Superintendents issue statement in response to widespread protests
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
The 14 local School Superintendents of the districts comprising the Orleans/ Niagara BOCES would like to add to the conversation regarding the protests and reform movements that have occurred across the nation over the last several weeks.
These events can be complex when combined and viewed together. However, they are much simpler when separated and looked at individually. Specifically:
• Police brutality, like that committed by a police officer on Mr. George Floyd, is reprehensible, criminal, and should never happen in our country, or anywhere in the world. People are born with the natural right to be free from racism and injustice.
• Peaceful protest and the right to peacefully assemble is not only a constitutional right, but also one of the important rights that separate us from totalitarian states. It is a way for the people of a democracy to say we need change. At the core of this particular protest is the belief that all people in this country have the right to equal treatment, which we consider a universal right.
• The violent acts against citizens and law enforcement, the looting of shops and restaurants already struggling from the pandemic, is wrong and criminal and should not be tolerated nor promoted.
• We believe public education is, and has been, a place where tolerance and kindness are learned, practiced and valued. We must continue to make this a part of our regular instruction and look for additional ways to break down barriers that divide us.
The challenge is one we accept for all of our students. We look forward to continued engagement with our communities to continually improve the education of the future leaders of society, teach tolerance and mutual respect while seeking equity and equal justice for all, so that the events that led to the protests around the nation never happen again.
College will do some in-person classes, with many courses offered online
Press Release, Genesee Community College
Courtesy of GCC: Genesee Community College will require masks to be worn when people enter the buildings and when they are in common areas.
BATAVIA – GCC unveiled a series of plans for the Fall 2020 semester to bring students back to campus in a limited capacity, while operating numerous courses through remote delivery.
The Fall 2020 plans include a blend of learning modalities featuring a robust number of online, hybrid and HyFlex classes, and all in-person instruction will follow the College’s COVID-19 safety measures such as:
All classrooms and labs have been assessed to determine the maximum capacity while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Maximizing GCC’s hybrid and HyFlex learning environments that strategically combine in-person and online instruction.
Labs requiring face-to-face, hands-on learning will be separated in multiple sections as needed to reduce classroom density.
All College Village residence bedrooms will be converted to singles with one student per private room.
The services that students rely on, such as the Library and Tutoring and Testing Centers as well as campus study spaces will be available for use following social distancing rules.
Dining services will open but will focus on single-serve items and take-out items.
While some programs and activities will look different in the Fall semester, GCC is committed to providing a vibrant student engagement experience for all students.
“We will remain vigilant throughout the duration of this pandemic, continuously monitoring health conditions and working to mitigate the spread of the virus,” James M. Sunser, Ed.D., president of GCC said. “The hard work and cooperation of everyone today helps ensure we remain healthy and safe tomorrow and can have a successful academic year.”
College officials are currently gearing up to welcome back staff and faculty on a reduced capacity as well, beginning today.
“The past four months have been an extraordinarily challenging time,” Dr. Sunser said. “There are so many moving parts in a college campus that I must commend our campus community who have teamed up to maintain as many critical services as possible, allowing us to be prepared for this fall. This included modifying workflows, teaching and working remotely, learning and introducing new technologies, and sometimes discovering new efficiencies or new opportunities, such as our Virtual Commencement Ceremony. It is no accident that GCC continues to have no documented positive cases of COVID-19, a true testament to our collective commitment to strategically tackle this crisis.”
Employees received a five-page “Welcome Back” guideline outlining all the new facets of working on campus that includes social distancing, mask wearing and multiple steps to reduce the density of the campus population. The most salient features of the re-opening plan include but are not limited to:
Only employees with a valid ID are allowed on campus at this time.
All persons will be given a brief verbal screening about their physical health and an infrared, touch-free temperature reading by a member of the College’s Health or Campus Safety Office, who will have the authority to deny access to anyone deemed at risk for the COVID-19 virus.
Many departments are staggering summer staffing to reduce GCC population density.
Maintain a six-foot distance from other people at all times, avoid physical contact such as handshakes, and wear a face mask in all shared spaces.
Most meetings will continue to be held remotely and many areas of the College will remain closed this summer, such as dining services, as they are prepared for fall configuration.
GCC’s Buildings and Grounds Department will be cleaning and disinfecting common areas and frequently touched surfaces throughout each day, and each department and individual will be asked to clean and disinfect individual workstations and equipment using college provided supplies.
GCC posts the latest updates and information on the College’s COVID19 webpage that is available from the College’s homepage on its main website, www.genesee.edu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2020 at 9:04 am
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 8 p.m. Friday for Orleans County and much of western and central New York.
The heat index values will be in the mid 90s Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, then near 100 Thursday and Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
“The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the Weather Service said. “Warm overnight low temperatures will make it difficult to cool buildings without air conditioning.”
People are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible, the Weather Service suggested.
“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” the Weather Service said. “Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2020 at 8:14 am
File photos by Tom Rivers: Adam and Tina Johnson opened a bar and restaurant on North Main Street in Albion on March 1, 2018.
ALBION – The owner of the 39 Problems bar and restaurant in downtown Albion announced this morning the establishment is closed.
Adam Johnson said in Facebook post the business has always been a challenge to make money. But he and his wife Tina were determined to be a part of the solution to bringing traffic and renewed economic activity to historic downtown Albion. 39 Problems hosted live music and popular trivia nights.
However, the state response to Covid-19 proved too much to withstand. 39 Problems was closed to the public for about three months.
Johnson welcomed musicians and during a recent performance, someone called a state hotline to report the customers weren’t social distancing. Johnson said there were only about 10 people in the business at the time, and many of them came in as a group.
Johnson bristles that someone would report him, when it has been such a struggle to keep the business afloat.
“We are another empty storefront on Main Street,” Johnson posted on Facebook. “What’s next for me? As always, Tina and I will ‘keep going’, just like we always have. In fact, we are going to keep going right across the state border to somewhere that respects and welcomes people with a never-ending desire to accomplish something greater than themselves. NY loses another ambitious family. We are inviting our friends too, come along with us. Leave this state for the rats.”
Downtown Albion had been without a restaurant for several years. On March 1, 2018, Adam and Tina Johnson opened 39 Problems, a bar and restaurant on Main Street. The couple purchased the building, which includes three storefronts, in 2015. They worked diligently to renovate the site, while preserving its historic charm.
Adam and Tina purchased the building in 2015. He called the property an “ugly duckling” that nobody wanted. The building proved to be “a costly mistake” but the Johnsons didn’t give up. They first opened an ice cream business, the Frosty Bucket, in 2016 to generate some money for the property.
They switched to 39 Problems as a takeout/delivery in 2017 restaurant. On March 1, 2018, 39 Problems opened the dine-in restaurant and bar.
They named it 39 Problems because of the many obstacles and challenges they faced in trying to revive 39 North Main St.
“We were building a restaurant/bar where there had never been one before,” Johnson said in his post this morning. “For anyone not familiar with restaurant construction, there are a lot of moving parts to make it hum. It was a daunting task, but we kept going.”
Johnson also served as president of the Albion Merchants Association and was on the board of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
Adam Johnson put this sign at 39 Problems in Albion, saying all businesses should be considered essential.
He organized classic car shows in downtown Albion, including a cruise-in where Main Street was closed to traffic.
The Johnsons also developed the Chuck Wagon food trailer that they took to special events.
“In early 2020, we were ever so slowly clawing our way forward financially,” Johnson said. “We were paying in a tremendous amount of money, week after week, because so many people loved us and were counting on us to make it. Our mission and our passion was larger than us. We wanted to be what saved Main Street, Albion. I don’t know why, I suppose it was that inner fire that drove us forward when we should have just walked away, so even still, we kept going.”
But the virus hit and the Gov. Andrew Cuomo imposed many restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19. Bars and restaurants weren’t able to have customers inside after March 16. These restrictions were in place for about three months.
Johnson didn’t think it was fair that the “mom and pop” businesses on Main Street were closed while the state allowed the big box retailers to stay open. He coordinated a May 16 event where about 200 vehicles went on a 50-mile caravan to highlight small businesses in Orleans County. The trek went through four village downtown districts and eight towns. Johnson put a sign in the 39 Problems front window to “Re-Open NY – All Business Is Essential.”
When bars and restaurants could reopen, they were limited to operating at 50 percent capacity. The governor also repeatedly stressed that bars and restaurants who don’t adhere to social distancing or allow too many people inside could lose their liquor license or be forced to temporarily shut down.
The state promoted a hotline for people to call and report violators who aren’t adhering to social distancing, mask wearing and the capacity guidelines.
“Something went wrong this year, though, really wrong,” Johnson said in his post. “It wasn’t the virus, it was the leadership from Albany. I’m not an expert in political science and don’t want to be. I am a Veteran and swore a long time ago to uphold and defend the Constitution. We have freedoms that have been paid for in blood. That is something that I don’t take lightly. Our State Legislature gave essentially unlimited power to someone that has run wild with it. In the beginning, it made sense. It doesn’t anymore.”
Adam Johnson is in the lead car in a caravan on May 16 to highlight small businesses in Orleans County. The group is headed down Main Street in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2020 at 11:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
FANCHER – The clock at the Fancher Curve on Route 31 briefly was on fire tonight. The light on top of the clock is used to illumine the American flag at night. That light also attracts a big collection of bugs.
There were so many bugs on the light that the bugs were fried by the light, causing a small fire on top of the clock, said Fran Gaylord, a deputy fire coordinator for the county and a past Holley fire chief.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 10:43 p.m. with reports the town clock was on fire. Gaylord said a firefighter climbed up and removed the bulb, which stopped the fire. Once a new bulb is put in, the light should be working again, Gaylord said.
The clock in Fancher is a World War II memorial to 10 soldiers from the Fancher area who were killed in the war.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2020 at 4:59 pm
File photo: Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said delayed payments and reduced funding the village could have “devastating effects.”
MEDINA – The mayor of Medina and the town supervisors of Shelby and Ridgeway have sent a joint letter to the leaders of the county, state and federal governments, saying cuts to local municipalities would hit the village and towns that are already stressed to provide local services with tight budgets.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian and Shelby Town Supervisor Jeff Smith sent the letter, along with Scott Robinson, president of the Medina Area Partnership.
They sent their joint letters on July 1 to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and a letter to Congressional leaders including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The Medina area officials say in their letter they are writing on behalf of business owners, community leaders and 10,000 residents in the Medina area.
“Our Upstate New York communities have been part of a vibrant renaissance in recent years, one we hope can continue during these challenging times,” according to the letter. “However, we need your assistance to make sure this can continue.”
In the letter to Cuomo, the four local leaders urge the governor to continue pressing Congress for a stimulus package that would bring needed funding to local governments,
“The failure to approve needed aid to local governments could result in loss of funding to core services our residents rely on, while leaving some of our most vulnerable residents behind,” according to the letter from Sidari, Napoli, Smith and Robinson. “With no guarantee of federal funding, we encourage you to not slow or defer any funding to local governments, even those that were largely spared from the devastating numbers other portions of our state saw. As you’ve noted, all lost lives are significant, and we too lost neighbors.”
The four local leaders sent the letter on July 1, a few days after the County Legislature announced it would be delaying the July 1 quarterly sales tax payment to the four villages and 10 towns in the county. The 14 municipalities collectively receive about $1.3 million of the local sales tax in the county, which is usually about $17 a million a year.
If the towns and villages face funding cuts, there could be “devastating effects,” according to letter. Those impacts could include:
Decreased funding for first responders
Reduced funding for education and our teachers
Reduction in allocated tourism funding
A continuation of furloughed workers and eventually layoffs, which will also result in less spending in our business communities
Delayed or the elimination of sales tax dollars from county governments
Stalled projects that were in place to help boost our communities
“There is still a long road ahead and none of us know what the coming months will hold,” according to the letter to Cuomo. “We are imploring you to use the tools at your disposal to help mitigate the potential long standing negative effects we’ll face as a result of the pandemic.
We greatly appreciate your continued leadership and thank you for your consideration during these challenging times.”
In the letter to the Congressional leaders, the four Medina area leaders thank Pelosi, McCarthy, McConnell and Schumer for their prompt, bipartisan support for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act.
“Now, we encourage you to once again act swiftly and support legislation to supply a much needed stimulus to help local governments,” according to letter.
In the letter to Johnson, chairwoman of the County Legislature, she is asked to not delay sales tax payments to the towns and villages.
“We understand the strain COVID-19 has had on all of our budgets, and we are encouraging both our state and federal governments to approve relief to address these challenges,” Sidari, Napoli, Smith and Robinson write in their letter. “Without additional funding, first responders, education, health care workers, businesses, and infrastructure may all suffer. While we wait on relief for local governments ravaged by the current pandemic, we must focus our attention on what we can do today. Any future delays in these funds may continue to pause our ability to progress in an expeditious manner.”
ALBION – Ashley Ames, an incoming senior at Albion in 2020-21, is part of the first ever virtual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Ashley Ames
Ashley is one of 400 young women selected to attend the 79th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. The program started June 28 and continues until July 12.
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.
Ashley is active in many ways at Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, including Student Council, the school newsletter, drama, concert and marching band, Pride Alliance, National Honor Society, and the Close Up club.
Madison Nardi of Kendall High School also has been picked for the program. Gina Fox of Albion was chosen as an alternate.
“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.”
ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States.
The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2020 at 8:24 am
Today is the start of a six-day stretch where the high temperatures will hit at least 90 degrees in Orleans County.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo warns there will be a prolonged period of heat and humidity across the region this week. Heat indices will likely peak in the 95 to 100 degree range each afternoon from Tuesday through Friday.
Today is forecast to be sunny and hot with a high near 90, followed by a sunny and hot Monday with a high of 90.
Tuesday will be sunny and hot with a high of 92, followed by sunny and hot on Wednesday with a high of 93.
Thursday will be even hotter with a high of 94, followed by a high of 93 on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Saturday the high is forecast to be 87.
Carol Neal sent in this photo she took on Monday from her home on Alps Road in Yates.
It is 4th of July Weekend 2020 and Happy Birthday America!
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress in 1776. Massachusetts was the first state to recognize July 4th as an official holiday. It was not until 1870 that the Federal Government declared July 4th a federal holiday. So our nation is 244 years young.
Why do I say young? Because if you trust Google, and I do, England is 1,091 yrs old, Russia is 1,156 yrs old, China is over 3,000 years old and Mexico is 13,000 years old.
WOW. By global standards America is still just a Babe in the Woods.
Like most Babes we are curious, learning, growing and ambitious. We are not too set in our ways and are always evolving. Americans are charitable and tolerant of others, which makes our country a perfect “kitchen” to create a delicious melting pot of cultures.
Since we are Babes, we experience growth spurts and growth pains. I would say we are having one now. Back in 1776, citizens held mock funerals of King George III to symbolize the end of the monarchy as a way to celebrate America’s independence. Even over two centuries ago people acted badly, so I am sure there is hope for us all today.
Rest assured that with time we will become taller and stronger as a nation after this growth spurt.
The picture I took above was taken in Red Lodge MT last year at the July 4th rodeo. There is something about a rodeo that always makes me feel like a patriot. It’s steeped in traditions of God and country and the displays of patriotism are always seen during the opening ceremonies and heard through the words of the rodeo announcer. He speaks about America’s rich history. He gives credence to having strong faith.
When they sing the National Anthem, everyone stands and honors the flag. Which as an American I feel in my heart is giving the flag the respect it deserves. It symbolizes our freedom to make choices and those that protect those freedoms. When I see Old Glory flying with her colors of hardiness, purity & innocence, vigilance & perseverance & justice, it makes me proud.
I appreciate the evolution that our nation has gone through these 244 years and continues to go through in the name of freedom. When was the last time you read about your freedoms, The Bill of Rights? #10 states that if it is not in the Constitution then the rights go to the states and the people. That is why it is so important to let your voice be heard with your vote.
So this 4th of July weekend while you are eating your hot dogs and potato salad, watching fireworks and waving your flags, keep in mind how far America has come. We are a hardy bunch and with the vigilance & perseverance only freedom can provide. We will grow older and wiser together. Because we are all in this nation together.
God Bless America as we write another chapter. And never lose sight of past chapters.
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By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2020 at 3:35 pm
No Fourth of July community celebration in Lyndonville due to Covid-19; Lions Club looks forward to next year
File photos by Tom Rivers: With no fireworks in Lyndonville today, we pulled out our file photos of past shows, including this one from July 4, 2018.
LYNDONVILLE – There are no fireworks in Lyndonville tonight. The community in recent years has hosted one of the biggest Fourth of July fireworks shows in Western New York, about 40 minutes of big booms and bright lights.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on crowd sizes prompted the Lyndonville Lions Club to cancel a festival that includes a parade, arts and crafts vendors, chicken barbecue, tractor pull and fireworks show.
This would have been the 46th annual event by the Lions Club.
The fireworks show usually begins with a lighted up American flag and many colorful fireworks. This photo is from July 4, 2016.
Wes Bradley has been the fireworks chairman since 2006. He normally checks in on the crew from Young Explosives during the day, and brings them a chicken barbecue and beverages.
During there fireworks show, there are many hundreds of people on the school lawns, sitting on blankets and lawn chairs.
“There really isn’t a way to socially distance this,” he said.
People pull up on side roads to watch the fireworks. The line up by the bridge and at the Veterans Park.
“It is certainly is a very different year,” Bradley said today. “We’re disappointed we can’t do what we always have done for the village and town.”
Bradley spent part of the morning trimming a trim at his yard. He is grilling chicken this afternoon and he and his wife will have a friend over later for dinner. Bradley plans to watch the fireworks on TV.
He is looking forward to next year, when he hopes a big crowd can again descend upon Lyndonville for the parade and fireworks.
“We’ll come back bigger and better,” he said. “My plan for next year is to have the largest fireworks show we’ve ever had. I expect next year we’ll have a super crowd.”
The fireworks are reflected in Johnson Creek in this photo taken from Veterans Park on July 4, 2014.
The Lyndonville Lions Club posted this message on its Facebook page: “Our club would like to wish everyone a very happy, safe, and healthy 4th of July. We may not be together this year, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Words can not express how much we will miss celebrating with you. We love you Lyndonville!! Blessings to you all.”
Shaun Kelly of Kent and other family members release five Chinese lanterns on July 4, 2017. The family does it in memory of Shaun’s nephew, Trenton Nelson, who died at age 16 on June 2, 2015 after being fatally stabbed in Rochester.
Lyndonville has been the place to be in Orleans County for the Fourth of July for decades.
This fireworks watcher takes in the sights and sounds of the show from a lawn chair on July 4, 2013.
These fireworks are shown through a row of trees next to the school’s soccer field in this photo from July 4, 2015.
Last year’s fireworks show ended with a spectacle of sound and light in the sky.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2020 at 11:10 am
Omar Peterson, Damian Wilson care for their moms and give them lots of emotional support
Photo by Tom Rivers: Omar Peterson and his mother Angela English are pictured last week at their home in Albion. English is fighting stage 4 cervical cancer.
Provided photo: Damian Wilson celebrates his graduation with his parents, Chad and Lisa.
ALBION – Omar Peterson and Damian Wilson, members of Albion’s Class of 2020, say their senior year has been emotional and gut-wrenching.
But not because of the Covid-19 pandemic that has kept students out of local schools since March 13.
Omar and Damian both have mothers in serious health battles. Damian’s mom, Lisa Wilson, suffered a series of strokes. Angela English, Omar’s mom, has stage 4 cervical cancer.
Omar and Damian have both needed to do more around the house to help their families. They have cared for their mothers, maintained jobs and kept up with their school work.
Both are headed to college this fall. Damian will stay home and go to Genesee Community College. Omar will be off to Morrisville State College.
A son’s encouragement
Angela English, 36, was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 27. She started chemotherapy in January and will finish in August.
Omar, 17, said school has often been a struggle. He wanted to give up this year, especially in the winter when his mother started chemo. But he knew that would just add to her stress.
“I told myself that I had to get through and finish,” he said.
He graduated in a personalized ceremony with his family at the school last month. Albion did individual ceremonies for all 135 members of the class.
Angela is thankful the school did it that way. She wouldn’t have wanted to be in the high school gym with 2,000 other people for graduation, like the school normally does. She worries about her compromised immune system right now. (The state set a 150-person maximum for outdoor graduation ceremonies. Social gatherings inside were limited to 25 people.)
The Covid-19 pandemic has kept Omar and his sister Olivia, 11, home from school since March 13. Olivia has been cooking many of the meals for the family. Omar said his little sister has amazed me with the meals. She recently made shrimp teriyaki that Omar raves about.
Omar and Olivia keep a close eye on their mother, making sure she takes her medications and they give her a steady stream of encouragement.
“You have to keep a positive attitude,” Omar said. “We have to push each other.”
Provided photo: Angela English celebrates with her son Omar after his personalized graduation ceremony. Angela considered wearing a wig or a fancy hat for the ceremony, but Omar told her not to. “Wear your bald head because you’re beautiful,” he told his mother.
Omar said he tries to keep his mother upbeat. When her hair started to fall out and she shaved her head in February, Omar also went bald, getting rid of his beloved dreadlocks.
Angela wept when her son cut off all of his hair.
“That was a sign that we would be going through this journey together,” she said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Omar Peterson played goalie and was a captain on the varsity soccer team.
Omar tells his mother she’s beautiful. He tells her she will get better, and there are only a few more chemo treatments to go. (During her chemo, Omar will often Facetime his mother with a positive message: “You’re almost done. You’re getting better.”)
He has come by his mother’s bedside to pray with her.
Angela has watched a transformation of her son in the past six months.
“When he came by my bedside and prayed, that’s when I realized I have a growing son,” Angela said.
Angela’s parents, Eddie and Rose English, are the leaders of The Lord’s House church in Waterport. Angela is the praise and worship leader at the church. She also works as the staffing and payroll coordinator at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.
“I couldn’t ask for a better support system with the community reaching out,” Angela said. “Their prayers are working.”
Omar was the goalie on the soccer team, a vocal leader with no fear on the field. He also has been on the swimming and track teams, and been involved with school musicals, the marching band and select choirs.
He currently works at Kirby Farms. He called them up asking for a job in March. He previously worked as a dishwasher for Tillman’s Village Inn. Working on a farm has been a great experience, Omar said.
It’s hard work, and it’s technical with operating a tractor and caring for the fruit trees and crops.
“I like being outside and it’s made me appreciate being on this beautiful planet,” Omar said. “But farming is way more work than you think.”
He plans to major in mechanical technology at Morrisville. He wants to run his own business and be a mentor to others when he’s older.
His mother’s illness has forced him to grow up faster.
“I definitely appreciate life more,” he said. “It’s made me open my eyes. I try to be positive and talk about the things in my future.”
Omar also wanted to thank the community for adopting members of the senior class, giving them presents and gifts during the pandemic. He received some of his favorite snacks, gift cards, cookies and a jersey from his favorite soccer team, Manchester City. One of gifts was a graphing calculator that he will need in college.
“Those gifts make me want to come back and give back to the community,” he said.
Mother’s work ethic in recovery inspires son
Chad Wilson adjusts his son Damian’s graduation cap during a ceremony at their home last month. Lisa Wilson was part of the graduation for her son.
Damian Wilson, 18, also has had more on his mind this senior year than his school work and the pandemic.
His mother suffered a serious stroke on Nov. 6. She was in the ICU for a month after that and remained hospitalized and then at a rehab center until June 3.
Because of restrictions on visitors at healthcare facilities, Damian wasn’t able to see his mother in person for nearly three months.
The two would video chat three or four times a day.
Lisa has made progress since her initial stroke. She has physical, occupational and speech therapy as she works to recover and retrain her brain and body.
Lisa, 44, has worked in banking for more than two decades years. She was at ESL in Rochester after working about 20 years in Albion at the site that has been Dime Bank, Washington Mutual, Chase and CRFS.
She was organized and a take-charge leader in the family.
Her husband Chad said Damian and his younger brother Drake have stepped up since their mother was strickened by a series of strokes. Damian makes breakfast for the family and Drake makes lunch. Drake just finished eighth grade.
Chad, who is an IT specialist, makes dinner. He has been able to work from home, turning the basement into his work space.
They all pitch in with Lisa’s care.
Damian said his mother’s courage inspires him. She pushes herself in her therapies. Her right side is the most effected by the strokes.
“She is strong-willed and stubborn,” Chad said about Lisa.
Those characteristics are helping her now, during what can be exhausting physical and speech therapy sessions.
Doctors initially weren’t optimistic she would recover. Lisa didn’t wake up from a coma for 4 ½ weeks.
Her husband brought their puppy, Nico, to the hospital. Nico is white boxer. He gave Lisa a kiss and she moved her head for the first time since her stroke.
Chad put her left hand on the dog and she started petting Nico.
The family brought their two other boxers, Rocky and Kenna, to the hospital in the weeks that followed and Lisa responded to the dogs. Chad would bring one of the three dogs to the hospital and the dog would lay in bed with Lisa.
This photo from Sept. 22, 2018 shows Lisa Wilson, left, with her son Damian. They are joined by Myleigh Miller. They volunteered at the front table of a benefit for kindergarten teacher Angie Wolfe, who was battling cancer. The spaghetti dinner benefit and basket raffle for Wolfe was at the Albion Elks Lodge. Lisa Wilson and Angie Wolfe have been friends since they were kids.
Damian, an honor roll student, has worked the past two years at Walgreens. He pursued the job on his own when he was 16.
Damian said he initially wanted some extra money when he started the position. He enjoys his co-workers at the store.
He excelled in the graphic design program at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES, and was selected for the prestigious National Technical Honor Society.
He said he missed seeing his teachers and classmates every day in person during the pandemic.
“I just like talking to them,” he said.
He will get a degree in general studies from GCC and then transfer to a four-year college.
The Wilsons appreciated the school district coming to their home for Damian’s graduation ceremony. It would have been much harder to get to the school due to Lisa’s current mobility issues. She is working hard to regain her balance and ability to walk.
Lisa said the school coming to their home to present the diploma to Damian, “was very inspirational.”
Damian Wilson accepts his diploma from Albion school officials who came to his home last month. He is pictured with, from left: Kathy Winans, the class advisor; Michael Bonnewell, district superintendent; Kathy Harling, Board of Education president; and Jennifer Ashbery, high school principal.
The above photograph of an unidentified boy, most likely taken in Gaines, comes from a small photo album that belonged to Virginia Lattin Morrison.
The second image is a photo of Virginia found in that same album. She was a longtime resident of Gaines.
Coincidentally, Virginia was born on July 4, 1906. In 1919, she turned 13. To celebrate her birthday that year, Virginia could have gone to the recently opened ice cream parlor above Mr. Spaulding’s grocery in the rebuilt White’s Hall.
White’s Hall, located on the southwest corner of 104 and 279, was a social hub. Prior to a devastating fire in 1910, it housed a grocery store, post office, grange hall and was the headquarters for town meetings, among other social activities.
She would have been too young to attend the box party that evening with the Swarts Orchestra at the Grange Hall, which had moved across the street in 1915 to what used to be Thurber’s Hotel. Admission to attend the party was $1.00, plus 10 cents war tax.
A box party was essentially a dating game. Women would make a meal for two and put it in a cardboard box they had decorated. Then men would bid on boxes, not knowing what was inside or who the creator was with whom they would share the meal.
Dances and social events like this were common fund raisers for the Grange.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2020 at 8:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Some candy apples are lined up in a food booth at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. They were prepared by Scott Kolassa of Churchville, who runs a taffy, candy apple, cotton candy and fudge booth, as well as a lemonade stand.
The fairgrounds is hosting a fair food fest today, Saturday and Sunday. There are eight vendors for the food fest.
The event was popular today, with 200 people in the first hour, despite temperatures in the mid-80s.
Karen Spierdowis and her son Cole of Albion were among the customers. Spierdowis said she missed taffy from the fair. She also wanted to show support for the vendors who are an important part of the fair experience.
Scott Kolassa has lots of classic fair foods ready in his booth.
The event went from 4 to 8 p.m. today and will return from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Kolassa’s late father Sy started the family business about 65 years ago. Kolassa and the other fair food venders have seen nearly all of the fairs and festivals be cancelled this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County agreed to host the three-day event, with social distancing in place and people wearing masks.
Robert Batt, the Extension director, said the fair has long relationships with many of the vendors and wanted to help them during a tough time when so many of their events had been cancelled.
The week-long Orleans County 4-H Fair is among the popular events that is cancelled this year. Batt knows people are missing the festivals and fairs. He thought the food fest would give people a taste of the fair, and also help the vendors.
People are given takeout containers and need to return to their vehicles after getting served. (They are to enter and exit from the west side of the fairgrounds on Taylor Hill Road.)
Jennifer Pontillo, owner of Divine Swine, is serving pulled pork, brisket, fries, and a smoked chicken dinner with watermelon salad and corn bread.
The Elba resident also owns an Italian restaurant in Geneseo. She appreciated the chance to return to the fairgrounds, even on three hot days.
“These are very uncertain times if you’re in the restaurant and food business,” Pontillo said. “I’ll take the opportunity to make money.”
Jack Kolassa, owner of The Big Cheese, prepares a grilled cheese sandwich. Jack is a third generation fair food vendor. His father is Scott and his grandfather is Sy. Jack is assisted in the booth today by Connor Starr at right.
The Big Cheese also sells Buffalo chicken grilled cheese, corn dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers.
Jack said the fair and festival season has been busy time for his family for more than a half century – until this year.
“This is something I never could have imagined,” he said about so many cancelled events. “But we’re a resilient bunch.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2020 at 2:15 pm
Orleans Hub readers share wisdom with Class of 2020
Photos by Tom Rivers: The 51 members in Kendall’s Class of 2020 walk towards the firemen’s grounds for commencement on June 26. Graduation was held outside with families and friends watching from their vehicles.
There are 422 graduates in the Class of 2020 from the five public school districts in Orleans County.
Last week Orleans Hub asked readers if they had any advice for graduates. We posed the question on our Facebook page. We received more than 100 comments from the community.
Here are some of the words of wisdom shared by Orleans Hub readers:
Jocelyn Cutler smiles with her diploma during one of three graduation ceremonies celebrated at Vets Park in Medina on June 26. With attendance capped by the state at 150, Medina split the class of 110 into three groups.
Brody Hoffmeister: “I’d say to the class of 2020 that this unprecedented time represents how life truly is.. a rollercoaster outside of school. Just when you think everything is going as planned and your goals are within reach sometimes you are thrown a totally different direction and it’s sometimes completely 100 percent out of your control. Character is built through adversity, not when everything is great. As a business owner in Medina, my advice to you is to find an occupation that you LOVE getting up everyday and doing and strive to become the best at it. Stay humble in your beginnings, treat others with respect and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day! Congratulations to the Class of 2020!”
Rick Majeski: “It’s been a difficult year. Obstacles have been thrown at you. Don’t let them distract you from your goals. This is a temporary obstruction to your success of making the world a better place
“Stay focused on the goal you’ve set, and then go get it. Don’t let this little distraction stop you from becoming a great influence in the world we live in.”
Jennifer Martin: “You were created for such a time as this. Stay focused on what is important. Make decisions carefully. Be kind. Use your time wisely. Live with honor, love, and respect.”
Chelsey Vick: “Slow down and really take in the small moments. Never give up on what you want and most of all don’t forget to live!”
Amanda LeClair: “Don’t let this year of disappointments change your outlook on life. Always look for the silver lining. Life is hard and unfair but how you handle it makes a difference!”
Riley Seielstad: “Meet as many people from as many different backgrounds as you can. Listen to them about their past and teach them about yours. Love everyone, especially when it is hard to do so. Learn all viewpoints of every subject and don’t be afraid to change your opinion when you are presented with new information! Work hard, but take risks and go on adventures because those are the moments you remember most.”
Mark Thomas, a Holley middle and high school English teacher, helps organize this group of graduates during the June 27 commencement. There were 81 students in Holley’s Class of 2020. The district held graduation with a drive-in ceremony in the high school parking lot.
Cary Swanger Yaeger: “Find your passion and go for it. If you do what you love, it won’t seem like work!! Be prepared to work hard but don’t knock others down to get there. You’ll find out who your real friends are when the setbacks happen. Cling tight to them, they’re the ones who’ll help you do great! Congratulations Class of 2020!!”
Wendy Birkett-Riegel: “Be kind, remember who you are and where you came from. Don’t let anyone tell you taht you can’t do it. And the best piece of advice I was ever given, never talk politics, religion or money with your friends, because those three subjects no one can ever agree on!!! Congratulations!!!!”
Sharon Lampo: “Always have a backup plan, and backup skills. Be kind, be respectful and listen to your elders. We didn’t get here without advice from ours.”
Rose Allard: “Be true to yourself. It’s great to experiment and explore, but don’t lose track of your values and who you are inside. Don’t be easily influenced or try to be something in order to please others know yourself and always know your limits. Always remember your family and your roots.”
Kit Trapasso: “Live life to the fullest. Look and explore options. Be kind to yourself and others. Speak your mind but be willing to listen others as well. Be heard but respect other views as well. Work hard and be proud of your accomplishments but please don’t boastful. Praise others. Lastly, find love and hold on to those who you love and who love you.”
Provided photo: Skyler Munn of Lyndonville had a decorative vehicle for Lyndonville’s graduate parade last Friday. He was one of 45 members of Lyndonville’s Class of 2020.
Wesley R. Pickreign: “Your destinies are not predetermined. Your lives, whether you are successful, happy, and healthy will be determined by the choices you make each and every day. The right choice are often not the easy choices. If you consistently make the right choices you will have a happy, successful, and healthy life.”
Lori Laine: “Be kind to yourself and others, stay focused on where you are heading, smile even when it takes a little effort, work hard, play outside whenever you can, love your fellow man. Don’t ever forget where you came from, you may need to go back there someday.”
Erin Smith Casillo: “You don’t plan for a crisis but you can prepare for one. Always have a savings to tap into if needed. Learn how to cook for yourself. Be humble enough to ask for help, be grateful and say thank you. And keep a roll of TP on hand because you never know when s*** may hit the fan!
“There are two types of people in this world. Those that are prepared for whatever life throws at them. And those that wish they were. Be the first type.”
Laura Monacelli-Harvey: “Set your goals and obtain a career that you love, always stay true to your heart, respect your fellow man, be kind…always! Remember your family and adults who stood by you through your years who loved and encouraged you. Blessings to all of you.”
Pam Spink: “Think for yourself! If things don’t seem right, ask and find out why! Be your own leader, but remember to be kind! Set goals and know they can be adjusted if need be. Life throws us a few curve balls, but you have got this!”
Thomas Hollenbeck: “Keep striving for your goals. You’ve proved that even the uncertainty cannot stop you. Keep your faith alive and do your best at everything you do. Enjoy the moments and cherish your memories.”
Aurora Burr: “Be safe, stay healthy, have fun, and retain your humanity!”
Benjamin Wahl: “Don’t go into debt buying nice things. The people you are trying to impress won’t be in your lives when your still paying it off. Live within your means. Listen to your parents advice, sounds cliche but I wish I had. Have fun, these are the best years of your lives.”
Carly-Grace Woodworth: “Cherish all moments with any and all loved ones. The best thing you can do is realize the amazing beauty and love around at the exact time it is happening. It won’t be as easy to remember in the future and it’s a glorious feeling.”
Amy Jenks: “When life gets hard remember it’s temporary. It will pass even when it seems like it won’t. I promise you it will.”
Elizabeth Ann Furmanski: “Don’t take 8 a.m. college classes if you can avoid it. No matter how much of a morning person you think you are, because you’ll soon realize it’s not the same as waking up for high school.”
Randy LeBaron: “Don’t treat others how they treat you but rather how you would want to be treated. You can’t always control your circumstances (what happens to you) but you can always control your attitude (how you choose to respond). When in doubt—be kind.”
Janet Holliday Williams: “You were born when the world was mourning 9-11 and now you’re graduating during an unprecedented time in our lives. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! Be kind, love hard, be an ally.”
Photo courtesy of Sue Starkweather Miller: Albion has five sets of twins in the Class of 2020. They include, bottom to top: Brilliance and Breanda Johnson, Paige and Kendall Derisley, Patrick and Laiken Ricker, Kyle and Abbie Pappalardo, and Colby and Masey Ferchen. They are among 135 graduates at Albion.
Sara Marie Mathes: “Never have regrets because everything happens for a reason – take it as a lesson learned and grow from it. Travel, build new relationships, love fearlessly, dream BIG, work hard and forgive!”
Alaina Boyce: “Get out of your hometown for a while. The world has so much to offer and there’s so many opportunities for you.”
Theresa Tracy Brien: “Keep reaching. Stay better, not bitter. Always be thankful. Stay true to yourself. Listen to your intuition – It’s usually correct. Always make adventures! That’s what keeps you young.”
Robin Wehling: “Remember your roots. You have endured & conquered so much in your life. Take your inner core to make more changes in this world but always remember your family, friends, & community was always there for you.”
Ivy Blair: “Congratulations to all of you. What is happening now is just one of life’s tests. You will face many more challenges throughout life, let how you handle this represent the rest of life’s challenges. You will be all the better for it.”
Amy Suzanne: “Don’t make fun of the town where you came from too much. It helped make who you are. They try to build small towns like this in the South and out West that don’t come close with history & charm. Go away & see the world. And maybe come back to your hometown & shine it up & make the region better somehow.”
Katie Elizabeth: “When it is safe to travel again DO IT and go far away from your hometown, start investing your money early, do not go into debt with fancy things, use your ability to VOTE and create a better future, THERE ARE ZERO limits to what you put your mind to. If you are smart, have a strong work ethic and kind you can get yourself into and out of any circumstance. Money comes and goes. Wear sunscreen and wear a seatbelt. Last one….. PEOPLE REMEMBER HOW YOU Make them FEEL. Congrats class of 2020”
Cherrie Monnier: “Question everything. Read the opposition’s view. Challenge yourself. The world is not what your parents tell you. It’s not what social media tells you. It’s not what the mainstream media tells you. The world reacts to you and you react to it. Learning about others helps cultivate a better understanding of yourself which in turn will lead to better, more fulfilling interactions. Through this mindset, you can find your way.”
Holli Nenni: “If you finished your senior year deprived of typically senior activities, you are prepared for whatever curveballs life throws at you later!”
Pamela Hodom: “Be the very best you can be and don’t ever let go of your dream. Treat others with respect and make the time and effort to give back to others less fortunate. Remember your roots, as they will hold you up in a storm.”
Deb Arlington: “Be smart and think about your actions especially wearing a mask and social distancing! Focus on a goal!”
Joel David: “You only live once. Life is not a dress rehearsal. There are two things in life that can not be taken from you: Education and Experience. Get as much of each as you can! Play hard and work harder! NOBODY OWES YOU ANYTHING!”
Louise Cotter Mana: “Be kind always, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2020 at 10:49 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – Dick Remley holds up a plaque and pin which he received on Thursday in appreciation for his leadership as Albion Rotary Club president in 2019-2020.
Remley, the Albion town supervisor, acknowledged it was a very unusual year for the club, which has been meeting since mid-March through the Zoom video conference.
Thursday was the first time the club had an in-person meeting in more than three months.
Marlee Diehl, in red shirt, is the club’s new president. Thursday’s meeting was held at her home overlooking the Oak Orchard River. (Her husband Bill Diehl has twice served as Albion Rotary Club president.)
The club typically meets Thursday’s for lunch at Tillman’s Village Inn. The club is hoping to return to regular in-person meetings soon.
Most of the club’s fundraisers and events have been cancelled in 2020. The club looks forward to 2021 and a return of the St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner, Strawberry Festival and a fishing derby. The club will celebrate its 100thanniversary in 2022.
Diehl, a retired recruiter and past district governor for Rotary, is sworn in as new club president by Frank Adamson. He administered the oath by phone. Adamson is a Canadian and couldn’t be with the Albion Rotarians in person due to the Peace Bridge and other U.S.-Canada crossings closed to nonessential travel.
Frank Adamson administers the oath of office to Albion Rotary Club board members. Adamson leads a district that includes about 70 Rotary clubs in Western New York and Ontario, Canada. He is a member of the Rotary Club in Fonthill, Ontario.
