Provided photo: Ken Gold, tournament director for Orleans Correctional Facility Charity Golf Tournament, presents a ceremonial check for more than $15,000 to the Variety Club of Buffalo.
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association
ALBION – The seventh annual Orleans Correctional Facility Charity Golf Tournament was held on Monday at Chestnut Hill Country Club and raised over $15,000 for the Variety Club of Buffalo.
Over 200 golfers, volunteers and sponsors attended the tournament and reception afterwards in support of the Variety Club. Variety – the Children’s Charity of Buffalo & Western New York –has been serving the needs of WNY’s sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children for over 80 years.
The golf tournament has raised and donated over $70,000 to local charities of Western New York in the seven years the tournament has been held. The correction officers that organize and participate in the event have always been committed to supporting the local communities where they live and work.
“I would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors that helped make this tournament a success,” said ken Gold, tournament organizer. “I would also like to thank our members from Attica, Albion, Gowanda and Green Haven Correctional Facilities who participated and helped raise funds. Our members, despite their demanding jobs, believe it is important to give back to the community and support great causes like the Variety Club. They recognize the important role organizations like the Variety Club play in helping those less fortunate.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2017 at 8:32 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Cabaret at Studio B welcomed talent from the Albion community for a variety show, with dancing, singing and comedy routines on Saturday night.
One of the dance numbers including Lauren Thomas doing ballet, only to be joined by her father Todd Thomas in a tutu.
David Sidari and his daughter Gina did a Hee Haw skit. Amy Sidari, owner of the cabaret and Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, also was part of the routine.
Some of the performers on Saturday included Gary Simboli, Marcy Downey, The Gotta Dance Performers, Angela Tarricone and Rylie Seielstad. Tom Rivers of the Orleans Hub also did a fake news cast of local events featuring the character Gilbert Thunderburk.
Marcy Downey did a funny portrayal of the late comedian, Phyllis Diller.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jim Babcock portrays Sonny and Sandra Monacelli-McNall is Cher in a performance of “I Got You Babe” during tonight’s Cabaret Variety Show.
Amy Sidari and her cast of performers put on their second variety show at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion. Sidari performed in many of the comedic routines. She also danced, sang and was hostess for the two-hour show.
Marcy Downey also played a big role in the show. In this photo she is Marge, the Red Hat Lady. Downey also did a singing and dancing duet with Sidari. Downey also sang with Gary Simboli and performed with her 95-year-old father, Clyde Downey.
A full house attended the show at 28 West Bank St.
BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will be holding its second annual meeting and awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Batavia Downs.
Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee. Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.
The award winners are the following:
• Self-Advocate of the Year – Nathan Johnidas, Albion
Award goes to a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.
• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia
The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.
• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tammy Reimels, Hilltop
The honor goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.
• Residential Person of the Year – Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia
The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.
• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia
The recognition goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.
• Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year – Brittany Murphy, Genesee County
Honors a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.
• KidStart Employee of the Year – Maggie Putman
Goes to an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.
• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon
The award honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.
• Employee of the Year – Heidi Wyant, transportation manager
Recognizes an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.
• Friend of the Year – Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC
Recognizes a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.
• Business Partner of the Year – Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop in Geneseo
Honors a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.
• Volunteers of the Year – Kevin and Dawn Fisher
The award goes to people committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.
Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A new digital sign in front of the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union at 299 West Ave., Albion, informs passersby of the services available.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 October 2024 at 8:52 am
ALBION – Two financial institutions in Orleans County have announced a merger to better serve the community.
The Albion School Employees Federal Credit Union’s merger with Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union became effective Tuesday, according to CCFCU’s manager Christine Ranallo.
Christine Ranallo is manager of the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union.
She explained the reason for the merger was because the school’s credit union was very small, with 380 members and very limited services, while the CCFCU is much larger with 2,400 members and more services.
“We’re small, but we have most all the services the big banks have,” Ranallo said.
She said her credit union had discussed a merger with the credit union at school over the years, but the school employees weren’t ready at the time.
“Then about a year ago we approached them again and they thought it was a good idea,” Ranallo said.
The idea for a merger was first came up at the beginning of 2023 at CCFCU’s strategic planning session.
“The facilitator suggested a way to grow was to merge with another credit union, and the only logical choice was the Albion School Employees FCU,” Ranallo said.
The CCFCU exists because of a series of mergers throughout the years. Ranallo has compiled a timeline of events leading up to the current day.
The first to form was the Albion School Employees FCU on Jan. 1, 1963.
On May 10, 1965, the CCFCU had its beginning with the first meeting of the Lipton Federal Credit Union.
Then followed the Albion Correctional Facility Federal Credit Union on Oct. 17, 1974.
Next, the Orleans Municipal FCU was formed Sept. 11, 1979. A year later, on Oct. 14, 1980, the National Credit Union Association approved a name change to Central Orleans Federal Credit Union.
On Nov. 30, 1982, Albion Correctional Facility FCU merged with Central Orleans FCU.
The NCUA on Dec. 14, 1990 approved the merger of Orleans Municipal FCU with Central Orleans FCU.
The name was changed to Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union in 2002 in anticipation of a change in the charter, Ranallo said.
In June 2005 a charter was applied for and received to change from a Central Orleans-focused FCU to one which included all of Orleans County, hence, the name Cobblestone Country FCU. Today, membership is open to anyone living, working, going to school or worshiping in Orleans County.
CCFCU operated next to COVA in the Arnold Gregory complex until June 2014, when it moved to 299 West Ave.
Like Ranallo, CCFCU employees are loyal and dedicated to serving their customers. Ranallo has been there for 25 years, having started as an accountant and moving up to manager in 2020. Audrey Christopher recently retired after 31 years, while Teresa Radka has been a loan officer for 30 years and three others have worked there five years each.
“When you come in here, you’re going to do business with the same person you did business with last month,” Ranallo said.
CCFCU offers savings and checking accounts, teen checking, Visa ATM cards, Share certificates and Christmas, Tax and Vacation Club accounts; a variety of loan products, including home equity loans; overdraft protection; direct deposit/payroll deduction; mobile deposit; 24/7 ATM; a drive-thru and much more.
There is access to a night deposit box and customers can buy stamps and money orders at the credit union.
CCFCU is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. They are closed Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2024 at 4:38 pm
Rotary also presents $4,500 check to OFA to help seniors with transportation
Provided photo
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club last week recognized the Albion Lions Club for its 100 years of service to the community.
Pictured in front at the tavern of the Ridge include long-time Lions Club members Mary Janet and Dr. Satya Sahukar. In back row are Rotary Club President Tom Rivers, Lions Club President Marie Snyder, and Lions Club members Barb Navarra and Ron Albertson.
Rotary and the Lions for many years sponsored a Little League team together. The two clubs also help organize the annual Strawberry Festival for two days in June.
Rotary praised the Lions for its work in helping to organize the Rock the Park music festival and the recent improvements to Bullard Park.
Photo by Tom Rivers
Rotary also presented a ceremonial check for $4,500 to the Office for the Aging to support a transportation program for senior citizens.
The golf tournament was held on July 20 at Shelridge Country Club in Medina.
Pictured from left include Bill Downey, a member of the Rotary Club and golf tournament committee member; OFA Director Melissa Blanar; Becky Karls, Albion Rotary Club member and OFA employee; and Cindy Perry, Rotary Club member and the golf tournament organizer for many years.
This program is for seniors needing transportation to a variety of services, including medical appointments, and trips to the bank, hairdresser or to see a loved one in a nursing home. There aren’t public funds or grants for this program.
So far this year, Blanar said 36 seniors have received for 315 rides over 6,739 miles.
For more information about the volunteer program, either as a driver or rider, contact the OFA at (585) 589-3191. Drivers can specify if they only want to do trips within Orleans County.
Photos contributed: New content in “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County” includes this 1940 postcard of Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital, formerly the home of Ezra Coann.
Posted 20 September 2024 at 8:54 am
By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers
This is the cover of “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County, New York,” a book first written by C.W. “Bill” Lattin in 1984. The cover shows E. Kirke Hart residence in Albion that was demolished in 1942.
ALBION – A book that was published 40 years ago highlighting mansions, churches and prominent buildings in Orleans County that were lost to fire or the wrecking ball has been updated.
C.W. “Bill” Lattin reprinted the book “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County, N.Y.” It includes more structures that have taken down, including the Clarendon Universalist Church in 2006. That church was built in 1837.
A cobblestone smokehouse from about 1840 at the Five Corners in Gaines also was removed in 2022.
Proceeds from the reprinting of the book go to Cobblestone Society and Museum. The books are available for $15.
Doug Farley, the museum’s director, said Lattin’s book is a valuable resource of historic text and photographs.
“Orleans County, and in particular Albion and Medina, have had a treasure trove of beautiful buildings,” Lattin writes in the book, when it was first published in 1984. “It is indeed very unfortunate that some of the best examples of certain architectural styles were wrecked in the name of so-called ‘progress.’ The reader will quickly ascertain that some very fine buildings were demolished over 100 years ago. But unfortunately, many marvelous architectural creations have been destroyed in recent years, too.”
As a result, Lattin has added more up-to-date content to this printing to supplement what he originally wrote in 1984.
One of the features of the original publication was a list of more than 200 patrons and business sponsors who contributed toward the cost. These names are included in the reprint, as well as more than 60 new sponsors for 2024.
“These history-minded contributors have had their names printed in the new publication and are welcome to pick up a complimentary copy now at the Cobblestone Museum,” Farley said.
In his introduction to the latest book, Lattin says he has been fascinated with old buildings as far back as he can remember, even as a small child. He says a lot of very fine buildings were wrecked more than 100 years ago, but the worst toll has been since World War II.
One structure was a rustic log cabin on the Peter Smith Road, the last legitimate log house of its type in the county when it was torn down in the 1950s. Also demolished were many churches, such as Presbyterian churches in Holley, built in 1831, and the Presbyterian Church in Knowlesville, built in 1832.
Schools, such as the Yates Academy, the cobblestone Loveland School House in District #6, Albion, and Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina were not spared the wrecking ball.
This photo credited to Alan Isselhard is the Clarendon Universalist Church which existed from 1837 to 2006. The federal style building was built of limestone which was quarried locally.
Many other notable structures met their fate, including a blacksmith shop in Millville, mills, the Orleans County Infirmary, hotels and elegant mansions, notably the home of Arnold Gregory on County House Road.
“By compiling this book, I want people to know and see what a truly beautiful village Albion once was,” Lattin said. “And I want people to see some of our other marvelous architectural creations which once stood throughout Orleans County.”
He added there is at least one destroyed building from every township in the county included in his book.
When he decided to put together a book, he said it seemed most appropriate to have the Cobblestone Society, as the leading preservationist group in Orleans County, publish it. The Society, which has preserved 10 buildings of its own, was founded for the purpose of preserving not only cobblestone structures, but related art and architecture.
A grant from Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) helped pay for the reprinting.
Erin Anheier, a former Cobblestone Museum president and a current trustee for the Landmark Society of Western New York, said Lattin’s book should inspire the community to appreciate and save the “wonderful old buildings” that remain in Orleans County.
Many of the sites are no longer used for their original purpose, but could be preserved and adapted for different uses, Anheier writes in the book’s epilogue.
“The variety of the architectural styles of past decades enlivens our landscape and speaks of the lives and hopes of our ancestors,” she said. “I would not want to live in a place that didn’t show its unique history with pride. A cookie-cutter community holds no appeal.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 September 2024 at 9:10 am
File photo by Ginny Kropf: This banner hung over downtown Medina to promote homecoming last week. The Medina Mustang Sports Boosters urges stores to decorate their windows.
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Sports Boosters are excited to announce they will again be celebrating Homecoming 2024 by inviting local businesses to get involved in Homecoming Week in a variety of ways.
“Homecoming is a community event – a time to celebrate, not just Mustang athletics, but who we are as a community,” said Melissa Valley, head of the Mustang Sports Boosters. “Mustang Sports Boosters are always incredibly appreciative of the support the Medina business community provides us, and now we want to celebrate you.”
Their goal for Homecoming the week of Sept. 23 is to get the whole community involved and into the Mustang spirit. Homecoming will feature activities and games throughout the week, including the Homecoming game Sept. 27, when the Medina Mustangs football team hosts Newfane.
“We hope to get businesses involved in two ways,” Valley said. “First, we would love for downtown to show its Mustang spirit with our third annual window decorating contest. Secondly, we want to promote their business by adding their homecoming special of the week to our Mustang Menu.”
If businesses don’t want to enter the contest, Valley said the Mustang Boosters will welcome any form of Mustang spirit that works for them.
A giant banner proclaiming Homecoming Week will be hung over Main Street in honor of the week.
“The banner was made by our very own Print Shop and it will be on display over Main Street next week,” Valley said. “We also have banners that will be up at Vets Park. We will promote any business who wants to join in on the run or any Mustang specials for the week.”
The Mustang Boosters encourage everyone downtown and in Medina to show as much Mustang pride and spirit as they can during Homecoming Week.
“It is something that unites the community in a positive way,” Valley said.
Anyone wishing more information can contact Valley at mvalley@medinacsd.org or by calling (716)-531-3055.
BASOM – With a warm, sunny weekend ahead, consider a visit to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge now to experience bird migration, natural abundance, and wildlife activity.
Various shorebirds are already heading through the area, providing special sightings. Route 63, which connects the refuge’s Orleans and Genesee county sides, re-opened this afternoon. The refuge’s visitor center will be open Saturday until 4 p.m., with representatives available to lend binoculars and field guides, and answer questions.
For woodpeckers, warblers, nuthatches and brown creepers, walk the Kanyoo Trail located off of Lewiston Road. The Kanyoo Trail is a short loop hike of just over 1 mile that takes visitors through forest and marsh habitats. A bumper crop of fallen acorns is attracting red squirrels. The damper, milder weather is starting to bring colorful mushrooms and fungi to fallen logs and mossy hollows. The woods are full of berries and wild grapes, attracting a variety of wildlife. Please be aware that foraging for human food is not permitted at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. At this time of year, most warblers have molted out of their showy summer breeding plumage, so they are notoriously difficult to identify, but it can be a fun challenge. Along the boardwalk through the marsh, keep an eye out for swimming muskrats and look for painted turtles basking in the late summer sun.
For wading birds, ducks, shorebirds, egrets, and sandhill cranes, try the Feeder Road Trail. This trail comes off of the Kayoo Trail parking lot on Lewiston Road. Walk along the wall of the red building to come out along Kumpf Marsh. The marsh water level is low, and the remaining pool of shallow water and surrounding mud flats are a good place to observe greater and lesser yellowlegs, least sandpipers, and winged rarities as migration season often brings unexpected visitors like the glossy ibis recently seen at this location. Canada geese are starting to arrive in large numbers, with mallards, blue-winged teals, and a scattering of other duck species paddling in the pool.
Resident bald eagles, common gallinules, black-crowned night herons, and other water loving birds can be seen from Cayuga Overlook without additional walking. The overlook parking area is on Lewiston Road.
For fields of beautiful purple, gold, and pink wildflowers, warblers, various sparrow species, and migrating monarch butterflies, hike the Visitors’ Center Trail at 1101 Casey Rd., Basom. This one-mile loop trail, starting at the right of the building, is fully graveled and is an easy walk. The pine grove at the back of the trail can be a good place to see warblers. Check out the floating bridge for a closer look at the marsh, where visitors may see belted kingfishers hunting, and huge flocks of red-winged blackbirds swirling up from the cattails as they group together and prepare to migrate south. The newly-installed benches along this path are a nice place to have a picnic lunch, and you can stop at the visitor center to see the educational displays, use the bathroom, and visit the Flyway Nature Store.
Long-billed dowitchers were recently seen at Center Marsh, along Sour Springs Road. Water levels are low, making it a good place to see herons, egrets and shorebirds. For bird watching from your car, be sure to stop at nearby Ringneck Overlook for a beautiful Orleans County marsh vista.
Gray catbirds, cedar waxwings and other fruit eaters are flocking to the berry bushes along Swallow Hollow nature trail off Knowlesville Road on the eastern edge of the refuge. Local birders have reported a huge variety of migratory warblers at this trail over the past few weeks This is also a reliable spot to see flocks of rusty blackbirds in late fall foraging in wet leaf litter. Deer are common along this trail, and it is a wonderful place to look for thrushes and other songbirds. Swallow Hollow’s 1.3- mile loop winds through forest and marsh and includes a long section of elevated boardwalk. Listening for calling chickadees can be a good way to locate the mostly silent warblers at this time of year, since they often flock together to forage.
The 2.5 mile out-and-back Onondaga Nature trail is another good place to look for warblers and is an especially nice spot to observe mushrooms and to enjoy the fall foliage.
Come visit the trails and overlooks of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge for your own seasonal adventure! The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
The visitor center is located at 1101 Casey Road between route 77 and Route 63. For more information, hours, trail maps, directions and upcoming events see the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois), or the Facebook page, Iroquois Observations.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping.
E-cigarettes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a school setting, these devices may blend in with other school supplies, as they may look like pens, USB drives, and even phone cases. This makes identifying these devices and protecting youth that much more difficult.
Studies show that vaping has become a rising concern in middle school aged children, as 3 percent of seventh graders in both Genesee and Orleans Counties reported vaping with nicotine.
“These years of a child’s life are very sensitive because their brains are still developing,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “As the rate of vaping rises among teens, we must equip families and kids with information and tools to stay healthy.”
There are several reasons why youth vape:
Tobacco advertisers use vibrant colors and fun marketing strategies to increase youth participation in vaping. These ads are shown on social media, television, and streaming services, and promote vaping as a cheaper alternative to other tobacco products.
Peer pressure and social influences during middle and high school are a main contributor to students trying an e-cigarette for the first time. Students report that they may be curious to try vaping from seeing a friend or family member use them.
Availability of flavored e-cigarette products including youth-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, mint, and menthol are the most widely used types of e-cigarettes among youth. According to the CLYDE Survey conducted by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), about 20% of 11th graders in Genesee and Orleans Counties reported using E-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine in 2022.
Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is highly addictive. Those who use vapes containing nicotine may experience cravings and urges to smoke, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of anxiety and sadness, which may make them believe they need nicotine to relieve these feelings. These behaviors, among others, are a part of nicotine addiction.
The good news is that studies show that most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Becoming more aware of the risks of vaping will allow for educated conversations with youth and help ensure that all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.
Here are a few ways you can protect your youth and promote rejection of vaping during back to school season.
Educate yourself on the subject, and become a credible source of information. Visit CDC.gov/Vaping for important information on youth vaping.
Create a safe space for discussion and start the conversation on vaping. Remember to be patient, listen, and avoid criticism. Keep the conversation open and be willing to be flexible.
Answer their questions and be prepared. Kids may have questions about vaping, visit CDC.gov/tobacco for ideas on how to give educated and meaningful answers
Get Help Today
If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:
Visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands organizers are seeking 15 additional volunteers to support the coordination of 1,000 students from across the GLOW region for the 6th annual career exploration event being held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia.
“The success of GLOW With Your Hands is made possible through the generosity of volunteers in a variety of event-day roles, including tour guides for individual schools, and support at the entrance at the fairgrounds, parking and lunch areas,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair Karyn Winters said. “We are fortunate to have so many volunteers already registered but we need more to cover all our bases.”
The annual GLOW With Your Hands event provides students with hands-on career exploration in high-growth and high-demand careers. Activities such as welding, bricklaying and heavy equipment operation, and interactions with employers provide students with the insight to explore career opportunities with companies across the region.
“We’re tremendously excited to once again welcome so many companies and students to GLOW With Your Hands. The commitment and dedication of so many volunteers is what makes this amazing event possible,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair.
Provided photos: The Niagara Regional Police Pipes and Drums will be performing at the upcoming Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2024 at 7:06 am
LOCKPORT – The Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival will celebrate its 23rd year on Sept. 14 and 15 at Niagara County Fairgrounds.
Founded by Philip Banks of Burt, the event has proven increasingly popular every year and annually features more than 2,500 participants from throughout Western New York, including Orleans County. These include clans, musicians, pipers, dancers, vendors and artisans.
Banks said he and his wife Beth started the event in 2001 as a grassroots economic development project, after reading about something similar in Readers Digest, done in a small town in Texas.
“We had been long time attendees of the now defunct Amherst Scottish Festival and Ontario, near Lake Huron, several times and saw people celebrating their Celtic heritage,” Banks said. “We were from the Olcott area and knew that could be a good venue for an event. Beth is Scottish/German and I am Irish/German. We could have never known this festival would become so big we’d have to relocate to the Niagara County Fairgrounds in 2019.”
Banks said volunteers have been recruited from Orleans County since the festival’s founding, and at least several dozen volunteers annually come from Orleans County. In addition, several hundred Orleans County residents buy tickets for the event, he said.
The Niagara County Celtic Heritage Festival this year will welcome an impressive lineup of massed pipe bands, in addition to as many as 30 Scottish groups to the Clan Village, making it the largest gathering of family reps in New York State, according to Banks.
A total of eight pipe bands and one brass band from across the local region will perform in ceremonies, individual concerts and massed bands on both days.
Banks invites everyone to join the thousands of people who attend each year, when “everyone is Celtic for the weekend.”
On Saturday, the Gordon Highlanders Pipes & Drums, 96th Highlanders Pipes & Drums, MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums and the Celtic Spirit Pipe Band will entertain. The D Company Gordon Highlanders were formed in 1837 and is the oldest continuing organization in the city of Buffalo. The 96th Highlanders of Jamestown are proud to represent their region in and around Chautauqua County.
The MacKenzie Highlanders from Youngstown have roots dating back to 1913. Their tradition continues as they offer free lessons to all interested in becoming a member. Celtic Spirit is also from Niagara County and mixes traditional pipe music with various modern instruments in unique arrangements.
The Glengary Bhoys also will be featured during the festival.
On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the Niagara Regional Police Pipes & Drums, the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, the Buffalo Niagara Scotia Pipes & Drums and the Feadan Or Pipe Band. The Niagara Regional Police are from Niagara Falls, Ontario, and perform across Canada and the United States, both as a concert and a competition band. The Rochester Scottish are the City’s Celtic Ambassadors to the world. The band has a broad repertoire playing both traditional martial and modern tunes.
One of Western New York’s newer pipe bands is Buffalo Niagara Scotia from Tonawanda, and is dedicated to strengthening Scottish pride in the region. They welcome newcomers of all ages. Feadan Or from the Finger Lakes promotes traditional Scottish bagpiping, drumming and dancing, in performances and through teaching.
Also on Sunday, to give the feel of a “military tattoo,” the festival will welcome the Mt. St. Mary’s Academy Marching Band from Kenmore. Wearing kilts, they are the only fully instrumented all-girls’ marching band in New York state.
The clan group practice dates back to the 1700s when so many people in Scotland were forced to leave their homeland for other countries. Each clan can trace its lineage to ancestors from Scotland, dating back many centuries. In fact, Banks said most clans still have a hereditary chief in Scotland.
The clans display all sorts of materials related to their families, including their tartans, and answer questions about their generations of ancestors. During the weekend, visitors can experience the sight of them marching in the opening ceremonies, see the “Calling of the Clans,” when torches light the ceremonial bonfire, and take part in the Memorial Service to honor their members who have passed since the last festival.
Each group was formed for charitable, religious, educational and/or scientific purposes to support the family name, with all the sub-group names and variations. Typically, their mission is to protect cultural, artistic and historic endeavors and acquire, preserve, restore and act as custodians for historical records, relics and heirlooms.
They encourage the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks related to the family in countries throughout the world. The individual societies are divided into regions, with hundreds or thousands of members active throughout North America, Australia and other countries. Any person who is of the clan lineage or the dozens of associated family names can join to learn about and celebrate their traditions and genealogy.
Clan representatives will come from New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. The names include Baird, Blair, Barclay, Bruce, Buchanan, Claus, Cumming, Donnachaidh, Douglas, Ferguson, Forsyth, Grant, Gregor, Gordon, Hall, Hannay, Hay, Henderson, Hunter, Home, Keith, Kerr, Lindsay, Little, MacBean, MacFarlane, MacGillivray, MacNachtan, MacNeil, Masonic, Morrison, O’Keefe, Thompson and Wallace, as well as the Daughters of Scotia, the Rochester Scottish Society, the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada and the Scottish Military Society.
In addition to the nine bands, the cultural celebration will include Highland athletics, dancers, national and regional musicians, merchandise vendors, artisans, food and beverage vendors, a kid’s area, clans, reenactors, seminars and local community groups.
The festival will also showcase a wide variety of food vendors at the event.
“Food and beverages rank very high among the reasons people attend cultural celebrations, because traditional dishes maintain ethnic heritage through the generations,” Banks said. “The event will have 30 vendors offering 150 menu items of all types, including entrees, finger foods, sweets, snacks and vegetarian options.”
“Many events don’t put a priority on food and beverages, but the fact is that most visitors consider it a high priority,” said Beth Banks, festival director. “This isn’t just boring fair food. We have something for every taste. We have a team dedicated to finding vendors that fit our festival priorities. You don’t wait in long lines and there is plenty of seating.”
The director explained vendors come from as far as North Carolina to serve Celtic specialties, such as a full Scottish breakfast, Guinness meat pies, Scottish dragon eggs, colcannon, cranchen, potato pancakes, potato soup, salt potatoes, shepherds’ pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, Guinness meatballs, Irish beef stew, Irish lamb stew, Jameson braised beef and chicken wings, Scottish barbecue and banger sausages. There are several kinds of haggis and even a haggis eating contest Saturday night.
Celtic sweets include Irish bread pudding, Irish oat cookies, Scottish shortbread, sticky toffee pudding, Welsh cookies and several Celtic-themed ice creams. An assortment of adult beverages includes Ginness, harp, Smithwicks, hard cider, mead, wine, wine slushies and gourmet coffees.
Many visitors, according to Beth Banks, attend just for the variety of food and beverages.
The Niagara Celtic Heritage Society is a 501c3 not-for-profit educational organization, founded in 2001 and focused on preserving the culture of the seven Celtic nations in this region. The annual festival is its primary fundraising activity.
Parking is free, as is the Festival Guidebook. A detailed schedule and ticket information can be found at www.niagaraceltic.com.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
ALBANY – As hundreds of county leaders prepare to attend the annual meeting next month hosted by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), county officials held a press conference today to encourage Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a key piece of legislation that will level the playing field between hotels and short-term rental companies.
The bill that passed both houses of the State Legislature, S.885-C (Hinchey) / A.4130-C (Fahy), requires short-term home rental agencies, such as VRBO and AirBnB to collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy taxes. (The measure excludes New York City.)
“While online platforms for short-term rentals have opened new opportunities for homeowners and travelers alike, they also present a variety of unique challenges. It is essential that we strike a balance between innovation and the well-being of our communities. These platforms must contribute their fair share to our economy and adhere to the same regulations as local hotels. This bipartisan legislation will help level the playing field and ensure accountability in the short-term rental industry. I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law,” said Albany County Executive McCoy.
VRBO already collects state and/or local sales taxes or local occupancy taxes in all 49 states other than New York, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico; and has done so for years. Airbnb also collects state and/or local sales or occupancy taxes in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Mexico.
The bill also requires short-term rental companies in the state to provide the State Department of Taxation and Finance with information on each rental unit, including how much each host is renting units for throughout the year.
This measure was among NYSAC’s top priorities for this year’s Legislative Session, and county delegates are expected to adopt a resolution at their upcoming meeting to urge the Governor to sign this legislation.
“To be clear: we are not opposed to the short-term rental industry. In fact, we appreciate the role they play in supporting tourism in New York State. We just want to bring a little sunshine to this part of the industry so that communities have a better understanding of homes and units that are for rent and how often. And we need to generate some tax revenue to offset additional costs to public safety, health and infrastructure services,” added NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
Members of the Orleans County Home and Infirmary building project committee participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility on May 7, 1959. From left include Milton Bowen, Town of Clarendon Supervisor; Justin Roberts, Town of Shelby Supervisor; Victor Hawkes, Welfare Commissioner; Harold Hill, Town of Barre Supervisor; and William Knights, Town of Ridgeway Supervisor.
ALBION – As early as 1829, the Board of Supervisors of the newly formed Orleans County was mandated by the state to build a structure to “care for the downtrodden.”
Located three miles south of the Village of Albion, this facility determined the name of the road on which it was built. County House Road runs east-west between the hamlet of Millville in Ridgeway and Route 98 in the Town of Albion.
The original building was replaced in 1878. A separate structure to house an infirmary was added in 1903. People with a variety of needs were cared for at the Orleans County Home and Infirmary.
By 1957, the buildings had deteriorated and were deemed unsuitable for modern medical practices. An inadequate water supply on County House Road tipped the balance of the decision to relocate the facility. The new Orleans County Infirmary was dedicated on Sunday, August 28, 1960.
As is customary, a time capsule containing items thought to represent the times, was placed in the cornerstone. A list was prepared by Historian Cary H. Lattin. It is intriguing to read some 64 years later. The time capsule included:
Newspaper editions of the Holley Standard, the Orleans Republican-American, the Albion Advertiser, the Medina Daily Journal, the Lyndonville Enterprise, and the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Also, an issue of the Albion-Holley Pennysaver.
Proceedings of the Orleans County Board of Supervisors 1958-1960
Photograph of Orleans County Board of Supervisors, 1958-1959
Enrolled electors, 1959-1960
Photograph of Orleans County Court House Square personnel, 1958-59
Brochure of Niagara Power Project
Brochure of new Dial Telephone System
Photographs of old County House and Infirmary
Clarendon Sesquicentennial Booklet, 1960
Gaines Sesquicentennial Booklet, 1959
Orleans County Census of Agriculture
Statistical Report of Orleans County
Current U.S. dollar note
Current U.S. two dollar note
Photograph of 48-star flag coming down for the last time on July 3, 1959
Dedication program for the event.
New York State Senator Austin Erwin laid the cornerstone of the new County Infirmary on August 28, 1960.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2024 at 11:06 am
‘In some spots this is the worst damage I’ve ever seen’
Photos by Tom Rivers: These Honeycrisp apples grown by Jim and Adam Kirby were badly by hail last Sunday. The Kirbys lost about 100 of their 170 acres of apples from the hail. The apples have numerous bruises and cuts from the hail.
GAINES – It’s a word fruit farmers fear: hail.
Those fast-moving pellets from the sky can turn a crop, that has been months in making, into a largely worthless field of ruin.
Last Sunday hail hit in the afternoon and it left a swath of destruction for farmers, especially those near Route 104.
Jim Kirby and his son Adam grow 170 acres of apples, as well as other vegetable and grain crops. About 100 acres of their apples were pummeled by the hail, including their most valuable apples, the Honeycrisp. They were going to start picking some of those apples this week.
Instead they were reaching out to their insurance agent, and trying to calculate the losses.
“This is a heart-breaker for me,” Jim Kirby said looking at a block of apples along Lattin Road. “This is a bumper crop of Honeycrisp. But it five minutes it’s all over.”
Jim Kirby has been growing apples for 50 years and said the hail storm is one of the most devastating in his career. He is shown with Honeycrisp apples, the top variety, in an orchard on Lattin Road.
Kirby and a crew of 12 workers spent the previous three weeks hand-thinning Honeycrisp apples, removing some so the others would max out on size and color.
But the storm left apples with many bruises and cuts. Sometimes hail will leave one or two bruises on an apple. This time the apples have 20 or more bruises, showing they were hammered by the hail. They can’t be sold on the fresh market for top dollar. They could go for juice, but that market will now be saturated and it may not pay to have workers pick those apples and then haul them for processing, Kirby said.
The storm was especially brutal for many apple farms in Orleans County, but also damaged corn, soybeans and vegetables, said Larry Meyer, the Farm Service Agency director in Orleans County.
He has been working for the FSA for 41 years. The Sunday hail storm cut a wide path of damage, but also missed some fields and orchards as it moved from Niagara, through Orleans and further east.
“In some spots this is the worst damage I’ve ever seen,” he said. “There is a lot of loss in the county. The people who got hit got hit real bad.”
These apples were almost ready to be picked but now likely will be left on the tree and later left on the ground unless the low-price juice market makes it worthwhile to pick them.
Meyer expects a federal disaster declaration will be issued which will allow for emergency low-interest loans for farmers without crop insurance.
Many of the farms now have private insurance, which can cover up to 65 percent of the crop’s value. Meyer said the apple market has very tight profit margins this year. The crop insurance will help the farmers, but still leaves them in a difficult position, especially when they were so close to harvest.
Meyer said farmers are in a better position to recover from the losses, compared to previous years. He recalled the Labor Day wind storm of 1998 that decimated the local apple crop. At the time the federal government to assist apple farms with disaster aid and there wasn’t private insurance to help cover the loss of an apple crop.
About a quarter of the apple farms went out of business in Orleans County after that storm.
But this time most of the farms have their own crop insurance, and the federal government can provide some disaster aid for the others.
The FSA is working to try to determine the extent of the damage.
“This was a long storm,” he said. “It had a lot of energy and it kept going.”
Apples and other fruit totaled $59.0 million in revenue for Orleans County farmers in 2022, according to the U.S. Agricultural Census. Orleans County’s total ag revenue is $233.6 million.
BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will be holding its second annual meeting and awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Batavia Downs.
BASOM – With a warm, sunny weekend ahead, consider a visit to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge now to experience bird migration, natural abundance, and wildlife activity.
Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping.
