Lyndonville grad Ben Frasier owns company and wants phase 2 with a bigger playground for older elementary kids

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Ben Frasier, a 1988 Lyndonville graduate and owner of Parkitects, checks out a new sensory dome in the playground by the elementary school. The sensory dome is an intended spot for children on the autism spectrum to get away from the activity and noise from the other parts of the playground.

Frasier and a team of 18 Parkitects employees spent most of the day installing a new playground at Lyndonville.

Frasier and Parkitects donated about $250,000 in equipment and in-kind services to the playground. The school district also was able to use $160,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for playground equipment.

Parkitects employees get wheelbarrow loads of concrete for footers to hold down the new playground equipment.

Orleans Ready Mix donated concrete for the project. Those donations were lined up by Steve Grabowski, the district’s director of facilities.

Other donations included:

Watson Construction Group with removal/demolition of all of the old playground equipment and 14 inches of mulch; Barre Stone Company with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Shelby Crushed Stone with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Town of Yates with hauling the stone to the school; and Medina Lumber & Hardware with pressure treated 2×12’s covering 228 linear feet around the perimeter.

The new playground includes a We-Go-Round, Sway Fun Glider, We-Saw and other equipment that will be accessible to kids of all abilities and mobilities. The previous playground was over 20 years old and wasn’t handicapped accessible.

A 3 1/2-inch thick rubber material will be added next week. It takes 48 hours for that rubber to cure after being poured. Ben Frasier said he expects the new playground will be open for children in about two weeks.

The playground equipment is stainless steel and manufactured by Landscape Structures. Frasier has been part of Parkitects for 29 years. The company is celebrating its 30^th anniversary.

Frasier said the new playground is phase 1 of an initiative to give Lyndonville the best his company has to offer.

Frasier, during an August Board of Education meeting, said he has profound memories of growing up in Lyndonville and playing on the former wooden playground at the school. The community came together nearly 50 years ago to build that playground.

“This playground taught me about the power of community,” he said showing a photo of the former site.

Frasier wants phase 2 to a be a larger playground for older kids in the elementary school. He believes the project can happen through fund-raising, grants and donations.

Phase 2 would include some larger equipment including Super Netplex Towers, ZipKrooz, Oodles Swing, Sensory Tunnel, Rollerslide with Exit Bench, and a 7-Post Hex Net. Frasier would like to see the next phase installed in about a year.

Phase 3 could include a shelter for parents and grandparents to stay in the shade while children are on the playground.

Ben Frasier tries out the We-Go-Round. It has space for children in wheelchairs to get inside and enjoy the ride.

Press Release, ESL Federal Credit Union

ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its place on the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance list on Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine’s list of large companies.

This year marks the first time ESL appeared in the large-company category after growing to more than 1,000 employees. The locally owned financial institution ranked number 29 out of 50 companies. Editor’s Note: ESL has a site in Orleans County at 11182 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina.

Prior to this year, ESL garnered recognition on the list of small and medium-sized companies for a decade. The financial institution is named alongside other respected New York-based organizations, including The Bonadio Group in the large category and First American Equipment Finance in the small and medium category.

“We are honored to be named a Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance for the 11th consecutive year,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president, chief administrative officer. “This year is especially meaningful to us, as we join the list of large companies for the first time. As we continue to grow and expand our geographic footprint, our commitment to providing a superior employee experience remains a key focus for us. At ESL, we recognize that supporting and investing in our employees strengthens our ability to serve our members and communities.”

To determine the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list, Great Place to Work measures and benchmarks approximately 200,000 employee survey responses from Great Place to Work-Certified companies in the financial services and insurance industry.

The complete list can be viewed by clicking here.

Bruce Pritchett, a middle school social studies teacher, holds a sign demanding a fair contract for Albion teachers. About 30 teachers attended Monday’s board meeting, with several holding signs and most wearing T-shirts in support of the teachers’ union.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Two members of the negotiating team for the Albion Teachers Association, Josh Green at left at podium and Chris Keller, address the Board of Education during Monday’s board meeting.

The teachers have been without a contract since June 30, 2025. An impasse has been declared and a mediator will have his first session on Oct. 20 with the negotiating team of the ATA and district officials.

Green and Keller were limited to a 3-minute comment period during the board meeting. They said the district has been underspending its budget by about 25 percent the last three years or by about $10 million a year.

They said the teachers’ request for higher pay could easily be accommodated by the district if it spent the budgeted amounts for teachers.

Keller is a middle school English teacher and Green works in the high school as a social studies teacher. Green noted a 2022 report from the state comptroller that said the district had amassed reserves that were too high. AT that time the district’s reserves were about $17 million. Green and Keller said the reserves now top $50 million.

The two sides are $1.4 million apart in a five-year contract or about $300,000 a year.

Albion teachers are seeking raises that the ATA said reflects the cost-of-living increases and also the extra workload as the district demands more time each day for teachers to be in the classroom. (The first year of the contract would be an extra 10 minutes, and then 20 minutes from years 2 to 5.)

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, told the Orleans Hub in a  recent interview that the needs to allow the district to stay within the state-imposed tax cap of about 2 percent annually. The new contract will set the floor for future contracts and the commitment from local taxpayers, Edwards said.

“My hope is we reach a conclusion that is fair and fiscally responsible for both parties and the community,” he said. “It’s about sustainability and being fair to the community.”

Bruce Pritchett, a middle school social studies teacher, holds a sign demanding a fair contract for Albion teachers. About 30 teachers attended Monday’s board meeting, with several holding signs and most wearing T-shirts in support of the teachers’ union.

Albion hasn’t increased what it collects in property taxes in 18 of the last 20 years. The district has benefitted from steady increases in state aid, but Edwards said there is no guarantee that will continue in the future with the state.

The teachers have been without a contract for over a year. They still get their regular step increases and all other benefits while there isn’t a contract except teachers on the highest step of 24 because there isn’t a step increase for them. The district said the steps are an average of 3.8 percent (ranging from 2.6 to 10.6 percent).

The district is proposing in the new contract the regular pay hikes with step increases, plus additional raises of 6.9 percent in the first year, 3.3 percent in the second year, 3.5 percent the third year, 3.3 percent the fourth year and 3.4 percent in the fifth year. The total increase over the 5 years would be 22.1 percent or $2,742,032.

The ATA is seeking a contract that would be about $1.4 million over what the district is offering. The ATA is seeking the usual salary steps plus a 4.8 percent increase the first year, and then 10 percent the second year, 5.7 percent the third year, 4.7 percent the fourth year and 4.7 percent the fifth year.

The district wants teachers to work more instructional time because the district currently is close to the 990-hour minimum for the elementary school and 900-hour minimum for secondary levels, Edwards said. If there is a snow day or other emergency, Albion is cutting it very close to meet the minimum standard, Edwards said.

That added time represents 4.7 percent more time in the classroom for teachers. The ATA said the contract should reflect that additional workload, as well as the cost-of-living increases that the ATA is putting at 3.5 percent annually.

Board of Education will decide on scope of project on Oct. 26 with 3 options ranging from $33.4 million to $47.3 million

Photos by Tom Rivers: This slide presented at the Albion Board of Education meeting on Monday shows a conceptual rendering of a new greenhouse and renovated ag shop at the high school. Rick Recckio II, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance, is at lower right in the photo.

ALBION – The school district plans to put a capital project to a public referendum in mid-December, with the project ranging from $33.4 million to $47.3 million.

The Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 to determine the scope of the project. It could go to a public vote on either Dec. 15 or Dec. 17.

During Monday’s board meeting, four representatives from Campus Construction Management Group went over options for the project after meeting with district stakeholders in recent months. The Campus Construction team included Jason Benfante, vice president; Kevin Donoghue, executive vice president; Kory Hunsinger, principal; Michael Ferreri, senior project manager.

Campus Construction assisted Albion with the recent $26.7 million capital project that was approved by voters December 2021, with construction starting in 2023. Part of that project included the new turf fields for the football field, softball and soccer. That project also included work on all three schools, as well as the bus garage.

The new project also includes work at all three school buildings as well as the bus garage. The price varies depending on the scope of work in the elementary school.

School districts in New York State are required to do a Building Condition Survey every five years for all normally occupied student buildings. The survey identified areas for a new capital project with state aid covering the majority of the expense. The local share from Albion already would be covered in the district’s capital reserve fund, Board of Education member John Kast said during Monday’s meeting.

“Throughout our meetings with stakeholders, these are the things that rose to top,” said Kory Hunsinger, a principal with Campus Construction.

The new project includes some elements that were considered for the previous project, but were removed, Hunsinger said.

The project could include the following:

High School

This slide was presented during the Board of Education meeting and shows the concept of turning the art foyer at the high school int a fitness center.

• Renovate Ag, IT and wood shop – $6.1 million
• Greenhouse addition – $1 million
• Renovate LGI – $3 million
• Renovate counseling suite – $1.2 million
• Renovate art foyer into fitness center – $1.6 million
• Digital athletics/arts wall of fame – $200,000
• Replace areas of damaged roofing – $100,000
• Remediate sewer odor in athletics vestibule – $100,000

Middle School

The auditorium in the middle school would be renovated while preserving its Art Deco character.

• Renovate auditorium, including seating, lighting, rigging and sound – $7.5 million
• Replace areas of damaged roofing – $600,000
• Replace exterior window sills – $300,000
• Provide security film on at-grade windows – $200,000

Elementary School

The scope of work for new ventilation systems, cabinets and windows would vary in the elementary school, ranging from $6.2 million to $20.1 million

• Replace east playground at $2 million
• Replace west playground surfacing at $800,000
• Renovate main entrance courtyard at $300,000, with $200,000 to add snow melt
• Provide security film on at-grade windows at $200,000
• Replace classroom ventilation system, adjacent cabinets and windows; replace classroom flooring, ceilings, caseworks, lighting and upgrade classroom toilet rooms wings A, B, D, G, I, J. This option would be $20.1 million.

Limiting the work to wings A, B, I, and J would reduce the cost to an estimated $12.1 million for Option 2.

Option 3 would be $6.2 million to replace classroom ventilation system, adjacent cabinets and windows in wings A, B, D, G, I and J.

Transportation building

• Replace trench drain in storage and service bays at $200,000
• Replace areas of damaged roofing, $30,000

If the project is approved by voters, Campus Construction would need to finalize the design and get State Department of Education approval. Once State Ed gives the final OK for the project, bid specifications would be prepared with bids likely to be sought in the winter of 2028.

Construction could start in the summer of 2028, and it could take three summers to get all the work done, Campus Construction officials told the Board of Education.

The cost estimates represent about a 21 percent increase from the current construction prices. Campus Construction is estimating a 7 percent price increase in construction each year. If the work is done in two to three years, the company is estimating a 21 percent escalation in construction costs.

Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

Yesterday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer demanded answers from Flock Safety, the private company behind a nationwide network of license plate cameras, about what it does with the data it collects on Americans and demanded personal data not tied to a crime be deleted from Flock’s servers.

In a letter to Flock CEO Garrett Langley, Schumer pressed the company on its National Lookup Tool, which lets agencies search camera data collected outside their own jurisdictions, and on recent reports of hacked cameras and misuse of license plate readers. Schumer called on the company to respond by October 16.

Flock has deployed about 120,000 cameras across 49 states. Editor’s Note: Flock works with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department to have about a dozen of the license-plate readers in Orleans County.

Flock’s cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, along with the time and location of each image, and local agencies can open their camera networks to other Flock users nationwide. Reports show the company has built a tool to link a license plate to the person behind it and to that person’s relatives, drawing on data brokers and breached data. Flock also sells drones and gunshot detectors, and its software can combine them with other surveillance cameras, including ones the company does not own.

“There’s a private company putting cameras on street corners across the country, and it doesn’t just track your license plate. It logs where you’ve been in a database police across the country can search, and its software can link your car to your phone number and your family,” said Schumer. “Americans have no idea who’s looking at that information, or why it has to be collected in the first place. They deserve to know.”

 Last month, a hacker group pulled down a Flock camera and recovered an encryption key stored on the device, unlocking more than 1.6 million images and 27,000 video clips. Flock had previously said its devices were secure and encrypted.

“This company said the data on its cameras was encrypted and secure. Then hackers took one down and found the key sitting right there,” Schumer said. “Most Americans just want to get to work and get home to their families without a private company keeping a file on where they go. The next step here is simple: turn the lens around and zoom in on Flock.”

Schumer also demanded answers from Flock about how much data from its cameras sits on its servers and whether any federal agency has accessed that data, directly or through local law enforcement.

“Americans should not have to sacrifice their right to privacy simply by driving down a public street,” Schumer wrote.

Full text of the letter from Schumer is available by clicking here.

Press Release, Orleans County government

Orleans County’s county-wide broadband network is nearly finished. Construction is complete on 14 of the network’s 21 sites, located in and around Medina, Albion, Lyndonville, Shelby, Ridgeway, Gaines, Carlton and Kendall.

The remaining seven sites are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. When complete, the network will reach thousands of homes, farms and businesses in every town across Orleans County.

The network is owned by Orleans County and funded by an $11.56 million grant awarded to the county by New York State through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. North Shore Networks (NSN), a locally owned internet provider based in Medina, is designing, building, and operating the network under an agreement with the county.

“From the start, the goal was that every part of Orleans County should have reliable, affordable internet, not just the areas that were easy to reach,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne M. Johnson. “We are close to the finish line. Fourteen sites are already built, and the rest of the county will follow in the next few months.”

The network builds on the wireless internet initiative the county launched in 2021. Its 21 sites include 15 existing towers, seven of them county-owned, along with three new towers and three grain elevators hosted by local family farms.

“Our crews are focused and working hard on finishing the last seven sites this year,” said Duston Ellis, co-founder of North Shore Networks (NSN). “We are grateful to the county and to the three family farms that have partnered with us to make this possible for the community.”

The network uses the latest generation of fixed wireless technology and can deliver speeds of 500 Mbps and higher, well beyond what earlier wireless service could offer. Service is affordable, with no contracts, no data caps, no taxes, and no hidden fees. Residents and businesses interested in service should visit www.ConnectNSN.com and submit their information. NSN will follow up as soon as service is available at their address.

Orleans Community Connects, a local non-profit organization, collaborates with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to expand digital skills education opportunities for Orleans County residents. CCE offers free help for residents, including group classes and one-on-one support. Through this partnership, both organizations work to ensure community members have the knowledge, confidence, and support to use technology effectively in their daily lives.

“Access is only the first step,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “Anyone who wants help with Digital Skills Education or connecting devices to the internet can call 585-798-4265 x 146 and speak with Abigail.”

This deployment of internet service is supported by a grant awarded to Orleans County by New York State through the ConnectALL program.

About Orleans Community Connects

Orleans Community Connects is a local, independent nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Orleans County by connecting people, resources, and organizations to address challenges that impact residents. With deep roots in Orleans County, we have proudly served our community for decades. As our work has grown and evolved, our name now reflects our role today—while our commitment to caring for our neighbors and strengthening the community remains unwavering.

About North Shore Networks

North Shore Networks (NSN), founded in 2022, is a locally owned internet service provider based in Medina, New York. Learn more at www.ConnectNSN.com.

Hassan Barulich

MEDINA – Law enforcement has charged a man for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the village of Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.

Hassan A. Barulich, age 21, told police he is homeless. He was taken into custody by the Task Force and the Medina Police Department for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

There was a warrant for his arrest  due to a previous incident on August 12, when Barulich allegedly fled the residence at 307 East Center St. during a search warrant execution. A loaded .38 revolver was recovered along with over an ounce of crack cocaine, the Task Force said.

While placing Barulich into custody on the arrest warrant and subsequent search of his person, investigators recovered over an additional ounce of crack cocaine and over $600 in cash.

Barulich has been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Class C violent felony).

He is currently being held for CAP Court at the Orleans County Jail where he will be arraigned on the arrest warrant and drug charges.

Assisting the Task Force in this investigation include Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory.

The Task Force stated the investigation is ongoing, and further charges and arrests are pending.

Provided photo: Police seized crack cocaine and over $600 from Hassan Barulich.

No cases have been reported in Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Niagara counties

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order today declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states.

The Executive Order enables the State to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed.

The Governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year’s flu vaccine to protect against infection. The Governor is committed to putting New Yorkers’ health and safety first and has directed the New York State Department of Health to share frequent public notifications and resources throughout this flu season.

“After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease.”

Editor’s Note: There are 0 cases so far in Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Niagara counties. There have been 11 confirmed cases in Western New York with 2 in Erie, 3 in Chautauqua and 6 in Allegany County. Otsego County in the Mohawk Valley has the most with 20 cases followed by 17 in Seneca County in the Finger Lakes.

The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing.

New York State Department of Health’s Measles Dashboard

Today’s announcement builds on the State’s ongoing measles response efforts, including the launch of a Measles Dashboard allowing the public and healthcare officials to track local health risks and raise awareness about measles.

In addition to clinical education and guidance for providers, epidemiological support for case investigation and contact tracing, and expedited laboratory testing, the State Department of Health continues to support local health departments with vaccines, community outreach efforts to increase awareness, data analytic support, and clinically accurate and culturally meaningful immunization education.

As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.

Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State.

Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections.

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed.

Causes of Measles and Symptoms To Monitor For

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight other infections like pneumonia. This disease is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or, less commonly, by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a type of brain inflammation resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage years after the initial infection.

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those traveling domestically or internationally should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide 97 percent protection.

Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad or to an area where measles is prevalent. After travel, these babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule for a total of three vaccines. Anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.

The Department has released a health advisory for healthcare providers on clinical guidance for measles.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days after exposure, and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Provided photos: (Left) A volunteer finds part of a broken drainage pipe at Point Breeze during a shoreline cleanup on Sept. 26. (Right) Volunteers collect trash at Glenwood Lake.

Volunteers collected 164 pounds of trash on Sept. 26 during the 25^th annual Shoreline Cleanup event.

The Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District organized the event, which coincided with The American Littoral Society’s NYS Beach Cleanup Event. Volunteers were out across the state picking up trash from their local shorelines.

Locally, the volunteers met at Bullard Park in Albion before heading to different cleanup locations including the Point Breeze Boat Launch, Canal Widewaters, Glenwood Lake Boat Launch, Waterport Dam and Park Avenue Extension.

Soil & Water staff want to thank those who participated and remind everyone to practice “carry in, carry out” and properly dispose of their trash when possible.

People interested in participating in next year’s cleanup should contact the district office at (585) 589-5959, ext. 5.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The average price for regular unleaded was at $4.41 at the Albion Kwik Fill on Sunday evening.

The average price of regular unleaded declined by 11 cents nationally to $4.36 today, while the average is New York State is down a penny to $4.47. A year ago, the average price was $3.13 nationally and $3.18 in NYS, AAA reported today.

“After a record-setting September, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 11 cents this week as October arrives,” AAA said. “Oil prices are down to $89 to $100 per barrel this morning compared to $94 to $115 last week.”

“Typically, gas prices drop at this time of year as demand drops and refineries switch over to cheaper winter blend fuel,” AAA said. “However, ongoing volatility in the Strait of Hormuz could continue to put upward pressure on prices at the pump.”

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

• Orleans, $4.439
• Genesee, $4.421
• Monroe, $4.418
• Niagara, $4.421
• Erie, $4.413
• Wyoming, $4.443
• Livingston, $4.422
• Chautauqua, $4.412
• Cattaraugus, $4.436
• Allegany, $4.428

Hamilton County in the Adirondacks is the highest in the state at $4.904 a gallon, while Seneca has the lowest average at $4.306.

Diesel prices also are down with the national average at $6.32, which is 20 cents lower from last week. Prices are up from $3.68 one year ago. In New York, the average diesel price is $6.51 per gallon, no change from last week. A year ago, New York drivers were paying an average of $3.89 per gallon, AAA said.

Provided photo and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters

OSWEGO – The Medina Mustang Band travelled on Saturday night to Oswego, competing head to head with the Oswego Buccaneers for a first place standing in the Small School 2 bracket.

Oswego won the night in SS2, besting Medina, 78.300 to 77.100, in a close competition. In marching band events, a point is roughly equivalent to a football touchdown. There were four bands competing in the Small School 1 bracket.  A large, exuberant crowd was on hand including many from Medina who made the 2 hour plus trip.

East Irondequoit, directed by Medina High School grad Jeff Hoffman, had the highest score of the evening with an 82.550.

This marks the midpoint of Medina’s competitive band season with competitions at Victor, Webster and Greece remaining before the NYSFBC Championships at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on Sunday, November 1st.

Provided photo: Jake Jackson concentrates on a shot during a billiards tournament. He will represent Team USA in the Billard Congress of America’s 2026 World Pool Association World Junior 10-Ball Championship later this month in San Antonio.

LYNDONVILLE – Three years of hard work and dedication have paid off for a 17-year-old senior at Lyndonville Central School.

Jake Jackson, 17, is a senior at Lyndonville’s L.A. Webber Middle-High School. He stands in a pool hall after competing in a tournament. The teen has been competing in pool tournaments since he was 14.

Jake Jackson has been selected by the Billard Congress of America to represent Team USA at the 2026 World Pool Association World Junior 10-Ball Championships in San Antonio, Texas.

Jake and his parents, Roger and Terah Jackson, will be heading to San Antonio on Oct. 22 for the week-long tournament. He narrowly missed qualification in 2025 when he placed fifth at the qualifier in Dubuque, Iowa.

This past July, Jake received a wild card invitation from the Billard Education Foundation and USA Cue Sports to fill an open spot for Team USA at the championships in San Antonio.

To cover travel expenses, the family is hosting a benefit and prize drawing at Bison Billiards, located at the back of Eastern Hills Mall. The date will be announced soon.

“We are grateful for the support of Jake’s sponsors, Adam Japan Cues,  InThBX Sports Gear and Bison Billiards of Williamsville,” said Roger Jackson.

Raffle tickets can be purchased from Jake, Roger or Terah Jackson on social media or by stopping at Salon de Coiffeur on Maple Ridge Road in Medina.

Jake started playing in the Nationals at age 14. He also has another big tournament coming up in December near Miami, called “The 64.” It is an invitation-only junior tournament for players 20 years old and under, with a grand prize of $10,000 for travel expenses for the season and other sponsor opportunities.

Medina’s historic cemetery was lighted up and featured live music, docents in period costumes

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – This group gathers on the top of Boxwood Cemetery on North Garvel Road in Medina to hear Barb Gorham share about David Carr, the first person buried in the cemetery in 1849. Carr told people he wanted to buried on the hill just north of Medina.

Since his burial, about 5,000 others have been buried at Boxwood.

There were 290 people who attended the Boxwood at Night on Saturday, an event that raises money for the cemetery (with tickets at $20 apiece) and also highlights local history.

Barb Gorham was a docent for the second year, dressing in a period costume with a fake beard to portray David Carr.

“It’s a nice event and it’s good for the community,” she said.

She was one of 10 docents at Boxwood at Night.

The band, Together Again, featured Medina teacher Rachel Trillizio on vocals, retired band teacher Jim Steele and other musicians.

Megan “Marge” Furness created this display by her van, which she calls Cindy. Furness is owner of Hippiesque TieDyes, and makes custom tapestry and apparel. This was her first time featured at Boxwood at Night.

This lighted section is the potter’s field area on the other side of the hill at Boxwood. There were 107 people buried in the potter’s field. Of those 107, only 28 have head stones. The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery is working to install a monument listing all 107 people.

Cindy Robinson served as one of the docents. She highlighted the potter’s field and the monument that is expected to soon be installed.

Michael Zelazny sang and played his guitar near the start of the event at Boxwood. The start was near the Glenwood Lake boat launch.

These letters were lighted up for the event, which is organized by Friends of Boxwood Cemetery.

Jenna Papponetti created charcoal landscape drawings of Glenwood Lake and the waterfalls. This piece is called, “Still Water.” Papponetti went kayaking in the lake and near the waterfalls and took photos to reference the drawings.

Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian, portrayed Amelia Bennett, who was buried in 1831 at a cemetery on Gwinn Street. That area is now a playground. The bodies and monuments were relocated to Boxwood in 1895. There weren’t any new burials at Gwinn Street after 1850, Cooper said.

The Vine Church choir sang hymns in the chapel of the cemetery.

The chapel with the people singing hymns was one of four stops with musicians. The chapel has been the focus of a restoration effort with extensive work on a stained-glass window and other interior improvements.

The chapel at Boxwood was built in 1903 with a $22,000 donation from the late Silas Burroughs, who was influential in the pharmaceutical industry. His father also served in Congress.

Reinhard Rogowski portrayed Silas M. Burroughs, who was a congressman and owner of the Burroughs mansion at State Street Park in medina. The mansion was built in 1850 and was one of the area’s finest homes. It burnt down in 1913. His son, Silas Mainville Burroughs, was a very successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mandee DeMarco arranges chicken-wire sculptures on the trunk of where a large tree that recently was taken down. DeMarco is part of a Paradise crew that does pop-up events with art and flood lights.

Kat McKinney portrayed May Howard, a survivor of the Titanic sinking on April 15, 1912. Howard was 27 when she was on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Howard, a native of England, was headed to visit her brother in Toronto and then her sister in Albion. She traveled as a third-class passenger and secured a spot on a life boat. May lived locally until she died at age 68 in 1958. About 1,500 passengers died after the Titanic hit an ice berg. Howard was one of about 700 survivors.

Shawna Baldwin, left, is dressed as a raven. Robert Keirn is at right. They shared poetry by the famous writer who died in 1849, the year of the first burial at Boxwood.

The read from The Raven, Annabel Lee and The Conqueror Worm.

The Orleans County String Band performed played Appalachian music while people strolled on the north side of the historic cemetery on North Gravel Road. This building recently received a new roof and could become a museum for the cemetery in the future.

Photos from Orleans County Department of History collection: This leather pouch contains burial permits.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 27

CARLTON – Thanks to the Orleans County Department of Public Works crew, the Department of History collection has been moved to its new location at 162 South Main St., Albion.

The process of packing and unpacking invariably reveals some overlooked items, such as the soft leather pouch pictured above that is filled with papers. Upon examination, it appears that these are Burial Permits, that final document in the paper trail of life.

The handwriting on the first permit is somewhat difficult to decipher, but the stark word which follows the phrase “the cause of death” fairly leaps from the page: Murder. This document is none other than the Burial Permit for Emma Louise Hunt, whose murder was described in the Buffalo News on October 20, 1894 as “the most horrible thing that has ever happened in Orleans County.”

This burial permit was issued for Emma Louise Hunt, October 20, 1894.

Twenty-one year old Emma Louise Hunt was employed as a domestic by Joseph Van Camp, a Carlton farmer who lived on the east side of Sawyer Road in the town of Carlton. William Lake, aged 24, was a hired man also employed by Van Camp. William was enamored of Emma but she did not return his feelings.

After supper on Thursday evening, October 18, 1894, the Van Camp family went out to collect a relative and left Emma and William at the house. William asked Emma to accompany him to an I.O.O.F. oyster supper, she declined. She told him he was “a loafer and a drunkard.”  Enraged, he went to the barn for a hammer and proceeded to kill her in a brutal and frenzied manner. We will spare you the gory details of the crime and of the subsequent autopsy which were reported in full in the newspapers of the day.

Lake was apprehended within a few days. A letter of confession which he had written before he murdered Emma was found in his bedroom. He was arraigned before Judge W.C. Ramsdale. Attorney Thomas C. Kirby was appointed to represent him.

Supreme Court Judge Henry A. Childs presided at the trial which was held at  the Orleans County Courthouse from Feb. 13-15, 1895. Attorney Kirby claimed that his client was insane, but the letter of confession written prior to the crime was damming. Lake was convicted of murder in the first degree and was given the death sentence. He was removed to Auburn State Prison where he was electrocuted on April 4, 1895.

The Burial Permit was signed by Isaac N. Stebbins, Justice of the Peace. The undertakers were Mathes & Onderdonk who operated a furniture store at 48 N. Main St, in Albion. A large crowd attended the funeral on Saturday, October 21, 1894, when the mangled remains of Emma Louise Hunt were buried in the East Carlton (Kent) cemetery, less than 48 hours after her murder.