ALBION – An Albion woman who was injured in an April 22 car accident on Route 31 near Knowlesville has died from those injuries, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has reported today.
Sue “Sue Ellen” E. Ryan-Sauer, 66, died on April 29 at Buffalo General Hospital Neuro Intensive Care Unit.
Ryan-Sauer was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her granddaughter, Sara Secore, 20, of Medina. Secore made a right turn from the south shoulder of the highway in an attempt to enter a private driveway. While making the turn, Secore’s action caused a westbound pickup truck, driven by Jack Bower of Waterport, to strike the passenger side of the Secore vehicle, Undersheriff Chris Bourke said in a news release.
Ryan-Sauer was taken by Mercy Flight helicopter to Erie County Medical Center. Bower was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital. Secore was not injured.
No charges are being filed at this time, Bourke said. Orleans County deputies R. Flaherty, J. Gifaldi and J.J. Cole conducted the investigation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Lockport man who pleaded guilty to grand larceny in December was sentenced today in Orleans County Court to 2 to 4 years in state prison.
Richard Wheeler, 45, admitted in a previous court appearance that he took checks from a local farmer, forged signatures and cashed them. As part of a plea deal, he was ordered to pay $4,971 in restitution. Wheeler worked for the victim in the crime, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Wheeler has a prior driving while intoxicated conviction, making him a second felony offender. That required Judge James Punch to sentence Wheeler to at least half of the maximum sentence, the judge said.
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library will have its annual meeting at 7 p.m. May 11 at the library, 620 West Ave.
Library leaders will present the budget for 2015-16, which keeps the tax levy at $520,641. Because there is no increase in taxes, the budget doesn’t need a public vote.
“The board is sensitive to the pressures felt by taxpayers, particularly in the Village of Medina,” said Maryellen Dale, president of board. “As fiscal stewards, we constantly strive to balance increased operation costs with a conservative revenue request. We are proud of our staff and our high standards of service.”
Besides the presentation of budget, the annual meeting on May 11 will include voting on a trustee position and the presentation of the annual report.
Trustee Cynthia Kiebala is seeking re-election as a trustee for a five-year term. Qualified residents of Medina Central School District (18 and older and a resident for at least 30 days) may vote for the trustee vacancy.
The library’s service area includes Medina Central School District, and district residents are welcome to attend the meeting.
Golden Hill is looking for original photos of residence
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – This photo shows a long section of the Drake estate wall facing west.
By Cheryl Wertman
BARKER – A camping visit to one of our state parks is always a fun occasion and sometimes provides a pleasant and interesting surprise, and that was certainly the case on Saturday.
This weekend while camping at Golden Hill State Park near Barker, we took part in the New York State Park’s “I Love My Park Day.”
Several projects were available to work on and the one we chose was to help clean up a section of the Drake House ruins.
This photo shows a corner of the wall with a fancy curve section. A portion of the wall has broke apart revealing how it was constructed.
We have camped at Golden Hill for many years but had not heard of the ruins of the former Drake estate which are located at the extreme east end of the state park property along County Line Road.
We did not know what to expect but were really surprised with what we found. While the house no longer exits large sections of the very elaborately decorated walls which surrounded a large section the property still exits as does a brick patio area, fish pond and large stone barbecue feature.
A view of the wall from the curved corner looking east.
The accompanying photos show sections of the wall that include colorful inlaid mosaic tiles as well as brick and stone design features including an anchor and a horseshoe.
According to a pamphlet published by Town of Somerset Historian Lorraine Wayner, the estate’s house was constructed in the 1850s by Aaron Drake. Interestingly, one of the later owners was Robert Newell of Medina who owned the Newell Shirt factory.
Historian Wayner notes that the Newells, who owned the property in the 1930s, “restored the house, built a tea room and the fish pond was an added attraction.” She adds that in the following years the property was owned for a time by a religious group, the Bethesda Gospel Tabernacle.
Here is a close up view of a section of the wall showing several of the colorful mosaic tiles and a cross detail made of brick.
Historian Wayner notes that the property was “very much run down when Dr. Harry Parker, from Buffalo bought the property. He restored it to a point but the family didn’t live there long. Finally in 1962 New York State acquired the land as part of the development of Golden Hill State Park. Historian Wayner notes that ‘the house was demolished.’ The only thing left was the crumbling walls.”
It is those historic and intricately decorated estate walks that park officials are now looking to try to make a more active part of the park for visitors to enjoy, possibly including a picnic area.
The park welcomes any historic photos that show the original building. For more information on Golden Hill State Park, click here.
A close up section of the wall appears showing the inlaid anchor detail in stone.
Here is a section of the wall showing a cross and horseshoe details in brick and stone.
Here is a view of the patio with a large section of the estate wall.
The large stone barbecue feature was part of the Drake Estate.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Joe Heath and Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener John Myers install a sign at the new compost education site on the Orleans 4-H Fairgrounds. The site is dedicated in memory of Joe’s dad, Joe Heath, who volunteered as a Master Gardener.
KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardener volunteers at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension have dedicated a new educational composting display site in memory of fellow Master Gardener Joe Heath of Medina, who was dedicated to teaching children about conservation.
Mr. Heath died on Jan. 5. A dedication ceremony was held on Saturday morning at the site which is located just outside the Buzz Hill Education Center at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Heath’s family – his wife Marie, daughter Jen, son Joe, Joe’s wife Lisa, and their children Connor and Kylie – all attended the ceremony and helped to place a sign at the site.
The family of Joe Heath is pictured by the new compost education site at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. The family includes, front, Joe Heath’s granddaughter, Kylie; wife, Marie; and grandson Connor. Back row: son, Joe; daughter-in-law, Lisa; and daughter, Jen.
Currently the composting site contains a cinder (concrete) block turning unit and an example of a ready-made commercial compost bin.
“This is nowhere near complete,” Master Gardener John Myers said during the dedication.
Examples of other composting systems will be added to the display. Myers, a long-time friend of Heath’s, led the effort to prepare the site. He noted Joe Heath was always very involved in teaching Orleans County sixth graders about composting during the annual Conservation Field Days held at the Fairgrounds in late May.
“We really, truly appreciate everything Joe did for us,” said Kim Hazel, agriculture administrative assistant at the Cooperative Extension.
This is a picture of the sign, before they put it into place.
Hazel is also a Master Gardener and she said Joe always managed to “brighten up my day” when he would be at the Fairgrounds for various events or to work on projects.
“We really loved to do it,” said Joe’s wife Marie, who also volunteered as a Master Gardener.
Master Gardeners formerly had a composting display with various examples of composting systems next to the log cabin on the Fairgrounds.
The new site puts the display in a more visible location – it can be seen from Rt. 31 and from the roadway/walkway that runs through the Fairgrounds, Hazel said.
It will also be easier for staff at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension to use of the site for composting since it is so close to the Buzz Hill Education Center which houses their offices.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Rochester man could face up to 5 years in state prison after he admitted in Orleans County Court today that he sold cocaine.
Keith Toney, 36, of Rochester faces up to 5 years in state prison as a second felony offender.
Toney and a Rochester woman Lakusha McMorris, 35, both were arrested on Jan. 27 following a six-month investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine from the City of Rochester to Medina.
Toney admitted in court today he arranged the transactions by phone and McMorris said she was the delivery person on three occasions. Toney was charged in January with nine counts of criminal sale of controlled substance in the third degree.
Toney pleaded guilty today to third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance. He pleaded guilty specifically to arranging for a cocaine sale at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Brockport on Aug. 27, 2014.
He made the deal with an informant from Orleans County, which is why the case is being handled in Orleans County Court. Brockport is located in neighboring Monroe County.
Judge James Punch wanted another week to study the case law regarding whether McMorris’s crime should be handled in Orleans County. She said she didn’t make the phone calls or have contact in Orleans County with the drug buyers. She said she was delivering the drug for Toney.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said case law supports McMorris being tried in Orleans County as an accomplice to the sales arranged by Toney.
“We’ll check the jurisdictional aspect,” Punch said. “It’s an unusual case.”
McMorris, a first time felony offender, is due back in court on May 11.
Provided photos – Ceil Feldman, a Hospice volunteer for more than 20 years, received a “gag” gift of a bag of flour in recognition of many gifts of baked goods to the staff and volunteers.
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans honored volunteers and supporters who serve the agency during a recognition banquet and annual meeting last week.
Don Algeo received Hospice’s Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Don is always willing to help,” said Volunteer Coordinator Christine Fancher. “He volunteers at the Residence four or more hours a week and goes to a patient’s home and prepares meals twice a week.” Algeo also serves on the Hospice of Orleans Board of Directors.
Jerome Pawlak received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for Hospice of Orleans’ founding director. The award recognizes a community member who understands, embraces and supports the organization’s mission in sacrificial ways.
“Jerome always says ‘yes’ when we ask if we can sell bouquets at his Save-A-Lot Stores or ask for any other assistance,” said Mary Anne Fischer, Hospice executive director, as she presented the award.
Pawlak told the group that his father had been a supporter of Hospice since its inception and that he is proud to carry on that tradition.
Merrill Grinnell Funeral Home received the Hospice Business/Civic Award for its role in developing and supporting the Classic Car Show for the past two years.
Don Algeo was named “Volunteer of the Year” for Hospice of Orleans.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for their many contributions to fundraising for Hospice. Wendy Wilson accepted the award for the Winery.
Her voice filled with emotion, as she said “I can’t thank Hospice enough for taking care of one of our long time, much loved employees this past year. Two of our employees are receiving services now. Hospice staff has been incredible! Hospice has been near and dear to our family and we are happy to support them in any way we can.”
John Girvin was honored for completion of his term on the Hospice of Orleans Board of Directors.
Lynn Short, former owner of Arjuna Florist, and Pamela Reamer, professor of Nursing at SUNY Brockport, were elected to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors. The Board had previously elected Dennis Piedimonte, owner of JP’s Farm Market in Holley, to a three-year term.
Fischer applauded the work of the Hospice volunteers and reported that in 2014, more than 150 volunteers contributed over 6,800 hours to the Hospice mission of providing comfort, compassion and expertise to Orleans County residents facing serious illness. She attributed a cost savings of over $110,000 last year to volunteer involvement.
“Our mission would be impossible without you – our volunteers,” she told about 100 people at the Medina United Methodist Church.
In her remarks she pointed out some concerning trends in utilization of Hospice services.
“While 75 percent of those referred were admitted to care, 31 percent reached out to us too late,” she said. “Most people are admitted to Hospice services on the same day or within 24 hours of a referral. Clearly, more people could benefit from Hospice services if they were referred earlier.”
Jerome Pawlak is pictured with Mary Anne Fischer, Hospice executive director, after Pawlak received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for the founding director of Hospice in Orleans County.
Fischer called on Hospice volunteers and supporters to help educate our community.
“Hospice is not about giving up on your loved one,” she said. “It is about giving to them.”
She cited a new study that shows that hospice care not only improves the quality of life but also the length of life.
“On average, patients lived 29 days longer on hospice than those with the same disease who didn’t have hospice services,” she said.
In her remarks, Fischer noted that it was of concern that in 2014, “14 percent of those referred, but not admitted, to hospice care were routed to futile efforts at rehabilitation in nursing homes where they subsequently died.”
She also cautioned that the community needs to be wary of the recent push to legalize physician assisted suicide.
“I could talk at length on this topic, but the important point I want to make is that Hospice is the answer,” she said. “Hospice is the answer for anyone who is contemplating ending their life because of a terminal health issue make sure your loved ones and friends know how important the hospice choice is.”
Fischer detailed key accomplishments of 2014, including implementing changes in employee medical and dental coverage, evaluation of the agency’s cost structure and saving over $350 in postage alone with increased use of email and online volunteer scheduling.
John Girvin was recognized for his service on the Hospice of Orleans Board of Directors.
Finance Director Joel Allen reviewed the 2014 Budget Expenses for the agency and pointed out that more than 90 percent of the expenses billed for patient services go to direct patient care. He noted that patient costs for the Martin-Linsin Residence are in line with budget projections. While there has been a slight decrease in home care, all other expenses and revenue projections were on target for 2014.
Nyla Gaylord, director of Development and Community Relations, reported on past and upcoming events and thanked Wendy Wilson of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for her support in initiating a new fundraising event at the Winery, “Beat the Winter Blues.” Gaylord noted that in the future Hospice will be producing a screening tool “What Help Do You Need?” to better assist people to identify the need for in-home support, palliative care and hospice services.
The agency will continue to look for new opportunities to raise funds through events and grant seeking, as well as promoting new financial giving options that fall outside of probate and wills, Gaylord said.
Agency priorities for 2015 include implementing the new Pet Peace of Mind program, strengthening the infrastructure of the agency to ensure its long-term viability, investigating a group purchasing program with other area hospice programs, and continuing to educate the community about the benefits of hospice.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Steven Papponetti, Nathan Bloom named firefighters of the year
Photos by Tom Rivers – Newly installed Albion Fire Chief Harry Papponetti, right, thanks Rocky Sidari, left, for his five years of service as chief of the Albion Fire Department. Jeremy Graham, center, is the department’s deputy chief. Papponetti mixed in a few jokes while praising Sidari during the installation dinner on Saturday night at the Carlton Recreation Hall.
ALBION – Rocky Sidari turned over the reins as leader of the Albion Fire Department to Harry Papponetti, who has twice before has served as the department’s fire chief.
The change occurred on Saturday night during the fire department’s installation dinner at the Carlton Recreation Hall.
Sidari praised the firefighters for their dedication to the community, for saving lives and protecting property.
He has three children with his wife Erin and the two youngest kids are approaching the age where they can play T-ball. He promised his wife he would make more time for the kids as they got older.
He said the department will be in good hands with Papponetti and the team of officers. Papponetti has been a member of the department for 45 years.
“He knows what he’s doing and he’s a good leader,” Sidari said.
The department has been busy with numerous structure fires in the past five years, and many other emergency calls, including a pipe bomb under a porch, an ice storm that required firefighters to pump many basements in the community, and hundreds of other calls to serve the community.
An enormous fire broke out at Orleans Pallet on Oct. 17, 2013, one of the biggest fires in Albion’s history.
Sidari said the fire on Oct. 17, 2013 at Orleans Pallet may have been the biggest blaze he’s ever seen. That fire engulfed a large sandstone warehouse. Firefighters were praised by the building’s owner for containing the fire to the one building and sparing neighboring structures, including Empire Coating.
Sidari proved to be a calm leader while battling fires and facing other emergencies, said Jeremy Graham, the department’s deputy chief.
Sidari made the time to teach younger firefighters how to respond in emergencies, and empowered the firefighters to gain leadership experience, Graham said.
“He was never power hungry,” Graham said. “He was always willing to explain and to get the learning experiences for the younger guys. He has been more than a fire chief. He has been a friend to all of us.”
Papponetti said he joined the fire department 45 years ago because many of his friends and neighbors were firefighters. He has enjoyed the many friendships he has made through the years and the chance to serve the community.
Two firefighters were named “Firefighter of the Year.” Sidari presented the awards to Nathan Bloom and Steven Papponetti, Harry’s son.
Rocky Sidari, left, is presented a blanket as a gift with images of his family members. Al Cheverie, back left, is holding the blanket with Will Francis, Jeremy Graham and Harry Papponetti.
Bloom, 34, joined the department in February 2014. His brother-in-law Andy Beach is a volunteer firefighter in East Shelby. Bloom said he was inspired by Beach’s example.
Bloom took the 96-hour Firefighter I training class. It was a lot of work, but he persevered.
“You need determination to get it done,” Bloom said.
He estimates he was on about 100 calls in the past year for the department, assisting at house fires, motor vehicle accidents, chimney fires and other emergencies.
Sidari praised Bloom for “busting his butt” with training and getting to so many calls.
“You’re helping people and they may be people you know,” Bloom said. “I find it very rewarding.”
Steven Papponetti, 22, has been around the fire hall since he was a small kid. He was an explorer at 14, a cadet at 17, and an interior firefighter by 18.
He just earned a four-year degree in forensic science and crime scene investigation from Hilbert College and is in the police academy. He starts on June 8 as a part-time police officer in Holley.
Rocky Sidari is pictured with the Firefighters of the Year: Steven Papponetti, center, and Nathan Bloom.
Papponetti said he goes to about 120 to 150 calls each year with the fire department.
“It’s what I love to do,” he said. “It’s following in my father’s and my brothers’ footsteps. It’s a great adrenaline rush and you’re helping out the community.”
Sidari presented other awards on Saturday, including Driver of the Year to Jeremy Babcock, the Officer’s Award to Harry Papponetti, and the Chief’s Award to Beau Piskorowski.
The 2015 officers include: Harry Papponetti, fire chief; Jeremy Graham, deputy chief; Will Francis, assistant chief; Steven Papponetti, first lieutenant; and James Peruzzini, second lieutenant.
The civilian officers include: Al Cheverie, president; Bill Francis, vice president; Renee Rowley, recording secretary; Bill Francis, financial secretary; Dawn Marciszewski, treasurer; and Kelly Irwin, assistant treasurer.
Cheverie, the president, also presented awards to Jeremy Babcock and Dawn Marciszewski for their efforts on the civilian side of the department.
“I’d like to thank them for everything they’ve done this year,” Cheverie said. “It would have been a lot harder without them.”
David Green, the retired Orleans County sheriff, served as emcee of the event. He noted the unrest in Baltimore the past week.
“You see on TV with all the protests and about joining the brotherhood of man,” Green said. “If you want to join the brotherhood of man, join your local fire department. Firefighters don’t preach the brotherhood of man, they live it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Richard Barnard, right, and Amanda Dixon work to put out a brush fire today in Barre. The two are members of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company.
There may be a burning ban in effect until May 15, but that isn’t stopping people from burning brush. This afternoon, one of those brush piles quickly spread to a nearby hedgerow and scorched about a quarter acre of land on Route 98 in Barre, just north of Lime Kiln Road.
Barre firefighters, including Chris Flansburg (pictured) were called to douse the fire at about 5:10 p.m. The fire had jumped from the brush pile to the hedgerow. Assistant Fire Chief James Neal said if the fire had been unattended for much longer it could have quickly spread across the field and further down the hedgerow.
“This is why the DEC has the burn ban,” he said.
Neal is a farmer and he said the ground is dry with lots of dead plant matter. Once more grass starts growing, the fields will be less vulnerable to fire, he said.
James Neal works with Sarah Lamka to put out a hot spot in a wooded area. Sarah, 18, is a new firefighter. Her father, Patrick, is a Barre firefighter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A full moon was out Saturday night. The top photo shows the wind turbine at Watt Farms with the moon.
Today is forecast to be sunny with a high of 76 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. More warmth will follow on Monday with a high of 81, followed by a high of 62 on Tuesday, 72 on Wednesday and 76 on Thursday.
The moon is pictured with the back of the Cobblestone Universalist Church in Gaines.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 150 motorcyclists joined at the Orleans County Courthouse today for a safety and awareness rally. After speeches from the Courthouse steps, the bikers rode about 50 miles throughout the county, ending at the Vets Club in Medina.
The rally began with the pledge of allegiance. Pictured, from left, include Matt Tracy, vice president of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education; Chuck Persons, president of the local ABATE; and Stefan Worthington, a member of the Barnabas Bikers, a Christian motorcycle group in Genesee County. Worthington shared a prayer, asking for a safe riding season for the motorcyclists.
Fran Abrams listens to Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller read a proclamation, declaring May to be “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Albion can be seen in this reflection on one of the motorcycles.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the recently approved state budget keeps $438 million in CHIPS funding for local road work. The budget also added $10 million to help municipalities pay for extra work with potholes and road deterioration from the harsh winter.
Hawley said he wants to see state resources directed to help keep roads safe for motorists, cyclists, runners and motorcyclists.
Tim Seibert and his son Pom, 9, of Albion attended the rally and then went on the 50-mile ride.
The Presbyterian Church can be seen in this mirror.
Tim Lindsay, left, listens at the rally. He is pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
Dale Graff, front, gets ready to lead the group of motorcyclists on a ride through the county. They are pictured on East State Street in front of the courthouse.
These bikers get ready to ride.
The local ABATE chapter uses the rally and ride through the county to remind the public bikers are back on the roads with the return of warmer weather.
Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road so drivers in other vehicles should take extra care to look out for them and to safely ‘Share the Road,’ ABATE officials said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – There were a lot of people at Point Breeze this evening as the sun was setting. People were fishing, kayaking, throwing rocks in the water and enjoying a stroll along the pier.
Willow Groth, 8, of Albion has a pile of rocks she was tossing in Lake Ontario.
These kayakers paddle into the Oak Orchard River.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is one of the landmarks at Point Breeze.
The lighthouse was built in 2010 and was designed as a replica of one that toppled in a storm in 1916.
A full moon was also out, opposite of the setting sun. This photo was taken at the shoreline in front of the lighthouse, looking east.
Here is another one of the shoreline with the full moon.
Provided photos
BUFFALO – The Medina Mustang Band performed on Friday at the state conference for the New York State United Teachers. The band performed before about 2,000 to 2,500 people, representing school districts from throughout the state, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
The band performed portions of its street show, “Miss Saigon” and the National Anthem. It was exciting and a source of pride when delegates from other schools complimented our students and their accomplishment in this program, said Kathy Dreyfus, publicity chairwoman for the Marching Band.
May is a busy month for the band starting with the Seneca Falls Pageant on May
15-16, the spring trip to a music festival in Cleveland from May 21-24, Medina’s Memorial Day parade on May 25, and the Gorham Pageant on May 29-30.
The Middle School Spring Concert is June 1 and the High School Spring
Concert is June 2, with both at Medina High School. The season finale is the Band Banquet on June 5.
The band also held its last pizza sale of the school year on April 25, and it was another sell-out. The band wants to thank the community for their continued support of the pizza sales. The photo includes Brianna Bellan (left) and Andrea Toussaint.
MEDINA – Medina firefighters were dispatched to Glenwood Lake today at about 1:15 p.m. after a boat capsized with people in the water, the Fire Department reported.
People fishing from the shore made the emergency call. Firefighters arrived to the scene and found two people holding onto the canoe and being assisted by another boater.
Both people were brought ashore and assessed by firefighters. The two people said they weren’t injured and refused transport for medical treatment.
Both people were wearing life jackets, the Fire Department reported.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Marti’s on Main kicked off its seventh season of hosting art shows in Albion on Friday evening, featuring unusual sculptures and paintings.
Jim Fiegel, pictured in top photo, creates abstract paintings using a combination of acrylic, enamel, and water-based paint. He paints on Plexiglass and his paintings are curved. He also creates his own wooden frames and has LED lights behind the Plexiglass.
“The light has a calming effect,” said Fiegel, who is semi-retired after a career selling industrial supplies.
He also has worked in carpentry and housing rehabs, taking on 12 housing renovations.
Fiegel lives in Albion and attended a Marti’s art show about six years ago. He didn’t consider himself an artist, but he went home and experimented. He has now created about 400 of his unusual paintings, and has sold more than 30 to Artisan Works in Rochester. He has 24 pieces on display in the show at Marti’s.
“It helps me keep my sanity,” he said about creating the paintings.
He likes to use bright colors and create a feeling of outer space.
“I like to include planets in my paintings for my hero, Albert Einstein,” Fiegel said.
He varies the thickness of the paint in his abstract work.
“His stuff is awesome,” said Kim Martillotta Muscarella, owner of the gallery.
She has watched Fiegel from his early efforts to his more dramatic work these days.
He paints on the reverse side of the Plexiglass, and puts the top layer on first instead of last.
Martillotta Muscarella also is a featured artist in this month’s show. She has about 30 works of assemblage sculpture on display. She takes pieces of musical instruments, kitchen utensils, guitar necks, antlers, furs, animal bones, shells, drift wood and “old stuff that would be trashed.”
She combines them in many interesting pieces.
“People have commented that I have quite the imagination,” Martillotta Muscarella said.
In this assemblage sculpture, Martillotta Muscarella took doll heads of George and Martha Washington and glued them into candle holders.
Martillotta Muscarella used to create more assemblage sculptures but took a break from it for more than a decade. She took it up again this winter and had fun using odd items that likely would have been discarded anyway.
Her husband, Neal Muscarella, said he is impressed by his wife’s creativity.
“This stuff all comes from boxes of junk, and it got sorted out,” Mr. Muscarella said.
Martillotta Muscarella has sold 52 of the sculptures to Artisan Works in Rochester.
She has new shows at Marti’s each month with a reception the first Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There are usually about 60 people that attend the receptions, which are free but donations are accepted.
Marti’s is located at 229 North Main St. To visit the gallery, give Martillotta Muscarella a call at (585) 589-6715.
