Heinz threw big employee picnics when it operated in Medina

Posted 19 July 2026 at 11:51 am

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

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

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Volume 6, No. 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer expands services and moves to Main Street storefront in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 July 2026 at 8:51 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air quality alert in effect today for fifth straight day in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:48 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

First team All-WNY honors for Barker pitcher

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 7:24 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker pitcher Madyson Flint has earned first team All Western New York honors.

Barker sophomore pitcher Madyson Flint has been named to the first team of the All Western New York small schools softball squad.

Flint, who helped hurl Barker to a share of a second straight Niagara-Orleans League championship, registered 183 strikeouts in 104.1 innings of work in the cirlce and had a 1.96 earned run average.

At the plate, she hit .395 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and 16 runs batted in.

Barker is also represented on the All-WNY second team by senior infielder Peyton Bradley. She hit .462 with 8 doubles, 4 home runs and 26 RBIs.

Wilson senior catcher Abbie Faery, who was named N-O Player of the Year, has also been named to the second team. In helping to lead Wilson to a share of the N-O title, she hit .487 with 5 doubles, 4 home runs and 19 RBIs.

Two N-O players have also received All-WNY Honorable Mention – Roy-Hart senior pitcher Abby Fox and Wilson sophomore infielder Lucy Madan.

Fox registered 85 strikeouts in the circle and at the plate she hit .511 with 4 doubles and 14 RBIs.

Madan hit .481 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Diamond playoffs next for Albion 14U and 18U

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 July 2026 at 6:58 am

Albion’s undefeated (7-0) 14U and 18U baseball teams will both be competing in the GLOW League playoffs this week.

On Monday, the Albion 14U will host Dansville in a semifinal round playoff game at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will face the winner of the Alden vs. Cal-Mum semi in the championship game on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Albion 18U will host Nunda in a semifinal contest at 6:15 p.m.

The victor will advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the Alden vs. Avon semi.

Sobieraski completes first 55-mile run in some extreme weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 9:36 pm

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barre Animal Hospital to close in October with retirement of Dr. Susan Neno

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 3:55 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With sincere gratitude,

Dr. Susan Neno

Tornado warning issued for southeastern Orleans County until 3:15 p.m.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 2:55 pm

Flash flood advisory in effect until 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Flash Flood Warning issued for Orleans County until 5 p.m.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 1:02 pm

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

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

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

Murray Tractor Pull canceled due to weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 12:53 pm

Beer tent is open and band will play tonight

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

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

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

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

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

Severe downpour doesn’t deter epic run

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 12:21 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medina 15U drops narrow stormy weather loss at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 July 2026 at 11:43 am

Photo via Gamechanger – The Medina Mustangs 15U got the opportunity to play on Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field this morning. Unfortunately stormy weather ended up causing the Mustangs to drop a 5-3 decision to the VT Strikers.

A late inning comeback was ruined by stormy weather as the Medina Mustangs 15U baseball team dropped a narrow 5-3 decision to the VT Strikers in a Cooperstown Tournament game at historic Doubleday Field this morning.

Trailing 5-2, Medina cut the deficit to 5-3 by scoring once in the top of the sixth inning on a wild pitch after a single by Brandon Floret and two walks had loaded the bases.

The Mustangs then tied the at 5-5 by scoring twice in the top of the seventh inning on an RBI single by Brayden LaMartina and a passed ball.

However, stormy weather then forced play to be halted before the bottom of the seventh inning could be played.

The bad weather caused the final score to be reverted to the last completed inning, the sixth, which gave the VT Strikers the 5-3 win.

Earlier the Strikers grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a pair of walks and an error.

Medina rallied into a 2-2 tie by scoring twice in the top of the third without the benefit of a hit on 3 walks, a passed ball and an error.

The Strikers then scored what proved to be the deciding 3 runs in the bottom of the third on a double, two walks, a passed ball and a pair of wild pitches.

Brayden Calabro had 2 hits for the Mustangs whose next game will be on Sunday.

Seeking a playoff berth Medina FC hosts division leading Buffalo Italia Monday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 July 2026 at 9:48 am

Locked in a tight battle for a playoff spot, Medina FC faces a very challenging regular season finale as the Mustangs will host undefeated (9-0) front-running Buffalo Italia FC at 8:15 p.m. Monday at Vets Park in a key Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division contest.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Trenton Jones here makes a throw-in for Medina FC which will host division leading Buffalo Italia FC in a key regular season ending game at Vets Park Monday evening.

The Medina vs. Buffalo Italia game was originally scheduled for Sunday evening at Vets Park.

The top six teams in the final division standings advance to the playoffs.

Buffalo Italia, along with runner-up Ukraine (8-1) and third place Revolution FC (6-3) have already locked up playoff berths.

Medina is in a five way battle for one of the three remaining playoff spots.

The Mustangs have gone 4-1-1 over the last six games after an 0-3 start to the season.

The Mustangs, the Queen City Gunners and the Sporting Cavs are currently all deadlocked in fourth place at 4-4-1 (13 points).

Mes Que FC which is 4-5 (12 points) and Rance FC which is 3-5 (9 points) are also still in the playoff hunt.

The Queen City Gunners will face Rance FC and Mes Que FC will take on Ukraine on Sunday. Rance FC also has a makeup game against the Sporting Caves on the 23rd.

The Mustangs offense has been led by Cole Callard with 8 goals and Peter Martillotta with 4.

Sobieraski starts 400-mile benefit run for Community Action

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 9:25 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The schedule includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is merchandise available, including commemorative T-shirts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carnival event planned for Bullard today will be rescheduled

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2026 at 8:41 am

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

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