Search Results for: variety show

Many ‘talents’ on display at Albion variety show

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.

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Variety Show brings laughs to Albion

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.

Event hosted by GCC shows students many local career opportunities in healthcare

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 8:38 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BATAVIA – Medina firefighters Tiffany Petry and Dustin Pahura show students how to do CPR. The two firefighters were among many stations on Friday at Genesee Community College in Batavia, which hosted the second annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

There were 575 students from 31 school districts in the four rural GLOW counties, including the Orleans County school districts of Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

This group from Holley includes, from left: Mya Brown, Haidynn Mullins, Mia Thom and Isaiah Johnson.

The Holley students said the day at GCC connecting with healthcare organizations was very helpful as they consider careers. Johnson wants to work in EMS, while the three girls are considering careers in psychology.

“There are many different options,” Mya Brown said about careers in healthcare.

They are at a table for the Livingston County Health Department, which showed candy and medicine, and also cleaning products. People were asked if they could tell the difference from cady and pills that could be potentially harmful to them. The exercise was intended to show the value of having a medicine lock box to make sure people, especially young children, didn’t accidentally confuse prescription pills with candy.

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare started in 2023 and connected students to over 200 representatives from 57 companies, municipal agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions.

The healthcare event and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing attract over 1,500 students annually with the goal of empowering youth in the four counties to seek success in careers.

“With GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing, we are seeing a generation of students that are engaging with careers with great opportunities in our region,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair and Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce. “Meeting the healthcare needs of our communities is a challenge that we are proactively addressing through the support of our participating organizations, sponsors, and volunteers.”

These students are in a vet tech workshop where they could simulate hearing the heartbeats for small dogs.

Every student participated in a pair of self-selected workshops with a variety of healthcare careers led by healthcare and emergency response professionals.

Sessions covered careers in EMS, pharmacy, healthcare administration, physical therapy, healthy living, physicians/residents, holistic medicine, radiology/sonography/ultrasound, mental health and social work, research science, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner, surgery and vet technician.

Students put bandages on these stuffed dogs as part of the vet tech workshop.

Hospice of Orleans was among many organizations at the event. The agency was represented by Julia Alt, right, the director of advancement, and Kelli Birch, the volunteer coordinator.

Hospice is looking to fill positions for home health aide, social worker and registered nurse, and the agency welcomes more volunteers, Alt said.

Students were able to learn about Hospice, and also had a chance to fill out a greeting card for hospice patients.

Audra Fisher, a secretary with the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, and Justin McAdoo of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company show students how to “stop the bleed” and put on tourniquets.

These students try a stethoscope on a baby mannequin “Luna” at a station for the nursing program at Genesee Community College. The students could listen to the heart beat, the sound of the lungs and the abdomen.

GCC has about 100 students complete an associate’s degree in nursing each year. The graduates go into careers with high demand, said Deborah Penoyer, director of the nursing program.

Jennifer Kula, back left in blue, is a current student in the program. She has done clinicals at local hospitals and a long-term care facility.

“The science and learning are awesome,” said Kula, a Batavia resident. “I love the opportunity to serve people in the community.”

New statewide report shows best places to see flowers in bloom

Posted 20 March 2024 at 8:22 pm

The map in the Blooms Report shows the best places to see roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolias.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the start of spring with the launch of the New York Blooms Report, a weekly report to help New Yorkers identify the best places to see roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias at more than 30 partner attractions across New York State.

The reports, managed by I LOVE NY and designed to encourage and help travelers plan a spring getaway, feature on-site information from staff at a variety of botanical and public gardens, farms, State Parks and historic sites across New York.

The first reports are online starting today, and will update every Wednesday afternoon through June, exclusively on iloveny.com/blooms.

Governor Hochul’s announcement marks the start of spring tourism in New York and builds on the Governor’s commitment to supporting New York’s $123 billion tourism industry.

“Spring is an exciting time in New York as the temperatures get warmer, the birds return from their winter migration, and the flowers bud and bloom in both our own gardens and in the many parks and botanical gardens throughout the state,” Hochul said. “I encourage residents and visitors to stop and smell the roses – and a host of other flowers— while also discovering all that our parks, farms, historic sites and gardens have to offer.”

The new New York Blooms Reports will be compiled weekly using the on-location field observations from the arborists, gardeners and caretakers at over 30 sites throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions.

The reports track the stages of bloom for each of this year’s five selected blooms, ranging from “no activity yet” to “full bloom” to “past peak/done blooming.” Partner sites will also share photos to be featured in the report, and information about any unique or exciting flowers in their given locations.

Additionally, reports will provide news about springtime flower events to encourage travel, from renowned celebrations like the Rochester Lilac Festival and Albany Tulip Festival, to smaller garden shows and exhibitions.

Cobblestone Museum plans events during April 8 solar eclipse, including car show

Provided photo: Gary and Doreen Wilson of Albion expect to bring this MGTD 1952 replica to the car show at the Cobblestone Museum during the Solar Eclipse weekend in April.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 January 2024 at 8:53 am

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum is ramping up activities in preparation for the much-anticipated total solar eclipse on April 8.

Orleans County is in the direct path of this historic event and a big influx of visitors is expected to the region, assistant director Sue Bonafini reported in the winter edition of the “Cobblestoner.”

“The Cobblestone Museum is hopeful that members of the Cobblestone Society, friends of the Museum and visitors from near and far will join us for some planned events between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the ‘main event’ concludes Monday afternoon (April 8),” Bonafini said.

The Cobblestone’s “SOLAR” weekend is an acronym of what is expected on that historic weekend, Bonafini explained.

“S” is for shopping. The Museum Gift Shop, Holiday Shoppe and used books building will be open for browsing and making purchases.

“O” is for the Olde Tyme photo opportunity that will be available, with accessories of bygone eras provided for guests to put on and create a souvenir photo. Children can also visit the “Cobbles the Mouse” photo booth.

“L” is for learning. The Cobblestone’s docents will tell the history of select campus buildings, where storytellers will share historical accounts from the past. Exhibit rooms will also be open, where guests can learn about the 19th century coverlets of Orleans County and the Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries exhibit on display. Blacksmithing demonstrations will take place at designated times in the Vagg Blacksmithing Shop.

“A” is for an auto show that will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoon (weather permitting), featuring a variety of classic, antique and sports cars parked on the grounds, where visitors can see them up close and talk to their owners.

“R” is for the refreshments which will be sold on Monday, Solar Eclipse Day. Pizza will be sold by the slice, while popcorn, cobblestone candy and beverages will be sold individually or as part of the special SOLAR admission package rate of $25 per person.

Regular admission is $9 for adults and $6 for teens and students with a valid college ID. Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

In addition to the special SOLAR weekend, the Cobblestone Museum is urging people to register for their February virtual lecture event, in which speaker Debra Ross will address the solar eclipse. This is scheduled at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Ross is chair of Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force and co-chair of the AAS National Solar Eclipse Task Force.

Having witnessed the 2017 Great American Eclipse in Missouri, and understanding the implications for the Rochester area, Ross started the Rochester Eclipse Task Force, which now has more than 750 members in the area.

Ross will discuss what is going to happen in our area on April 8, what makes it such a transformational experience, how to experience the eclipse safely and who everyone should prepare to craft their own eclipse story by making the most of this moment in their own personal history and in Western New York history.

“Life is about writing your own story and you want this to be a chapter that you look back on and talk about for the rest of your life,” Ross said.

Holley library celebrating 75th anniversary this year with art show, many events

Posted 12 May 2022 at 10:37 am

Press Release, Community Free Library in Holley

HOLLEY – To celebrate its Diamond Jubilee (aka 75th anniversary of service to the community), the Community Free Library is planning a variety of events to be timed to coincide with the Holley June Fest on June 4.

Ahead of the activities planned during June Fest is a raffle – a floral arrangement sprouting gift cards totaling more than $300. These gift cards are not only for Holley businesses such as Dustin’s and Sam’s, but include Lowes, TJ Max, Sara’s Garden, Red Lobster, Chili’s, the Outback, Wild Flour and more – something for every taste.

Need to fix something around the home? Want to go out to eat? Need flowers for your garden? All of these are possible for the lucky winner. Tickets are currently on sale in the library, and are $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be held at the end of the day on June 4. Don’t miss your chance to win!

Starting June 27 and running concurrent with June Fest will be an art show presenting the works of three local artists – Tony Barry, Debra Mignano and Ken Claus in the library board room. Many of these art works are also available for sale. An exhibit of children’s art from the classes of Ken Claus – art works that reflect the joy children feel when working in different media – will be on view in the Library Children’s Room.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during June Fest, there will be an “Outrageous Book Sale” where participants can bring a bag from home and fill it to the top with books, DVDs and other items on sale – all for only $1. For those who want to add more to their home library, they can bring a box and fill it to overflowing for $3.

GO Art! seeks submissions for ‘Art of the Rural’ show

Posted 7 February 2022 at 10:44 am

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!)

BATAVIA – Artists of all kinds are invited to submit work to GO Art! for our 5th Annual Art of the Rural Juried Show. GO Art! is so excited to have the opportunity to open our Bank of Castile Main, Oliver’s, and Batavia Club galleries to a variety of artists for this show.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring back the ‘Art of the Rural’ Juried Exhibit this year,” said Gallery Coordinator Mary Jo Whitman. “We have always had such a great turnout and community response to this annual exhibit. It is a fabulous opportunity for artists of every level to showcase their talents while exploring the theme ‘rural’.”

Entries of any media, no larger than 36” by 48” will be accepted from Feb. 23 through March 4 at 201 E Main St in Batavia (Seymour Place) during gallery hours. All works must be original and created by the submitting artist. No previous submissions are permitted.

Entries must be accompanied by an entry form as well as an entry fee of $30 that will cover the submission of 5 pieces for members and 3 for non-members. Additional submissions will cost $5 each. Entry forms can be found at goart.org/upcoming-exhibitions.

Absolutely no entries will be accepted after March 4. A jury of selection will review all entries and will choose artwork to be displayed in the exhibit. Notification, by email, of the jury’s decisions will be made by March 12.

Accepted art will then be displayed in our The Art of the Rural Exhibit that will run from March 16 through April 30, with an opening reception to be held on March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. All are invited to this free reception! Tavern 2.o.1 will be open and on reception night cash prizes will be announced and awarded.

Cabaret in Albion returns Saturday with virtual show

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 October 2020 at 6:47 pm

Site hopes to open at 25 percent in-person capacity soon

File photo by Tom Rivers: Gary Simboli will be performing on Saturday at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion.

ALBION – The Covid pandemic has really affected the world, including the performing arts, said Amy Sidari, owner of Gotta Dance Studio and the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion.

She has a schedule of performers booked for 2020.

“By early 2020, Gary Simboli and I had already secured six tour buses for our matinee shows,” Sidari said. “I know in my heart we would have doubled, if not surpassed that had the pandemic not occurred. Our Judy Garland Show, Jazz Cabaret shows, Marcy Downey’s shows, our Variety Show, nationally acclaimed singer Erin Boheme and the Mancini Trio, as well as a Junior Class Variety Fundraiser Show and many more were put to a halt.”

Now Sidari said they are almost ready to open their doors for 25 percent seating for live performances, while streaming the show to the remaining patrons.

“You can imagine the loss of income the performers will experience with only 25 percent of the theater filled,” Sidari said. “Then factor in the added cost of technicians to create a virtual show.”

Once open in the future, the Cabaret at Studio B has come up with some new ideas to sweeten the deal for their live audiences, Sidari said. For guests fortunate enough to secure seats in the theater, they have created a VIP program.

Guests will be able to pull up to the curb at Studio C, and enter the building while staff parks their vehicle. This is not only convenient for guests, but safer, Sidari said. No one will have to stand in line. They will enter the studio, one car at a time, making social distancing easy.

Coat check is an option once inside the building.

A meet and greet with the performer will take place in the new Crossroads Studio, where all can socially distance.

Guests will then be escorted to their socially distant seats.

“Keep in mind we are speaking of an audience of only 22 people, making great visibility of the show,” Sidari said.

For those unable to attend, a ticket to a live stream or prerecorded show is a safe option. The show can be enjoyed in the privacy of the viewer’s own home, where they will see exactly what the in-person guests are viewing.

In the meantime, Gary Simboli is launching his new full-length show, “All you Need is Love.” This 90-minute show will make guests laugh, reflect on the world with love and leave them once again amazed at the gifts he possesses, Sidari said.

For those who want to know how this new format will work, they will purchase their tickets and on Oct. 10 a link will be e-mailed to them. Once they click on the link, they can watch the show any time, as many times as they like on the 10th. The next day, the link will disappear. The show has been professionally filmed by Joram Bierdeman with sound by Jan Erakare.

“Truly, when you view this performance, you will feel like you are in the Cabaret watching it live,” Sidari said.

Tickets are on sale now online (click here) or by calling the Ticket Team at (585) 354-2320.

“Gary and I are thrilled to bring entertainment back to you, one step at a time,” Sidari said. “Proceeds from this show will go our renovation fund to put the finishing touches on the new Crossroads Studio, which will lead to many new ideas, programs and events for the community we love.”

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Photo from late 1800s shows a bustling downtown Albion

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 16 November 2019 at 8:12 am

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 43

ALBION – This photograph, taken some time in the late 1880s or early 1890s, shows Main Street in Albion looking north from Bank Street. Comparing this image to a current view of the village, readers will notice very few changes in the cityscape of downtown Albion.

The only marking on the obverse side of the photo is the photographer, Francis J. Burnett. The approximate date of 1886-1893 is deduced by the appearance of a large wooden sign that reads “Western New York Hedge Company.” Organized in 1886 by Dwight Beckwith, the WNY Hedge Company encouraged local farmers to plant hedgerows between fields rather than using wooden fences. The short-lived company failed soon after around 1893.

Two village directories, one from 1887 and the other from 1894, provide a detailed look into life in Albion nearing the turn of the 20th century. The most notable feature of this image is the wide unpaved street. Sidewalks and curbing are all cut from locally quarried Medina sandstone and paving blocks run across the street at various locations to prevent pedestrians from soiling their shoes. Horses and buggies, the predominant method of transportation, are visible along the street. The attentive observer will notice the presence of hitching posts lining the sidewalks and the abundance of “road apples” scattered throughout the street, both indicative of equine transportation.

Businesses lined the streets of late-19th century Albion, providing residents with ample opportunities to purchase a variety of goods at specialty shops. On the left side of this image, awnings are pulled down over the storefronts of George W. Barrell’s Central Drug Store and James Bailey & Son’s Grocery Store. The mortar and pestle atop a four-sided post near the intersection of Main and Bank streets draws attention to the drug store. A small sign adjacent to Bailey’s Grocery Store reads “Law Office,” directing visitors to attorneys with offices on the upper floors of the Swan Block. The 1887 and 1894 village directories indicate that John Cunneen, Dean Currie, John G. Sawyer, and George Bullard all had offices in the upper floor of that building. Slightly visible lettering on the windows of the second floor advertise Oscar Eddy’s Insurance Agency as well.

Traveling north along the west side of the street, the image shows G. H. Sickels & Co. dry goods store with the awning retracted, followed by Franklin Clarke’s drug store, Landauer & Strouse’s dry goods, the Rochester Cash Store, and Lyman Root’s grocery store. Signs projecting from the upper floors of these blocks advertise the meeting rooms for the Ancient Order of United Workmen (labeled as Select Knights No. 3, Orleans Legion), the Grand Army of the Republic, and a millinery business operated by Lizzie Griswold. The Pratt Block, occupied by Lyman Root on the first floor, was occupied by his wife Emma Root’s millinery shop. The third floor, of course, was occupied by the Opera House. Further up the street is a sign that reads “Bakery” situated outside of Ben Franklin’s confectionary and bakery business followed by Henry Onderdonk’s furniture store and Guy Merrill’s hardware store.

Turning our attention to the east side of the street, several men have gathered around the large pocket watch advertisement in front of the Empire Block. Although difficult to read, the name H. W. Preston appears on the watch face. Hiram Preston’s jewelry store is just out of sight, although the store’s white awning is visible in the image. Another sign calls attention to Charles H. Eddy’s harness shop. Located in the “Grover Block,” Eddy shared space with John Kane, a boot and shoe salesman and Jay Sweet, who operated a drug store. The next stretch of buildings included a liquor store and brandy distillery operated by Palmer & Briggs, and George Waterman’s hardware store, which operated out of Andrew Wall’s Gothic Hall. This particular building stands out due to the presence of its gabled roof facing the street.

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Former Medina HS hosting big art show this weekend

Photos by Tom Rivers: Michael Hungerford and Emily Tucker, one of the curators of the PLAY/GROUND art show and cultural event, are shown with puppets created by Kyla Kegler of Buffalo. Kegler is one of 34 artists featured with work Friday through Sunday at the former Medina High School at 324 Catherine St. Performers will be wearing the puppet heads and costumes during the art show.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2019 at 8:59 pm

Last year’s debut of PLAY/GROUND attracted about 2,000 people

MEDINA – Artist have been transforming rooms, hallways, stairwells, even locker rooms and closets in the former Medina High School.

PLAY/GROUND, an immersive art experience, is back at the former school from Friday through Sunday. PLAY/GROUND debuted last year and attracted about 2,000 people to the show.

This year’s show will be bigger, with 34 artist installations, up from the 29 last year.

Talis Equity and the Hungerford family have worked to put on the show.

“For three days this building will be the center of art world in our area,” said Michael Hungerford, one of the leaders of the project.

Keith Lemley created “Symmetry Breaking” which combines geometric objects with light and architecture. Lemley hopes people who see the installation will think about everyday materials in new ways.

Hungerford and Talis Equity have teamed with Resource: Art, which includes three Western New York art curators – Anna Kaplan (Anna Kaplan Contemporary), Elisabeth Samuels (Indigo Art) and Emily Tucker (Benjamin Gallery).

The curators didn’t want traditional art – paintings, sculptures and framed photos.

Nate Hodge of Brockport created this abstract painting, “Medina Green,” in a locker room. Hodge will be covering every inch of the room with acrylic, house paints, salvaged wood and panels, inks and aerosol.

“We want you to think about art in a different way,” Tucker said Monday evening, giving a walk-through of the school.

It sounded like a construction zone with hammering, sawing wood and drilling screws.

“It’s fun to see it all come together,” Hungerford said. “Some of the rooms are done and it’s so much better than we imagined.”

Hungerford, a regional director for Takeform in Medina, read about a similar as PLAY/GROUND a couple years ago in a vacant warehouse in New York City. Last year, Hungerford pushed for the former Medina school to host an immersive art experience.

Michael’s uncle Roger is planning to turn the building into apartments. While it is vacant, Roger Hungerford agreed to give artists free rein to paint and create inside – and even some spots on the outside. (Look for a sailboat on the side of the building this weekend.) Hungerford also is paying the artists for their work.

Emily Tucker, one of the curators, said the funding and exposure through PLAY/GROUND has been appealing to the artists. Often artists are asked to work for free or on a very low budget. Or, they aren’t given full latitude to be creative. PLAY/GROUND urged them to push the envelope and create multi-sensory art work.

Tucker and Hungerford expect to top last year’s attendance. PLAY/GROUND will be running shuttle buses from Buffalo for the opening night celebration and preview party.

Tucker also said the event has been talked about since last year, with much more anticipation among in the arts community now that people know it’s such a unique experience, having so many artists in one building, with wildly divergent work.

Highlights of the three-day event include:

Friday – PLAY/GROUND opens with a 21 and over preview party from 7 pm – 11 pm. General Admission Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. There are also ticket options which include a shuttle ride to and from Medina leaving from Hotel Henry at 6 p.m.

Included in the price of the tickets to the September 27th PLAY/GROUND Preview Party is a performance from Torn Space Theater. The avant garde theater group known for their site specific performances at Silo City, has created a new work, Auditorium, which will be performed at two different times during the preview event. The party will feature a variety of food and drinks including small bites prepared by Chef Lionel Hydel of the soon-to-open Harvest Restaurant, associated with Bents Opera House in Medina. There will be a cash bar by Mile 303 and kombucha from Bootleg Bucha and Snowy Owl Kombucha.

Saturday and Sunday – the event costs $10 ($5 for all students with ID). PLAY/GROUND is geared towards families for these weekend days. The site can be visited from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. There will be family friendly activities in the former gymnasium and live music curated and presented by Revolution Gallery in the Auditorium.

For more information on PLAY/GROUND, click here.

Rich Tomasello made “Safe Space” out of cardboard and white plaster. More than 150 students from Kenmore, Tonawanda and Starpoint schools helped create the artwork. The installation addresses the anxieties of growing up in American schools where lockdown drills are commonplace.

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About 1,000 people attended Home and Garden Show over the weekend

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 April 2019 at 3:37 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: United Way director Dean Bellack talks with Orleans County Chamber of Commerce director Rebecca Charland at the start of the Orleans County Home Show. This was United Way’s first year having a booth at the Home Show and was part of the agency’s efforts to be more visible in the community.

KNOWLESVILLE – Although the weather did nothing to cooperate, the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show still boasts a success from the weekend event at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

An estimated 1,000 people came through the doors, said Orleans County Chamber of Commerce president Kathy Blackburn.

The annual home show provides vendors and businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products and services, while providing the public with valuable information.

Linda Kludt, a member of Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s board, sells a ticket on a pair of gliders to Kat Tsoukatos of Clarendon during the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show.

Vendor space was sold out and spilled over from the Lartz Exhibit Building to the Trolley Building. Vendors represented a wide variety of interests, including tourism, gardening, banking, home improvement, building trades, jewelry, pools and spas, heating and more. The 810 Meadworks on Saturday and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Sunday were popular with their wine tastings.

The Sourced Market and Eatery added a nice touch with their first participation in the Home Show, serving breakfast and lunch in the Trolley Building.

Kelly Moore of Brockport brought children Payton Preston, 10, and Callen Preston, 4, to the Orleans County Chamber’s Home, Garden and Outdoor Show on Sunday to take part in the Scavenger Hunt. Payton and Callen have their eye patches and pirate’s flags, as they set out to find hidden treasure throughout the home show booths.

Visitors received a ticket with their paid admission which made them eligible to win a prize at any booth if their ticket matched one posted by each vendor.

Saturday the Albion Elks Lodge served a chicken barbecue. Sunday’s highlight was a Pirate Treasure Hunt for children, who donned their eye patch and searched for clues at vendor’s booths.

From left, Kathy Blackburn, president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce; Rebecca Charland, director; and Paula Knapp, board member, watch as vendor Denise Best pulls the winning ticket for a pair of Comfort Back Glider chairs, which the Chamber raffled off. The lucky winner was Elizabeth Jubenville of Kent.

A tradition for many years has been to close the Home Show by drawing the winning ticket for a major prize. In past years the Chamber has awarded lawn mowers, scooters and an outdoor shed. This year’s prize was a set of comfort back gliders valued at $1,125. Denise Best, who had the Scentsy booth, pulled the winning ticket, which belonged to Elizabeth Jubenville of Kent.

“I never win anything,” Jubenville said when she received the news.

“What a way to end a successful show,” Blackburn said.

Charlene Pratt of Medina, left, talks with volunteer Pam Schuner in the OCALS booth at the Orleans County Chamber’s Home, Garden and Outdoor Show. Looking on at right is Pam’s husband Jeffrey.

Gail Miller, manager of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina, and Shauna Gardner greeted people at the Farmers’ Market booth at the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show. Miller holds the schedule for summer hours of the market, which begin in June.

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GCC has reception today for student art show in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers: Madison Reese created the painting at right, one of about 40 in the art display at GCC in Albion.

Staff Reports Posted 23 April 2019 at 3:49 pm

ALBION – The Albion Campus Center of Genesee Community College proudly invites the public see about 40 paintings and other artwork done by the students in instructor Karen Flack’s Painting 101 and 102 classes. Artwork on display will encompass a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic and mixed media.

There is an opening reception today from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Albion Campus Center, 456 West Ave. Light refreshments will be served. Artwork will be on display through the end of the semester or until May 7. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibit throughout this time during any of the campus center’s open hours.

The artists include Clifford Braman, Alyson Cameron, Diane Huntington, Joan Garcia, Anna Goodwin, Charity Kremer, Chase McAdoo, Heather Ramsey and Madison Reese.

“Our students create a refreshingly diverse array of lovely paintings,” Mrs. Flack said. “The students impress me year after year with their talent, their receptivity to painting theory and techniques and their appreciation of art as a worthwhile endeavor.”

Subjects are varied and include portraits, landscapes, abstract, still-life and research of great artists. Many of the students started with little or no prior experience in artistic painting, and those who have some background in art have honed their skills.

Alyson Cameron created the painting at left. Other artwork, from left to right, is by Heather Ramsey, Clifford Braman and Madison Reese.

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Healthcare rate hikes show Obamacare is a ‘flawed law,’ Collins says

Posted 25 October 2016 at 2:47 pm

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) today released the following statement after reports found that premiums for Obamacare’s benchmark plans are set to increase by an average of 25 percent. Additionally, consumer’s coverage choices will be drastically reduced in many areas, Collins said.

“The implosion of this failed law was to be expected,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Congressional Democrats and President Obama forced this program into law, despite knowing full and well that the initial rates were artificially low and unsustainable for insurers. Families must now either find 25 percent more income to pay for these increased premiums or opt for significantly reduced health coverage for their loved ones.

“Unfortunately, this latest price increase is another slap in the face to hardworking New Yorkers that Obamacare has failed time and again. Last year, more than 200,000 New Yorkers were kicked off their health care plans after Health Republic overpromised benefits to its consumers, and left New York taxpayers with the double whammy of having to pay for the its $265 million in losses.”

Since passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, premiums and deductibles have increased substantially, the largest private health insurers in the nation have attempted to merge due to crippling losses, and more Americans are on taxpayer-funded Medicaid than ever before. The collapse of CO-OPs across a variety of states has cost taxpayers over $1.2 billion. Congressional Republicans have repeatedly proposed and voted to keep certain safeguards of the Affordable Care Act, while increasing plan flexibility and making insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

Collins currently serves on the Health Subcommittee for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over many aspects of Obamacare and has continuously worked to replace what Collins said is a “flawed law.”

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Teachers and principal will rock at Lyndonville talent show

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2014 at 12:00 am

‘Common Core’ will entertain at intermission, playing AC/DC, Johnny Cash and more

Photo by Tom Rivers – The “Common Core” band of Lyndonville teachers and a principal gets together Monday. Pictured from left include Brian Lang on guitar, Jason Wilhelm as lead singer and guitar, Kristina Best on drums and Aaron Slack on guitar. John Bailey is also part of the group.

LYNDONVILLE – The annual talent show at Lyndonville Central School is a much-anticipated event, with several hundred people packing into the school’s Stroyan Auditorium.

The event, in the past, has included teachers, but that participation had tapered off in recent years. However, the teachers will be back on stage for Thursday’s talent show, and they’ll be back in a big way.

Four teachers plus Middle/High School Principal Dr. Aaron Slack will perform in a rock band, “Common Core.” The band will make its debut and play about 10 songs during intermission, and the audience will hear a variety of music from hard-rocking AC/DC to contemporary Christian.

The band is led by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jason Wilhelm, who is also the district’s information technology director. He is part of a U2 cover band.

“I think when the kids see us up on the stage it will excite them to get more involved in the school,” Wilhelm said.

The Lyndonville band will also perform songs by Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Imagine Dragons, and Darius Rucker.

Courtesy of Lyndonville Central School – This doctored poster hangs in the Lyndonville community promoting a performance by Common Core, which includes from left: PE and health teacher Brian Lang, high school band teacher Kristina Best, school district IT director Jason Wilhelm, elementary music teacher John Bailey and middle/high school principal Dr. Aaron Slack.

Wilhelm and Slack are joined in “Common Core” by elementary physical education and health teacher Brian Lang, high school band teacher Kristina Best, and elementary music teacher John Bailey. The teachers are busy leading extracurricular programs at Lyndonville, including coaching sports and playing in the high school musical. Slack also has been busy working on the district’s budget.

The busy schedules have made it a challenge for the band to practice for Thursday’s show. But they have found time. After a final rehearsal on Wednesday, Slack said the group will be ready.

“We want to show students that they can pursue musicianship when they are older,” said Slack, who is a freelance guitar player for different bands.

Lang, the PE teacher, also hopes the band’s willingness to perform for a big crowd will encourage students to try more activities in school, even ones that are outside their comfort zones.

“We hope the kids will see us in a different way outside of normal roles at school,” Lang said. “I think we might be able to motivate the kids to be more involved.”

“Common Core” was picked as a name for the band. That is also the name for the state’s new standardized testing program.

The talent show begins at 7 p.m. and includes 15 student acts that include dancing, singing, tumbling and cheerleading, and various musical ensembles. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds will go towards the junior/senior prom.

Albion churches are showcases of stained-glass masterpieces

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – The stained-glass window tour on Saturday included a stop at the First United Methodist Church. The Good Shepherd window was created in the Tiffany style but not by Tiffany. The large window was gift to the congregation by the church’s pastor in 1914, the Rev. Henry Clay Woods.

ALBION – They drove through a storm to see works of art by famed masters of the craft.

Anne and Ed Engel of Oakfield weren’t disappointed on Saturday with the first ever stained-glass window tour of Albion’s seven churches in the historic Courthouse Square.

The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church has more than 40 windows created by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, perhaps the most esteemed stained glass artist.

Bill Lattin, Orleans County historian, talks about the Christ the Consoler window in the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. The church in 1895 wanted a window with outstretched arms of Christ to fit the denomination’s welcoming tradition.

One of the windows of Christ the Consoler shows Jesus with his outstretched arms. George Pullman paid $5,000 for that window, which was installed in January 1895.

Tiffany highlighted that window as example of the firm’s work in an 1898 brochure.

Engel gazed at the glass, and ran her finger along the bottom of the window.

“I touched a Tiffany stained-glass window,” she said, breaking into a smile.

Tiffany revolutionized the stained-glass world. Stained-glass windows, prior to Tiffany, tended to have clear glass with a stencil pattern painted on the glass.

The Free Methodist Church in Albion was built in 1860, the first church in a denomination that now has more than 1,000 churches. The church still has the original stained-glass windows from the building. Those windows from 1860 were fairly plain compared to the style that emerged in the 1890s.

Tiffany developed opalescent glass, putting color directly in glass. His windows became very popular in the 1890s. His windows at the Pullman church were installed in 1895.

Other stained-glass artists turned to opalescent glass, and many churches, including several in Albion, swapped out their older, plainer windows with Tiffany-style windows, Lattin said on the tour. (Lattin wrote a book about Orleans County’s stained-glass windows: Luminaries in the Firmament.)

The windows in the seven churches range in age from the 1860s to the 1960s. Many of the masters of the craft, both at the regional and national level, created windows for churches in Albion.

Lattin concluded the tour of the seven churches inside St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which includes many narrative windows that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Leo Frohe, a popular stained-glass artist from Buffalo, designed and created many of the windows at St. Joseph’s. The Frohe studio also has several windows at the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albion.

Lattin said Albion is blessed to have so many exquisite examples of stained glass.

“There is really some extraordinary artwork here,” Lattin said after leading the tour. “There is really something here that can be marketed.”

Saturday’s tour drew about 40 participants on a bitterly cold morning. Tony and Cathy Mancuso of Elba have driven through Albion for years. They have long admired the churches, and wondered what they were like inside.

They took lots of pictures of the windows, the pipe organs and architectural features. Mr. Mancuso works in the real estate business.

“This place is absolutely gorgeous,” Mancuso said while on a tour of the First Presbyterian Church. “I love the woodwork in here.”

Lattin stands in the Presbyterian Church by a window created by Henry Keck, an apprentice at the Tiffany studio until 1933, when he started his own company in Syarcuse. This is an early work by Keck, created in 1934 as memorial to Ella Beckwith Kenney, a Sunday School teacher at the Presbyterian Church. Lattin said it’s one of his favorite windows in Orleans because of theme and striking colors. It shows a teacher and her two students.

Connie Mosher is a long-time local resident and an artist. She praised Lattin for his recall of the dates of the windows, who made them, and the stories behind them often as memorials for local residents. Lattin led the nearly two-hour tour without notes.

Mosher said the tour was an eye-opener and made her admire the community’s residents from a century ago even more. The seven churches showcase a variety of architectural features. The buildings are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The churches have added meaning after learning about their windows, Mosher said.

“What a heritage we have,” she said. “Until you get inside, you don’t realize the richness of it.”