Congregation serves 3,000 hot dogs for a penny apiece

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – It was another enormous crowd today for the annual Old-Fashioned Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Many come for hot dogs, slices of pie, lemonade and other treats – all served for only a penny. The event draws an estimated 2,000 people although no one keeps a head count. The church welcomes people for fun and fellowship.

The annual event has helped the church grow from about 30 people when it opened in 1988 to a thriving group of about 200 now.

This trio served visitors of the West Jackson Corners Post Office, where letters to Santa could be sent for a penny and prayers (messages to God) were offered for free. From left include Audrey Pask, Brie Trembley and Olivia Falker.

Evelyn June Phillips of Attica makes a candle at the candle-making station.

Many people while to try making a candle.

The East Shelby Community Bible Church first started doing an open house in 1990 when the community was welcome to see how the congregation had worked to revive the church building. The event has grown into a big festival on the grounds.

A horse-drawn wagon displays an American flag. This year’s Old-Fashioned Day had a strong patriotic feel for the country’s 250^th anniversary.

The church dedicated a new flag pole after church today and is displaying a 13-star flag.

Erik Lang helps serve 3,000 hot dogs. He is joined under the tent by Ken Baker, center, and Steve Nesbitt, at right.

Lang’s father Alfred Lang was best friends with the church’s long-time pastor, Erik Olsen. Lang’s parents named him after Erik Olsen.

Olsen passed away from cancer at age 70 on November 17, 2025. He preached a sermon eight days before that.

Amy Joyner holds a jar of strawberry rhubarb made by Sue Coon that won the homemade jam contest.

Levi Olsen presides over the jam-making contest. He has succeeded his father as the church’s pastor. He said his father is missed by the congregation. Erik Olsen would be happy to see Old-Fashioned Day continuing to bring the community together. Levi Olsen said the event and church are all about bringing glory to God, and not a person.

Rick Hale of Batavia brought a large collection of guns from the 1500s to 1800s including an air gun made between 1700 and 1710 in London. It was similar to the gun used by Lewis and Clark on their expedition, hale said.

A section of East Shelby Road, south of the church, was closed to traffic after part of the road was washed out in Saturday’s big downpour. An East Shelby firefighter said 5 1/2 inches of rain fell in 3 hours, and washed out the underneath of the road.

400-mile run for Community Action reaches $11,000 of $20,000 goal

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Brett Sobieraski, in white, runs around the Lyndonville school track with Rochester police officer and Lyndonville native Chris Shingleton.

Sobieraski completed another 55 miles on foot or 220 laps around the track. It was his second 55-mile day out of seven in a row, with 15 miles on Saturday in a 400-mile trek to benefit Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, is trying to raise $20,000 for Community Action to help the agency during a tiem of budget cuts and uncertainty.

He has raised $11,000 so far, including $6,691 online (as of 9:50 p.m.) To make an online donation, click here. Community Action representatives also are at each run, selling T-shorts and accepting cash donations or checks.

Brett Sobieraski, Chris Shingleton and Brad Kingdollar (at right) run along the Lyndonville track. Kingdollar completed 80 laps for 20 miles. Altogether, there were 40 different people who joined Sobieraski on the track today. He welcomes walkers and runners to come out and join him, even if it’s just for a lap.

The schedule the next six days includes:

• Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
• Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
• Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
• Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
• Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

After running more than 20 miles, Sobieraski took a short walking break. He is joined by childhood friend Shawn Gorman, left, and cousin Mark Sobieraski of Gasport.

Gorman grew up in Lockport with Brett Sobieraski. Gorman said Sobieraski has been a good friend since they were in kindergarten. Gorman said Sobieraski came out in the middle of the night to cheer him on when he did the 100-mile Beast of Burden on foot.

“He has always been an outstanding person and an inspiration to me,” Gorman said.

Softball games, dancing contests and egg-throwing competition among the events

These husbands at right appear to relish throwing raw eggs to their spouses who appear to be a little more apprehensive.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Volume 6, No. 20

MEDINA – On Wednesday, July 28, 1948, just before 9 a.m., some 1,300 Heinz employees and family members boarded buses at the Heinz plant on Park Ave. in Medina and travelled to Olcott Beach for the company’s summer family outing.

The H.J. Heinz Company first opened a cider mill in Medina in 1899 and later expanded to vegetable and tomato processing. It was the largest employer in the area and regularly hosted “employee appreciation” events.

That sunny day in 1948 was perfect for swimming and boating on the lake. A variety of games, races and sporting events entertained participants and spectators alike. Softball teams captained by George Maryjanowski and John Brennan played a hotly contested softball game which ended with a 3-2 score in favor of Maryjanowski’s team. Helen Levanduski and Mary Stawicki captained the ladies’ teams, with Levanduski’s team winning 16-2.

Dance contests were held in the afternoon. Josephine Grabowski and Julian Kwiatkowski were deemed the best waltzers, Mary Mondo and Douglas Kilbourn, the best jitterbugs.

Hattie Budzizewski and Rose Chandler were best in the polka competition. Attendees were provided with free tickets for rides, concessions and refreshments.

Many brought picnic lunches. Cash attendance prizes were given away throughout the day. Members of the organizing committee served free coffee and lemonade.

Robert M. Stack was general chairman of the event and was assisted by George Becker, Charles Ingersoll, William Hickey, Louis Gillmeister and others.

One of the more unusual contests was the raw egg throwing contest for couples. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to “get even.” Remarkably, there were no “direct hits.”

(Left) Robert M. Stack, event organizer presents a prize to Mary Vahoviak, winner of the Mystery Person contest. (Right) Theresa Mondo and Anna Mae Beyer hold the dolls they won in the rope-skipping contest.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Photographer Alexandra Peracciny is planning a Community Showcase for Amateur Photographers at the new studio she recently opened at 426 Main St. in Medina.

MEDINA – Photography has been a passion for Alexandra Peracciny since she was 10. Along with a 30-year career teaching French and Spanish at Medina High School, Peracciny has maintained her interest in photography.

“I loved the idea of preserving memories,” Peracciny said. “That was a big attraction for me. In those days, film was a challenge and I love challenges and capturing a good image, especially on film.”

She received her first professional camera at the age of 16. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland Central School, and after getting her certification to teach, she went back and got certified in photography. She began taking professional portraits in 2007, and in 2018  opened her first studio above The Booke Shoppe in the building that was owned by her parents. When they sold the building, in 2024 she moved above Blissett’s. This spring a storefront became available at 426 Main St., and she took advantage of the opportunity.

Alexandra Peracciny stands in her new studio at 426 Main St., Medina. The new space allows her to have a studio, classroom and retail store.

Her new location allows her space for a studio, the availability to offer classes and have a retail store, where she has a selection of Medina-themed items, pictures and gifts.

It has also provided space for Peracciny to host a Community Photography Exhibition, showcasing works of 15 local amateurs. It is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23, and correlates to the Medina Triennial’s theme, “All that Sustains Us.”

The exhibit is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. More than 50 photographs will be featured and will remain on display until Labor Day.

Regular hours of the studio are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“I wanted to do something special for the Triennial,” Peracciny said. “I wanted to join in their theme, and I hope to make it an annual event.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Boaters head west on the Erie Canal towards Medina’s canal basin recently. This photo was taken from near the bank of the canal from State Street Park.

For the fifth straight day an air quality alert has been issued for Orleans County and Western New York due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued the alert which is in effect unil midnight. The outdoor air quality levels are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 125 for fine particulates.

The NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

Today is forecast to be partly sunny with a high near 74 in Orleans County, followed by a sunny Monday with a high of 80, and a high of 85 on Tuesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The highs are then forecast for 76 on Wednesday, 78 on Thursday, 82 on Friday and 81 on Saturday.

Carlton resident has 7 more days and 345 more miles to go in benefit for Community Action

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski carries the American flag for the last two laps around the Albion High School track today. He completed 220 laps and 55 miles in a benefit for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

He shown just after 6 p.m., following 11 hours on the track, including in four downpours.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, will be attempting to run 55 miles for seven straight days at local high school tracks, before doing a final 15-mile run next Saturday at Albion.

He will be in Lyndonville on Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. He welcomes the public to join him on the track, even if it’s just for a lap. People can come out anytime time during the run.

He is trying to raise $20,00 for Community Action, which is facing budget cuts. Click here for more information on making an online donation for the 400-mile run for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Brett Sobieraski takes a breather after finishing today’s run. His girlfriend Laura Rinaldi corrals the flag.

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Dr. Susan Neno has announced she will be retiring in October and will be closing the Barre Animal Hospital.

Dr. Neno, 63, said she has tried to find a successor the past five years but has been unable to convince another vet to take on the solo practice.

“I’m going to miss this,” she said at the animal hospital on Friday. “This has been my life.”

Dr. Neno has been a vet for 35 years. She said the profession takes a toll on the body – and the emotions. She said euthanizing beloved family pets is heart-wrenching for her and the staff.

The Barre Animal Hospital was established more than 50 years ago by Dr. Ron Harling at 15445 E. Lee Rd. Dr. Neno became the owner in 2007, after working alongside Dr. Harling for a few years.

For many years she was on call 24-7. About two years ago she closed the office on Saturdays, and then a year ago also closed on Fridays. But even the Monday through Thursday schedule is very demanding.

She is grateful for the career at the Barre Animal Hospital, working with 1,400 active clients and 8,000 to 10,000 dogs and cats. In her earlier years as a vet, she treated snakes, turtles, gerbils, pigs, iguanas and other pets. But she said she sees those species fairly infrequently to stay well versed and well stocked on their medications.

Dr. Neno grew up in Lansing near Ithaca. After going to the local community college and then Binghamton University, she earned her veterinary degree at Cornell.

She wanted to stay on in more of an advisory role for a new owner, but vets are drawn to larger offices with more set hours and bigger paychecks.

“I’m sad to be leaving,” she said. “I’m heartbroken. The one-doctor practices are a thing of the past.”

Retiring in October will give her more time with her husband and family. She looks forward to going on a vacation trip.

She praised her staff, including vet tech Geoff who has been at the Barre Animal Hospital since 1999. Becky, Gail and Diane also are instrumental to the Barre Animal Hospital.

“The four of them are phenomenal,” Dr. Neno said. “They are the glue to the practice.”

She urged people to do yearly checkups at the vet for their pets. That way the vaccines can be updated, and the vet can do an exam and may be able to detect a mass or heart murmur before it is a serious threat.

Dr. Neno wrote a message to the community that has been printed this weekend in The Lake Country Pennysaver and Westside News.

After careful consideration, it has been decided that the Barre Animal Hospital will be closing its doors after many decades of serving the community.

The practice was established by Dr. Harling in the early 1970’s. Over the years, the clinic has had the opportunity to care for countless animals and to build lasting relationships with their owners. Deep appreciation is extended to the community for its trust and support over the years, as many of you have become friends and even like family to myself and the staff.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly. Several years were spent trying to transition the practice, including offering it for sale. After thoughtful reflection, it has become clear that closing the practice is the appropriate next step.

The anticipated closing date is October 2026.  Please reach out to us by email to have your records transferred to your new veterinary clinic.  The email address is: barreanimal@yahoo.com.

With sincere gratitude,

Dr. Susan Neno

Flash flood advisory in effect until 7 p.m.

A tornado warning was issued until 3:15 p.m. for southeastern Orleans County, the National Weather Service said at 2:46 p.m.

The warning also includes northeastern Genesee, southwestern Monroe and north central Livingston counties.

The NWS said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Byron in Genesee County was moving east at 35 miles per hour.

“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the NWS said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

A flash flood advisory also has been issued until 7 p.m. for Orleans County. The NWS said another line of thunderstorms are moving into the area with rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches possible. That follows the 2 and 3 inches of rain has already fallen with previous storms this afternoon. Flash flooding is already occurring, the NWS said.

The torrential rainfall has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for Orleans County until 5 p.m. The warning includes Monroe County, southeastern Niagara County, and northern Genesee County.

The NWS said Doppler radar indicates thunderstorms are producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen with additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch  possible in the warned area.

“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected  to begin shortly,” the NWS said at 12:55 p.m.

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Beer tent is open and band will play tonight

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee Bement of Pitcher, NY competes with “New Yorker” in the modified class at the Murray Tractor Pull on July 19, 2025. His tractor is turbine powered and hits 13,000 RPMs.

MURRAY – Organizers of the Murray Tractor Pull have announced the event will be cancelled today due to the severe thunderstorms.

The beer tent will be open and the band will play starting at 6:30 p.m. until 11p.m.

The tractor pull is held on Groth Road in Murray and typically draws 1,000 to 1,500 fans. Last year’s event raised $13,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

The Christ family created the pulling track and facility about 30 years ago on Groth Road.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A major drenching didn’t derail runners around 11:30 a.m. today on the Albion High School track.

Brett Sobieraski, second from right, was joined by three friends on the track. Sobieraski plans to run 220 laps around the track or 55 miles. He will attempt to do that seven straight days at different high school tracks for 385 miles, and then will run a final 15 miles next Saturday back at Albion. When this photo was taken, Sobieraski had run 25 miles so far for the day.

Brenda Myrthil of Rochester has fun on the run, despite the rain.

After a light rain to start today’s run at 7 a.m., the sun came out before a severe thunderstorm hit.

Sobieraski welcomes people to join him on the track for even a lap.

For more information on the 400-mile run for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski is shown on the Albion High School track this morning, the beginning of an 8-day fundraiser for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Sobieraski is planning to run 400 miles over the eight days with a goal of raising $20,000 for Community Action.

He is planning to run 220 laps at tracks the first seven days for 55 miles each day, then a final 60 laps for 15 miles next Saturday.

Sobieraski gets a high five from Jackie Dunham, the director of operations for Community Action.

As of 9 a.m. today, $4,866 has been raised online from 72 donors. Click here for more information about donating online.

Sobieraski rounds the far end of the track by the Albion scoreboard while running next to his girlfriend, Laura Rinaldi.

He welcomes people to join him on the track, even if it’s just for a lap.

He expects to be out at each track for 10 to 12 hours.

The schedule includes:

• Today, July 18 – Albion High School for 55 miles
• Sunday, July 19 – Lyndonville HS for 55 miles
• Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
• Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
• Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
• Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
• Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

Brett Sobieraski runs on the track at about a 10-minute mile pace this morning. Brenda Myrthil of Rochester is behind him.

Myrthil wanted to be part of the experience on the track with Sobieraski, who has completed many endurance challenges to benefit charities and fallen police officers. Sobieraski is a retired sergeant from the Rochester Police Department. He currently works as an investigator with the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.

“He is such an inspiration,” Myrthil said. “He does these crazy things to draw attention to others.”

She likes running on the track with other people, which she said makes it more of a community event.

Jeff Atwell (left), manager of weatherization for Community Action, and Ernie Gursslin, the facilities technician for the agency, secure a Community Action banner along the track fence. There will also banners for sponsors of the 400-mile run.

There is merchandise available, including commemorative T-shirts.

Brett Sobieraski poses for a photo with two colleagues at the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office before the start of the run this morning at 7. Connor Smith is an intern at the DA’s office and Susan Howard is the district attorney.

“Our whole office supports him,” Howard said. “What he is doing is ridiculously amazing.”

There was a gentle rain at the start of the run at 7 a.m.

Sobieraski said the rain to start the run today felt like a friendly jab from “Maz,” who is the late Anthony Mazurkiewicz. That Rochester police officer was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.

In 2023, Sobieraski ran a marathon every day for 50 straight days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the Mazurkiewicz family. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined Sobieraski in Rochester.

He is hoping for a big turnout on the track for Community Action, especially the finale next Saturday in Albion.

Sobieraski wants the run to bring people together during a time of divisiveness, and also raise money for Community Action which provides many services in Orleans and Genesee counties.

ALBION – A carnival event planned for Bullard Park today as a fundraiser for Hospice of Orleans has been cancelled due to the forecast of severe thunderstorms.

The event will be rescheduled. Christina Nenni and Michelle Wiseman from Best of Tymes Party Rentals were planning to have many activities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms today

For the fourth straight day, an air quality alert has been issued for Orleans County and Western New York due to the smoke from the wildfires in Canada.

The alert is in effect until midnight today. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 175 for fine particulates. The State Department of Health recommends individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

The National Weather Service also said there is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms through this evening. The primary hazards are damaging winds, heavy rainfall and an isolated tornado, the Weather Service said.