By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Four people pleaded guilty on Monday to crimes in Orleans County, and could be sentenced to either jail or state prison.
Christopher J. Price, 28, of 1 Thomas St., Apartment D. in the Holley Hotel pleaded guilty to unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree. As a second felony offender, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 1 ½ to 4 years in state prison on Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Price was arrested on Feb. 4 after an investigation into a methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution operation in Holley. Three others also were charged and their cases are pending.
Richard M. Fidanza, 39, of 243 East Ave., Albion, could be sentenced to up to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.
Fidanza admitted he sold suboxone on Oct. 1, 2015. As a second felony offender, the maximum sentence would normally be up to 4 years, but his sentence will be no more than 3 years as part of a plea deal.
He will be sentenced on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.
A Rochester man pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, which carries a maximum of 2 ½ years in state prison as a first-time offender.
Steven L. Carter, 23, admitted in court to having cocaine during a traffic stop in January on Clarendon Street in the Village of Albion. Carter has no prior criminal record and is a trustee in the county jail, where he has been since January. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch agreed to reduce Carter’s bail to $1,000 after a request for Carter’s attorney, Brian Degnan. Carter will be sentenced Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.
Brandie Sumeriski, 21, of Albion admitted to violating her probation by drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, socializing with people she wasn’t supposed to be around, not earning her GED, not completing her community service, and not attending mental health sessions regularly. Judge Punch said those represent “substantial violations” of probation. Sumeriski will be sentenced on July 11 at 2 p.m.
In another case, a Brockport man was sentenced to three months in jail and ordered to pay $263 in restitution for allegedly taking that money.
Francisco Guerrero, 38, of Brockport allegedly broke into a home on Hurd Road on July 1 in Murray and stole items. The judge issued an order of protection for the victims.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2016 at 11:26 am
CARLTON – A home on Sawyer Road was badly damaged in a fire this afternoon.
The house at 1523 Sawyer Rd. is owned by Lee Kruger. It was built in 2007. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 4 p.m.
Kruger and his family were able to get out of the house safely.
Firefighters from Carlton, Kendall, Albion, Medina and Lyndonville were at the scene, as well as the county emergency management office, fire investigators and the Red Cross. The fire devoured the roof of the house.
Firefighters work together to get water on the blaze.
These firefighters are at the back of the house, where the air was filled with smoke.
Firefighters have multiple hoses going to put out the fire.
A Carlton firefighter connects two hoses to reach the back of the house.
These firefighters get the thick hose in better position to battle the fire on Sawyer Road, just north of Route 18.
Jeffrey Brown, left, and his brother Harrison are pictured with Dave Mogle, owner of DK Autobody in Albion. Mogle refurbished and painted the trailer for the Boy Scouts, Troop 164 in Albion.
The brothers have been collecting pop cans and water bottles for two years at the Orleans County Marine Park. Those proceeds were used to have new lettering and designs put on the trailer by Stanton Signs in Medina.
RIDGEWAY – The Crusaders Motorcycle Club held a free training session on Saturday for riders, ages 4 to 8. Brad Hazel and Austin Luczak, two local professional riders, joined volunteers from the Crusaders and riders’ family members in the training session at the Crusaders’ course on Culvert Road.
This class provided young riders with basic riding/racing skills. The 10 participants were taught what all the different colored flags represent, how to watch for the green race light and to practice their starting skills. They learned how to maneuver around the corners. By the end of the day all the riders were picking up their speed and increasing their riding skills.
MORTON – Jackson Robinson, 3, is pictured on Friday with Lt. James Fox of the Hamlin-Morton-Walker Fire District. Robinson was given a ride on a fire truck after winning the fire prevention coloring and escape plan contest.
Jackson rode in the fire truck to Country Mouse Preschool in Morton.
Jackson, 3, tries on the fire helmet worn by Lt. Fox.
Preschoolers recently visited the Hamlin-Morton-Walker Fire District Station #2, where they learned about fire safety. Lt. James Fox gave the students a tour of the newly renovated fire station, and let each child try on the equipment and play with the sirens.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Orleans County 4-H member Lauren Becht (standing back to camera) models her satin prom dress. The halter-style dress featured a sheer overlay of light purple fabric.
NEWFANE – Orleans County was represented at the 2016 Western District 4-H Fashion Revue held Saturday at the Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County.
Emma Mathes, Naomi Haberger, Lauren Becht and Peggy-Jo Gabalski were selected for the annual district event following the Orleans County 4-H Clothing Revue held in early April.
Emma Mathes sewed a brocade cobalt blue skater dress, Naomi Haberger sewed a purple print sundress with pockets edged in large white ric rack, Lauren Becht sewed a deep purple satin prom dress and Peggyy-Jo Gabalski embellished a purchased cotton/wool blend sweater with hand-felted Easter egg designs.
Participants in the 2016 Western District 4-H Fashion Review pose Saturday on the staircase of the historic Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County.
Orleans County 4-H member Naomi Haberger (standing at center) models her purple print sundress Saturday during the Western District 4-H Fashion Revue in Niagara County.
4-H’ers from Niagara, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties also attended the event which included a Fashion Revue Show, lunch, and an educational program on the historic Van Horn Mansion, built by James Van Horn in 1823.
The historic Van Horn Mansion in Newfane, Niagara County, was the site of this year’s Western District 4-H Fashion Revue. Four Orleans County 4-Hers were chosen to take part.
The home was the first brick house built in the Town of Newfane and the site of the first town meeting in 1824.
Van Horn built the first grist mill in Niagara County and later a woolen factory. The home was donated to the Town of Newfane Historical Society in 1985 and opened for tours in 1992 following an extensive restoration effort.
Following lunch, participants learned about the history of the Van Horn Mansion from a member of the Town of Newfane Historical Society and toured the restored home and gardens.
GREECE – A Holley man was killed in a motorcycle accident on Friday morning on Ridge Road in the Town of Greece.
Zachary Pogel, 22, was headed west on Ridge Road when he drove into a Cook Iron box truck that was attempting to turn left into a parking lot, Greece Police said.
Pogel died on impact. He was a 2011 graduate of Medina High School, and played on the Medina baseball team. He also played on several local softball teams.
Pogel worked as a salesman for Fuccillo Hyundai in Greece and was attending Finger Lakes Community College. He and his wife Allysia VanderVen were raising two daughters.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2016 at 10:00 am
150 attend debut event on Saturday
SHELBY – Raymond James of Medina dances with his daughter Tanaya, 2, during the Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday at the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
The Ladies Auxiliary put on the event for the first time on Friday. The event was sold out with 150 people attending.
“It’s nice for the dads to be able to do something nice with their daughters,” said Julianne McGrath, one of the event organizers. “It’s by far exceeded our expectations.”
The rec hall was transformed into a dance floor for fathers and their daughters on Saturday.
Tim Elliott of Medina dances with his daughter Madelyn, 7. Tim said he was thankful for a chance to take his daughter out on a date.
Gary Watts poses for a silly photo with his granddaughters, Charlotte and Makenzie McGrath.
Tim Zeiner of Medina poses for a picture with his kids, from left: Taylor, Madison and Morgan (in back). “I want to take them out and show them a good time,” Zeiner said.
Fathers and daughters have fun on the dance floor. Event organizers said they wanted to put on a family-oriented outing near Father’s Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2016 at 8:00 am
EAGLE HARBOR – Susan Boring, pastor of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, shares a laugh with the congregation this morning after the group sang Happy Birthday to her.
Boring and the church celebrated 15 years of ministry together. Boring, a fifth-grade instrumental teacher at Brockport, grew up and lives in Albion. She embraces music, including the Agape Ringers behind her, in church services.
Steve Watkins and his wife Chris have been attended the church for over a year. They praised Boring and the congregation for their warmth and compassion.
Watkins grew up in Albion knowing Boring as a kid. She visited Watkins and his wife while both had recent hospital stays.
“This is a church that has made me feel whole,” said Mrs. Watkins, who has been cancer-free for seven months after battling the disease for two years. “They’re very supportive. It’s like a family.”
Boring, in orange, directs the bell ringers during the service today that was attended by about 75 people. This photo was taken from the balcony where a brass choir played during the service.
Susan Boring and Mike Vick sing a duet of praise songs, including “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” and “Psalm 100.”
Marsha Rivers, a member of the pulpit supply for the church, shares a reflection on Boring’s ministry during today’s service.
Linda Haight, a pastor from Albion who leads the South Byron and Stafford United Methodist churches, shared a prayer during today’s service that included several local ministers.
Greg VanDussen, former pastor of the Albion United Methodist Church and a retired district superintendent for the conference, was a key church leader in encouraging Boring to pursue the ministry. He praised her for using her talents to serve God and care for others.
Jeff Post and Aleka Schmidt play with the Agape Ringers during today’s service. Schmidt leads the First Baptist Church in Albion. That congregation had church in Eagle Harbor today.
The Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church has been meeting in this brick building since 1875. It replaced an original wooden structure from 1826.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2016 at 12:00 am
EAGLE HARBOR – Winds blow the flags on the lift bridge of Eagle Harbor this morning. The bridge has flags for the canal, the U.S. and New York State.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo is advising there is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms this evening in Western New York, including Orleans County. A cold front is crossing the state, bringing the chance of damaging winds and heavy rainfall, the Weather Service advised.
The forecast for the next few days calls for a high near 77 on Monday, high near 68 on Tuesday, high near 61 on Wednesday and high near 66 on Thursday.
Orleans County is home to seven of the 16 lift bridges on the canal, including the one in Eagle Harbor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2016 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market kicked off its second season today with 11 vendors at 127 West Center St., across from the Post Office.
Baker Farms from Beals Road in Medina is among the new vendors this season. The farm specializes in pork products, eggs, garlic and herbs in containers that are the bottoms of pop bottles. The Bakers include Ken, right, and his wife Rose. Their niece, Bethany Pfenning, joined them for the day at the market.
The Orleans Renaissance Group manages the market. Every Saturday there should be 11 to 13 regular vendors. Additional vendors will rotate, including wineries taking turns each week of the month. Altogether, market manager Gail Miller said there will be about 20 vendors throughout the market season, which continues through October.
Gail Miller center, is manager of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. She is pictured with Jackie Lonnen of Lyndonville, left, and Gina Miller of Carlton. They both completed a master food preservation program. They gave demonstrations today on canning strawberries. The Cornell Cooperative Extension has workshops throughout the year in home food preservation, including a workshop Monday on strawberry jam from 6 to 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
The master food preservers will do other demonstrations at the farmers’ market this year.
Lindsay Heck and her father Tom represent Herbalty Cottage, a Main Street business in Medina that sells organic products, including vinegars, olive oils, teas and other products, including Himalayan lamps (in front of Tom Heck).
Herbalty Cottage is one of the new vendors at the market. The Hecks said they wanted to reach out to more customers by coming to the market.
Bob Renko of Kendall is back for another season at the market. He has run a meat processing business the past 15 years, after working 27 years at Kodak.
The market gives customers access to locally grown produce and other farm products as well as WNY wines, mead and craft beers.
“We are thrilled to be opening our second season with so many terrific new additions,” said Miller, the market manager. “As the season progresses, we will have even more to offer.”
Provided photo
New signs have been added to the entrances of the village to promote the farmers’ market.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2016 at 12:00 am
GAINES – Gretchen Schweigert of the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina serves wine on Friday to Alex Green, back left, Leanne Serrato and Peggy Barringer. The Cobblestone Museum hosted its second First Friday art show at the Cobblestone Church on Ridge Road.
The art show featured retired Holley art teacher Tony Barry. He has been traveling in recent years to places he often talked about as a teacher. He is pictured with a painting of the Blue Dome of the Santorini in Greece and men playing cards in Sicily.
Barry travels with his wife Annette, a retired school librarian at Holley.
Barry is pictured with Georgia Thomas of Medina, who bought this painting of maple sugaring in Edinboro, Pa.
This painting shows a scene from Venice. Barry will paint a small watercolor on site, and then do a larger oil painting when he gets home. He said it’s too difficult to travel with all of his art supplies.
This painting shows a cafe in Paris. Barry said the city is “block after block” of outdoor cafes.
“As an art teacher I was dying to see some of these places I’ve been telling the kids about,” he said.
Barry lives in Holley, which he said is a beautiful place. Some of his paintings show canal scenes. He was happy to see the clock hands restored last year to the former church bell tower in the Public Square. He did this painting on location.
Cobblestone Museum President Matt Ballard said the organization is working to establish strong partnerships in the community. He welcomes the First Friday art shows, as well as Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and an ongoing partnership with Tillman’s Village Inn. (People who attend a July lecture series at the museum, paying $5, will get a $2 coupon for The Village Inn.)
The series runs July 8, 15, 22 and 29. Ballard will speak at 7 p.m. on July 8 about the local World War I effort. on July 22, Ballard will highlight notorious criminals from the county’s history.
Bill Lattin, the former county historian and museum director, will give lectures on July 15 about infamous fake Victorian paintings and on July 29 about “church stories you don’t hear in church.”
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 4 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Volume 2, Issue 23
Memorial Day was a weekend for self-reflection for many Americans, while others find enjoyment in spending time with family, vacations, and cook-outs.
One noticeable presence during this past holiday weekend was the outcry of citizens asking for the greater community to remember the true meaning of the day; an opportunity to honor those men and women who gave everything for our country. Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” stands as a statement that every American should memorize.
One thing that Orleans County does not lack is the appreciation and support of our veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In October of 2008, the Company F Memorial Committee dedicated a monument to the memory of those men who served out of Medina’s Armory with the 3rd N.Y. National Guard and the 108th U.S. Infantry. The beautiful sandstone memorial contains five bronze tablets which include the names of men who served during the Spanish-American War, Mexican Border Incursion, World War One, World War Two, as well as the names of men who served during the Cold War.
Despite its focus on Company F, the monument stands as a testament to all men who served from Orleans County spanning over two centuries of conflicts. Those names listed with special designations recall the sacrifices of those who went above and beyond the call of duty. Men like Luke Gaffey who served during the First World War.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions on September 28, 1918, Gaffey left the cover of shelter to rescue wounded soldiers from machine gun and artillery fire. The following day, he continued an advance on enemy positions with an automatic rifle after his entire squad was killed or wounded; he received a
bronze oak leaf cluster for his bravery.
Other men such as Archie Case, Raymond Reed, and Mahlon Ward were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross when they unselfishly left the protection of shelter during an artillery barrage on September 29, 1918 to bandage wounded soldiers and pull them back to safety.
Of course, most Medina residents are familiar with the story of Lt. John Butts who sacrificed his own life to protect the lives of his fellow soldiers on June 23, 1944. With a complete disregard for his own safety, “and seeing his platoon waver and start to fall back,” Butts urged his men uphill against a stubbornly defended area.
Capt. Lloyd Tallent of Texarkana, Texas recalled the efforts of Butts that day stating that after Butts was wounded by machine gun fire, “he knew he was dying because of his severe stomach wound dragged himself over the fire swept ground towards the enemy. All the enemy were watching him.” Wounded twice, first on June 14th of 1944 then on June 16th, his determination to remain with his men and refusal to seek treatment for wounds combined with the sacrifices made on June 23 earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor in August of 1945, which was awarded posthumously. His body was finally brought home in 1948.
The Company F Memorial Committee continues to seek support in the completion of their project. Although the beautiful sandstone memorial stands at the Medina Armory site, it represents one phase of a two phase process. The crowning achievement is a bronze statue of a Company F soldier, which will rest upon the monument tribute to all who served and as a lasting reminder of those who never came home.
Those who are interested in learning more about the project or to donate, please visit www.companyfmemorial.com. The Cobblestone Museum is sponsoring a speaker series every Friday at 7 p.m. in July, starting July 8th with a program on Orleans County and the First World War; more information is available at www.cobblestonemuseum.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Lori Passarell, mother of Holley senior Nick Passarell, grieves after seeing her son on a stretcher today during a simulation at Holley Central School. Passarell is comforted by Deputy Jeff Cole.
County Coroner Scott Schmidt and David Mitchell, left, from Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes took Nick Passarell to a hearse owned by the funeral home.
Holley area firefighters and law enforcement put organized the simulation on the day of Holley’s prom, which is tonight at Deerfield Country Club in Brockport. Students were urged to not drink and drive, and to make smart choices behind the wheel, avoiding texting, drinking, drugs or drowsiness.
DK Autobody in Albion donated these two banged-up vehicles that were set by each other to simulate an accident.
Five Holley students wore makeup to simulate blood and injuries from the accident. One Holley student was also “arrested” for driving drunk and led away in a police car.
Firefighters used extrication equipment to free student Delilah Grathouse from the wreck. She is pictured at left on the stretcher. This is the first time in 10 years Holley area firefighters and police worked with the school district to do the DWI simulation.
Delilah Grathouse is led by stretcher to a Mercy Flight helicopter on the school campus.
A sign by the main driveway to the school urges students to be safe and responsible, especially during a season of prom and many graduation parties.
Nick Passarell is under the wreckage in this vehicle. He would be pronounced dead in front of his classmates by a coroner. Firefighters from Holley, Clarendon and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray were part of the simulation.
Although it was role playing, Nick’s mother Lori Passarell was overcome seeing her son bloodied in the wreckage.
Roland Nenni, Holley police chief, urges students to avoid drugs and alcohol. However, if they make that bad decision, he told the students to call a parent or friend if they ever need a ride.
Mercy Flight takes off from Holley Central School.
Nick Passarell hugs his mother Lori. Nick said he hopes today’s simulation sent a strong message to his classmates and community to be safe while driving.
Lyndonville is planning a similar DWI simulation on June 8 and Albion will have one on June 10.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Michael Santoro, an inmate in the Orleans County Jail, has been drug-free for about nine months after four years of using cocaine and heroin. He is pictured with Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson, left, and Sheriff Randy Bower.
ALBION – Scott Wilson has worked 20 years in the Orleans County Jail. The jail superintendent has seen the repetitive cycle with many inmates coming in for drug offenses, or drug-fueled crimes such as burglaries. They are in jail often for a few months to a year, and then are released only to commit new crimes because of the strong pull of their addictions.
Wilson said these residents never quite get control of their drug demons, leading to years of criminal conduct and time in the county jail at taxpayer expense.
“Right now there is a very high recidivism,” Wilson said Thursday at the jail on Platt Street.
A new program has started this week in the county jail to help break that pattern of drug addiction and crime. The jail will offer Vivitrol, an injection that blocks the effects of opioids, a powerful narcotic. (The drug manufacturer is making the first injection available for free at the jail.)
The Sheriff’s Office has teamed with the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse to have Vivitrol available for six months after an inmate leaves the jail. The monthly injections when an inmate is released from jail will likely be covered by health insurance programs at $800 per injection, Wilson said.
GCASA also will have counselors to help released inmates transition into the community. GCASA recently opened transitional housing for residents fighting addictions. That transitional shelter is next to the GCASA offices on Route 31 in Albion. That site puts addicts in a supportive community where they are urged to stay drug-free.
Sheriff Randy Bower, Wilson and GCASA staff will screen soon-to-be released inmates to determine if they will be in the new Sheriff’s Transitional Addiction Management Program or STAMP.
The Orleans County Mental Health Department also is part of the new effort. Wilson and Bower said three other counties in the state offer transitional programs for addicts. Bower believes Orleans is the first to have both addiction and mental health services available for inmates.
“These are people who made a mistake and can’t quit,” Bower said. “These are people from our community that come to our jail. We need to give them the best opportunity to not come back to us.”
Bower said he is pleased to see the support for the program from jail staff, GCASA, Mental Health and other county officials. Bower said more services have been needed in the jail to help drug-addicted residents. Bower said it will ultimately save taxpayer money, should reduce crime, and improve the lives of addicts and their loved ones.
Michael Santoro will be released from the jail in two months. He is serving a six-month sentence for attempted burglary in the second degree. Santoro, 23, grew up in Medina.
He said he was addicted to heroin and cocaine for four years. He tried to quit by using prescription narcotics such as Methadone and Suboxone, which are used as painkillers. Santoro said he still had powerful drug cravings when he used Methadone and Suboxone.
He was constantly thinking about his next drug fix until he entered a drug treatment late last year and received a Vivitrol injection. Vivitrol took the cravings away by blocking the pull of opioids. Santoro said Vivitrol has been a key in helping him stay off drugs.
“I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be clean,” Santoro said Thursday while in the jail. “But you have to want it.”
Santoro admits he was a mess last August when he entered the jail after being arrested for a break-in in Ridgeway. Santoro was down to 140 pounds.
“Addiction, it destroys you mentally, physically and spiritually,” he said.
He went through withdrawal in jail, spending 55 days behind bars before entering a 28-day drug treatment program in Buffalo. That was when he was given Vivitrol to help fight the addictions.
“It was the first time in four years I didn’t go mentally insane,” Santoro said. “I could go all month without thinking about drugs. It worked wonders for me.”
Santoro now weighs about 180 pounds, up 40 pounds from last August. He is enrolled at Erie Community College and wants to be a drug abuse counselor. He moved to Cheektowaga because he said he needed to change his surroundings to not fall back into the trap of addiction. (Last month he was sentenced for the attempted burglary and has two months left in jail.)
Wilson and Bower see Santoro as a success story. They want to him to be an example to other addicts, to show the turnaround that is possible in fighting addictions.
Bower said an addict needs to hit rock bottom, and want to change. He will personally interview people who want to be in new program through the jail.
The sheriff and Wilson, the jail superintendent, said the program will be modified as they see what works and what needs improvement. Bower said the addicts now have the support services in place to help them when they are released from jail.
“The big thing is the hand-off from when they leave the jail,” Bower said.
