportunity to make a candle, catch a ride on the drawn wagon, make a swag to take home, string popcorn and visit Mrs. Claus upstairs in the parsonage.

Santa will arrive at 4 p.m.

The pastor and congregation invite everyone to come to West Jackson Corners on Sunday and celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way.

There is no charge to attend this celebration which takes visitors back to a bygone era.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Frontier Heating & A/C Service has a nice display in its window along East Bank Street. The business won the window decorating contest in 2019.

The Albion Merchants Association is offering $100 for the first place winner of the decorating contest. Businesses have until Dec. 19 to post photos on the AMA Facebook page under the post about the contest for businesses.

There is also a contest for homeowners with $200 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. The prizes will be in gift certificates from AMA members. Residents can enter by Dec. 19 and post photos on the AMA Facebook page in the comment section of the post about the “Deck the Town” contest.

The Orleans Travel Bureau decorated its window on East Bank Street for the Christmas season.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Provided photo: Environmental Conservation Officer Fuerch is shown with K9 Handley.

CLARENDON – On Dec. 1, ECO Fuerch received a complaint from a coyote hunter who had encountered a male subject carrying a shotgun and a backpack while trespassing on the property.

The subject dropped the backpack and ran into the woods when the complainant confronted him, and the complainant retrieved the backpack, which contained deer antlers and deer calls. The complainant advised ECO Fuerch that he parks at the Stafford Highway Department and did not observe other vehicles in the area. While checking nearby storage units for possible vehicles, Officer Fuerch observed a vehicle parked partially in the roadway with its lights off.

Suspecting the vehicle was there to pick up the subject who ran into the woods earlier, the ECO approached and turned on her emergency lights. The vehicle drove off, and Officer Fuerch radioed a Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy.

The Deputy successfully deployed spike strips on Route 237 near Route 33 toward Orleans County, causing operator to lose control of the vehicle after the tires on the runaway vehicle began to break apart.

The vehicle came to a stop and two occupants fled on foot into the woods. A third occupant in the backseat was immediately taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Deputy. ECO Fuerch deployed K9 Hadley to track and locate the men who fled.

The first subject as found, surrendered, and was taken into custody. The second subject was located in the garage of a nearby residence where he was taken into custody. The vehicle had switched plates and was reported stolen out of the city of Rochester.

The vehicle occupants had several outstanding warrants and illegal drugs were found inside the stolen vehicle. The men are facing a host of charges, including criminal possession of stolen property and unlawfully fleeing police. This case is especially noteworthy as K9 Handley recently underwent lifesaving emergency surgery just two months ago.

For more on this incident, click here.

SHELBY – The Town of Shelby building will be closed at least another day due to a power outage. Town Supervisor Jeff Smith said he hopes the Town Hall will re-open Friday.

The building was closed today and will again be off-limits to the public on Thursday.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse is decorated for the holidays with wreaths up on the dome and Christmas trees on the top steps facing East State Street.

The moon looms in the sky above the courthouse this evening. The site recently was upgraded with new steps, a sidewalk and exterior lighting. The courthouse was built in 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Christmas trees are new addition to the courthouse this holiday season.

The cover at left is for the book, Pioneer History of Orleans County. The image at right is the only known photograph of John Proctor.

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2 No. 44

GAINES – One of the most widely read written histories of Orleans County is entitled, “Pioneer History of Orleans County, NY,” by Arad Thomas, written in 1871 and published in Albion.  In this 463-page compendium we are fortunate to find an autobiographical sketch of John Proctor, the patriarch of what many called Proctor’s Corners.

Proctor has been the subject of a few recent articles written for the “Historic Childs” series, but the addition of an article detailing the earliest days of Fair Haven (known as Childs today) written by John Proctor himself, is a valuable addition to this information.  Proctor wrote the following narrative in June 1863, a little short of five years before his death in January 1868.

I was born in the town of Dunstable, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, January 22, 1787. In March, 1810, I arrived in Batavia, since changed to Gaines, on the Holland Purchase, and purchased a lot of land near the Transit Line. I chopped over five acres of land and built a log cabin in what was then called the ‘Nine Mile Woods.’ My cabin was situated seven miles from any cabin going east, and two miles west. There were no inhabitants going south nearer than Batavia village. Here I kept bachelor’s hall, sleeping in the open air on hemlock boughs until I had completed the roof of my cabin, which I covered with bark. I had to travel seven miles to get bread baked.

I went to Massachusetts in the summer and returned to my cabin in January. In the spring of 1811, I cleared off and planted three acres to corn, and in the fall sowed five acres to wheat. In December I went back to Massachusetts on foot. February 11th, 1812, I was married to Miss Polly Cummings, of Dunstable, and started on the 12th with my wife for my home in the woods, in a sleigh drawn by two horses.

Fair Haven, 1852 map

When we arrived at our new home, at what has since been called Fair Haven, in the town of Gaines, there were but three families in Gaines, viz.: Elijah Downer, Amy Gilbert, and —Elliott. The nearest grist mill was at Black Creek, twenty miles distant, and on account of bad roads it was as easy for us to go to Rochester to mill, a distance of thirty miles. Indians came over from Canada and massacred several of the inhabitants on the frontier, and many of  the settlers fled out of the country for safety. The people throughout this region were in great consternation.

The news of the approach of the savages spread rapidly. William Burlingame, who resided about four miles west of my place on the Ridge, called me out of bed and requested me to go immediately and arouse the people east. I immediately mounted my horse, the only horse then owned in the vicinity, and before next daylight visited all the inhabitants as far east as Clarkson.

The effect of the notice was almost electric, for quite a regiment of men in number were on the move early the next morning, to check the advance of the enemy. We marched west to a place called Hardscrabble, near Lewiston, and there performed a sort of garrison duty for two weeks, when I with some others returned, for, having been elected collector of taxes, it became necessary for me to attend to the duties of my office.

Again in September, while the war was in progress at and near Fort Erie, in Canada, news came to us that the British were about to attack the Fort and our troops there must be reinforced. In company with several others I volunteered to go to their relief. On arriving at the Fort, via Buffalo, we made several attacks on the enemy near the Fort, and in the woods opposite Black Rock.

A sortie was made from the Fort September 17th, in which we routed the enemy. In these actions several bullets passed through my clothes, and one grazed my finger. A man of our company named Howard was killed, another named Sheldon was wounded in the shoulder, and Moses Bacon was taken prisoner and carried to Halifax.

In that sortie General Davis, of Le Roy, was killed, and Gen. Peter B. Porter was taken prisoner, and rescued again the same day. We came home after an absence of twenty-four days.

The Proctor monument (left) is located on Route 104 in Gaines. The Proctor family obelisk is located at Mount Albion Cemetery. The other sides of the monument memorialize Proctor’s wives and children, several of whom died in a typhoid breakout in 1828.

About February 1st, 1815, I was notified to attend the sitting of the court in Batavia as constable. Owing to the situation of my family I could not be long absent from home; and in order to get released from court, it was necessary for me to appear before the judge; so taking a rather early start I reached Batavia before the court had opened in the morning. After the court had organized for business I presented my excuse and was discharged.

After that I collected over one hundred dollars taxes, made my returns as town collector, on half a sheet of paper, took a deed of one hundred acres of land of the Holland Company, and an article for another hundred acres and started for home, where I arrived in the evening of the same day, having traveled a distance of not less than forty-four miles.

In December, 1818, I made arrangements to visit my friends in Massachusetts, on horseback. Several of my neighbors were in to see me off. As I was about to mount my horse a deer came down the creek from the south. I ran into the house and got my gun and some cartridges I brought from the war, loaded my gun as I ran out, and as the deer was passing leveled my gun and snapped it, but it missed fire. I took up a stone and struck the flint, and snapped the gun again before the deer got out of range. This time it discharged killing the deer instantly. I remained now and helped dress the deer and divided it with our neighbors, and then went on my journey.

I rode to Vermont, there exchanged my horse and saddle for a cutter and another horse, and drove to my destination, near Boston. After an absence of about sixty days I returned home in time to dine off a piece of the venison I killed just before starting, which had been kept by my wife.

Our associations in our wilderness home undergoing fatigue and hardships together, sharing alike in gratitude for every success, and in sympathy for every adversity, bound the early settlers together as a band of brothers.

For many years our religious worship was held in common together, with no denominational distinctions.

JOHN PROCTOR.

Gaines, June 1863.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) issued a statement after he voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605).

Notably, Rep. Jacobs’ legislation, the Reservists Opportunity Act, was included and will be signed into law by the President. Additionally, Rep. Jacobs successfully stopped Democrats from including red flag gun laws in the final version of this legislation.

After the Senate began its deliberation of the NDAA, Jacobs joined other Republican members in sending a letter calling for the removal of Section 529, which would create “red flag” orders within the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Following his advocacy, this provision was removed from the final version of this bill. That letter can be found here.

Jacobs’ legislation, the Reservists Opportunity Act (H.R. 5063), would allow for members of the Army Reserves and National Guard to access the Army’s “Tour of Duty” system from personal devices, greatly improving access and making it easier for reservists and guardsmen to access active-duty opportunities. Currently, this system can only be accessed at locations with Department of Defense (DoD) network access.

Jacobs issued the following statement:

“America’s military and national defense face numerous challenges ahead: President Biden’s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan has created a new safe haven for terrorists, China continues to build a military capable of disrupting the international order, and threats in cyberspace grow each day. To answer these threats, the FY22 NDAA fully funds our military, supports counterterrorism, gives our troops a much-needed pay raise, and funds the procurement of essential equipment and vehicles for our service members. Locally, this legislation authorizes a new main gate at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and requires the Department of Defense to report on PFAS remediation efforts at the base.

“Additionally, I am proud to announce my legislation, the Reservists Opportunity Act, was included in the NDAA. This bill is a major win for our citizen-soldiers and will provide them easier access to active-duty opportunities. This will greatly improve our military readiness and retention.

“Finally, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to successfully remove an anti-gun red flag provision included in an earlier version of this legislation. I have always been a strong defender of the Second Amendment, and this victory once again ensures the American people are protected from unconstitutional gun laws.

“The National Defense Authorization Act sets our military up for success and ensures they are fully prepared to take on any challenge facing our nation. I will continue to support our military, improve access to new opportunities for our soldiers, and protect our Second Amendment in Congress.”

Press Release by Community Coalition for Justice

ALBION – Hoag Library was the site of the Community Coalition for Justice’s fourth 2021 event, a presentation and discussion focused voting rights and how newly minted laws in several other states will prevent easy access for voters – particularly voters of color, young voters and elderly and disabled voters.

The evening began with the viewing of a “Ted Talk” presentation by Stacey Abrams who was a major party candidate for governor of Georgia in 2018 as well as the founder of “Fair Fight Action” (addressing voter suppression). Joyce Riley of Albion moderated the discussion following the Ted Talk. Abrams addressed racial barriers she faced. She advocates asking yourself three questions about everything you do. “What do I want? Why do I want it? How do I get it?”

Riley described Abram’s talk as inspirational, thought-provoking and meant to raise awareness about the value of voting and about how the choices made impact our lives.

Next, the discussion turned to the bestseller “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander. Mike Magnuson of Hamlin, who had previously reviewed the book at the library, moderated this segment. Alexander argues that the war on drugs has created a new racial caste system in America disproportionately punishing Black people and thus disproportionately denying them of their voting rights.

This evoked a conversation amongst the group of 17 people, who had braved this snowy cold night, about the laws surrounding the voting rights of those, who have been incarcerated. Terry and Kae Wilbur addressed problems with Native Americans’ voting and their needing to be addressed as well.

Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd, a committee member and former chaplain at the Albion Correctional Facility, stated that “it is important that those, who are off parole, have their rights restored and are made aware of it.”

Bob Golden, Community Coalition co-chair, quoted articles from editions of America (Jesuit-based) magazine relating to the topic of alleged voter fraud and the unjust implications of some of the voter control efforts that have resulted from the allegations. He feels that the titles of the articles such as “The Negligible to Nonexistent Problem of Voter Fraud” and “Solution Seeking a Problem” tell it all. He handed out recommendations for the voter legislation and an encapsulation of the America’s several articles over this last decade.

Kim Remley of Albion covered three major pieces of voting rights legislation that have been introduced in Congress to restore the protection of the “Voting Rights Act of 1965” – which prevented racial discrimination in voting.

Remley explained that these major pieces have become bogged-down in the Senate due to politics. She further explained that substantive protections provided by the 1965 landmark act have been derailed by Supreme Court decisions. The John Lewis bill, before the Senate, would restore the 1965 Act.

In trying to provide some good news, Remley indicated that there are also several states that have passed laws that make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots. She also indicated that there are many organizations that have taken up the cause of preventing voter suppression such as Common Cause, the NAACP, Native American Voting Rights, Sister Simone’s NETWORK Lobby and Fair Fight Action (founder Stacey Abrams).

Community Coalition for Justice plans to resume providing events in the Spring of 2022.

Written by Kim Remley and Bob Golden

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer

Following his continued advocacy to make Upstate NY a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer personally called Tower Semiconductor CEO, Russell Ellwanger, about the company’s interest in expanding their operations.

Charles Schumer

Schumer urged the CEO to locate their next semiconductor fabrication plant in Upstate NY. Tower Semiconductor is currently considering New York, along with several other locations, for a new $5 billion semiconductor fab plant that would create up to a thousand jobs.

Schumer said New York boasts several sites across Upstate that are ready to be home to Tower’s next chip fab, from the STAMP campus in Western New York and the White Pine Commerce Park in Central New York, to Marcy Nanocenter in the Mohawk Valley and Luther Forest in the Capital Region. Schumer added that Upstate New York boasts a thriving semiconductor ecosystem, top-notch universities, world-class workforce, and a diversity of companies across the supply chain.

“Tower Semiconductor’s interest in expanding its manufacturing operations in the U.S., and potentially in Upstate NY, is exciting news for the entire state and a potential game changer for the region,” Schumer said. “I made it clear to Tower that I strongly support locating their new semiconductor chip fab in New York. I know firsthand Upstate NY has all of the ingredients to be a global epicenter for semiconductor manufacturing and that is why any of our multiple shovel ready sites from STAMP in WNY, White Pines in CNY, Luther Forest in the Capital Region and Marcy Nanocenter in the Mohawk Valley are the perfect location for Tower Semiconductor’s new chip fab.”

“Our world-class New York workforce and distinguished research institutions, coupled with New York’s considerable experience in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D means Upstate NY is tailor-made to be the home for Tower’s new fab. I stand ready to help Tower in any way for an investment in New York, including securing the federal semiconductor manufacturing and R&D incentives, and further cements New York as a global hub for chip manufacturing.”

Schumer has long emphasized the importance of active federal support for the semiconductor industry including his push to include provisions in the FY2021 NDAA to create new federal semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and training programs, noting that even though the U.S. revolutionized the semiconductor and broad microelectronics industries and invented nearly all of the key technology used to this day, by 2030, non-U.S. competitors are projected to control 83% of the global semiconductor manufacturing supply while domestic production could be less than 10%, which would be a threat to national security and economic competitiveness.

In June, Schumer successfully passed through the Senate the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), legislation he introduced that combined his Endless Frontier Act to make a significant investment in research, development, and innovation, other bipartisan competitiveness bills, and $52 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to implement the semiconductor-related manufacturing and R&D programs the senator authorized in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

USICA also created a program to support legacy chip production that is essential to the auto industry, the military, and other critical industries. Schumer is now working with the House to pass USICA, including the historic federal semiconductor incentives, into law as well as supporting the passage as part of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill of a new 25% tax credit for investments in domestic semiconductor facilities and equipment, modeled after the FABS Act.

Tower Semiconductor is an Israel-based leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, and provides technology and manufacturing platforms for integrated circuits in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense.

Press Release, Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers

BATAVIA – The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is pleased to announce that Assemblyman Steve Hawley is the recipient of their 2021 President’s award for his strong support of the harness racing industry and the agricultural jobs it helps to sustain.

Steve Hawley

“I have known Steve for a long time and have witnessed first hand his passion for this community and his appreciation for the sport of harness racing,” said Tim Bojarski, President of UNY-USHWA. “He genuinely understands the intricacies of the business and how hard our horsemen and horsewomen work to ensure the well-being of our horses while earning a living in a very difficult industry. He fights to keep the sport healthy so it’s economic impact on agriculture can continue in the area and supports Batavia Downs gaming as its revenue continues to support local communities. Our organization is proud to present him with this gesture of our appreciation.”

Hawley is a Batavia native and grew up there before leaving to attend college at the University of Toledo and then serve in the Army National Guard and Army reserves. When he returned home, he became the owner/operator of Hawley Farms and also owned and managed a property and casualty insurance company for over 35 years.

Always working for the betterment of the community as a businessman, Hawley wanted to take it one step further and successfully ran for office in the 139th New York Assembly District in 2006 and has been proudly serving his constituents ever since.

As a businessman, Hawley always had a friendly acquaintance with Batavia Downs and brought friends and customers there for dinner and to see the races and through his visits he grew to understand how integral the sport of harness racing was to the agricultural infrastructure in Genesee and surrounding counties. So as a politician he has been a staunch supporter of the track and its principles ever since he has been in office.

Over the years Hawley has served on many committees while in office including the racing and wagering committee and currently the agriculture committee and in those positions, always fought hard to protect the people that racing employs both directly and in supporting industries.

Outside of Albany, Hawley continues to be a friend of the track first hand as over the years he regularly participates in promotions like celebrity races and fundraisers for various worthy causes throughout the year.

And since 2010 Hawley has sponsored his “Night At The Races” at the Downs and in the 11 years it’s been held, has brought thousands of people who otherwise might not have ever come to the track and introduced them to the sport that has been a mainstay of the economic fabric of Batavia for over eight decades.

“Throughout the years, Steve has been a champion not only of Batavia Downs but of the entire racing and gaming industries,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. “He has introduced many people to our historic race track all while supporting legislation that helps the people of New York who work for the casinos and tracks and it’s through Steve’s hard work that our industry continues to grow and prosper. We congratulate Steve on receiving this well-deserved award.”

For his outstanding service to the sport of harness racing, Steve Hawley will be presented this award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 11) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction. Saturday is the final night of the meet and post time is at 5 p.m.