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As the days wind down before the November Presidential election, Americans are once again faced with a choice. The choice is not about who the most likable candidate is, but who will do the best job.
For the most part, we can no longer trust mainstream media for the truth. They have evolved into an amoral institution; no longer able to meet the standard of excellence of just telling the truth. Instead they serve their own interests and a culture of lying has been born as Paul H. Weaver states in News and the Culture of Lying: How Journalism Really Works, Paul H. Weaver (The Free Press, 1994).
Both the media and government are married to a ruthless network of manipulation and egotism. As a result of this decadent union, the need to create crises to arouse the interest of the public has emerged. Journalists capitalize on this as the government, in turn, follows suit to showcase their role as protector. Many times these so-called crises are purely joint concoctions to lie to the public instead of telling us what is true and preventing the government in ruling accordingly.
Many Americans are now faced with a conundrum – who to believe?
As for me, I have established my own criteria to help me make the best decision. Having been vigilant over the last four years has allowed me to see the light, to weed out the smokescreens – so I can get to the truth.
It is vital that our freedom of speech and religion always be a given for all of us and future generations.
As a former teacher, it is imperative that teaching math, history, and science return to the classroom instead of indoctrination of our children.
Peace in the Middle East and returning our troops from foreign countries to end America’s involvement in foreign conflicts must start. Focus on what needs to be cleaned up here in our own nation: the domestic war of homelessness, drugs, poverty, a broken welfare system.
Instead of outsourcing a lot of jobs overseas, keep jobs in America to rebuild our economy and add credibility to the label: American Made.
Securing borders and legal immigration is a must.
The police need to be respected once again. They are on the line every day to risk their lives to protect us. Again, the media has done extensive damage to these men and women. Dramatizing one part of an incident only shows one part of the story.
Law and order must be maintained everywhere. Looting, violent protests, burning businesses and cities should carry the highest penalties, so these violent acts are stopped in their tracks. Criminals being put back on the streets is nothing short of insanity.
The military and veterans who fought for this country should be afforded the greatest honor and respect.
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights must be protected.
For me, these standards define a better America, and I will vote for the candidate who has repeatedly upheld them, along with our national security and the Constitution.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2024 at 8:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The school starts today in Albion and there is a redesigned middle school loop. Contractors removed the island of grass that was in between the driveway and the school.
The district said the goal of reconstructing the Middle School’s front loop was three-fold: to improve the overall flow of traffic, to move more cars off of Route 31 and onto campus (especially during the busy morning drop off when a line of cars would often back up on East Avenue), and to help improve the drop off and pick-up process.
Here is a photo from Aug. 4 that shows the building of the new driveway and loop at the middle school.
The school district posted this map of the loop, which school leaders say should help with traffic flow.
The district reminded motorists to be especially vigilant of students on foot with the start of the school year. Pedestrians will be crossing streets, and buses frequently stopping when school begins.
“It can be easy to be distracted, especially if you’re in a rush,” said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent. “But please take an extra second and check your surroundings.”
Hospice of Orleans Photo: The Martin-Linsin Residence, which has eight residential, temporarily closed last week. The 8,500-square-foot building opened on Route 31 in Albion in 2012 following a $2.3 million capital campaign.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2024 at 9:25 pm
ALBION – The Martin-Linsin Residence has temporarily closed or is on “pause” following a thorough analysis that showed “significant financial losses due to the increasing operational costs” at the residence, according to a statement this evening from Niagara Hospice, which is running Hospice of Orleans.
Hospice of Orleans is expanding and enhancing the home-care model for hospice care, Niagara Hospice officials said in the news release.
The eight-unit residence opened in 2012 following a $2.3 million capital campaign.
Martin-Linsin used to have a waiting list, but was down to one resident last week. No new residents had been admitted for about three weeks. The clinical staff also was laid off last week after the death of the remaining resident at Martin-Linsin, a Hospice employee said.
Niagara Hospice, in its statement, said it is dedicated to caring for the local community, and hospice care “continues to be delivered throughout Orleans County without interruption.”
Hospice care is provided in patient homes, nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.
“Hospice of Orleans is committed to building and cultivating community partnerships to further develop and enrich its already exceptional hospice care model,” according to the statement.
Anyone interested in learning more about hospice care, or to make a referral for care, can call the Hospice of Orleans at (585) 589-0809.
SYRACUSE – Governor Kathy Hochul, last week at the Great New York State Fair, signed three pieces of legislation expanding resources and protections for the State’s agricultural industry.
Legislation S.6320/A.6821 allows the leasing of State land to be used for sap production and tree tapping for ten years to increase the return on investment for producers, including maple producers. The legislation authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation to enter into contracts for the lease or use of State lands for the purpose of tree tapping and sap production for a term of up to, but not more than, ten years.
Legislation S.9232/A.10199 would allow licensed farm wineries to use apples grown outside of New York State to manufacture or sell State labeled cider, in certain circumstances. This legislation provides crop loss determination for farm wineries to authorize the use of apples grown outside of New York State to be used for state-labeled cider when needed due to a loss of crops.
Legislation S.9248/A.7020A establishes the Beginning Farmer Advisory Board on Agriculture. The legislation establishes the Beginning Farmer Advisory Board on Agriculture with the goal of implementing a plan that moves forward the State’s efforts to bring new entrants to the farm.
“As we celebrate the State Fair, we recognize that New York’s agriculture is a central component to our State’s economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With the signing of this legislation, we continue our mission to uplift this community and prove we are here to support them every step of the way.”
BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands organizers are seeking 15 additional volunteers to support the coordination of 1,000 students from across the GLOW region for the 6th annual career exploration event being held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia.
“The success of GLOW With Your Hands is made possible through the generosity of volunteers in a variety of event-day roles, including tour guides for individual schools, and support at the entrance at the fairgrounds, parking and lunch areas,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair Karyn Winters said. “We are fortunate to have so many volunteers already registered but we need more to cover all our bases.”
The annual GLOW With Your Hands event provides students with hands-on career exploration in high-growth and high-demand careers. Activities such as welding, bricklaying and heavy equipment operation, and interactions with employers provide students with the insight to explore career opportunities with companies across the region.
“We’re tremendously excited to once again welcome so many companies and students to GLOW With Your Hands. The commitment and dedication of so many volunteers is what makes this amazing event possible,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2024 at 9:24 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Albion golf team will open the Niagara-Orleans League season this week with a busy stretch of three matches in as many days. The Purple Eagles will host Akron on Wednesday, Roy-Hart on Thursday and then visit Wilson on Friday. Leading the Purple Eagles will be this trio of veterans senior Oliver Beach, sophomore Drew Pritchard and eighth grader Viktor Snyder.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2024 at 9:16 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Getting set to lead Roy-Hart into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League soccer season are veterans Garrett Glyshaw, Josiah Rodriquez and Jase Waters. Missing is Zach Schultz.
Looking to fill the holes created by the loss of nine players to graduation, Roy-Hart will tune up for the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer season by visiting Maryvale on Saturday.
New Roy-Hart Coach Jarrod Marsh’s, Rams squad, which will host defending champion Wilson in the N-O opener on September 10, is led by the veteran quartet of seniors Zach Schultz and Josiah Rodriguez along with juniors Garrett Glyshaw and Jase Waters.
The Rams graduation losses included first team N-O All-League honorees Rem Albee (Midfield), Landen Guild (Midfield), Caleb Verratti (Defense) and second team selection Jayden Swygert (Defense) along with Noah Bartholomew (Goalie), Dawson Draper (Defense), Joel Hickman (Forward), Jack Johnson (Forward) and Kristopher Myers (Defense).
Roy-Hart went 5-5 in N-O action and 6-8-1 overall last fall.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2024 at 9:12 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s large veteran group includes, in front, Violette Streckewald, Mackenzie Landers, Olivia Marsillo, Brooke Zglinicki, Savannah Newton and Lily Beals. In back are Bella Rhinehart, Ava Achtyl, Cassondra Sanney, Abigail Glyshaw, Dillan Santella and Miley Reiter. Missing were Alayna Kowalski and Adella Dukes.
With the entire lineup returning nearly intact, Roy-Hart is looking to improve upon last fall’s 5-7 Niagara-Orleans League field hockey record.
In all the Lady Rams return a large veteran contingent of 13 including seniors Olivia Marsillo, Lily Beal, Ava Achtyl and Abigail Glyshaw; juniors Alayna Kowalski, Violette Streckewald, Casondra Sanney, Dillan Santella and Brooke Zglinicki; sophomores Miley Reiter, Mackenzie Landers, Adella Dukes and Savannah Newton and eighth grader Bella Rhinehart.
Dukes was a second team N-O All-League honoree while Marsillo, Zglinicki and Newton all received Honorable Mention.
The Rady Rams will host Sacred Heart at 4:45 p.m. Thursday in preparation for the N-O home opener against Wilson at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Provided photos: The Niagara Regional Police Pipes and Drums will be performing at the upcoming Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2024 at 7:06 am
LOCKPORT – The Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival will celebrate its 23rd year on Sept. 14 and 15 at Niagara County Fairgrounds.
Founded by Philip Banks of Burt, the event has proven increasingly popular every year and annually features more than 2,500 participants from throughout Western New York, including Orleans County. These include clans, musicians, pipers, dancers, vendors and artisans.
Banks said he and his wife Beth started the event in 2001 as a grassroots economic development project, after reading about something similar in Readers Digest, done in a small town in Texas.
“We had been long time attendees of the now defunct Amherst Scottish Festival and Ontario, near Lake Huron, several times and saw people celebrating their Celtic heritage,” Banks said. “We were from the Olcott area and knew that could be a good venue for an event. Beth is Scottish/German and I am Irish/German. We could have never known this festival would become so big we’d have to relocate to the Niagara County Fairgrounds in 2019.”
Banks said volunteers have been recruited from Orleans County since the festival’s founding, and at least several dozen volunteers annually come from Orleans County. In addition, several hundred Orleans County residents buy tickets for the event, he said.
The Niagara County Celtic Heritage Festival this year will welcome an impressive lineup of massed pipe bands, in addition to as many as 30 Scottish groups to the Clan Village, making it the largest gathering of family reps in New York State, according to Banks.
A total of eight pipe bands and one brass band from across the local region will perform in ceremonies, individual concerts and massed bands on both days.
Banks invites everyone to join the thousands of people who attend each year, when “everyone is Celtic for the weekend.”
On Saturday, the Gordon Highlanders Pipes & Drums, 96th Highlanders Pipes & Drums, MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums and the Celtic Spirit Pipe Band will entertain. The D Company Gordon Highlanders were formed in 1837 and is the oldest continuing organization in the city of Buffalo. The 96th Highlanders of Jamestown are proud to represent their region in and around Chautauqua County.
The MacKenzie Highlanders from Youngstown have roots dating back to 1913. Their tradition continues as they offer free lessons to all interested in becoming a member. Celtic Spirit is also from Niagara County and mixes traditional pipe music with various modern instruments in unique arrangements.
The Glengary Bhoys also will be featured during the festival.
On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the Niagara Regional Police Pipes & Drums, the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, the Buffalo Niagara Scotia Pipes & Drums and the Feadan Or Pipe Band. The Niagara Regional Police are from Niagara Falls, Ontario, and perform across Canada and the United States, both as a concert and a competition band. The Rochester Scottish are the City’s Celtic Ambassadors to the world. The band has a broad repertoire playing both traditional martial and modern tunes.
One of Western New York’s newer pipe bands is Buffalo Niagara Scotia from Tonawanda, and is dedicated to strengthening Scottish pride in the region. They welcome newcomers of all ages. Feadan Or from the Finger Lakes promotes traditional Scottish bagpiping, drumming and dancing, in performances and through teaching.
Also on Sunday, to give the feel of a “military tattoo,” the festival will welcome the Mt. St. Mary’s Academy Marching Band from Kenmore. Wearing kilts, they are the only fully instrumented all-girls’ marching band in New York state.
The clan group practice dates back to the 1700s when so many people in Scotland were forced to leave their homeland for other countries. Each clan can trace its lineage to ancestors from Scotland, dating back many centuries. In fact, Banks said most clans still have a hereditary chief in Scotland.
The clans display all sorts of materials related to their families, including their tartans, and answer questions about their generations of ancestors. During the weekend, visitors can experience the sight of them marching in the opening ceremonies, see the “Calling of the Clans,” when torches light the ceremonial bonfire, and take part in the Memorial Service to honor their members who have passed since the last festival.
Each group was formed for charitable, religious, educational and/or scientific purposes to support the family name, with all the sub-group names and variations. Typically, their mission is to protect cultural, artistic and historic endeavors and acquire, preserve, restore and act as custodians for historical records, relics and heirlooms.
They encourage the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks related to the family in countries throughout the world. The individual societies are divided into regions, with hundreds or thousands of members active throughout North America, Australia and other countries. Any person who is of the clan lineage or the dozens of associated family names can join to learn about and celebrate their traditions and genealogy.
Clan representatives will come from New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. The names include Baird, Blair, Barclay, Bruce, Buchanan, Claus, Cumming, Donnachaidh, Douglas, Ferguson, Forsyth, Grant, Gregor, Gordon, Hall, Hannay, Hay, Henderson, Hunter, Home, Keith, Kerr, Lindsay, Little, MacBean, MacFarlane, MacGillivray, MacNachtan, MacNeil, Masonic, Morrison, O’Keefe, Thompson and Wallace, as well as the Daughters of Scotia, the Rochester Scottish Society, the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada and the Scottish Military Society.
In addition to the nine bands, the cultural celebration will include Highland athletics, dancers, national and regional musicians, merchandise vendors, artisans, food and beverage vendors, a kid’s area, clans, reenactors, seminars and local community groups.
The festival will also showcase a wide variety of food vendors at the event.
“Food and beverages rank very high among the reasons people attend cultural celebrations, because traditional dishes maintain ethnic heritage through the generations,” Banks said. “The event will have 30 vendors offering 150 menu items of all types, including entrees, finger foods, sweets, snacks and vegetarian options.”
“Many events don’t put a priority on food and beverages, but the fact is that most visitors consider it a high priority,” said Beth Banks, festival director. “This isn’t just boring fair food. We have something for every taste. We have a team dedicated to finding vendors that fit our festival priorities. You don’t wait in long lines and there is plenty of seating.”
The director explained vendors come from as far as North Carolina to serve Celtic specialties, such as a full Scottish breakfast, Guinness meat pies, Scottish dragon eggs, colcannon, cranchen, potato pancakes, potato soup, salt potatoes, shepherds’ pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, Guinness meatballs, Irish beef stew, Irish lamb stew, Jameson braised beef and chicken wings, Scottish barbecue and banger sausages. There are several kinds of haggis and even a haggis eating contest Saturday night.
Celtic sweets include Irish bread pudding, Irish oat cookies, Scottish shortbread, sticky toffee pudding, Welsh cookies and several Celtic-themed ice creams. An assortment of adult beverages includes Ginness, harp, Smithwicks, hard cider, mead, wine, wine slushies and gourmet coffees.
Many visitors, according to Beth Banks, attend just for the variety of food and beverages.
The Niagara Celtic Heritage Society is a 501c3 not-for-profit educational organization, founded in 2001 and focused on preserving the culture of the seven Celtic nations in this region. The annual festival is its primary fundraising activity.
Parking is free, as is the Festival Guidebook. A detailed schedule and ticket information can be found at www.niagaraceltic.com.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2024 at 6:30 am
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health has announced the annual For Women Only will take place this year on Oct. 3 at White Birch Golf Course.
The event will again kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, while providing an evening with keynote speakers, cancer survivors sharing inspirational stories, honoring loved ones, socializing and participating in various raffles.
“While there is a traditional focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to recognize those who have battled any form of the disease,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. “There are plenty of individuals to honor, as well. In addition to basket raffles and other returning highlights, we’re continuing with last year’s opportunity to have loved ones included in a slide show that honors those we’ve lost, current fighters and survivors.”
Anyone wishing to honor their loved one – with or without a picture – should submit their name, photograph and information on whether or not the individual is still surviving, or date of death to Robinson at srobinson@medinamemorial.org.
For Women Only has been an annual event for many years, except during a hiatus from the Covid pandemic, Robinson said.
The event has often been a sellout, and women are encouraged to get their tickets as soon as possible by calling Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or online at FWO 2024 (auctria.com). Sponsorships are also available for purchase.
“We’ve all known someone who has had their lives affected by cancer,” Robinson said. “FWO allows us to bring these individuals together for an evening of strength through numbers. Everyone in the room has a story to tell, and we’re lucky enough to hear many of them.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mark Tillman, long-time owner of the former Tillman’s Village Inn, accepts a lifetime achievement award during last year’s Orleans County Chamber of Commerce awards dinner. It was the 25th anniversary for the Chamber following the merger of the Albion and Medina chambers into a county-ide organization.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2024 at 9:25 pm
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 26th annual business awards.
Nominations are due by Sept. 9 and can be emailed to director@orleanschamber.com or mailed to OCCC, PO Box 501, Medina NY, 14103.
The categories include:
Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Art Hill Excavating in Medina.)
Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Mark Tillman received the award in 2023.)
Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Robert Smith, owner of the Webber Hotel in Lyndonville, won the award last year.)
New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Chris and McKenna Delorme of The Grove 1848 Bistro and Bar in Kendall won last year.)
Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Case-Nic Cookies in Medina received the honor in 2023.)
Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Orleans Poverty Hill Farms, a dairy farm in Albion owned by the Neal family, won the award in 2023.)
Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Sourced Market & Eatery in Millville won last year.)
Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (The Downtown Browsery in Albion and Medina won the honor in 2023.)
MAGA is needlessly frightening people telling them their houses and unrealized gains in danger and going to be taxed away. Poppy cock.
Like the British and Germans if you make over sic. a hundred million a year you might have to pay an extra tax. But (big BUT) they will avoid the tax by investing in domestic jobs through loans, deductions, and credits to offset it. That is how an economy grows.
It makes sure some money keeps getting invested in the very people who made them rich in the first place.
Also on the issue of fright, campaigning in a prohibited area of Arlington Cemetery is less an issue in some ways than the use of force to push an employee out of the way. It reminds me of all the 2015 rallies with fist fights. Back then, until the liability lawyers got involved, Trump promised to pay the legal bills of supporters who beat up reporters and opponents. That’s mob rule.
Threats, violence, false claims, and things like stacking partisan Election Boards are contrary to a honest government entrusted with our freedom.
Debunking stuff like this is exactly why other countries look up to us. We have, and always will, fight off enemies of freedom within and without to ensure that our freedom remains joyous.
In FDR’s time the motto was “We do our part.” We lift each other up. That attitude made us the greatest nation on Earth!
Being careful to not needlessly scare people with bad facts or superficial analysis and fastidiously avoid placing anyone in fear by associating with, or encouraging, thugs is essential to ensuring freedom survives. That is part of a leaders part of doing their part.
Respectfully
Conrad F. Cropsey
Albion
Update from Conrad Cropsey on Sept. 3 at 3:22 p.m.:
Editor:
When I wrote about the tax on the top 10,000 peoples unrealized gains. I should have said that it’s proposed in Britain and Germany and enacted in Spain and Norway.
Further, I should have been more clear that there is a practice among these 10,000 people of living off of loans on their immense wealth in order to reduce their taxes. Like anything with tax, ways to avoid tax are immensely complex and that loophole would have to be addressed.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 September 2024 at 9:32 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s veteran group includes, in front, Lyla Page, Aurora Owczarczak and Rhoswyn Oakes. In back are Cameron Davis, Madelyn Lewis, Taylor Schrader and Honesty Hill.
Medina will tune up for the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer season by competing in the Albion Tournament this week.
Medina will face Alexander and Albion will take on Pembroke in Thursday’s opening round contest. The consolation and championship games will be Saturday.
Anchoring the Mustangs lineup will be the veteran group of seniors Madelyn Lewis, Cameron Davis, Honesty Hill and Taylor Schrader along with juniors Lyla Page, Aurora Owczarczak and Rhoswyn Oakes.
Medina, which went 0-10 in N-O action last fall, will begin the league schedule at Newfane on September 10.
