Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Two local players earned Sportsmanship Awards at this weekend’s state baseball tournament Final Four competition at Binghamton. Kendall’s Jonny Conte, left, earned the award in Class C and Medina’s Vinny Gray in Class B.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Cole Callard advances the ball up field in the rain during the Mustangs FC Buffalo District Soccer League game against the Williamsville Willies this afternoon at Vets Park. Medina held a 1-0 lead on a goal by Peter Martillotta before thunder and lightning caused play to be halted with 9 minutes to go in the first half. No decision has been made as to when the contest may be continued.
Medina’s Trent Choate goes up for a header early in the game before the rains came.
Because of threatening bad weather today’s Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League baseball game, which had been scheduled for 6 p.m. at Vets Park, has been postponed.
Medina Athletic Director Eric Valley stated that they are working on setting a new date for the game.
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A crowd of people watches the Albion ladder truck go down Main Street during Saturday’s parade for the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The parade brought out thousands of people along East Avenue and Main Street.
The two-day Albion Strawberry Festival has been a community celebration since 1986, with lots of food, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the big parade.
The Damascus Shriners Mini-Cars were back in the parade after their debut last year and they were a clear crowd favorite.
Annette Finch served as the parade’s grand marshal. She worked more than 40 years at Community Action, assisting people in crisis situations. She also has been a very active volunteer in Albion’s recreation programs.
The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.
The Albion marching band performed patriotic music in tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary. Several marching bands were in the parade.
The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.
Celes Paratore, an Orleans County 4-H’er, needed to scoop up a goat that ran out of energy near the end of the parade. Celes was promoting 4-H programs and the fair from July 27 to Aug. 1
Trellis Pore, pastor of the Shiloh Church in Albion, played music and brought a joyful presence to the parade. He was joined by several people from the “judgement free” church.
Albion’s T-Ball and youth baseball teams tossed candy to eager youngsters along Main Street.
Kerry Panek and her grandchildren celebrated 40 years of Panek’s Pickin Patch on West Countyhouse Road.
Mr. Septic brought smiles to the crowd with this float. “You dump it, we pump it!” the business declared. Many businesses joined in the parade.
The Eye of Oden K9 Training had about 15 dogs and their handlers in the parade.
Justin Kania, front, and Josh Schoeberlein were out promoting Legendary Exterior Services.
Will Plummer served as king and Julia Graham was queen of the Strawberry Festival. Both are Albion High School students active in community service.
Orly the Ox and his brother Scout were in the parade. Orly debuted last year as the Orleans County bicentennial mascot. This year Orly is joined by his brother in promoting the country’s 250th anniversary. Oxen were critical in the county’s early days, transporting pioneers and helping them to plant crops and work the land.
Dance Reflections by Miss Heather had a patriotic float for the country’s 250th anniversary. Dance Reflections also is celebrating 20 years in Albion.
These quilters from the Town and Country Quilt Shop displayed patriotic quilts in honor of the 250thanniversary of the country.
Jeremy Neal drives a 1955 Farmhall Cub tractor as part of the display for the CURE Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Neal’s son Byron passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023.
CSAT, the Charter School for Applied Technologies from Buffalo, had a large presence with its marching band.
The Holley-Kendall marching band have been mainstays at the Strawberry Festival in recent years.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jake Jackson practices pool in the family garage at their home on Mill Road, in anticipation of his next competition June 26 in Jacksonville, Fla.
MEDINA – Billiards isn’t a hobby for Jake Jackson, a 17-year-old student at Lyndonville High School. It’s his passion.
Jake has been playing pool since he was old enough to reach the pool table in his parent’s garage, where he used to watch his father practice.
Jake is a son of Roger and Terah Jackson, who aspires to be a professional pool player. He has already made a name for himself on the pool tournament circuit, sometimes beating an opponent older and more experienced. He was the 2024 New York State Junior 10-Ball champion; the 2025 and 2026 Joss Northeast Junior 9-Ball champion and finished third in 2025 in National Junior 8 Ball.
Jake is currently practicing for the Junior International Championship Series in Jacksonville, Fla. on June 26. Then from July 5-11, he will be in DuBuque, Iowa, for the Junior National World Qualifiers.
After that he will compete in the Junior World Championship in San Antonio, followed by the Joss Northeast 9-ball finals at Turning Stone Casino.
“Jake accomplished many great things in the past year,” his father said.
Out of more than 24 competitions in which he competed in the past year, in April, Jake was fifth out of 117 players in Toronto; at the Super Billiards Expo, at the Bison Billiards Expo he won against a 684 Fargo 10-0 and finished one spot from the final draw; he was first at the Bison Billiards Scotch Doubles with Bryan Namulik; in January he was second at the Joss, Massachusetts State Championships, an adult open tournament with a field of 77 players; he was second in January at the SVB 10-Ball Showdown at Billiard Breakdown; also in January he won the Bison Billiard BCA 8-Ball; and racked up four more firsts and a third at competitions throughout New York and Florida.
Jake said he used to practice three hours a day, while maintaining an 85 average in school, but now he is working on techniques and concentrating with his dad on how to handle stressful situations when competition is tough and the games are close.
While his dream is to graduate and make a living playing pool, he has a back-up plan, he said.
“I am going to BOCES taking building trades,” he said.
Jake has acquired several sponsors, including Adam Japal – Musashi Cues, Mid-West Carbon Technologies, In the Box Sportswear, Bison Billiards of Williamsville, Team Level up Junior Billiards, Billiard Breakdown of East Rochester, Pechauer Custom Cues and RackStar Billiards.
Attending these competitions creates the need for fundraising, and Jake is currently selling raffle tickets on a pool stick. Tickets can be purchased from his mother at Salon de Coiffeur on Maple Ridge Road.
Provided photo: Jake Jackson concentrates on a shot during a recent pool competition.
Medina will host the Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior baseball game at 6 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.
The N-O lineup includes Nate Gibson, Elliott Trapiss, Kaiden Froman and Will Plummer from Albion; Colin Miller and Conlan Luck from Akron; JJ Prynn, Dom Cimato, Carson Marvin, Carson Schwab and Matt Maines from Barker; Vinny Gray and Jimmy Dieter from Medina; Tristan Smith, Noah Orens and Caeleb Rivera from Newfane and Gavin Heideman, Isaac Smith, Sean Mettler, Evan Poeller and Jackson Drees from Roy-Hart.
The G-R roster includes Jake Bailey, Leo Egloff, Nick Marzoff and Colton Smith from Alexander; Hunter Green and Ben Wild from Attica; Liam Boyle from Byron-Bergen; Mark Caparco, Fletcher Norton, Brenden Porey, Nicholas Scott and Bing Zuber from Elba; Nic Cole, Jonny Conte and Vinnie D’Agostino from Kendall; Austin Fonda and Colton Smith from Lyndonville; Eli Grice, Adyn Horzempa and Preston Viele from Notre Dame; Levi Kabel and Hunter Tobolski from Oakfield-Alabama; Anthony Abbatiello, Austin Humphrey and Brayden Lang from Pembroke and Miguel Gonzalez from Wheatland-Chili.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall first baseman Nic Cole gets the out on Saratoga Catholic’s Zach Streicher to compete a double play during the fifth inning of today’s Class C state championship game at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.
A rash of stranded baserunners, including leaving the bases loaded twice, proved costly as Kendall dropped a 4-1 decision to Saratoga Catholic in the Class C state baseball tournament championship game this afternoon at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.
Trailing 2-1, Kendal closed the gap to 2-1 in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Nic Cole which followed an error and a single by Sammy Conte.
However, the Eagles could not pull even as the bases were left loaded on an infield popup.
Then in the very next inning, Kendall again got the bases loaded with just one out after singles by CJ D’Agostino, Andrew Cole and Sammy Conte. Once again though the bases were left loaded on a flyout to right field and an infield out.
“The difference in the game was leaving baserunners on and a few base running errors,” said Kendall Coach Tige Noni. “You can’t win a state title by leaving a total of 9 runners on in the title game.”
Saratoga Catholic took the lead for good in the second inning on a two-run double by Kihl Kelley.
The Saints later added a pair of big insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on an error and an RBI single by winning pitcher Pierce Byrne.
Byrne, who scattered 8 hits and struck out 10, allowed only one baserunner over the final two innings as he fanned 4 during that stretch.
Vinnie D’Agostino, who pitched himself out of trouble in several innings, went the distance on the mound for the Eagles giving up 12 hits and striking out 8. He registered clutch strikeouts to get out of trouble in the first, second and sixth innings. He also got a strikeout and a grounder back to the mound to end the fourth frame.
“Vinnie threw a great game. He kept us in it until the end,” said Noni. “This was an amazing season that came up short at the end. Not putting the ball in play in key situations was a huge momentum swing in Saratoga Catholic’s favor.”
Defensively, the Eagles turned a double play in the fifth frame from Jonny Conte at second to Nic Cole at first.
C.J. D’Agostino finished with 3 hits and Sammy Conte 2.
Kendall, which advanced to the title contest by downing Ticonderoga 12-2 in the semifinals on Friday, finishes the season at 24-3.
Andrew D’Agostino bangs out a hit for Kendall.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kim Hazel, the Albion town clerk, helps to corral the turtles after the race in the Erie Canal this afternoon.
ALBION – The turtle race is one of the afternoon highlights during the second day of the Albion Strawberry Festival. There are usually 1,000 turtles in the race. This year the race was expanded with a capacity of 1,500. There ended up being 1,200 tickets sold. Each turtle represented two tickets – one in a green number and one in yellow.
Organizers also expanded the prizes from five for $1,000 total to six winners at $1,700 total.
The winners included: first place at $500 (two) – Kevin Sheehan and Mindy Recco; second place at $250 (two) – Joe Sidonio and Village of Albion (ticket bought by mayor Tim McMurray); third place at $100 (two) – Don Colquhoun and Tracey VanSkiver.
Several of winners opted to donate the prize winnings back to the festival.
The turtles get dumped from the Main Street bridge. From left include County legislator Skip Draper, and top ticket seller Jarred Saj, the Turtle, Strawberry Festival Princess Hazel Bringenberg, Queen Julia Graham, High School principal Jennifer Ashbery, Sheriff Chris Bourke, Orleans County Emergency Management director Justin Niederhofer, Albion mayor Tim McMurray, Albion Police Chief Dave Mogle and Aric Albright, Albion’s sewer plant superintendent.
Jarred Saj walks in the parade next to the Turtle mascot. Saj has been the perennial top ticket seller for the race. Thos year he set a new by selling 580 of the 1,200 tickets. He broke last year’s record of 480. Saj said he starts selling the tickets in February. They are $5 each or five for $20. The proceeds go towards helping to fund the festival.
Saj sold three of six winning tickets – Kevin Sheehan, Joe Sidonio and Don Colquhoun.
Corey Winters, director of the Orleans County Planning and Development Department, and Kim Hazel, the Albion town clerk, are in kayaks and they wait for the winning turtles.
A good-size crowd gathered along the canal to watch the action. The rubber turtles make quick work of the race due to some wind and the current in the canal.
After last year’s race lasted about a hour, this year’s was done in about 8 minutes.
From left, Chris and Karen Watt are with Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and Main Street store manager Cassie Healy, after the Watts donated truckloads of merchandise to the store.
ALBION – Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store recently received a massive donation of merchandise that will result in tremendous benefit to the store, and ultimately, the community.
“We are so excited about this generous gift,” said Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “Since I have been in healthcare, Karen has always been a strong advocate for me and my work, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Store manager Cassie Healy explained how the donation came about.
“Several weeks ago, I received a call from Karen asking if there was any way we could pick up some stuff from their gift shop,” Healy said. “She said there was shelving and lots of merchandise.”
“Lots” turned out to be an understatement.
“We filled our trucks twice and our van two or three times,” Healy said.
Merchandise included the entire stock of Watts Farm former gift shop and farm market, such as garden and lawn décor, pictures, a lot of gift items (all new) and cabinets.
Karen Watt stands amid some of the items she recently donated to Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store.
“This is going to help our entire agency,” Healy said. “We are going to send some shelving to our other locations. This merchandise will offer our customers new options when shopping and expand our customer base. There are many things we don’t usually have, such as outdoor flags, garden decorations and greeting cars. Our shelves are bursting at the seams.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Karen Watt and Watt Farms for their generous donations from the former farm market,” Hungerford said. “These items are a wonderful addition to our Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store, helping us continue to offer quality merchandise at affordable proves for our community. Partnerships like this make a meaningful difference, and we really appreciate their support.”
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in the summer.
The store is located at 131 South Main St. in Albion.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kindergarten through third-grade students sang “Get up and Go” at Thursday’s graduation at Orleans County Christian School.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School hosted its Award Night and Graduation on Thursday night at the school at 5329 South Gravel Rd.
Two students graduated – Elijah Fields from high school, and Kavik Ambrose from kindergarten. Dozens more received special awards.
The evening began with a welcome by Dawn Zaidel, principal, and Ayesha Kreutz, administrator, who introduced Pastor Kevin Lawson as the emcee. Kreutz said the students pick who they want to be their speaker, and they chose Pastor Lawson.
“We are excited to celebrate the successes of students, staff, teachers, students helping other students, the board, family and administration,” Kreutz said. “We give thanks for them.”
Teachers Laura Fields, Mary Hollenbeck and Krista Lawson brought in their Pre-K – 4th grade classes, who sang “Get up and Go.” They were joined by the middle and high school students, who then sang “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”
A variety of awards were handed out by Laura Fields, Mary Hollenbeck, Kirsta Lawson and Carole Watson. Categories were Compassion, Fruit of Spirit, Joy, Forgiveness, Shield of Bravery, Boldness, Creative Thinker, Joyfulness and Generosity.
Sarah Walker, music teacher, was introduced and commended for her dedication coming from Rochester as a volunteer to provide music for the students.
This was followed by Middle High School students singing “Leave it at the River” and “Love, Joy, Peace.”
(Left) Isabella Devore gets a high honor roll award from teacher Mike Miner. (Right) Laura Fields, a teacher at Orleans County Christian School, presented the high school diploma to her adopted daughter Elijah Fields at the Award Night and Graduation Celebration on Thursday night.
Other awards were presented by Zaidel to Lucian Wright and a Courageous Award to Jayden Goodrich from Mike Miner. Phillip Shannon received the Heart of Gold Award, while Molly Frasier was recognized as an “Exceptional Young Lady.”
Levi Summers was recipient of the “Friendliness Award.”
Honor students with a 94 or above average were Ezra Sugar, Isabella Devore and Elijah Fields.
Other awards were presented by Zaidel to Lucian Wright and a Courageous Award to Jayden Goodrich from Mike Miner. Phillip Shannon received the Heart of Gold Award, while Molly Frasier was recognized as an “Exceptional Young Lady.”
Levi Summers was recipient of the “Friendliness Award.”
Honor students with a 94 or above average were Ezra Sugar, Isabella Devore and Elijah Fields.
Administrator Ayesha Kreutz gives Ryilee Olson the Triple C award from the New York State Attorney General’s office.
Awards for Highest Math Score Overall were presented Elijah Fields. Abbigail Smith received most improved.
Riylee Olson also earned the Triple C Award from the New York State Attorney General, while Ezra Fields received the Presidential Education Award.
An achievement award for academic excellence from the New York State Comptroller went to Isabella Devore.
Ezra Sugar received a Gold Seal Presidential Award for academic excellence.
Pastor Lawson had a message of encouragement for students.
“You can do anything in this world you want to do,” he said. “You can do great things. Turn your heart to God; go do and chase what is in your heart to do.”
Elijah Fields was valedictorian. She said she is thankful for her teacher Laura Fields helping her through some struggles.
“Thank you for welcoming me,” she said. “I can’t describe my gratitude for my teacher.”
Her advice to fellow students was, “Even though you are troubled and have issues, you can stand still, or you can move forward.”
Kreutz gave recognition to Becky Miner, who serves as lunch monitor. Anytime she is needed or anything she can do, she is right there.
A floral arrangement was presented to Curt and Linda Strickland for more than 30 years of support to the Christian School.
“This school is moving forward today because of Curt and Linda,” Lawson said.
The evening was closed in prayer by Pastor Tim Lindsay.
Orleans County Christian School’s board of education members were introduced at Thursday’s graduation and awards night. From left are Shelcy Plueckhahn, Kim Jones, board chair Pastor Kevin Lawson, Mike Zaidel and Curt Strickland. Absent was Mike Watts.
(Left) From left, Principal Dawn Zaidel, sound man Charlie Hettrick and chaplain and administrator Ayesha Kreutz were introduced to the audience at Orleans County Christian School’s graduation Thursday night. (Right) Sarah Walker, music teacher, and Jayden Wodrick talk about the song their class made up.
Students of Orleans County Christian School entertain during graduation and awards celebration Thursday night. Front row, from left, are Karena McGill, Seth Anderson, Immanuel Devore (back to audience) and Nolan Sugar. Second row, Kavick Ambrose (face hidden), Isabella Devore, Ezra Sugar and Zorina Wright. Back row, Lucian Wright, Levi Summers, Elijah Fields, Jayden Wodrich, Phillip Shannon, Abbigail Smith, Ryilee Olsen and Molly Frasier.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Kolton Fletcher makes a catch in the outfield during the Mustangs state Class B title game loss to Chester this morning at Binghamton University.
Unable to get the bats going, Medina dropped a 3-0 decision to Chester in the championship game of the state Class B baseball tournament this morning at Binghamton University.
Chester pitcher Aidan Francisco, a lefthander, limited the Mustangs to only 4 hits while striking out 11.
“Not one single reason,” said Medina Coach Chris Goyette of the Mustangs hitting drought. “We haven’t seen a lot of lefties this year which is part of it but in the end you have to tip your cap to the kid he threw a great game.”
Chester scored the only run they needed as it turned out in the first inning on three walks and a passed ball.
The Hambiltonians added insurance runs in the second inning on a walk and two singles and in the fifth on two walks and a ground out.
Medina’s best scoring chance came in the bottom of the seventh. Singles by Preston Woodworth and Hadrian Batista followed by a groundout gave the Mustangs runners at second and third with two out.
However, the Mustangs could not capitalize as Francisco notched a clutch game ending strikeout.
Medina’s only other hits were singles by Cam Fike in the fourth inning and Kolton Fletcher in the fifth.
Medina, which finishes the season at 22-3, advanced by blanking Utica Notre Dame 9-0 in the semifinals on Friday. Chester advanced by downing Center Moriches 5-2.
Cam Fike bangs out the first of Medina’s only four hits.
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The food court on East Bank Street was packed on Friday evening for the Albion Strawberry Festival.
There are about 25 food vendors this year for the festival. The festival expanded the food court area to include the village municipal lot at Platt and Bank Street.
The Strawberry Festival continues today. The two-day event first started in 1986.
Heidi Pask, left, and Tiffany Crawford have fun making a strawberry shortcake sundae outside the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, which hosted a chicken barbecue. Steven Crawford is in back. The trio are members of the Albion Music Boosters.
The band, Stanton, performed on the lawn in front of the County Courthouse. Mike Zelazny, front, plays the guitar while Greg Stanton is the lead singer. Matt Stanton is on bass (back right), Frank Sarchia on drums, and Rick Braham plays guitar (back left).
The Stanton band plays cover tunes from Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty, Tragically Hip, the Byrds, Joe Cocker, Traveling Wilburys, Barry McGuire, J.J. Cale, America, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, the Who, Beatles, Steppenwolf, Roy Orbison, Kiss, Rolling Stones, Monkees, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Marshall Tucker Band, Van Morrison and John Mellencamp.
A trackless train gave kids a ride around the Courthouse Square.
The family fun center included many games, face painting, bounce houses, a small fry tractor pull and also a chance to pet a rabbit. The Cornell Cooperative Extension brought the rabbit and also made tickets available for the upcoming fair at buy one get one free ($10 for week-long admission).
Abby Smith, the CCE communications coordinator and digital literacy program coordinator, joined CCE executive director Robertt Batt with the rabbit. The mini lop is owned by Batt’s daughter, Gracie.
The band V3 performed at the west end of East bank Street in the food court. They are shown singing “Zombie” by The Cranberries. V3 includes lead singer Kole Moore, Alex Fitzak on guitar, Jesse Neely on bass, and Shelby Starr, the drummer.
Today’s schedule includes:
The matchups are now set for Saturday’s Class B and Class C state baseball tournament championship games.
Medina will face Chester (Section IX) in the Class B championship game at 10 a.m. at Binghamton University.
Kendall will take on Saratoga Central Catholic (Section II) in the Class C title contest at 1 p.m. at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.
Medina blanked Utica Notre Dame (Section III) 9-0 and Chester downed Center Moriches (Section XI) 5-2 in today’s Class B semifinals.
Kendall bested Ticonderoga (Section VII) 12-2 and Saratoga Central Catholic edged Tuckahoe (Section I) 5-3 in today’s Class C semifinals.
Despite putting together a 2 under par round today, Medina’s Melanie Green and her partner Hailee Cooper have failed to make the cut at the LPGA’s Dow championship team tournament being held at Midland, Michigan.
Green and Cooper posted a round of 68 today but that could not offset the 5 over round of 75 the duo carded on Thursday leaving them with a two-day total of 3 over 143.
The cutline for the tourney was 3 under.
