Search Results for: cannon

Civil War cannon returns to Mount Albion with rebuilt carriage

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2023 at 10:19 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery returned last week after the carriage was rebuilt.

The cannon was removed in November for an overhaul of the carriage. The carriage also has new wheels.

The cannon is an iconic feature on the west side of the cemetery in the Civil War Section.

Photo courtesy of Tim Tierney

Mount Albion Cemetery superintendent Jason Zicari and long-time employee Dale Snyder put the cannon on the carriage last Wednesday. Snyder has retired from a career working at the historic cemetery on Route 31.

The cannon is shown this morning at Mount Albion. The previous carriage had rotted after many years in harsh weather. The carriage gave out, and couldn’t handle the weight of the cannon, leaving the cannon tipped upright, said Zicari, the cemetery superintendent.

The new carriage was built out of hemlock. The cemetery workers reassembled all of the parts for the carriage, and cut notches and holes in the carriage.

Civil War cannon at Mount Albion being repaired, was removed in November

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Civil War cannon is shown last fall during the peak of the leaves changing color. The Civil War section is among the most iconic spots in the cemetery.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2023 at 8:53 am

The Civil War cannon is shown after a light dusting of snow in this file photo.

ALBION – One of the most recognizable features at Mount Albion Cemetery has been missing since November.

The Civil War cannon was removed and put in the cemetery shop after the carriage gave out, leaving the cannon tipped upright, said Jason Zicari, the cemetery superintendent.

“The carriage rotted in half,” he said.

The weight of the cannon was too much for the carriage after many years in harsh outdoor elements.

A new carriage has been built out of hemlock by an Amish-owned business in Lyndonville. Zicari also had new wheels constructed recently from a company in Pennsylvania.

The cemetery workers will need to reassemble all of the parts for the carriage, and cut notches and holes in the carriage.

Zicari said he doesn’t have an exact date for when the cannon will return to its spot on a knoll on the western side of the cemetery in the Civil War section.

Mount Albion workers are busy this time of year with mowing the historic 70-acre cemetery, and getting ready for Memorial Day.

When there are rainy days in the near future, he said the workers will put the new carriage together and assemble the supports for the cannon, which he said dates back to 1841.

The site for the Civil War cannon at Mount Albion is shown this morning on the west side of the historic cemetery along Route 31. The cannon was removed in November due to a rotting carriage.

Medina rededicates cannon from World War I

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2019 at 3:19 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A wreath was placed on a World War I cannon at State Street Park today when the cannon was rededicated following more than a year of restoration work by Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration, in Altoona, Pa.

Since 1935, the B.L. 60 Pounder British field gun has been the centerpiece of not only the World War I memorial in Medina and also village’s annual Memorial Day observances.

The cannon was removed in March 2018 to Seed Artillery Reproduction & Restoration, where it was completely stripped, disassembled, and rebuilt using newly repaired and remanufactured parts.

The display for the cannon now includes three new flagpoles – one for an American Flag, signifying the soldiers of Medina who served and gave their lives in France during the Great War; one for a British flag, signifying the gun’s heritage; and one for a French flag, signifying the theater of service for the big gun and our local soldiers.

A new granite slant was installed, featuring a refurbished bronze plaque that was originally with the monument in 1935. New lighting to up-light both the cannon and flags also has been installed.

Dan Anderson, left, is commander of the VFW and Glenn Whitmore is commander of the American Legion. They place the wreath on the cannon.

The rare and historic artillery piece was manufactured by the Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in 1916 and saw extensive service on the Western Front during World War I, firing a total of 4,342 rounds in combat action. It weighs six tons and is a 5 inch/127mm caliber gun. There are few left in the world today.

George Bildleman, owner of Orleans Ford, contributed $40,000 to have the cannon restored.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley gives a glance to the refurbished cannon during his remarks today.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley was among the speakers during today’s Memorial Day service and rededication. He also noted this year is the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari also addressed the crowd. He said the community has several memorials for veterans — the historic cannons at Boxwood Cemetery, the tank at Vets Park, the bronze statue and monument outside the former Medina Armory, and Butts Park named for John Butts who was killed in World War I and awarded the Medal of Honor.

The mayor urged the community members, when they are passing by those memorials, to “remember those who fought and died for our freedom to gather and to live in this great nation.”

Sidari thanked Bidleman for the $40,000 donation, and others who contributed to the effort: the Orleans Renaissance Group, the VFW, the American Legion, Village of Medina DPW, Lyons Collision, Automotive Solutions, Orleans Ready Mix Concrete, BarnesMetal Finishing, Brigden Memorials and Anzalone Electric.

Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson thanked veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service. That includes 1.1 million soldiers who have died during wartime in the country’s history, and about 2.8 million who have been wounded.

“These numbers should truly humble us, as they represent people – individuals – who were brothers, husbands, mothers, sisters, friends. These were people woven into the fabric of communities across the nation. They were loved. They were mourned. And they were missed.”

She urged the community to befriend veterans who are their neighbors, to visit veterans in nursing homes, and to volunteer as drivers in the van service that takes vets to medical appointments.

“Working together with friends, neighbors, veteran groups and entire communities, we can ensure that the sacrifices made by our nation’s finest and bravest never go unappreciated and that their memories are never forgotten,” Johnson said.

Jim Steele, director of the Medina Marching Band, directs the group in playing, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The Rev. Lambert Duncan, pastor of the Glad Tidings Baptist Church in Medina, gives the invocation.

Tom Walders plays Taps while local veterans stand at attention.

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Medina will rededicate WWI cannon on Memorial Day

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: The newly renovated WWI Memorial in Medina, featuring the fully restored BL 60 Pounder British field gun, will be rededicated at noon on Monday, Memorial Day.

Posted 21 May 2019 at 7:35 am

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

There is new granite and a refurbished bronze plaque for the cannon.

MEDINA – Since 1935, a B.L. 60 Pounder British field gun has been the centerpiece of not only the World War I memorial in Medina, but also of the village’s annual Memorial Day observances.

This year’s observance will be a historic occasion as the British field gun has undergone 14 months of extensive restoration and arrived back home in Medina just a few weeks ago. The local landmark was removed in March 2018 to Seed Artillery Reproduction & Restoration in Altoona, PA, where it was completely stripped, disassembled, and rebuilt using newly repaired and remanufactured parts.

Local benefactor and businessman, George Bidleman, covered the entire cost of the work to the cannon, donating $40,000 for the job. Additional site improvements were made possible through donations to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. Concrete for the project was donated by Orleans Ready Mix LLC. Beauman’s Garage, Inc. of Lockport donated services to hoist the huge cannon onto its new concrete pad.

Three new flagpoles have recently been installed on site – one for an American Flag, signifying the soldiers of Medina who served and gave their lives in France during the Great War; one for a British flag, signifying the gun’s heritage; and one for a French flag, signifying the theater of service for the big gun and our local soldiers.

A new granite slant was installed, featuring a refurbished bronze plaque that was originally with the monument in 1935. New lighting to up-light both the cannon and flags will also be installed before Memorial Day.

The memorial will be re-dedicated as part of special expanded Memorial Day observance at noon in State Street Park, Medina, following the conclusion of the annual parade.

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Restored WWI cannon gets warm welcome from veterans, Medina community

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2019 at 2:42 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A World War I cannon is hoisted from a trailer this morning at State Street Park. The cannon returned to Medina following more than a year of restoration work by Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration, in Altoona, Pa.

The B.L. 60 Pounder British field gun was a fixture at State Street Park since 1935. It was hauled away on March 12, 2018 for its restoration work.

These veterans capture the moment of the cannon being lifted from the trailer. They include from left Ken Schaal, Larry Szatkowski and Dave Higgins.

Local veterans gather around the cannon after it was put back at State Street Park this morning.

The cannon was falling apart. Dave Seedenberg of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration was in Medina this morning to watch the cannon be put back in pace at the local park.

Seedenberg completely stripped and disassembled the cannon, and needed to fabricate some new parts. The big 15,000-pound gun was reassembled and painted with historic accuracy.

“It’s absolutely stunning,” said George Bidleman, owner of Orleans Ford who paid the $40,000 restoration cost. “It’s beautiful.”

Local veterans including Earl Schmidt (left), the County’s Veterans Service Agency director, push the cannon in place.

There are only 10 of the cannons like this remaining, with five in Europe and five in the United States, said Jim Freas, a past commander of the Butts-Clark Post for the American Legion in Medina.

“We have one of them,” Freas said. “It’s priceless.”

The cannon needed a little push to be centered on the concrete pad.

The Orleans Renaissance Group pushed to have the cannon restored. Chris Busch, chairman of the ORG, thought it might take a few years to raise the money. But Bidleman offered to cover the entire cost of the cannon restoration.

The ORG also raised $12,000 for three new flag poles, a new granite slant for a plaque about the cannon, and other site improvements. Orleans Ready Mix also donated the concrete where the cannon is displayed.

The new flag poles will carry flags for the United States, Great Britain and France. The cannon was manufactured in 1916 by Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It was used in battle in France and fired 2,871 rounds during its first tour. It was returned to England in 1917 for repairs and reissued to battery in France, September 1918, firing an additional 1,471 rounds.

George Bidleman, left, is presented a photo of the cannon with local veterans by Glenn Whitmore, commander of the American Legion Post in Medina.

“When George stepped forward we couldn’t believe it,” Whitmore said. “His heart is bigger than he is.”

Bidleman shook hands with each veteran at the park today, thanking them for their service. He said he was happy to help with the restoration of a prominent local landmark.

Whitmore said the cannon will be rededicated during the Memorial Day celebration on May 27. He said it will be a big event, and he welcomed veterans of all eras for the observance, and then an additional celebration at the American Legion, which is marking its 100^th anniversary this year.

“It’s something that’s not being taken away because we’re losing so much of our history every day,” Whitmore said about the cannon. “Memorial Day is going to be a big day for this village and county.”

WJW Associates in Syracuse delivered the cannon to Medina this morning. The trucking company picked up the cannon in Altoona on Tuesday and brought it to Salamanca last night, before leaving this morning for Medina.

Jeff Karol of WJW said he got a lot of friendly honks and waves bringing the cannon up on Route 219 to Buffalo and then the Thruway this morning.

George Bidleman, left, watches the cannon be delivered to its spot in front of State Street Park.

Ron Ettinger, left, of Lyons Collision in Medina helps steer the cannon in place while a group of people, including Medina Mayor Mike Sidari (center), help push the cannon back on the concrete pad.

Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration put a small plaque on the cannon noting the restoration efforts were completed this year. The cannon was rusty with rot in spots and was missing chucks that Seed recreated.

Jeff Lyons, left, of Lyons Collision works with John Beauman of Beauman’s Garage in Lockport to remove straps from the cannon. Beaumont’s Garage brought a crane with a rotator to remove the cannon from the trailer.

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World War One cannon arrives at State Street Park in Medina

Staff Reports Posted 1 May 2019 at 10:21 am

After 14 months of restoration work, the 6-ton British field gun that has been a fixture in Medina since 1935 arrives on a flat bed truck. The cannon will be placed on a new concrete pad today with new flagpoles and lighting.

The 6-ton cannon was completely stripped, reassembled and painted. George Bidleman paid the $40,000 restoration cost, with help from the Orleans Renaissance Group and Orleans Ready Mix. The cannon will be ready for this year’s Memorial Day observance on May 27.

Restored WWI cannon coming back to Medina on May 1

Staff Reports Posted 24 April 2019 at 4:09 pm

Provided photos: Parts on the cannon from World War I looks like new after more than a year of restoration work.

MEDINA – A World War I cannon will be going back to Medina on May 1 following 14 months of restoration work.

Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration stripped and disassembled the field gun, and created new parts. The gun was then reassembled and painted with historic accuracy.

The B.L. 60 Pounder British field gun was a fixture at State Street Park since 1935. It was hauled away on March 12, 2018 for its restoration work.

The cannon was falling apart. George Bidleman, owner of Orleans Ford, paid the $40,000 cost to have the cannon restored by Dave Seedenberg of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration in Altoona, Pa.

The field gun was completely stripped and disassembled, new parts were fabricated, and the gun was reassembled and painted with historic accuracy.

The cannon is expected to arrive back in Medina at State Street Park at 10 a.m. on May 1. The cannon will be placed on a new concrete pad with new flagpoles, lighting, and a new granite slate for the original plaque. Those were paid for with donations through the Orleans Renaissance Group with the concrete donated by Orleans Ready Mix.

The cannon, manufactured in 1916, was fired during World War I. There are few of these cannons left in the world.

Every Memorial Day for about 80 years, the Medina community has gathered by the cannon for the solemn ceremony. The cannon wasn’t there for Memorial Day last year. It will be back for the observance this Memorial Day, May 27.

The cannon is a British Heavy Field Gun known as a B.L. 60 Pounder, manufactured in 1916 by Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

It weighs 6 tons, is a 5 inch/127mm caliber, 21 feet in length and 6 feet in width. The gun was originally issued to battery in France, April 1917, and fired 2,871 rounds during its first tour. It was returned to England in 1917 for repairs and reissued to battery in France, September 1918, firing an additional 1,471 rounds.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Veterans watch a World War I cannon be loaded up on a trailer on march 12, 2018. The cannon was taken to Altoona, Pa., the location of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration. George Bidleman, Orleans Ford owner, is second from right.

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World War I cannon heads to Pennsylvania for restoration

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2018 at 11:54 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A cannon from World War I that has been a fixture at State Street Park for about 80 years is leaving Medina for several months. A group of local veterans gathered at the park this morning to watch it be loaded on a flatbed owned by Automotive Solutions.

The cannon, manufactured in 1916, was fired during World War I. The cannon was moved from the front of State Street Park on Friday by the Medina DPW to back of the park so it could more easily be loaded up for a five-hour trip to Altoona, Pa. That is the location of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration.

“It’s a piece of history,” said Jim Freas, commander of the VFW in Medina.

Steve Johnson is commander of the American Legion in Medina. His grandfather also served in World War I a century ago.

“This cannon is part of our heritage,” Johnson said. “We have to preserve our history.”

George Bidleman, owner of Orleans Ford, is paying $40,000 to have the cannon restored. Bidleman started at Orleans Ford as general manager in 1987. In 2002, he became the owner. He said the cannon is a prominent memorial, a reminder of the sacrifices of veterans.

“They all risked their lives,” he said about veterans.

Bidleman, center, is pictured with local veterans and Eileen Banker, chief of staff for State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The cannon was manufactured in 1916 and was fired during World War I. Every Memorial Day for about 80 years, the Medina community has gathered by the cannon for the solemn ceremony.

The cannon, however, has become badly deteriorated and will be restored for $40,000. George Bidleman of Orleans Ford is raising the funds for the project.

The cannon will be stripped down. The parts will be repaired and re-manufactured if necessary. The gun will be primed and painted with epoxy primer and finished to match the original WWI paint scheme.

The Orleans Renaissance Group first pushed for saving the cannon about two years ago. The VFW and American Legion both supported the effort. The ORG raised $12,000 that will be used for site improvements for when the cannon comes back, which could be in time for Veterans’ Day in November.

Local veterans including David Kusmiersczak and Glenn Whitmore watched the cannon be pulled to the road in the park, so it could be put on the truck.

The cannon is a British Heavy Field Gun known as a B.L. 60 Pounder, manufactured in 1916 by Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

It weighs 6 tons, is a 5 inch/127mm caliber, 21 feet in length and 6 feet in width. The gun was originally issued to battery in France, April 1917 and fired 2,871 rounds during its first tour. It was returned to England in 1917 for repairs and reissued to battery in France, September 1918, firing an additional 1,471 rounds.

Chris Seefeldt, left, of Automotive Solutions works with owner Shawn Callard, right, to secure the cannon on the truck for the trip to Pennsylvania.

The cannon is strapped down for the trip.

Automotive Solutions heads down State Street with the cannon.

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Medina’s WWI cannon at State Street Park heading to Pa. for restoration

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2018 at 9:45 pm

Provided photos: A cannon that was used in World War I about a century ago will be removed from State Street Park in Medina on March 12 and taken for restoration work in Altoona, Pa.

MEDINA – A cannon used in World War I that has been a prominent memorial at State Street Park will get much-needed restoration work beginning next month.

The cannon, manufactured in 1916, was fired during World War I. Every Memorial Day for about 80 years, the Medina community has gathered by the cannon for the solemn ceremony.

The cannon, however, has become badly deteriorated and will be restored for $40,000. George Bidleman of Orleans Ford is raising the funds for the project.

The Orleans Renaissance Group first pushed for saving the cannon about two years ago. The VFW and American Legion both supported the effort.

“She is in dire need of being restored – not just the paint but the whole body,” said David Kusmiersczak, a member of the Legion.

The cannon has become badly deteriorated. It will be refurbished and should last another century.

The cannon will be moved on March 12 and taken to Altoona, Pa. That is the location of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration.

Seed Artillery will try to have the project done in time to be back in Medina for Veterans Day in November, said Steve Johnson, American Legion commander in Medina.

The cannon will return to a concrete base and landscape improvements. The Orleans Renaissance Group also is working to add new flagpoles and an interpretive sign at the site.

The cannon is a British Heavy Field Gun known as a B.L. 60 Pounder, manufactured in 1916 by Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Pro wrestlers return to Medina on April 27 in fundraiser for East Shelby Fire Company

Photos by Tom Rivers: A group of wrestlers try to knock each other out of the ring in the opening battle royale for Empire State Wrestling’s “Spring Smash” at Medina High School gym on April 15, 2023. About 450 people attended the event in the return of the ESW to Orleans County. Previous events were held at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds with 350 attending the debut event in April 2018 and then about 200 in May 2019.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2024 at 9:26 am

MEDINA – The professional wrestlers from Empire State Wrestling will be back in Medina for “Spring Smash” on April 27 in a fundraiser for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

ESW did events at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds with 350 attending the first wrestling showcase in April 2018 and then about 200 in May 2019. After a break due to Covid restrictions, the wrestlers were back last year with the venue moved to the Medina High School gym. A much bigger crowd of 450 attended the event.

“We received nothing but good feedback,” said Ryan McPherson, event chairman for East Shelby. “We had our best turnout yet, and we want to make it bigger and better this year.”

The crowd reacts when Kevin Blackwood, an Albion native, is introduced during last year’s event at Medina. Blackwood, whose real name in Kevin Lockwood, flew in from Los Angeles to wrestle in front of his family and friends in Albion. Blackwood, 33, has been a professional wrestler for seven years. He also works as a tattoo artist in LA.

McPherson said local wrestlers will be in the lineup on Saturday, including Albion native Kevin Blackwood, Medina native Gavin “A Cut Above the Rest” Glass, and Jacob Miller (aka Maxx Cannon) of Medina, also known as “The Filthy One.”

Several of the fans at the wrestling event marveled about the athleticism of the wrestlers, and how physical the matches were. There were drop-kicks, body slams, jumps from the top rope and other moves. McPherson said many of the fans felt like it was WWE.

There will be familiar faces from past matches, including Frankie Feathers, who was a good guy but has turned into a “heel,” a bad guy. He continues to fire up his fan base.

One of the wrestlers appearing for the first time in Orleans County will be Adrianna Fury of Lockport, who McPherson said has a big following.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first bell at 6 p.m. For information on tickets, which are available online or at the door, click here.

230 complete Mr. Ed’s Super Bowl 5k in Middleport

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2024 at 8:10 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MIDDLEPORT – Mason Allee-Castro of Barker is out in front at today’s Mr. Ed’s Super Bowl Warm-Up in Middleport. Allee-Castro won the race in 19:04. He is a past Niagara-Orleans champ in cross country and the long-distance events in track.

He now runs for Canisius College as a freshman. He didn’t mind the temperatures in the high 30s for the race today.

Kimberly Mills of Oakfield was the fastest female with a time of 21:27.

Runners go by a Middleport fire truck at the intersection of Townline Road and Carmen Road.

There were 230 finishers in the 35th annual 5k race. There was also a 1-mile fun run and 5k walk. Proceeds from the race go to scholarships for Roy-Hart students and alumni entering the criminal justice or medical fields, with some funds also going to other community causes.

Don Heschke continues the race tradition by firing a mini-cannon which lets out a big boom near the Erie Canal. The runners gathered on Mill Street for the start of the race. The cannon is featured on race shirts and is one of the unique parts of the Mr. Ed’s experience.

Trump’s mishandling of classified documents shows his disrespect for country

Posted 10 June 2023 at 6:06 pm

Editor:

Trump stole war plans and nuclear secrets. The speaking (detailed) indictment makes clear that it is an overpowering, easy case to prove – tapes, videos, his lawyers’ testimony, associates all clearly establish espionage. Just read the indictment, it’s amazing.

The only loose cannon may be that the case seems to be assigned to Judge Cannon who the 11th Circuit (affirmed by the Supreme Court) already found “abused discretion” trying, as she did, to apply so called legal principles she heard on Fox News about Trump rather than apply the actual Rule of Law. She is astoundingly uninformed! That could delay the inevitable.

There is an unanswered and serious issue as we have no idea how long it will take to figure out how much information was compromised or sold in the year and a half it took to retrieve the documents Trump stole. Monetizing them through sale is the only reason for holding onto these secrets. (The Indictment has partially listed 31 of them.)

Quite differently, the question now for voters is figuring out what to think and do about all the copycat politicians who still puff up their chests and lie like “our” lives depend on believing their message of distrust and dissatisfaction.

Do we look around and realize our lives are pretty good or do we want to think everything was better in some idealized past or the present they lie about. There are, for example, a false narrative about literature being subversive. A false narrative we were better off being racist and intolerant.

A false narrative that with these idiots in charge we have more (not less) opportunity to move up the ladder of opportunity. A false narrative that rights that affect us are fine but it is wrong to recognize the rights of others who did others no harm. A false narrative that in the past the money government raised was not getting good things accomplished.

Trump showed politicians a path to power, corrupted our traditions, and inflamed partisan passions and laws to hide subversive and paranoid ways.

Can we rely that truth and reason can now overcome the widespread paranoia he stoked and others still spew? Or are enough of us willing to say (or realize) the Constitution and Rule of Law have to prevail if we have any chance to maintain a mature democracy which is ultimately in our best interests?

The mature response – the response that has always carried us through hard times and will carry us through these times – is to trust those (all of those) who choose tolerance, policy over winning, and the Rule of Law. Can people relax and get their heads together again or will they continue to fool themselves with the distrust and fear that is being peddled?

The truth is things are good. Get things in perspective. Overwhelmingly people of all stripes and government are good and serve us well. Putting “winning” over good policy and fair dealing is bad. And Trump and his copycat politicians and entertainers are cheap, loud mouth, common crooks.

Jack Smith, the prosecutor, came home from the Hague where he was prosecuting war crimes and criminal heads of state. This country has a hundred years of experience with special prosecutors who make their own decisions. Smith is used to hearing noise and ignoring it. He will hold fast as otherwise good people come back to their senses as they see the proof.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Travel Thoughts by Kim

By Orleans Hub Posted 10 June 2023 at 3:00 pm

The Texas State Capital building in Austin is a stunning example of architecture that can be seen from quite a distance.

The fourth and final part from my recent Texas Adventure covers the second half of day five in Austin. That morning, I spent some time at The Alamo in San Antonio – I wrote about that two weeks ago. I decided to add on a side trip to Austin for the afternoon.

Austin, about 80 miles north of San Antonio, is a country music mecca and the capital city of Texas. Their motto is “Keep Austin Weird”! Originally called Waterloo, Austin became a key crossroads for trade between Santa Fe and Galveston Bay. It is currently the largest city in Travis County, TX, the fourth most populous city in Texas, the 11th most populous city in the United States, and the second most populous state capital city.

Visiting Austin wasn’t in my original plan for the trip. The plan was Houston/Conroe, Galveston, and San Antonio. But, when I looked on the map and saw how close Austin was to San Antonio and that I could fit it in, I decided to add it as a side-trip. I’m so glad I did! I LOVED Austin! Since I only had a few hours in Austin, I wanted to see as much as I could in that small time. So….yep, you guessed it…..I went to the Welcome Center and got a ticket on a double decker city bus tour. It was perfect! I sat right in the front seat on the top level of the open top bus and had the BEST view of the city! The guide was amazing and it was an awesome hour or so loop full of cool things to see and interesting commentary.

Austin is a fun and colorful city. I was impressed by the architecture, brightness, and general cleanliness of the city. The perfect mix of eclectic and modern. We rode down Sixth Street – a street full of clubs, music, restaurants, food, and drinks. As we drove along the street, music blared from just about every building we passed. It looked like a fun place to be. The Texas State Capital building is stunning and a very prominent sight that can be seen from quite a distance. Food trucks are a BIG attraction in Austin – we saw several “food truck parks” along our journey.

Our guide told us several folk lore stories about the old days in Austin – like this story about a dark December night in 1842 when Sam Houston tried to take the Texas archives out of Austin, thereby eliminating it as a possible capital city of the Republic. A middle aged woman named Angelina Eberly saw what was going on downtown and fired a cannon at the thieves. They failed their mission and Austin became the capital city. In 2004, the city erected a bronze statue of Angelina firing her cannon at the spot where she stood on Congress Ave between 6th and 7th streets.

The oldest building in Austin is now the Moonshine Grill restaurant – a must add to any trip to Austin!

After the tour ended, I asked about a nearby place where I could get dinner before heading back to San Antonio. I was told with no hesitation about Moonshine Grill right across the street from the Welcome Center. It was amazing!!! They brought a bucket of popcorn lightly seasoned with a wonderful kick to munch on while I waited for my meal. I had chicken and waffles – again, with a slight kick that delighted my taste buds – and sweet tea. It was all soooooo good!!! If you’re ever in Austin, be sure to include a meal at Moonshine Grill – you won’t regret it. It is the oldest building in Austin and specializes in comfort food with a Texas twist.

I made it back to my hotel in San Antonio in time to pack up and get to bed fairly early to rest up for my VERY early morning flight back home. My trip was done…..my time in Texas had ended…..it was a wonderful trip and I feel I did Texas right this time. The first time I was in Texas, it technically met all the criteria to check it off the “visit all 50 states” bucket list item, but I really felt like I cheated and wanted to go back and see more. And, now I have! I put 653 miles on my rental car, visited five different cities, had a wonderful visit with my cousin in Conroe, scratched off three more items on the banners on my Adventure Wall, and made lots of amazing memories – all in five days!!!

A view of part of Sixth Street in Austin – an eclectic strip of restaurants, clubs, and shops bursting with music and fun.

One last thrill to share about this adventure…..it was the perfect cap to the trip! I was at the gate during my layover in Baltimore-Washington International Airport and saw a guy dressed in a colonial uniform with a bell and a line of military men – most were Army, one was a sailor – all in uniform. What I soon realized was that there were preparing to deboard an Honor Flight plane filled with war veterans headed to Washington DC to tour the monuments. With each set of veterans, the colonial guy would ring the bell and another man would announce their arrival – they represented WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War. All the passengers waiting in the terminal stood and cheered….the veterans passed by with smiles and waves and shook the hands of the military soldiers greeting them. It was an AMAZING and very emotional experience. And…..I and not ashamed to admit that I shamelessly flirted with the young sailor that was standing beside me waiting for the veterans to arrive….there’s something about a sailor in a white uniform! Hehehe

Check out my blog post with LOTS more photos from Austin, TX: https://thoughtsbykim.com/2023/05/03/2023-texas-adventure-austin/

Happy Adventuring,
Kim Pritt

American Legion in Lyndonville stays busy, despite shrinking membership

Photo by Tom Rivers: Steve Goodrich, the commander of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville, leads the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 May 2023 at 2:45 pm

LYNDONVILLE – Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman Tanner American Legion Post, has a goal to let everyone know about the activities of the Post.

He recently announced an inaugural Post newsletter for May, which he plans to make a regular occurrence. The newsletter is electronic and anyone who is interested can receive one online by sending Goodrich their e-mail address at americanlegion1603@gmail.com.

Goodrich said they especially want to connect with veterans. Locally and nationally, Legion membership is quite literally dying out, he said. Younger veterans are not joining as they once did. He has been commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post since 2009. During his first year, they had 24 members who attended on Memorial Day. This year, only six or eight will be there.

“If membership does not change, I’m not sure if the Legion will survive,” Goodrich said. “So the newsletter is our way of building connections with our fellow veterans.”

Some of the highlights of 2022 were a Memorial Day ceremony, a veterans’ float in the July 4 parade, a flower booth at the town of Yates birthday event in August and a brunch in support of the Wreaths across American program in December.

Goodrich is anticipating a busy 2023 season, starting with placing flags at the grave of veterans at Lynhaven Cemetery and other local cemeteries. All volunteers will meet at the Civil War cannon at 4 p.m. on May 25.

The Post will participate in the traditional Memorial Day parade and program on May 29 at the library honoring heroes who have gone before. A ceremony at the library will follow the parade. Parade participants should gather at St. Joseph’s Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. The parade will start at 9 a.m. and participants will march to the library for the ceremony which follows. All participating groups are encouraged to bring a bouquet of flowers or potted plant to place at the memorial stone when prompted during the ceremony.

To date, the following groups are planning to participate in the parade – Lyndonville Joint Fire District, Lyndonville Central School District band and chorus, Lyndonville Lions and Lyndonville Boys/Girls Baseball League. Further information is available by calling Scott Goetze at (585) 765-3983 or e-mailing Goodrich at the above address.

On July 4, the Post will have the Veteran’s Trolley in the Lyndonville parade. Anyone wishing to ride on the trolley or help should contact Goodrich. The American Legion booth will be the first one at the bridge. They will have a 50/50 raffle, as well as some amazing patriotic themed art.

In August, the Post will provide flowers and vases to raise funds at the town of Yates street dance. The date has yet to be announced.

September will be the American Legion Labor Day Yard Sale.

Again this year, the Post will support Wreaths across America. December 16 is the date for this event. Last year, they provided brunch before the ceremony at the cemetery at the newly renovated Weber Café.

Goodrich urges all veterans to consider joining their local post. He said they provide needed services to the local community for veterans, donate funds to related charities and support the Boys State Program.

“We are looking for new members all the time, so please join and help make a difference in our community,” Goodrich said.

Pro wrestlers deliver high-flying punch in event at Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2023 at 7:55 am

4 locals among those providing lots of action in ring at school gym

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A group of wrestlers try to knock each other out of the ring in the opening battle royale for Empire State Wrestling’s “Spring Smash” at Medina High School gym on Saturday.

About 450 people attended the event in the return of the ESW to Orleans County. Previous events were held at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds with 350 attending the debut event in April 2018 and then about 200 in May 2019.

The move to the high school resulted in a much bigger crowd and more space for the wrestlers to leap off the top rope. The event was also a fundraiser for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

In the opening battle royal, the last wrestler in the ring earned the right to take on the Kevin Bennett, the ESW Heavyweight title champ. Space Monkey won the battle royal to earn a shot at the title.

Kevin Blackwood, an Albion native, flies off the top rope to hit Cheech from Infinity And Beyond. Blackwood, whose real name in Kevin Lockwood, flew in from Los Angeles to wrestle in front of his family and friends in Albion.

Blackwood, 32, has been a professional wrestler for six years. He also works as a tattoo artist in LA.

Cheech puts Kevin Blackwood in a painful hold during their match. Blackwood said he wrestles all over the United States and Canada almost every weekend, sometimes at two different events.

He tries to be relatable to the audience and is known for athletic moves in the ring, including a double stomp from all angles.

Kevin Blackwood is victorious in his match against Cheech, and many of the hometown fans show their appreciation.

Jacob Miller of Medina wrestles as Maxx Cannon – “The Filthy One.” Miller, 29, has been wrestling for three years including the past year with the Empire State Wrestling. Here he has Frank Feathers on his shoulders before tossing him to the mat. Cannon won the match against the former ESW champ.

“I try to be someone the crowd remembers,” Cannon said.

Maxx Cannon makes his entrance and greets some of the fans. Cannon was a member of Medina’s football, basketball and baseball teams. He works with his father Wayne Miller doing siding and roofing jobs.

Cannon said he enjoys the atmosphere at the wrestling events, and training with the other wrestlers.

“I’ve made some of the best friends of my life through wrestling,” Cannon said. “Wrestling really is like a family.”

Thomas Green, 21, of Albion made his debut on Saturday with Empire State Wrestling as “Big Budget.” Green, left, threw a member of the High Seas – “Your Captain” Nick Ando – out of the ring and then pounded on him in front of the ringside crowd. High Seas are the tag team champs for ESW.

Green is part of a tag team with “Lotto” in a team called Greed and also the Body Bag Brothers. Green said his role as a wrestler will shock many from Albion. He graduated from 2019 and was vice president of the art club and sang in the choir. He didn’t play any sports.

Green waits to be tagged in by Lotto in their match on Saturday. The two delivered many blows to the High Seas team, which retained its title. Green picked up the opponents and flung them in the air with ease.

Green works at Wegmans in Brockport, and has been training as a wrestler for about two years. He wrestles with Ground Zero Wrestling in Rochester and hopes he can be a regular with Empire State Wrestling, which usually has its events in Buffalo.

“It’s entertaining being in front of people,” Green said.

He is one of the bigger wrestlers at 350 pounds, but shows a lot of nimbleness in the ring.

Gavin Glass (left), a Medina native, delivers a kick to “Hybrid” Sean Carr. Glass returned to ESW after being off nearly a year following the birth of his daughter. Glass wrestles as “A Cut Above The Rest.” He also is a graphic artist and designs many of the T-shirts and merchandise for the wrestlers.

Glass, 25, now lives in Lockport. He has been wrestling for almost nine years.

He was happy to be back in the ring and wrestling in front of a home crowd on Saturday.

“It’s something that I love,” he said about wrestling.

Gavin Glass jumps from the top rope at the “Hybrid” Sean Carr.

Haley Dylan of Buffalo puts the squeeze on “The Queen of the Silver Screen” Katie Arquette in the only match among women wrestlers.

Katie Arquette was victorious in the match against Haley Dylan.

Space Monkey does a flying somersault off the top ropes to crash into Kevin Bennett, the ESW champion. Their match concluded three hours of action. Bennett was able to retain his title.