Facebook

news

Tugboat Urger is floating museum, sharing canal history

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Tugboat Urger, built in 1901, has spent the past week in Orleans County, first docking in Medina on Sept. 30 before coming to Albion on Friday. The vessel is heading to Holley today and will welcome Holley fourth-graders for a tour and educational program on Tuesday morning before departing for Brockport.

The tugboat was originally used as a fishing boat and commercial shipping vessel for its first two decades. In the early 1920s, the Urger was sold to New York and was used to haul machinery, dredges and scows on the canal system for 60 years until the boat was retired from services in the 1980s.

The tugboat, one of the oldest working vessels in the country, is pictured in Albion this morning with the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in back.

In 1991, the Urger got new life as a “Teaching Tug.” It visits canal communities from early May until late October, educating children and adults about the canal system, which opened in 1825.

For more on Urger, click here.

3 sentenced to state prison for crimes in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge James Punch.

Two people, a Medina woman and Rochester man, were sentenced for drug crimes, while an Albion man was sentenced for felony driving while intoxicated.

Jeremy Smith, 30, of Lydun Drive in Albion received the longest sentence at 1 to 3 years in state prison for driving under the influence of alcohol and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He pleaded guilty on July 13 to felony DWI.

He admitted in court to DWI and driving without a license on Jan. 19, 2015, when he was in an accident while driving. He said he had been drinking beer before the accident. Smith has a prior felony DWI in 2006 and a prior misdemeanor DWI in 2002.

He could have faced up to 4 years in state prison, but received a reduced sentence as part of a plea deal.

His attorney, Dominic Saraceno, said Smith has struggled with alcohol since he was 13.

“He’s had a problem with alcohol since he was 13,” Saraceno said during sentencing. “It has pretty much destroyed his life.”

Punch said Smith not only was driving drunk, but was in an accident, refused a Breathalyzer test and marijuana was at the scene.

“Alcohol hasn’t destroyed your life but it has pretty much screwed it up at this point,” Punch said. “You’re a young man. You have a lot of years ahead of you.”

The judge revoked Smith’s driver’s license for a year and ordered that he pay a $520 court surcharge and $50 DNA fee.

“I hope you can figure out a way to stop drinking,” Punch told Smith at the sentencing.

In other sentencings in County Court today:

A Medina woman was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison. Judge Punch recommended that Erika Poole, 34, of Church Street, serve her time at the Willard Drug Treatment Center, a specialized state prison in Romulus, Seneca County.

Poole pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of controlled substance in the fifth degree, which has a maximum sentence of 2 years. Judge Punch gave her less than the maximum today.

Her attorney, Christopher Rodeman, said Poole has struggled with drug use.

“It’s very apparent she has engaged in this type of lifestyle due to her substance abuse problems and she is in dire need of treatment,” Rodeman said at sentencing.

Punch said he would recommend the State Department of Corrections give Poole the treatment program at Willard.

He told Poole she has a history of committing serious crimes, and she has handled herself with some arrogance during court proceedings.

“Arrogance is the enemy of change,” the judge told her. “If you want to change you need a touch of humility.”

A Rochester man was sentence to 1 ½ years in state prison for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth, a crime with a maximum of 2 years in prison.

Kenneth Thompson, 49, of Dale Street was charged with criminal sale and possession of drugs in Orleans County in early 2014.

Thompson said in court he has lost a family member to drugs.

“I decided not to touch drugs again,” he told the judge during sentencing.

Punch said Thompson has a “bad record” with prior crimes. The judge said he believed Thompson was sincere in wanting to avoid future drug activity.

“Think of the thousands of people who have died from drugs,” Punch said. “Maybe it will save your life.”

Shelby town justice picked to serve on NYS Magistrates Association

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Dawn Keppler says she wants association to reach out to rural judges

Photo by Tom Rivers – Dawn Keppler, the Shelby town justice since 1999, is one of 12 justices from around the state serving on the board of directors for the New York State Magistrates Association. She was elected to serve on the board on Sept. 28.

SHELBY – Dawn Keppler, a town justice in Shelby since 1999, was elected by her peers to serve on the board of directors for the NYS Magistrates Association, the first judge from Orleans County to serve on the organization’s board.

Keppler was picked for the board on Sept. 28 during the Magistrates annual conference in Niagara Falls. The association provides training and resources for town and village justices throughout the state.

Keppler said she will push for rural judges to better use the training programs offered through the Magistrates Association. All judges need to complete certification and training each year. They can take courses on-line or in person at conferences. (Ridgeway Town Justice Joseph Kujawa and Kendall Town Justice Debbie Drennan attended the four-day conference in Niagara Falls.)

Keppler was backed by a nominating committee to serve on the State Board. She has been the judge since Shelby and Ridgeway voted to share services in the court system, with the Shelby Town Hall used for both courts, and the Shelby and Ridgeway judges having jurisdiction in both towns.

The Village of Medina also dissolved its court in 2011, with those cases shifted to Ridgeway and Shelby.

Keppler said more towns and villages are looking to share services with their court systems.

“I’m one of the unique judges who has dealt with consolidation,” she said. “Many are now talking about it.”

The Town of Yates also has joined Shelby and Ridgeway in having multi-town jurisdiction for the judges. The three towns have gone from two judges each to one each. Yates keeps its court system at the Yates Town Hall.

Keppler said the shared system has been beneficial in the Medina community, where people going to court were often confused whether they went to the Ridgeway or Shelby town hall, or the Medina Village Hall. Now, they just go to the Shelby Town Hall.

Keppler works with her husband Phil and family in a cattle business, SK Herefords. Keppler manages the office and books, and helps when needed in the barn.

She also is the office manager for Webster, Schubel and Meier, a law office on West Center Street in downtown Medina.

She enjoys her job as the local town justice.

“It’s interesting – no case is ever the same,” she said. “Your job is to apply the law as it is written and uphold fairness in the courtroom.”

Holley ‘ghosts’ share grief and grandeur from community’s past

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – There was suffering and grief, lots of it in the 1800s and early 1900s. During a Ghost Walk on Saturday, when eight people at the cemetery were portrayed, many of the stories were heart-breaking, such as the life of Mary Youngs Buddery.

The Hulberton woman lost her husband John W. Buddery and four of their children to diphtheria in early 1888. Abby Blendowski, pictured in top photo, shared Buddery’s story.

Gina Buda, a GCC student from Bergen, portrayed Lillian Bentham, who survived the sinking of The Titanic in April 1912. Bentham was one of 710 to survive, while 1,514 died, including her godfather William Douton and another companion from Holley.

Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers portrayed William Douton, one of two Holley men who perished on The Titanic. Douton and Peter MacKain were both British quarrymen who returned to the Isle of Guernsey for the winter of 1911-1912.

They were coming back to the Holley area in April 1912. A marker in the cemetery notes their deaths. It is a memorial for the two men, paid for by the Order of the Oddfellows.

Dan Hamner, a GCC history professor, portrays Joseph Hess, who was a boxer and bar owner before turning temperance evangelist.

He would write an autobiography called “Out of Darkness, Into Light” in 1890, detailing his early life, his subsequent religious conversion and the importance of a life dedicated to temperance. He died at his home in Clarendon in 1893.

Hamner passed out temperance challenge cards with Joseph Hess’s picture. The cards sought people’s pledge and signature to abstain “from the use of all intoxicating liquors.”

Hamner handed out nearly 100 cards on Saturday night, but no one was willing to take the temperance oath.

Alex Farley, a GCC student from Corfu, portrays John Berry, who helped establish Hillside Cemetery in 1866 and served as its long-time president until his death in 1892. The cemetery’s older section has a park-like setting and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Berry was also a politician who represented Orleans County in the State Legislature.

Another ghost included Lydia Wright Butterfield, who spoke about her husband Orson, who developed “Gold Fever” and headed to California, leaving his family for 16 years. Mr. Butterfield had a cobblestone house built in Clarendon in 1849. (The house was recently restored.)

Butterfield’s wife listed him as a widow in one census. He would come home and lived another 20 years with his wife. The family endured the loss of three young children.

The Ghost Walk tour included a visit with the “ghost” portraying Herbert Charles Taylor, who is believed to be the only Orleans County resident to die during the battle at Gettysburg.

Phoebe Sprague also was featured. She worked as a doctor in Holley, one of the first women in that role locally. A historic marker notes her distinction on Geddes Street.

Farmers have good weather next few days for apple harvest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

GAINES – These bins are filled with apples on Route 279, just south of Route 104. The farm is owned by Jim Kirby and his son Adam.

After some chilly days last week, the high temperatures will be in the 60s this week. Today is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a high of 65, followed by mostly cloudy with a high of 64 on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

On Wednesday, it will be sunny with a high of 65, followed by mostly sunny with a high of 61 on Thursday.

Former public defender from Medina pleads guilty to gun charge

Posted 5 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, U.S. Attorney William Hochul

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Adam Rissew, 39, a former Monroe County Public Defender currently of Rochester and formerly of Medina, pleaded guilty to possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking before U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

The charge carries a mandatory prison term of 5 years and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Bruce, who is handling the case, stated that on July 20, 2012, Medina police officers and members of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force searched Rissew’s then-residence at 305 Catherine St. in the Village of Medina.

Officers found and seized in excess of 50 marijuana plants, paraphernalia related to the grow operation, numerous firearms and 684 rounds of various types of ammunition. Among the firearms found and seized was a loaded Glock 9mm semi automatic pistol that was kept between Rissew’s mattress and box springs. During his plea Rissew admitted he used the pistol to protect his marijuana growing operation.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jose Avila, officers of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of Chief Investigator Joseph Sacco, and Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2016 at 3 p.m. before Judge Skretny.

Medina FD open house gives plenty of tips for fire prevention

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department treated the community to fun and many tips for preventing fires during an open house today, which is the start of National Fire Safety Week.

The top photo shows Shalin Mack, 5, of Medina aiming water at targets with help from Medina firefighter Jeff Tuohey.

Dale Heiser from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control brought a trailer to Medina to show some common household fire hazards. Some lighters are made to look like toys, which can be an attraction for children and lead to accidental fires, Heiser said.

He had a hair dryer in a sink (with no water). He warns people, especially college students, to keep hair dryers and curling irons away from sinks.

He also showed extension cords that are intended to be temporary, but are used 24-7 in some households. Those cords can cause fires.

The stove also has a pot with the handle within reach of children. Heiser urges people to turn the pots so the handles can’t be easily grabbed by kids.

Dale Heiser also simulated smoke in the trailer, and showed people how smoke rises. That’s why they should get low – “Stay Low and Go!” – during a fire.

Chad Kenward, a Medina police officer and member of the Orleans County Multi-Agency SWAT Team, took questions from the public about the SWAT team and its vehicle.

The open house included New York State Police “seat belt convincer,” an interactive ride allows people to experience a simulated vehicle crash and gain an appreciation for why seat belts matter.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office “Safe Child” program, where children can be finger printed, and have their child safety seats checked for proper installation, also was available.

Mark Watts and his wife Denise are pictured in a 1933 fire truck that was used by the Medina Fire Department until 1972, when it was taken out of service. The truck was purchased by Joe Conley and he owned it until Watts bought it in 2007.

The truck had been out of the public eye since the 1970s, until Watts had it in the 2009 Memorial Day parade. The truck has been a regular in that parade, plus the Lyndonville Fourth of July parade, in recent years.

Caleb Fisher, 2, gets behind the wheel of the 1933 fire truck with his mother Audra next to him. Caleb’s father Adam Fisher is an EMT with COVA and a firefighter with the Barre Volunteer Fire Company.

200 brave chill in walk/run to benefit families battling cancer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run has raised more than $250K

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – There were about 200 people out walking and running the 3.1-mile course on a chilly Saturday morning for the 27th Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run.

The course starts near the East Shelby Fire Hall on East Shelby Road.

The Knights and Kaderli families have raised more than $250,000 with the event in 27 years. The money is put in a fund and given to help families with expenses while battling cancer.

John Bertrand of Clarence has a big burst of energy at the start of the race. He finished third overall with a time of 23:51. John is the grandson of the late Richard Knights.

Mr. Knights died from cancer in 1984. Five years later Sue Scharping Kaderli died from the disease.

The two families work together with fund-raisers for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. Other families also help, including the family of the late Dave Millis of Albion. Together they are able to distribute about $50,000 annually to help about 50 families battling cancer.

John Kaderli, the son of the late Sue Kaderli, sells raffle tickets on Saturday. There were about 100 gift baskets available during Saturday’s event. Kaderli thanked the community for supporting the cause for so many years.

“It’s a fabulous fund,” he said. “We’ve been able to help a lot of people.”

For more the on the Fund, click here.

This group walks on Barber Road during the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run on Saturday morning.

The event raises about $20,000 for the Knights-Kaderli Fund.

P.J. Babiak of Buffalo won the 5K race with a time of 21:18.

Kerry Mills of Basom was the first woman to finish the race with a time of 21:53. She was also second overall.

Many participants were in good spirits despite the recent drop in temperatures.

New Golden Hill playground resembles lighthouse at state park

Staff Reports Posted 4 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman
BARKER – Golden Hill State Park is in the process of constructing a new playground at the campground on Lower Lake Road, just east of the Orleans County line in the Town of Yates.

While adding new swings, the centerpiece of the playground is the replica of the lighthouse for the main structure. It has the date the lighthouse was built – 1875 – on the side, Golden Hill plaques on the smaller towers and the signature lighthouse on the center tower.

The playground is to be completed in time for this coming Sunday’s Christmas at the Lighthouse Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ghost Walk celebrates Albion’s ancestors

Posted 4 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kim Pritt – Kyle Thaine portrays his great-uncle, Eugene Barnum, who was killed during World War II after shooting down two German planes.

Alyce Miller served as one of the speaking tour guides who lead each group through the walk offering historic references.

Zach Shaffer portrays John G. Rice, the Orleans County sheriff in 1894 who organized a posse to find murderer William Lake.

Riley Seielstad portrays Emma Ingersoll, who upon her death bequeathed the monument pictured here, as well as the beautiful Ingersoll Fountain and bench located near the entrance of Mount Albion Cemetery.

Nate Trembley portrays Charles Howard as Santa with Valerie Rush as Mrs. Claus.

By Kim Pritt, Contributor

ALBION – Gray skies and a strong wind in the trees helped set the ghostly atmosphere for the seventh annual Mount Albion Ghost Walk on Saturday night. Rain threatened earlier in the day, but moved on just in time for approximately 425 people to enjoy the popular annual event.

The Ghost Walk is a Service Learning project of the Albion High School Drama and Music Departments. A total of 55 students work to put the program together by researching a variety of residents of Mt. Albion Cemetery, writing their own scripts, and performing roles as ghosts, tour guides, singers, and tech crew. This year, 13 ghosts were featured, including war heroes, prominent citizens, two nationally publicized murders, and even Santa Claus.

“I am very interested in all the people and what they’ve done for the community – all the great inventions, suggestions, and impact they have made,” said Miller during rehearsal earlier in the day.

Several war heroes were highlighted along the tour, including Eugene Barnum, 1917-1944. Barnum was killed in action during World War II after shooting down two German planes. He died just months after his brother, William, was also killed in action.

Kyle Thaine proudly portrayed Barnum and was understandably knowledgeable about his subject – Barnum is Kyle’s great uncle.

“It was an honor playing my Great Uncle Gene,” Thaine said. “I didn’t know him, but I’ve heard many stories about him from the time I was a little kid from my grandmother. I love history and I love my family and it was so cool to put them both together in one place.”

Other notable ghosts were James Sheret, war hero that Albion’s American Legion Sheret Post is named for; Orleans County District Attorney and County Judge, Isaac S. Signor; and Emma Ingersoll, daughter-in-law of Nehemiah Ingersoll, one of Albion’s founding fathers, among others.

The tour ended at the grave site of Charles W. Howard, 1896-1966. Howard was world renowned as Santa Claus. Howard opened his Santa Claus School in 1937 on Phipps Road in Albion, where he trained people from all over the world how to be a proper Santa. Howard also ran his Christmas Park and toy shop.

He was also the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa and a consultant on the movie Miracle on 34th Street. Howard’s legacy lives on with his Santa Claus School now located in Michigan.

On Oct. 1, an interpretive panel was placed near his grave site commemorating his life. The panel was designed by last year’s Ghost Walk students and paid for with proceeds from that event.

Titanic survivor’s family is thankful for new grave marker in Holley

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The great-nieces of Lillian Bentham, the Holley teen who survived the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912, attended Saturday’s Ghost Walk at Hillside Cemetery and are pictured with Gina Buda, a Genesee Community College student who portrayed Bentham.

The great-nieces all live in Rochester. Bentham lived in the city after growing up in Holley. She lived at 11 Kay Terrace. The great-nieces include, from left: Carol Foresta, Sherry Bentham and Laura Allis.

Buda of Bergen was among a group that helped put on the first Ghost Walk in the cemetery as part of a benefit for restoration of the chapel.

Brigden Memorials in Albion donated the stone with the engraving, and delivered it on Thursday, almost four decades after Bentham’s death.

She was 19 when she survived The Titanic, one of 710 to be rescued. The other 1,514 on the shp died, including her godfather William Douton of Holley.

The great-nieces said they are thankful for the new gravestone at Hillside Cemetery for Bentham.

Bentham would live to be 85, and remained in the Holley and Rochester region until her death on Dec. 15, 1977. She was married to John Black, who died at age 81 on June 28, 1977.

Bentham was buried in Hillside Cemetery next to her sister, Daisy Bentham, who died at age 16 in 1904. Lillian never had a headstone until Thursday.

“It’s awesome,” said Foresta.

“It’s totally unexpected,” Allis said.

Lillian and her husband didn’t have children. Orleans Hub reported on Thursday that she didn’t have surviving relatives. That was what the Clarendon Historical Society thought.

But the great-nieces are proof Lillian has surviving family, who still love her. Lillian lived with their father, Walter Bentham, near the end of her life. Her great-nieces said she didn’t want to talk about The Titanic.

Scarecrow Fest puts creativity on display in Kendall

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Dark skies and cool temperatures didn’t prevent people from coming out today and enjoying festivities at the Kendall Community Scarecrow Festival Saturday.

Firefighting vehicles were moved outside the fire station to allow room for vendors to set up away from the cold and windy conditions outside. This year’s event included musical entertainment, wagon rides, a kid’s fun run, a K-9 Demo and St. Mark’s Farmer’s Market. The theme for this year’s annual contest was “Animals.”

The top photo shows a cute “doggie” scarecrow entered by the U.S. Post Office in Kendall.

A Noah’s Ark fit well with this year’s “Animals” theme.

The entry by the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies was flamboyant and full of bling.

This entry was made by a class of sixth graders at Kendall Elementary School.

“Some Pig” was another entry outside Kendall Elementary.

Some of the entries, like this one on the lawn of Kendall Elementary School lost the battle with windy conditions.

A serpentine entry slithers its way out of a tree.

The Kendall Ladies Auxiliary’s entry featured a high-flying, cow-jumping-over-the-moon scarecrow.

The “Cameron the Chameleon” entry was very colorful.

A “life-size” Clifford the Big Red Dog is made of straw bales.

The Kendall Lions Club chose to create a lion scarecrow.

Maya Tatar, Grace Robinson (in blue) and Grant Johnson enjoy activities and vendors inside the Kendall fire station during the annual Community Scarecrow Festival.

Herbert Taylor, only Orleans County resident killed at Gettysburg, served in the 140th New York Infantry

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 3 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Matt Ballard – The monument to Col. Patrick Henry O’Rorke features a bas-relief set in granite. Standing over eight feet tall, the marker rests atop the spot where O’Rorke was killed. His nose is polished as a result of visitors rubbing it for good luck, although he had little luck himself that day.

HOLLEY – A recent article in the Orleans Hub centered on Assemblyman Hawley’s 8th annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. and other important national landmarks, including the Gettysburg Battlefield.

I had the pleasure of visiting Gettysburg for the first time in nearly 10 years, a trip I last made as a senior in high school. Naturally, a new perspective and better understanding of the historical events of July 1st through the 3rd left me with a different impression of the site.

Upon Little Round Top rests a large monument dedicated to Col. Patrick O’Rorke, the site where New York’s 140th Volunteer Infantry made a valiant and daring charge down upon Hood’s Texans. Gen. Gouverneur Warren is often regarded as the “Hero of Little Round Top,” but one might argue that Col. O’Rorke and the 140th are the unsung heroes of Little Round Top.

At this point in time, we know of several soldiers from Orleans County who were with Col. O’Rorke on July 2nd at Gettysburg. Herbert Charles Taylor, one of those men, is believed to be the only county resident to die during that battle.

Looking down towards Devil’s Den from the summit of Little Round Top. Pvt. Herbert Taylor and the men of the 140th would have experienced this view as they reached the peak of Little Round Top. Without hesitation they advanced upon the Confederates with great fury and bravery.

As the regiment of New York men marched towards Sickle’s 3rd Corps, Gen. Warren intercepted the 140th in a desperate effort to defend Little Round Top. Knowing O’Rorke, Warren shouted, “Paddy, give me a regiment!”

With no time to dress the regimental line, O’Rorke led his men including Taylor and Graham Reed Scott of Orleans County to the top of the hill. Reaching the precipice O’Rorke dismounted his horse, threw his reins aside and shouted, “Down this way, boys.”

The 4th and 5th Texans released a volley of fire, sending bullets into the 140th, including a bullet that pierced O’Rorke’s neck killing him instantly. With every step, the men stumbled and tripped along the face of the rocky hill. Coming within close distance of the enemy line, many Confederates chose to surrender rather risk the possibility of death from Union gunfire and bayonet. The sudden fury of Union bayonets halted the Texans dead in their tracks.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Herbert Charles Taylor is buried at Hillside Cemetery. This photo shows his grave, which is in the historic section of the cemetery and includes a veteran’s marker with an American flag.

O’Rorke’s death and the subsequent attack made by the 140th New York upon the advancing Confederates was regarded as one of the most daring acts of bravery during the entire battle. Surely without the aid of the exhausted and winded men of New York, the outcome of July 2nd could have been far different. It was during this act of bravery that Pvt. Taylor of Holley was killed.

Upon his death, Joseph Gile of Holley wrote a piece for the local papers:

“Oh, that is ever a cruel blow,
However it falls in the strife,
Which stops the beat of a manly heart.
And the hopes of an honest life.”

He concluded with, “few who have fallen in the cause of the Union will be more sincerely regretted.” Dying on “the field of victory” at Gettysburg, Taylor’s body was returned to Holley and interred at Hillside Cemetery.

 

Editor’s Note
Taylor will be featured during a Ghost Walk today at Hillside Cemetery that begins at 7 p.m. with proceeds from the event used for restoration for the cemetery chapel.

Martis art gallery has final show in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Kim Muscarella is closing gallery after seven years

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – After seven years of featuring artists from Orleans County, as well as in Rochester and Buffalo, the Marti’s on Main gallery is having its final show.

Gallery owner Kim Martillotta Muscarella has included artists in 107 different shows over seven years at 229 North Main St. Muscarella is pictured on Friday evening with her husband Neal Muscarella. They live at 229 North Main and have made half of their home available for displaying artwork to the public.

“I was trying to do a good thing for the community,” Mrs. Martillotta said. “It’s sad to see it go. It’s been a lot of fun. Hopefully I enriched some lives.”

She estimates that about 70 different artists have had shows at Marti’s, with some featured more than once. For many artists, Marti’s was there first opportunity to have a show, highlighting their work. Several of those debut artists would feature their work at other galleries after Marti’s.

Muscarella and the artist community welcomed the public for “First Friday” receptions each month to meet the artists in the latest exhibits.

Susan Rudnicky is one of the featured artists in the last show at Marti’s. Rudnicky of Waterport has 40 paintings in watercolors and acrylics in the show at Marti’s. Rudnicky has been featured twice before at the gallery.

“Besides a place to show work in Albion, this to me has been a bright place to see art in Albion,” Rudnicky said. “It’s been a place where artists can get to know each other and spark off ideas.”

Muscarella said she was on the fence about doing an eighth season, but a $2,000 increase in insurance costs was the final factor in deciding to close the gallery after this month’s last show.

Rudnicky said Marti’s will be missed.

“It’s been a real cultural mecca,” she said. “It’s been a place to see interesting stuff and see who else is doing nifty things.”

Rudnicky has very colorful paintings on display. She is in the process of moving to Holland in Erie County. Some of her paintings are big at 3 feet by 4 feet.

Judy Wenrich of Kendall also is featured at Marti’s. She has 20 paintings on display, drawings and photos of horses, barns and other animals.

“I like animals,” said Wenrich, a retired social worker. “They seem to be able to talk to you. I don’t like buildings. You have to draw a straight line and I can’t draw a straight line.”

To visit the gallery, give Martillotta Muscarella a call at (585) 589-6715.

Boil water advisory lifted in Murray

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2015 at 11:19 am

MURRAY – The Orleans County Health Department has lifted a boil water advisory for Murray residents on public water north of the canal.

About 500 residents were advised to boil tap water for a minute. That advisory was issued on Wednesday after water samples on Monday and Tuesday showed E. coli bacteria.

Two straight days with positive tests triggered the two-day advisory.

Town highway workers have flushed water hydrants to improve water flows in the water lines north of the canal. Tests since Tuesday have showed negative results for E coli.

“We want to thank everyone for their patience and concern,” Ed Morgan, the Murray highway superintendent, said this morning.