MACEDON: Jay passed away on January 13, 2016 at age 62. He was born on December 10, 1953 to the late John and Adeline Teeter. Jay is survived by his wife Lorri Teeter; children, Monica Teeter, Jay A. Teeter and Jeanie (James) Graham; grandchildren; sisters, Shirley, Elaine, Adeline, Claudia, Marlene and Gail; brothers, Francis, Marvin, Leroy and Jerry. Friends may join the family for a celebration of life on Saturday (January 16) at 2 PM at East Palmyra Fire Department, Palmyra, NY. Contributions in Jay’s memory may be directed to cholangiocarcinoma.org.

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PALMYRA: Passed away on January 12, 2016. Judith was born on March 20, 1942 to the late Edward and Louise Mills. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jerry Tusch; children, Randy Tusch, Jeff (Juan), Michelle (Christopher) Bross, Debra (Shane) and Jason (Karen Patnode) Tusch; grandchildren; brother, Greg Mills. Friends may join the family for calling hours on Friday (January 15) from 4-7 PM at Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapels, 1040 Rte. 31, Macedon, NY 14502.

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CARMICHAELS, PA: Formerly of Newark, NY, age 33 entered eternal rest on Monday January 4, 2016 at her home. Leny was born the daughter of Jose M. Sr. and Gloria (Lopez) Fernandez on Friday, March 5, 1982 in Perth Amboy, NJ. Leny will be remembered by her husband James H. Rice Jr of Carmichaels, PA.; daughter Jaime Burns; parents Jose M. Sr. and Gloria (Lopez) Fernandez of Rochester; brothers Jose “Cucho” Fernandez Jr. of Rochester and Richard “Richie” (Jennifer) Fernandez of Newark; paternal grandfather Pedro Fernandez Leny was predeceased by her paternal grandmother Lucia Fernandez; maternal grandparents Emiliano and Angelica Lopez-Ruiz. Burial in Newark Cemetery. In memory of Leny, please consider donations to family or by visiting www.gofundme.com/37n3egke.

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NEWARK: Age 58 entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Wayne County Nursing Home. Linda was born the daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (Boynton) Van Haelst on Friday, July 12, 1957 in Newark. Linda will be loving remembered by her devoted parents Joe and Eleanor; brother David (Sarah) Van Haelst of Middlesex; sister Laura Hogan of Fairport. Family will greet friends on Monday (Jan. 18) from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home, Inc., 124 W. Miller St., Newark. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday (Jan. 19) at 11 a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, Maple Court, Newark. Burial in Pioneer Cemetery, Manchester in the spring. In memory of Linda please consider donations to Wayne-ARC, 150 Van Buren St., Newark, 14513 OR Newark Public Library, 121 High St, Newark, 14513

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The Macedon Village Board Meeting held on Wednesday night could best be described as chaos. Despite the largest turnout of village residents on June 10, 2015, with a 300 to 246 vote in favor of dissolving the Village of Macedon, a petition was presented during the meeting to hold a re-vote. The petition was delivered at the last possible moment, and needed to be accepted through a resolution by the village board in order to hold the vote on March 15, 2016, while still allowing 60 days for residents to review the [Village Board approved] Dissolution Plan.

The mayor has made it clear she will not allow the village to be dissolved without a fight.

The new petition was presented, and confirmed, by Village Clerk Treasurer, Mr. Bill Brock, who stated that the petition contained 237 signatures, which meets the requirement of 25% of (936) registered voters in the village.

“One Macedon” spokesman, Mr. Bill Murray, came before the board to share concerns regarding how the signatures were obtained, explaining that volunteers distributed fliers to village residents and went door to door with talking points. It was noted that the flyers and talking points provided incorrect information and signatures were essentially obtained under false pretenses, according to Murray.   “It is not fair to scare residents with incorrect information.” Murray detailed the incorrect information which was distributed. Explaining the claim that dissolution will provide no tax savings is false, he noted that the dissolution plan has shown that village residents will save 43% in tax relief. (Town tax payers will also see tax savings, which is a win-win for the entire community.) Additionally he pointed out that the claim that residents will no longer receive services was also incorrect, noting that brush and leaf pick-ups will continue, and no services will be lost. Lastly the claim that village employees will not be hired is also an untruth. To the contrary Murray shared that the town recently advertised two vacant Highway Department positions, however Town of Macedon Highway Department Superintendent Mr. Chris Countryman confirmed that no applications were even received from village employees.

Murray went on to calmly explain that he has already submitted a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Request for a copy of the petition, and explained to the board that, by law, the group is allowed 10 business days in order to review the petition, and confirm its validity. He further explained that, if the signatures are proven invalid, Article 78 can be filed in order to have the petition thrown out as fraudulent.

In response, Mayor Cramer replied, “Yes, you have the right to do an Article 78, but I don’t know why you would try to do that. If you want to FOIL it that’s fine, but it will go onto the March election because it’s called due process. There are no winners in this whole situation, and I want to remind people that people have a right, if they choose to dissolve that’s fine and we will have to respect that. If they choose to keep the village then we have to respect that. It’s due process and I don’t feel that it is that because some individuals feel so passionate about dissolving a village that you don’t give other people an opportunity to do it.”

Trustee Sliney interjected, asking Mr. Brock if, after receiving the petition that morning, if he had the time to go through each and every of the 237 signatures, confirming their addresses and signatures. Mr. Brock answered honestly that he had only confirmed addresses, after speaking with the Department of Commissioners, he learned that confirmed addresses were all that is required of him to confirm. Brock then confirmed what Mr. Murray had explained, that by law, the petition can be challenged and then at that time the signatures would need to be verified.

Cramer further pushed for the board to approve the resolution to schedule the dissolution re-vote for March 15th. The vote passed in a 3-2 vote, with two ‘nay’ votes from Trustees Sliney and Lohse.

Tensions continued through the rest of the meeting, with residents expressing concern over the lack of a comprehensive list of Fire Department Assets, along with concerns that the fire hall had been stripped before the fire department had officially discontinued service. Trustee Sliney noted that, as the Fire Commissioner, Mayor Cramer is responsible for the department’s financials. Cramer answered that the department will need to receive fair market value when assets are sold, and that her plan was to seek counsel from Village Attorney, Mr. Art Williams as to how the village should proceed. However residents were not satisfied with this answer and questioned why $20,000.00 -$30,000.00 of turnout gear had been removed from the fire hall and given away to the Regional EMS Council. Cramer asked that residents who have concerns ought to ask their questions in advance of meetings, in order to provide her time to look into matters and have answers.

Another hot button issue was introduced by Trustee Lohse who asked, “Why are we still maintaining a village run ambulance?” He noted that, save for one call out of 13, the town has responded to all other calls received. “The town is doing the job, why are we continuing to spend money on this?” Mayor Cramer replied. “We’re making money from it, and it’s completely self-sufficient.” Trustee Lohse made a motion to discontinue the village ambulance service and hand in the village’s Certificate of Need, however the mayor continued on, ignoring the motion. When asked, she said she heard no second. However when Trustee Sliney seconded the motion, it was still ignored. Finally the board forced a discussion of the motion and agreed to table the matter out of concern for possible violations of the Dissolution Plan.

Trustees Sliney and Nelson agreed to seek consult from the Village Attorney before further action is taken and the topic will be revisited during the next meeting. It was also noted that Village Attorney, Mr. Art Williams, will also be in attendance for the next meeting, which will hopefully promote a more structured, productive meeting environment.

The next village board meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 PM in the Macedon Village Hall.

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A regular meeting of the Butler Town Board was held on January 11, 2016 at the Butler Town Hall.

Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m..

The board members present were:  David Spickerman, Sr., town supervisor, Duane VanGelder, Chris Reed and Eugene VanDeusen, councilman.  Councilman Dates was absent.  Robin Jeremenko, town clerk, was taking the minutes.  Others present were:  Dorothy Wiggins, Scott Stone, Rick Robinson, Trent Fralick and Rick Robinson.

A copy of the minutes from December 15, 2015 were given to each board member to review.  Councilman VanGelder moved to accept the minutes as given, seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were in favor.  Carried.

A copy of January 4, 2016 organizational minutes were given to each board member to review.  Councilman Reed moved to accept the minutes as given, seconded by Councilman VanGelder.  All were in favor.  Carried.

The following departments submitted or read their monthly reports aloud to the town board:  the supervisor, town clerk, justices, code enforcement officer, highway superintendent and animal control officer.  Counilman VanDeusen moved to accept the monthly reports as given, seconded by Councilman VanGelder.  All were in favor.  Carried.

There were no advisory committee reports.

In Correspondence, The Wayne County Emergency Management Office sent a conference invitation to elected officials in Butler.

Councilman VanDeusen moved to receive and file the correspondence, seconded by Councilman Reed.

There was no old business to discuss.

In New Business, Councilman VanGelder moved to give permission to Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. to sign the 2016 Wayne County Humane Society Contract, seconded by Councilman Reed.  All were in favor.  Carried.

Councilman VanGelder moved to give permission to Supervisor Spickerman, Sr. to sign the 2016 Fire and Ambulance Contracts, seconded by Councilman Reed.  All were in favor.  Carried.

Councilman VanGelder moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m., seconded by Councilman VanDeusen.  All were in favor.  Carried.

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 School Business Administrator, Gary Barno began with a preliminary budget presentation for the 2016-2017 school year. Although it is early in the budget process, several productive meetings have already taken place with building principals during December with a review of student enrollment, staffing, and program

needs. On the revenue side, there is strong indication from the state legislature that the District will receive its share of the remaining Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). However, the total state aid picture will remain unclear until mid-January when the Governor’s state aid proposal is expected to be released. Mr. Barno also reviewed the increase in the annual average Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is near 0% and its impact on lowering the tax cap. On a positive note, it was noted that retirement system contributions and energy costs are projected to be lower for 2016-17. Mr. Barno discussed the need to finance three to four buses to replace aging buses with no impact on taxes. The District is also considering including a possible mini-capital project (less than $100,000) within the 2016-17 budget that would require a separate proposition for the voters to approve. This potential mini-capital project would address building improvement or classroom needs. He went on to report that districts receive building aid for costs of mini capital projects in the following year. The next budget update will be presented at the January 27th Board meeting. This presentation and upcoming presentations will be available on the District’s website.

Aubree Brothers, Student Representative reported that midterms are coming up at the end of January, and also before the Winter Break, Student Council organized a pep rally; it was great fun and the students and teachers participated as well. She also reported the freshman class is planning to hold two fundraisers this year..

Under reports from District Administrators, Marygrace Mazzullo, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, commended the building principals for attending the building budget meetings so well prepared; excellent data was provided related to class sizes, projection, and programming needs, thus allowing the review

process to run smoothly. She reported that AP/Instructional coaches have been working very hard in keeping the momentum going with eDoctrina, and of recent learning walks she had with Curriculum Coordinators, and thanked Carl Comstock, Michele Fisler, Dan Sherman, Carole Picha, Nancy Shay, Leigh Prescott, Rachel Liberatore, and Paula Dobesh for the marvelous cross section of instruction taking place.

Hilary Chaya, High School Assistant Principal, reported on announced observations taking place and commented on Tom Hollembaek’s 11th grade US History view point demonstration. She reported about the wonderful support the high school staff provided to students and staff facing difficult times heading into and transitioning back from the holidays.

Kate Avery, High School Principal, reported she recently observed the indoor track team practicing in the hallways before break; she highlighted Jeff VanHoover and Carl Comstock for their fun and creative coaching roles they applied to the team workout. She also reported on the great winter concerts that took place before break and that Jessica Witulski held an extra cabaret for the holidays. Ellen Saxby, Elementary School Principal, thanked PTSA for their generous work with Box Tops for the iPads in the Elementary School. She highlighted a homeroom app being used and how it has been a  great tool for parents as it allows them to view activities, homework, and messages from their child’s classroom teacher. Ellen also reported on the development of a grandparent reading program kicking off next week, she thanked Rhonda Tuchrelo and Rebeccah Klejment for spearheading this great effort and Nancy Jordan for coordinating the grandparents. Karen Hoody, Elementary School Assistant Principal, reported the 2nd grade is doing a fantastic job integrating science with listening and learning units. She also thanked Michelle Ryan along with Ellen Saxby for coordinating 9 families that received gifts and support throughout the holidays.

Kate Taylor, Middle School Assistant Principal, reported that Middle School students came back from break ready to learn and working hard. She also highlighted Ginny Kuryla’s recent video on interior angles. Wanda Miller, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, reported on the District Wellness Committee and that they had reviewed the policy and recommendations, she said some great ideas came from the committee.

John Fulmer, Middle School Principal, reported that the Middle School is off to a great start returning from break. He highlighted Janice Raspudic for her passion and creativity in making active learning fun and holding her students accountable. Gary Barno, School Business Administrator, highlighted the Transportation Department for supporting the Salvation Army Red Kettle Fund before the holidays, and for collecting food and gifts for a community family at the holidays.

Superintendent Macaluso reported on the winter concerts and how great they were and complimented the students and staff for their talents. He also reported on the Rapid Responder program that the Wayne County Sheriff’s office promoted in cooperation with BOCES Wayne County schools. The pre-plan tactical meeting took place earlier this week and the Superintendent reported on great collaboration and that an extensive emergency plan was outlined. Representation included the New York State Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s office, the Williamson Fire Chief, WVAS, Terry Pulver, and the district building principals. The Superintendent expressed appreciation to all entities for their cooperation in making this meeting a success. He reported on APPR and how the commissioner’s current changes to Common Core testing for 3-8 will not work with the district’s 3012d approved plan. An invitation was extended to all Superintendents with 3012d plans to come to Albany to meet with the commissioner to discuss how these changes will impact districts; the Superintendent is planning to attend. The Superintendent also wanted to thank the building principals and Wanda Miller for being well pre-prepared for the building budget meetings and was impressed that everyone has the K-12 focus and the willingness to help one another out.

The High School Assessment was presented to the Board by Kate Avery and Hilary Chaya, they shared a video of staff members using different types of assessments to include their feedback in the ease of using these tools, and the tools highlighted included Plickers, eDoctrina and Castle Learning.

• Appointment of Mary Jo Bailey as Long Term Substitute Sr. Clerk Typist for Kelly Dixon, effective on or about January 29, 2016

• Additional appointment of Melissa Plyter as Long Term Hourly Clerical Substitute for Pam Opett, effective from November 30, 2015 to on or about January 19, 2016

• Paid/unpaid Maternity and Child Rearing leave of absence beginning on or about April 4, 2016 through the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year for Jodi Bodak, Math Teacher, High School

• Unpaid leave of absence for Patricia Smith, part-time school bus monitor, beginning ½ day on January 22, 2016 through January 29, 2016

Under New Business the board discussed audio recording Board meetings, discussed and approved the Single Audit Report and Extra Classroom Activity Funds audits for the year ending June 30, 2015 as prepared by Raymond F. Wager, CPA, P.C.

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A regular meeting of the Ontario Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Smith at 7:00 p.m. in the Ontario Town Hall.  Approval of the Agenda – Approval of Minutes

Correspondence – The Town Clerk presented the board with her 2015 annual report.She also informed the board that she has the information on the Association of Towns training session in February if anyone is interested.

Department Head Reports – Accepted and filed: Supervisor’s Financial Statement, Superintendent of Water Utilities, Superintendent of Highways, Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Sole Assessor – Ontario Public Library, Ontario Town Court, Animal Control Officer, Economic Development Department, Director of Recreation & Parks, Watershed Management Advisory Council – No meeting.  Marilee Stollery gave a verbal report. 4th Quarter IT report – accepted and filed.

The board authorized  the Supervisor to sign the Wayne County Ag District No. 1 eight year review and modification & open enrollment add/drop form with no changes.

The board authorized payment for repairs to the gravity filter at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to LeClair Fleming Mechanical for an amount not to exceed $8,807 from budget code SS8130.4 from the 2015 budget.

Budget Transfers/Adjustments – A motion was made by Mr. Ruffell, seconded by Mr. Smith, to approve the attached year end budget transfers as present and approve a general fund transfer from A1110.2 for $10,000 and from A1110.4 for $954 to expense code A1620.4 for a total of $10,954 per Judge Sucher’s memo dated December 31, 2015 for the new boiler system at Palmer Hall.  CARRIED

Appointments/Resignations –The board approved the hiring of John C. Hill as an Armed Court Security Officer for the Ontario Justice Court at $17.12 per hour, part time, on an as needed basis, starting January 12, 2016, per Judge Sucher and Judge Higgins memo.

Reports by Town Board Members – Mr. Smith announced the workshop meeting next week is moved to Tuesday night at 7p.m. due to the holiday on Monday. Smith and Leszyk are meeting with the Board of Fire Commissioners prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend but there will be no public participation at that portion of the meeting. Mr. Smith encouraged board members to attend the Association of Towns training in New York City as we need to designate a delegate on behalf of the Town of Ontario.

Workshop –

Collateral Loan Broker Law – Board members had a brief discussion on the law and the public hearing will be held on January 25th at 7 p.m.

Smoking Policy – Board members had a brief discussion on this issue. Mr. Catalano feels signage is very important.

Mr. Smith feels we should use an incremental approach where employees lead by example. He proposes board members give it some thought and start with a draft policy change and workshop the topic again.

Executive Session – A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to move into an executive session at 8:07 p.m. for a personnel matter leading to said dismissal, removal, promotion, appointment, employment, discipline, demotion or suspension of a particular person. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED

Reconvene – 9:29 p.m. and adjourned at 9:30 pm

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) An investigation has found insufficient evidence that Gov. Andrew Cuomo committed a federal crime through his handling of a commission he created to root out corruption in state government, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Monday.

The Democratic governor appointed the Moreland Commission, consisting mostly of prosecutors, in July 2013 to investigate public corruption by state officials for 18 months, but he closed it after nine months following agreement with state legislators to enact some ethics measures. Cuomo’s decision to disband the commission was criticized, and reports suggested his administration meddled with its work.

Bharara took over the commission’s files and, using some of that material, recently convicted two top Albany legislators, former Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, of peddling their influence for personal gain.

“After a thorough investigation of interference with the operation of the Moreland Commission and its premature closing, this office has concluded that, absent any additional proof that may develop, there is insufficient evidence to prove a federal crime,’’ Bharara said. His office is still following other Moreland inquiries underway when it closed, he said.

Attorney Elkan Abramowitz, representing the governor’s office, thanked Bharara for clarifying the public record. “We were always confident there was no illegality here,’’ he said.

For Cuomo, set to deliver his State of the State address Wednesday, the statement from Bharara removes not only the possibility of prosecution but also resolves lingering questions that had threatened to undermine Cuomo’s administration.

“Certainly, going into Wednesday’s address, this is a big weight lifted from the governor,’’ said Doug Muzzio, a political scientist from Baruch College. “I think the U.S. attorney understood that the lingering questions might have done serious and irreparable harm to the governor.’’

Blair Horner, legislative director at the New York Public Interest Research Group, said despite any finding of criminal wrongdoing, he continues to believe Cuomo was wrong to shut down the panel. “It was a huge mistake on the governor’s part to create a commission, say it’s going to be independent, and then unceremoniously pull the plug on it as part of a budget deal,’’ he said. Horner said Bharara’s statement removes a huge distraction for Cuomo’s administration. “It blows away some of the smoke that’s enveloped the Capitol,’’ he said.

The commission’s chief public product, an interim report in December 2013, identified what it called “eyebrow-raising patterns of potential misconduct’’ based partly on analysis of the money flow to elected officials from campaign contributors with interests in legislative outcomes.
The report identified conflicts of interest, shadowy corporate affiliates, personal spending from campaign funds and outsize donations to political party campaign housekeeping accounts.

Cuomo, responding to reports that his administration pressured the commission to not issue subpoenas to groups linked to him, told Crain’s New York that he couldn’t interfere with a commission that was controlled by him.

Talking to reporters three months after that, he said his administration had offered suggestions the commission didn’t heed.

“That’s not a sign of interference,’’ Cuomo said. “That is demonstrable proof of independence.’’
One of the commission’s former chairs, Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, had disputed the idea that Cuomo interfered with the panel’s work. On Monday, he said he was “gratified’’ that the commission’s files have helped Bharara’s investigations into government corruption.

“The only thing I ever expected was a thorough review by Mr. Bharara,’’ he said in a statement emailed to reporters. “I applaud his ongoing success in eradicating the stain of public corruption in Albany.’’

One of Cuomo’s toughest critics wasn’t satisfied with Bharara’s statement seemingly clearing Cuomo. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican who lost to Cuomo in the 2014 governor’s race, repeated his call Monday for Cuomo to call an independent prosecutor to examine whether Cuomo’s handling of the commission violated state law.

“The fact that insufficient evidence of federal crimes was available to indict Mr. Cuomo of obstruction of justice is not the same as finding him innocent,’’ Astorino said. “The likelihood that state laws were broken was always the greater possibility.’’

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World leaders including President Barack Obama gathered in Paris last month and, after weeks of testimony and deliberation, signed a historic agreement to address climate change.

But is the agreement forged at the Paris Climate Summit enough?

That and other questions about the state of the global environment will be addressed by award-winning author and filmmaker Naomi Klein during a talk at Finger Lakes Community College later this month.

Klein, one of the nation’s most well-known environmental activists, will give the talk, “Capitalism vs. The Climate: Reflections on the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 in the FLCC Student Center Auditorium, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua. She is the third and final speaker in this year’s George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum.

The event will be moderated in the style of a talk show by award-winning television writer and producer Michael Winship.

Among Klein’s five books is the 2014 New York Times non-fiction bestseller, “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate.” The book was made into a recently released documentary narrated by Klein. Shot over four years on five continents, it ties the carbon in the air to the companies that put it there through the stories of communities on the front lines of climate change, from Montana’s Powder River Basin to the coast of India.

In the book and film, Klein suggests that society can use the existential crisis of climate change to transform a failed economic system into something radically better.

“Naomi Klein is one of the most influential thinkers of our time and an environmental rock-star,” said George Payne, adjunct faculty member at FLCC and social activist. “I’m thrilled she’s coming to campus. Her books, articles, films and lectures have changed the entire landscape of the globalization debate. She is a fearlessly independent activist-scholar, a voice for the marginalized, and a beacon of hope for the planet.”

Payne is the founder of the Rochester-based Gandhi Earth Keepers International and manages social media for the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition, the group behind the Rochester March for Global Climate Action this past November. The march drew hundreds and was held on the eve of the Paris climate talks.

During and after those talks Klein garnered much publicity. In an interview with The Huffington Post UK in London she praised the agreement for its historic significance but likened it to “someone agreeing to cut down from five burgers a day to four.”

Klein’s resume is lengthy: In addition to writing books and making films, she is a contributing editor for Harper’s, a reporter for Rolling Stone, and writes a regular column for The Nation and The Guardian that is syndicated internationally.

Klein is also a member of the board of directors for 350.org, a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. She is a Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute and a former Miliband Fellow at the London School of Economics. In 2004, her reporting from Iraq for Harper’s won the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism. She holds an honorary doctor of civil laws from the University of King’s College, Nova Scotia.

Winship, the talk’s moderator, won a 2009 Emmy for writing and has worked for The Discovery and Learning channels, PBS, CBS, National Geographic, among others. A longtime writer with “Bill Moyers’ Journal” and “Moyers & Company,” he is also a regular columnist for the Canandaigua Daily Messenger.

Klein will sign copies of “This Changes Everything” starting at 3 p.m. before the event. Copies will be available for $12 or can be purchased in advance at gmeforum.org.

The speaker series is named for the late George M. Ewing Sr., who passed away in September 2009 at the age of 87. He was the longtime editor and publisher of the Daily Messenger, later to become Messenger Post Media.

Launched in 2011, the Ewing forum is planned by a community committee and funded in part with an endowment from the Ewing family as well as support from Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Wegmans, Canandaigua Rotary and FLCC.

Tickets are $15 each. All students are free with current ID. Attendees ages 21 and up can also purchase $25 tickets in advance to a hors d’oeuvres reception with Klein in Stage 14 at FLCC following her talk.

Advance sales have been strong, and tickets are not guaranteed at the door. Advance purchase is encouraged by phone at (585) 393-0281, email at ewingforum@gmail.com, or online at gmeforum.org. For the latest, follow the Ewing Forum on Facebook.

Forum organizers always welcome sponsors. Donors receive tickets, admission to the receptions and other benefits. For more information, contact Caroline Delavan at (585) 394-0896.

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On Saturday, February 13th, Cracker Box Palace will hold its 11th Gala Ball at The Brookwoods – Ontario Country Club, 2101 Country Club Lane, Ontario, NY.

Cracker Box Palace has provided a safe haven for thousands of abused, abandoned and surrendered farm animals throughout their years of operation. This event is one of their major fund raisers for the year and ensures that Cracker Box Palace will have the necessary funds to provide for the care and feeding of the animals, continue the preservation of the 600 acre farm on which they are located on (in partnership with Genesee Land Trust), and plan for the restoration of the historic Shaker homes.

The ball guarantees a night to remember. You’ll start the evening off with a wine and beer tasting, followed by a gourmet dinner and dancing. A wide variety of items will also be available during silent and live auctions. All proceeds go to the Cracker Box Palace operating fund.

Tickets are $100 per person or $720 for tables of 8. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Mary Novick at novick60@gmail.com or 585-737-5686.

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In the past, car leasing was mostly associated with wealthy car buyers and those who wanted to drive a better car than they could afford.

In recent years, however, local car dealers have noticed a shift towards leasing being the most preferred way to get a new car.

According to Brenda Delyser at Tradition Chevy-Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Newark, 60 to 70 percent of her new-car sales aren’t sales, but leases.

“It’s been like this for the past three or four years that I’ve been here,” Delyser said. “People are payment-conscious and they also want warranty.”

The reason for the change in buying habits, Deysler said, is the market nd the fact that customers have begun asking why they should purchase a vehicle, if it’s not worth anything when they’re done using it.

“It used to be that people would say ‘Oh, I have all of this equity,’” Deysler explained. “They don’t say that anymore, because of the way that the market is right now.”

Monthly payments for a lease are determined by the bank, not the dealership, so rates don’t vary among dealerships. Delyser said that, on average, the monthly payments on a purchase are typically $100 more than with a lease.

“The best lease is 39 months. Once the 39 months is up, you have to decide if you’re going to keep the vehicle or if you’re going to turn it in,” Delyser acknowledged. “Most likely, you’d turn it in and get a new vehicle with the same payment.”

John Killian at Cavallaro-Neubauer Chevrolet-Buick in Williamson said that the leasing offers many advantages over buying that appeal to customers of all ages.

Though he noted that the most common ages of customers who lease are between 30 and 50 years old, he also said many parents will lease vehicles for their children who are going to live on college campuses, because they don’t drive often.

The biggest disadvantage to leasing a vehicle is that there are mileage limits for the lease term and customers receive penalties for each mile over the limit they go.

Killian explained that most leases allow 10,000 miles annually and that the overage charges amount to 25 cents per mile. There are higher mileage plans available. The maximum allowed from GM Financial, which is the bank that GM uses, is 22,000 miles, according to Killian, “If you have a change of job, if you move or whatever, you have to commute farther, that does limit you,” Killian said. “Once you take delivery of your vehicle, the contract is pretty much in stone, so it’s important to predetermine beforehand a sufficient mileage amount.”

Harold Boerman, owner of Boerman Tax Accounting in Marion, said that he has been leasing cars for years. He said that there isn’t necessarily a tax break for leasing, but there is a sales tax savings with leasing.

“One of the advantages to leasing is that they charge the sales tax on each payment rather than the whole amount at once,” Boerman said.

Killian said that, with a $40,000 vehicle, the tax on a purchase is around $3,200, whereas the tax on a lease for the same vehicle would be around $1,200 to $1,500.

Another perk to leasing, the salespeople said, is the money that’s saved on maintenance for leased vehicles. Since a lease only lasts up to three years, most vehicles don’t need anything more than their regular oil changes and tire rotations. If the car does needs any other work done, the customer is responsible for that.

“Through the factory – and this is a purchase or a lease – you have two year, 24,000 miles maintenance free on your oil changes and tire rotations,” Delyser said. “And they have gap insurance on all leases, so if you total the vehicle, you’re fine. You walk away.”

Much like a cell phone contract, Killian said that a car lease also allows customers to have the latest technology available, without having to constantly trade in vehicles to purchase new ones.
“If you’re a tech savvy person, and you like to have the newest and greatest thing, leasing is great way to get a car because you drive it for two or three years – whatever your term is – and after that you get the next newest thing, with the latest technology and it’s still affordable,” Killian said.

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For years, former Arcadia Town Supervisor Dick Colacino had envisioned the construction of a train station for high-speed passenger trains, such as Amtrak, in the Town of Arcadia. Now, with the Arcadia Town Board planning to clean up and sell the property at 1303 N. Main St. in Newark (where Colacino hoped to build the station) – that vision may be out of reach.

Newly-elected Arcadia Town Supervisor Chuck Verkey said that the town hopes someday the property will be bought with the intentions of turning it into something positive for the community. “Our intention is to sell it and let someone develop it,” Verkey said.

Before the land can be sold, though, it needs to be cleaned up. When the old structure was demolished, asbestos from the ceiling fell into the structure’s basement and mixed in with the soil.

Since cleaning and removing hazardous materials can be expensive, Verkey said they’d like to find funding for the project. Verkey reports that he has been working to get funding for the clean up since before he was supervisor, and that there is no timetable for when that funding might come through.

“You can’t put a target date on government,” Verkey said. “I talked to Senator [Mike] Nozzolio’s office, and they’re going to try and see if we can get some funding to get the remainder of the clean up done.”

Overall, Verkey and second Deputy Town Clerk Brenda Westcott, said that around $64,000 has been spent on the property, so far. According to Westcott, most of that money was spent on engineering fees, clean up fees, attorney fees and back taxes.

The idea for the train station never evolved past the point of a concept drawing, Verkey said, adding that Arcadia is “not in the business of building a train station.” Verkey also noted that the town couldn’t build one without the approval of Conrail, which owns the tracks, and Amtrak, the passenger service.

“If you don’t have that, then you can’t just build a train station because they’re not going to stop anyway, so what would be the point of wasting money to do that?” Verkey said.
On Thursday, Colacino said that he did – and still does – envision a train station being built in Arcadia, but he mostly wanted to remove the structure on the property to improve the town’s appearance.

“My main reason for tearing that down is because there were so many people that called me, like visitors to our area, and they’d say, ‘Don’t you have any code enforcement?’” Colacino said.
“It was a dilapidated property. The gateway from the north would be right down Route 88, and when you came over that bridge, it looked like hell.”

Colacino said that he felt proud of removing what he called an “eyesore” and that he had hoped to combine the clean up and the construction of the train station into one project that could be completed without any cost to the taxpayers.

“I didn’t go after it because some were condemning the town for getting that piece of property,” Colacino said. “But sometimes you have to do those things so that the rest of your property isn’t devalued.”

The idea for the train station never really grew, according to Westcott, because the rest of the town officials didn’t support it. “The train station was all Dick, it had nothing to do with the town,” Westcott said. “The town was not moving forward with it at all.”

Verkey said that any additional costs for the clean up are unknown at this point. He said some numbers have been discussed but wouldn’t say what they were. According to him, the town will be forced to come up with a new plan if funding can’t be acquired.

“We’ll try another route, but we’re not sure where that’s going yet,” he said.

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WILLIAMSON: George passed away on January 14, 2016 at age 94. He was born in Ontario, NY on January 4, 1922 to the late Alfred and Martha Rueger. George was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Eva; son-in-law, Don Day. He is survived by his daughters, Jean (Don) Davis of Williamson, Judy Day of Sodus Point, Jan (Jeff) Kunzer of Ontario and Anne (Bill) Novik of Thousand Oaks, CA.; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren. Friends may join the family for calling hours on Sunday (January 17) from 2-5 PM at Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapels, 1961 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY 14519. George’s Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday (January 18) at 10 AM at St. Mary’s of the Lake, 5823 Walworth Rd., Ontario, NY 14519. Interment will be held in the spring. In Lieu of flowers contributions in George’s name may be directed to Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY 14519 or to Ontario Public Library, 1850 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY 14519.

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NORTH ROSE: Age 74, of Edmonds Rd., passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 16, 2016. Sandra was born March 13, 1941 in Sodus, a daughter to the late Samuel and Pearl Faatz Huff. Predeceased by her husband Earl in 2009 and daughter Tammy in 2011. Survived by 4 children; Mark (Kathleen) of North Rose, Scott (Elizabeth) of Rose, Roger (Robin) of North Rose, and Samuel (Kelly) of North Rose; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. Family and friends may call Saturday (Jan. 23) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Farnsworth-Keysor Funeral Home, 5025 Main St., North Rose, where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rose or North Rose Fire Departments in her memory.

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LYONS: Age 72, of Old Lyons Road, died on Saturday, January 16, 2016. Jim was born in Lyons on March 13, 1943, son of James and Thelma Boughton Pullen. Survived by his wife of 16 years, Margaret Bailey Pullen, son, William of Wolcott, daughter, Jeana (Kirk) Elleman of Lyons, stepchildren, Donald, Michael, Shawn Davenport, and Julie; sister Betty Schaffer of Lyons, brother William (Barb) Pullen of Lyons, 17 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, special friend, Julie, stepfather Milford Robinson, best buddy Richard Smith. Predeceased by his son James 2013, and special dog Sissy.

Friends may call Wednesday, January 20, 4-7 pm at Boeheim Pusateri Funeral Home, 77 Williams Street, Lyons. Services Thursday  10 am at the funeral home with military honors, Memorials  may be directed to the Family.

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SAVANNAH: Age 69 of Drable Road, died Friday, January 15, 2016. Linda was born in Newark, June 28, 1946, daughter of Leon and June Coleman Smith. Survived by 2 daughters, Mary ( Mike) Orsborne of Savannah, Tina (John) Orsborne of Red Creek, 3 sons, James ( Melanie) of Seneca Falls, Charles (Bobbie Joe) and Adam of Central SC, sister Mary Sullivan of Penfield, brother, Steven Smith of Newark, 5 grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Predeceased  by husband Charles (Bud) in 1996. Friends may call Thursday, January 21, 4-7 at Schulz-Pusaeri Funeral Home, 103 Maple St, Newark. Service will be held Friday, January 22, at 11 am at the Funeral Hoe. Burial in Fairville Cemetery. Memorial to American Heart or to the American Lung Association.

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CUBA, NY: Age 83, of 5787 Hilltop Rd., Cuba, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Cuba Memorial Hospitals Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness. Born on March 16, 1937, in Cuba, he was a son of Leon and Edith Gleason Benjamin. On November 15, 1955, in the First Baptist Church of Cuba he married his wife of 60 years the former Hope Scott who survives. Rod was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1951. He later graduated from Alfred State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. He then went to work as a Design Engineer for Xerox in Rochester for many years retiring in 1991. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cuba, the Ontairo Golf Club where he was president for three years, the Cuba VFW Post 2721, and the Cuba American Legion Post 655. He enjoyed golf, exercising, walking, downhill skiing, and traveling with his wife to all of the fifty states. For 14 winters he was his wife traveled the United States in their fifth wheel camper. He greatest love was spending time with his wife, children, and grand children. In addition to his wife he is survived by A Son, Brian (Wendy) Benjamin, Seven Lakes, NC A Daughter, Barb (Bill) Nielander, Webster Four Grandchildren, Ross, Cassidy, Zak, and Kyle. A Brother Leon Benjamin of Pennsylvania Several Nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Donald Benjamin, and a sister Fanny Botens. Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 3-5 & 7-8 P.M. and on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held. Claudia Little, a friend of the family will officiate. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York. The family requests memorials in Rod’s name be made to the Cuba VFW Post 2721, 5425 Route 305 North, Cuba, NY 14727 Online condolences may be sent at rinkerfuneralhome.com

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MARTVILLE: Age 88, passed away Saturday, at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego. Marian was born in Wolcott, the daughter of the late Fred Simpson and the late Bessie (Hart) Simpson. She is survived by three children, Steven (Cindy) Keeling of Martville, Shelli (Don) Corcoran of Lexington Massachusetts, Shari (Jeff) Hartley of Baldwinsville. One sister, Irene Perry of Savannah. Nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren. Marian is pre-deceased by her husband, Sheldon Keeling (2010), daughter Pamela, Richardson, a sister, Betty Lee and her brother, Robert Simpson. Calling hours will be Saturday, January 23 from 10:00-12:00 with a service to follow at noon at the Becker-Keysor Funeral Home in Red Creek. Burial will take place in Martville Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022 .

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PALMYRA: Passed away Peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the age of 53 after a Courageous battle with cancer. Joyce was born in Newark, NY on November 11, 1962 to Edith “Cantrell” and Thomas Dutton. She is survived by her parents; fiance, Donald Van Caeseele; children, Melissa Norton, Bethany, Madeline, and Donovan Van Caeseele; brother Thom Dutton; four grandchildren. In remembrance of her love for animals, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials in her name be made to Pet Pride of New York, 7731 Victor-Mendon Road, Victor, NY 14564 (585-742-1630). Friends and family are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 12 noon until 2PM, where a service will follow the visitation, at the Zion Episcopal Church, 120 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY 14522. Interment will be held privately at the South Farmington Cemetery.

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