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Strawberry Festival opens in Albion with lots of food, music

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2026 at 2:48 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Everly Sprague, 3, of Kendall gets a strawberry painted on her face by artist Alex Thom of Lockport.

The Albion Strawberry Festival started today and has a full schedules of events over two days.

Becky Karls leads the festival committee in her third year as chairperson. She said there are 75 arts and crafts vendors, 25 food vendors and 25 other businesses with displays at the festival.

She said the committee has worked hard the past year on the festival.

Trevor Thaine is committee leader of the arts and crafts vendors. The 75 vendors this year is up from 65 last year. Thaine said the vendors come from as far as Oswego, Albany and the Finger Lakes. Most are from Orleans County and the neighboring counties.

The crafters like the small town feel of the Strawberry Festival and the big crowd after the parade on Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

Thaine has been a vendor the past 15 years as an ambassador for Tastefully Simple.

Christine Mann serves up a pulled pork meal with cole slaw at Mann vs. Food which she runs with her husband, Scott, who is in the back. East Bank Street is full of food vendors.

A customer looks to try some of the kettle corn, which was available in several flavors, including strawberry.

Pastor Al Wilson and his wife Ykeeta serve up a strawberry shortcake in abooth run by the Royal Body Shop Ministries.

The festival schedule for today includes:

  • 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food vendors open
  • 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Craft vendors open (Craft area sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97: Albion Masons)
  • 3 to 7 p.m. – Festival Family Fun Center Free Fun: Main Street Pedal Tractor Pull, Interactive Family Games, Bounce Houses
  • Other Fun for a Fee: Main Street – “I Got it!,” Trackless Train, Face Painting and Caricatures
  • 4 to 6:30 p.m. – Chicken BBQ and Strawberry Shortcake, First Presbyterian Church
  • 4 to 6:30 p.m. – Feedback, Food Court East Stage
  • 5 to 7 p.m. – Stanton Rock N Roll Band Courthouse Square Stage
  • 6:30 to 9 p.m. – V3, Food Court West Stage
  • 7 to 9 p.m. – Jim Aina outside at Marti’s on Main, 20 S. Main St.

Mustangs score shutout to claim their elusive first state Class B semifinal diamond victory

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 June 2026 at 2:25 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina players celebrate after downing Utica Notre Dame 9-0 in the state Class B semifinals this morning at Binghamton University. Catcher Hadrian Batista hugs pitcher Preston Woodworth as Jimmy Dieter, Aidan Papaj and Carlos Doval rush in to join the celebration.

Sparked by a big early inning scoring burst and the sharp shutout pitching of Preston Woodworth, Medina blanked Utica Notre Dame 9-0 in the semifinals of the state Class B baseball tournament this morning at Binghamton University.

The victory in the state semifinals is the first in four tries for the Mustangs which will now face the winner of this afternoon’s semifinal between Chester (Section IX) and Center Moriches (Section XI) in the championship game at 10 a.m. Saturday at Binghamton University.

Preston Woodworth hurled Medina to the state semifinal victory.

The Mustangs took the lead for good by erupting for 5 runs in the second inning highlighted by a three-run triple by Ryan Pegelow and RBI single by Aidan Papaj and Woodworth.

“I loved it. It felt great,” said Pegelow of his key triple.

Two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases to set up the threat.

On the mound Woodworth blanked the Jugglers on 3 hits and registered 9 strikeouts.

“It feels really good,” said Woodworth. “Getting all of those runs in that inning early was really big. It helped make me more comfortable.”

The Mustangs tacked on two runs in the fourth on RBI singles by Vinny Gray and Woodworth and two more in the sixth on an error following singles by Woodworth and Cam Fike.

Woodworth finished with 4 hits as Papaj and Fike both had 2.

“They did a real good job but we have one more to go,” said Coach Chris Goyette whose Mustangs improve to 22-2.

In their three previous state semifinal contests the Mustangs lost to Spackenkill 5-3 in 2024, 6-3 to Schuylerville in 2019 and 9-1 to Carle Place in 2003.

Ryan Pegelow had the big three-run triple which keyed the Mustangs decisive second innng scoring burst.

Medina catcher Hadrian Batista gets set to catch the ball for the final out of the Mustangs semifinal victory.

Holley village candidate says he would reset focus on infrastructure, taxes

Posted 12 June 2026 at 2:03 pm

Editor:

Tuesday is election day in the Village of Holley. I am running for trustee.

I have been a trustee in Holley before and was also the Coordinator and DPW Chief.

I am running because I believe there needs to be a refocus of priorities. The taxes have increased 25% over the last 3 years, utility rates have gone up multiple times, and additional fees have been added.

No roads paved because the money to do that was taken out. Police building in deteriorating condition because the money to fix it was taken out. Veterans Drive unusable because no one addressed it.

I worked with many boards. Mrs. Formally attended the meetings for the Power Authority and made sure our electric bills stayed stable. Mayors Carpenter and Passarell did streets and water, built the park and did some sidewalk. Mayor Sorochty got the deal to rehab the old school and did major water and sidewalk in Main Street.

Now the focus is on a covered bocce courts, decorations and festivals.

My focus is on cutting taxes, repairing infrastructure and reducing costs.

I also will ask the state to put a crosswalk near the Dollar General to facilitate the pedestrian traffic. I will oppose regulations which make life difficult for the few remaining businesses.

Please consider voting for me.

Ron Vendetti

Holley

Kendall romps in state Class C semifinal

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 June 2026 at 1:35 pm

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

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2026 at 11:22 am

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

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2026 at 9:31 am

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

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 June 2026 at 8:46 pm

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

Posted 11 June 2026 at 7:45 pm

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.

Green competing in LPGA team tourney event

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 June 2026 at 4:52 pm

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

Posted 11 June 2026 at 1:45 pm

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

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 June 2026 at 9:40 am

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

Contributed Story Posted 11 June 2026 at 9:21 am

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

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2026 at 9:20 am

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.