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.

SHELBY – The Town of Shelby building will be closed today due to a power outage. Town Supervisor Jeff Smith said he hopes the Town Hall will re-open Thursday.

Press Release, Celeste Morien, count compiler for Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count

SHELBY – It’s close to that time again for the Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count.

The count began in December 1968. The National Audubon Society has been sponsoring Christmas Bird Counts for 121 years and the Friends of Iroquois NWR, Inc. provide support for this local count.

Count compiler and Medina resident Celeste Morien would like the public to be alert for counters with spotting scopes and binoculars who will be out and about Dec. 28 on local roads, searching for birds in fields and at bird feeders.

Filling bird feeders now and keeping them stocked ahead of the count helps fulfill the count objective of counting all wild birds seen and heard within the circle! Our Oak Orchard Swamp count is centered at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on the Orleans and Genesee County line at Route 63. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, which includes more than the refuge and state wildlife areas, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.

According to the Audubon website, “Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “Side Hunt.” They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won.

Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.

So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America.

From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 each year tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

The data collected by observers over the past century allow Audubon researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, it provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years.

The long term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well.

If your home is within the circle and you are at home on count day, you can report the birds that visit your feeders. To do so, please contact celeste.morien@gmail.com.

Please consider donating to the Christmas Count here since the Audubon Society no longer collects fees from each participant. Click here for more information.

For past results of any Christmas Bird Count, the National Audubon Society website is an excellent resource. Click here for more information.

A Song Sparrow blends in with the surroundings at the wildlife refuge. Last year there were 20,843 birds counted in 73 species.

Provided photo: Coby Albone, a graduate student at Brockport State College, receives the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award with NYS AHPERD President Dr. Clancy Seymour.

BROCKPORT – A Medina graduate who is working on his master’s degree in athletic administration at Brockport State College, has won a state award given to an outstanding student majoring in physical education.

Albone earned his bachelor’s degree in P.E. at Brockport, double majoring in physical education and health education, with a  concentration in adapted physical education. He is working on his master’s and plans to work as a P.E. teacher in a school district.

“It’s what I have a passion for and what I want to do with my life,” he said about being a teacher and coach.

He has been active locally at the Orleans County YMCA the past 4 ½ years, working as youth sports program director and the canal club coordinator. He also coached youth soccer in medina and assisted a lacrosse team at Brockport High School.

At Brockport State College, he was president of PE Club and president of the club for people majoring in Kinesiology, Sports Studies and Physical Education. He also was on the executive committee for the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

That organization, AHPERD, selected Albone as the recipient of Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award. It is given to two undergraduate students for their outstanding performance and extensive preparation for the profession in the areas of health education, physical education, exercise science, recreation or dance education.

This award is the most prestigous award that a student can receive at the state level from the NYS AHPERD.

Albone is a 2021 graduate of SUNY Brockport. During his time at Brockport, he found success in holding leadership positions at the state level, as well as at the collegiate level. He was a part of numerous community involvement, teaching, and coaching experiences, along with striving in the classroom.

With receiving the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award, Albone was put into two pools for two different national awards through The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America). Albone was selected this spring for the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Award as well as the Robert Pate Teaching Award.

Since 1995, SHAPE America has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members. The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Award, developed by the past presidents of SHAPE America to honor deserving students, who exhibit a strong master of understanding/ performance element in their discipline, and demonstrated a significant service element related directly to their field. This award is given to three undergraduate students and two graduate students each year.

Robert M. Pate Student Award sponsored by the SHAPE America, the Robert M. Pate Student Scholarship is given annually to undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Health Education or Physical Education. Recipients must be an outstanding undergraduate student who exemplifies professionalism, academic achievement, service and character. Selections are based on academic achievement, community service, professionalism and character.

MEDINA – Members of the Senior Center of Western Orleans met Monday for their Christmas lunch and entertainment by Medina High School’s A Cappella Choir.

The seniors enjoyed lunch of appetizers, beef on weck and desserts, followed by the choir’s performance. Tunes included several traditional Christmas songs, a lively number titled “Please Come Home for Christmas,” a sing-along and a piece featuring soloist Gabe Mark.

Lee Smith, vice president of the Senior Center in Medina, and president Lynn Creasey preside over the monthly meeting prior to dinner and entertainment by Medina High School’s A Cappella Choir.

Entertaining the seniors is an annual tradition for the A Cappella Choir, whose director is Rachel Trillizio.

“Last year we couldn’t come, so the kids are especially excited to bring some normalcy back to the community,” Trillizio said.

The choir will perform its annual Christmas concert for the community at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Church. Their holiday concert at school will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 21.

Rachel Trillizio, director of the A Cappella Choir, greets members of the Senior Center in Medina during their Christmas lunch on Monday.

Legislator Allport opposes 1.9% tax increase, saying growth in sales tax gives county a cushion

Photos by Tom Rivers: Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the budget keeps the county moving forward, addressing many needs while maintaining services. She worries about possible state cuts in the future that would strain the county budget. Jack Welch, left, is the chief administrative officer.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has passed a $78 million budget that takes on more capital projects and restores some previously eliminated positions while staying under the tax cap.

The budget increases taxes by 1.9 percent and increases the tax rate from $9.98 to $10.09 per $1,000 of assessed property.

County Legislator Don Allport

One legislator, Don Allport of Gaines, opposed the spending plan because he said the county has collected about $1 million more than expected in sales tax this year and that increase could easily wipe out the $347,503 tax levy increase.

He said residents are feeling a financial pinch from inflation. That is particularly difficult for people on fixed incomes who are paying more for gas, fuel and other services.

He said the “astronomical” housing sales in the past year will likely result in higher property assessments – and tax bills.

“I think it’s critical we have a 0 percent increase,” Allport said during the budget vote on Dec. 2. “That’s why I’m voting against this.”

Other legislators said they are concerned the state could cut back reimbursements to the county. During the height of the pandemic the state cut counties by 20 percent, a reduction that later adjusted to a 5 percent cut.

The state is facing big increases in Medicaid and education funding that will strain the state budget, said County Legislator Ken DeRoller. He worries the state will try to balance its budget by cutting reimbursements to local governments.

Legislator John DeFilipps said county leaders cut about $9 million from the budget as part of the process in putting the spending plan together.

“This is a fair budget,” he said. “It addresses put-off projects. We stepped up in repairs.”

Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson praised Jack Welch, the county budget officer, and Kim DeFrank, the county treasurer, for their work with the budget.

“You put forth an amazing budget and I’m proud to support it,” Johnson said.

Although sales tax is up, Johnson said some other revenue is down or uncertain.

She also commended the department heads for their budget proposals.

“You didn’t come in with a Dear Santa letter,” she said. “You came to us with your actual needs.”

Welch went over the budget during a hearing last week. He highlighted the county will add five positions that will be funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money including a public safety dispatcher, criminal investigator, building maintenance worker, deputy director of computer services and senior computer specialist.

About $2.20 of the $10.09 rate is support for towns and villages in the county, including prosecution of vehicle and traffic offenses, AIM-related payments, a sales tax distribution of $1,366,671 and $2,050,000 in community college chargebacks.

SALES TAX DIVERSION – Even though the sales tax is up significantly, mainly due to taxes collected on line sales, some of that is diverted by the state. The state last year started requiring the county to pay $290,000 of its sales tax in AIM payments to towns and villages that was paid by state. The state also takes $190,274 in the county sales tax and diverts it to “financially distressed health facilities” with no guarantee it will be used for that purpose, Welch said.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – The county is planning $4,470,000 in capital projects, which is up about $2 million from the $2,577,000 in 2021. Some of the projects for 2022 will be paid from federal ARPA including $630,000 in work on deferred maintenance projects, $325,000 for a fiber loop to increase connectivity among county’s computer/IT network, and $170,000 for work on the county’s fuel farm on West Academy Street by the DPW.

State CHIPS funding will pay $1,285,000 for highway reconstruction with $125,000 in local funds going to culvert and bridge repairs, $125,000 to patch and seal county roads, and $200,000 in local funds for general repairs to the 50-year-old county jail. Federal and state funds will also pay $1.6 million for preventive maintenance on three bridges.

AGENCY FUNDING – For the third year the budget keeps the same level of funding for several agencies that provide services in the community: Cornell Cooperative Extension, $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency, $190,000; Soil & Water Conservation District, $92,500; four public libraries, $10,000 combined; Sportsmen’s Federation, $4,000; and Geneses-Orleans Regional Arts Council, $3,000. The Cobblestone Museum is in the budget as a line item but gets no county support.

MANDATES – The county is getting some relief in the nine mandated programs from the state, which consume 86 percent of the tax levy. The county’s Medicaid cost is down from $8,121,776 to $7,311,550 with the federal government picking up more of the cost. The county’s pension contribution also is down due to a better-performing stock market. The county’s contribution will go from $3,054,489 to $2,475,335.

Other mandated expenses with the 2021 budget numbers in parentheses include: Public Assistance/Safety Net, $1,787,937 ($1,802,337); Child Welfare/Protection, $1,528,322 ($1,336,399); Special Education, $983,529 ($971,931); Probation, $982,115 ($759,299); Indigent Defense, $511,307 ($536,053); Youth Detention, $302,650 ($302,650); and Early Intervention, $243,833 ($204,688).

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina made a donation to the Warrior House on Saturday. Here, Dave Morien presents a check to Warrior House owner Pete Zeliff as Jim Wells, left, and Legion commander Glen Whitmore at right look on.

MEDINA – The Butts-Clark American Legion Post on Saturday gave out the last donation from its raffle held throughout the spring and summer.

The first of the profits given out over a month ago was $2,500 to the winner of the raffle. The remaining $1,000 was divided between the Legion to help with expenses and the Warrior House on Salt Works Road, a retreat for veterans.

Legion members Jim Wells, Dave Morien and Commander Glen Whitmore presented Warrior House owner Pete Zeliff with a check for $500 on Saturday morning.

“We had hoped for a larger amount, but everything helps,” Whitmore said.

Zeliff said every donation is appreciated, especially as the Warrior House didn’t do any fundraising last year due to Covid.

“We are blessed with people like this who step up to support us and keep us going,” Zeliff said.

The Warrior House is an unused farmhouse on Zeliff’s property on Salt Works Road, which he has donated as a weekend retreat for veterans, who spend weekends there while enjoying hunting excursions. All expenses are paid, including food, for the veterans.

Fancher Memorial restoration also recognized by preservation organization

Photos by Tom Rivers: Bill Lattin, in this photo from August 2015, paints the trim on a window of the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse, a former one-room schoolhouse he helped to save from the brink of ruin.

ROCHESTER – The Landmark Society of Western New York is honoring Bill Lattin for a lifetime achievement award for his decades of work preserving numerous local sites, and his efforts to highlight local history.

The Landmark Society also will present a stewardship award to the Cobblestone Museum for its 60 years as a caretaker of properties that are a National Historic Landmark.

The Town of Murray also is receiving a special citation for its effort to restore the Fancher War Memorial on Route 31 in Fancher, a monument to 10 soldiers killed in World War II.

The awards will be presented during a virtual ceremony on Dec. 12.

Bill Lattin – Jean France Special Achievement Award

Lattin will receive the Jean France Special Achievement Award which recognizes “accomplishments that have occurred over a lengthy period of time.”

Lattin has been a caretaker and storyteller of Orleans County history for the past 50 years. He is officially retired as Orleans County historian and Cobblestone Museum director. He served in those roles for 35 years. (He retired from the museum in 2010 and from the county on Dec. 31, 2014.)

But he remains an active force in preserving important local sites and documenting history.

“Bill has advocated for local history for over six decades, through countless tours and publications,” the Landmark Society said. “The foremost authority on all aspects of Orleans County history, Bill continues his involvement with preservation and museum programming, lifetime commitments for this accomplished community activist.”

Bill Lattin welcomes visitors to the Vagg House on Nov. 7, 2020 following the Cobblestone Museum’s annual meeting. Lattin led the transformation of the Vagg House, at the corner of routes 98 and 104, into a home decorated in the 1920s and ’30s. Lattin spearheaded the restoration of many of the sites on the museum’s campus in the past 40 years.

After the Cobblestone Museum acquired the Vagg House at the corner of routes 98 and 104 last year, Lattin led the efforts to curate the former home of blacksmith Joe Vagg and his wife Nellie, who was active in the temperance movement. The house is filled with antiques and is decorated the in a 1920s, ’30s theme, with many of the early electrical appliances. Lattin even built an outhouse for the site to help it match the others on the museum’s grounds.

The Vagg House is a new “jewel” in the Cobblestone Museum’s crown, said Doug Farley, the museum’s current director. The house can be used for small gatherings of less than 30 people, such as meetings, rehearsal parties or teas, and other museum events.

In 2020, Lattin also helped relocate a log cabin built by Boy Scouts in 1930. It went from an Albion backyard to behind a cobblestone school built in 1832 on Gaines Basin Road. Lattin has been a key worker on saving that school in recent years. He has handyman skills and deep connections to rally the community to a cause. That school and the log cabin are recent examples. But that mission started long ago. He was a key leader of the Save the Tower committee that raised $30,000 in the mid-1970s for the Civil War Memorial at Mount Albion Cemetery. Lattin has given new life to many local structures.

Cobblestone Society and Museum – Stewardship Ward

The Cobblestone Museum will be honored with a stewardship award for its care of a campus that is a National Historic Landmark and includes this church that was built in 1834.

The Cobblestone Society and Museum will be presented the Stewardship Award for its efforts preserving and maintaining three cobblestone buildings – a church, a home and a school – on Route 104, and for saving other sites in the museum campus, including outhouses, a former town hall, harness shop, print shop and voting booth and other important community artifacts.

Kevin Breiner, a mason from Brockport, works on one of 14 new concrete piers underneath Farmers Hall at the Cobblestone Museum, in this photo from August 2019. The building was previously the Kendall Town Hall. It was taken apart and reassembled in 1978 at the Cobblestone Museum on Route 98. It’s one of several recent repair projects at the museum.

The Stewardship Award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided continued care of and commitment to the preservation of an architecturally and/or historically significant public property over a period of years.

“For 60 years, this organization has focused on the history and architecture of this iconic type of stone masonry,” the Landmark Society said. “Highlighted by one of the largest cobblestone churches in North America, their multiple-building campus is the only designated National Historic Landmark in Orleans County. The museum maintains an extensive archives, as well as the on-going Cobblestone Info Base, with data on all known cobblestone buildings in the U.S. and Canada.”

The museum recently announced it is working to acquire the 1834 “Brick House,” a stately red brick home with six fireplaces. The museum wants to put on an addition to make the site a visitor’s center with new modern bathrooms and meeting space for up to 100 people at the intersection of routes 98 and 104. The museum has raised more than $400,000 out of a $750,000 goal for the initiative.

The site would be an Orleans County welcome center and would promote businesses and other tourism sites in the county.

Fancher War Memorial – Special Citation

The Fancher Memorial was rededicated on Aug. 14. Richard Christopher of Albion places a commemorative wreath by the monument in Fancher. Richard is the son John Christopher, who was killed on November 26, 1943 when the transport ship carrying his unit was struck by a German glider bomb and sunk off the coast of Algeria. He was laid to rest at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, Tunisia. John’s brother Joseph also was killed during the war. Another pair of brothers from the Fancher community – Leonard and Martin Licursi – also died in the war.

The Landmark Society picked the restoration of the Fancher War Memorial for a Special Citation. The monument at the “Fancher Curve” on Route 31 honors 10 local soldiers who were killed in World War II.

The memorial is a four-faced clock in a stone monument made of local sandstone. It gradually deteriorated over 72 years.

The crumbling mortar was chipped out and replaced with new matching green mortar. New movements for the clocks and new electrical service were installed. The flag pole was painted. New sandstone pavers were added as a walkway on the north side of the property.

Neal Muscarella, a mason from Albion, chips away old and loose mortar on May 27 on the Fancher Clock, a World War II Memorial at the curve on Route 31 on the east side on Murray. Muscarella put in new mortar, matching the original color green. He said this is the only sandstone structure that he has seen with green mortar.

And a new bronze plaque was mounted on the north side near the flagpole. The original plaque remains, but it is on the west side facing the guardrails and wasn’t in an easy-to-see location for most people to know the true purpose of the monument.

“The restoration of this unique World War II memorial was achieved via a remarkable partnership of town government, local historical society and a former Fancher resident/philanthropist,” the Landmark Society said. “With repairs completed by local craftsmen, the Medina stone tower, with clock, was re-dedicated this year, exactly 72 years after its original dedication in 1949.”

Local mason Neal Muscarella replaced the mortar, matching it to the original green. Dan Mawn put in new electric.

The Fancher community built the memorial out of local Medina sandstone as a tribute to 10 local soldiers who died in World War II. Those soldiers include John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.

About 200 people attended the rededication ceremony on Aug. 14, including family of some of the soldiers honored with the monument.

Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said it should be clearer now that the site isn’t a municipal clock, but is a war memorial dedicated to local soldiers who died serving the country.

The project was funded with a donation from Fred Fiorito, a former local resident who now lives in the New York City area. He would typically home a few times each year to see family, including his brother Ted Fiorito. Fred noticed the memorial gradually deteriorate and wanted it to be a fitting tribute to the 10 soldiers.

Genesee second highest in NY with highest Covid positivity rate in past 7 days, while Orleans third highest

Orleans County has 329 active cases of Covid today, the most since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

The 329 is up from the previous pandemic high of 315 on Thursday, according to data from the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments.

The county has 151 new confirmed cases since Thursday, and 135 more recoveries or people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

Orleans currently has 14 people hospitalized due to Covid, which is down from 17 on Thursday. The county is reporting another death from Covid, a person over age 65. That brings the total to 97 in Orleans County who have passed away due to Covid during the pandemic.

The number of active cases in Genesee County dropped from 243 on Thursday to 226 today, even though the county has 236 new confirmed cases in the past four days. The county also is reporting 250 more recoveries.

Genesee has 35 people hospitalized due to Covid, down from 39 on Thursday. The county is also reporting two more death due to Covid, a person under age 65 and one over 65. That brings the total deaths from Covid in Genesee to 146.

Genesee County also the second highest Covid positivity rate in the state over 7 days. Genesee’s rate is at 14.0 percent, about three times the state rate of 4.8 percent. Lewis County has the highest positive rate at 14.5 percent and Orleans is third highest at 13.7 percent.

SHELBY – The Shelby Town Board meetings this month will be virtual with no in-person attendance from the public.

The meetings will be virtual only on Dec. 14 and Dec. 30 due to the rise in local Covid cases, town officials said.

$17 million project turned long-vacant structure into 41 apartments, village offices

Photos by Tom Rivers: The former Holley High School was given a major transformation, including new columns, and a conversion into apartments and the village offices, while preserving some of the original characteristics of the school.

HOLLEY – The $17 million transformation of the former Holley High School has won the top preservation award by the Landmark Society of Western New York.

Home Leasing, developer of the project, will receive the Barber Conable Award during a presentation on Dec. 12. The award recognizes a large-scale rehabilitation of a historic building that was completed within the past two years.

The cover of Landmarks, the magazine of the Landmark Society of Western New York, features the old Holley High School which has been turned into the Holley Gardens by Home Leasing.

The award was created to honor the late Congressman Barber Conable of Genesee County, who pushed to establish the Federal Investment Tax Credit Program for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings.

The Holley school had been vacant and neglected for nearly three decades. It was last used by a manufacturer that went bankrupt in the mid-1990s.

“This impressive rehabilitation is the result of a talented team that included an exceptional developer, veteran contractor, supportive local officials and experienced preservation consultants, who tackled a daunting list of challenges to complete this remarkable $17 million project,” the Landmark Society stated in announcing the award.

Home Leasing Corp. teamed with Edgemere Development LLC to rehabilitate a building from 1931. The Landmark Society called the structure, last used as a school in 1975, “of the most important civic buildings in Orleans County.”

The site was converted into 41 mixed-income apartments and the new administrative headquarters of the village of Holley. The project was completed using the Historic Investment Tax Credits for buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The project in 2020 won one of 11 New York State Historic Preservation Awards.

For many years it pained the Holley community to see its gradual demise – the many broken windows, peeling paint, rotted columns and a fate that seemed destined for the wrecking ball.

Holley village officials reached out to developers over the years, pitching the site for apartments and other uses. But a deal never came together – until 2018.

Home Leasing and Home Leasing Construction in Rochester committed to transforming the building into 41 apartments for seniors and the Holley village offices, with the auditorium space being a meeting room.

The old school, shown during a recent evening, has been a major uplift to the community. The school is located along Route 31, one of the county’s most travelled roads.

Here is how the building looked in May 2018. Contractors removed the trees coming out of the façade, and put back columns in the front, among the many extensive upgrades.

A worker cleans in the stairwell at the former Holley High School on April 1, 2020. The original railings were saved as part of the construction project.

Here is how the hallways looked in April 2020 after most of the work was done. The old lockers were included as a decorative touch and to connect to the building’s original use.

The main meeting room is pictured in August 2020, after the village relocated its offices to the space. Home Leasing was able to refurbish about 70 seats from the old auditorium. There are also about 40 seats up in the balcony that are for display and aren’t available to the public.

68 tags represent local veterans who passed away from October 2020 to October 2021

Press Release and photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) program were proud to help out Operation Honor of Orleans County.

Jenn Thom, co-leader of the organization, reached out to the class to see if they would design some military dog tags.

The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center class made 68 tags that represented the local veterans that passed away from October 2020 till October 2021. The tags will be placed on the tree in front of the library in Lyndonville. After the holidays the tags will be given to a member of the veteran’s family.

Three AME students were involved in this project: Bobby Vidovich (Medina) designed the tags and made the custom fixture to hold them. Nate Sauls (Newfane) programmed the Fusion 360 (a cloud based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing). Timmy Goerss (Newfane) ran the CNC Mill.

“It was such a proud moment to do such a special job for our local community,” says Mr. Rakonczay.

BARRE – The Barre town meetings will be virtual only until further notice due to the community spread of Covid and the threat of a new variant for the virus, said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue.

The meetings won’t allow in-person attendance from the public, but they can still use the town’s YouTube channel or call in by phone to hear the meeting.

This includes Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

The Town Board has a workshop meeting today at 5 p.m. and regular board meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Planning Board meets the second Monday of the month.

To call in for the Town Board meetings, dial (585) 589-5100, enter 5 once the auto-attendant plays, with a pin of 4321 followed by #.

For the Planning Board meetings, call (585) 589-5100, then dial 402 when the auto-attendant answers followed by a pin of 6543 #.

For more information, click here to be directed to the town website.

Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, Best of Tymes Party Rentals teaming for holiday event at Arnold Gregory

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Best of Tymes Party Rentals and Royal Body Shop Ministry are joining forces to present a Christmas extravaganza on Dec. 18 at the Arnold Gregory Complex. Gathered around Santa Claus’ chair are, from left, Christine Nenni and Michelle Wiseman from Party Tyme Rentals, Royal Body Shop pastor Albert Wilson and his wife Ykeeta and Lisa DeCarlo of Albion, who owns Arnold’s Auto Parts with her husband Dan.

ALBION – An Albion business and a new ministry are planning a unique Christmas celebration for the community on Dec. 18.

Best of Tymes Party Rentals, owned by Christine Nenni and Michelle Wiseman of Medina, and the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, who each have quarters in the Arnold Gregory Complex, will present “Que In” for Christmas on the lawn at Arnold Gregory.

The event will run from noon to 6 p.m. and feature a takeout chicken barbecue cooked by Albion’s Renovation Masonic Lodge free to the first 1,000 people, a gift for each child, raffles, face painting and other activities. Also included is a drawing for a 43-inch TV. Tickets are now available at $5 each or three for $10 at Arnold’s Auto Parts and Best of Tyme Party Rentals. All proceeds go back to the church for future community events. Best of Tymes Party Rentals will provide free hot chocolate, and horse and buggy rides will be available.

Michelle Wiseman, left, and Christine Nenni from Best of Tymes Party Rentals stand next to the Santa mailbox outside their store on the second floor of the Arnold Gregory Complex.

In addition to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Que In for Christmas will feature the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Jolly Jingles Bear.

Spearheading Que In for Christmas is Pastor Albert D. Wilson Jr.’s church, Royal Body Shop Ministries. Wilson is director of 27 community centers in Buffalo and senior pastor of the Greater Royal Worship Center at 1355 Clinton St., Buffalo. Lisa DeCarlo is administrative assistant to the pastor and Dan is training to become a deacon in the Albion ministry. The DeCarlos are also members of his Buffalo church.

Wilson first became acquainted with Orleans County as a result of visiting the Royal Worship Church of God in Christ on Sawyer Road, Kent, which his grandfather founded in 1952. He and Lisa DeCarlo were having coffee at HeBrews in Albion, where they talked to a young man who made Wilson realize there was a spiritual need in the community.

DeCarlos offered space to set up a tent and on a Friday night in August they had their first service in Albion. It was so successful, it continued every Friday night until cold weather was approaching and they realized they needed a warm place to meet.

Nenni and Lisa had been friends since high school, and Nenni told Lisa about the empty conference room at Arnold Gregory, which Wilson was able to rent.

Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries now holds a service in the conference room at 7 p.m. every Friday night, and want the entire community to feel welcome there. Currently the room is set up with a throne for Santa and a holiday display.

The name for his new ministry, Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, comes from his affiliation with Arnold’s Auto Parts. Its purpose is to work on the mind, body, soul and spirit, he said. The pastor is assisted by his wife Ykeeta and son Albert III. The depend upon donations to fund their ministry, and donation baskets are located throughout the community.

Giving to the community on holidays is nothing new for Best of Tymes Party Rental. Nenni and Wiseman started giving out goodie bags of treats to children last year on Halloween and Christmas from their home on State Street in Medina. They also handed out free cotton candy and popcorn and offered pictures with Santa.

They also have a Santa mailbox set up in the hall outside their second floor store in the Arnold Gregory building. Every child who writes a letter to Santa and includes his address will get a reply, Nenni said. Another small Santa mailbox is set up outside their Medina home.

Pastor Wilson plans to continue doing events to bring people in the community together, he said. They plan to target low poverty areas. Lisa will be giving out gift cards at Save-A-Lot beginning at noon on Dec. 11.

“It’s all about spreading love and holiday cheer,” the pastor said.

Provided photos: Cayden Manners, Madison Farley, Hagen Van Leuven, Allie Smith and Macenzie Sword are shown with a “Protect Our Planet it’s the only One We’ve Got” banner.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina High School teacher Krista Lindke was pleasantly surprised at the response from her 8th grade High School and Beyond students for a recent class activity.

“The activity that I assigned was a philanthropy project about kindness and the spirit of giving,” she said. “For six days, the class broke into three groups: People, Animals, and the Environment and they had to complete three tasks each and choose an organization to donate to.”

Robert Lechner, Dominic Waring and Milo Vidovich are shown with pet food that was donated to the Niagara County SPCA.

The People team collected numerous winter clothing items and delivered them to the Batavia Salvation Army. They made Thanksgiving cards for the residents at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and gifted candy to the nursing staff. They also made “Help a Teacher” tickets for the 8th grade teachers.

The Animal team collected and donated several cans/boxes of dog and cat food and delivered them to the Niagara County SPCA. They also crafted and delivered dog blankets to the Niagara County SPCA. In addition they constructed a couple feral cat boxes and placed them in the community and dog treats were distributed to the teachers for their pets or their neighbors’.

“Environmental Pledge” Picture: Trevon Shine and Tatianna Maxon were among 100 students who took the “No More Straws” pledge and picked up litter after school.

The Environment team collected over 1,000 can/bottle returns and donated the proceeds to the Nature Conservancy. Birdseed baggies were put together and distributed to the teachers. They had 100 people sign a “No More Straws” pledge sheet and they picked up litter after school.

“This was such an impactful activity for my class,” said Mrs. Lindke.  “The students really went above and beyond and their kindness was definitely abundant.  I am very proud of them!  We also could not have done it without the help of the wonderful teachers and staff at MHS!”

Milo Vidovich, Mackenzie Poynter and Alex Klinzing are shown with blankets that were given to the Salvation Army in Batavia.