By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2026 at 9:29 am
Initiative showcases work by 39 artists at multiple sites
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cora Goyette, left, and Bea Young of Medina inspect an exhibit on the bank of the Erie Canal in State Street Park created by Korean artist Anne Duk Hee Jordan for the Medina Triennial.
MEDINA – As the Medina Triennial goes into its final week, executive and creative director Kari Conte reflects with immense gratitude on the artists, partners, supporters, volunteers, residents and visitors who have brought the ambitious project to life.
The first time such an event has taken place in a small town, the Medina Triennial has brought thousands of visitors to Medina since the opening June 8. It’s final day is Sept. 7, Labor Day.
At the heart of the Medina Triennia is a vital commitment to accessibility, said Conte. The exhibition is free and open to everyone.
“We believe access to art should not depend on the ability to purchase a ticket,” Conte said. “Keeping the Triennial free allows people to visit spontaneously, return with friends and family, encounter new ideas and experience contemporary art within Medina’s distinctive cultural, architectural and ecological landscape.”
During the past three months, the Triennial has welcomed guests from 32 states and several foreign countries to experience more than 100 artworks by 39 artists across sites throughout the village. The response from critics and visitors alike has affirmed our belief that ambitious contemporary art can thrive outside usual cultural centers and create meaningful connections across generations and ideas, according to Conte.
In a recent Hyperallergic review, “Art as Infrastructure at the Medina Triennial,” Sue Reisman described the Triennial as “sprawling yet rigorously organized” and “beautifully curated,” highlighting the exhibition’s engagement with the systems that sustain our shared lives, Conte shared.
The theme of the Triennial is “All That Sustains Us.”
Also, to sustain the Medina Triennial and assure its return in three years as a free event, donations are imperative, Conte stressed. Donors may log on the Medina Triennial website and choose to make a one-time donation or monthly donations.
In addition, the Triennial may be supported by purchasing one of several limited edition artistic items.
Conte also shared a letter from former Medina resident Burton Thomas, who wrote, “Medina is my hometown, and it was a wonderful place to be as a kid. I returned today to visit the Medina Triennial, a truly wonderful world-class art exhibition. I have never been prouder of this charming village, and I am grateful to the organizers and curators of this wonderful exhibition. I could have spent several days viewing the beautiful and thought-provoking works of so many amazing artists. If you value art, history and the environment, you must experience the Triennial. My only regret is I did not visit it more this summer.”
The final weekend of the Medina Triennial features a talk by Buffalo-based artist Matt Kenyon at 4 p.m. Saturday; a curatorial tour with Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo at 2 p.m. Sunday in the historic Medina High School on Catherine St.; a conversation on James Beckett’s A Good Wall with Nicholas Bruscia, assistant professor of architecture at the University of Buffalo, at 4 p.m. Sunday on the front lawn of Medina High School; and a walk and talk with artists Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmens at 2 p.m. Monday in Rotary Park on Main Street.
All 10 exhibition sites will be open from noon to 6 p.m. the last weekend, Thursday through Labor Day, including the YMCA.
Conte’s invitation is, “We hope you will join us during this final week and continue to be part of what comes next.”
The Triennial is scheduled to return to Medina in three years.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2026 at 9:01 am
Scoring a straight set victory, Lyndonville bested host CSAT 25-14, 25-15, 25-20 in a season opening non league volleyball match Wednesday evening.
The Lady Tigers had plenty of contributors both at the service line and at the net as Leah Kenyon had 4 aces, 4 kills, 3 blocks; Hannah Fox 3 aces, 3 kills, 8 assists; Isabella Bresett 3 aces, 1 kill; Sarah Corser 2 aces, 1 kill; Destinee Holmes 3 aces, 1 kill; Grace Fox 1 ace, 1 kill; Elizabeth Gonzalez Moore 1 kill and Andrea Garza 2 kills.
Lyndonville will open the Genesee Region League season at home on September 8 against Wheatland-Chili.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2026 at 8:40 am
MEDINA – The Medina emergency food pantry will be closed today due to flooding in the basement.
“We have some water in the food pantry area as well as other parts of the church basement,” said Michelle Capstick of the food pantry. “All the food is safe but the floors are wet.”
The food pantry is at St. Peter Lutheran Church on West Avenue. The pantry is usually open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Medina was hit with two powerful storms on Wednesday, in the morning and then the evening that are requiring some cleanup at the church.
Severe storms brought heavy water, damaging winds throughout county
Photo courtesy of Orleans County Emergency Management Office: A car is stuck in the flood at Medina Central School on Wednesday night.
Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Agency
ALBION – Orleans County was struck by two separate rounds of severe weather on Wednesday, resulting in widespread power outages, flooded roadways, downed trees and power lines, and storm damage in every town and village in the county.
Ground across most of the county was already saturated prior to Wednesday morning’s rain event. The morning storms brought heavy rain and damaging winds, downing trees and power lines across the county.
The rainfall pushed many small streams and ditches beyond their banks or to near capacity and produced widespread power outages affecting approximately 2,150 National Grid customers. Restoration work continued through the day, but 476 of those customers were still without power when the second round of storms arrived Wednesday evening.
A second, more significant storm system moved through the county Wednesday evening, bringing additional heavy rainfall and strong winds. The evening storms produced additional downed trees and power lines, renewed flooding of roadways, and flooded basements across the county.
Radar data indicates a possible tornado touched down in the Town of Shelby, south of Route 31A in the area of Salt Works Road and Martin Road. The Orleans County Emergency Management Office will work with the National Weather Service on Thursday to confirm whether a tornado occurred.
Rainfall:
The New York State Mesonet station at the Orleans County Fairgrounds recorded 3 inches of rain over the course of the day. Storm totals across the county generally ranged from 2 to 3 inches, with radar estimates as high as 3.5 inches in the heaviest areas by 10:25 p.m. Wednesday.
Orleans County remains under a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Buffalo, currently in effect until 11:15 a.m. Thursday. All remaining severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings for the county have expired or been cancelled.
Power Outages and Response:
The evening storm caused a new wave of outages. At its peak, National Grid reported 2,239 customers without power.
While no town or village escaped the storms’ impact, the bulk of the damage and response work has been concentrated on the west side of the county and in the Towns of Albion and Gaines. County and town highway crews and fire departments continue to work throughout the county on debris removal, monitoring flooded roadways, traffic control at downed power lines, and pumping of flooded basements.
The Village of Medina has been hit the hardest by flooding. The Medina Fire Department is being assisted by the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, the Village of Medina Department of Public Works, the Murray Joint Fire District, the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company, and the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, all of whom are on scene pumping flood waters from basements.
“We want to thank the Orleans County 9-1-1 Communications Center for their efforts today. Dispatchers were at times inundated with calls and handled the volume professionally throughout both events,” said Justin Niederhofer, Orleans County Director of Emergency Management and County Fire Coordinator. “National Grid has also been vital to this response. Despite the call volume and the weather conditions, their crews responded as quickly as possible to make scenes safe so our first responders could do their work. Getting them to downed lines quickly allowed our highway and fire crews to clear those roads and reopen them, which kept routes available for responding to other emergencies across the county. They continue to work to restore power.”
The Emergency Management Office expects to compile accurate totals of incidents, damage, and response activity by the end of the week, once reports have been gathered from the 9-1-1 Communications Center and the county’s fire agencies.
Public Safety Reminders:
Residents are reminded to:
Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown. Water depth and road condition cannot be judged from a vehicle.
Treat every downed power line as live. Stay away and report it to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222, or call 9-1-1 if it presents an immediate hazard.
Report outages to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or through the National Grid outage map.
Use generators safely. Operate generators outdoors only, well away from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Reserve 9-1-1 for emergencies. Non-emergency questions should be directed to the appropriate town or village office, or to the Emergency Management Office during business hours
Karen Hudomint sent these photos of a flooded Culvert Road by the Canal Culvert in the town of Ridgeway. This is the only spot where motorists can drive under the Erie Canal –when the tunnel isn’t flooded.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 6:36 pm
A tornado warning is in effect for Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties until 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service said the affected areas include east central Niagara County, Orleans County and northwestern Genesee County.
“At 6:28 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Middleport, or near Medina, moving southeast at 35 mph,” the Weather Service said.
Locations impacted include Medina, Albion, Middleport, Oakfield, Holley, Ridgeway, Shelby, Clarendon, Gaines and Alabama.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the Weather Service said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 5:34 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Orleans County, Western New York and much of upstate until 11 p.m.
“Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms with periods of heavy rainfall are expected today through tonight,” the Weather Service said. “Some storms may be severe with damaging wind gusts and hail, respectively. A tornado or two and localized flash flooding are possible.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 2:29 pm
Two deputies at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be back as school resource officers in Kendall and Lyndonville.
Jason Barnum will continue as SRO for the Lyndonville school district while George Barton will stay as the Kendall school resource officer.
The Orleans County Legislature last week approved new two-year agreements with the two school districts with SROs working this school year from Sept. 1 to June 30, 2027.
In Lyndonville, the school district will pay $615.29 per day for an SRO in 2026, then $673.54 daily in 2027 and $697.37 per day for 2028.
For any additional hours requested by the district for afterhours events, the Sheriff’s Office will be compensated at an overtime hourly including incremental fringe expense rate of $77.60 per hour for the rest of 2026, $86.53 per hour for the 2027 calendar year and $89.13 per hour for the spring semester 2028.
In Kendall, the contract calls for the district to pay $504.71 per day for the rest of 2026, then $551.85 per day in 2027, and $569.89 daily in 2028.
Any additional hours requested by the district for after-hours events call for the Sheriff’s Office to be compensated at an overtime hourly including incremental fringe expense rate of $76.57 per hour for the calendar year 2026, $84.44 per hour for the 2027 calendar year and $86.99 per hour for the spring semester 2028.
Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the storm clouds descending on the area.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
During this morning’s severe weather event, the Orleans County 911 Center experienced a significant surge in emergency and non-emergency activity. Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., dispatchers handled a total of 159 telephone calls — an average of 53 calls per hour, or approximately one call every 68 seconds.
During that same three-hour period, the Communications Center documented 57 dispatched incidents involving law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services. Many of these incidents were weather-related, including numerous reports of trees and utility wires down throughout the county.
Of the 57 dispatched incidents, 42 involved either downed trees or electrical/power hazards. These two categories accounted for nearly 74% of all incidents dispatched during the period. The incident log also reflects EMS calls, fire-related calls, law-enforcement service calls and other public-safety matters occurring while the storm response was underway.
In addition to the incidents documented through the Orleans County 911 Center, local fire departments and highway departments responded to and handled numerous additional storm-related conditions throughout the county
Residents are reminded to use caution around downed trees and utility lines and to report immediate hazards.
Old Home Week Committee member Senator Irving L’Hommedieu’s residence at 219 West Center St. was gaily bedecked for the occasion.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 24
MEDINA – It all started as a prank….
This year marks the 120th anniversary of Medina’s gala Old Home Week in 1906. We are familiar with the postcard views of the Main Street buildings bedecked with bunting, the parade scenes, the crowds, but we know little of the details of the week.
During a slow news period early in 1906, J. Barry Murphy, a Medina correspondent who supplied articles to regional newspapers, wrote a fully fleshed, totally fabricated, tongue-in-cheek article describing detailed plans for an Old Home Week celebration planned for Medina in August of that year.
The “Old Home Week” concept is ascribed to New Hampshire Gov. Frank Rollin who in the 1890s encouraged towns to invite former residents back to visit their hometowns and celebrate their connections and heritage. This idea proved popular and Old Home Week events were soon being organized in adjoining states and in New York.
Murphy named the members of the organizing committee, all prominent Medinians, and outlined the plans for the event. People thought it was a great idea and assumed that it was indeed a definite plan. The article was taken seriously and Murphy’s attempt at humor backfired. He had to approach the named committee members and ask them to co-operate. They agreed.
Judge Childs was named Honorary Chairman of the General Old Home Week Committee (apparently, he was not amused by Murphy’s humor). George A. Bowen was appointed Vice-chairman. Senator Irving L’Hommedieu, Mayor S.A. Cook, former Mayor W.B. Robbins, and Capt. S.A. Ross and Robert Mahar were the other committee members. Sadly, Judge Childs passed away on May 16, 1906. His daughter, Julia, was appointed as Secretary.
Despite this background, the Old Home Week committee did a stellar job in organizing the event. It established headquarters in the Downs-Kearney building, 108-110 West Center St.
A register of Medinians who had moved away was established at the Wright and Ross store and people were encouraged to supply names and addresses. The Buffalo Courier Express of July 24, 1906, reported that the committee had sent 750 invitations, many of which included whole families.
Soon, replies were pouring in from all parts of the country and the acceptance rate exceeded expectations. Even the reply letters reflect the excitement this event generated. People were so honored to be remembered, to be personally invited. The replies, some handwritten, some typed on company letterhead, are a study unto themselves, reflecting the circumstances of the correspondents and the economy of the times.
A sample of the letters received in response to Old Home Week invitations.
Old Home Week Events
Sunday, August 19 – Old Home Week began with appropriate services in all of the churches. In the evening, the S.A. Cook band gave a sacred concert at the High School park which was attended by over two thousand people
Monday, August 20 – Arrival Day. Showers and overcast sky. A registration office was set up by the train depot, visitors were encouraged to sign in and were given a badge, a pass and a program.
Pass provided to registrants of Old Home Week
Tuesday, August 21 – Registration Day. Clear skies. At 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Medina residents were awoken by a cacophony of sound – every whistle in Medina was blown and bells were rung, a cannon boomed, boys beat tin cans and yelled. A salute of 81 guns representing the 81 years of the town’s history was fired. This noisy concert lasted for ten minutes and signaled the commencement of Old Home Week.
Members of the Automobile Club took visitors on tours of the village in the afternoon.
A sense of excitement was palpable as the town was thronged with visitors out renewing acquaintances and admiring the decorations.
In the evening, a formal reception was held at the Armory which was splendidly decorated in yellow and white. Mayor Seelye A. Cook presided. Senator Irving L’Hommedieu delivered the Address of Welcome to which former Medinian, Hon. John Ford of New York City, responded.
Homecomers representing prominent families of former days spoke: Frank Ellicott of Chicago spoke of the Ellicotts, perhaps the most influential families in WNY at one time, Harry Davis of Denver spoke of the Davis family and Harry A. Chase of Rochester delineated the connections of the Chase family. Representatives of the Brown, Hedley, Newell, Hill, Whalen, and Ives families also spoke. Professor Shea’s orchestra furnished the music.
Wednesday, August 22 – Church and School Day featured a dazzling parade of children dressed in white with colorful accessories. Each denomination vied with the other in putting forth its best efforts. St. John’s Episcopal Sunday school children, divided into classes, were first in line. The girls were dressed in white and wore orange sunbonnets, carried orange parasols and long garlands of sweet peas. Thirty boys dressed in white and wearing white caps, pulled a float representing the ship of peace.
The parade formed at the Baptist Church on West Ave. and marched from West Ave. to Park Ave. to Main St., then to Pearl St. Prospect to Center and back to West Ave. where it disbanded.
Methodist and Baptist children were also dressed in white, with purple and yellow accents respectively,
The marching children were followed by parade officers in carriages, a pony-cart Maypole and a float of children in swings.
In the evening, a crowd of several thousand attended a grand concert. A massed chorus of 200 voices led by Dr. Emily F. Swett performed, with orchestral accompaniment provided by Prof. Shea’s orchestra.
Thursday’s parade of floats
Thursday, August 23 – Clear skies. A Buffalo Times headline on 8/24 stated that “thirty-thousand visitors were in Medina yesterday”. It was a day crammed with activity. In the morning, two hundred and fifty supervisors and former supervisors held their annual reunion at the Armory. The 17th New York Battery held their annual reunion at the Grand Army Hall. Concerts and sporting events were held.
The parade approaches on the left, view from West Avenue, looking east.
The parade which began at 2:00 p.m. was the highlight of the week. The two-mile long procession, which formed on West Ave. was led by the Medina police and the 29th Separate Company of Medina. Mayor S.A. Cook and the village trustees followed in carriages.
The fire companies, the fire wagon and the steam fire engine followed. Then came the Knights of Columbus, the I.O.O.F. and employees of the Central Foundry. A host of local businesses were represented by colorful floats followed: O’Donnell Lumber, Wright & Ross, the Bignall Company, and A.J. Richards to name but a few.
Concerts were held at various locations. At 9:00, clubs and organizations held smokers and receptions in their rooms. The brilliant illumination provided by the Swett Electric Co. added to the atmosphere and people socialized well into the night.
The ambitious lighting display provided by the A. L. Swett Electric Co. contributed to the magic of Old Home Week.
Friday, August 24 – At 10:00 a.m., the 29th Separate Company gave a concert at the corner of Main and West Center Streets. Sporting events featured on Friday, with a lacrosse game in the morning and a football game in the afternoon. Later that evening “the finest display of fireworks ever seen in Medina” was followed by a masked carnival on Main Street and the jollity continued until morning
Saturday was set aside as a day for quiet visits, family reunions, picnics and excursions.
Though the event formally concluded on Friday, director George A. Bowen decided to carry through until Sunday, since there were so many people still in town. He also wished to end with a calmer note than the hilarity of Friday night’s carnival.
On Sunday evening, the S.A, Cook Band performed a sacred concert at the Four Corners. A select chorus under the direction of Dr. Emily F. Swett sang “Onward Christian Soldiers”, “Nearer my God to Thee” and concluded appropriately with “Home Sweet Home”.
District will have 2 security staff on duty during school day
Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: from left include Kevin Parker, Joseph Fuller, Randy Hoke, Shawn O’Mara, Joe Robinson and Jeff Gifaldi.
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Albion Central School is proud to share that it will be working with COP Security to oversee districtwide safety and security operations for the 2026-27 school year.
The COP Security team is composed of both retired and current law enforcement officers, as well as U.S. military veterans, bringing extensive experience and specialized training to enhance safety at Albion schools.
With the new partnership, campus security presence will increase from one to two security team members on campus during school hours. There are a total of six security team members assigned to the Albion district. They will be present at Back-to-School Night for students and families to meet and address any questions.
“As we head into a new school year, safety is always of highest priority,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion district superintendent. “We look forward to welcoming and working closely with our new security team to maintain a space where students and staff feel protected and at ease, allowing for their focus to remain on learning, leading and growing.”
COP Security, founded in 1998, takes pride in providing comprehensive security solutions, having served private and public area schools throughout the western New York area for 15 years.
“We understand that a secure learning environment for students and staff is paramount and we are committed to ensuring that their well-being is always at the forefront of our efforts,” said Shawn O’Mara, COP Security Director. “We thank Albion Schools for trusting us and look forward to building strong relationships and a welcoming atmosphere within the school community.”
The District previously utilized the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for their School Resource Officer services, as well as Albion Police Department, and sincerely thanks them for their many years of trusted partnership.
Meet the COP Security team assigned to Albion schools:
Kevin Parker – a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Orleans Correctional Facility employee, he is involved with several community organizations.
Joseph Fuller – a retired Albion police officer, Fuller served as K9 handler, and Albion School Resource Officer for five years, and retired with the rank of sergeant. He holds several law enforcement certifications.
Randy Hoke – a retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy, he served as community relations deputy, criminal investigator and retired with the rank of sergeant. Hoke holds several law enforcement certifications and is threat assessment certified.
Shawn O’Mara – He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. O’Mara is a retired Gates Police Officer and has served as Director of Security for Holley and Wheatland School Districts as well as Trinity Private Schools. He is a federal instructor for active shooter training and holds several law enforcement certifications.
Joe Robinson – a retired Greece Police Officer, he served in the supervisor role as first line sergeant. He currently serves as a part-time officer with the Avon Police Department. He holds several certifications under the NYS Department of Justice.
Jeff Gifaldi – a retired Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy, he served 25 years, holding titles of undersheriff and criminal investigator. He holds several law enforcement certifications.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 10:07 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A powerful thunderstorm this morning knocked down a tree that landed on 413 Park Ave. in Medina at about 7:45 a.m.
The house has three apartments and the six residents all need to relocate. None of them were injured. Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley said they will be able to stay with other family and friends. The house next door also received some damage from branches.
The roof of the house at 413 Park Ave. was badly damaged and some of the windows were broken.
Pictured from left include Medina Fire Department Lt. Tim Miller, code enforcement officer Dan Gardner, Fire Chief Steve Cooley and DPW superintendent Jason Watts.
“It shook the whole house,” said Bryan Dimon, one of the residents. “I thought it was just thunder. It broke one of my windows.”
When he came outside to see the massive silver maple, laying on the house, he felt thankful.
“It could have been a lot worse,” he said.
The village Department of Public Works will work to remove the tree from the site. A section of the street will be blocked off to traffic.
The tree missed the power lines, which are located on the other side of the street and also fell between the power connections for the houses.
Another tree fell at 203 Erin Rd. in Medina and broke a window and torn off some facia.
Sue Wilson was standing on her porch with her dog when a maple tree fell very close to her house.
She heard a crash. The tree knocked glass inside her house from the broken window. She also is thankful it didn’t do more damage. Firefighters said she can stay in her home while the tree is cleaned up.
Sue Wilson is on the phone with her insurance company after a tree fell close to her house, causing some damage this morning.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 September 2026 at 8:18 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Kendall into the upcoming Genesee Region League volleyball season will be this quartet of seniors including Irelynn Maloney, Emma Minster, Maya Tater and Rylan Clark. Coach Tige Noni’s Lady Eagles returnees also include juniors Makayla Bentley and Riley Kinser and sophomore Kayla Minster. Kendall will visit Newfane for a non league match on Thursday before opening the G-R campaign at home against Notre Dame on September 8.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 September 2026 at 8:09 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the Roy-Hart/Medina team into the upcoming season will be this quartet of team captains. From left are Lilly Maynard from Medina along with the Roy-Hart trio of Courtney Aquilina, Maria Trombley and Addison Carr.
Finishing in the runner-up spot last fall the now merged Roy-Hart/Medina girls soccer team returns a good nucleus with which to again challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League honors.
Low participation numbers over the last couple of years has caused Medina to join with Roy-Hart.
Roy-Hart’s veteran group is led by a quartet of N-O All-League honorees including seniors Maria Trombley, who was a first team honoree and goalie Courtney Aquilina who was a second team selection along with juniors forward Ruth Walker who earned first team honors and Josephine Silsby who was an Honorable Mention pick.
The Lady Rms returnees also include seniors Maizie Cilliberto, Kenney Boyle and Addison Carr along with junior Julia Verratti.
Medina’s group is led by seniors Lilly Maynard and Alexa Demmer.
Roy-Hart/Medina will open the season by competing in the Tonawanda Tournament this Friday and Saturday facing the host school in the first round. The Lady Rams will then open the N-O season at home against Akron on September 9.
MEDINA – It all started as a prank….
