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Month: June 2013

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Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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Walk and health fair at Albion park puts focus on mental health

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2024 at 5:16 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – This group takes part in a Mental Health Walk and Health Fair today at Bullard park. Participants joined on the crusher-run walking trail on the perimeter of the park.

The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern organized the event for the first time. Participating agencies at the health fair included GOMOC, UConnectCare (formerly GCASA), NYS Senior Action Council, the Orleans County mental Health Department, Fidelis and Healthy Families (serving Orleans and Niagara counties).

Participants received t-shirts with a quote, “May the Fourth be with your Mental Health.”

Jami Allport, GOMOC director, said the agency wanted a local event as part of May as mental Health Awareness Month.

Pattie Beadle brought two llamas for the event. Beadle is a therapist with the Orleans County mental Health Department. She also has been showing llamas for about 30 years. She noticed at llama shows the animals have a calming effect on visitors.

She is working to have the llamas be certified as therapy animals.

Beadle is shown with “Slick.” Her other llama “Oscar” is in back.

“When people touch a llama, a calm comes over them,” she said.

These people start the walk for mental health. There were several signs about mental health myths and facts posted along the trail.

This sign said the following:

Myth: Children don’t experience mental health problems.

Fact: Even very young children may show warning signs of mental health concerns. Early support can help a child before mental problems interfere with other developmental needs.

Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.

Fact: The majority of people with mental health problems are not or likely to be more violent than anyone else. In fact, many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of their communities.

Big group of Holley students give canal, village a clean sweep

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2024 at 4:35 pm

100-plus hunt down litter; Today’s effort dedicated to Danny Cory, husband of retired Holley principal

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Ryan Seward, a Holley seventh-grader, snags an empty beer can from a  drainage area next to the Holley Pharmacy. He is joined by friends Mason McGuire, top left, and Logan Lane with the trash bag.

They were  among more than 100 Holley students and many other school and community volunteers who were out picking up garbage in Holley’s annual Canal Clean Sweep effort.

Holley makes the event a big effort, with students getting a tie-dyed T-shirt to mark the occasion. Students also get a sense of pride in cleaning up litter in the village and along the canal towpath in the town of Murray and Village of Holley.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower addresses the group at about 10 a.m. in the elementary school parking lot. He thanked them for helping to make the Holley community a better place.

The students split into smaller groups with two adult volunteers in each pod. Elementary students in the Rotary Early Act group picked up litter along the canal. The Early Act Club, for students in grades 4 to 6, is led by Jessica Seaward.

The junior-senior high school students dispersed into different parts of the village, as well as the canal park to hunt down trash.

Before the left, they were welcome to a Paula’s Donut. Holley Rotary Club member Craig Lane picked up 10 dozen donuts early this morning. He has made Paula’s Donuts part of the annual tradition for the canal clean sweep.

Brian Bartalo, the Holley school district superintendent, takes a photo of the large group. Many of the students are in the Holley Interact Club, which is led by advisors Samantha Zelent and Erin Dibble.

“They are very excited about this,” Dibble said about the annual cleanup. “this is our biggest event of the year.”

Dibble and Zelent thanked the students, and many teachers and parents who stepped up as volunteers.

Brian Bartalo also addressed the group before they headed out for about two hours of volunteer service.

The cleanup effort was dedicated to Danny Cory, the husband of retired Holley principal Susan Cory. Mr. Cory passed away unexpectedly on April 22 at age 61 while on a vacation with his wife in Nashville.

Mr. Cory attended numerous Holley school events while his wife was principal. Even though he was proud to be a Le Roy graduate, he became an enthusiastic Holley Hawk.

Kayla Neale, a Holley senior, designed the t-shirt for the annual cleanup day.

The students were on the hunt for trash in the village and along the canal.

Albion rolls to softball win over Byron-Bergen

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2024 at 2:49 pm

Benefitting from 14 walks, Albion romped to a 26-4 win over host Byron-Bergen in a non league softball game  this morning.

Alana Irvine had 4 hits, including a double, Aubrielle Barry 3 with 3 RBI and Taylor LeFrois 2 to lead the Purple Eagles at the plate.

Barry also pitched the first three winnings registering 1 strikeout. Irvine went the rest of the way in the circle fanning 6.

Albion will next host Medina at 4:45 p.m. Monday in what will be the Purple Eagles debut contest on their new artificial turf field.

Elba 5, Barker 2
Scoring twice in each of the first two innings, Elba went on down visiting Barker 5-2 in a non league contest.

Lydia Ross and Brianna Totten both had 2 hits for the Lady Lancers while Brea Smith allowed 5 hits and struck out 3 in the circle.

Barker’s two runs came in the seventh on RBI singles by Arnie Sturtevant and Madyson Flint.

In the circle for Barker, Peyton Bradley registered 6 strikeouts in four innings of work to top the 300 strikeout mark for her career.

Roy-Hart tops Newfane in N-O tennis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2024 at 2:45 pm

A sweep of the three doubles matches earned Roy-Hart a 3-2 win over Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League make-up tennis match today.

Improving to 3-5, the Rams got wins from the doubles teams of Allie Trombley – Jayden Swygert, Garrett Glyshaw – Kaylie Churchill and Abby Glyshaw – Dillan Santella.

The loss drops Newfane to 0-10.

Lyndonville sees 10-cent cut in village tax rate

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2024 at 9:01 am

New reassessments won’t take effect until 2025-26 budget

LYNDONVILLE – The Village Board has approved an overall $1,351,115 budget for 2024-25 that reduces the tax levy by 0.7 percent and cuts the tax rate from $15.94 to $15.84 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The amount of money to be collected in property taxes will decrease from $488,066 to $484,658.

The board approved the spending plan on April 11. The budget includes the following three funds:

  • General fund increased from $636,918 to $642,612
  • Water fund up from $464,828 to $476,814
  • Sewer fund down from $237,244 to $231,689

The total for of three funds shows an increase in spending by $12,125 or 0.9 percent from $1,338,990 to $1,351,115.

The village’s tax base is down slightly from $30,605,653 to $30,597,571. The tax base should see a jump in the next village budget in 2025-26 when new assessments take effect. The Town of Yates is doing a town-wide reassessment this year, and that includes the village.

The new village budget takes effect June 1 and runs until May 31.

Wildlife refuge sees big increase in attendance at programs

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 May 2024 at 8:10 am

Provided photo: Logan Sauer has helped lead a dramatic increase in attendance and participation in programs at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

BASOM – When Logan Sauer learned there was opening at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, he jumped at the chance to apply.

Sauer, 27, who grew up in Virginia, was working as a Visitors Services Specialist for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the Twin Cities and was anxious to return to the northeast.

He started his new position with the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in January 2023, and since then has broken records for attendance and participation in programs.

Sauer’s position is to work with the public and create programs to bring people to the refuge.

“I’m essentially a ‘people person,’” he said.

Sauer has revamped a lot of programming with the refuge open to visitors every Saturday.

“As a result, we’ve seen a high uptake in visitation and public programming,” Sauer said.

In 2022, the year before Sauer arrived at Iroquois, 857 people participated in programs, but the first year Sauer was here, that number jumped to 5,470, or a 538 percent increase. Likewise, visitation rose from 1,619 in 2022 to 2,549 (a 58 percent increase) in 2023.

One of the most popular new events was a Full Moon Luminary Night Hike, in which the Headquarters’ Trail was lined with ice lanterns and hot chocolate was provided afterwards in the Welcome Center.

“Four hundred and thirty people attended that and want to do it again,” Sauer said.

A Warbler Walk at Swallow Hollow on Knowlesville Road today (Saturday), led by photographer and professor at Buffalo State, Ruth Goldman, sold out.

Sauer, who also happens to be an artist, has incorporated art into events at the refuge.

“We started painting classes, free of charge,” he said. “People come here to bird and fish, and now they can paint what they see.”

Next Saturday (May 11) is the Spring Spectacular, the biggest event of the year, Sauer said. His goal is to have 1,000 visitors, and 800 have already signed up.

“We will highlight the interaction of nature, culture and arts,” he said.

Thirty exhibitors are expected, along with raptors, food vendors and special art projects by Friends of Iroquois Wildlife Refuge, funded by GO Art!

May programming will also include a beginner nature photography course from 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at the Visitor’s Center. Pre-registration is required.

On May 25, seed ball and paper making will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Participants can drop in any time and materials will be provided.

More details on programs can be found on the Refuge’s Facebook page (click here). To pre-register for programs, e-mail Sauer at logan_sauer@fws.gov or call and leave a message at (612) 759-8662.

Sauer added he didn’t know much about Western New York when he came here and didn’t think he’d like it.

“But I’m happy to be here and I don’t plan to leave any time soon,” he said.

He said he is always open to new ideas and welcomes suggestions.

Albion and Medina post N-O tennis wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2024 at 10:24 pm

Staying unbeaten at 8-0, Albion downed host Wilson 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon.

Leo Bolton and Mark Ames  scored singles wins to lead the Purple Eagles.

Albion also got doubles wins by the duos of Jordan Marshall – Landon Graybill, Oliver Beach – Jason Anstey.

Medina 3, Newfane 2
Medina completed a home-and-home sweep over Newfane with a 3-2 victory.

Angel Mulcahy won at second singles for Medina which also got wins from the doubles teams of Levon Fuller – Michael Clark and Paisley Pasnik – Talia Rupp.

Eden downs visiting Medina in lacrosse

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2024 at 10:14 pm

Building up a commanding 16-3 halftime advantage, Eden went on to down visiting Medina 21-5 in a Class D Division lacrosse game this evening.

Will Prest had 2 goals for Medina as Dylan Lonnen, Ayden Johnson and Cole Callard each netted 1.

The Mustangs are now 4-5 in the division and 5-7 overall.

Lady Tigers post win over Lady Hawks

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2024 at 10:08 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Addie Dillecbeck slides safely into third base during the Lady Tigers win over visiting Holley this afternoon. Natalie Foose awaits the throw for Holley.

Scoring early and often, Lyndonville posted a 17-2 win over visiting Holley in a Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.

Brooke Robinson had 4 hits including a double and triple, Hannah Fox 3 including two doubles and a triple and Emma Freas 2 to lead the attack for the Lady Tigers which scored 3 runs in both the first and fifth innings and 5 in both the second and third frames.

Lily Newman and Leigha Walker both had 2 hits for the Lady Hawks.

Notre Dame 15, Kendall 0

In another G-R contest, Notre Dame downed Kendall 15-0 as Loretta Sorochty pitched a no hitter with 15 strikeouts and also banged out 3 hits including a two-run double and an RBI single.

Mustangs romp past Lady Panthers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2024 at 9:55 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Lila Class stretches to try and get the out at second base on Newfane’s Alexis Rutherford during the Mustangs win over the Lady Panthers at Vets Park this afternoon.

Erupting for 14 runs over the first three innings, Medina went on to blank Newfane 15-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this evening.

Samantha Heschke earned the win in the circle as she allowed just 2 hits and struck out 4.

Natalie Herbert had a single and double to lead the Mustangs at the plate.

Wilson 4, Albion 2
Riley Robinson registered 11 strikeouts in the circle to lead the way for Wilson in the 4-2 win over visiting Albion.

Abbie Faery had 3 hits and Ava Mielke 2 to lead the Lakewomen at the plate.

Alana Irvine had 2 hits for Albion.

Barker 6, Alexander 5 (8)
Barker scored a run in the eighth inning on an RBI line out by Madelina Pavlock.

In the circle, Madyson Flint and Peyton Bradley combined to hurl a 6 hitter with 15 strikeouts.

In another non league contest Oakfield-Alabama downed Roy-Hart 8-2.

N-O Standings
Barker 9-0, Wilson 8-2,  Roy-Hart 5-3, Albion 5-4, Akron 3-6, Medina 2-7, Newfane 0-10.

Medina tops Albion to hike N-O lead

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2024 at 9:42 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina catcher Ryleigh Culver gets set to tag out Albion’s Nathan Gibson at home plate during the Mustangs win over the Purple Eagles at Vets Park this evening. Preston Woodworth backs  up the play for the Mustangs.

Medina combined a rainy 6-2 victory over rival Albion at Vets Park this evening with Newfane’s 4-2 win at Roy-Hart this afternoon to open up a two game lead in the Niagara-Orleans League baseball title chase.

Improving to 6-1 with the win, Medina moves two games up on a trio of runner-up teams including Roy-Hart at 4-3 and Newfane and Wilson both at 6-3.

Albion jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Josh Bovenzi but Medina got out of further trouble in the frame as a relay from Julian Woodworth in centerfield to Aidan Papaj at second to Ryleigh Culver at catcher cut down another runner at home plate.

Medina pulled even in the third inning on an RBI single by Papaj and then moved on top to stay at 3-1 with a pair of runs in the fourth frame on RBI singles by Richard Keppler and Brandon Christiaansen.

Albion closed the gap to 3-2 with a run in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by Kaiden Froman but could get no closer.

The Mustangs then put together a key three run scoring burst in the home half of the fifth on a two-run double by Preston Woodworth and a fielders choice play off the bat of Keppler to extend the advantage to 6-2.

Preston Woodworth pitched the first four and one-third innings scattering 4 hits and striking out 2. Papaj came on to hurl the final two and two-thirds inning allowing no hits and fanning 4 as he struck out the side in the seventh.

Medina will next visit Albion at 4 p.m. Monday.

Albion third baseman Gavin Boyce tags out Medina’s Aidan Papaj.

Newfane 4, Roy-Hart 2
Trailing 1-0, Newfane rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh inning without the benefit of a hit to down Roy-Hart 4-2.

A squeeze bunt by Konner Courtemanche pulled the Panthers even and a passed ball plated the game winner.

Cam Perry pitched a two hitter with four strikeouts for the Panthers.

Roy-Hart had grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a two out RBI double by Rem Albee in the third inning.

The Rams only other run came on a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh.

N-O Standings
Medina 6-1, Newfane 6-3, Wilson 6-3, Roy-Hart 4-3, Akron 3-5, Albion 2-5, Barker 0-7.

Antique tractors featured in Plow Days this weekend in Elba

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Louis Esten, who founded Plow Days 26 years ago, stands by some Farmall tractors which will take part in the event Saturday and Sunday.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 May 2024 at 8:53 pm

ELBA – An antique tractor purchased “just for kicks” by a Medina man is expected to take part in Plow Days Saturday and Sunday at the Torrey Farm at 7411 Oak Orchard Rd., about one-half mile south of Elba.

Larry Boyle, who lived in Millville at the time, purchased a 1938 McCormick Deering Model 04 tractor for $200 in the late 1960s from a friend in Barre. The tractor ran and Boyle used it to haul wood and work up the fields on his small farm.

After moving to Medina, the tractor was stored in a barn and there it has sat for decades, until Larry’s son Terry decided to restore it.

Terry Boyle of Medina, left, and Louis Esten of Elba stand by the 1938 McCormick Deering tractor which Boyle restored and Esten trailered to the site of Plow Days on Saturday and Sunday on Torrey’s farm at 7411 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.

Terry knew Louis Esten, having worked for him at Path Truck Lines, and knew about Esten’s passion for old tractors. It became Terry’s goal to get his father’s tractor running and take it to Plow Days, a demonstration by old tractors Esten started in 1998.

John Torrey from Torrey Farms also loves old tractors and has an impressive collection of 85 Farmalls and a large toy tractor collection of die cast and pedal tractors. He offered a large field on his farm just south of Elba for Esten to hold his Plow Days.

The day will feature 15 to 20 tractors working in the field, all of them McCormick Deering and Farmall, with the exception of one Cockshoot, a Canadian/Oliver brand.

This display of Farmall tractors is among the 85 antique tractors collected by John Torrey. He lines them up at his home south of Elba every year.

Terry said his dad’s 1938 McCormick Deering hadn’t been run in 50 years when he started working on his several months ago. The tractor is No. 24 out of only 104 built. Terry estimates he has put at least $5,000 in it. It isn’t clear how much it is worth today, but one site online lists similar models being offered for $9,000 to $20,000. Larry, however, isn’t ready to part with it.

There is no charge to attend Plow Days, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.

Esten said they have been rained out only once, and people still came to view tractors in the barn, enjoy the camaraderie and visit the vendor booths. Breakfast and lunch are available from food trucks on the grounds.

Esten said he has lots of help from his sons, grandchildren and friend Daniel Gerould in putting on Plow Days.

A lineup of assorted McCormick Deering and Farmall tractors sits ready to perform for Plow Days Saturday and Sunday at the Torrey Farm on Oak Orchard Road, just south of Elba.

Terry Boyle, second from left, sits in front of his antique McCormick Deering tractor with Michael Esten, his dad Louis Esten and Louis’ grandson Ayden.

YMCA offering new Judo class for home-schooled teens

Provided photos: Marie Delobbe-Scott is instructor of the new Judo class for teens at the Orleans County YMCA.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 May 2024 at 2:55 pm

MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA is piloting a new teen homeschooling program, which took effect April 30.

The program, which will continue through June 11, will run simultaneously with the current Younger Children’s Home School Extension Program from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, according to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board.

Teens in grades seven through 12 may still sign up for the teen program by contacting the YMCA at (585) 798-2040. Cost is $50 for members and $70 for non-members.

Katie Hill is spearheading the teen program, which was started to support homeschooling families with teens.

“This program is high quality, which is why I put my kids in it,” Bibi said. “The children love it and look forward to it every week.”

The program includes physical education, music and art.

For seven weeks, the Tuesday sessions will include one hour of instruction, provided by a seasoned personal trainer. Teens will be given the tools they need to build their own strength training program, learn how to use the weight machines at the YMCA, set personal goals, learn proper eating habits and understand the science behind the number of reps and sets performed for what they are trying to achieve physically (strength, power, flexibility, etc.), Bibi explained.

In addition to this, teens will be provided with a 45-50-minute ART/STEAM/Self expression program tailored to the interests of the teens enrolled. There will also be a 30-minute Free-Write/Free Draw Expression class, where teens can interact socially with each other to build lifelong relationships, work on personal projects or tutor each other.

“Our vision is to launch this first session and gain insight from the local homeschooled teens as to what skills and classes they desire,” Bibi said.

Marie Scott leads the Judo sessions, while Hill is the art and music instructor.

Katie Hill leads a special session for homeschooled kids at the Orleans County YMCA. A new program is geared for teens.

Remediation work under way at former Starlite site in Medina

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Equipment is on site at the former Starlite Dry Cleaners. The state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Environmental Remediation is doing remediation of the site, which burned in 2004. Work started last week and continues this week.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 May 2024 at 1:23 pm

MEDINA – A plan for remediation of a site at 331 North Main St. has been solidified by the New York State Department of Environment’s Division of Environmental Remediation.

According to Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, the DEC knows where the contamination is on the site formerly occupied by Starlight Dry Cleaners. The business burned in 2004 and the building was demolished in 2016.

Information supplied to Sherman from Gail Dieter, environmental chemist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Environmental Remediation, states that an approximate 300-foot square area will be excavated to depths up to eight feet below ground surface.

An estimated 90 cubic yards of material will be disposed of off-site, and clean fill meeting state requirements will be brought in to replace the excavated soil.

Site cover will be maintained and may include paved surface parking areas, sidewalks or soil.

The planned remediation process has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.

Prior to the fire and demolition, the site contained a 4,332 square foot stone building constructed circa 1830 as a produce warehouse and a 3,258 square foot addition to the north built circa 1910 as a livery and hitch barn.

The building and addition were subsequently used for automobile sales and storage from about 1927 to 1948, and then as a dry cleaners from 1953 to 2004, when fire heavily damaged the building and destroyed the dry-cleaning facility.

Contaminants in the building included tetracholorethane, which was used from 1953 to the 1990s, when the business switched to petroleum-based solvent. Both a site characterization concluded in November 2009 and a remedial investigation in September 2017 identified chlorinated solvents in soil and groundwater samples from the source location likely proximate to the equipment maintenance area of the dry cleaners, according to the DEC.

Cost of the remediation is part of the state’s hazardous cleanup funding, according to Sherman.