Genesee Sun

Avon Code Enforcement Officer Honored by Soldier Back From Afghanistan

AVON — A combat medic returning from Afghanistan honored the Avon Code enforcement officer, Tony Cappello, with a folded combat flag that was flown in wartime for his generosity.

Ricky Gage, an in-flight medic that serves in the Air Force just recently returned from Afghanistan, but it was the hometown support that helped him perform his duties which include saving the lives of wounded soldiers.

"Midway through my tour i received a package from back home that Tony bought out of his own money of 15 shirts and shorts." said Gage. "We were blown out of the water when our unit received the supplies."

According to Gage the unit desperately needed shirts and shorts for wounded soldiers being treated. Most times their clothes  were cut away to treat the injuries or they were destroyed.

"For me to do what i do over there i need the support from back home," said Gage. "Tony is not the type of guy to brag about how he went out of his way, so i am here to do it for him," said Gage.

Gage presented a speechless, but very emotional, Cappello with a flag that flew above a C-130 while in Afghanistan and a certificate of appreciation from his unit.

New York State Comptroller Releases Town of Avon Audit Findings, Raises Issues with Bookkeeping Firm

AVON — The Comptroller's office released their findings on the Town of Avon Audit, and it's bookkeeping firm, St. John & Baldwin have raised some eyebrows with officials.

All financial money was accounted for during the audit and the most alarming issue was that cash receipts and disbursements were not safeguarded. in addition the audit states that the firm St. John & Baldwin, which handles the Town's bookkeeping, was not appropriately monitored.

"Myself and the Town Board are going to go over the suggestions in the report. It's a good thing nothing was found missing and we can move forward." said Town Supervisor David LeFeber."We have been using this firm (St. John & Baldwin) for 15 years and have been doing business this way for quite some time. If there are ways in which we can improve i'm sure we will."

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's office audited the Town of Avon, Village of Granville, Village of Hamilton, Village of Monticello and the Village of Port Jefferson.
           
"My office's audits of local governments improve their financial management practices," DiNapoli said. "These audits are tools for local officials to make sure proper policies and procedures are in place to protect taxpayer dollars and provide the best possible service these taxpayer dollars can deliver."

Not all the municipalities faired as well as Avon, for example in the Village of Hamilton elected officials were cited for having serious budget gaps and the report stated, "in the general and water funds have resulted in the general fund having approximately $1.3 million of unreserved, unappropriated fund balance and the water fund having approximately $703,000."

High Hopes for Park Theater in Avon

AVON — First dates, first holding hands, first kisses, and first screams at a scary movie are just a sliver of the cherished memories at the Park Theater in Avon that is for sale. A movement to bring the theater back as a community center is still possible if a price can be agreed upon.

Paul Brown is bringing his impeccable credentials of revitalizing old movie theaters to Avon and has been spearheading  the effort for over a year.  The issue is finding a price point that makes it's revitalization feasible. The seller, Clark Rittersbach stated that all the seats could be put back into the theater and the film projector is ready to go.

"I've been talking to the owner and village officials, if we can find a reasonable price we might be able to move on," said Brown.

According to real estate records the theater was sold for $72,500 five years ago.

"I hope the right people buy it and it can become a movie theater again," said Rittersbach, who currently has the theater seats pulled out and antique cars inside.

Brown, who lives in Livonia, helped lead the revitalization of the Smith Opera House in Geneva.

"Right now there is just a movie screen." said Brown. "There is plenty of space for a stage and a curtain for live performances."

Brown stated that he has talked to community leaders but at this point they are reluctant to get involved with the current asking price and is hoping that Rittersbach will come down on the amount. Until then his campaign for a community theater is on hold.

Bakery Hosts an Evening with the Ugandan Water Project

AVON — Earlier this winter, Sweet Arts Bakery donated its tip jar contents to help feed kids in Kampala, Uganda. Last night, the bakery hosted about 40 people who came to find out how they can help the people of Uganda too.

“An Evening with the Ugandan Water Project” went from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Genesee Street bakery, which opened around Thanksgiving. The floor was set up with chairs and benches which were covered with people of all ages listening intently to the director and co-founder of Bloomfield’s Ugandan Water Project, James Harrington, as he told them about his experiences in Uganda.

The Ugandan Water Project is a non-profit organization that works with sponsors in the United States to provide funding for safe accessible drinking water through rainwater collection systems and other resources to communities in Uganda. The organization’s goal is to equip communities with health information and useful skills, instead of just enabling them, said Harrington during the event.

In addition to a question and answer period with Harrington, the Ugandan Water Project’s co-founder Derek Levendusky entertained attendees with music. Levendusky was also joined by singer and Avon Central School eighth grader Gracie. Attendees also watched part of the organization’s 23-minute video “Uganda 23,” which tells the story of the Ugandan people and their struggle for clean water. The video can be found at http://www.uganda23.com.

The bakery offered free baked goods and coffee for guests to have during the event, and the Ugandan Water Project brought items made by Ugandan women and street kids for people to buy.

Among the event’s guests was a Brownie troupe from Geneseo currently learning about water, families, youth group organizers, and three sophomores from Avon Central School who are interested in traveling to Africa for their senior trip.

For more information about the Ugandan Water Project and how to get involved, visit http://ugandanwaterproject.com.