By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 January 2025 at 9:03 am
HAMLIN – Kendall and Hamlin card players completed the second night of their euchre tournament on Wednesday, and Kendall holds a lead over their rival.
Kendall won the opening day on Jan. 22 with a 157-point lead in the euchre action at the Kendall Fire Hall. The games shifted to the Hamlin Exempts Hall on Wednesday and Hamlin won by 2 points, with Kendall holding a 155-point lead after two days.
The two-town tournament, which goes back at least 70 years, culminates next Wednesday at Kendall. The losing team needs to buy the winners a fish fry dinner at The Grove 1848 in Kendall.
There were 72 card players on Jan. 22, followed by 76 last evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2025 at 8:08 am
Planners recommend Kendall approve farmworker housing for Herberle Farms
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board recommended the Village of Medina approve a variance to allow for a bigger parking lot for Oak Orchard Health at 911 West Center St.
The board on Thursday evening also recommended the Town of Kendall approve the site plan and permit for farmworker housing at 17288 Lakeshore Rd.
Oak orchard Health opened a healthcare center in June 2022 at the former office for Dr. Surinder Bath, a Medina physician for nearly 47 years. He retired in September 2021.
The office currently has eight parking spaces. Oak Orchard wants to expand the lot by seven feet to the east, which would then allow it to have 14 spaces. Two of those spots would be designated as handicapped accessible.
Medina’s code requires a 10-foot setback to a property line for a parking lot. Oak Orchard would need a 7-foot variance to expand the lot and only have a 3-foot buffer to the neighboring property line, where there is a privacy fence.
County Planning Board member Gary Daum of Lyndonville stated his support for the variance saying it would allow Oak orchard to better serve the community, and help patients to park closer to the building, especially those with mobility challenges.
Oak Orchard is hoping to have the expanded parking lot done in the spring.
In Kendall, Heberle Farms is working to establish farmworker housing at 17288 Lakeshore Rd., near the Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road.
The property is outside the agricultural district so the housing requires a permit and site plan review from the town. Joe Heberle, the farm owner, told the Planning Board he will apply to have the property go in the ag district during the review process later this year beginning in July.
Heberle Farms has expanded recently, acquiring 100 more acres while also planting more high-density orchards. Heberle said he needs more farmworkers to bring in a crop of 200,000 bushels of apples.
A smaller double-wide structure would first be used for five or six farmworkers, Heberle said. The Orleans County Health Department will determine the maximum number of workers that can stay there in an upcoming inspection.
A larger brick house will likely be a two-year renovation effort, Heberle said. Bruce Newell, a Planning Board member from Kendall, said town officials are pleased to see the brick building getting attention.
Heberle said the farmworker housing will be used from May to November.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2025 at 8:35 am
Photos courtesy of Kendall Lions Club
KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club last week presented $1,000 checks to the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia and the pre-diabetes program at the Orleans County Health Department.
The donations were made towards the Lions Club’s global causes of vision and diabetes. They money came from the proceeds from the Kendall Lions Club’s annual Christmas Party Auction.
In the photo at left Lions Club President Zina Cappatelli presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, a public health educator and public information officer, for the Orleans County Health Department to support the pre-diabetes education program.
In the photo at right, Lions Club President Zina Cappatelli presents a check to Batavia School for the Blind’s Christopher Wolsey and Jackie Simpson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2025 at 3:53 pm
KENDALL – Kendall and Hamlin are both looking for euchre card players for a tournament pitting the two towns over three Wednesdays – Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5.
Kendall and Hamlin have battled in euchre for about 70 years. The losing team has to buy the winners a fish fry dinner at the Grove 1848 in Kendall.
The first game will start 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Kendall Fire Hall. The game then goes to Hamlin on Jan. 29 and back to Kendall for the finale on Feb. 5. It cost $10 to enter and that includes food and refreshments.
Players can just show up, said John Becker of Kendall. There are usually about 60 players each night.
The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.
After the three days of card playing, the scores will be tabulated to determine the winner.
The event isn’t a fundraiser, but Becker said donations are made to the fire departments in both Kendall and Hamlin.
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department announced the line officers and schedule of events for 2025.
The department responded to 177 calls in 2024.
These are the line officers for 2025:
Fire Chief: Randy Davis
Deputy Fire Chief: Cole Hardenbrook
The following officers have been appointed for 2025:
Assistant Fire Chief: Richard Breslawski
Assistant Fire Chief: Bryan Hardenbrook
Captain: Jason Hardenbrook
Captain: Clayton Christ
Lieutenant: Tim Bidwell
Lieutenant: TBD
Safety Officer: James Fox
EMS Captain: Steven Balka
EMS Lieutenant: Sue Maslin
“We are committed to enhancing our response times, increasing our community engagement, and ensuring the safety of everyone in Kendall,” said David, the fire chief. “Our new officers are highly skilled and dedicated to making a positive impact.”
The Kendall Fire Department’s line officers are chosen for their leadership abilities, years of service, and passion for protecting the community. Their leadership will guide the department’s strategic goals and day-to-day operations throughout 2025.
About Kendall Fire Department:
Founded in 1912, the Kendall Fire Department is a dedicated team of professional and volunteer firefighters who serve and protect the community of Kendall. The department responds to fire, medical emergencies, and other disasters, and works continuously to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 December 2024 at 11:38 am
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Almeter
MORTON – Jasmine Almeter created a nativity scene representing the birth of Jesus out of snow on Tuesday morning in Morton. The weather was perfect, just above freezing, for making a snow creation.
Almeter owns Residential and Commercial Pest Pro in Morton, just outside Orleans County. She made a centipede out of snow in 2022 and last year made a mouse out of snow.
“This year the perfect snow came just in time for Christmas and we made a nativity scene,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 6:47 pm
Provided photos: The ballot in today’s election at Kendall Elementary School shows a choice between mashed potato bowl with chicken, corn, cheese and gravy OR a sweet and sour chicken and rice bowl.
KENDALL – Elementary students and staff made their voices clear in a landslide vote today. They want sweet and sour chicken rice bowl on the school menu.
Students and staff were asked to choose between sweet and sour chicken rice bowl, or mashed potato bowl with chicken, corn, cheese and gravy.
The chicken rice bowl won with 297 votes to 112 for the mashed potato bowl.
Kevin Watson, the school principal, said the school’s head chef, Megan Bouchey, will work to add the new option to the school menu in January.
(Left) Audra Keirn, district clerk and administrative assistant to the superintendent, cast a ballot in today’s election. (Right) Two kindergartners – Logan Butterfield and Nora Rasmusson – vote in the election. They are in Kristy Markham’s class.
The school created ballots, hung posters, and posted mini promotions on the school sign board.
Superintendent Nick Picardo and Watson also filmed a 5-minute informercial in school’s television student alerting students about the upcoming vote. Picardo and Watson both test-tasted each menu item live and offered their recommendation.
Watson picked the mashed potato bowl while Picardo favored the sweet and sour chicken.
After classes voted today, they posed by a “VOTE” sign outside the main office. This photo shows Taylor Kingsbury’s 4th grade class.
This is the third election at the school on an issue of interest to students. Last year students voted on which slide would better for the school’s new playground: the double slide or a swirl slide.
There were 376 ballots cast, and the swirl was dominant with 303 votes to 73 for the double slide. The district breaks ground on a new playground in the spring that will include the swirl slide.
“Students will see their voice in action soon!” Watson said.
In the first election in 2022, students picked the name for the school’s eagle mascot. “Talon” was the winner.
Kevin Watson, the school principal, and Joseph Reger, a sixth grader, announce the results of the election.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 October 2024 at 6:02 pm
Photos courtesy of Andy King, art teacher at Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Kendall fourth-grader Carter Cook (in front) and fifth-grader Evan May (just behind him) wore cool helmets at today’s ride to school event which featured about 80 Kendall elementary students and a dozen staff members.
Kendall started the ride to school event last year and about 50 kids participated then.
The students start the ride at the Kendall Highway Garage on Crandall Avenue and then head to the elementary school on Kendall Road.
Students gather for a group photo after the ride. They are offered a Gatorade, fruit snack, and/or applesauce pouch after the ride. Parents pick up their students’ bikes during the day.
Students in grades 3-6 all receive a training with the district’s School Resource Officer, Deputy George Barton, prior to the bike ride. Students learn important safety tips for riding bikes including which side of the road to stay on. Deputy Barton presents to each grade level using a slide show he created.
Parents register their children via a Google Survey. The survey ensures all of the pertinent information is understood leading up to the event (time, date, requirement for helmet, etc).
“Deputy Barton closes off southbound traffic from Kenmore road to our elementary building to ensure our students are safe,” said Kevin Watson, the elementary school principal.
Brennan Wahl rides with his daughter, Avery, a fifth grader. Mr. Wahl is a 4th grade teacher at Kendall.
A Kendall staff member uses a Gator to pace the students, who are reminded “this is a stroll to school — not a race!” Watson said.
The pace car ensures they are safe and not zooming down the road. The Sheriff’s Department ensures students are safe on the right side of the road. The district Buildings and Grounds members also cut off traffic into the school so students can pull in safely after the ride, Watson said.
“I love our community lining up along the streets and waving to the kids,” Watson said. “We have such a supportive community here in Kendall!”
Kendall Elementary School Special Education teacher Sarah Scorse joins the ride with students and staff.
Principal Kevin Watson gets the riders attention at the Highway Department before the ride to the school.
Kendall fifth-grader Emma Pagano enjoys the bike ride.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 October 2024 at 8:25 am
Provided photo
KENT – The Old Crow Motorcycle Club on Wednesday evening presented a check for $3,000 to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.
The money was presented at the Old Crow clubhouse on Petersmith Road in Kent. The funding is the proceeds of the Old Crow’s annual pig roast which was held on Sept. 14.
“We were blown away tonight by the Old Crow Motorcycle Club in Kent, NY,” Justice for Children posted on its Facebook page. “This incredible group of individuals presented us with an extremely generous donation, and they couldn’t have been more kind, warm, and supportive. They have supported the JFCAC for several years now in multiple ways and we are so very grateful!!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!”
Justice for Children Advocacy Center provides services for children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have been a witness to violence.
The goal of Justice for Children is to improve the response to child abuse by eliminating multiple interviews and examinations of children, providing quick access to mental health, victim advocacy, and support services for children and families and enhancing multidisciplinary communication and coordination.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2024 at 10:24 am
Provided photos
KENDALL – Betty Wilson, center, turned 105 on Wednesday, Sept. 18. On Sunday after church at the Kendall Global Methodist Church, her family and friends celebrated her milestone birthday.
Pictured from left include Sandra Wilson Peragine, Dona Wilson Maynard, Robert Hart, Bob Harradine, Jane Wilson Hart, Betty Thornell Wilson, Marianne Wilson Kepler, Robert L. Wilson, Sage Anstey, Sherry Nottingham Wilson, Breanna King, Matt Wilson, Robert J. Wilson and Sandra Maxon Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson worked at Kodak, where she met her husband, Robert Wilson. They moved to Kendall and raised four children on a farm.
Family and friends enjoy the celebration in honor of Betty Wilson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2024 at 8:42 am
St. Rocco’s Festival grounds will remain with ONE Catholic
Photos by Tom Rivers: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will be closed and sold as part of plan by the Diocese of Buffalo to restructure parishes.
Diocese of Buffalo leaders this morning will announce the final decisions on which parishes and other properties will be closed and sold.
Bishop Michael Fisher is expected to announce the recommendations from June will be final for Orleans and eastern Niagara, which includes closing and selling St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Kendall and St. Stephen’s in Middleport.
The church in Lyndonville was badly damaged in a fire last year, with the church building then razed. The Diocese will sell the former rectory and property in Lyndonville, according to an announcement posted last evening from Father Mark Noonan, pastor of ONE Catholic which includes Orleans and eastern Niagara churches.
“These decisions have been difficult to countenance and consider over the last few months since we received the Recommendations from the Road to Renewal Team,” Father Noonan posted in a message to the community. “It is painful to lose things that we have known, loved and treasured. Our Churches are sacred places that have been blessed by God through the Church in order to enable us to be with the Lord in the celebration of the Sacraments. It is sorrowful to let go of them. And in the same moment, we know and trust that God, who is ever faithful, will guide us in his pathways and always be with us in the Holy Eucharist.”
Bocce is played on Sept. 1 during the St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton. The event draws a crowd of several hundred people for food, bocce, and other activities, in an popular fundraiser for the Catholic parish. The Diocese backed off an early recommendation to sell the grounds.
The Diocese switched one of its recommendations for ONE Catholic. The Diocese was planning to sell the St. Rocco’s festival grounds in Hulberton. But the final plan calls for ONE Catholic to keep it. That will be a relief to the Holley community, which celebrated the 49th St. Rocco’s Italian Festival on Sept. 1.
The other church in ONE Catholic, St. Patrick’s in Barker, will move out of ONE Catholic and into a family of parishes in central Niagara.
Father Noonan said the transitions will take place at various times between Oct. 1 and June 8, 2025. The specific dates have not been set, he said.
“Now having received these decisions, we will move forward with God’s help and grace,” Father Noonan said. “I will continue to provide information on this process in the weeks ahead. As the ONE Catholic Community, we will deepen our mission of faith, charity, evangelization, and stewardship in this portion of the Vineyard of the Lord.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 August 2024 at 1:28 pm
Screenshot
Photos courtesy of Ron Lasal
KENDALL – Ron Lasal had his driveway sealed yesterday on Kendall Road. This morning he went out to remove the barriers so his wife could head out on an errand.
Lasal was surprised to see muddy bear tracks on the driveway. A friend told him she saw a bear on Route 18. Lasal suspects the same bear wandered across his property last night.
He has never seen a bear before in Kendall, but saw them years ago in the Southern Tier.
“It’s in the area,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me any. I hunted in Southern Tier for 15 years.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2024 at 5:02 pm
Photo and information courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
KENDALL – Two fishermen were able to swim ashore after their boat capsized on Sunday.
Peter Keppler, 71, of Medina and William Wittman, 44, of Albion were fishing on a 1994 fishing boat that is 26 feet long. They were about 5 miles offshore, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.
“At some point, the vessel began taking on water and the bilge pump was not functioning,” Bourke stated in a news release. “The two individuals equipped with life vests eventually ended up in the water. After being in the water for over five hours, the two individuals were able to successfully swim to shore at Knapp Shores in Kendall.”
The vessel was found partially submerged in Lake Ontario the next morning by Orleans County Sheriff Marine Division Deputies Ryan Flaherty and Jason Barnum. The vessel was found approximately 4 miles northeast of Bald Eagle Marina in the Town of Kendall near the Monroe-Orleans County line.
Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Division was assisted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine.
“Thankfully nobody was injured during the incident, and the occupants made it to shore safely,” Bourke said. “The U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the incident and are planning to remove the vessel as it was determined to be a hazard to other boaters.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2024 at 12:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Paul Draper of Shotgun Pauly sings “Be My Baby Tonight” by John Michael Montgomery on Saturday night at the Kendall Fire Department’s Field Days. Joe Chimera, the bass player, is at right.
Shotgun Pauly closed out the two-day celebration with many country, blues and rock songs. The band includes Paul Draper as lead singer and on guitar, Michael Dyrda, rhythm and lead guitar, Gary Brown and rhythm and lead guitar as well as vocals, Joe Chimera on bass and vocals, and Nino Speranza on drums.
The Kendall Community Band and the Begging Angels band also performed on Saturday, and Highway 31 was the featured band on Friday night.
Andrew Kludt calls out the numbers at the Chuck-A-Luck Wheel, where participants could triple their money.
The Kendall Fire Department usually has a three-day carnival with amusement rides, but the fire department was unable to secure a ride company this year. Kendall FD officials said they will try to get an amusement ride provider next year.
Rather than cancel the entire carnival, the fire department and ladies auxiliary instead did a two-day field days that include a parade, tractor pull, car show, cornhole tournament, an auction and lots of food.
Evan Levett, 18, puts fries in the deep fryer on Saturday night. Levett said he has been volunteering at the field days or carnival since he was a little boy.
“It’s fun,” he said. “I like doing this. It’s helping out the community.”
Phil D’Agostino, left, hands off a hot dog to his son Charlie D’Agostino. Phil grilled sausage, hot dogs and hamburgers. He was assisted in serving the food by nine of his grandchildren.
D’Agostino said the crowds were still good for the two-day event, even though there weren’t amusement rides.
D’Agostino said the fire department sold 600 ppunds of chicken fingers, 400 dozen clams, and 150 pounds of roast beef.
Desiree Plucknette, left, and Leanne Richards serve waffles in powered sugar. The waffles were hot items at $2 each.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Grinch waves to people along the parade route in Kendall on July 14, 2023 during the Kendall Fire Department’s annual carnival. The Grinch was part of a float created by local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. The carnival has been revamped to a tow-day field days.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2024 at 8:23 am
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department will have a field days event today and Saturday, a downscaled version of its carnival.
The fire department wasn’t able to secure a company to provide amusement rides.
But there will still be a parade, lots of food, live music and the I Got It game. Kendall has been the last fire department in Orleans County to do a carnival.
The lineup of events includes:
Today
Firemen’s Parade at 7 p.m.
Highway 31 takes the stage from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday
Tractor pulls start at 10 a.m. (Weigh-in starts at 8 a.m.)
Cornhole tournament starts at noon
Auction at noon
Pony rides start at noon
Bikers Against Child Abuse will be having free activities for the kids from 12 to 5 p.m.
