In conjunction with the nation’s celebration of Veterans Day, Sen. George Borrello announced that Governor Hochul has signed into law a measure renaming Route 63 in the town of Pavilion as the “SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway.”
Legislation marking the designation was sponsored by Senator Borrello and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.
U.S. Army Specialist 4 George Harold Fry, a native of Pavilion, was killed in action on July 11, 1969, along with 20 other members of the 506th Infantry during combat on Hill 996 in the Shau Valley of Vietnam. Specialist Fry’s actions that day are credited with saving the lives of many other members of his unit.
He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.
“Specialist Fry gave his life defending his brothers in arms,” Sen. Borrello said. “He is a decorated war hero who served his country with honor and distinction. Dedicating this highway in his name is one small way we can honor the courage, dedication and ultimate sacrifice of this American hero.”
Assemblyman Hawley said for generations to come, the SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway will stand as a testament to Specialist Fry’s heroism and commitment to his country and freedom.
“As an Army veteran and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I was honored to sponsor this proposal recognizing one of Western New York’s most valiant, Specialist George Harold Fry. It's fitting that this highway is being memorialized at the same time we're remembering those who served on Veteran's Day,” Assemblyman Hawley said.
Specialist Fry served with D Company, 1st Battalion, 506th infantry, 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. As an RTO (Radio-Telephone Operator), it was his duty to maintain radio contact between his unit, other platoons and Battalion Command. After two fellow RTO’s were killed early in the assault on July 11, Specialist Fry left the safety of cover to re-establish communication between platoons during the battle, placing himself in jeopardy.
Specialist Fry’s actions enabled his commanding officer to call in artillery support, coordinate the U.S. counter assault and evacuate the wounded. Continuously under fire, Specialist Fry kept transmitting until he too was shot and killed. His company suffered more than 50 percent casualties. Survivors said were it not for Specialist Fry, many more U.S. troops would have been killed or wounded.
For gallantry in action on July 11, 1969, Specialist Fry received the Silver Star Medal. He also received the Bronze Star Medal for outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force during the period of October 22, 1968 to July 11, 1969.
Additionally, he received the Presidential Unit Citation for Operation Snow for the period of May 10 through May 21, 1969, in the Shau Valley.
“For generations, many of our region’s finest and bravest young men and women have found their calling in military service and safeguarding the liberties we cherish,” Sen. Borrello said. “Specialist Fry was one of those patriots. Naming this highway in his honor commemorates his courageous service to our country and reminds us of the immense contributions America’s veterans have made for us all.
“I want to thank Assemblyman Hawley for sponsoring this legislation in the Assembly and Governor Hochul for signing the bill to honor Specialist Fry who gave his life for our freedom.”
The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2023 during the College's 203 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 20. During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.
Local graduates include:
Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies
Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies
Megan Privatera of Leroy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
Whether you're looking for something to spice up your party or just a fresh new idea for a day out -- a new Pavilion business called Jade Pottery is a great choice.
It offers classes for all ages -- including clay, painting and henna; plus, it hosts parties of all sizes and kinds, including group readings, girls' night, couples' night, birthday parties, private parties, and more.
Their motto: "Creativity is contagious -- pass it on."
Located at 10115 Creek Road, it's a fun and creative place to have birthday parties. The "WHOLE SHA-BANG PARTY" package costs $160 and includes everything you need for eight kids balloons, cake, plates, forks and drinks (to host additional children, it's $14 per child).
"It's like a buffet of pottery here," said Sara Manurung, owner of Jade Pottery, who held her grand opening Saturday.
Manurung is hosting a summer camp this week that includes four sessions throughout four days, starting at 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sessions are $80 each. The camp features a giant paintbrush wall plaque, splatter and a real palette.
August typically brings sticky hot temperatures and Jade Pottery is happy to make guests as comfortable as possible.
"Popsicles and water balloons are in order," she said.
Jade Pottery's schedule is packed through Oct. 29, but they are always looking to add new faces to their lineup. If you are a crafter and would like to sell your unique items in the shop, give them a call at (585) 813-1838.
"We are always looking for fresh new creative people to come in," Manurung said.
Manurung hosts a "ya-ya night" -- where ladies play popular family games like "Bingo," "Family Feud," and "Let's Make a Deal."
"We have classes that aren't pottery," Manurung said.
Jade Pottery's event schedule can be found here, where you'll find exciting events, and even live music.
A 35-year-old driver from Honeoye Falls said she didn't see the tractor-trailer barreling down Route 63 before it plowed into her 2001 Volkswagen sedan.
The woman was sent to UMMC with non-life-threatening injuries and issued a citation for allegedly failing to yield the right of way.
Brandy M. Temple said she stopped at the intersection of Route 246 (Perry Road) and Route 63, and then proceeded southeast when her car was struck by a 2008 International driven by Dumitru Ban, 36, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Ban was not injured.
There is a stop sign on Perry Road at that intersection, but Route 63 is designated for through traffic.
The accident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.
Today it is common to hear about the negative results due to the economic downturn, but what about some of the positive results making its way through to improve the economy?
Doug Hollinger, science teacher at Pavilion Central School has spent the past three years researching, calling, and making final decisions for a wind turbine incentive at the school.
Last August a 120-foot tall wind turbine was installed behind the school to accompany the solar panel located on the school’s roof. In late November the turbine was producing electricity.
“It’s really exciting,” said Hollinger, who wrote the turbine curriculum for the elementary, middle and high school. The curriculum involved math, economics, and social aspects of renewable energy.
A lot of time was spent deciding which turbine and program would best fit the school.
“I researched a lot of different turbines and felt this one (Bergy Wind power) was the strongest,” said Hollinger.
The turbine generates about 2-4 percent of electricity and was installed by Sustainable Energy Systems (SED). It is a 10kw wind turbine manufactured by Bergy Windpower. The turbine hasn’t needed any routine maintenance yet, said Hollinger, but Bergy would be responsible for the costs.
In 2002 a solar panel was installed and has been a great hands-on learning experience for students.
Hollinger and Superintendent of the Pavilion School District, Edward Orman agreed the project was not for the primary purpose of generating electricity.
“This is a great educational opportunity for students, and the community,” said Orman.
The school received an incentive through NYSERDA to cover 70 percent of the cost of the wind turbine. The actual cost of the turbine was in the $70,000 range.
Hollinger has partnered with Draker Laboratories to bring the facts of renewable energy directly into the classroom. Hollinger says it is so important to be committed to the students and continue to meet the challenges of our future.
“We have to look at other ways of producing energy,” said Hollinger, “And not just study this out of books.” Hollinger said climate change is just one of the many reasons why this is so important.
The best part of the turbine is the educational opportunities it offers. Data Aquistion unit is a program that will allow students to view the rpm of voltage, propellers, current, power, wind speed and direction, and barometric pressure on the classroom computers from sensors on the wind turbine. This information can also be viewed by the public.
Hollinger said this is the most frustrating part of waiting for the program to go through because it is an important learning tool for students.
“I am hoping in a couple weeks, we will have the program,” said Hollinger.
Hollinger said students make graphs to show how the weather affects performance.
There was a town support meeting on the subject and Hollinger said he expected to hear both positive and negative remarks.
“I went into the meeting thinking it would generate arguments,” said Hollinger who was surprised to find out everyone was all in favor of the idea.”
Hollinger and Orman said the process was very long because they were the first public school in New York to have a wind turbine installed.
Orman and Hollinger agreed it is something to be very proud of.
