Records / Local / State. The Citizen, Auburn, New York obituaries Alan C. Drennen penter. He was a Boy Scout leader, volunteered with the Calvary Food Pantry, and a member of the VFW Post 6575 Owasco. Alan is survived by his children, Robert H. Strong II (Cloe), of Florida, Scott Drennen (Cynthia), of Sennett, Dana D. Mitteer (Brian), of Moravia, Michael Drennen (Patricia), of Skaneateles Falls, Rita Drennen, of Owasco, and Janis Paz (Joseph), of Maine, N.Y.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgrandchild. Alan was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia C. Curran Drennen in 2000; his son, Gary Drennen in 2006; his siblings, Dora Moe, Josephine Bryson, Ruth Barber, J. William “Bill” Drennen, and Mieriam Drennen. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Soule Cemetery, Sennett. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alan C. Drennen may be made to the Calvary Food Pantry CNY, 90 Franklin St., Auburn, NY 13021 or Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. Arrangements are with W h i te C h a p e l Fu n e ra l Home Inc., 197 South St., Auburn. Frances W. Hubbard Arlene M. Miller LEICESTER | Frances W. Hubbard, of Leicester, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2014, at the age of 94 with family by her side. S h e is survived by her sons, George (Martha) and Chuck (Cris), of Rochester and Marty (Debbie), of Skaneateles. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Frances was predeceased by her grandson Peter, age 19, in 1985, her husband Roy, of 49 years, in 1988 and her son Leonard “Zeke,” age 70, in 2011. The family would like to extend our special appreciation to the staff of grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Paul Crouch, of Groton; one sister, Ella Swearingen, of Groton; several nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert, and two granddaughters, Chelsea and Lindsey Crouch. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 in Christ United Methodist Church, 36 Church St., Moravia. Interment will be in Indian Mound Cemetery at a later date. A reception will follow the memorial service on Friday in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions can be made to Christ United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association. MARTINSBURG, W. Va. | Arlene M. Miller, of Martinsburg, W. Va., formerly of Aub u r n , passed a w a y peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014 at Berkley Medical Center. Arlene was the daughter of the late Emmett and Mary Smith Porter. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and cherished the times she had with the family. She survived by five sons, Raymond Grant, of Auburn, John Grant, of Auburn, Robert Grant and his wife, Roxanne, of Auburn, Willis Grant, of Martinsburg, W. Va., and Gordon Miller, of Auburn; daughter, Arlene Grant, of Martinsburg, W. Va.; brother, Lawrence R. Porter and his wife, Cindy, of Auburn; sister-in-law, Laura Porter, of Auburn; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Gordon S. Miller, who died on Oct. 9, 1998; a brother, Charles Porter, and grandsons, Robert Grant Jr. and Willis Grant Jr. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014 at the Brew Funeral Home, 48 South St., Auburn. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2014 at the Brew Funeral Home. Interment will be in Fleming Rural Cemetery. Rochelle, and Mel Kelly, all of Maple Hill, N.C.; daughter, Kim Foy, of Richlands, N.C.; father, Ralph Black (Mavis), of Weedsport; brothers, Scott Black (Susan), of Weedsport, and Stacey Black (Joylene), of Groton, N.Y.; sister, Kelly Thompson (John), of Boston, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at noon on July 7, 2014 in Jones Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville, N.C. with Pastor Ernie King and Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown officiating. Interment is in the Arthur Davis Family Cemetery with honors. A memorial service will be held to commemorate the life of Mr. Steven James Black starting at noon Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014 at Trolley Park, 8892 South St., Weedsport. Memorial contributions may be made to the Steven J. Black Memorial Fund, c/o Onslow County Sheriff’s Department, 717 Court St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Conesus Lake Nursing Home where she spent her last four years. Frances was always proud of her four boys and their families. She will be deeply missed. Her caring and giving ways will live on as an inspiration forever. The family will receive guests at the Leicester Presbyterian Church an hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Saturday, Aug. 16. A reception will follow at the Genesee River Hotel, Mt. Morris, N.Y. Memorial donations may be made to the Leicester Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are being handled by the John W. Martin Funeral Home, 37 Chapel St., Mt. Morris, N.Y. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.johnwmartinfuneralhome.com John Alfred ‘Al’ Crouch Sr. MORAVIA | John Alfred “Al” Crouch Sr., 80, of Moravia, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2014 at Robert Packer Hospital, of Sayre, Pa., after a long illness. Al was born Jan. 13, 1934 in Sherwood, N.Y., a son of John H. and Elsie Cleo Crouch. He had been a resident of Moravia most of his life. He had been employed at Smith-Corona Mfg. at the Groton and Cortland plants until his retirement. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of Locke and Moravia, and the Moravia Senior Citizens. Al is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Nelson Crouch; a daughter, Darleen (Phil) Armstrong, of Genoa; son, John Crouch Jr.; three Steven James Black JACKSONVILLE, N.C. | Steven James Black, 57, passed away on July 1, 2014 in Jacksonville, N.C. Steven was born in Auburn, and raised in Weedsport, the son of Ralph Black and the late Virginia Taylor Black. He was a deputy for the Onslow County Sheriff Department, N.C. and was also a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Steven is survived by his wife, Esther Davis Black, of Maple Hill, N.C.; sons, Joe Rochelle, Dwayne Rochelle, Jimmy Rochelle, Michael Death notices Obituaries on the following notices may be published in the next edition of The Citizen. Death notices are printed without charge. GREEN Sr., Robert A., 89, of Owasco, died Aug. 11, 2014 at Loretto Health and Rehab Center, Syracuse. Calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South St., Auburn. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Owasco Fire Department. 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 in St. Alphonsus Church, KELLEY, Nancy A. , Genesee St. Auburn. 81, of Northbrook Heights, and formerly of Forest Hill MORABITO, Joseph Drive, died on Sunday, L. “Sput,” 85, of Auburn, Aug. 10, 2014 at Univer- passed away Sunday, Aug. sity Hospital, Syracuse. 10, 2014. A Mass of ChrisCalling hours 4 to 7 p.m. tian burial at 11:30 a.m. (today) Wednesday, Aug. (today) Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014 at White Chapel 13, 2014 in St. Mary’s Funeral Home, 197 South Church. Burial will be in St., Auburn. Services at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. NEW YORK New ethics rules for counselors Associated Press ALBANY | New York state’s Division of Veterans’ Affairs established new ethics rules following an investigation showing two counselors received large inheritances of cash and property from vets they helped both at work and outside of it. Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott concluded in a report Tuesday that those are ethical lapses, A5 OBITUARIES IN THE NEWS To send a message to the families, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries. AUBURN | Alan C. Drennen, 93, of Boyle Center, formerly East Lake Road, Owasco, passed a w a y June 26, 2014. M r . Drennen was born in Auburn on March 21, 1921; he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Curry Drennen. Alan served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II as a carpenter’s mate first class; he was a recipient of the Bronze Star. After serving his country, Alan was a self-employed master car- Wednesday, August 13, 2014 citing inadequate supervision and a faulty conflictof-interest policy that was recently revised. “Counselors should not be using their position to enrich themselves with money or gifts from veterans, but must provide services to veterans with competence and diligence,” Scott said. One counselor accepted gifts including a $23,000 car. She was given access to the World War II vet’s bank accounts to help manage his affairs, though she also used them to pay $2,500 of her own bills, the report said. The counselor inherited his house and stocks after he died in 2010, which the veteran’s family contested, though the will was upheld. New York law prohibits state workers from receiving gifts of more than nominal value. Lauren Bacall dies at 89 Lauren Bacall arrives at Elle magazine’s 14th annual Women in Hollywood tribute Oct. 15, 2007 in Los Angeles. Bacall, the sultry-voiced actress and Humphrey Bogart’s partner off and on the screen, died Tuesday. She was 89. Associated Press NEW YORK | Lauren Bacall, the slinky, sultryvoiced actress who created on-screen magic with Humphrey Bogart in “To Have and Have Not” and “The Big Sleep” and offscreen magic in one of Hollywood’s most storied marriages, died Tuesday at age 89. Bacall, whose long career brought two Tonys and a special Oscar, died in New York. The managing partner of the Humphrey Bogart Estate, Robbert J.F. de Klerk, said that Bacall died at home, but declined to give further details. Bacall’s son Stephen Bogart confirmed his mother’s death to de Klerk. She was among the last of the old-fashioned Hollywood stars and her legend, and the legend of “Bogie and Bacall” — the hard-boiled couple who could fight and make up with the best of them — started almost from the moment she appeared on screen. A fashion model and bit-part New York actress before moving to Associated Press Hollywood at 19, Bacall achieved immediate fame in 1944 in her first film, “To Have and Have Not.” She was less than half Bogart’s age, yet as wise and as jaded as him. Her sly glance, with chin down and eyes raised, added to her fame; she was nicknamed “The Look.” Bogart and Bacall married amid headlines in 1945, and they co-starred in three more films, “The Big Sleep” (1946), “Dark Passage” (1947) and “Key Largo” (1948). Their marriage lasted until his death from cancer in 1957. Bacall was always a star. With her lanky figure and flowing blonde hair, she was seemingly born for checked suits and silk dresses. On television talk shows, she exhibited a persona that paralleled her screen appearances: She was frank, even blunt, with an undertone of sardonic humor. certifications from New York state in social studContinued from A1 ies, school building leader, school district leader, and also holds professional school district business leader categories. Powers also has a master’s degree in geography education from SUNY Cortland. Meeting implement an extended learning plan. If Auburn accepts that money, will it be committed to following through with the grant, Evelyn wondered. “If we accept the planning funding does it formally commit the district to fulfill the grant,” Evelyn asked. The $10,000 would cover the cost of technical assistance for the grant implementation. The ensuing discussion was “too casual” for board member Dia Carabajal, who requested the board take another look at the grant parameters initially reviewed in October when the application was made. Board members requested that meetings with the community take place before any decisions are made. “I think it’s important to bring this to the community,” said Kathleen Rhodes, board vice president. “Because it wll change their student’s day.” Last, Chief Information Officer Tim Moon reported that he and Evelyn attended a symposium this summer at the New York City offices of Google. There, the educators learned about cost-efficient applications and technologies, such as Google Classroom, that would facilitate instruction. Moon updated the board on the computer updates his staff is implementing at all school buildings. He mentioned that a switch to more Google products, such as Google Chromebook computers that update automatically, could save the district money. Carabajal questioned the corporate marketing motives of Google, expressing concern for the privacy of student and faculty users. “Google tracks behavior,” she said. “Will they be tracking writing samples? We do have a responsibility for privacy. ... That’s where they gain market advantage.” While Moon mentioned the district has used Google advertisingfree applications for years, nevertheless “it’s a certainly a concern of mine.” isn’t an intent to injure the person, but injuries can certainly happen if a driver buzzes too close — as Stewart did, Axton said. “I know Tony didn’t mean to hurt anybody,” he said. “Nonetheless, I do think he tried to buzz the kid. It’s a bad situation for everybody.” The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is probing the altercation, looking into evidence to see if there was criminal intent. Sheriff Philip Povero said on Sunday that criminal charges have not yet been ruled out. However, to blame what happened on poor visibility in the middle of an August night — Ward was wearing a black jumpsuit — or what’s been described as slick track conditions is just not true, Axton believes. Drivers are kept informed with team coordinators through consistent radio communication. Coordinators inform racers of what’s going on with the track, such as conditions and wrecks, he said. “Everybody knew there was a problem on turn two,” Axton said, referring to the course layout. When Stewart struck Ward, drivers were notified by a red flag to stop immediately. At that point, Axton — who did not know that Ward left his vehicle — surmised that the 20-year-old driver might have suffered injuries from the crash. He said he knew it was much more serious than that when drivers were prompted to vacate the track. Axton and Ward were members of the same sprint car racing club, Em- pire Super Sprints. Axton considered Ward a friend, saying he was “a good kid, not a hothead.” Members of the Empire Super Sprints club plan to honor Ward’s memory by wearing orange, Ward’s color, and through thematic racing decals, Axton said. “It’s just a really tight, tight-knit group, which makes it hurt even more,” he said of the club. Axton also knows Stewart from racing with him. He said Stewart has always treated the other drivers “as equals” and “we’ve enjoyed having him.” This tragedy will resonate with both families, and the racing community, for a considerable amount of time, he said. “There’s nobody that comes out of this better than the other,” Axton said. “Even us (drivers). It’s going to be in our minds forever.” The effects of Saturday’s tragedy are already being seen locally, Axton said. On Monday, Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway instated new rules that mandate for drivers to remain in their vehicles unless there is an emergency, like a fire. Exiting a vehicle would result in a red flag signaling the race to stop, and unauthorized evacuation could result in a fine and suspension, among other penalties. Axton believes the new rules at Fulton and Brewerton are signs of what’s to come. “It’s a sad thing that it takes a 20-year-old’s death for us to learn a silly lesson.” Leader Continued from A1 swim teams with the three schools. School board members discussed the extension of time needed to implement the $1.7 million extended learning time grant awarded to Auburn Junior High School. Statewide, nine districts were awarded the grant and all were notified of the awards in July, but anticipated hearing about them in January. The district requested an extension from the state of the three-year grant for time to consider planning and implementing an extended learning strategy. Evelyn relayed an extension could take three possible forms. The district could begin the plan in September, as indicated in the original award. If the district begins an extended learning plan in January or September 2015, the monetary award would be prorated, she said. The rub is the additional $10,000 that comes with the grant to help Crash Continued from A1 doesn’t feel the need. The former Cayuga County legislator has been a race-car driver for more than 30 years. At times during his career, Axton has been in a similar situation a few dozen times. He’s been in Ward’s shoes — furious when his hopes of winning a race are dashed from another’s maneuver. He’s been Stewart — the offender who knows what, or whom, might be waiting for him one lap later after such a stunt. “It goes back as long as racing,” he said of the road rage. Axton said he was “right behind” Ward’s car when it was initially wrecked. The driver then lagged behind when racing officials threw up a caution flag, prompting racers to slow down to, Axton said, about 20 to 30 miles per hour. He didn’t see Stewart strike Ward. For his own sake, he’s grateful for it. Regardless, Axton knows what Stewart was trying to do when tragedy struck. While he doesn’t believe Stewart intended to hurt Ward, Axton believes he intended to do something else — something that’s been around racing for decades. It’s called buzzing, Axton said. When Ward left his car and gestured toward Stewart, Axton believes that Stewart was trying to back off the 20-year-old by “buzzing” his car close to Ward. When buzzing, there