By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, hands a proclamation to Town Supervisor Brian Napoli today in honor of the town’s bicentennial. Resident Hugh James, back left, was one of about 50 people to crowd into the town hall for the presentations.
Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli, left, congratulates Don Marchner, Ridgeway fire chief, for the Fire Company’s award in leading the county in EMS training hours with 994.
Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson, right, reads a proclamation in honor of Ridgeway’s 200th anniversary. Johnson is joined by Mary Woodruff, a town councilwoman who last November became the first woman elected to the Ridgeway Town Board. Woodruff is joined by her grandchildren, Amanda and Brennan Woodruff.
Orleans Hub will have more on Ridgeway’s bicentennial later.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – State Sen. George Maziarz, right, and Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli address a crowd today during the town’s bicentennial celebration and open house to a renovated town hall.
MEDINA – It may have a been a year late, but the town of Ridgeway celebrated its bicentennial today with speeches from politicians, awards of appreciation, reflections on the town’s history and food.
Ridgeway formed in 1812, and was named for “The Ridge,” a natural embankment that was an east-west route used by Native Americans and other travelers. Seymour Murdock was the town’s first settler in 1810, and constructed the first frame barn of heavy oak timber that still stands today, according to a proclamation about the town’s bicentennial.
The proclamation noted the town’s successful agricultural industry due to industrious farmers, excellent soils and moderate climate. Ridgeway has grown to 6,534 residents, and continues to draw people looking for opportunity, as evidenced by the influx of Amish and Mennonite families, according to the proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature.
The town postponed the bicentennial celebration until 2013, wanting to wait until about $50,000 of renovations were complete in the town hall on West Avenue, a building that hadn’t been improved much since it was built in 1979.
Horizon Builders in Ridgeway renovated the main meeting room, and put in new windows, carpets and doors. The building also received a fresh coat of paint on walls and the ceiling.
“This is the entryway of democracy, a town hall like this,” State Sen. George Maziarz said about the celebration. “A town hall like this is an investment in democracy.”
Town Supervisor Brian Napoli accepted a citation from the State Senate for the town’s 200th anniversary. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley also sent also congratulations and official commendation.
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins presented an official proclamation from Congress.
Napoli used the occasion to publicly praise Richard Nellist, the recently retired town historian who has agreed to help as a volunteer with historical efforts.
Don Marchner, the Ridgeway fire chief, also accepted a citation from Napoli and Collins for the Ridgeway Fire Company’s distinction of leading the county in EMS training hours with 994.
“That shows the dedication of everyone in the department,” Napoli said. “We’re really indebted to them.”
Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson also noted that Mary Woodruff, a town councilwoman, is the first woman to serve on the Town Board in Ridgeway’s history. She also was instrumental in organizing the bicentennial party.
Napoli also was praised by County Legislature Chairman David Callard, a former Ridgeway town supervisor. Callard said Napoli has worked steadily to expand public water lines and improve water quality throughout the town.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2013 at 12:00 am
GAINES – U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, will meet with local residents Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Village Inn as part of his ongoing “Coffee with Chris” events.
The Village Inn is located at 4369 Ridge Rd. The event is open to public. Collins is expected to give an update about Washington, D.C., and take questions.
He will then join Ridgeway town officials for a bicentennial celebration at the Ridgeway Town Hall. That event begins at 10:30 a.m. at 410 West Ave., Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Town will show off renovations to Town Hall, honor citizens
Photo by Tom Rivers – Brian Napoli, Ridgeway town supervisor, stands outside the town hall, which was recently upgraded. Ridgeway will have an open house Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the building, 410 West Ave.
MEDINA – The town is inviting the public to come see renovations to the town hall on Saturday, and also to help mark Ridgeway’s 200th birthday.
The celebration will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 410 West Ave. Ridgeway actually reached its bicentennial last year, when contractors were working on the town building. Now that the work is complete, the town wants to show off the town hall, and mark its 200th birthday.
State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, are expected on Saturday with formal proclamations in honor of the bicentennial. County Legislators Dave Callard and Lynne Johnson also are expected to help celebrate the milestone.
Town Supervisor Brian Napoli will present honorary citations to the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for their work in the community and to historian Richard Nellist.
Mary Woodruff became the first woman ever to serve on the Town Board when she was appointed in March 2012. She was then elected to councilwoman last November. She will also be recognized on Saturday.
Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
ALBION – Two rollover crashes on opposite ends of the county kept Orleans County deputies busy Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Department reported.
The first incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m., in the 3600 block of Horan Rd., in the town of Ridgeway. A 2012 Ford Taurus, operated by Zoltan M. Koleszar, 48, of Medina, was travelling north at a high rate of speed on Horan Road, when the operator lost control of the vehicle.
The car ran across the roadway and off the west side before striking a utility pole and a tree. The car then over-turned several times before coming to rest on its side.
Koleszar, the sole occupant, refused medical treatment at the scene but later complained of back and neck pain during the arrest process and was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital. He faces driving while intoxicated and other traffic charges and will appear in Town of Ridgeway court at a later date.
The incident was investigated by Deputies K.J. Colonna and J.J. Cole. Ridgeway firefighters and the Medina FD ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.
The second incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m., in the 16700 block of Fourth Section Rd. (Route 31A) in the town of Clarendon.
Emily A. Benson, 20, of Medina, was travelling west on 31A in a 2005 Ford Suburban, when she failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle ran off the north side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, and went down an embankment, causing it to overturn several times before coming to rest upside down.
Benson, the sole occupant, was transported by Monroe Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Her injuries were non-life threatening. Benson made an admission to falling asleep at the wheel. There were no other contributing factors in the crash.
The incident was investigated by Deputy T.N. Tooley and Inv. C.L. Black. Clarendon firefighters and ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Nicole Cooper, 14, of Medina runs through an inflatable obstacle course this afternoon at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
KNOWLESVILLE – About 50 youths played miniature golf, laser tag, and enjoyed bands, face painting, balloon art, an inflatable obstacle course an other events this afternoon.
The faith-based committee of the Orleans United Drug-Free Coalition put on the event for children in grades 6 through 12 today from 1 to 4 p.m.
The event was called BLAM! for bands, laser tag, and mini-golf.
Simeon Sugar, 16, of Albion mishits a putt this afternoon to the delight of his playing partners, from left: Jordan Thomas, 14, of Holley; Shay Russell, 15, Appleton; and Simeon’s twin brother, Levi.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
Bradley Martin and a team of six draft horses harrow a field on Knowlesville Road this afternoon. Martin works for a Mennonite-owned dairy farm, part of a growing cluster for Amish- and Mennonite-owned businesses in the Ridgeway and Yates communities. Martin also walked the field, removing big rocks by hand.
A Brockport man is hospitalized following a farm accident in the Town of Ridgeway on April 26, 2013. The incident occurred in the 3100 block of Bates Road. Emos Jeanat was working on farm property he owns at that location. He was working on a 10-wheel hydraulic dump truck he recently purchased, when he was inadvertently pinned between the cab and the dump box.
Jeanat was extricated by Ridgeway firefighters and flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by MercyFlight helicopter. Medina FD ambulance personnel also assisted at the scene.
The incident was investigated by Deputies T.N. Tooley and J.J. Cole.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
Paige Martin, 10, of Shelby holds still while a butterfly is painted on her face by Veronica Compton of Lockport. Compton worked in the face-painting booth sponsored by LynOaken Farms at the Orleans County Home and Garden Show. Paige’s 12-year-old sister Shelby, below, shows off a creature painted on her arm. The two visited the Home and Garden Show at the 4-H Fairgrounds today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
Bob Waters, president of the Medina Sandstone Society, signs a copy of the organization’s latest publication, “Medina, My Home Town – Fond Memories.” Waters and the Sandstone Society are among 56 vendors at today’s Home and Garden Show at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. In photo below, Clor’s Meat Market in Batavia employees Ryan Gugel, left, and Troy Colton prepare chicken for the concession booth in the Trolley Building.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
Jenna Roberts sets up a display of decorative yard flags as part of an exhibit for Roberts Farm Market in Medina at the 4-H fairgrounds in Knowlesville on Friday. Roberts Farm Market is one of 56 vendors for this weekend’s Orleans County Home and Garden Show. Jenna worked with her parents, Gary and Margaret Roberts, to set up a booth with flowers and garden decorations. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Besides the exhibits from vendors, there will be face painting, an obstacle course and miniature golf. Admission is $1, but is free to children 10 and younger. The event is organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
Chris Crafts, a master gardener, leads a seminar today on “The Joy of Greenhouse Gardening.” About 50 people attended a “Spring into Gardening” education day at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Master gardeners in the county put on eight different educational sessions for the public. The session led by Crafts focused on using greenhouses for garden sustainability in a time of unpredictable climate change.
