By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2021 at 5:07 pm
New cases since Tuesday include 7 in Orleans, 11 in Genesee
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties has dramatically dropped from 78 a week ago to 22 today, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
The number of recoveries from Covid continues to outpace the new Covid infections. The two counties hit their Covid peak in January for active cases. Orleans had its most on Jan. 7 with 279, while Genesee was at 241 on Jan. 22.
In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases of Covid since the last update on Tuesday. That brings the total to 3,091 cases since March 2020. The new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
There currently aren’t any hospitalizations in Orleans due to Covid.
Orleans also is reporting 28 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee County there 11 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 5,323 cases since March 2020. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
Genesee currently has 3 residents hospitalized due to Covid.
The county has 15 more people who completed their 1o- day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
Statewide data: The statewide positivity of 0.42 percent (779 positive tests out of 187,686 tests) is the lowest single-day positive rate during the pandemic.
The 7-day positivity average of 0.56 also is the lowest during the pandemic. It marks the 60thstraight day of decline, down 84 percent from the previous peak of 3.57 percent on April 4, and down 93 percent from the post-holiday peak of 7.94 percent on Jan. 4, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
There are also 916 patients hospitalized in the state due to Covid, the lowest since Oct. 17.
“We’re working night and day to beat back this pandemic and reach the light at the end of the tunnel, but the key remains vaccinations and we need to get as many shots in arms as possible in every corner of this state,” Cuomo said. “Our numbers are trending in the right direction and much of the economy has been reopened but we cannot lose sight of our vaccination goals. For everyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, remember that you don’t just protect yourself with the shot—you protect family, friends and our state, so make an appointment or walk into a site today.”
Soil & Water Conservation District cites Elam’s lifetime commitment to the environment
Press Release, Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District
Provided photo: Mike Elam on Thursday received a Friend of Conservation Award, which was presented by Katie Sommerfeldt, manager of the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District.
ALBION – The Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District is proud to award Mike Elam with the Friend of Conservation Award.
Mike has a long history of environmental conservation in Orleans County. In 1949 his father and grandfather bought what is now “Captain’s Cove,” though at the time it was called “Hatch and Elam Boat Livery.”
Both his father, Jack Elam, and his grandfather, Butch Hatch, were very influential in regards to conservation and nurtured respect for the environment. Growing up in that environment, and having Oak Orchard Creek as his playground, it’s no surprise that Mike grew up to follow in their footsteps.
“I was lucky to be raised in Orleans County and especially to live on Oak Orchard Creek,” Mike said. “Protecting Orleans County’s waterways was and still is important to me.”
He strives to not only educate himself, but to also pass along his knowledge and respect for the environment to future generations. His grandkids have already started following the same path. They enjoy going fishing, catching frogs, and picking up litter when out by the water. Mike knows that the best way to garner a love for the outdoors is to build that relationship early.
In 1976 Mike became a member of the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, and in the same year he helped found a B.A.S.S. chapter called Oak Orchard Bassmasters. He spent the mid-’70s on a committee to revise fish seasons, length, and bag limits, as well as lift the ban on salmon stocking. Mike was very outspoken on banning the practice of snagging salmon in the early 1980s, and also spent 5 years running water sample tests on Lake Alice through the Citizen’s Statewide Lake Assessment Program.
Mike started coming to Orleans County Water Quality meetings about 20 years ago to represent sportsmen’s interests, as well as his own interest in water protection and conservation. A few years ago, Mike was appointed to the chairman position and has been instrumental in keeping the committee alive and informed on all things water quality. During the same time, he would help the DEC as needed with banding ducks, geese and screech owls.
2007 was a busy year for Mike. All within that year he became the sportsman’s rep to the Region 8 Fish & Wildlife Management Board, a councilman to the New York State Conservation Council, and joined the Finger Lakes Conservation Council (which he currently leads as president).
All of this barely even scratches the surface of Mike’s devotion to environmental conservation. During his years he would volunteer with the DEC, the Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge. It should come as no surprise that someone with such a lifelong dedication to our county and our planet will be receiving the Friend of Conservation Award.
“Conservation in the future will be an important issue as the public becomes aware of the value of clean water and clean air, and the importance of fish stocks and protecting wildlife,” Mike said. “If the pandemic did anything positive, it made people more aware of the environment and the need to protect it.”
BATAVIA – Officials from Genesee County, the City and Town of Batavia, Village of Oakfield, Village of Elba, and the Genesee County Department of Health are once again reminding residents connected to the Public Water Supply System to conserve water.
The call to conserve takes on even greater importance with unseasonably hot weather forecasted for next several days, including over the weekend and into next week.
Residents are urged to avoid filling swimming pools, watering lawns and washing cars and only use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines for full loads.
Another conservation measure is to check faucets and pipes for leaks which often can be repaired with an inexpensive washer. Toilets also should be checked for leaks and can be done by putting a small amount of food coloring to the toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.
Taking shorter showers also helps as five to ten gallons are used per minute. To help conserve water in your shower use easy to install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors which are available at area hardware or plumbing stores.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2021 at 8:31 am
Josh Jurs named ‘firefighter of the year’
Photo by Tom Rivers: Pictured form left include Barre Fire Chief James Neal; Josh Jurs, the firefighter of the year; Andrew Faskel, who was recognized with the “Chief’s Award”; and Karl Driesel, president of the Barre Fire Company.
BARRE – The Barre Fire Company gave out its annual awards on Thursday evening, in a low-key presentation. The fire company isn’t doing a banquet this year, but still wanted to recognize firefighters on milestone anniversaries and for notable service.
Josh Jurs was recognized as “firefighter of the year.” Jurs, 39, has been a member of the Barre Fire Company for 19 years. He has been much more active with the fire company the past two years.
“He has gone above and beyond,” said Fire Chief James Neal.
Besides responding to numerous calls for the fire company, Jurs has taken on other tasks. He works at Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs. He was able to have a copy machine donated from Kreher’s to the Barre Fire Company. Jurs also researched prices for a refrigerator and secured a good deal for the fire company.
“Anything he has been asked to do he has done,” Neal said.
Jurs said he has been more available to volunteer in the past two years after finishing some home repair projects.
“I just like helping the community,” he said.
Andrew Faskel was presented with the “Chief’s Award.” Faskel served as the EMS captain for four years. He also takes on numerous tasks to benefit the fire company, Neal said.
Faskel, 36, joined the Barre Fire Company seven years ago. He moved to Barre from Medina and attended an open house about the possibility of building a new fire hall in Barre. That proposal didn’t pass in a public vote.
But Faskel met many of the firefighters at the open house and decided to join. He was trained as an EMT and firefighter. He has served as EMS captain, which is a very time-consuming role, Neal said.
“When I joined I just wanted to be more involved in the community,” Faskel said. “I just love helping the community.”
Faskel urged others to consider joining the fire company, even if it’s not responding to fires, accidents or EMS calls.
“There are many different roles depending on what you’re comfortable with,” he said. “It could be in administration or the fire police.”
The fire company also presented the “President’s Award” to Judy Kurtz who has been an active member of the “Sunshine Committee.” She visits many members who are ill at home or in the hospital.
“She brings them a ray of sunshine,” said Karl Driesel, president of the fire company.
Some of the members last year were sickened by Covid or other illnesses, Driesel said.
The fire company also recognized firefighters for milestone anniversaries, including Harold Hazel for 50 years, Dale Ostroski for 30 years, and Nic Elliott, Chris Flansburg and Pat Lamka for 10 years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2021 at 9:32 pm
There will be three food distributions in Orleans County in June, including one on Friday morning (June 4) at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
There will be boxes of food given away for at least 300 different people. This is a drive-through distribution with no walk-ins. The distribution starts at about 8:30 and lasts until the food runs out.
The schedule for the rest of the month includes June 11 at the Main Street Thrift Store parking lot in Albion, no distribution on June 18, and June 25 at the Ridgeway Fire Department on Route 104.
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee has partnered with Foodlink and the Orleans County Office for the Aging for the food distributions. No preregistration is required. People are encouraged to have their trunks cleaned out so food can be put into it.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2021 at 3:46 pm
75 have now completed program, equipped to be more engaged citizens, local leaders
Photos by Tom Rivers: Taryn Moyle, director of the Child Care Resource and Referral Program for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, was among 26 graduates of the third class of Leadership Orleans. She is congratulated by Charlie Nesbitt, former state assemblyman who serves on the Leadership Orleans steering committee. The graduation program was held May 20 at the White Birch Golf Course.
LYNDONVILLE – The third group of the Leadership Orleans program completed the class last month, about five months later than usual.
The class was interrupted due to Covid-19. The group needed to take some time off from the monthly programs, but was able to double-up for the full array of sessions.
Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller was a member of the class and was picked by the group to give an address on their behalf.
“We knew from the start we were on a unique journey,” said County Legislator Ken DeRoller of Kendall, one of the 26 graduates in the third class.
He was picked by the class to speak at their graduation on May 20 at the White Birch Golf Course.
DeRoller recalled the opening retreat in January 2020, before Covid, when the group got to know each other through ice-breaker activities. They completed personality profiles to better understand themselves and how they respond to others and challenges.
DeRoller urged the group to stay connected and to keep an open mind.
“You’re a treasure to your employer and the County of Orleans,” DeRoller told the group.
Class members included local government officials, business and agency leaders, and citizens. There are now about 75 people who have completed the program. The fourth class also started in April, and eight people have already expressed interest in being in the fifth class.
The third class built a strong network among each other in the year-plus, with retreats, Zoom calls and through what was to be a monthly focus on a different aspect of the county – government, arts and culture, volunteerism and non-profit organizations, community health, tourism and recreation, agribusiness, economic & workforce development, and education.
(Left) Danielle Figura, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department, won an award for her artistic skills. The class had many activities to help the group get to know each other. (Right) Teresa Gaylard, children’s librarian at Hoag Library, won an award for earning the most stars throughout the program.
Skip Helfrith, the program’s executive director, said the class is already making a difference in the county. He noted Dean Bellack, one of the new grads, helped secure $750,000 in grants for the community in his role as United Way executive director. Jennifer Buondonno, another new graduate, won a write-in campaign and was elected to the Medina Board of Education.
He cited the examples of the program’s alumni of the year – Robert Batt of the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Melissa Blanar of the office for the Aging – who have spearheaded food distributions for several hundred people almost weekly since April 2020.
“People ask when will this program start to make a difference,” Helfrich said. “We’re making it.”
Helfrich said the program benefits from community support, including corporate sponsors, and $16,000 from the county budget. Tuition also covers part of the costs.
There have been 146 presenters for the program since 2018, with 23 new ones during the Covid pandemic. The group has also visited 78 sites around the county in the first three years, and many volunteers have organized the monthly sessions.
Skip Helfrich, Leadership Orleans executive director, praised the class for its resilience during the pandemic. The class suspended its monthly gatherings during the height of the pandemic, and then doubled up the workload to meet the full expectations of the program.
Charlie Nesbitt, the former state assemblyman, has helped get the program off the ground in Orleans County. He said he saw the fruits of Leadership Genesee, which has been helping develop leaders in that county for more than two decades.
Human capital is critical for a community’s success, Nesbitt said.
“We now have 75 people who are better informed, who know themselves better, who everyday are becoming a critical asset to Orleans County,” Nesbitt said. “In order to become effective leaders you have to invest in yourselves.”
The 2020 class includes:
Dean Bellack, Executive Director, United Way of Orleans County
Jennifer Buondonno, Teller Supervisor/CSR, Tompkins Bank of Castile
Melissa Cotter, Director of Vocational Services, Arc of Genesee Orleans
Kenneth DeRoller, County legislator and board member for the County of Orleans Industrial Development Agency
Danielle Figura, Director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department
Kristina Gabalski, 4-H Program Coordinator, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
Jackie Gardner, Vice President of Client Relations, CRFS – Claims Recovery Financial Services
Ronald Mannella, Director of Weights and Measures, Orleans County
Matt Minor, Senior Loan Officer, Farm Credit East
Taryn Moyle, Child Care Resource and Referral Program Director, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, Inc.
Tiffany Nesbitt, former ambassador, Bent’s Opera House
Christopher Oakes, Production Manager/Vice President, LynOaken Farms, Inc.
Allison Parry-Gurak, Director of Treatment, Albion Clinic, GCASA
Scott Partyka, Farmer/Partner, Partyka Farms
Cory Pawlaczyk, Buyer, Baxter Healthcare
Nick Picardo, Executive Director of Student Services, Kendall Central School District
Heather Smith, Executive Director, Orleans Community Health Foundation
Nancy Traxler, Director, Orleans County Veterans Service Agency
Nancy Westlund, Vice President of Operations, CRFS – Claims Recovery Financial Services
Michael Weyrauch, Director of Career & Technical Education and Instructional Services, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
(Left) Cole and Kerri Glover, owners of Maison Albion, accept the “First Impression Award.” The site on Courthouse Road in Albion, a wedding and events venue, made a strong impression on the class. (Right) Wendy Oakes Wilson hugs Kelly Kiebala, chairwoman of the Leadership Orleans program. Wilson was picked as “Presenter of the Year” by the class. Wilson is general manager of LynOaken Farms and president of the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery.
County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson also congratulated the class and urged them to continue to lead and serve with integrity.
“You are the leaders today and especially for tomorrow,” she said.
Jack Welch, Orleans County chief administrative officer, thanked the class members for putting in the effort to be bigger assets for the community.
Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, said the class persevered and adapted during the challenges of a pandemic. Welch said there are numerous books about being an effective leader, and many of those make leadership sound “so neat and clean, almost like a cook book.”
But Welch said that doesn’t reflect real life, which is often messy, unscripted and hard.
“Leadership is about relationships, serving one another on their level with more questions than answers,” Welch said. “How do we respond to a challenge? How do we persevere? Do we bend or do we break?”
The Leadership Orleans Class gives the participants a team and support system for when times are tough, Welch said.
“Hopefully Leadership Orleans has been a conduit for you to increase the tools you have in your personal toolbox on this journey we call life,” he said.
Welch said naysayers are quick to complain but not offer much constructively in making the community better. He thanked the class for putting in the time and energy to learn more about the community and understand the complexities of the challenges and opportunities.
He quoted from Jon Gordon: “Will you buy into the doom and gloom? Or will you invest in faith, hope and love, and believe the best is yet to come.”
David Bellavia, a Lyndonville graduate and Medal of Honor recipient, gave the keynote speech at the Leadership Orleans graduation.
The keynote message was delivered by David Bellavia, a 1994 Lyndonville graduate who was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 25, 2019 during a ceremony at the White House. He received the nation’s highest military honor for risking his life on Nov. 10, 2004 – his 29thbirthday. Bellavia defended his fellow soldiers while serving in the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq.
As a squad leader in Operation Phantom Fury, a 2004 American offensive on the western Iraqi City of Fallujah, Bellavia saved his entire squad when he cleared a housing block of enemy combatants who had pinned down his unit. Once Bellavia secured the safety of his squad, he re-engaged with the enemy combatants, re-entered the house where enemy fire was located, proceeded to kill four enemy insurgents, and wounded a fifth.
Bellavia travels the country as an ambassador for the Army. He also hosts a radio show in Buffalo. People used to ask where he was from, and he’d say Buffalo or Western New York. Now, when he gives his speeches or is interviewed, he makes sure to tell people he is from Lyndonville, NY.
He sees a county on the upswing, and the trend can continue with more job opportunities for people in the community.
“Orleans County makes adults, men and women ready to shoulder the burdens of the world,” Bellavia said. “We are going to be the authors and finishers of our destiny in our backyard.”
Leadership Orleans recognized two previous graduates as alumni of the year. Robert Batt (left), executive director of the Cornell Cooperative extension, and Melissa Blanar, director of the Office of the Aging, both were instrumental in food distributions in the county since April 2020. They also led their organizations through the many changes necessitated by the pandemic. “We have a great community,” Blanar said. “We all pitch in and step up when we need to.”
SHELBY – Two residents in Shelby are facing drug and weapons charges, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said today.
Joey Johnson
Joey M. Johnson, 33, and Summer Dee Wisniewski, both of 4643 South Gravel Rd. were charged on Wednesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl in the town of Shelby and the village of Medina, the Task Force said.
The Task Force, with assistance from the New York State Police S.O.R.T. (Special Operations Response Team), the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s K9, Albion Police K9 and NYS parole executed a search warrant at 4643 South Gravel Rd. arrested Johnson and Wisniewski on numerous drug and weapons charges.
Summer Dee Wisniewski
Law enforcement also seized over 16 grams of crack cocaine, several packages of fentanyl, $5,000 in cash and a loaded 9 mm semi-auto pistol which was determined to be stolen.
Johnson and Wisniewski both were charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, (class B felonies), 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (class D felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree (class E felony).
The two were arraigned in CAP Court by Shelby Town Justice Dawn Keppler. Johnson was committed to Orleans County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He is currently on NYS parole and a parole detainer was filed at the Orleans County Jail where he is being held.
Wisnieskski was also committed to the Orleans County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. She has an outstanding warrant out of the state of Texas and is being held on a fugitive from justice warrant.
Both are to return back to the Shelby Town Court on June 29 for further court proceedings
This investigation is ongoing, and further charges and arrests are pending, the Task Force said.
Provided photo: Law enforcement seized cash, crack cocaine and a loaded pistol that was allegedly stolen.
Provided photos: Absolut Care of Gasport was presented an “Excellent Academic Partner” award from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – To wrap up the school year, Absolut Care of Gasport hosted a send-off party to the Health Occupations Technician (HOT) students and their teachers Mrs. Courtney Slack, BSN, RN and Mrs. Rebecca Mahar-Price, BSN, RN from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
As a sign of gratitude for allowing them to conduct their clinical studies there, Mrs. Slack, and Dr. Michael Weyrauch (Director of Career and Technical Education/Adult Education and Instructional Services) honored the facility for being an Excellent Academic Partner to the program.
Director of Nursing, Pam Ebling, Administrator Kevin Kennedy, and Human Resources Director Stephen Wagner accepted the award on behalf of the facility. Mrs. Slack and Mrs. Price say they are so appreciative of everyone at Absolut, including the residents and all the staff members in every department, especially the nurses and nurses’ aides.
“We had a successful clinical experience and truly look forward to coming back in the fall with our next group of senior HOT students,” said Mrs. Slack and Mrs. Price.
Pictured from left include: Dr. Michael Weyrauch (left), director of Career and Technical Education/Adult Education and Instructional Services; Pam Ebling, director of nursing at Absolut Care; and Courtney Slack, a Health Occupations Technician teacher.
Cory Pawlaczyk took this photo of a sunrise along the Erie Canal in Medina. It won second place in the “Along the Trail” category in an annual Erie Canal photo contest in 2020.
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 16th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest.
Images should convey the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 27. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar.
Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions.
Submitted images should be horizontal format and must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.
Download official contest rules and an entry form by clicking here.
ALBION – Eight community groups from across Orleans County will be the recipients of the latest round of grants from the Heritage Wind Community Grant Program.
The program supports community organizations in the areas of Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Promoting Education. The grants total $9,500.
“Orleans County is fortunate to have so many organizations working hard every day to improve their communities and provide for those in need,” said Carmen O’Keefe, development manager with Apex Clean Energy. “Heritage Wind is committed to being a long-term community partner and we are proud to support these important local projects.”
The grant recipients include:
Orleans Community Health Foundation :$1,000
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee: $1,000
Town of Barre (Powering the Park): $2,000
Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern: $1,500
Orleans-Recovery Hope Begins Here: $1,000
Christ Church Community Kitchen: $1,000
Supportive Care of Orleans: $1,000
Village of Medina Fire Department: $1,000
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee received a grant for their “Planting the seeds of hope” project, which will build a community greenhouse at their offices in Albion
“This money comes at a perfect time,” said Annette Finch, director of Community Services. “Community Action will be purchasing vegetable starter plants and handing them out at our Food Pantry sites to teach customers how to plant and harvest vegetables for their use. Community Action is very pleased for this wonderful donation.”
Supportive Care of Orleans received support for upgrades to paths in their Memorial Garden. Associate Director Douglas E. Sommerfeldt accepted the grant on behalf of the organization saying, “We would like to graciously thank Apex Clean Energy for the grant received. The grant will allow the organization to enhance our Memorial Garden, which is a valuable asset to our patients, families and community.”
The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern received a grant to help youth learn the importance of investing in their futures through their “Just Friends” program.
“The Ministry of Concern is delighted that Apex Clean Energy/Heritage Wind is funding our innovative approach to helping low-income youth learn the essentials of how money can work for them, not just how they can work for money,” said Executive Director Nyla Gaylord. “Five youth in our Just Friends program will learn how to get and keep a job, and how to make and save money for the future. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. We believe that this pilot project will help us pass on the key concepts of how money can be used to achieve personal goals as well foster an entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation.”
The Medina Fire Department was awarded a grant to help purchase and distribute carbon monoxide directors to community members.
“The Village of Medina Fire Department would like to thank Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Winds for funding this grant,” said Medina Fire Department Captain Mike Young. “This grant will help us to expand our fire prevention and life safety program by allowing us to provide free carbon monoxide detectors to those residents who do not have any. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, and it is our mission to educate our community on the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector. This grant money will go a long way towards helping us to achieve this goal.”
Other grant recipients included the Town of Barre to support the efforts to electrify the town park; The Orleans Community Health Foundation to help upgrade phlebotomy lab facilities; Orleans-Recovery Hope Begins Here to sponsor their “Celebrate Orleans Recovery Day” event, which will take place at Bullard Park in Albion in September; and Christ Church Community Kitchen, to support the purchase of food and supplies for some of the up to 9,000 meals served on a yearly basis to area residents.
The community grant program will open an additional round of grant funding this fall to be awarded before the end of the year. To learn more or apply for a future grant, click here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 June 2021 at 7:47 am
Six graduating seniors in three local high schools have been chosen to receive scholarships from the Towpath Masonic Lodge.
Those who will receive $200 each are Hannah Kenward, a geometry major, and Alwyn Cayea, a mechanical drawing major, both at Medina High School; Isaac Becker and Dylan Jisa, both geometry and engineering majors at Lyndonville High School; and Elliana Brown, a geometry major, and Carter Green, an architectural drawing major, both at Royalton-Hartland High School in Middleport.
The scholarships are given in honor of the late Orren Roberts, a longtime member of the Medina/Towpath Masonic Lodge, who was passionate about helping students in their quest to go to college. Money in the scholarship fund has been donated in Roberts’ name and by the estate of the late Medina native Laverne Ehrenreich, also a longtime Mason, said Scott Mason of Medina, secretary of the Towpath Lodge.
Mason said students were selected from the three schools, because they represent the villages of Medina, Lyndonville and Middleport, whose combined lodges make up the Towpath Lodge. Coordinating the scholarship awards was Jonathan Incho of Medina, Ray Feller II of Lyndonville and Herb Koenig of Middleport.
Mason explained these students were chosen for the scholarships because the principles of Freemasonry are based upon the sciences of Geometry and Engineering.
“Geometry guides us through the measurement process and Engineering directs us in the building of dwellings,” Mason said. “Freemasonry therefore uses the principles and philosophies of these disciplines to build men of good character.”
