Continuing to close in on the title, Barker improved to 9-1 by besting visiting Akron 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon.
Daniel Goodwin and Matthew Jordan scored singles wins for Barker which also got doubles victories by the duos of Oscar Dergel – Luke Fay and Aurora Wass – Nick Heideman.
Photo by Cheryl Werman – Medina’s Chris Mulcahy advances the ball up field ahead of Brockport’s Ryan Miller during the Mustangs 17-0 loss to the Blue Devils at Vets Park this evening.
Lyndonville romped to a 22-1 win over visiting CSAT in a non league softball game this afternoon.
Arnie Sturtevant had a three-run home run to highlight a 10 run first inning and Alexa Robinson a two-run triple to key a 7 run second inning for the Lady Tigers.
Sturtevant had a total of 3 hits and Isabella Groves 2 including a triple. Brooke Robinson also had a triple and winning pitcher Hannah Fox had a double.
In the circle, Fox allowed 3 hits and struck out 8 as Lyndonville improves to 12-1.
Kendall 9, Notre Dame 5
Four run scoring bursts in the third and fifth innings keyed Kendall to a 9-5 win over Notre Dame in a Genesee Region League game.
Alea Barrett had a two-run single in the third and Izzy D’Agostino a two-run triple in the fifth.
Teagan Shaw had 3 hits and D’Agostino 2 for Kendall which improves to 9-5.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Aine Davis dives into third base during the Lady Bulldogs home field win over Roy-Hart this afternoon. Grace Pearl moves in to cover the bag for Roy-Hart.
Closing out the league season on a high note, Barker downed visiting Roy-Hart 7-2 this afternoon to finish with a 10-2 record and clinch a tie for a third straight Niagara-Orleans softball championship.
Barker tied with Roy-Hart for the N-O title last year at 10-2 and captured the league crown outright in 2024 with a 12-0 record.
Roy-Hart jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning sparked by singles by Millie Owens, Grace Pearl and Abby Fox.
However, Barker answered right back with 3 runs in the home half of the frame on an RBI double by Peyton Bradley and a two-run single by Melodi Murphy to take the lead for good.
Bradley and Lexi Brazzell also both had RBI doubles in the third inning.
Murphy, Bradley, Brazzell and Kaylee Stoll each finished with a pair of hits.
Madyson Flint picked up the win in the circle allowing 5 hits and striking out 14 including her 400th career strikeout.
Wilson 19, Akron 3
Wilson stayed in the hunt for a share of the N-O title by downing Akron 19-3 to improve to 9-2.
Lucy Madan, Katie Hardie, Lauren Vanderlinden and Paige Thrush each had 2 hits for Wilson. Madan’s hits included a double and triple as Mackenzie Hardy also had a triple.
Newfane 10, Medina 4
A big 7 run fourth inning keyed Newfane (2-7) to a 10-4 N-O win over Medina (1-10).
Barker’s Madyson Flint registered her 400th career strikeout during the Lady Bulldogs win.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Gibson hurls a no hitter.
Albion rode the sparkling no hit pitching of Nate Gibson to score a 9-0 Niagara-Orleans League baseball victory over Akron this afternoon.
Gibson, who struck out 16, also provided the only runs the Purple Eagles would need as it turned out by belting a two-run homer in the first inning.
Elliott Trapiss added a two-run single to key a three run second inning and Kaiden Froman had an RBI single during a four run sixth.
Albion improves to 7-3 in N-O action as Akron slips to 6-5.
Alexander 14, Barker 3
Scoring 5 quick runs in the first inning, Alexander went on to post a 14-3 run rule win over Barker in a non league game.
Notre Dame 12, Lyndonville 6
Notre Dame rallied to down Lyndonville 12-6 in a Genesee Region League baseball game.
Trailing 5-2, Notre Dame rallied for 5 runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good. A two-run single by Evan Fitzpatrick highlighted the rally.
Lyndonville built up the early 5-2 lead by scoring twice in the first inning on hits by Quincey McClinsey and Shawn Robertson and three times in the third sparked by hits by Robertson and Lane Woodworth.
Clinching at least a tie for the title, Medina used a big first inning scoring burst to key an 11-0 victory at Newfane this afternoon in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game.
The N-O title is the third in a row for undefeated (10-0) Medina which used a big 6 run first inning to key the five inning run rule win.
A two-run single by Kolton Fletcher was the only hit of the decisive first inning as the Mustangs other runs came home on three errors and a fielders choice play.
Aidan Papaj later had a two-run sacrifice fly to highlight a three run fourth inning.
Preston Woodworth earned the win on the mound as he allowed only 2 hits and struck out 13.
Medina will close out the N-O season by hosting Newfane at 7 p.m. Wednesday and then visiting rival Albion at noon on Saturday for a makeup game.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Shelridge Country Club hosted the Section VI boys golf championships today. Seven Niagara-Orleans League players took part in the competition including Medina’s Cam Fike, shown here teeing off at the 10th hole. No N-O player made the cut for the championship round which was a score of 83. Fike shot an 88.
Shown in action here are Albion’s Drew Pritchard, left, and Roy-Hart’s Gavin Heideman. Prichard shot a 96 and Heideman an 87. The other N-O players who competed were Albion’s Owen Spencer, Roy-Hart’s Evan Poeller (89), Newfane’s Caleb Rivera (86) and Wilson’s Ben Meyers (95).
Photos by Tom Rivers: Local officials joined the owner of the Mayfair Marien for a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday in Albion. From left include Jami Allport, Albion village trustee; Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman; Andrew Dugan, district director for State Sen. Rob Ortt; County Legislator Skip Draper; Matt Holland, small business development director for the Orleans Economic Development Agency; Mayfair Marine owner John Fitzak, who is also a county legislator; Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director; Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Kevin Sheehan, Albion village trustee; Jackie Tarricone, executive assistant for Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Michael Dobell, chief executive officer of the Orleans EDA; and Tim McMurray, Albion mayor.
ALBION – There is now a place along the Erie Canal for boaters to get fuel in Orleans County. John Fitzak has opened Mayfair Marine along East Bank Street.
Fitzak for 23 years ran a bottle redemption business at 255 East Bank St. He closed the Albion Redemption Center on March 1 to focus the site on the fuel sales and also as a small business incubator.
He expects to rent out space at the site to several small businesses, and is working with the village to see if people would be allowed to stay overnight in RVs and also in tents.
“I’m just trying to be a catalyst for the village,” Fitzak said on Friday, when he held a ribbon-cutting for the Mayfair.
Fitzak is an Orleans County legislator. He is retired as a state corrections officer. Fitzak worked at Orleans, Attica, Sing Sing, Groveland and Willard correctional facilities.
John Fitzak built five sections of docks totaling 80 feet along the Erie Canal in Albion. The Ingersoll Street lift bridge is behind him. He sees a lot of opportunity in the Erie Canal for the community.
He built the 80 feet of docks at the Mayfair. There are five 16-foot-sections at different heights to accommodate different size boats. The two new 1,000-gallon fuel tanks were certified last November. He will have 100-foot-long hoses from the gas pumps that extend to the boats at the docks.
This will be the only spot offering marine-grade fuel on the Erie Canal between Macedon and Amherst. Fitzak said about 400 to 500 boats pass by the location each canal season. He expects at least 10 percent will stop for fuel at the Mayfair.
He named the business in honor of the Mayfair Restaurant, which was operated by his mother’s father in Rochester in the 1950s and ’60s. That restaurant was at the corner of Lexington and Mount Read Boulevard.
The new canal season opens on May 15. Fitzak is working with small businesses to open soon after the start of the canal season.
He said Big Dog BBQ from Kendall will be selling hot dogs and food from the site. Fitzak also will have vending machines with items at room temperature, in a cooler and a freezer.
Another business with offer marine services. There will be an ATM, a vendor selling Albion merchandise, and other possible merchants.
Several local officials toured the site on Friday. John Fitzak said there is plenty of room to offer other services, including RV parking.
Fitzak said he has reviewed a comprehensive plan for the canal, with leaders from the canal Corp. stating they would like to see fuel sales offered every 20 to 40 miles along the waterway. Fitzak said Mayfair Marine fills a big void for fuel.
He suspects many boaters haven’t ventured to Albion out of fear they could run out of gas. The Mayfair could result in more boaters making the trip to Albion and Orleans County.
He is hopeful they will tie up at his docks and check out the Albion community. He is short walk from the Albion downtown.
“this is another opportunity to see what Albion has to offer,” Fitzak said.
Dawn Borchert, the Orleans County tourism director, praised Fitzak for seeing a need and meeting it along the canal with the fuel sales.
The Mayfair owner has about 600 feet of frontage for the business. He would like to allow RV parking, and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes. He is working with the village officials to determine if those uses are allowed for the property, which is zoned general commercial and is currently mostly undeveloped.
Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the sunrise from Saturday at Swallow Hollow in the wildlife refuge.
The National Weather Service has issued as frost advisory for Orleans County from midnight to 9 a.m. Tuesday due to temperatures dropping around 30 degrees.
The advisory also includes Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga and Ontario counties.
“Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left unprotected,” the Weather Service said.
Farther away from the lake, the temperatures could be even colder. The Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
“Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s expected,” the Weather Service said about those counties. “Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.”
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee dedicated a new plaque on May 2 at Waterman Park in honor of the late Charles E. Bergeman. He was the grandson of Charles Howard, the famed founder of the first Santa School.
Bergeman passed away from cancer at age 64 on Oct. 31, 2023. He had recently moved to Lewiston and wanted to help promote his grandfather’s legacy.
When sculptor Brian Porter created a bronze statue of Charlie Howard as Santa Claus, Bergeman’s cheeks and face gave Porter a reference.
The plaque is near the statue that was dedicated during the Strawberry Festival on June 10, 2023.
A sleigh was donated to the Albion Betterment Committee. It was refurbished by Jim Babcock, a local contractor who is on the ABC’s board of directors. That sleigh has been dedicated in loving memory of Charles E. Bergeman.
The plaque states: “Grandson and namesake of Charles W. Howard. Like Santa, he spread joy to all he knew with his generosity and kindness. His warmth and selflessness touched everyone around him. Charles was dedicated to preserving his grandfather’s legacy, ensuring its magic would live on for generations to come.”
Bergeman’s wife Carol Bergeman and Howard’s granddaughter Jane Holland were in Albion on May 2 for the plaque dedication.
Three of Charles Howard’s grandchildren are pictured on June 10, 2023 with the three Albion Betterment Committee directors who have worked on the statue project over eight years. From left include Charles Howard’s grandchildren Susan Howard Brown, Charles Bergeman and Jane Holland and ABC directors Gary Derwick, Joe Gehl and Gary Kent.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 12
MURRAY – This bronze marker set on a millstone is located at the northeast corner of the junction of Routes 104 and 237 in the Town of Murray.
It was dedicated on October 12, 1932, by members of the Orleans Chapter DAR and the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post in Holley. It commemorates “the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington and the Men Who Fought in the American Revolution and Sleep in the Town of Murray.”
Many of the early settlers of Orleans County were Revolutionary War veterans or the sons of veterans. In other instances, aging parents later came to live with their families. An estimated 65 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in Orleans County.
The Orleans Chapter of the DAR and the Rochester Chapter of the SAR have maintained records of these burials. In addition, Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, two students from the Albion Middle School, have researched and presented a list of the Revolutionary War veterans buried in Orleans County with the guidance of their teacher, Tim Archer. They also obtained graveside markers for unmarked graves and replaced a damaged headstone.
They will present their findings on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30 am at the Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery at 3960 Hulberton Road in Holley. This event is open to the public.
During this current year-long recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there has been a renewed interest in the wartime experiences of the Continental Army soldiers.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the National Park Service have created a Citizen Archivist Mission project to assist in the transcription of the 80,000 pension application records on file. Perhaps you may be interested? https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions
Adam Tabelski, a former mayor of Medina who now lives in Batavia, has contributed several transcriptions of the experiences of these veterans buried in Orleans County to the Orleans County Department of History records:
John Percival (1754-1837)
According to his pension deposition in 1833, Percival saw much action during the war. He enlisted on May 16, 1775, with a Massachusetts company under General Heath and was involved in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. He volunteered for the ill-fated Continental Army expedition to Quebec under Col. Benedict Arnold later in 1775. He testified that:
“They were supplied with Boats to carry their Baggage and provisions (at Fort Winslow) and they went up the river through a dreary wilderness. The river was very rapid, and the soldiers were obliged to wade and push the boats upstream. In many cases, the boats were taken out of the River and carried upon their shoulders…..At this time they were in the greatest distress for the want of provisions. He himself subsisted 15 days on a pint of flour and a dog’s liver.”
He was part of the group that retreated following the unsuccessful attack on Quebec. In 1777, he was involved in the burning of two British schooners and the fortifications at Fort George as well as the destruction of bridges and felling of trees tin an effort to deter the advance of General Burgoyne’s troops. Later he was “out on one or two short alarums after Tories and Indians”. He testified that he never received any of his monthly wages except for the Quebec Expedition. Apparently, the Continental paper money soldiers occasionally received as pay for service was often worthless.
Two of Percival’s sons resided in Orleans County: Montgomery in the Town of Carlton and Samuel in the Town of Gaines. In 1824, Samuel built the hotel/tavern which is still in operation currently as the Tavern on the Ridge, formerly the Village Inn.
John Percival is buried in Gaines Cemetery.
Robinson Smith (1761-1828)
Smith enlisted in the Continental Army in 1782 and served in General Washington’s Life Guard, a unit of the Continental Army, about 180 strong, which protected Washinton as well as the money and papers of the Continental Army. Smith was discharged in 1784. He applied for a pension in 1818 and was awarded $8 per month. Eligible to reapply in 1820, he had to cite financial need. His testimony gives a vivid description of the difficulties of the times.
By 1820, he was a farmer with a wife and four children. He could do little labor as he was “badly ruptured.” His debt amounted to $30. His itemized possessions were indeed meagre and included 3 old axes and 3 old hoes, 1 sickle, 1 barrel and 3 old common chairs.
Robinson Smith is buried in Pierce-Smith Cemetery, Hulburton. In July 1939, the Lemuel Cook Chapter Sons of the American Revolution unveiled an official marker at his grave in recognition of his services for the Life Guard.
Please note that Patrice Birner of the Orleans County DAR will speak about the DAR and the NY250 Centennial Celebration at the Gaines-Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, 3286 Gaines-Basin Road, Albion, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. This is an Orleans County Historical Association program.
Provided photos
HOLLEY – State Assemblymen Steve Hawley was joined by local officials on Friday when he presented “Historic Business Preservation Registry” citations to two long-time Holley businesses.
The top photo shows Hawley with Dan Klips (center), owner of Stockham Lumber in Holley at 88 Geddes St..
Hawley, second from left, was joined by Holley Village Trustee John Morriss, County Legislator Ed Morgan, County legislator John Fitzak and Holley Mayor Mark Bower.
The state registry recognizes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.
Stockham Lumber was founded in 1880 by Nerv L. Cole, Stockham Lumber has over a century of history with its original business focusing on coal and lumber. Stockham Lumber continues its legacy as a lumber company known for its reliability and service with its principles of quality, integrity and customer service remaining in place, Hawley said.
Stockham Lumber has recently expanded and continues to grow the business serving customers across the region ensuring exemplary standards, Hawley noted. There is now an additional Stockham site in Gasport.
Hawley also presented the citation to the Holley Cold Storage on 16677 State Route 31.
Founded in 1902 by Marcus Balcom and Almond Boyce, Holley Cold Storage has become an essential link among regional farmers, food processors and distant markets allowing perishable goods to be preserved safely for extended periods of time, Hawley said.
The facility has provided cold storage services to regional customers and is committed to preserving the legacy of the business while maintaining its role as a steady employer within the Holley community and the region.
Photo courtesy of Stacey Braley
ALBION – Boy Scouts in Albion continued their annual tradition of placing about 2,000 American flags at the graves of American soldiers in Mount Albion Cemetery and St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery on Route 31.
The group is led by Jeff Braley, the Scout Master. The Boy Scouts include Stryker Braley, Colson Braley, Jax Gotte, Leo Gotte, Jack Breuilly, Peter Stritzinger, Sebastian Stritzinger, Colton Durow and Mason Patten. Lincoln Metcalf, a Cub Scout, also helped with the effort on Saturday morning.
The older scouts started placing the flags in kindergarten and many are in high school now.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Thaddeus Nauden receives congratulations from Melissa Blanar and a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley after being selected by the OFA office staff as “Volunteer of the Year.”
KNOWLESVILLE – Seniors from across Orleans County filled the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Friday to celebrate the annual Senior Jubilee and recognize three outstanding volunteers.
The morning began with introduction of Orleans County Office for the Aging staff by director Melissa Blanar. They are Meghan Bevins, assistant director; Samantha Koons, Becky Karls, Kathleen Bates, Cierra Tiede, Jacklyn Taylor, Lisa Boyle and Eileen Ryan.
OFA Advisory Council members present were Diane Daum, David Gaudioso and Leanne Donovan. Also introduced were Kelly Anstey from the Arc GLOW Nutrition Program; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Skip Draper on behalf of Senator Rob Ortt; Legislator John Fitzak, who shared a proclamation for Older Americans Month; and the county’s chief administrative officer, Jack Welch.
Next, entertainment was presented by the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir, directed by Kelly Marzano and accompanied by senior Jax Dyson. Soloist was Isla Schultz, a junior. Dyson was also featured with electric guitarist Aidan Kelley, a junior.
(Left) Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, smiles as Outstanding Older Adult of the Year nominee Annette Grillo-Finch gets a kiss from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley during the annual Senior Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Friday. (Right) Jean Wetherbee, center, of Medina is congratulated by Melissa Blanar and presented with a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley as the OFA’s nomination for Outstanding Older Adult of the Year.
Each year the State Office for the Aging requests nominations for a representative for the Outstanding Older Adult Award to represent each county in Albany, said Orleans County Office for the Aging director Melissa Blanar.
Two individuals were nominated for the award – Jean Wetherbee of Medina and Annette Grillo-Finch of Albion.
Wetherbee was nominated by Jeanne Crane, who said Wetherbee has volunteered for 33 years at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she helps with filing. She volunteers at the Senior Center in Medina, where she is treasurer, helps run euchre games and assists with preparing meals for their monthly luncheon. She was a TWIG volunteer for many years and provides transportation to help individuals get to medical appointments. Married to husband David for 67 years and the mother of three children, she has traveled the world and enjoys playing euchre and Liverpool.
She is always the first to offer help in her community, Crane wrote. Wetherbee is dedicated to her church, supporting all its function. She said volunteering keeps her active.
“I was speechless when they called to tell me I had been nominated,” Wetherbee said. “It is a joy to help and assist other people.”
Jax Dyson played the keyboard, while Kelly Marzano, right, directed the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir during the Senior Jubilee Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair’s Trolley Building.
Annette Grillo-Finch is the second nominee, who took the microphone and declared, “I am battling two kinds of cancer, but it will not stop me. I will continue to volunteer.”
Grillo-Finch retired as director of community services at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee after more than 40 years of service. During that time she was honored as The Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year, the Rosemary Fleming Memorial Award presented by the New York Community Action Association, Orleans Chamber of Commerce Award for Community Service, Local American Legion Award for Continued Service and the New York Senate’s “Woman of Distinction” in Albany in 2017.
Organizations which she has dedicated her time to for more than 50 years to the Village of Albion Recreation Committee also has served on the Albion Grievance Committee, Social Justice Committee, Hospice board, Albion Woman’s Prison board, treasurer of The Salvation Army for more than 40 years, the Bereavement committee for Holy Family Church, Job Corps and the Albion Hometown Christmas Parade.
“What I do is not for recognition or awards,” Grillo-Finch said. “I do it from my heart to better families, children and older adults and individuals with disabilities. You feel the satisfaction of helping others, by even doing the smallest act of kindness. The world can use some kindness, so do what you can, where you can and with what you have.”
Aidan Kelly on the electric guitar and Jax Dyson on keyboard play a special duet for seniors at the Senior Jubilee Friday.
One other senior was chosen by OFA office staff as their Volunteer of the Year. That was Thaddeus Nauden, who dedicates his time to the OFA Advisory Council. The council meets bi-monthly and advises on activities, planning, budgeting, outreach for seniors and services for older adults in Orleans County. Terms are for three years, with the ability to seek another three-year term.
Nauden has served the two terms, took a year off and recently completed another two terms, for a total of 12 years. He has served as vice chair and chair of the Council over the years. He has a passion for assisting older adults in the community, Blanar said.
Wetherbee and Grillo-Finch will travel to Albany later this month, where one senior will be announced as the NYS Adult Volunteer of the Year.
Friday’s celebration concluded with lunch by Nutrifair, under the leadership of Nutrition Program coordinator Vicki Havholm.
Provided photo: A local teenager tries on her chosen prom dress at the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store during last year’s free prom event.
ALBION – Orleans Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store will once again offer free prom attire for local students.
Prom Prep Night is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the store, located at 131 South Main St. in Albion.
The store’s manager Cassie Healy came up with the idea for free prom dresses after a huge selection of gowns were donated to the store several years ago. Since then, the program has grown in popularity and support.
“This will be the fourth year of our prom event,” Healy said. “Each year we add at least one more school to our list of events, and so far have been able to help around 200 kids have free prom attire.
“This year has been financially challenging for many families as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise,” Healy said. “Our hope with the prom event is to help ease some of that stress by ensuring teens are able to attend their prom and enjoy a memorable, stress-free night.”
Through the prom events at local schools, more than 400 dresses are made available to students free of charge. In addition, the in-house prom event at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More offers dresses, shoes, makeup, hair care supplies and other accessories, along with a limited number of suits, all completely free of charge.
Prom events this year began April 23 at the New York State School for the Blind and continued through the spring at Orleans/Niagara Learning Center, Holley High School and Lyndonville High School, concluding with Medina High School on May 12, the Main Street Store event May 13 and Albion High School on May 21.
The free program is open to any student in Orleans Genesee and surrounding counties.
Anyone interested in donating to the event can call or text (585) 640-1320, call the store at (585) 589-1430 or send a message on Facebook.
