‘The facts are much different than what has been portrayed.’ – Andrew Cuomo

This screen shot shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo responding to a report that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women.

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo was defiant in a response to a damning report that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women and broke state and federal laws.

Attorney General Letitia James released the findings from the report today at 11 a.m. Her office hired independent investigators who worked five months, interviewing 179 people and reviewed 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures as evidence during the investigation.

James and the investigators said the governor engaged in unwanted groping, kissing and hugging, and made inappropriate comments.

Cuomo and his senior staff also took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. The investigators found Cuomo’s Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

But Cuomo said at 1 p.m. today in a prerecorded message that he never inappropriately touched anyone, and his tendency to touch people – men and women – by the face is meant to show warmth. He apologized and said he didn’t “fully appreciate” that his style isn’t viewed as appropriate to some generations and cultures.

The governor insisted politics and bias tainted the report from the attorney general.

“The facts are much different than what has been portrayed,” Cuomo said. “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”

He urged people to go to his website to see his detailed responses to the allegations.

“Trial by newspaper or biased reviews are not the way to find facts in this matter,” he said.

Cuomo said a “superheated if not toxic political environment” needs to be considered by the public in assessing the report and the investigators’ damning conclusion against him.

“Politics and bias are interwoven throughout every aspect of this situation,” he said. “One would be naive to think otherwise.”

He said his focus will remain on serving as governor

“What matters to me at the end of the day is getting the most done I can for you, and that is what I do every day, and I will not be distracted from that job,” he said.

“We have a lot to do. We still have to manage the Covid beast. It is not dead yet. It’s not over. We then have to reopen and reimagine our state because our future is going to be what we make it.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Congressman Chris Jacobs have both issued statements following an investigation from the State Attorney General that he sexually harassed 11 women and broke state and federal laws.

State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) issued this statement:

“Today is a sad and sobering day for all New Yorkers.  The Attorney General’s findings confirm and reinforce the allegations brought by the brave women who came forward against a powerful figure — that Andrew Cuomo is a serial harasser, unfit to hold public office. In the wake of another devastating report, now more than ever Andrew Cuomo must resign. If he fails to do so, the legislature must immediately reconvene to take action to remove him.

“New Yorkers have already been subjected to far too many lies, scandals and misdeeds perpetrated by this Governor and his associates. It is time to bring this sad, tawdry and corrupt chapter in New York’s history to a close, and to restore decency, honesty, and accountability to our state’s highest office. New York is facing profound challenges, ranging from a wave of violence in our streets, to a badly battered economy.  To effectively address these challenges, we need a change in leadership as quickly as possible.

“I must also commend the Attorney General and her team for refusing to be intimidated by this Governor. From the very beginning, Andrew Cuomo and his associates attempted to bully, undercut, and undermine the Attorney General — all as part of an effort to prevent her from doing her job.  From attempting to block the initial referral to the Attorney General’s office, to the intimidation of potential witnesses, to the blatant attempts to smear her integrity and motivations, this Governor left no stone unturned in his efforts to prevent the truth from being discovered.

“While this will undoubtedly go down as a dark day in New York’s history, we must now take steps to ensure that it will also be remembered as an important turning point that restores accountability and trustworthiness to state government.”

Congressman Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park, issued this statement:

“Andrew Cuomo has irreparably disgraced his office, broken numerous laws, and intimidated at least one brave employee who came forward and reported his consistent abuse. He cannot serve as Governor of New York any longer, he must resign immediately and face justice for his crimes.”

UPDATED at 1:49 p.m.: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, says Cuomo should resign or be removed from office.

“What we heard today should sicken everyone at a human level, and we cannot allow the governor to continue as our executive knowing our worst fears about his actions are true,” Hawley said in a statement. “He must resign now, and if not, we must reject his leadership resoundingly to send a message that conduct of this nature will never be acceptable, by anyone. He has abused his power in the most horrific of ways, and the time has now come for the legislative branch to assert itself and do what is right in this critical moment.”

Report finds Executive Chamber ‘rife with fear and intimidation’

Press Release, Attorney General Letitia James

NEW YORK – The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.

Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

The investigators find that Governor Cuomo’s actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.

‘I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.’ – AG Leticia James

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.

Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.

As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering “blanket denials” or that he had a “lack of recollection as to specific incidents.”

The investigators also found that the governor’s recollection “stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants’ recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor’s conduct.”

Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was “rife with fear and intimidation” that not only “enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur,” but also “created a hostile work environment overall.” Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in “retaliatory” behavior by “intend[ing] to discredit and disparage” a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.

The investigation found that Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber’s retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber’s own equal employment policies.

Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized — in addition to Joon H. Kim — as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized — in addition to Anne L. Clark — as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.

Prices topped $20K, most in years despite fewer animals

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ruth Kuipers, 11, of Byron leads a steer in the show ring during Saturday’s 4-H meat animal auction. Empire Tractor paid $3.15 a pound or nearly $4,000 for the steer.

KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H meat animal auction returned as a live event at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Saturday. Last year’s event was online when the fair was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This year the prices were way up and topped $20,000. That was for six rabbits, two steer and five pigs. The last live auction at the fair two years ago totaled $12,950. On Saturday the total was $20,118.

There was a smaller group of animals than in recent auctions. Many 4-Hers who typically have animals in the auction didn’t get started in time, working with either a steer or pig. That is a commitment for several months.

Hugh Gabalski, 14, of Byron is shown with the grand champion rabbit at the 4-H meat animal auction. Most of the rabbits sold for about $100 each. Gabalski was pleased with the prices. “More than anything I’m just glad we had a county fair this year,” he said.

With uncertainty about this year’s fair back in the winter and spring, some of the 4-Hers decided against committing to raising an animal for the auction.

Some of the 4-Hers decided late in the process to work with pigs for the fair, but those animals were only about 150 pounds, well below the minimum weight for the auction of 200 pounds.

Buyers were very generous during the auction, paying way above the market price. One of the pigs sold at $11 per pound with Panek Farms shocking the crowd paying about $3,000 for the animal and then donating it back to be auctioned off again. Several other buyers gave the animal back to be auctioned again with the second sales  going entirely to support the 4-H program.

Buyers included: (Steer) Bentley Brothers and Empire Tractor; (Pigs) Western New York Energy, Panek Farms, Genesee Feeds, Empire Tractor, Apex Clean Energy and Joe Sidonio (2); (Rabbits) Bradley Johnson, Bentley Brothers, David Piedmonte, HLW Acres (2), B & R Butchering and Bill Gerling.

Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron is in the showring with a pig while Liz Kron and Zack Welker scan the crowd for bids.

Zack Welker worked as a ringman at the auction, eyeing the crowds for bids and giving an enthusiastic reaction when the prices were on the move.

Joe Sidonio bought two pigs when the  animals were donated back to be resold. His purchases were about $2,000 total and that went to the 4-H program. His daughter Amelia, now 19, was in the program for about a decade.

“We’re recognizing the importance of agriculture in our community,” Sidonio said about the bidders. “And I think 4-H is the best program for a child. I’ve never seen a 4-H kid in any kind of trouble.”

He said the kids that work with the animals not only need responsibility, but they learn economics, genetics and connecting with buyers.

Phil Doty of Albion is co-owner of Empire Tractor, which has five locations. He bought a pig and steer on Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H meat animal auction.

“This is my home county and I want to make sure FFA and 4-H both keep going,” Doty said.

He plans to donate the meat from the two animals to his employees.

Herman Weber, owner of HLW Acres in Attica, bought two rabbits on Saturday. He said he will be buying animals raised by 4-Hers at 11 different auctions in the Western New York region.

“I want to support these kids,” he said. “They are deserving.  These animals are given higher-quality feed. The kids have so much invested in them.”

Grant Kuipers, 9, of Byron is shown with a pig that sold for about $3,000 to Panek Farms. That was one of the most shocking bids in recent memory of the auction. Ryan McLenithan of Cambridge served as auctioneer, with assistance from Janie Schutz, left, and her sister, Rylie Lear.

David Piedmonte of Holley has been a regular at the 4-H meat animal auctions. He bought a rabbit on Saturday. He said he wants to support 4-Hers and their months of work with the animals.

Andy Beach, holding daughter Aubrianna, bids on one of the pigs. He is co-owner of A & P Cattle. Beach usually works as one of the ringmen during the auction.

These rabbits owned by Joan Gabalski were sold at Saturday’s meat animal auction at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The tugboat Syracuse carries inspectors and officials from the State Canal Corp. on the Erie Canal in Albion on Sept. 14, 2016.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission Reauthorization Act to provide federal funding and support to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

“The Erie Canal is part of our heritage in Western New York, it supported our economic and industrial boom in the 19th century and continues to drive our economy and attract tourism today,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to support this legislation to provide additional federal support to the National Heritage Corridor. From Lockport to Medina, it is my hope that the Canal in NY-27 will be visited for generations to come.”

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4192) would reauthorize the National Heritage Corridor through 2037 and authorize an additional $16 million in federal funding. National Heritage Areas are maintained by a mix of public and private sector investments.

Having a grant writer available in Orleans County for non-profit organizations is a game changer, said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County.

Matt Holland

Bellack pushed for a $450,000 grant over five years from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, which has allowed United Way to hire a grant writer and fundraiser for Orleans County.

Matt Holland of Medina assumed his duties as grant writer on July 6, joining Nyla Gaylord of Clarendon, who started as fundraiser several weeks earlier. Gaylord wrote the grant on her own time which resulted in United Way receiving the $450,000.

Holland is a native of Oregon and has worked for 10 years with non-profits, including museums, historic preservation and cultural research.

He has a master’s in anthropology from the University of Buffalo and a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Oregon. His most recent job was with the Buffalo History Museum as program and volunteer coordinator.

He has done a lot of grant writing with the History Museum and Gresham Historical Society in Oregon.

“I thought this job with United Way was a good opportunity to work with and learn about the community I’d just moved into,” Holland said.

His wife Catherine is tasting room manager at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road.

Having a grant writer free of charge in Orleans County means a lot of non-profit organizations will be able to apply for grants who weren’t able to before, Holland said.

“The sky’s the limit now,” he said. “My goal is to take that burden off agencies who don’t have the time, staff or expertise to write a grant.”

Holland is getting to know everyone in the non-profit community and what needs they have, he said. He is working with United Way to form a committee to look at priorities.

“It has been fascinating to learn all the different projects and needs in the county,” Holland said.

“Our expectations are that we are going to see this impact all non-profits in our county,” Bellack said. “Our priority is to help agencies we support, and eventually all non-profits in the county. Matt has been busy gathering information from the non-profit agencies and prioritizing how we work and who we will work with going forward. We are looking to put together partnerships with our board and the non-profits in the county.”

While people are excited and calling about assistance in writing a grant, Bellack said they have to be sure those asking for help are ready for the grant process.

“They have to have a defined need and their books have to be in order,” he said.

Bellack said it is a complicated process and there are different reporting requirements for federal, state, foundational and corporate grants. Holland is the only full time grant writer in Orleans County, Bellack said.

Any non-profit in Orleans County can contact Holland for information on applying for a grant by e-mailing him at grants@orleansunitedway.org.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The amphitheater at Bullard Park will be used for an outdoor showing on Friday of Monsters, Inc.

ALBION – The new amphitheater at Bullard Park will be used Friday for an outdoor showing of the movie, Monsters, Inc.

The leaders of the Albion Summer Festival will be hosting the Friday movie nights. The first one will be 9 p.m. on Friday with more to follow on Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

Zack Burgess, one of the organizers, said families are welcome to come down and watch the movie on a giant screen that will be set up at the amphitheater.

“We’re encouraging people to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on,” Burgess said.

There will be a food truck, The Shack, available for people to get something to eat.

The amphitheater opened on June 19 to an open mic concert featuring local bands and musicians.

The venue will host a scaled-down “Albion Summer Festival 6.5” musical festival on Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Medina Central School:  Pictured from left include Daniel Doctor (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School), Chris Hughes (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School) and Jenn Stearns (Principal Oak Orchard Primary School).

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Oak Orchard Primary School Principal Jenn Stearns and Clifford Wise Intermediate Co-Principals Daniel Doctor and Chris Hughes are excited about starting the school year with a meet-and-greet with students and their families.

On Monday, August 30^th, from 3 to 6 p.m. between the two schools on the playground, the two schools will be hosting a welcome back picnic.

“We feel this will be a good head start to the new school year and it will be nice to see the kids and their parents,” Mr. Hughes said. “Also we will now have the third grade at the intermediate school and it will give the students and their parents a chance to get comfortable with that.  Summer is long for us when we are at the school and there are no students. We really miss them!”

Mrs. Stearns says the get together will achieve many goals.

“It’s an opportunity to visit the campus before the start of school, meet some of the staff, allow the students to catch up with friends and for us to get everyone’s paperwork before school actually starts,” she said. “For some of our students, they have not been in class for over a year and a half. We want to ease any fears they have about coming back and get them excited.”   Mr. Doctor says it’s a great way to build partnerships with parents.

“We can’t wait to see everyone!”

In the event of rain, the picnic will be moved to the gymnasiums of each school. The principals say that parents can feel free to bring their child’s school supplies in a labeled paper bag. They also encourage families to bring in their filled out paperwork they received in their summer mailer.

For 7th and 8th graders who will be entering the high school this upcoming school year, there will be an orientation and tour on Wednesday, August 25^th, for 7th grade at 6 p.m. and on Thursday, August 26th, for 8th grade at 6 p.m. Students will get information about academics, school activities, clubs and a copy of their schedule.

‘It is important for all that are currently eligible to get their vaccine now to ensure we have the best protection and are successful in having in-person learning this school year.’ – Paul Pettit, public health director

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be offering Covid-19 vaccines next week as part of a push to have children 12 and older get the vaccine before school starts in September.

The Pfizer vaccine will be offered at the clinics, which is approved for everyone 12 years of age and older. Covid-19 vaccines are both safe and effective, the local Health Departments said.

“The back-to-school pop-up vaccine clinics are a great way for our youth and young adults 12 years of age and older to conveniently get the vaccine before school starts,” said Paul Pettit, public health director for the two counties.

Each clinic is open to the public and walk-ins will be accepted. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made through the links in this article. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive the vaccine. The second dose of the vaccine will be offered three weeks after the first shot at the same school during the same time.

“It is important for all that are currently eligible to get their vaccine now to ensure we have the best protection and are successful in having in-person learning this school year,” Pettit said.  “Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is the most effective way to protect yourself and others.  Vaccinated individuals continue to represent a very small amount of the total cases and current transmission rates so we need to continue to get as many people vaccinated as possible.”

The schedule includes:

• Monday, Aug. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Pembroke Junior/Senior High School, 8750 Alleghany Rd., Corfu, NY 14036. Click here for an appointment.

• Monday, Aug. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – LeRoy Wolcott Street School, 2 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY 14482. Click here for an appointment.

• Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Medina High School, 2 Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103. Click here for an appointment.

• Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Byron-Bergen Jr/Sr HS Cafeteria, 6917 W Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416. Click here for an appointment.

• Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, NY 14020. Click here for an appointment.

• Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Genesee County Health Dept., 3837 W Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Click here for an appointment.

• Thursday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, 302 East Ave., Albion, NY 14411. Click here for an appointment.

• Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Orleans County Health Dept., 14016 NY-31, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411. Click here for an appointment.

KNOWLESVILLE – The lift bridge in Knowlesville currently is inoperable due to a mechanical issue that has the bridge in the down position.

That means vessels can’t pass “until further notice,” the Canal Corp. advised boaters at about noon today.

The Canal Corp. said it will be providing updates about the situation through the “Notice to Mariners” notification program at www.canals.ny.gov.

UPDATE: The State Canal Corp. reported at 4:20 p.m. the bridge was repaired and back in operation.

KNOWLESVILLE – The hay bale rolling competition picked up momentum through the week at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, with more teams signing up and the crowds getting bigger after the debut on Wednesday.

The event was added after the fair was forced to discontinue the grease pole climbing contest, a popular event for nearly 50 years. The fair’s insurance company deemed climbing a utility pole, slathering in grease, too dangerous.

Each night before the hay bale rolling, a moment of silence was observed for the grease pole. Jeremy Neal, the event chairman, even had a gravestone marker made that he put at the base of the grease pole. “RIP Grease Pole,” the marker said. Someone added flowers to the display on Saturday night.

The team that called themselves the “Bad Moms” – Amber Conner and Tiff Burgio of Albion – pushes the hay bale past the grease pole, which was given a fitting tribute throughout the week. The Bad Moms completed the course in 2:53.59, but faced 30 seconds of violations for having the hay bale go off course three times. They were one of three all-woman teams to complete the challenge. Brie Trembley and Abby Allen of Albion were the first to do it on Friday. Their team was called “Hay-Girl-Hay.” They did it in 2:37.60 plus 60 seconds in violations.

Neal concocted the hay bale rolling event, and set up a course with ditches and poles. The hay bales weighed 700 pounds and they were rolled on the two straight-a-way lanes, and then twice had to be pushed end-over-end for shorter segments.

There were some gripes on Wednesday, especially on social media, with the debut of the hay bale rolling. Jeremy Neal was concerned it might be “flop” and people might not come back after the first night.

But crowds grew in size, and there were several teams each night, including eight on Friday. The top team each night advanced to the finals on Saturday, with the winner getting $250.

“I’m very happy,” Neal said after the event ended on Saturday night. “It turned out to be something that people loved. It’s no grease pole, but it’s definitely something to watch.”

Neal said he will change the course next year and may tinker with other elements in the challenge.

His wife Tina said the hay bale rolling had the added benefit of being clean fun.

“It’s far less messy,” she said. “There weren’t any ruined clothes.”

To see a video of Alden Cayea and Chris Hahn in the finals, click here. (They were disqualified after three of their friends jumped in and helped push the hay bale in the last stretch. Cayea and Hahn were wiped out after qualifying for the finals on Saturday, and then had to do the challenge again.)

Jeremy Moyer, right, and David Armer – “DP Dubs” – won the event during Saturday’s finals, finishing the challenge in 1 minute, 6 seconds.

Moyer, 34, of Lyndonville and Armer, 31, of Albion work together at the Brockport Department of Public Works. They said they wanted to support the 4-H Fair by competing in the new challenge.

“It’s not so easy, especially when you are flipping it end over end,” Moyer said.

Armer grew up farming and in 4-H. He liked that the challenge has a farm connection.

His advice for the event is “to go as fast as you can and avoid the sides (of the course).” Neal sent up the course and lined it with traffic cones.

Neal is shown in this photo in back left. He is watching to make sure the team stays in the lane. Kayla Sucy, back right, served as the announcer of the event.

Samantha Basinait and Allison Mathes – “Minimum Wagers” – did the challenge in 2:30:49 with no violations which is the fastest time for an all-female team.

The age minimum to compete was 16, instead of 18 for the grease pole. There also was only two people needed for a team, instead of the 6 to 10 for the grease pole. That resulted in many more teams for the hay bale rolling.

Kelsie Johnstone of Holley and Andrew Moore of Albion compete in the event in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Friday night.

Joe Cecchini, right, and Ollie Wilson of Medina had a fast time in 1 minute, 19 seconds, but faced another 30 seconds in penalties.

Caleb Cudzilo and Alexander Planer of Oswego – “The Rolly Men” – covered the course in 1:47.02, but were docked 40 seconds in violations.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville community will be putting up banners of local soldiers next year, with the portraits on utility poles from just before Memorial Day to just after Veterans Day.

Lyndonville joins a growing list of communities to embrace the banners of Hometown Heroes. Holley, Medina and Albion have them, and many other communities around the state do as well.

Valerie D. Wells, a Lyndonville native, is coordinating the effort in Lyndonville. She said American flags will stay on much of Main Street. She expects some of the Hometown Heroes will be part on Main Street and also be included on Maple Avenue, Willowbrook Drive and Lake Avenue.

The banners will cost $200 each, and that includes hardware so they can be attached to the utility poles. The Lyndonville Area Foundation will set up an account for the funds, Wells said.

“The Lyndonville community should feel great pride in honoring our veterans in this noble way for many years to come,” she said.

The banners are expected to be up for three years and then will be given to the family. They will be in a different location each of the three years, Wells said.

For more information on how to purchase a banner for next year, contact Wells at (585) 339-8500 or by email at vwells022@gmail.com.

Historian shares about Caroline Phipps, who started a school for women in Albion

Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan: Dee Robinson, retired Town of Gaines historian, gave a presentation on Sunday evening about one of the teachers at the schoolhouse, Caroline Phipps, who would start the Phipps Union Female Seminary in Albion.

Courtesy of Melissa Ierlan

GAINES – The first public event held at the Gaines Basin cobblestone school since the interior was remodeled was held on Sunday evening was completed.

Dee Robinson was the speaker and gave a presentation about Caroline Phipps Achilles and the Phipps Union Seminary. The lecture was part of a series by the Orleans County Historical Association each Sunday at 6 p.m. during August.

Dee Robinson moved to Childs in the 1970s. She joined the Cobblestone Society and organized its resource center. She became the deputy historian of Gaines, then the historian. She served in the position for over 30 years. Robinson currently works at the Hoag Library in the local history room.

Her focus during Sunday’s lecture was Caroline Phipps and the Phipps Union Female Seminary. Phipps was born in 1812. By age 14 she was teaching school in a log shanty in Gaines Basin for $1 a week. The log shanty was 14’ x 16’ with a stone chimney and a crude fireplace. She worked each day from 7 a.m. until noon then from 1 p.m. until 6 or 7 p.m. Seats were made of slab logs; tables were pinned against the walls. Every square inch of space was occupied.

By 1832 the cobblestone school house was built. At this point Caroline left teaching for more education. After she returned, she desired to establish a women’s school. Phipps Female Women’s Seminary was founded in 1837. By 1851 a wing was added on to the building to serve as housing for 100 students.

The Gaines Basin schoolhouse, which has undergone major interior upgrades in recent years, hosted its first public event on Sunday.

Girls who attended the Phipps seminary came from many different states including Michigan, Vermont, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and even from Canada. Each student was required to have a Bible and attend a church every week that their parents had chosen.

Dee made several connections during her research into Caroline Phipps and the seminary. She spoke of a phone call from a relative of a woman who had attended the seminary and graduated in 1861. She offered to send the certificate from her graduation. The woman’s name was Miss Gertrude Ward. Dee discovered in the library’s collection, a program from the same year Ward graduated.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s father wrote a ballad in 1847 for the Phipps Union Seminary. Lillian Achilles was the first librarian of the Swan Library and was the great niece of Caroline Phipps.

The school had two fires in 1874 and 1875. The second fire destroyed the building and the school ceased operating. The county bought the parcel upon which the County Clerk’s Office was constructed and still remains.

Dee Robinson and some of the attendees look over artifacts at the school.

Emily Harling, left, and Kaylee Lacey

For the second year in a row the Empire Girls State program was held virtually during to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four from Orleans County – Kaylee Lacey of Medina, and Emily Harling, Kaylee Lacey and Leah Kania of Albion – were picked to attend the program.

Kaylee Lacey of Medina is student association secretary, and is a member of the Impact Club, Ecology and Conservation Club, marching band, swim team and softball team.

Emily Harling of Albion is an FFA officer and Freshman mentor. She helped start a recycling club. She also is a lifeguard who is a member of the swimming, soccer and track teams.

Leah Kania of Albion is vice president of Student Council, Close Up Club, Multi-Cultural Club, Freshman mentor, the musical theater program, National Honor Society, Select Chorus, marching band, Nature Trail committee, a NYSSMA participant and in the school volunteer work program.

Nicolina Creasey of Albion is the National Honor Society Secretary, a member of the soccer and track teams, and the school volunteer work program.

Leah Kania, left, and Nicolina Creasey

They were among 360 young women selected to attend the 80th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

The program included workshops lead by a political instructor, presentations on women in leadership, Activities that inspired patriotism and pride, as well as information on the American Legion Auxiliary.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state and while we couldn’t hold the program in person, our team worked hard to ensure that this cohort of High School Juniors get to learn some of the important principles of democracy and about the American Legion Auxiliary ” said Jennifer Farley, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “Our hope is that after attending the virtual ALA Girls State, the girls will be inspired to participate in the democratic process, volunteer in their communities and be filled with patriotism and pride.”