By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 September 2023 at 8:49 pm
MEDINA – Medina Mustang Sports Boosters will celebrate homecoming this week, beginning Monday and concluding on Friday when Medina’s hosts Barker/Roy-Hart’s football team.
“To us, homecoming is a community event, a time to celebrate not just Mustang athletics, but who we are as a community,” said Mustang Sports Boosters president Melissa Valley. “Mustang Sports Boosters are always incredibly appreciative of the support the Medina business community provides us, and now we want to celebrate you.”
Their goal for homecoming week is for the whole community to be involved and get into the Mustang spirit. Valley said they hope to get Medina businesses involved in two ways – first, for downtown to show its Mustang spirit with their second annual window decorating contest. Second, the Mustang Boosters want to promote businesses by adding their homecoming specials of the week to the school’s Mustang Menu.
“We will promote your Mustang Special for the week and expect nothing in return,” Valley said.
Businesses have been encouraged to decorate their store front to show Mustang spirit. The community will be invited to vote via the Boosters’ Twitter and Facebook pages to determine the best decorated window. The winner will be announced at halftime during the Homecoming game.
Last year’s winner was the Coffee Pot Café.
The Print Shop has made banners which will be displayed this week on Main Street and in Vets Park.
“This is something that unites the community in a positive way,” Valley added.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2023 at 8:14 pm
ALBION – Aniyah CM. Hyde, 14, has been reported missing by the Albion Police Department.
Family reports that Aniyah has run away from home on Saturday at approximately 7 p.m. and has not had contact with Aniyah since. It is unknown what Aniyah could be wearing at this time.
She is an African-American at 5 foot, 2 inches and about 140 pounds. Her eyes and hair are brown.
Anyone with any information regarding Aniyah’s whereabouts is urged to contact Albion PD at (585) 589-5627, or through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (585)589-5527 or 911.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2023 at 8:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Lancaster performs in front of a big crowd at Vets Park in Medina to cap off the Fall Festival of Bands.
The bleachers were full for the show which included 12 schools for the Fall Festival of Bands, which was up from seven at the 2022 show.
This year’s bands included Pioneer, Hilton, Greece, Oswego, Northwestern, Orchard Park, West Seneca, Jamestown, Webster, Central Square, Medina and Lancaster.
About 2,000 people attended the show.
Lancaster’s show was entitled “Believe Again” with a message about “standing on the shoulders of giants.” The band said younger musicians are mentored by the older students.
“The acknowledgement that we need each other and the message that children require the thoughtful leadership and tutelage of adults should inspire us all to Believe Again,” the band states about its show this year.
Eleanor Keane, drum major for the West Seneca Marching Band, leads the band in performing “Out of the Woods.” She is shown during a brilliant sunset.
West Seneca’s message included it’s easy to get lost in the “woods” of life. “To find our way out, we have to follow the light.”
The Webster Marching Band performed a show entitled “Our Voices Carry – You are strong. You are worthy. You are enough. You are not alone.”
Medina’s band with 76 members enters the field and gets ready to perform its show, “Confined.”
Caiden Class, assistant drum major for Medina, plays the saxophone. He was often “confined” by other band members and constricted before eventually finding his way out. The message of the show: “You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.”
The Central Square band from north of Syracuse performed “Bent” with original music. “This year’s production is a show that will BEND the minds of audiences throughout,” the band states in the program.
The Jamestown High School Band traveled more than two hours to be in the event and performed “Quest,” a show about how an artifact was stolen from the good people of Jamestown and scouts help to relocate the “Horn of Prosperity.” It is a perilous journey in reclaiming the artifact.
Orchard Park performed “The Last Leaves of Fall,” which celebrates the fall season through the colors, sounds and feelings of autumn in New York.
The Northwestern Marching Band from Albion, Pa., presented a show: “The Resilient Heart.”
Oswego’s show “Destinations” took people on a train journey with scenes from New York City, New Orleans and California, highlighting vibrant cultures around the country.
The Greece Marching Band presented a show – “Seasons” – and moved through four quadrants on the field with lots of music and movement.
Hilton’s show was entitled “Bailamos – We Dance!” The Pioneer Marching Panthers, not pictured, presented a show, “Fire and Ice.”
Two weeks ago I shared a little background about myself and my colleague Julia Alt in order to help people understand the impact of Hospice not only on those who receive services but on those who give it as well. I hope to get the chance down the road to share the perspective of our extremely hard working nurses, aides, and other staff as well but today I want to tell you about two others who know firsthand what it’s like to go through the grief of losing a loved one.
The first is Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand who you may recognize from her past work as she has been a nurse for 28 years serving primarily in Medina and Batavia.
I however met Marilyn for the first time more recently when she came out of retirement to help out part-time at Hospice and then was subsequently moved into her current full-time roles of Administrator and Director of Patient Services.
One thing that quickly stood out to me about Marilyn was that she had a nurse’s heart. Even though her role is primarily administrative, she does still fill in as a nurse from time to time when necessary, it is very evident that she does not view either patients or their caregivers as just numbers but rather as real people who deserve quality and compassionate care. It wasn’t until recently though that I discovered at least part of the reason behind her compassion and attentiveness—she herself has had to walk the difficult road that many of those under hospice care are currently going through.
When Marilyn’s son was 18 years old he was diagnosed with bone cancer, which of course would be devastating news for any mother to have to hear, but thankfully he responded to treatments and is complete remission to this day. Unfortunately for Marilyn though that was not the only time she had to respond to difficult news. During the pandemic her husband came down with Covid and was then taken to the hospital where he would stay for 12 days on life support. For the first 11 days Marilyn could not see him due to the hospital’s restrictions and then finally, on Day 12, she was able to say goodbye before life support was removed and he quickly passed.
I asked Marilyn if her experience led her to want to work for Hospice and she answered honestly that she didn’t know a lot about Hospice prior to coming on board but that’s she has learned a ton since and is very thankful to be part of an organization where “everything we do takes the community into account” such as the recent changing of our name from Supportive Care back to Hospice of Orleans so that the community is aware that we are still here and we want to help. She also said that she loves the idea of the Martin-Linsin Residence, our Hospice Home located on Rt. 31 in Albion, because it offers all-inclusive care and considers not only the patient’s but also their loved one’s needs. I for one am very thankful to have Marilyn on board to head up our team.
My other colleague that I want to share about today is not only one of the newest to join the team but also probably the person who has had the most first-hand experience being on the receiving side of Hospice of Orlean’s services. Heather Rowley became a Social Worker as a result of her earlier experiences in life and initially served immigrants and refugees before joining our team a little over 4 months ago.
Heather learned about hospice services at the young age of 20 when her fathered was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer in 2010 and began to received services in their home until his passing. Heather, who was going to college at Ithaca at the time, returned to her studies only to have her mother be diagnosed in 2012 with terminal brain cancer.
Not only did she have a glioblastoma, which was the same deadly tumor my own mother died from earlier that same year, but she also found herself in the similar situation of wanting to move her mother into a hospice home but the Martin-Linsin Residence was still in the process of being built.
After waiting a while, hoping for construction to be completed, her mother ended up going to Strong Hospital where she would receive palliative care until her eventual passing. Not only did Heather suffer the trauma of losing both parents but she also took over the responsibility of helping to raise her 3 younger siblings who were still in elementary, middle, and high school respectively.
When I think about all that Heather has been through personally it comes as no surprise when I see how diligently she has cared for both the patients and their families during her time at Hospice.
In spite of her history with Hospice Heather did not seek out a position specifically for that reason but admits that having been on the other side certainly “gives her some street cred” which can go a long way when helping someone through a crisis. When I asked if there was anything she would want others to know she responded, “For the bereaved, death is both the most normal yet isolating thing. You are not alone.”
So there you have it folks. I hope that getting to see behind the curtain a bit helps you to understand that Hospice work is not so much a job as it is a calling. Again, I hope to share more from other’s perspectives down the road but this is it for now. I will be back with another article in 2 weeks and that will also be when we are having our Hospice Walk to Remember at Holley Falls on Oct. 7 (my mother’s birthday). Also check out our Grief Support Group if you have experienced a loss.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2023 at 1:21 pm
Hayes, 33, currently part of cast in The Color Purple at Shea’s 710 Theatre
Provided photos: Jake Hayes has starred in the Western New York theater for the past decade, doing a variety of characters, from silly to serious. In the top photos he is the Beast, left, in Beauty and the Beast, and Sebastian in Little Mermaid.
BUFFALO – Jake Hayes is one of the hardest working people in Buffalo show business.
The Albion native performs in four or five different productions a year. He is currently in the cast for The Color Purple at Shea’s 710 Theatre. The show started Sept. 14 and runs until Oct. 1. Click here for ticket information.
“Jake is a dynamic force both off and onstage,” said Kristin Bentley, executive director for The Color Purple for Second Generation Theatre. “He’s able to bring a smile to your face with his charm and charisma then seamlessly move you to the edge of your seat with his powerful commitment.”
Hayes, 33, works a full-time job during the day as activities director for a nursing home in Buffalo. In the evening, he is often rehearsing for a show or performing for a live audience.
Jake Hayes, back right, is currently in the cast of The Color Purple at Shea’s 710 Theatre in Buffalo. He is in the ensemble and also plays Buster and a prison guard in the production. The show runs until Oct. 1. (Photo by Stephen Gabris)
Hayes said he is a people-person and feels energized on stage in front of hundreds and sometimes thousands of people. He also is thrilled to be running programs for the senior citizens at the nursing home.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work a full schedule,” Hayes said in a recent interview in Albion. “I’m always in shows.”
He has performed at The Place Theatre in Lockport, Shakespeare at Delaware Park, Shea’s Smith Theatre in Buffalo, Shea’s 710 Theatre in Buffalo and other venues.
“This is a total artform for me,” Hayes said. “I love telling stories.”
Hayes was a star in the Albion High School musicals. He pursued theater after being encouraged to give it a try by his friends. Hayes wasn’t in a show until he was a sophomore. He played baseball and that schedule didn’t allow him to be in the spring musicals.
But after being injured and unable to play as a 10th grader, Hayes tried out for the musical. He had a small part as a servant in the ensemble of Into the Woods. He felt an immediate connection with the theater. He loved being on stage and among the cast and crew.
The Albion crowd in the middle school auditorium gave a thunderous applause for the students on stage. Hayes said it was overwhelming.
“To get that from peers and the community was just amazing,” he said.
Jake Hayes has performed in Little Shop of Horrors. He is shown at right with a nomination for best character performance for Little Shop of Horrors.
As a junior he played a lead role, the character Laurie in Little Woman and was recognized at The Stars of Tomorrow, honoring the top high school theater talent among high schools in the Rochester area. As a senior he played the lead role of Harold Hill in The Music Man. (Hayes twice has played Laurie as in adult in other productions of Little Women.)
Hayes felt his confidence grow on stage. He credited Gary Simboli, the musical director at the time, for helping him to read music and to refine a stage presence.
Simboli also was the high school choir director, and Hayes served as the group’s president. He said that experience helped him to grow as a leader.
“I owe a huge portion of my talent and abilities to him,” Hayes said about Simboli. “I got brave and audacity from being in the choir. Gary showed me that I’m valuable.”
Hayes made his debut singing in public before he was in the school musicals. He was 9 years old when he did his first solo at the Shiloh Baptist Church (where his cousin Trellis Pore is now pastor). Jake’s mother, Dolores Patterson, was the choir director. Hayes still has a strong recollection of singing the gospel song, “Have You Heard of The City Paved With Gold.” He was so nervous to sing in front of the crowd.
“I was absolutely terrified,” he said.
The church made the youth speak publicly, sharing a highlight of the week. They were urged to be part of the choir.
After graduated from Albion, Hayes earned a degree in communication/mass media at Pace University in New York City, with a minor in acting. He graduated in 2013. He didn’t stay in NYC. He came close to home to be near family. His grandmother passed away less than a month after he graduated.
Hayes still wanted to be in theater and tried the local community group, Lake Plains Players. The group in the fall 2013 was performing an ambitious show, Les Misérables. Hayes tried out and landed one of the big roles, Marius, the lover of Cosette and a revolutionary.
From there Hayes performed at the Palace Theatre, including as Donkey in Shrek, and now is a sought after performer in Buffalo, earning money for the roles. He saves the money he earns at theater to travel. He and his girlfriend recently went to Thailand. Hayes is planning to take his mom on his next trip to Puerto Rico.
Jake Hayes performs in about four or five different productions a year. He was recently on the cover of the Buffalo Spree magazine in an issue promoting the upcoming theater season in Buffalo.
Hayes said he is so grateful to be in a different show about every 10 weeks, while still doing a full-time job in the day and being close to family. For many of the shows it’s a demanding month of rehearsals, typically from 6 p.m. to 10-10:30. Then the productions often have a three-week run.
In one play, Once in a Lifetime, the Buffalo-focused show had the Bills winning the Super Bowl. Hayes is currently part of The Color Purple, a musical where hundreds auditioned to be in the cast of 17. It is a powerful African American story from the early 20th century to mid 20th century.
Hayes works with many actors and directors who have Broadway experience. He encouraged people from Orleans County to attend a show in Buffalo or Lockport and see the talent on stage, and be moved by the story being presented.
He said he is living his dream by working with so many talented people in the Buffalo theater community. New York City is viewed as a the ultimate destination for theater, but Hayes said Buffalo has given him so many opportunities. It’s similar in many smaller large cities.
“You can have a strong variety-filled career working in cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Wichita, Kansas,” Hayes said. “For someone like me you want to be able to perform and express your artform. In Buffalo I get to splurge on life because I get to do my hobby almost full-time.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2023 at 9:25 am
Dustin Reisman has run pizza business in Public Square for 17 years
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dustin Reisman works in the kitchen at Dustin’s Pizzeria on Friday. He has owned the business the past 17 years with 10 to 12 employees.
HOLLEY – The Holley community is planning a “Day of Dustin” on Tuesday to show appreciation for Dustin Reisman, owner of Dustin’s Pizzeria the past 17 years.
The business suffered when a former employee posted on social media the business was plagued with unsanitary conditions including cockroaches in the kitchen. Reisman tried to refute those allegations, but the orders for pizza, wings, subs and other food drastically dropped after that post.
The Orleans County Health Department and village code enforcement also inspected Dustin’s on Sept. 15 and found no public health hazards or violations. They pulled out equipment and looked closely for any pests but didn’t find any.
Reisman posted the full report on the Dustin’s Pizzeria Facebook page, as well as previous inspections from the Health Department that showed no violations.
But he fears some damage has been done to the business’s reputation.
“I don’t hold any negative feeling towards the person,” Reisman said about the former employee who made the allegations on social media. “I just want to move on and survive.”
Dustin Reisman and his wife Jennifer and shown with their children, Dustin Jr. and Harper, in front of the pizzeria at 50 Public Square.
Reisman relies on the business to support his family, and he said the pizzeria’s success is also critical to the livelihoods for his 10 to 12 employees.
Reisman, 42, has worked in the pizza business for 25 years. He is a 2000 graduate of the Holley school district. Dustin’s has been a stable presence in Holley’s Public Square for nearly two decades.
Reisman is thankful for his career and the chance to see so many members of the Holley community on a regular basis. When he drives in the community, he spots the homes of his regular customers and can tell his wife and children what the residents at those houses typically order. Reisman can even recite the phone numbers of many of his long-time customers.
“I know the community,” he said. “Everywhere I go I pretty much know everyone in town.”
After the social media post alleging an unsanitary kitchen last week, Reisman said it was a very slow few days after that. Even last Sunday’s Bills game wasn’t too busy for pizza orders.
But after posting the Health Department inspection, the orders started coming back. And some of his customers decided to show their appreciation with the “Day of Dustin” on Tuesday, which is his birthday.
“This is about standing up for the members of our community who have repeatedly shown up for the members within their community,” according to one post promoting the day. “Dustin and his family have been generous and kind to my family on more than one occasion, and I know our town is full of people who would say the same about their lovely fam.”
Customers are encouraged to order from Dustin’s and post selfies with the hash tag #adayatdustins. They are urged to positive positive reviews on Google.
Reisman and his wife, Jennifer, said they are very appreciative of the support. The couple has two young children, Dustin Jr. and Harper.
“It’s been very humbling for us,” Reisman said about the community response.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 September 2023 at 8:36 am
Provided photos: Community Acton of Orleans and Genesee was presented with donations of cash and toys from ABATE as a result of their annual toy run. Holding some of the donations are, from left, CAOG’s facility manager Ricky Standish, Eastern Orleans Community Center coordinator Deborah Rothmund, director of community services Katrina Chaffee and Head Start’s janitor/maintenance man in Batavia, Marc Malaniak.
MEDINA – A toy run to benefit Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is an annual event for the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE.
This year’s run took place Sept. 17 and kicks off the holiday season for Community Action, according to Katrina Chaffee, director of community services.
Chuck Persons, president of the local chapter of ABATE, said they have been hosting this run for 40 years.
Lineup is always at Ridgeway Fire Hall and travels around Orleans County, and back to the VFW in Medina, where chapter members prepare lunch for the riders. Community Action always provides dessert as a “thank you.”
The toys and cash donations will be used by Community Action to help the hundreds of families who apply for assistance at holiday time. This includes toys and gifts for each child in a family and a box containing all the food necessary for Christmas dinner.
This year’s run resulted in a donation of $661 in cash and $100 worth of toys.
The toys and cash donations will be used by Community Action to help the hundreds of families who apply for assistance at holiday time. This includes toys and gifts for each child in a family and a box containing all the food necessary for Christmas dinner.
(Left) Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans Chapter of ABATE, poses with Katrina Chaffee, director of community service at Community Action, after the annual toy run. (Right) ABATE member Al Schumacher rode his bike as Santa Claus.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Anthony J. Alello, Jr., 32, of Albion, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison and 35 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in January 2022, an undercover FBI agent began communicating with Alello online using the Kik application. During these communications, Alello sent the agent links to cloud storage folders that contained child pornography.
One folder contained approximately 2,484 videos of child pornography, and another folder contained approximately 45 videos of child pornography.
On March 24, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Alello’s residence and seized his cellular telephone. A subsequent forensic examination recovered approximately 1,744 images and six videos of child pornography, some of which depicted pre-pubescent children and violence against children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 3:37 pm
Provided photo
MURRAY – The Christ family in Holley and a team of volunteers that put on the Murray Tractor Pull present a ceremonial check for $8,500 to the Ronald McDonald House.
Tractor Pull organizers and volunteers presented the check to Carolyn Birrittella, vice president of development and communications for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester.
The Tractor POull returned after a four-year absence on July 22. There were nearly 1,600 in paid attendance for the event, that features high-powered tractors, semi trucks and other vehicles pulling a 40,000-pound sled.
The Christ family developed the tractor pull venue on Groth Road about 30 years ago.
Photo by Tom Rivers: “Survivor” by Greg Graham not only competes in the tractor pulling events, the big truck pays tribute to cancer survivors.
Scott Christ, the lead organizer for the event and also one of the competitors, said he is very thankful for the big turnout for the tractor pull and the many people who gave extra donations for the cause.
“Everything went over very well,” Christ said today. “Hats off to all of the volunteers.”
The Ronald McDonald House is a blessing to many families who have children with a very serious illness. It provides a place to stay and other support for families who need to travel for medical care.
Christ said the tractor pull will be back next year in July.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 12:57 pm
Photo by John C. Callaghan, courtesy of NYS Canal Corp.
The Tug Edna A with Barge 82 is headed westbound this morning in the Mohawk Valley (Tribes Hill in Montgomery County). Edna is due to arrive in Albion on Tuesday for a large commercial shipment with the final destination in Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
The tug will be retrieving the cargo for the United States Navy. Edna and the barge are expected in Albion mid-day on Tuesday, according to the NYS Canal Corp. Once the cargo is loaded, the tug and barge will return eastbound on the Erie Canal to the Hudson River.
Photos courtesy of Medina FFA: The Medina FFA will have an open house Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where the public can meet the alpacas at the FFA farm and also purchase some alpaca products.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 11:35 am
Five alpaca farms in Orleans and western Monroe counties will be open this weekend as part of National Alpaca Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
“We will have kids games, demonstrations, educational pieces, and, of course alpacas and alpaca products,” said Todd Eick, the Medina FFA advisor.
The Medina FFA is open of the five alpaca farms that is promoting the weekend open houses with four other local alpaca sites. The five farms include:
Stoney Meadows Alpacas at 16038 Glidden Rd., Holley
MayFields Equestrian and Alpaca Farm at 3263 Allens Bridge Rd., Albion
Medina Chapter of the FFA Model Farm, 2 Mustang Dr., Medina
SanGer-La Alpacas at 2845 Colby St., Brockport
Ladue Alpacas at 1186 Ladue Rd., Brockport
If people visit all five farms they can qualify to win an alpaca-themed raffle basket worth over $300.
This weekend alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 17th annual National Alpaca Farm Days.
Alpaca Owners Association urges the public to learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.
Alpacas are primarily raised for their fleece in North America. Alpaca fleece has a variety of natural colors: pure white, several shades of fawn and brown, several shades of gray and true black.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Thursday evening is looking through a culvert for Sandy Creek in Albion under the railroad tracks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 9:28 am
The leaves are starting to change color in some parts in New York State, but not too much yet locally.
This week’s fall foliage report from I Love NY tourism shows leaves are starting to change in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region the Catskills and Adirondacks. Locally, the leaves are still mostly green.
I Love NY issues a weekly report on the foliage every Wednesday.
“New York State’s gradual transition from the greens of summer to the multi-colored kaleidoscope of fall continues this weekend, with a few locations in the Adirondacks approaching midpoint of leaf transition, and areas from Long Island to Western New York beginning to see their first significant color changes,” according to the report.
In the Greater Niagara region, spotters reporters Batavia is seeing a 15% change with some yellow leaves of average brilliance, I Love NY reports.
When I think about all that Heather has been through personally it comes as no surprise when I see how diligently she has cared for both the patients and their families during her time at Hospice.
