Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.191/A.5459) authorizing credit unions to participate in the Excelsior Linked Deposit. In the past 35 years as New York has shifted from a manufacturing to a service economy, some of the largest companies in the state have downsized, forcing many individuals to become self-employed. Credit unions have responded to the needs of their members and communities by offering business loans.

“Small businesses have long been the backbone of our state’s economy,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation is yet another sign of our commitment to boosting Main Street businesses and fostering New Yorkers’ unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit.’

New York State places a deposit for the same amount as the loan taken out at Linked Deposit Program participants and earns less interest on the deposit, allowing the lender to transfer the interest rate savings on to the borrower. At the end of the four-year term of Linked Deposit assistance, the credit union returns the deposit to New York State.

With the State’s economic and employment fortunes resting on the success of small business, it is increasingly evident that small businesses must have greater access to capital through a wider range of lenders.  Since their inception, credit unions have filled an important niche in serving communities that are underserved by commercial banks.

Over 700 credit unions across the state play an integral role in serving the financial needs of 3.5 million New Yorkers. Credit unions were created as a not- for-profit alternative to other financial institutions primarily because working-class individuals were being denied business through the ELDP which is a natural extension of the credit union mission.

“For far too long too many places in NYS were banking deserts, longing for proper attention to help them grow,” said Senator James Sanders Jr. “By signing this bill, the Governor is unleashing the power of credit unions to aid the unbanked. Thank you Governor Hochul for signing this bill which supports worthy but unbanked communities.”

“I would like to thank my colleague and Senate Sponsor, Senator Sanders for recognizing the need for this important legislation,” said Assembly Member Taylor Darling. “Traditional banking institutions still possess many equity gaps especially when it pertains to individuals obtaining business loans.  Allowing credit unions to now participate in the Excelsior Link program makes the program more accessible to our hard-working New Yorkers – especially our small business owners, who need our support now more than ever.”

Dave Mogle and Chris Glogowski partner in The Coffee Joint

Photos by Tom Rivers: Chris Glogowski, left, and Dave Mogle opened The Coffee Joint on Friday at 59 North Main St. The two are longtime members of the Albion Police Department.

ALBION – Dave Mogle and Chris Glogowski have worked together for years in the Albion Police Department.

Glogowski said Mogle, the Albion police chief, encouraged him to pursue a career in law enforcement about a decade ago.

The two are friends and enjoy a good cup of coffee. They also have entrepreneurship in their blood.

Glogowski encouraged Mogle to team with him in opening The Coffee Joint at the HeBrews 5:9 location. Jim Nowaczewski opened HeBrews 5:9 in Albion about a year ago and last month opened a second HeBrews shop in Medina.

“Jim had a very good client base,” Glogowski said. “He is a very personable guy.”

Dave Mogle, left, and Chris Glogowski get a new batch of coffee brewing on Saturday morning.

Nowaczewski is shifting to focus on the Medina location, which has more space.

Glogowski and Mogle noticed how HeBrews brought people downtown, and gave people a place to connect in Albion.

They didn’t want to see the community lose that. On Friday they opened The Coffee Joint. Initially the hours are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. seven days a week. They expect to stay open until 2 p.m. and add soups and sandwiches to the menu.

Mogle was busy Saturday morning getting coffee for customers. He welcomes the change of pace from his full-time job as police chief.

“This is a relief from my other job,” he said. “I come here and have fun. It’s nice to be out in the public.”

His wife Amber owns the Roots hair salon on East Bank Street and is co-owner with Courtney Henderson of Sweet Chic, also on East Bank. Mogle’s father, David Mogle, also owns DK Autobody in Albion.

Mogle said he has been friends with Glogowski for about a dozen years.

“I got him into law enforcement and he got me into coffee,” Mogle said.

Glogowski is well known in Albion, especially at the school district. He has been Albion’s school resource officer since February 2019. His father and grandfather own a surveying business in Brockport.

He was thinking about doing a coffee shop, but was expecting it would be post-retirement. But then the opportunity came up to take over the spot at the HeBrews location.

Glogowski said running the business is a way for Mogle and him to show their appreciation for being able to work in Albion.

“This community has been very supportive of law enforcement,” Glogowski said. “We want to give back.”

The two will be at The Coffee Joint on weekends. During the weekdays, the site will be run by Heidi Peterson, who worked at Burger King in Albion for more than a decade.

The Coffee Joint will have its grand opening this coming Saturday. Besides coffee, the offerings will soon include chai, blended ice coffee and espresso, with soups and sandwiches to follow.

They are brewing coffee from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters. They also moved the bar to open up more room.

“It is more open so people can talk,” Glogowski said. “That’s the whole point of a coffee shop.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Erin Allis, 8, of Medina gets her face painted today at the Orleans County YMCA as part of the fourth annual Mexican Día de los Muertos celebration or the Day of the Dead.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Mariachi de Oro Restaurant and the YMCA,  organized the event that remembers ancestors, and included free activities with Mexican crafts, face painting, dance and drama performance, sand painting and ofrenda displays, and special food tastings.

The celebration included Mexican dance, music and dramatic performances by Alma de México, a group from Rochester led by Karla Alcalá.

Twin brothers Lucas, right, and Chase Livingston, 3, of Medina make colorful masks. They also had their faces painted. Mexican celebrations of the holiday often include animated skeletons and colorfully decorated skulls (calaveras), which emphasize life’s continuing vibrancy in the midst of mortality.

People dance inside these puppets were more than 10 feet tall. The street puppets were created by artist, Antonio Cruz Zavaleta.

Some helpers make sure the puppets are ready for the dance.

Live music was provided by La Marimba, a marimba band from Buffalo, led by Tiffany Nicely.

The gymnasium at the Y was transformed into a celebration of the Day of the Dead.

Sue Fuller of Della’s Chocolates led a paper flower-making activity.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans County Chamber of Commerce award winners gathered for a group photo after their recognition Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. Seated, from left, are Lora Partyka from Partyka Farms, Legislator Ken DeRoller, Natasha Wasuck from Lockstone, Attorney Lance Mark, Rachel Kaiser from Wildwood Lake KOA Campgrounds, and Ellen Eaton from Takeform. Standing, from left, are Jeff Partyka from Partyka Farms, Jim Minner from Virtual Polymer Compounds, Justin Bruce from Bent’s Opera House, Marco Rivas with Oak Orchard Community Health, Robert Batt as Business Person of the Year, Rob Kaiser from Wildwood Lake, and Jim Nowaczewski from HeBrews Coffee.

LYNDONVILLE – Representatives, employees and friends of this year’s Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s business award winners gathered at the White Birch Golf Course Thursday night to celebrate the successes of these nominees.

Winners recognized were Takeform, Business of the Year; Partyka Farms, Agricultural Business of the Year; HeBrews Coffee, New Business of the Year; Bent’s Opera House, Phoenix Award; Oak Orchard Health, Community Service; Lockstone, Small Business of the Year; Robert Batt, Business Person of the Year: Virtual Polymer Compounds, Employer of the Year; Wildwood KOA Campgrounds, the Hidden Gem; Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps, Service to the Community; and Lance Mark, Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chamber director Darlene Hartway welcomed guests, saying, “We are here to spotlight just a few of our successful businesses.”

Marc Shurtz, head of Orleans Community Health, presents the Business of the Year Award for Takeform to Ellen Eaton, director of Human Resources.

She said the year started off again as a trying one for businesses, still having to deal with restrictions and constraints with the Covid pandemic. She commended the businesses who took adversity and turned it into the positive.

Chamber president Bryan DeGraw added his praise for the local businesses and individuals who have done, and continue to do so much for this county. He acknowledged major sponsors – Bank of Castile and Apex Clean Energy/Heritage Wind, Platinum sponsors; Takeform, Mark &Graber and Baxter, Gold sponsors; Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Silver sponsor; and Ontario Shores, Hinspergers Poly Industry and Albion Agencies/Seaway Insurance, Bronze sponsors.

DeGraw recapped the year, saying it started slowly, still dealing with Covid, and the decision was made to cancel the annual legislative luncheon and the spring Home and Garden Show. In June, they resumed Chamber After Hours events, with a tour of Orleans County’s first robotic dairy at the VanLieshout Farm in Barre. In July, they finally held the legislative luncheon. He shared the joy of having the Orleans County 4-H Fair return, with record-breaking attendance. In August, the Chamber hosted their annual Wine and Garden Walk at Robin Hill Preserve in Lyndonville.

He added the Chamber is looking forward to serving, representing and enhancing business growth in Orleans County.

The first award of the evening was Business of the Year, which was presented to Takeform by Marc Shurtz, representing the 2019 winner, Orleans Community Health. Ellen Eaton, director of Human Resources, accepted the award.

Hartway explained Takeform makes industrial signs, with customers who not only include local and regional businesses, such as Medina Memorial Hospital, but others as far-reaching as the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown University. She said Takeform saw their most successful year to date in 2020.

Mark Zambito, right, presents the Phoenix Award to Justin Bruce, general manager of Bent’s Opera House. Orleans County Chamber director, Darlene Hartway, looks on at left.

Chamber board member Dave Gagne presented the Agricultural Business of the Year Award to Partyka Farms in Kendall. Accepting the award with Lora were her husband  Jeff and sons Scott and Steven. The Partyka farm which was started with 150 acres has now expanded to 800 acres.

New Business of the Year was awarded to Jim Nowaczewski, who opened HeBrews Coffee in Medina during the summer after opening a site in Albion in November 2020. The award was presented by Michelle Waters from the Tree House, the previous winner.

Hartway said some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.

“Jim is one of those people,” she said. “His hard work and determination brought him to where he is today.”

The Phoenix Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have successfully repurposed an existing facility for their business in Orleans County. This year’s winner is Bent’s Opera House in Medina.

Mark Zambito, the 2019 award winner and Chamber board member, presented the award to Justin Bruce, general manager of Bent’s. Bruce said Roger and Heather Hungerford were not able to attend, but said the restoration was undertaken with the ultimate goal that the project would grow Medina, grow Orleans County and grow Western New York.

Elisa Chambery from Supportive Care of Orleans presented the Community Service Award to Oak Orchard Health in Albion. Marco Rivas, chief compliance officer, accepted the award on Oak Orchard Health’s behalf.

Rob and Rachel from Wildwood Lake KOA Campgrounds receive the Hidden Gem Award from Orleans County Chamber president Bryan DeGraw.

The Small Business of the Year Award is presented to a business with 50 or fewer employees, which has sustained significant success throughout the year. This year’s award was presented by Gagne to Natasha Wasuck from Lockstone in Albion. Wasuck and her husband John Hernandez have turned a former auto repair site into a wedding and events venue by the Erie Canal.

Robert Batt, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, was named Business Person of the Year. The award was presented by DeGraw. Batt was recognized as an individual who has had outstanding accomplishments within his own business and has made notable contributions to the local business sector.

The Hidden Gem Award goes to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in the county, Hartway said. Chamber board treasurer Rachel Hicks presented the award to Rob and Rachel Kaiser from Wildwood KOA Campgrounds.

Kelly Kiebala, director of Orleans County Job Development Agency, presented the Employer of the Year Award to Virtual Polymer Compounds in Medina. Representing the company was Jim Minner.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. Hartway presented the award to Medina attorney Lance Mark. Mark has lived in the county for 43 years and watched it evolve, he said. He called it a great, great county and predicts “The best is yet to come.”

Dean Bellack, left, presents Ken DeRoller with a Service to the Community Award.

The final award of the evening was Service to Community, and was presented by United Way director Dean Bellack to two individuals – both county legislators – Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps. DeFilipps was unable to attend, and his award was accepted by legislator Bill Eick.

Bellack called DeRoller a “doer.”

“He is an asset to anything he associates himself with,” Bellack said.

DeRoller said it has been a pleasure to serve Orleans County. He called it, “A great place to live, play and work.”

Hartway said “service to the community” is an understatement when it comes to these two men.

“They have both made significant and lasting contributions to our community,” she said.

The evening ended with a basket raffle fundraiser.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday signed into law a package of criminal justice reform legislation to give formerly incarcerated New Yorkers second chances, enhancing public safety while reducing recidivism.

The legislation allows individuals who have previously been convicted of a felony to serve as the fiduciary of an estate and allows formerly incarcerated individuals to perform bona fide work without violating parole. It also allows certificates for good behavior to be granted at the time of early discharge and allows individuals under various kinds of supervised release to protest work-related labor conditions.

These pieces of legislation build on Governor Hochul’s vision of a balanced approach to public safety that strengthens fairness in the criminal justice system while ensuring that New York State’s streets are kept safe. They increase economic and social opportunities for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers returning to their communities, promoting a fairer criminal justice system. The Governor’s approach also includes measures to make sure state and local agencies safely and effectively enforce the law.

“For far too long, our criminal justice system has taken away the basic rights of formerly incarcerated individuals—especially people of color—even after they’ve paid their debt to society,” Governor Hochul said. “This package of legislation takes positive steps forward to make sure New York’s criminal justice system treats everyone fairly while enhancing the safety of our neighborhoods. It’s critical that we foster a safe state while ensuring formerly incarcerated New Yorkers have the opportunity for a second chance.”

• Allowing Individuals Previously Convicted of a Felony to Serve as Fiduciary of an Estate (S.294-A/A.2573-A) – This legislation allows a New Yorker who has been convicted of a felony and fully served a prison sentence the ability to become the executor of a family estate. Previously, the law prevented anyone convicted of a felony from serving as the fiduciary of an estate, even if that person was named executor of the estate in a deceased parent or family member’s will. The legislation allows courts to continue to restrict a person’s ability to become a fiduciary in certain cases in which the prior conviction was associated with fraud or embezzlement, or in cases in which the crime was averse to the welfare of the state.
• Allowing Bona Fide Work without Violating Parole (S.2803/A.5707) – This legislation allows re-entry workers to perform bona fide work, such as overtime or night shifts, without violating parole. It will not be considered a violation of parole for re-entry workers to engage in bona fide work and travel during curfew times.
• Allowing Individuals Subject to Supervised Release to Protest Work-related Labor Conditions (S.2801-A/A.5705-A) – This legislation allows individuals subject to several kinds of supervised release to protest work-related labor conditions. Prior to the signing of this legislation, there was no existing law that protected the right of a person under supervised release to protest work-related labor conditions.
• Granting Certificates at the Time of Early Discharge (S.2630/A.5549) – This legislation simplifies the process of obtaining certificates, issued by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, that can help formerly incarcerated people demonstrate that they have not committed crimes since being released from prison. Certificates can now be granted at the time of early discharge from supervision for good behavior. Certificates can be shown to prospective employers, landlords and others, and can be shown to local boards of elections as proof that the right to vote has been restored. Previously, formerly incarcerated people were required to wait three to five years after being released to apply for certificates. They also were often subject to investigations because they had completed supervision and no longer reported regularly to their parole officers.

Main Street Bed &Breakfast in Cooperstown, NY – my very first experience in a B&B was delightful – check it out if ever staying in Cooperstown.

Answers to your Adventuring questions!

I get so tickled when someone sees me out and about somewhere and stops me to tell me how much they enjoy reading my travel articles and blog posts. Quite often, I also get questions….many times it is the same questions that it seems like most people are most curious about. So, I thought I’d take this edition of “Travel Thoughts By Kim” to answer some of those questions.

I’m going to warn you, though…..I may sound a bit like a broken record because my initial answer to most questions almost always starts with “it depends….” Hahaha! So here are some of the most FAQ’s I tend to get and my attempt to briefly answer them for you. 

Book On My Own or Use a Travel Agent? OK….I’ll get it out of the way and try to not say it, again….it depends!

I frequently use Mitzy Peglow at Orleans Travel – mainly if I’m going to be doing anything that requires a lot of coordination or I need advice about the location and the best options. Most of the time, I know what I want, I just want her to help me make sure I don’t get the pieces all wonky. I always use her to book cruises and the associated flights and transfers, but I play around with the shore excursions and book them myself.

This hippy dude was the tour guide on a hop-on-hop-off tour in San Francisco. He was a RIOT – he not only gave us the best info about everything we saw, he had some of the funniest stories to share.

If I’m just booking transportation (air, train, etc.) and lodging, I usually will take care of that myself because I can do it in my jammies at night on my computer. As for the sightseeing and other activities, I will use Google, TripAdvisor, etc. to see what sparks my interest. From there, I make lists of things to do and book any specific tours I want to do. I really enjoy the research part and looking for cool and interesting things to do wherever I go. I also love it when friends know I’m going somewhere and give me suggestions of things to do.

Guided Tours or On My Own? Both! I love booking transportation and lodging with just a list of points of interest and a rental car with little or no solid plans. That way, I can be flexible and drive around and let myself get sidetracked – I tend to find the best things when I can just stop for whatever catches my eye.

But, I also really like guided tours because I learn so much more about where I am and what I’m seeing than I would if I didn’t have a tour guide. One thing I love to do, is take guided City Tours – especially Hop-On-Hop-Off tours. I get a lot of interesting information and get to see highlights of the city overall. Then, I can go back on my own to anything that I want to take a deeper dive into. So – yeah – lots of times I will book a guided tour at the beginning of a trip and then take what I learned and spend the rest of the trip having fun on my own. It also depends on where I am – some places don’t lend themselves to just winging it or aren’t safe to just wander around like a tourist.

Planes Trains or Automobiles? All of the above! If I want to get there quick and leave the majority of my time away to the sightseeing, I’ll fly. But, I absolutely LOVE traveling by train. Buses are OK – especially group tour buses that have scheduled sightseeing and overnight stops to break up the time that I’m stuck on a bus. I also really enjoy having my own car and driving….but, the older I get, the shorter the distance gets that I’m willing to drive to – especially alone. I find my max time behind the wheel is about 4 hours, now. 

Seeing the world from the lounge car on a train is relaxing and enjoyable. This is the Coast Starlight Train I took for an overnight ride from San Francisco to Seattle. The sleeper was really quite comfortable, too.

Hotel or B&B? Yep, I’m gonna say it again – it depends! I am a bit partial to Bed & Breakfast Inns. I find them quaint and comfortable. They are usually a bit pricey, though, so if I’m going to be gone more than a few days or plan a lot of other parts of the trip that could have substantial costs, I’ll usually book a hotel. Hotels are usually best for big cities, while B&B’s are best for smaller, historic towns. Most B&B’s are older homes that have been renovated for that purpose and have wonderful hosts that try really hard to make your stay enjoyable. Whatever you choose, I recommend you read the comments on TripAdvisor or Expedia and look for trends of what may be problematic. I take most negative comments with a grain of salt – there are some people you couldn’t please no matter what you do or are really nit-picky. But, I do look for trends or some comment that sticks out as something I’d really be concerned with. 

Cruise or All Inclusive Resort? Good question! Until a few months ago, I would have had no point of reference to make that comparison – I am a cruise lover. But, I have now been to an All Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica and LOVED IT!!! If you do your research, you can find All Inclusive Resorts that are comparable to the cost of a cruise – both will depend on the company, where you’re going, and what your plans are, so price isn’t necessarily a deciding factor. What I love about cruises is that you get to visit multiple ports of call and see a lot more places without having to move your luggage between the different places and I absolutely LOVE being on the water. What I loved about the resort I stayed at in Costa Rica is having everything in one place and the option to venture out to see more of the country I visited on multiple days. So, it depends on what I want out of the vacation.

One of my most surprisingly memorable trips was Iowa. I planned it with little notice, flew in, had a hotel and rental car, and just drove around finding cool stuff – including walking a ¼ mile down this path through a corn field in the middle of nowhere to see the spot where Buddy Holly’s plane crashed.

Do I Always Travel Alone? Sometimes it seems that way, but no! I have been on a lot of amazing trips with friends and the best part about going places is sharing it with friends. But, if I want to go somewhere and my friends don’t want to or can’t go…..I just go! I enjoy it either way and whether I’m with friends or alone, I always seem to meet interesting new people. I also belong to the Busy Buddies group and have been on other group trips that were great fun. And….I always say that when I go on a cruise, I go with a couple thousand of my closest and dearest friends! Hahaha

I hope my articles give you all some things to think about when considering travel and that this one, in particular, was at least somewhat helpful. If you see me out and about, feel free to stop me and let me know if you enjoy my articles, ask me questions, or tell me you went somewhere because you read about my adventures.  

This link is about a recent Canandaigua Wine Tour Day Trip I took with the Busy Buddies Group.

Happy Adventuring!

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Newfane’s Kylie Bowman heads toward her second straight Niagara-Orleans All-League meet victory. She is shown here ahead of Akron’s Lauren Wagner who finished second.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Will Chubb in route to his All-League meet win. At right is Newfane’s Connor Cuzzacrea who finished seventh.

The Newfane boys and girls cross-country teams extended their Niagara-Orleans League championship reigns with victories at the All-League meet held this morning at Lakeside Beach State Park.

The N-O championship is the seventh in a row for the Newfane girls team and the fifth straight for the boys squad.

Both Newfane teams finish the N-O season with perfect 12-0 records.

The Newfane girls, which had 7 of the first 9 runners to cross the finish line, garned 20 points on the day to easily outdistance runner-up Akron which had 66. Barker was third with 90 followed by Wilson 95, Albion 116 and Medina 147.

Kylie Bowman successfully defended her N-O title with a winning time of 20:19 to lead the Lady Panthers contingent across the finish line.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s top finishers in the two varsity races were Gina Sidari (11th) and Reuben Rivers (4th).

The Lady Panthers top 10 finishing group also included Leah Siegmann (3rd), Catalena Ersing (4th), Maggie Quattrini (5th), Shelby Neiber (7th), Isabella Pasquale (8th) and Sara Siegmann (9th).

Akron’s Lauren Wagner finished second, Barker’s Mikala Woock (6th) and Akron’s Kaila Szczygielski (10th) to round out the top 10.

The top seven finishers comprise the All-League first team while the 8th-14th place finishers are the second All-League team and 15th-21st place finishers the third team.

Completing the All-League second team are Albion’s Gina Sidari (11th), Newfane’s Lucy Ingro (12th), Wilson’s Ella Ingwersen (13th) and Newfane’s Hayden Kopp (14th).

The third All-League team includes Akron’s Emma-Marie Forrestel (15th), Albion’s S’Koi Sanders (16th), Barker’s Emma Evans (17th), Wilson’s Madelynne Jowdy (18th), Newfane’s Niamh Thompson (19th), Newfane’s Avery Stevenson (20th) and Wilson’s Jaqueline Thompson (21st).

The Newfane boys team posted a 19 point victory as the Panthers garnered 40 points with Barker second at 59 followed by Medina 96, Akron 101, Wilson 122, Roy-Hart 133 and Albion 174.

The Panthers were led by the 2-5-7 finish of Andrew Cuzzacrea, Austin Burkard and Connor Cuzzacrea.

Akron’s Will Chubb won the race in a time of 18:11.

Barker’s Mason Allee-Castro finished third, Albion’s Reuben Rivers fourth and Wilson’s Jaydan Ruble sixth to round out the All-League first team.

The All-League second team includes: 8th – Dawson Donovan (Barker), 9th – Jay Heideman (Roy-Hart), 10th – Arian Cayea (Medina), 11th – Nicholas Arcovio (Newfane), 12th – Gabe Mark (Medina), 13th – Nathanael Hess (Barker) and 14th – Aidan Voss (Barker).

The All-League third team includes: 15th – Gannon Gibson (Newfane), 16th – Alden Gibson (Newfane), 17th – Daenon Kopp (Newfane), 18th – Joey-Dane Jones (Wilson), 19th – Dawson Stone (Akron), 20th – Jack Cecchini (Medina) and 21st – Noah Sandolfini (Barker).

Click here to view the first and second place finishers for both girls and boys cross the finish line.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The boys varsity race, which had over 70 entrants, gets underway.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Nearly 60 runners competed in the girls varsity race which is shown here leaving the starting line.

Photo by Tom Rivers – The boys All-League first team is shown here including Will Chubb (Akron), Andrew Cuzzacrea (Newfane), Mason Allee-Castro (Barker), Reuben Rivers (Albion), Austin Burkard (Newfane), Jaydan Ruble (Wilson) and Connor Cuzzacrea (Newfane).

Photo by Tom Rivers – Members of the girls All-League first team includes Kylie Bowman (Newfane), Lauren Wagner (Akron), Leah Siegmann (Newfane), Catalena Ersing (Newfane), Maggie Quattrini (Newfane), Mikala Woock (Barker) and Shelby Nerber (Newfane).

ALBION – Registered voters in Orleans County can go to the polls beginning today and through Oct. 31 for early voting.

This will be the third year of early voting with polls open at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building at 14016 State Route 31.

The early voting hours include:

• October 23: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 26: noon to 8 p.m.
• October 27: noon to 8 p.m.
• October 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 31: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early voting was popular last year when nearly 4,000 people cast ballots during the nine days. The 3,753 people who voted early was about 10 times the number of early voters in 2019 when early voting debuted and 374 people went to the polls early. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the county.

The polls for the upcoming election will also be open Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at sites in all 10 towns in the county.

Most of the candidates on the ballot will be unopposed. None of the candidates for county positions have opposition and only a few positions at the town level are contested.

Here is the slate of candidates:

• Orleans County (all unopposed) – Kim DeFrank for country treasurer; Merle (Skip) Draper of Medina for county legislator, at-large west; Don Allport of Gaines for county legislator, at-large central; Ed Morgan of Murray for county legislator, at-large east; Bill Eick of Shelby for District 1; Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville for District 2; Fred Miller of Albion for District 3; John Fitzak of Carlton for District 4. All the county candidates are Republicans, except Fred Miller, who is a Democrat.
• Albion — All of the candidates are unopposed, including Richard Remley for town supervisor; and Sandra Bensley and Arnold Allen Jr. for the Town Board.
• Barre – Sean Pogue, a Republican, is being challenged for town supervisor by Gerald Solazzo, who is running under the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” George McKenna and David Waters are on the ballot for positions on the Town Board. They have the Republican line and also the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” However, Steve Harling and Tom Decker are mounting a write-in campaign against McKenna and Waters.
• Carlton – Two are vying for town clerk with incumbent Karen Narburgh having the Republican and Conservative lines while Dori Goetze runs under the independent “Be the Change.” Other Carlton candidates are unopposed: Kevin Hurley for town justice, Jeff Gifaldi and Debbie Yokel for Town Board, and Kurt Van Wyke for highway superintendent.
• Clarendon – Richard Moy is unopposed for another term as town supervisor, while three candidates seek two spots on the Town Board. Chris Caufield and Marc Major are backed by the Republican Party and William Fox is running as a Democrat.
• Gaines – The Republicans are all unopposed including Tyler Allport for town supervisor, Susan Heard for town clerk, Charles Prentice for town justice, and James Kirby and Kenneth Rush for Town Board.
• Kendall – The candidates, all running under the Republican Party line, are unopposed including Anthony Cammarata for town supervisor, Amy Richardson for town clerk, Debra Kluth and Robert Fagan for town justice, Wayne Martin and Paul Jennings for Town Board, and Warren Kruger for highway superintendent.
• Murray – The candidates are all unopposed on the ballot, including Joe Sidonio for town supervisor, Cindy Oliver for town clerk, Gary Passarell for town justice, Michael Mele and Paul Hendel for Town Board, and Dirk Lammes Jr. for highway superintendent.
• Ridgeway – There are races for town clerk and the Town Board. For town clerk, Hannah Hill is running under the Republican line and independent “Hannah Hill for a Better Ridgeway” against Laurie Kilburn, who is endorsed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Laurie Kilburn for the People of Ridgeway.” Three are seeking two spots on the Town Board including Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber, who are running as Republicans against David Stalker, who is backed by the Conservative Party. John Olinger is unopposed for highway superintendent.
• Shelby – Jeff Smith is uncontested for town supervisor and Stephen Seitz Sr. and Edward Zelazny are unopposed for the Town Board.
• Yates – There are seeking two spots as town councilmen with Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee Jr. running as Republicans against Paul Lauricella Jr., who is backed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Lyndonville Taxpayers First Party.” Jim Simon is unopposed for town supervisor and Donald Grabowski is uncontested for town justice.

ALBION – Today is National Drug Take Back Day and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting unused and expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 13925 State Rt. 31, Albion.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and sharps for safe and proper disposal,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion, abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.”

This will be drive-up event due to Covid-19 concerns. All medications and sharps will be collected from participants at their vehicles.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina quarterback Xander Payne breaks loose for a good gain during the Mustangs Homecoming win over rival Albion this evening at Vets Park. Pursuing for the Purple Eagles are Jacob Hughson (4) and Jr. Morales (2).

In a wild sea-saw battle which saw five lead changes, Medina outlasted rival Albion 30-28 this evening before an overflow Homecoming crowd at Vets Park.

Coming from behind three times, Medina finally regained the lead for good at 30-28 on 6 yard touchdown run by Iverson Poole with 9:58 to go in the fourth quarter. A big 38 yard run by quarterback Xander Payne set up the opportunity.

“We haven’t been challenged like that all season but our kids kept battling back and that is the kind of moxie we will need in the sectionals,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley.

Medina’s Iverson Poole hauls in a touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Albion though came battling back with a drive deep into Medina territory.

Quarterback Amari Jones completed passes of 9 yards to Jacob Hughson and 10 yards to Javon Jones moving the ball to the Medina 32. He then got loose for a big 17 yard run down to the Mustangs 15 but was injured on the play and was unable to return.

The drive then stalled out on downs at the 13 with 4:03 remaining and the Mustang offense was able to run out the remaining time to preserve the narrow two point win. Noah Skinner, Greg Thompson and Cayden Lilleby shared in carrying the ball during that key drive.

“It’s tough to replace a player like Amari but it has to be next man up,” said Albion Coach David Skrip of the key loss of his quarterback at a crucial spot in the game.

Albion got off to a quick start in the game grabbing leads of 6-0 and 12-8 in the first quarter on touchdown runs of 3 yards by Hughson and 63 yards by Javon Jones.

Albion’s Javon Jones breaks away from a tackle attempt by Cayden Lilleby.

In between Medina got on the scoreboard on an 8 yard touchdown run and two-point conversion carry by Poole. A key fourth down 13 yard pass completion from Payne to Greg Thompson kept the drive alive which was also highlighted by a 26 yard run by Poole.

Medina regained a 16-12 lead early in the second quarter on a 25 yard touchdown run by Poole a two-point conversion carry by Skinner. A long 43 yard Payne to Thompson pass completion keyed the rive.

The Mustangs then upped their lead to 24-12 at the half on a 15 yard touchdown pass from Payne to Poole with just 23 seconds left in the half. Skinner again added the two-point conversion carry.

Albion though came storming back in the third quarter to regain the lead at 28-24 on touchdown runs of 3 yards by Hughson and 1 yard by Amari Jones.

Amari Jones had a big 38 yard run and a 13 yard pass completion to Jahmeek Riley to highlight the first drive while a fumble recovery by Jabari Johnson at the Medina 29 set up the second score.

That set the stage for one more lead change early in the dramatic fourth quarter which saw Medina regain the lead for good at 30-28 on a short touchdown run by Poole early in the stanza. Albion then made the finish exciting by marching deep into Mustang territory late in the stanza only to have the drive stalled out when Amari Jones left with an injury.

The victory was Medina’s 50th in the nearly 125 year old rivalry. Albion holds a 68-50-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898.

Medina closes out the regular season at 8-0 and Albion at 5-2 as both teams will begin sectional playoff action next weekend.

The evening was also highlighted by the induction of Medina’s 1980 sectional championship team to the John “Pinky” Loughlin Football Wall of Fame. (Click here to view a video of highlights from the game. Also check our Facebook page for additional pictures from the game)

Medina Coach Eric Valley and Mustang team captains Xander Payne, Joe Cecchini, Colvin Stalker, Hayden Woodroe, Iverson Poole and Jarin Rhim accept the Doc’s Rock Trophy from Judy Decker and Brett Decker. The trophy is given to the winning team each year in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who coached at both schools.

Program at Hoag sponsored by Community Coalition for Justice

ALBION – A renowned Eastman graduate and trumpeter with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform and discuss racial injustice in the music world at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hoag Library.

Herb Smith’s appearance is the latest in a series of programs dealing with racial injustice which are sponsored by the Community Coalition for Justice. The Coalition is made up of a local churches and four civic groups, which are addressing racism and prejudice – Social Justice Committee, People Embracing Diversity, Albion Betterment Committee, Pullman Universalist Church and Hoag Library.

Among the instrumental individuals who are involved are Bob and Margaret Golden, Kim Remley, Kay Wibert, Sister Dolores Dowd and Gary Kent. They are also joined by the Rev. Jim Renfrew.

Herb Smith’s appearance is one the committee hopes will bring out a full house. Smith has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for 30 years. He believes in the power of music to heal and as a path to justice.

“Throughout history, music has been tied in with protest and been a motivator for change,” Smith said. “I’m excited to be able to do this in your community.”

During the last two years of protests over racial injustice, Smith has led members of the RPO to be involved and play at non-violent demonstrations, according to Golden. He has also conducted workshops throughout Western New York on classical, jazz and world music.

He has worked with children, including the Young Audiences of America, Aesthetic Education Institute and the Rochester School System.

In addition, Smith has performed with the Buffalo and Cincinnati Philharmonics, the Chautauqua Symphony and played in several jazz groups. He co-led the popular jazz group, Thornwood.

Smith has accompanied several music greats, such as Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Doc Severenson and the O’Jays, among others.

As a composer, he has written for Garth Fagan, films and local bands.

The press release provided by Golden continues to say the history of classical, jazz, blues, pop and swing is full of incidents and patterns of social and gender exploitation, plagiarism, denial of access and opportunity, denied pay and even assault and death. The patten of prejudice, although less overt, unfortunately continues today, the release stated.

Anyone with questions or wishing to volunteer may call Golden at (585) 682-4821 or contact him at goldenjazz59@gmail.com.

Donations for the program expenses can be made to People Embracing Diversity @ Disciples First, UMC, 4410 Holley-Byron Rd., Holley, 14470.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment into its newest offering- the Solar Electric Technician Certificate for the Spring 2022 semester.

Requiring a total of just 15 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as one semester. In addition, students can continue study as a concentration within an Associate in Applied Science degree in Individualized Studies.

Careers in renewable energy in the form of solar electric (photovoltaic) grid systems are expanding rapidly throughout New York State both residentially and commercially. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for solar technology workers is projected to increase 50% over the next ten years which translates into roughly 6,000 new workers.

“The Solar Electric Technician certificate and degree concentration give GCC students a pathway to rapidly growing career opportunities, and help our region by meeting changing workforce preparation needs,” said Dr. Kate Schiefen executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

Upon graduation, GCC students are positioned to enter high-demand and lucrative solar-related employment opportunities, including residential and commercial solar panel installer, solar sales, solar electric maintenance, and recreational vehicle solar package installer.

Further details can be found by clicking here. Interested individuals can apply online by clicking here, by calling (585) 343-6800 or 1-866-CALL-GCC, or email admissions@genesee.edu.

Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Staff and residents of Arc GLOW celebrate Sheila Taylor as one of four state-wide Thomas A. Maul Award winners on Thursday. The award recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

Sheila Taylor, Direct Support Professional, has been selected to receive the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the NYSARC, Inc, as a representative of Arc GLOW.

Sheila Taylor

Selected from thousands of nominations, only four in the state can win this prestigious award. The Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award is an annual award which recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment to providing supports to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Taylor has been at the Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Livingston County since it was built 13 years ago. This particular home houses aging individuals, and she is known for is known for going above and beyond in her position supporting aging people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Residential Director, Deb Tuckerman, commends Sheila for setting the bar for other staff.

“She sets that bar very high because of her commitment and dedication to the people she supports,” Tuckerman said. “Staff and the people in the home often comment on how they look up to Sheila, and many refer to her as a mother figure. Sheila consistently role model’s kindness, a strong work ethic, person centeredness, and empathy. She is the ideal DSP, who reliably puts her heart into her work every day.”

Working with aging individuals, she is a crucial part in home life supporting their personal care, and helping them get through end of life situations. Tuckerman reflects back on a moment in particular earlier in the year.

“When Shelia found out a housemate passed away, she came directly to the IRA to talk with an individual who she knew would be especially sad,” Tuckerman said. “Sheila demonstrates that The Arc is not just a job for her – it’s an important part of her life.”

Arc GLOW, formerly The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, are family-founded agencies dedicated to helping people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more.