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Calvary Tabernacle opens new church building on Maple Ridge this Sunday

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 October 2021 at 8:43 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pastor Vincent Iorio stands beside the sign which will stand in front of his new church on Maple Ridge Road, until the rest of the money can be raised for a digital sign. The building is also home to a Spanish-speaking church.

MEDINA – Sunday will mark the end of a long journey for Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, when their new building on Maple Ridge Road finally welcomes members for its first service.

“It’s been five years in the making,” said Pastor Vincent Iorio. “Like everybody else, Covid set us back a year. Prices of building materials skyrocketed, but fortunately, the main part of the structure was up.”

Iorio, a Medina native, has been pastor of the church for 16 1/2 years. A graduate of Berean University of the Assembly of God in Missouri, Iorio received a secular degree and pastored at a church in the Adirondacks for 12 years. Assembly of God was his first full-time church. The church was started in Shelby Center as the Baptist Church, and was part-time associate pastor.

This sign in front of the new Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God on Maple Ridge Road will soon be replaced by a new digital one. Five years in the making, the new church will welcome members for its first service on Sunday.

Calvary had been meeting at the old Medina High School on Catherine Street, until local entrepreneur Roger Hungerford purchased the building with the purpose of renovating it into upscale loft apartments.

“That was our impetus to build a new church,” Iorio said.

He said Hungerford had been wonderful to work with and gave them time to find a new home.

They had purchased 36 acres on Maple Ridge Road a few years before, with the ultimate goal to some day build a new church. When the decision was made to go ahead with their plans, the pastor said he formed a Fresh Start Committee, to aid in making decisions about the new building.

Pastor Vincent Iorio stands at the front of the sanctuary in his new church, where the altar will be.

“After all, this wasn’t about me,” said Iorio, who is 67 years old. “It’s about them.”

Committee members are all under 40. They carry on the pastor’s mission of looking to the future. They shared in decisions about the design of rooms, colors, etc.

A Spanish-speaking congregation, whose pastor is Jovannie Canalese, has met at the Assembly of God for many years, and will continue to have their services in the new church at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Iorio stressed they used all local contractors, with two exceptions. The structure cost just shy of $1 million, and since breaking ground in the summer of 2016, 70 percent of it has been raised.

The new church building has a garage, large room for the food pantry, a nursery, classrooms, offices, state-of-the-art sound and visual booth, coffee bar, large fellowship hall, modern kitchen, children’s church area and a 160-seat sanctuary.

In addition to modern public restrooms, the nursery and food pantry each have their own restroom. Donna Poore is food pantry manager and this week they began the monumental chore of moving goods from the old church. The food pantry will officially open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 26. Until then, all food pantry needs are being handled at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on West Avenue.

Iorio said during Covid they broadcast services over car radios in the parking lot. The services are still broadcast live on Facebook. Bible study, a children’s group and prayer meetings will resume on a regular basis.

On Oct. 26, the public will be invited to join the congregation in worship. A formal open house will be planned in the near future. Sunday mornings begin with coffee bar at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 10:30 a.m.

“This is the first church I’ve built and it’s the last,” Iorio said. “I lay awake at night stressing about it.”

Some outside work remains to be done around the front entrance of Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, which will open with a service for members on Sunday. It will open to the public on Oct. 26.

Dump truck overturns on Maple Ridge in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 October 2021 at 5:36 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf

MEDINA – A dump truck from Shelby Crushed Stone lays on its side in a yard on Maple Ridge Road, about one-half a mile west of Shelby Basin Road, after overturning about noon Friday. The driver was not hurt.

This dump truck which overturned on Maple Ridge Road Friday at about noon. New York State police who responded said the driver came over the hill and couldn’t stop for a vehicle in the road. The road was closed to traffic for about a half hour.

A new class completes small business training program in Orleans County

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of the spring Microenterprise graduation class posed at The Lockstone after sharing their business stories. Seated, from left, are Sarah Ebbs, Pretty Sweet Bakery; Amanda (with Adam Petrie in back), electrostatic sanitizing; Paul Hendel, chairman of the board of Orleans Economic Development Agency; Dorothy Daniels, instructor; Jon Costello, mentor; and Ken DeRoller, Orleans County legislator. In back, from left, are Nickie Poler Girardo, mixologist with Last Call Cocktail Company; Margie Steffen, Studio 11 Hair Salon; Jill Newman, Newhouse Breads Bakery; Andrea Walton, miniature golf, ice cream stand, children’s entertainment venue; Adam Poler; Ayesha Kreutz, Online horse tack sales; Tiffany Smith, 365 Fitness; Laura Kemler, Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired store; John Woodams and his wife Kim, hops farm; and Diane Blanchard, coordinator of the Microenterprise Assistance Program. Absent is graduate Kara Pitcher, who hopes to open a bakery.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 June 2021 at 12:32 pm

ALBION – This spring’s Microenterprise Assistance class graduated some of the most unique budding entrepreneurs since the program began.

The class of 13 brings the number of total graduates to 537, said MAP coordinator Diane Blanchard.

“It never ceases to amaze me the ideas they come up for new businesses,” Blanchard said.

Laura Kemler, who completed the Microenterprise Assistance Program for the second time, displays some of hand-crafted items she sells in her Albion store.

One success story is that of Michelle and Rick Gallo who took the class several years ago, and in their second year in business of used auto parts and towing, they surpassed the million dollar mark. Michelle has returned twice to talk to a graduating class about how the MAP helped them succeed.

Another speaker was Laura Kemler, who started Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired store on Main Street in Albion.

“We set our sights big,” Kemler said to the June graduating class. “We started in the bedroom of our house and have seen substantial growth year after year.”

Laura took the class this spring for the second time, hoping to absorb the information she didn’t get the first time, she said. Laura trained at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has 33 years of sewing experience. Among her crafts is twisting rope and then shaping it into purses, baskets, place mats and other gift items. Her husband Kevin is involved in the business, doing the financial reports and updating her packaging.

Other graduates and their businesses are Sarah Ebbs, Pretty Sweet Bakery; Ayesha Kreutz, online horse tack sales; Jill Newman, Newhouse Breads Bakery; Adam and Amanda Petrie, electrostatic sanitizing and powerwashing; Nickie Poler Girardo, traveling mixologist, doing business as Last Call Cocktail Company; Tiffany Smith, 365 Fitness; Andrea Walton, who hopes to repurpose her parents’ farm in Medina as an entertainment center; Marjorie Steffen, Studio 11 Hair Salon; John Woodams, hops farm; and Kara Pitcher, bakery.

Sarah Ebbs took the spring class, although she has run Pretty Sweet Bakery at 117 North Liberty Street with her mother since 2019.

“We are known for mom’s sweet rolls and my sugar cookies,” Ebbs said.

She hopes taking the class will help her in her quest to borrow $15,000 for new equipment.

“Business kicked off big last year, even with Covid,” Ebbs said. “We offer everything from personalized cakes for birthdays, showers and weddings and we do cookie trays for all occasions, including cutouts, cinnamon rolls and scones, and so much more.”

Ayesha Kreutz decided on a business selling horse tack because she loves horses.

“I grew up around horses and was on a horse before I could walk,” she said. “I put myself through college training horses and teaching people how to ride.”

She sells tack, saddles and bits new, used and on consignment.

Jill Newman’s Newhouse Breads Bakery caters to the vegan market, offering options for healthier foods. She sells her goods at the Medina Farmer’s Market and Lynoaken Farms.

Tiffany Smith shared her plans for a fitness business, called 365 Fitness.

Marjorie Steffen has operated Studio 11 Hair Salon at 11 East Bank St. for 22 years. She has been a hairdresser for 30 years and hopes the Microenterprise program can help her update her equipment. She runs an all-around salon for all ages, offering tanning, waxing and nails.

One other participant in the Microenterprise program was Kerri Glover, who took the course online. She and her husband Cole run Maison Albion, (formerly the Pillars), a wedding and events venue on County House Road, Albion.

Food for the Microenterprise class was provided by yet another graduate of the program, Rebecca Alexander, who runs Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza and food truck. She graduated from the June 2019 class.

Seated at the head table during the Microenterprise graduation are, from left, retired mentor Sam Campanella; MAP coordinator Diane Blanchard; and instructor Dorothy Daniels.

Lyndonville High will induct its first Athletic Hall of Fame class on Sunday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 May 2021 at 9:12 am

Contributed Photos – Lyndonville’s 2011 baseball team will be among the first inductees into the Tigers new Athletic Hall of Fame. Team members included, in front, Joey Sukackas, Josh Brabon, Tanner Helsdon, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Burgess and Cody Buckland. In the second row are Coach Shane Price, Andy Hydock, Corey Nicholson, Brooks Boyle, Jared Preedom, Ryan Lilley, Travis Hall, Jimmy White, Ken Urbanik and Coach Mark Hughes.

Sunday will be a special day as some of the school’s outstanding sports accomplishments over the past seven decades will be honored as Lyndonville High will induct its first class into the Tigers new Athletic Hall of Fame.

The initial class includes one team, the 2011 baseball squad;three coaches – Arnie Hartsen, Fred Large and John Hayes; seven former student/athletes – Ron Mapes (Class of 1955), Jill Eppolito (Class of 1979), Tim Riemer (Class of 1985), Chris Hayes (Class of 1989, Sam Recco (Class of 2012) and Tony Recco (Class of 2015) along with a Special Contributor Maria Quintern (Class of 1986).

The 2011 Baseball Team

The 2011 Tigers diamond squad made history by becoming the school’s first team to reach the state semifinals.

In route to reaching the Final Four, the Tigers defeated Notre Dame 7-4 for the Section V Class DD title, Webster Christian 10-4 for the Section V Class D berth to the state playoffs and Pine Valley 12-6 in the Far West Regional. The Tigers bid for a spot in the finals was ended via a narrow 7-4 loss to Livingston Manor in the state semifinals.

Five members of the Tigers squad – Josh Brabon, Brooks Boyle, Andy Hydock, Ryan Lilley and Joe Burgess – earned Genesee Region League All-Star honors and Coach Shane Price was honored as both G-R and Section V Coach of the Year.

Coaches Fred Large, left, Arnie Hartsen and John Hayes

Coach Arnie Hartsen

Hartsen served the school district as a Physical Education teacher, Coach and Athletic Director from 1941-43 and 1946-1976) as he served in the Navy from 1943-46.

He guided the Tigers baseball squad to 13 Genesee-Orleans League titles and four Section V championships (1951, 1953, 1955 and 1959) compiling a career record of 326-147-2.

In the sectional finals his Tiger teams shared the crown with Clyde in 1951 after a 2-2 tie, defeated Naples 2-1 in 1953, Cuba 3-0 in 1955 and Belmont 14-1 in 1959.

Coach Fred Large

Large organized the Lyndonville wrestling program in 1963 and guided the Tigers to 14 Genesee Region League titles and five Section V Class championships (1975, 1984, 1987, 1993 and 1994). His 1975 squad had five individual Section V champions.

His Tigers squads at one stretch had a 46 match winning streak and overall he had a career record of over 250 wins.

He was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame in 2005.

The gymnasium in which the Tigers wrestling teams now hold their matches is named in his honor.

Coach John Hayes

Hayes guided the Tigers baseball teams for 24 years (1979-2001) during which his teams compiled a record of 365-262 and won four Section V championships (1982, 1983, 1994 and 1996) and nine G-R titles (1982, ’83. ’83, ’88. ’89, ’95, ’96, 99 and 2000).

His 1982 team downed Cuba 2-0 to end Lyndonville’s 23 year long sectional title drought. The Tigers other three title wins were 10-0 over Pavilion in 1983, 2-0 over Hammondsport in 1994 and 1-0 over Fillmore in 1996.

The Tigers main gymnasium is named in honor of Hayes who also served as varsity basketball coach and Athletic Director.

Sam and Tony Recco

Sam and Tony Recco

The Recco brothers, Sam and Tony, made history when they both earned state wrestling titles on the same day in 2012.

Tony, then a freshman scored a narrow 1-0 win to capture the state 99 lb. title and then minutes later Sam, a senior, completed the brothers sweep with a 2-0 victory to capture the 120 lb. title.

Both five year varsity wrestlers for the Tigers, Sam compiled a career record of 188-34 and Tony a mark of 196-17.

Sam, who also placed sixth at the state championships in 2011, was a two-time Section V champ in 2011 and 2012.

Tony, who also placed third at the state championships in 2014 and sixth in 2015, was a three time Section V champion in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

They both went on to wrestle at Edinboro University.

Maria Quintern, left, and Jill Eppolito

Jill Eppolito

Eppolito likewise was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and track during the early years of the Lady Tigers sports program.

In soccer she scored a school record 35 goals in 1978 and went on to become a Gold Medalist at the 1978 Empire State Games.

In basketball she was a three-time G-R and two-time Section V All-Star. She holds the school records for most points in a game (45 vs. Notre Dame in 1979), most points in a season (411 during the 1977-78 season) and most career points 1,037). She also had a school record 28.8 career scoring average.

In track she won the Section V Class D title in the 100 Hurdles in 1979.

Maria Quintern

Maria has served as shot clock operator and scorekeeper for over 35 years. She has been a volunteer scorekeeper for soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball.

Lyndonville Athletic Director Jim Zeliff states that Maria “epitomizes the category of “Supporter” as she has attended almost every athletic event and volunteered her time for 30+ years. Her contributions are invaluable to the district athletic programs.”

Chris Hayes, left, Ron Mapes and Tim Riemer

Ron Mapes

Mapes was a multi sport athlete in football (1953-54), basketball (1952-53, 1953-54, 1954-55) and baseball (1952-1955).

He compiled a 30-3 career record on the mound for the Tigers including a Section V and state record 8 no hitters as well as 19 shutouts and 9 one hitters. He registered 441 strikeouts and offensively had a career batting average of .392.

He hurled the Tigers to three playoff wins in both the 1953 and 1955 Section V title campaigns.

He went on to play professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization.

Tim Riemer

Riemer also was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and baseball.

In soccer he scored a school record 39 goals his senior year and finished with a career total of 46.

In basketball he set a Tigers single game scoring record of 46 against Wyoming during the 1984-85 season. He scored 394 points that season and finished with a career total of 975.

In baseball he hit .462 his senior year with 12 RBIs and no strikeouts and .400 with 10 RBIs his junior year earning G-R All-Star honors both seasons as a catcher. He went on to play professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Chris Hayes

Chris Hayes was likewise was a three sport standout in soccer, basketball and baseball.

He was a two-time G-R Al-Star in both soccer and basketball.

On the basketball court he had then school record totals of 478 points in his senior year and 1.012 for his career.

On the baseball diamond he was a four time G-R All-Star who had three no hitters, seven career shutouts and 32 career victories. He went on to play baseball at the University of Connecticut.

Lyndonville selects the first class of inductees for the Tigers Athletic Hall of Fame

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 April 2021 at 3:54 pm

Eleven inductees have been selected to be the inaugural class for the Lyndonville High Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ten individuals and one team comprise the inaugural class which will be inducted in ceremonies on May 16 at the White Birch Golf Course.

The team is the Tigers 2011 baseball squad which captured the Genesee Region League Division II, Section V Class DD and Far West Regional championships and advanced to the state semifinals. The Tigers squad had five G-R All-Stars and Coach Shane Price was honored as G-R and Section V Coach of the Year.

The individual honorees include Coaches Arnie Hartsen, Fred Large and John Hayes along with athletes Jill Eppolito Barden (Class of 1979), Ron Mapes (Class of 1955), Tim Riemer (Class of 1985), Chris Hayes (Class of 1989), Sam Recco (Class of 2012), Tony Recco (Class of 2015), and Special Contributor Maria Quintern.

Hartsen served the school district as a Physical Education teacher, Coach and Athletic Director from 1941-43 and 1946-1976 as he served in the Navy from 1943-46. He guided the Tigers to baseball squad to 13 Genesee-Orleans League titles and four Section V championships (1951, 1953, 1955 and 1959).

Large organized the Lyndonville wrestling program in 1963 and guided the Tigers to 14 league titles and five Section V Class championships. His Tigers squads at one stretch had a 46 match winning streak and overall he had a career record of over 250 wins. He was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame in 2005.

John Hayes coached baseball at Lyndonville for 24 years and also served as Athletic Director and basketball coach. He guided the Tigers baseball squad to nine G-R League titles and four Section V championships (1982, 1983, 1994, 1996).

Mapes was a multi sport athlete in football (1953-54), basketball (1952-53, 1953-54, 1954-55) and baseball (1952-1955). He compiled a 30-3 career record on the mound for the Tigers including a Section V record 8 no hitters. He hurled the Tigers to Section V championships in both 1953 and 1955 and went on to play professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization.

Eppolito likewise was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and track during the early years of the Lady Tigers sports program. In soccer she scored a record 35 goals in 1978 and went on to become a Gold Medalist at the 1978 Empire State Games. In basketball she scored 411 points during the 1977-78 season and 1,037 for her career, which are both school records as is her 45 point game against Notre Dame in 1979. In track she won the Section V Class D title in the 100 Hurdles in 1979.

Riemer also was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and baseball. In soccer he scored 39 goals his senior year and finished with a career total of 46. In basketball he set a Tigers single game scoring record of 46 against Wyoming during the 1984-85 season. He scored 394 points that season and finished with a career total of 975. In baseball hit .462 his senior year and was a two-time G-R All-Star at catcher. He played professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Chris Hayes likewise was a three sport standout in soccer, basketball and baseball. He was a two-time G-R All-Star in both soccer and basketball. On the basketball court he scored then school record totals of 478 points in his senior year and 1,012 for his career. In baseball he was a four time G-R All-Star who had three no hitters, seven career shutouts and 32 career victories. He went on to play baseball at the University of Connecticut.

Sam and Tony Recco had the distinction of earning state wrestling titles on the same day in 2012. Both five year varsity wrestlers for the Tigers, Sam compiled a career record of 188-34 and Tony a mark of 196-17. Sam, who also placed sixth at the state championships in 2011, was a two-time Section V champ in 2011 and 2012. Tony, who also placed third at the state championships in 2014 and sixth in 2015, was a three time Section V champion in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Lyndonville Athletic Director Jim Zeliff states that Quintern “epitomizes the category of “Supporter” as she has attended almost every athletic event and volunteered her time for 30+ years. Her contributions are invaluable to the district athletic programs. She has given back to the district as a shot clock operator and score keeper for over 30 years volunteering for soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball.”

$200K grant would fund some startup costs, business expenses for MAP grads

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 March 2021 at 8:13 am

ALBION – A $200,000 grant for the Microenterprise Assistance Program would offer funding for graduates of the small business class run by the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

An article last week on the Orleans Hub said the $200,000 grant would be to extend the program another two years to 2023.

But the Orleans EDA isn’t seeking the grant for the costs of operating the MAP class. Instead, the grant would allow the EDA to make grants available to graduates of MAP, ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000, said Diane Blanchard, manager of MAP.

That funding would be available to graduates of the spring and fall classes this year and in 2022. The grants to the small business owners would be for working capital, advertising, marketing and needed equipment.

More than 500 people have graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program since it started in 1999. The 10-week program is offered in the spring and fall and gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.

The spring class that starts April 6 is already full. The class sessions are held at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion.

The Orleans County Legislature is applying for the grant on behalf of the Orleans Economic Development Agency from the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program.

5 injured in accident on Maple Ridge, with 1 taken by Mercy Flight

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2021 at 8:48 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Maple Ridge Road and Bates Road today at about 4:30 p.m. resulted in five people being sent to hospitals.

The driver of the car at right entered into the intersection, turning east from Bates Road onto Maple Ridge in front of the white Jeep, causing the collision, a Medina police officer said at the scene.

The driver of the car sustained serious injuries and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. Two passengers in the car were also taken by Medina Fire Department’s ambulance to Strong for their injuries.

There were two people in the Jeep and one was dazed and was being evaluated by COVA personnel. They were transported by COVA to Strong.

Shelby firefighters responded to the scene and assist Lyons Collision towing the vehicle from the road. A section of Maple Ridge was closed to traffic for about an hour.

Mercy Flight set down on Marcia Tuohey Way in the Medina Business Park off Bates Road.

Press Release from Medina Fire Department:

This evening at 4:37 p.m. Medina Fire, Ambulance and Police were dispatched to the intersection of Bates Road and Maple Ridge Road for the two-car motor vehicle collision with entrapment. As the engine and ambulance crews began their response to the collision, a request for our ladder truck mutual aid to Lyndonville for the possible house fire came in as well. (The ladder truck was later cancelled while enroute to Lyndonville and rerouted to the collision)

Engine 11 arrived on scene and found one vehicle with 2 occupants and their canine blocking the westbound lane of Maple Ridge Road. The second vehicle was found on the South side of the eastbound lane of Maple Ridge Road with heavy front and driver’s side damage. There were three occupants with this vehicle, one trapped in the front seat, one lying outside the vehicle in the roadway and the third seated in the back.

As crews began to triage and initiate extrication with the Hurst Jaws of Life, additional resources were needed. Two more ambulances from the Village of Medina along with an additional extrication tool and manpower from the Shelby Fire Company were requested. Two helicopters from Mercy Flight were also requested for the trapped driver and the passenger who was potentially ejected.

As further assessments of each patient were completed, it was determined the patient that was lying in the road was not ejected and the second helicopter was cancelled. The three patients from vehicle #2 were all transported to Strong, one by Mercy Flight and two by Medina Fire Department ambulances. The two patients in vehicle #1 were transported to Strong by COVA. Their canine appeared uninjured and was being taken care of by an officer with the Orleans County Animal Control.

We would like to thank all our partners mentioned above as well as Lyons Collision and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. A special shout out to the dispatchers at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for their great performance tonight handling two major events that were called in simultaneously.

Barker boys win Class D sectional X-C title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 November 2020 at 4:20 pm

Photos courtesy of Barker Coach Paul DeSarkissian: The Barker boys won the Class D sectionals today in Benus Point. The team includes Robert Mason, Dawson Donovan, Logan Harris, Mason Allee-Castro, Evan Taylor, Aidan Voss and Bradford Cantrell.

Carla Stoloski finished 11th overall in 23:02. She was the fifth girl to finish individually, not counting the Maple Grove runners, who won sectionals and had six of the top 10 runners. Stoloski would have qualified for the state meet if it wasn’t cancelled.

Barker claimed top honors at the Section VI Class D boys cross-country championship race this afternoon at Bemis Point.

Barker took first place with 69 points as Clymer/Sherman/Panama was second with 75 and Maple Grove third with 85.

The Raiders had their top five runners all finish in the top 21 as Robert Mason was 8th, Dawson Donovan 10th, Logan Harris 13th, Mason Allee-Castro 17th and Evan Taylor 21st.

“They really pulled it together,” said Coach Paul DeSarkissian whose Raiders captured the sectional title for the 10th time in the last 20 years.

The Barker girls finished third behind first place Maple Grove and second place Clymer/Sherman/Panama. Carla Stoloski placed 11th to lead the Lady Raiders.

In the boys Class C race Wilson finished sixth and Roy-Hart 8th. Roy-Hart was led by Jay Heideman in 18th, while Wilson’s top finisher was Justin Messing in 19th.

New class of entrepreneurs graduate from small business class in Orleans

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Clockwise from left front are Christine Fancher of Gaines, who plans to start a pet/care dog walking business; Debbie Kluth of Kendall, who wants to offer freelance paralegal services; and Tracy and Thom Jennings, who run Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagels.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 November 2020 at 11:44 am

Jeremiah James, left, plans to partner with former American Fast Track racing champion Brad Baker to start a cold brew coffee business. James and Baker have both broken their backs racing. Baker is paralyzed since his accident in July 2018.

GAINES – As of Tuesday night, the Microenterprise Assistance Program has graduated 545 potential new business owners.

Tuesday night’s graduation at the Village Inn saw seven more individuals move one step closer to fulfilling their ambitions.

Graduates in attendance at the closing celebration included Christine Fancher of Gaines who plans to open a pet care/dog walking business; Thom and Tracy Jennings of Albion who will open a bake-to-order bagel business called Papa Thom’s Rockin Bagels; Debbie Kluth of Kendall, a paralegal who wants to offer her services as a freelance paralegal; Megan Davenport of Medina, who hopes to open a retail pet supply business in Medina; and Jeremiah James, who plans to partner with Brad Baker of Michigan to operate Blue Groove Coffee Cart/Blue Groove Cold Brew coffee trucks.

James and Baker formerly raced motorcycles and both have suffered broken backs. Baker was the American Fast Track national grand champion until he broke his back in July 2018 and is paralyzed. He attended Tuesday’s graduation with James.

Baker said where he lives in Michigan, there are drive-thru cold brew coffee stands on every corner. James is working with a coffee plantation in Papua, New Guinea to provide the best produce available. His business will offer multiple flavors of cold cappuccino, all made in-house. He eventually expects to bring in $800 to $1,000 a day in his first year. By year three, he told fellow graduates he plans by year three to have coffee trucks in Rochester and Syracuse.

“The cold brew market is on the rise,” James told the class. “In 2020 sales are expected to hit a record. Thirty percent of the coffee drank in the United States is cold brewed.”

James formerly worked in a motorcycle shop and raced until three years ago, when he broke his back.

He said then he knew he had to change.

James and Baker met on Instagram and just met in person when Baker came to Albion on Monday.

James credits the Microenterprise program and his mentor Jon Costello for helping him get started.

Diane Blanchard gets ready to cut the cake celebrating the graduation of seven people Tuesday at the Village Inn.

Chris Fancher has been volunteer coordinator and social worker at Hospice of Orleans, where she also is administrator of their Pet Peace of Mind Program. She decided to pursue her own pet care/dog walking business, called Fancher’s Fur Babies, after reading about the Microenterprise Assistance Program on the Hub.

She loves animals and loves walking, and thought the Microenterprise Assistance Program offered a wonderful opportunity. She will care for pets in her clients’ homes or her own. She would like to be able to care for five pets a week and offer boarding. Her five-year goal is to grow the business to where it is her sole source of income.

Thom and Tracy Jennings came up with the idea of a bagel business during the pandemic shutdown. Tracy works in finance at the Iroquois Job Corps. She has a background in banking and baking. Thom was formerly a restaurant manager has always liked to make bread, so he suggested he try making bagels.

There is no shop that specializes in bagels in Orleans County, and currently bagels are only available at Tim Hortons, Dunkin Donuts and grocery stores. In May the Jennings started making bagels in their kitchen. In July they moved to the commercial kitchen at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Thom loves music and incorporates a musical component in every bagel.

“Each bagel we make will have the name of a song we play,” he said.

Seated at the head table at the Microenterprise Class graduation Tuesday at the Village Inn are, from left, program director Diane Blanchard, mentor Dorothy Daniels, county legislator and EDA board member Ken DeRoller and Jon Costello, mentor with SCORE.

The Jennings are upgrading a commercial mixer at the fairgrounds with a small loan from a family friend who wants to support them.

They will gradually add other complimentary items to their menu. They bake on Friday nights and deliver on Saturdays.

They credit their mentor Dorothy Daniels for helping them get established.

Debbie Kluth of Kendall took the Microenterprise Assistance Class to help further her ambition of becoming a freelance paralegal. She plans to provide notary public services, estate planning and real estate transactions.

“With 38 years of experience in various areas of law, and with knowledge gained from MAP, I feel very qualified in my field,” Kluth told the class.

Megan Davenport

Megan Davenport of Medina explained the reasons she wants to open a retail pet store in Medina.

“The pet industry was a $76 billion industry, even during the pandemic,” she said.

She hopes to open a brick and mortar store in Medina and be debt-free in three years. She said, according to the Humane Society, the majority of homes have at least one pet. While mass marketing stores and big box stores offer lower prices, they also offer lower quality. Other stores, she said, like tractor supply stores, offer less choice selection.

Davenport, who currently works at Takeform, has 25 years managerial experience and 15 years in sales. She boasts strong customer relations skills. She doesn’t plan to give up her full time job.

Two other Microenterprise graduates were unable to attend Tuesday’s ceremony. They are Jenna Chevier of Albion, whose business is Event Planner, dba Eventageous Media & Marketing; and Dawn Manchester of Middleport, who took over the family business, Travel Trailer Center.

Michelle Gallo

Tuesday’s graduation class also welcomed two guest speakers, both graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Class.

Two successful individuals to take the class are Rich and Michelle Gallo, who graduated almost two years ago. The Gallos took the class for guidance and low-interest financing to purchase a tow truck business. Soon after going into business, they had the opportunity to purchase a junkyard in Brockport. Nearing two years in business, the couple just completed the year with $1 million in gross sales.

“Our next goal is to hit $5 million next year,” Michelle said.

They aren’t content to stop there, and have just purchased a bar and grill in Hamlin.

Her advice to the students is, “Be determined, be driven. You always have to have that entrepreneurial spirit. Push for that next level. And don’t hesitate to reach out to Diane if you need help.”

Natasha Wasuck

The other guest speaker, Natasha Wasuck of Spencerport, took the class last year.

“I had a vision,” she said.

Wasuck and her husband John Hernandez had already bought a building on North Main Street and were renovating it when they decided to take the Microenterprise class.

“The class was great and Jon worked with us,” Wasuck said about Costello. “His advice was make sure we do our due diligence. ‘Make sure there is a need for your business,’ he said.”

Tinsel, their ice cream shop, opened in June 2019. The other part of their business, a wedding/event venue, suffered from the pandemic, but Wasuck said the weddings which were canceled have all rescheduled for next year.

Her advice to graduates was to “Be sure it’s something you are passionate about. When you choose to be an entrepreneur, you are choosing to work for yourself. I believe if one business is successful, it will rub off on others in the area. Most important, don’t give up.”

The evening concluded with cake and awarding of certificates to the graduates.

The Microenterprise Assistance Program traditionally has two classes per year.

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Medina teachers continue Maple Ridge cleanup effort

Posted 30 October 2020 at 1:10 pm

Provided photo and article from Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Teacher Association members spent a fall day cleaning up Maple Ridge Road. The teachers have been doing this for 20 years and adopted the stretch of highway which they clean in the spring and fall every year.

The 23 participants who took part this year stayed socially distanced as they cleaned up the roadside.

Todd Bensley, a high school social studies teacher, said it is a great opportunity for them to give back to the community.

“It’s a way to support the MTA’s efforts in the community and give myself and my colleagues a chance to see each other outside of the school day and connect with teachers in other buildings at our district,” Bensley said. “We even found a $20 bill!”

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Truck trailer bursts into flames at Maple Ridge, Rt. 63 intersection in Medina

Staff Reports Posted 22 September 2020 at 1:34 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman

MEDINA – Firefighters from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company respond to fire with a truck trailer just after noon today at the intersection of Maple Ridge Road and Route 63, across from the entrance of the Dunkin Donuts.

The back of trailer on the truck was smoking and then burst into flames. The truck was hauling a lift and panels.

To see a video of the scene, click here.

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Maison Albion owners offering businesses free classes on marketing, online presence

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2020 at 11:41 am

ALBION – The couple turning the former Pillars property on West County House Road into a wedding and events center is offering a series of free classes on marketing and building a business profile online.

Kerri and Cole Glover, owners of Maison Albion, are offering the classes from Sept. 7 through Nov. 2 at 13800 West County House Rd. The class sizes are capped at 25 people and social distancing will be adhered to for the 1 1/2 hour sessions.

Mrs. Glover, a native of Maui in Hawaii, has worked 22 years in the wedding industry and has been a key leader in developing 13 other wedding venues in Hawaii, Colorado, California, Texas and Montana. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing.

Mr. Glover, a seventh-generation Texan, has a sales background, as well as 15 years in event management. He and his wife met in Denver. They were engaged in Paris and married in Venice. He has a degree in mass communication.

“We would like to offer them because our investment in this community is not just about the purchase and restoration of Maison Albion, but also in the people, businesses and community here,” Mrs. Glover said about the classes.

The class schedule includes:

Sept. 7th – Beginning Website Design – Walk out of this class with a basic website design for your business.
Sept. 22nd – Google My Business Listings and Online Review Management – Ensure your business is searchable in GoogleMaps, up to date, and learn how to respond and solicit online reviews.
Oct. 7th – Social Media Creation and Development – Learn to create your Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest accounts and design social media content.
Oct. 22nd – Public Relations and Event Marketing – Learn how to get free exposure for your business and create events that draw attention to your company.
Nov. 2nd – Google AdWords and Beginning Search Engine Optimization – Leave this class with the knowledge to advertise with paid Google Ads and learn how to make your website searchable on the internet.

The classes begin at 5 p.m. and attendees are urged to bring a laptop or Maison Albion will have some to share. Please RSVP to bonjour@maisonalbion.com.

“When we open this venue, we want to ensure that as much revenue as possible is directed into the community,” Mrs. Glover said. “That means businesses that are searchable and recognizable online for a couple planning their wedding from Rochester and Buffalo as well. If we improve our online presence as a community, we improve the potential to capture as much income as possible locally as well.”

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Mapes was early mound ace for Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 June 2020 at 10:36 am

Contributed Photo – Ron Mapes

Over the past seven decades the Lyndonville High baseball program has had a string of strong starting pitchers, the first of which was Ron Mapes who hurled for the Tigers for four years from 1952-55.

Mapes, who posted a career record of 30-3, helped Lyndonville capture Section V championships in both 1953 and 1955.

In 1953 Lyndonville nipped Naples 2-1 in the title contest as Mapes hurled a three hitter with five strikeouts.

He then capped off his sparkling career by striking out 17 and allowing only three hits in Lyndonville’s 3-0 win over Cuba in the 1955 championship game.

During his career, Mapes pitched 8 no hitters which is still the Section V record. In addition to several other shutout wins he also had nine one hitters and one perfect game. He also struck out 441 of the 822 batters he faced.

Mapes’ success on the mound understandably attracted plenty of attention from major league scouts beginning in his sophomore year.

Following his sectional title win over Cuba, Mapes attended tryouts for a number of major league teams and ended up signing with the New York Yankees. He played one season (1956) for the Yankees St. Petersburg team in the Florida League.

Interestingly, the Section V record book also has the names of several other Lyndonville pitchers among its career leaders.

Rob Riemer (1982-84) is second on the career shutout list with 10 while Chris Hayes (1986-89) is tied for fourth with 7 and Terry Stephens (1993-96) and Jeremy Dracup (1998-99) are both tied for fifth with 6. Riemer had 5 shutouts during the 1984 season which is tops on the Section V single season list while Hayes is second with 4 in 1988.

Lyndonville senior class will have a parade after virtual graduation on June 26

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2020 at 3:55 pm

Students encouraged to decorate vehicles for ride through community

Photo from Lyndonville Central School: Some of the senior class members are pictured at a pep rally earlier this school year.

LYNDONVILLE — The school district is encouraging the Class of 2020 to decorate a vehicle for a post-graduation parade on June 26.

The parade will start at 8, following the online premiere of a video of graduation. Students have been recorded receiving their diplomas from school administrators.

The video will be available to watch online at 6:30 p.m. Seniors are encouraged to start arriving in the school parking lot at 7:45. Students should decorate their vehicles in black and orange before arriving to the parking lot. The students also are asked to display their name prominently on the passenger door.

The parade will begin at 8 p.m. Community members and families of the graduates are welcome to stand on the sidewalk or next to their vehicles to celebrate the senior class.

The parade route includes:

Head out on Housel Ave. and turn right onto Main St.
Go south on Main St. and turn left onto Lake Ave.
Continue east on Lake Ave. until it turns into Willowbrook Dr.
Head north on Willowbrook and then turn left onto Maple Ave.
Head west on Maple Ave. toward Main St.
Turn right onto Main St. and head north to Rt 18
Turn right onto Rt 18 and head east
Turn left onto Morrison Rd. and head north
Turn left on to Lakeshore Rd. and head west
Turn left onto Rt 63 and head south until Rt 18
Turn right onto Rt 18 and head west
Turn left onto Murdock Rd. and head south
Turn left onto Mill Rd. and head east
Turn left on to Marshall Rd. and head north
Turn right on to Angling Rd. head south until Postle Rd.
Turn left on Postle Rd. and head east toward Rt 63
Turn left on to Rt 63 and head north
Turn right onto South Townline Rd.
Head east to Swett Rd. and head south to Ridge Rd.
Turn left onto Ridge Rd. and head east to Oregon Rd.
Turn left onto Oregon Rd. and head north to Rutherford Rd.
Turn right onto Rutherford Rd. and head east to Oak Orchard River Rd.
Turn left onto Oak Orchard River Rd. head north to Townline Rd.
Turn right onto Townline Rd. and head south to Ridge Rd.
Turn left onto Ridge Rd. heading east to Kenyonville Rd.
Turn left onto Kenyonville Rd. and head north. Cross the Kenyonville Bridge to Oak Orchard River Rd.
Turn left onto Oak Orchard River Rd. head south
Stay right and head west on Platten Rd head west until Townline Rd.
Turn right onto Townline Rd. head north until Alps Rd.
Turn left onto Alps Rd. head west until Goodwin Rd.
Turn left onto Goodwin Rd. and head south until Platten Rd.
Turn left onto Platten Rd. and head west to Maple Ave.
Continue west on Maple Ave. until Main St.
Turn right onto Main St. head north to Housel Ave.

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Health Department has new map tracking Covid-19 data in G-O counties

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2020 at 6:47 pm

This map shows Orleans on top, and Genesee below. The western section of Orleans includes the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway (Medina) and Yates (Lyndonville); Carlton, Gaines, Albion and Barre in the central section; and Kendall, Murray (Holley) and Clarendon on the eastern side. In Genesee County, the western end includes Alabama, Pembroke and Darien; the central section is Oakfield, Elba, Batavia, Alexander and Bethany; the eastern side includes Byron, Bergen, Stafford, Le Roy and Pavilion.

The Genesee and Orleans County Public Health Departments has a new online map that clearly tracks the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the two counties. (Click here)

The map shows the two counties and breaks the cases in three sections for each county: western, central and eastern. If there are many more cases, the Health Department may additionally break out which town the person resides in who has tested positive for Covid-19.

Right now, everyone should assume the virus is spreading in the community and is everywhere, said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for the two counties.

The map shows 9 cases in Orleans – 1 in the western part, 7 in central Orleans, and 1 on the eastern end. In Genesee, there are now 21 cases with 4 in the western section of the county, 6 in central Genesee, and 11 on the eastern end.

The case tracker online shows combined data for the two counties, and reports confirmed cases, 30; active cases, 27 (there have been 2 recoveries and 1 death from the virus).

The trackers also lists total tests administered at 381, total negative results at 351, people currently in precautionary quarantine at 16, people currently in mandatory quarantine at 51 and people currently in mandatory isolation at 27.

Pettit in an online news conference today strongly urged the community to practice social distancing. Staying six feet apart is one of the best weapons in preventing the spread of the virus. He urged frequent hand washing, wiping down common surfaces and staying home as much as possible especially if you’re feeling sick.

The Genesee and Orleans Health Departments today issued the following information:

Operational Updates

• Be on the lookout for “GO Health Minutes.” These short video clips will feature different guests within the health departments as well as legislative members, businesses, organizations and some of our neighbors to highlight important information pertaining to COVID-19.

We will frequently be releasing new videos so be sure you are subscribed to our GO Health NY YouTube channel and check our websites and our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Social distancing must be practiced in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. This means canceling events such as parties, celebrations, and neighborhood gatherings where people congregate together.

This also means that children and adults should not play contact sports. These are temporary requests that will help stop the spread of the virus so that we can resume normal activities.

If you must go to the store, always maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and other people and wash hands frequently. Stores are not to be utilized as a social event. It is important people limit their trips to the store, choose a designated shopper and if at all possible leave the children home. Keep a 6 foot distance between other shoppers.

Take out/food trucks are not a gathering place. Keep 6 feet of space between other customers.

Stay Home

• Please remain home if ill, even if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to continue to limit physical contact. Flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others.

• If you work with a vulnerable population, self-monitor prior to going to work, if you become sick while at work, contact your supervisor immediately and leave the premises to decrease the risk of contact with others. When not working, follow social distancing and limit time in public.

Medical Concerns

• If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. Swabbing will be based on those who are in higher risk categories – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues.

Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected – some are over a week or more. With more testing, we expect this will continue. Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is advised until the test result is back.

Scam Alert

• Older Adults: Be alert for scams, including government grant scams. What to look for: Do not accept unsolicited phone calls or e-mails from someone claiming to be an official from the Federal Grants Administration, which does not exist, or a nonprofit organization like the National Residential Improvement Association offering grands or funding for repairs.

• Don’t click on social media messages or posts from people excited to share thousands of dollars, free grants, etc.

• The scammers may try using utility companies to access your information. Contact the utility using the number you have on your monthly bill not what the potential scammers have given you.

• Let calls you don’t recognize go to voice mail, most scams won’t leave a message, however, don’t return unsolicited calls. Write down the number and check online or have someone check for you to make sure it is legitimate. If you are unsure, or if it sounds too good to be true, ignore it and talk with a family member, the Office for the Aging, the Better Business Bureau or your local police.

Helpline

• Anxiety, Depression, Fear: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, fear about this outbreak call the Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, text 741741 or call the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 884-863-9314. They have trained listeners available 24/7 to help you through this.

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