Kendall romps in state Class C semifinal
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Nic Cole hurled Kendall to the state semifinal win this morning and also helped his own cause by banging out a first inning RBI double, which he celebrates at the right.
Taking charge with a huge first inning scoring barrage, Kendall went on to defeat Ticonderoga 12-2 in the semifinal round of the state Class C baseball tournament this morning at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.
Kendall, which became the first Orleans County baseball team to reach the state finals, will face the winner of this afternoon’s other semifinal between Saratoga Central Catholic (Section 2) and Tuckshoe (Section 1) in the championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mirabito Stadium.
“It’s a great feeling. The kids have really worked hard for this,” said Kendall Coach Tige Noni whose Eagles improve to 24-2.
CJ D’Agostino lays down a bunt for a single to help ignite Kendall’s big first inning.
Kendall took control at the outset erupting for 6 runs in the decisive first inning on a two-run double by Andrew D’Agostino, an RBI double by winning pitcher Nic Cole, an RBI single by Andrew Cole, a balk and a wild pitch.
A leadoff single by Jonny Conte, a bunt single by CJ D’Agostino and a hit batter loaded the bases to get up the uprising.
“We really got the jump on them and everything got rolling,” said Noni.
Keeping the momentum, Kendall tacked on 3 runs in the second inning on a two-run double by Jacob Abrams and an RBI single by Sammy Conte. A triple by Vinnie D’Agostino set up the threat.
Jonny Conte later had a two-run single in the fourth frame to help close out the Eagles five inning run rule victory.
Jonny Conte, Andrew Cole, Nic Cole and Andrew D’Agostino each finished with a pair of hits.
On the mound, Nic Cole scattered 6 hits and struck out 6.
Note – The Kendall game finished about a half hour before the Medina game giving the Eagles the honor of becoming the county’s first team to reach the state baseball finals.
Andrew Cole bangs out a first inning RBI single.
Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino gets the out at first base to end Ticonderoga’s first inning.
Albion author signs copies of her book for adoring fans
Diane Shiffer is a much loved social media influencer who spreads joy, encourages kindness
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Diane Shiffer holds a copy of her book, “The Smallest of Joys: How to Create Your Own Magic, Let Your Best Be Enough & Find Contentment Exactly as You Are.” The 248-page book became available in April and has earned rave reviews. On Amazon, it has a 4.9 rating out of 5 from 150 reviewers.
Shiffer has been featured in Forbes magazine, The Buffalo News and interviewed on many other podcasts. She also has been mentioned in The New York Times and is included on best-seller lists.
“Whether you’ve been following Diane for years or are just meeting her now, this book is like a warm teacup in your hands and a soft blanket around your shoulders,” Amazon states in promoting the book. “A modern antidote to hustle culture and self-criticism, it’s a reminder that kindness—especially toward yourself—can be a powerful way to live.”
On Thursday she signed copies of her book at Hoag Library. Shiffer has more than 2 million followers through Instagram and TikTok on social media where she is known as the Cubby Vintage Nana. She spreads messages of kindness and loving others.
Shiffer, 68, is a retired Head Start educator and social worker. She started to go viral on social media during the pandemic in 2020 when she posted short videos of her in daily life – baking, sewing, doing household chores, sharing words about kindness, and showcasing some of her vintage finds, such as potholders.
Shiffer, after her book-signing on Thursday, said she was happy to meet people in person. She appreciates the connection through social media and the positive feedback about her book.
“It is very affirming to see it resonating with people,” she said. I appreciate it so much.”
Diane Shiffer signs a book for Judy Tucker of Albion. Shiffer’s son Noah is sitting next to her.
“She’s positive and she shares her joy,” said Tucker, a retired high school librarian. “She is peaceful and loving.”
Shiffer’s son Noah, 27, is a lineman for RG&E. He was earned his Eagle Scout rank in Albion in Troop 64. He said he is pleased to see so many people with a deep appreciation for his mother.
“She’s always been a phenomenon in my life,” Noah said. “She’s my superhero. People ask is she really that sweet in real life. I tell them she’s even better.”
This photo shows Diane Shiffer signing a book for Lori Laine. Shiffer brought a vintage tablecloth for the book signing.
“She’s so calming,” Laine said. “It’s like sitting and having coffee with your grandma.”
Laine said she has been following Shiffer’s videos for at least two years.
“People want to get back to the basics,” Laine said.
Shiffer signs a copy of her book for Rebecca Schiffer, 39, of Medina, who was excited to meet the author. Schiffer brought her two daughters, Mabel and Harriet, right.
“I have been following her for years,” Schiffer said about Diane. “She is always doing the right thing. She is so inspirational.”
Schiffer said Diane is kind, and also courageous. The author wore a “Black Lives Matter” pin during the book-signing.
“She is incredible and spreads so much joy,” Schiffer said. “She stands up for what she believes in.”
Cindy Albone of Clarendon wanted to meet Shiffer in person and attended the book-signing. Albone sees the power in Shiffer’s message.
“It really is the little things,” Albone said. “Most people are looking for something simpler, rather than the chaos.”
Brett Sobieraski to run 400 miles over 8 days in July for Community Action
Carlton resident invites people to join him in runs at local high school tracks
Provided photo: Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, is shown on June 4, 2023 entering New York State, the eighth and final state of a 1,300-mile journey on foot. That year he ran 50 marathons in 50 days to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski raised $110,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.
CARLTON – Brett Sobieraski has announced he is tackling another very ambitious, and nearly human-defying endurance challenge: He will run 400 miles over eight days in a benefit for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, plans to run 55 miles each day the first seven days and then 15 miles the final day. He welcomes people to join him on the track, even if it’s just for a lap.
He expects to be out there for about 12 hours each of the 55-mile days, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The schedule includes:
- Saturday, 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
For more on the 400-mile challenge, including sponsorship, click here or contact Jackie Dunham at Community Action, (585) 589-5605, ext. 110.
Sobrieski, a retired Rochester Police sergeant, currently works as an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force. He also is a member of this year’s Leadership Orleans class.
He has completed endurance challenges before. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.
In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.
That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him in Rochester.
Sobieraski, despite nearing 60, wanted to tackle a new challenge this year for Community Action. He wants to raise at least $20,000 for the agency which has faced federal and state funding cuts.
“It’s a fantastic organization that is all about giving hands-up, not handouts,” he said. ‘Let’s help them so they can continue to change lives for the better.”
Some of the programs offered by Community Action include:
- transportation for the elderly and disabled
- food and clothing
- home cooling and weatherization projects
- thrift store services
- work place job training and counseling
- prom dresses along with credit counseling for high school students
- Head Start programs to assist with learning, child care and family services
- Through their Project Salus, help adolescents with the support from education to financial
Photo by Tom Rivers: Bert Gallmon, left, is the race director for the Albion Strawberry Festival. He helps Brett Sobieraski put on the Strawberry costume for the race five years ago. Someone will often dress as a strawberry during the race. The race will be Saturday in Albion at 8 a.m. Sobieraski plans to be at the race on Saturday.
OCH promotes health and safety at Children’s Wellness Fair in Medina
Provided photos: (Left) Carol Wachob, left, handed out gifts and information for Early Head Start at Orleans Community Health’s Children’s Wellness Fair May 30. Tina Schleede manned the table for Community Action. (Right) Lindsay Wilston does face painting at the Children’s Wellness Fair May 30 sponsored by Orleans Community Health.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health welcomed nearly 130 members of the community and distributed 53 bike helmets at their Children’s Wellness Fair May 30. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the park south of Medina Memorial Hospital.
The event served as a fun and educational kickoff to summer, while promoting health, safety and wellness for local children, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing.
The fair featured a variety of interactive activities designed to engage children while teaching important health and safety concepts. Young attendees had the opportunity to dress like doctors and nurses, take their stuffed animals through a mini exam and test their skills on a specially designed obstacle course.
Several community partners played an important role in the event’s success, Robinson said. Representatives from the Orleans County Department of Mental Health, Community Action and Early Head Start provided valuable information and resources for children and families. Members of Wrights Corners Boy Scout Troop 40 kept everyone cool by serving free snow cones throughout the event.
A popular attraction was face painting, where Lindsay Wilston, a team member from Orleans Community Health, maintained a steady line of children eager to be transformed into their favorite characters and animals.
(Left) Medina Fire Department brought a fire truck and ambulance, which children enjoyed exploring and learning about firsthand. (Right) Boy Scout Troop 40 from Wrights Corners served free snow cones during Orleans Community Health’s Wellness Fair.
The village of Medina Fire Department joined the festivities, bringing both a fire truck and an ambulance for children to explore and learn about emergency services firsthand.
A major focus of the event was bicycle safety, and Orleans Community Health distributed 53 bicycle helmets to children, helping ensure they are protected as they enjoy outdoor activities this summer.
Orleans Community Health extends its sincere thanks to all community partners, volunteers, staff members and families who participated and helped make the Children’s Wellness Fair a memorable and successful event.
Orleans Community Health also announced Family Fun Fridays through the summer. These special events will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 10, 24, Aug. 7 (in Lyndonville) and Aug. 21. These activities will be an opportunity to enjoy special events and meet with community organizations throughout the summer. The three in Medina will be in the park south of the hospital, and in Lyndonville at the Yates Park pavilion.
In addition, the July 10 event will include the YMCA doing field day activities, and on July 24, Hometown Wellness will put on a children’s yoga session.
Albion man faces child pornography charges in federal court
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kimony Hamilton, 22, of Albion was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography.
In addition, Kaitlyn Seekings, 28, of Jamestown, NY, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography.
The distribution and receipt of child pornography charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, in March 2025, the New York State Police received multiple reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Snapchat users identified as “kseekings25,” (defendant Seekings) “angel_smith354,” “jordan638p,” and “jordan2025_3,” (defendant Hamilton) had uploaded image files of suspected child pornography.
In July 2025, the State Police executed a search warrant at an Albion address, during which they spoke with an individual, later identified as Kemony Hamilton, who stated that he received child pornography from a friend he met online named “Kate Seekings.”
Subsequent investigation recovered messages shared between the two during which they shared files containing child pornography as well as discussed meeting in Jamestown so that Hamilton could have sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female that “Seekings” would provide access to.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins. The complaints are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sponsored Post
Green competing in LPGA team tourney event
Medina’s Melanie Green and her partner Hailee Cooper got off to a tough start at the LPGA Tour’s Dow Championship team event today at Midland, Michigan.
Playing an alternate shot scoring round, Green and Cooper posted a 5 over par round of 75 which included 6 bogeys and 1 birdie.
The tournament will continue on Friday with a best ball scoring round after which the field will be cut for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Jazz Band leads off Albion summer concert series
Photos and article by Natalie Baron, correspondent
ALBION – The Albion jazz band, led by director Matt Confer, kicked off the Village of Albion summer concert series on Wednesday evening at Bullard Park. Their performance was a strong start to the concert series.
Lily Brigham (left) and Phoebe Allen (right) enthusiastically provided vocals during one of the songs.
The crowd was a lively one, giving a warm applause after each song. Audience member Al Hand gushed, “I think this is a really cool event, and I’m glad this town has events like this where we can all come together and enjoy music.”
Vendors like Jeff Holler were hard at work serving up delicious food. Renovation Lodge #97 for the Albion Masons sold Italian sausage, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, French fries, taco fries, tacos in chip bags, beef on weck, cheese fries, fried dough, and noodles and vegetables with teriyaki sauce, which customers could add their own protein to. They also had available snow cones and lemonade, both of which had watermelon, strawberry, grape, and blue raspberry flavoring options.
There were several other vendors who set up shop that evening. The Webber Café by Sav’s Event and Catering Co. from Lyndonville sold charturie boxes, chicken salad, and broccoli salad. The bakery Confection Connection from South Main Street on Meadowbrook Drive in Albion had loaded stuffed cookies, brownies, muffins, and breads, including sourdough. Also present were Ouie’s Pizza and Last Call Cocktail Company, a mobile bar caterer.
Odd Rodz Car Club was at the concert, showing off their interesting rides. Their goal is to make a car show. Lee Thompson (left) stands by his Blue 2008 Ford Mustang GT. Jerry Stanton (right) is pictured next to his Red 73 Dodge Charger. Thompson will be in the Strawberry Festival’s parade and the festival’s car show. Stanton will appear at the car show, most likely with a different car.
Kids of many ages had a lot of fun at the splash pad. It was a great way to beat the heat that evening.
After the Albion Jazz Band, Sam Kingbury sang and performed country songs on acoustic guitar. Kingbury has been on an acoustic guitar journey over the last two years. He routinely performs at concerts and in bars. He is a 2022 graduate of SUNY Brockport.
The evening was a smash hit with the audience and was only the start of what this summer concert series has to offer.
The 2026 concert lineup at Bullard will feature:
- June 17: Stanton
- June 24: Real News
- July 1: Savage Cabbage
- July 3: 4 p.m. – Ryan & Company; 6 p.m. – Feedback, Side Doors, Road Less Traveled; 7:45 p.m. – The Who Dats
- July 8: Mixed Experience
- July 15: One and Done
- July 22: Coupe de Villes
- July 29: Sky Cats
- August 5: The Dave Viterna Group
- August 12: Highway 31
- August 19 & 26 Rain Dates
All 5 Orleans high school varsity baseball teams have played in the state semifinals
Over the 45 year history of the tournament all five Orleans County high school varsity baseball teams have competed in the state semifinals.
Medina will be making its fourth Class B state semi appearance on Friday. The Mustangs will be looking for their first win having previously lost in 2024 to Spackenkill 5-3, in 2019 to Schuylerville 6-3 and in 2003 to Carle Place 9=1.
Kendall will be making its Class C second appearance on Friday and the Eagles will also be looking for their first win having previously lost 9-3 to Greenwich in 1999.
Albion likewise made its only state semi appearance to date in 1999 as the Purple Eagles lost to Johnson City 9-1 in Class B.
Holley was the first Orleans team to reach the semis in 1997 as the Hawks dropped a narrow 5-3 decision in Class C to Carle Place.
Lyndonville reached the Class D semis in 2011 and the Tigers likewise dropped a close 7-4 decision to Livingston Manor.
Nearby Roy-Hart made it to the Class B semis in 2018 and the Rams lost a 7-1 decision to Seton Catholic of Binghamton.
Two Niagara-Orleans League teams, rivals Newfane and Wilson, have both made it to the state finals.
In 2004, Newfane defeated Skaneateles 7-1 in the Class B semifinals but was then defeated by Windsor in the finals 10-4.
Wilson is the only N-O school to win a state baseball championship and the Lakemen did it in just the third year of the tournament in 1983. The Lakemen defeated Mattituck 4-3 in the semifinals and Rome Catholic 5-2 in the Class C-D championship game.
The Lakemen also reached the Class C-D finals the year before in 1982 downing Draper 13-8 in the semifinals but bowing 12-5 to Little Falls in the title contest.
The first few years of the tournament saw only two state champions crowned in Class A-B and C-D.
Two Midget wins for Sandstone, Elks/Rotary
Sandstone and Elks/Rotary have both scored a pair of wins in Albion Midget League baseball action this week.
Sandstone defeated Holley 16-1 and Brockport 1 11-2.
Elks/Rotary downed Hamlin 14-0 and Brockport 2 16-4.
Sandstone 16, Holley 1
Jayce Torres had 3 hits including a double, triple and home run, Bryce Saxton 3 hits and 3 RBIs, Giavanni LaMartina 2 hits and 4 RBIs, Nikko Russo 2 hits including a home run and Cooper Traxler 2 hits including a triple to lead the way for Sandstone.
Sandstone 11, Brockport 1 2
Sparking Sandstone were Torres with 3 hits and 3 RBIs, LaMartina 2 hits including a home run and 3 RBIs, Matt Colmenero 3 hits including a triple, Saxton a double and triple and 2 RBIs and Russo 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
Elks/Rotary 14, Hamlin 0
Remi Ebbs registered 8 strikeouts in three innings of work on the mound for Elks/Rotary and Greyson Roberts came on to finish the game notching 1 strikeout. At the plate, Ebbs had 3 hits and 4 RBIs, Jordyn Williams 2 hits, Ryan Coots a triple and 4 RBIs and Josh Menges 1 hit.
Elks/Rotary 16, Brockport 2 4
Ebbs had 10 strikeouts on the mound and banged out 4 hits and 5 RBIs at the plate for Elks/Rotary. Coots had 4 hits and 5 RBIs, Williams 3 hits and 4 RBIs, Parker McDaniels 2 hits and 2 RBIs and Roberts, Menges and Kayden Donnelly 2 hits each.
Albion woman with massive social media following to give book talk today at Hoag
Diane Shiffer will sign copies of her book, ‘The Smallest of Joys’ which urges patience without yourself while encountering life’s challenges. She also encourages people to “embrace your inner weirdo.”
ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting a book signing event today by Diane Shiffer, a senior citizen with more than 2 million followers on social media where she is known as the Chubby Vintage Nana.
Shiffer has a new book out that is published by Hay House LLC. The 256-page book came out in hardcover on April 14.
“The Smallest of Joys” is an invitation to slow down and embrace yourself. Shiffer brings messages about:
- Embrace your inner weirdo
- Be patient with yourself through life’s changes
- Keep a tidy home without overwhelm
- Develop a positive body image
- Heal from heartbreak
- Connect with others through gratitude
- Find everyday magic in the simplest moments
“Whether you’ve been following Diane for years or are just meeting her now, this book is like a warm teacup in your hands and a soft blanket around your shoulders,” Amazon states in promoting the book. “A modern antidote to hustle culture and self-criticism, it’s a reminder that kindness—especially toward yourself—can be a powerful way to live.”
Shiffer is a retired educator and social worker. She started to go viral on social media during the pandemic in 2020 when she posted short videos of her in daily life – baking, sewing, doing household chores, sharing words about kindness, and showcasing some of her vintage finds, such as potholders.
She speaks directly to her followers in her videos, calling them “my sweeties” and “my dears.”
The book talk will be at 5 p.m. today at Hoag, 134 South Main St.
Agencies team for garden therapy, 6-week program for healing, personal growth
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Chantea Mitchell poses in a garden at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at the 4-H Fairgrounds, where she has announced the founding of PlantHERPurpose, a non-profit organization she founded to serve justice-involved women, survivors of domestic violence and women in recovery.
KNOWLESVILLE – Founding a trauma-informed garden education and healing program designed to serve justice-involved women, survivors of domestic violence and women in recovery has been a vision of Chantea L. Mitchell for years.
She has just announced the launch of a new non-profit organization on June 16 at UConnectCare in Albion.
Through hands-on gardening, peer support, wellness education and partnerships with local organizations, participants will gain practical skills, strengthen support networks and develop healthy pathways toward healing and personal growth, Mitchell said.
The program empowers women to heal and grow through trauma-informed garden therapy, peer support and community connection, Mitchell explained. The program provides a safe and supportive space for women who may be navigating trauma, domestic violence, recovery and justice involvement.
During the first session, participants will complete orientation, review program expectations, begin building community and take part in healing-centered and garden-based activities. Over the course of six weeks, participants will engage in guided journaling, peer circle discussions, hands-on gardening activities, wellness education, safety planning and connections to local community resources.
As a lifelong Orleans County resident with more than 20 years of experience in criminal justice and human services, Mitchell developed PlantHERPurpose to address the need for safe, supportive and healing-centered opportunities for women facing significant challenges.
The inaugural six-week cohort will be held in Albion and will include collaborations with such community partners as Cornell Cooperative Extension, Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Domestic Violence Program, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, UConnectCare and Orleans Community Health.
“This program highlights a grassroots effort to support local women through community partnerships, education, wellness and recovery,” Mitchell said.
More information on the program is available by e-mailing plantherpurpose@gmail.com.
Medina bookstore will welcome graphic novelists on June 16
Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.”
MEDINA – Author’s Note, Medina’s independent bookstore, will welcome a double-talented duo of graphic novel-author-illustrators on June 16.
Julie Berry, Author’s Note owner and New York Times Best-selling Author, has announced the visit of Niki Smith and Katie Risor, who will join in conversation together at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss and sign their acclaimed new titles, Midsummer Sisters and Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.
“With graphic novels, the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, the opportunity to host not one, but two author-illustrators, each with their own new releases, is a particularly exciting opportunity for Author’s Note and for Medina,” Berry said.
From Munich, Germany, award-winning cartoonist Niki Smith delivers a stunning story set during a summer of change, Berry said. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters. Midsummer Sisters has received five starred reviews on Publishers’ Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Shelf Awareness, School Library Journal and The Horn Book Magazine.
“Smith’s loose, expansive artistic style offers plenty of room for emotional expression – a bittersweet ode to family bonds worth fighting for,” Berry explained.
Katie Risor is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.”
Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip by Katie Risor from Syracuse, is the long-anticipated sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party. The quirky, lovable creatures of the forest return in this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated graphic novel, perfect for beginning readers, English-language learners and fans of cozy comics, according to Berry. With gentle storytelling and endearing forest friends, Katie Risor’s Welcome to the Forest series is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.
Smith and Risor will each present and read from their new works, sign books purchased at the event and answer questions during their visit on Tuesday to Author’s Note.
Smith is also the author and artist of the Lambda Literary Award-nominated graphic novel The Deep & Dark Blue. Her book The Golden Hour was a Kirkus, SLJ and NYPL Best Book of 2021. When she’s not drawing comics, she’s collecting embroidery hoops and zines and learning to draw boats. She currently lives in Munich with her wife and two bilingual cats.
Risor is an illustrator, author and graphic novelist making books for kids. In 2021, her illustrations for Month of the Military Child won a Texas Advertising Award, and her debut author/illustrator early reader, Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party, was published in August 2025, the first in a four-part series. Risor grew up in Texas, but now lives in Syracuse with her partner, three cats and the groundhog who lives under her porch.
Author’s Note expects a large turnout for this special event and strongly suggests preordering copies of both authors’ works at Author’s Note, 519 Main St., Medina, or online at authorsnote.com/events. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at authorsnote.com. Contact Author’s Note at (585) 798-3642 for more information.
Sponsored Post
Heat advisory issued for Orleans on Thursday with heat index in mid 90s
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: Horses at Bokman Farms at Route 31 and Long Bridge Road in Albion check out a visitor by their fence last year when the sun was setting.
A heat advisory has been issued for Orleans County between noon and 8 p.m. on Thursday. The National Weather Service in Buffalo said heat index values in the mid 90s are expected.
The heat advisory also includes Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Livingston and Ontario counties.
The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses to occur, the Weather Service said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service advised.
The forecast for the next few days calls for highs of 87 on Thursday, 86 on Friday, 85 on Saturday and 79 on Sunday.
