By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The silos at Atwater Farms in Barker are pictured through a field of corn on Sunday evening.
The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms are likely for Orleans County, and much of western and central New York this evening and overnight.
“A general inch of rainfall is likely through Tuesday morning with embedded heavier thunderstorms producing additional rainfall,” the Weather Service said. “The threat for flooding is lowered due to the recent dry spell. However there is still a low threat for some localized flash flooding this afternoon through Tuesday morning.”
Today is forecast for a high of 81 degrees, followed by a high of 75 on Tuesday with showers and fog likely. Wednesday should reach 70 degrees with a chance for showers, followed by a sunny Thursday with a high of 74, according to the Weather Service.
The same silos are pictured at Atwater Farms in a slightly different perspective.
Provided photos – Marty Busch, the Medina code enforcement officer, shops and chats at Panek’s Pickin’ Patch at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – The new farmers’ market in Medina will start accepting senior coupons as well as Women, Infants, and Children coupons this Saturday.
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market opened on July 11 at the parking lot on West Center Street across from the Post Office. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
The market has been accepted into NYS Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides checks to low-income, nutritionally at-risk families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC and Senior Nutrition Programs. The checks are redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets.
“We’ve had several inquiries weekly regarding the availability of these services,” said Chris Busch, president of the Orleans Renaissance Group, which organizes the market. “With the market going into its fifth week very strong, we’re excited to be able to add this to the offerings. Last week we attracted 450-plus patrons.”
Crowds gather at the new farmers’ market in Medina last Saturday. Organizers say more than 450 visited the market that day.
Current produce featured at the market comes from Panek’s Pickin’ Patch, Roberts Farm Market, Stymus Farms, SK Herefords and Sunrise Bees. Other regular vendors include Shirt Factory Café, Sweet Source Bakery, Wide Angle Art Gallery and 810 Meadworks. The Old English Tea Shoppe and Renko Meat Processing also will return on Aug. 15.
The market often includes entertainment, and this week will feature musician Mark Buell and a historical talk and walk by Erica Wanecsk. She will lead a short discussion of what shopping was like in historic Medina versus current day.
“The market continues to grow every week,” Busch said. “We offer a great variety that changes a bit week to week.”
The market is managed by Gail Miller, an ORG volunteer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Phoebe Kirby, left, and Kasey Neal of Albion are delighted with the ride on the Midway on Saturday, the last day of the Orleans County 4-H Fair for 2015.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – The 2015 Orleans County 4-H Fair may be history, but there’s a lot of work to do to clean up the fairgrounds, animal/exhibit buildings and food stands following the festivities. 4-Hers, leaders and family members gathered Monday evening for a clean-up workbee. Here, 4-H’ers scan the grounds for garbage. Participants enjoyed a corn and hot dog roast following their efforts.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – 4-H’ers (and sisters) Gracie and Sadie Gregoire of Murray found some interesting items left behind by fairgoers and participants during a clean-up of the fairgrounds on Monday evening.
KNOWLESVILLE If the weather cooperates for the six days of the Orleans County 4-H Fair, attendance generally falls in the 25,000 to 30,000 range.
However, if it is stiflingly hot or if there is a lot of rain, attendance will usually fall below 25,000, said Robert Batt, a 4-H educator who also helps run the fair.
The fair started off slow last with temperatures near about 90 degrees from Monday through Wednesday. That kept many people home. The temperatures were more bearable the final three days of the fair and the community turned out in droves.
The attendance for the fair is estimated at 24,233. Batt said the Fair Committee uses a formula that includes 3 people per car as well as other factors.
“Overall things went very well,” Batt said.
Fair-goers were very positive about the Pork Chop Review, which included trained pigs doing stunts. Other mainstays – the 4-H exhibits, livestock competitions, grease pole, karaoke, and bands – also proved popular.
“We just continue to be a traditional country fair that reflects what our community is about,” Batt said.
He praised a dedicated group of many volunteers for organizing and running the annual event. Lynn Hill is the fair manager and Mark Moore is chairman of the Fair Committee.
The 4-H program is seeing a surge in membership. About a year ago there were 300 members. Now there are 422 youths, ages 9 to 19, in the program.
ELBA – Dean Norton of Elba, the current president of New York Farm Bureau, announced today he is seeking to become vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“This is an important time for agriculture in New York and throughout our great nation,” Norton said in a statement released by NYFB. “As farmers, we have many opportunities and challenges ahead of us, and my years of leadership in Farm Bureau at the state and national levels have prepared me well to take them on as AFBF’s vice president. The office would allow me to expand my advocacy for hard working farm families across America and give my home state a more visible role in this vital organization.
“For me, family is essential to having a strong agricultural sector, and that is what makes this decision personal for me. I will work hard to ensure that the future is strong for our sons and daughters who are the next generation of farmers, and I wouldn’t have made this decision without the loving support of my wife Melanie, our two children, and our families.
“Serving in this role will allow me to still be president of New York Farm Bureau, and if I am successful in this endeavor, I will do all that I can to make both organizations even more effective. I appreciate the support that I have received so far, and I look forward in the coming months to working with and listening to Farm Bureau members from across the country ahead of AFBF’s Annual Convention in Orlando this January.
“I am excited about the prospect of helping to lead AFBF as we work to continue the successful momentum developed under outgoing President Bob Stallman.”
Norton’s wife Melanie grew up in Albion. Norton works as a senior agriculture consultant at a CPA firm in Batavia. His family owns a dairy farm in Elba. In addition, he and his wife operate DMCK Cattle Co., LLC renting dairy cows and tillable land along with selling beef cattle.
Dean has served on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors representing the Northeast since 2010 as well as the AFBF Executive Committee. He was elected NYFB president in December of 2008, and he has served on a variety of NYFB commodity committees. He also was Genesee County Farm Bureau president for four years, and served four years on the NYFB State Board of Directors prior to being elected president of NYFB.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair ended its annual six-day run on Saturday, with the fair drawing thousands of people each day to the hamlet of Knowlesville.
Krsitina Gabalski was at the fair each day. Her two children, John and Peggy-Jo, are active in the 4-H program.
The top photo shows Naomi Haberger, Emma Mathes and Saleya Williams – all members of the Adventurers 4-H club – wearing their matching outfits as “mannequin models” in the Trolley Building on Saturday afternoon.
Fair Royalty were selected Saturday afternoon. Left to right: Princess alternate Olivia Kroening, Princess Lilly Mathes; Prince alternate Jack Cecchini, Prince Owen Shaw; Dutchess Alternate Emma Mathes, Dutchess Megan Blackburn; Duke Brian Shaw; Queen Alternate Peggy-Jo Gabalski, Queen Natalie Mrzywka, and Duke Alternate Justin Robinson.
Roman Brege, 8, takes a breather during the Pie Eating Contest on Friday evening. Brege came in second place in the Piglet Division (10 and under). First place in the division went to 9-year old Jillian Ray. In the Hog Division (11-17-year olds), first place went to 14-year old Dalton Moyer and second place went to 13-year old Haley Mayer. In the Old Boar Division (ages 18 and up) first place was taken by John Burgio and second place went to Sue Moyer.
Megan Bruning of Bruning Ware in Medina throws a pot during her pottery demonstration Friday afternoon in the Trolley Building.
4-H’ers work to pass hula hoops down a line all while continuing to hold hands during the Ag Olympics held Friday morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Three teams competed during the event.
Things got a little messy and very fun during the “Musical Chairs” game at the 4-H Ag Olympics on Friday morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Participants not only had to sit when the music stopped, they had to burst a balloon on the chair seat filled with shaving cream.
Elsa Bieliski, left, and Brigid Keller, both 15 and from Medina, prepare to share their yummy brownie sundae at the Leader’s Pie Stand.
The crew exits a Mercy Flight helicopter Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. The helicopter landed on the south lawn of the fairgrounds as part of the “Kids Love Trucks Day.” Youngsters were able to get an up-close view of the helicopter and emergency trucks/vehicles from fire departments, law enforcement agencies and ambulance services around Orleans County.
Fire trucks and emergency response vehicles from across Orleans County were on display for fairgoers Saturday afternoon during the final day of the fair.
Theresa Jewell works on her loom in the Lartz Building. She is weaving a scarf. Jewell owns Stoney Meadows Alpacas and Fiber Boutique on Glidden Road in Clarendon and this was her first year as a vendor at the fair.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The severe thunderstorm that hit late this afternoon brought along hail. That is an unwelcome sight in an agricultural community where the apples and other crops are maturing and await harvest season.
This photo shows some of the hail in my back yard in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – This pig is napping at the Orleans County 4-H Fair last week. There was lots of sunshine for the fair during its six-day run from July 26 to Aug. 1.
This week could be stormy, the National Weather Service said. It has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Orleans County and much of western and central New York.
” A cold front will cross this region on Monday,” the Weather Service said. “Showers and thunderstorms will likely be along and ahead of the front with a few of the thunderstorms potentially becoming strong to severe, with strong to damaging wind gusts the primary severe weather threat.”
Monday is forecast for a high of 79 degrees with a likely chance of thunderstorms. There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms on Tuesday with a high of 74.
Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be mostly sunny with highs of 73 on Wednesday and 74 on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Sam Remley of Albion, the last climber for the BB Queens, propels himself over Taylor Soule and makes it to the top of the grease pole in 18.80 seconds, the fastest time of the week in the grease pole competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
That time was part of the qualifier on Saturday. The BB Queens then competed in the championship round and bested three other teams for the title.
The BB Queens are all smiles after winning the title. The team mostly consists of recent Albion graduates. The group includes, front row, from left: Halle Jurs, Cady Messmer, Sam Remley and Taylor Soule. Back row: Grease pole event chairman Jeremy Neal, Marco Lopez, Hannah Hapeman, Brooke Bensley and Jessica Grimes.
The BB Queens race to the pole in the championship round. They climbed the grease-covered pole in 23.13 seconds to win the title. They won $100 for first place.
The team competed in the contest for the first time in 2014. Brooke Bensley is the team captain.
“We have so much fun,” Bensely said. “It’s about getting all of the high school kids together.”
The BB Queens work their way up the pole. Sam Remley, the last climber for the team, was called the BB Queens “secret weapon.” He has the upper body strength and agility to climb up three stacked people.
A big crowd gathered to watch the competition on Saturday night.
Jackie Sponaugle of Holley serves as the base for a team called Lyntucky Hicks. Kevin Ginger of Albion is climbing on Sponaugle, trying to be the second person on the pole.
Jackie Sponaugle holds up two people on the pole. He got more grease on his face as the team tried to work its way up the pole. The Lyntucky Hicks didn’t quite get to the top in the qualifying round on Saturday.
The Udder Suckers compete in the finals on Saturday. Neal Kruger of Holley is nearly to top with his feet on the shoulder of Noah Preston of Albion.
Neal Kruger smiles after reaching the top of the grease pole for the Udder Suckers, which finished third overall in the finals with a time of 31.18 seconds. The Troll Diggers were second at 26.61 seconds. Lusciously Lube was fourth at 36.62 seconds.
Lusciously Lube’s top three climbers include Devan Freeman on top, followed by Ben Martin and Mike Murphy.
The A Team gets in position to climb the pole. The climbers include Devin Taylor at left, Jake Vick at center and Larry Vick at right. The team was wearing shirts in support of Tom Drennan for sheriff.
A full moon was out Saturday for the competition, which has been a tradition at the fair for about 40 years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Buyers were out in force on Saturday evening, paying well above the market price for animals raised by 4-H’ers.
Jayden Neal, 12, of Albion is pictured with a pig that received the highest bid of seven swine. Bentley Brothers in Albion paid $6.75 per pound for the 264-pound pig or $1,782. Andy Beach, left, and Zach Welker keep an eye on the bidders.
The auction raised $18,888 for 4-H’ers, who sold a steer, pigs, lambs, meat goats, meat rabbits, and processed chickens and turkeys. (The live chickens and turkeys were banned from county fairs this year due to avian influenza.)
Robert Bannister, right, serves as auctioneer for the 4-H Market Meat Auction. His sister Jayne Bannister is in the ring with the lone steer in the auction. Panek Farms paid $4.50 a pound or $5,378 for the 1,195-pound animal.
Jim Panek, co-owner of the farm, said the Panek family wants to support the 4-H program and the kids who raise livestock.
He said the meat from the animal would be split up among family and employees of the farm.
John Gabalski, 14, of Byron has a pen of rabbits for sale in the auction. They sold for $70 each.
Ian Smith, 17, of Lyndonville is pictured with his grand champion rabbit. Laura Bentley from Bentley Brothers paid $105 for the rabbit.
Smith said a meat rabbit usually commands about $20. He said he would use the extra money from Bentley to buy cages, bowls and hutches for his rabbits.
Zach Welker eyes a bidder for a turkey raised by Grace Sapienza of Hilton. The turkey was already processed. Grace held up a poster with pictures of the animal. The 18-pound bird sold for $55.
Zachary Neal, 10, of Albion gives his pig a final brush before heading into the show ring. Zachary’s brother Jayden, left, also raised a pig for the auction. The brothers were happy with the prices for their pigs. Jayden received $6.75 a pound and Zachary got $5.25 a pound for a 224-pound pig from Lee Shukhecht and Sons in Elba.
Anna Wagester, 12, of Batavia watches the bids for her rabbit, which sold for $87.50. She also had a meat goat in the auction. Her mother Jennifer Wagester is director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Friday at the fair once again included a fireworks show by Young Explosives.
These photos were taken near the livestock barns.
The fireworks went off at about 10 p.m. and helped keep a big crowd at the fairgrounds.
The Who Dats put on an entertaining show at the main stage. Ed Hilfiker, right, plays the guitar and Lonnie Froman is the leader singer. John Borello, center, is also a guitarist.
Ed Hilfiker is silhouetted on the main stage during the Who Dats concert.
Aaron Robinson plays the drums for the Who Dats. Another band member includes Marty Hobbs on bass.
A 1947 Cadillac is among about 100 classic cars in a cruise in on Friday evening at the fair.
The Troll Diggers Practice Squad race to the grease pole and begin their climb. The team made it to the top in 27 seconds. They had already qualified for today’s championships.
Andrew Jones touches the top of the grease pole while standing on Isaiah Jenks’ shoulders. These photos were taken from a lift.
The competition draws several hundred people, perhaps more, as a finale to the fair each night.
Craig Calliste of Lyndonville makes his way up the grease pole for the Udder Suckers, a team of mostly former 4-H’ers who showed dairy animals.
Craig Calliste and the Udder Suckers made it to the top in 1:12. That earned the team a spot in tonight’s championships. Calliste is climbing over Noah Preston, who stands on Theo Irwin. Jonathan Trembley is the base for the team.
