Shelby

Tractor trailer jackknifes in Shelby on 31A

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2019 at 2:52 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – A tractor trailer from Grand Island hit a guard rail and slid off the road at about 1:30 p.m. today. This photo is looking east on Route 31A, just west of Townline Road near Barre.

The driver of the truck for JS Trucking wasn’t injured.

This is looking west at the scene. The accident closed a section of Route 31A. Shelby and East Shelby firefighters were on the scene with a crew from the Albion Fire Department called to help clean up leaking fuel from the tractor trailer, which was empty.

Road conditions are slick due to the freezing temperatures and falling snow.

No other information was available.

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Kids get to ride fire trucks, spray water at Shelby open house

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 October 2019 at 10:01 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – Zach Petry, a Shelby firefighter, makes sure kids are buckled in before taking them on a ride in Shelby fire truck today during an open house at the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Shelby firefighters also shared fire prevention tips, and served hot dogs.

Kara Zambito and her son Vinny, 1, spray water at targets. The fire company set up obstacles, games and activities to give people a feel for being a firefighter.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department also did a child ID program. A fire prevention trailer from Orleans County Emergency Services also was on-site for families to practice an escape plan in case of a fire.

Mercy Flight also stopped by with a helicopter and the Holley Fire Department brought its new ladder truck.

Lukin Szatkowski, 8, of Medina takes a turn with the hose with some guidance from Melinda Canham.

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Shelby has open house at fire hall on Saturday

Staff Reports Posted 18 October 2019 at 5:34 pm

SHELBY — The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company will have an open house on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire hall, 4677 South Gravel Rd. (Route 63.

The public is welcome to tour fire trucks, the fire hall, and kids can attempt an obstacle course where they learn fire prevention and response tips, such as Stop, Drop and Roll, and to crawl under tables in case of a fire.

Kids can also spray water from a hose at targets. They also will receive goodie bags and plastic fire helmets.

The event is free and open to public. Hot dogs, chips and beverages will also be available.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department will be doing a child ID program. A fire prevention trailer from Orleans County Emergency Services also will be on-site.

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200-plus raise $35K at Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 October 2019 at 7:03 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Marie Hartway, center, of Medina is flanked by her sister-in-law Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville, left, and sister Bridget DiCureia of Albion as they wait for the start of the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run Saturday at East Shelby Fire Hall. Hartway is undergoing chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for breast cancer, and said she is walking to “give back.”

EAST SHELBY – The 31st annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run on Saturday was again a resounding success, raising more than $35,000 to help families dealing with cancer in Orleans County.

Sandy Persons of Kent stretches her muscles as she waits for the start of the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run on Saturday. A 10-year breast cancer survivor, Persons said she had a friend who walked in a body cast, and if she could do it, so could Persons.

Top finishers were Alden Cayea, 19, of Medina (male) in 19 minutes, 10 seconds; and Mollie Mark, 40, of Medina (female) in 23 minutes, 37 seconds, according to Stacey Knights Pellicano, daughter of the late Richard Knights for whom the race is co-named.

More than 200 of all ages registered to participate in the event, from grandparents to children in strollers to entire families.

The walk was started 30 years ago as a fundraiser by the Knights and Kaderli families who had lost loved ones due to cancer, Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli. Participation has grown each year, allowing the fund to provide thousands of dollars in assistance to cancer patients and their families.

The walk/run annually draws repeat supporters, such as Kristin McAdoo of Medina who has taken part for 20 years. She competed this year with her two sons, 20 and 21, and granddaughter, 5. She wanted to support the race because they helped her father-in-law with expenses before he died, she said.

Twins Darlene Rich and Sharlene Pratt of Medina have run every year as a family. Older sister Fonda Carr is their cheerleader, Rich said. This year they ran with Pratt’s daughter Katie, her two children, her boyfriend and his two children.

Marie Hartway, 51, of Medina showed her determination by walking with sister Bridget DiCureia of Medina and sister-in-law Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville. Hartway is undergoing chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for breast cancer. Although she walked on Saturday, a year ago she ran her first marathon, she said.

“The Knights-Kaderli Fund has definitely helped me, and I want to give back,” she said.

DiCureia previously walked for Kelly Schrader Hurrell, who had the same cancer as Marie.

“The lesson you learn is there is not one family cancer doesn’t touch,” Bansbach said.

The Martin family annually joins to support the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run. Here, Sue, second from left, is joined by her daughter Alicia Dunham and her two children, and son Ben with his wife and son as they wait for the start of the walk.

Hartway, who was diagnosed in February, said exercising helps keep her sane.

“I treat it like my marathon – you just have to keep going,” she said.

Pellicano thanked the families, runners, walkers, those who donated baskets for the raffle and all the volunteers who participated in any way.

Race Management Solutions timed and recorded racers and provided music.

Karen Barber of Medina crosses the finish line with her children Brooks, 5, and Kennedy, 7, during the 31st Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run. The event raised more than $35,000 to help families dealing with cancer in Orleans County.

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Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run returns on Saturday in East Shelby

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 October 2019 at 7:08 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Two families of friends turned out in full force last October to support the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run at East Shelby Fire Hall. Gary and Karen Barber of Brockport, at left, and Jay and Julie Mersdorf of Webster pose with children Haley Mersdorf, 8; Kennedy Barber, 6; Paxton Barber, 2; Brooks Barber, 4; and Brett Mersdorf. The 31stannual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run is this Saturday.

EAST SHELBY – This Saturday will mark the occasion of the 31st annual Knights-Kaderli 5K race to benefit those living with cancer in Orleans County.

The fundraiser originally started as separate events in memory of two lifelong residents of Orleans County – Richard Knights and Sue Scharping Kaderli.

In 1994, their families merged their memorial funds into the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund. It was the wish of both families that money raised be used to provide financial support to Orleans County cancer patients and their families. Funds have been used to assist families with prescriptions, medical supplies, transportation costs, nutritional supplements and bills.

Since its inception, the fund has assisted about 600 cancer patients and/or their families, and gives out about $60,000 annually to assist families. The 5K walk/run is a big fundraiser for Knights-Kaderli.

Richard Knights grew up in Knowlesville, a son of the late William Knights Jr. and Sarah Marion Cox Knights. He was also a stepson of Mary Balcerzak Knights. He graduated from Medina High School and attended Morrisville and Kent State universities. He was prominent in an extensive farming operation in the town of Ridgeway under the name of Knights Land Company. He was also owner of Knights Real Estate and a partner in Ridge Sand and Gravel and Orleans Trucking.

Richard spent a decade in a policy-making position with the Republican Party in Orleans County and was a longtime member of the Republican Committee in the town of Ridgeway. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Medina, a former member of the Medina Jaycees, an active member of various farm groups and was president of the West Ridgeway Cemetery Association.

Sue Kaderli grew up in Orleans County, a daughter of the late Earl and Viola Clack Scharping. She graduated from Medina High School in 1955 and worked in the Orleans County area most of her life. She spent the last 15 years of her life as a clerk at Main Liquor Store in Medina.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a dedicated and loving mother to her four children. She is remembered as a very compassionate person, always there to talk with or lend a hand to those in need.

Sue’s family copes with her loss by helping others who are fighting cancer. It is their hope that Sue’s gift of compassion for helping other people will live on through the aid of this fund named in her memory.

The Knights-Kaderli 5K race will take place at East Shelby Fire Hall. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the race starting at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend the event for lunch and to participate in a giant basket raffle.

Minimum registration fee to walk or run in the race is $20 and includes a T-shirt and lunch.

Online registration is available at knightskaderlimemorial5krunwalk.itsyourrace.com/register/.

More information or sponsorship and donation opportunities are available by calling Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455; Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977 or Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932.

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Big effort from several groups raises $20K for Warrior House

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Bellucci of the Medina Knights of Columbus presented a check for $1,260 to Pete Zeliff Jr. for the Warrior House on Saturday. From left are Bellucci, Zeliff, and Knights members Archie Washak, Mike Krupa and Bob Fox.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 August 2019 at 1:20 pm

MEDINA – Saturday was a special day at the Warrior House on Salt Works Road.

Not only was it the third annual fundraiser for the veterans’ retreat, it was a day when several local organizations came together to show their support for veterans in the area.

The day began with a special presentation of a check for $1,260 by the Knights of Columbus in Medina. Members Dave Bellucci, Bob Fox, Archie Washak and Mike Krupa presented the check to Pete Zeliff, Jr., the landowner who donated the farmhouse and land on Salt Works Road which is used as a retreat for veterans.

The donation represents the proceeds of the Knights’ golf tournament July 27. Bellucci said they normally raise about $500 at the tournament, but this year because it was going to benefit veterans, golfers who won monetary prizes donated it all back. Five veterans actually golfed in the tournament.

It was the idea of Washak, a Vietnam veteran, to donate their proceeds to the Warrior House.

“The Warrior House is a great cause, he said.

These are some of the more than 200 Patriot Guard and ABATE riders who attended a fundraiser Saturday at the Warrior House on Salt Works Road, Medina.

“Funding from groups like this allows us to expand the things we do for veterans,” Zeliff said.

Tops on their list of things to do is to expand programs to include veterans and their families, such as picnics and special gatherings. Catherine Schmidt will head this new endeavor.

The Warrior House was founded in 2015 after Zeliff purchased land on Salt Works Road, but had no use for the farmhouse on the property. He met Ed Spence of Oakfield, who was the Western New York leader of Operation Injured Soldier, and the Warrior House was established.

Saturday’s fundraiser grew out of efforts started by Todd Wilcox of Medina, who organized the first one two years ago. It was going to be a simple dice run for 30 to 40 bikes, but his wife Beverly, who tends bar at the VFW in Medina, suggested they add a basket raffle. This year, basket donations reached nearly 300, in addition to big ticket items, such as five weapons, a hand-crocheted blanket with an American flag and soldiers on it, a fire ring donated by the BOCES Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program, a picnic table donated by BOCES wood shop and more.

Diane Kephart, center, helped with the giant basket raffle to benefit the Warrior House. Kim Lockwood of Medina, right, sold 50/50 tickets during the fundraiser Saturday.

Bev Wilcox coordinated this year’s basket raffle. Other support came from Orleans County veterans’ organizations, including Medina VFW and Auxiliary; Patriot Guard Riders, led by ride captain Joe Joyce of East Pembroke; ABATE; Harley Davidson dealers across the country, who became involved because Medina veteran Jim Freas’ niece works for Harley Davidson; Bad Ash Barbecue, who loaned their food trailer; and M&T Heating in Albion.

Also this year, AMVETS Riders from Blasdell announced they would donate the proceeds of a fundraiser they did to the Warrior House.

Proceeds from the day are expected to exceed $20,000.

“This will go a long way toward helping any veteran in need,” Zeliff said. “This includes food and clothing for homeless vets.”

“It not only means food on the table for a needy veteran, but we have provided a truckload of wood for a veteran in the winter and money for HEAP to help with heating costs,” said Dan Anderson, commander of the VFW in Medina. “We also do a Christmas program, where we provide Christmas dinner and gifts for veterans and their families.”

A highlight of the day’s event included dedication of a new flagpole in the yard. Mark Zacher of Zacher Construction laid out the ground work, Oak Orchard Concrete donated the concrete and BOCES welded the steel design, which depicts a soldier kneeling in front of a cross. The ceremony included singing of the National Anthem and raising of new American, MIA and POW flags. This was followed with Taps, a 21-gun salute by veterans’ Honor Guard and displaying a flag draped casket by Medina’s American Legion and VFW.

The Warrior House will continue to provide hunting and fishing trips for veterans across the country.

“There’s nothing else like the Warrior House anywhere around here,” Wilcox said.

Photos courtesy of Diana Anderson: Members of the Medina American Legion and VFW, along with their Honor Guard, participated in ceremonies Saturday afternoon to dedicate a new flag pole and memorial at the Warrior House.

A silhouette of a soldier kneeling beside a cross was dedicated alongside a new flag pole at the Warrior House on Saturday afternoon.

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Church serves 2,750 hot dogs, 340 pies and lots of fun at Old Tyme Day

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2019 at 10:33 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – A barbershop choir that includes Sara Dorpfeld of Medina, center, and Patricia Fox of Medina sing during today’s Old Tyme Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

The ladies in the choir were The Honey Bee Flats while the men were The Hound Dog Harmonics. The crowd was asked to vote for which of the two groups they preferred. The vote ended in a tie.

Evan Allen of Albion dressed as a chicken while the choir sang the popular children’s song, “Alouette,” which is about plucking feathers from a lark.

Lynnea Mayne and Will Trembley are in center while a group of youth dance to the reel.

Denise Jaczynski of Basom and Tony Dispenza of Akron get more pies ready for a crowd that was estimated at more than 2,000 people. The church served slices of pie for a penny, and went through 340 pies for the annual event.

Ken Baker of Medina cooks hot dogs. The East Shelby Community Bible Church served 2,750 hot dogs during the popular event at 5278 East Shelby Road. The hot dogs and everything else were available for a penny.

Paula Nesbitt fills cups of iced tea. The church went through 150 gallons of lemonade, ice tea and loganberry.

Randy Pearl, a blacksmith, led members of the community in making metal hooks. Carl Quackenbush, right, of Medina appreciated the chance to give it a try.

John Bentley of the Collins Draft Horse Ox and Pony Club leads a group on a ride around West Jackson Corners.

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East Shelby church hosts Old Tyme Day on Sunday

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 July 2019 at 1:00 pm

Photos contributed: Josiah Olsen waves an American flag as he waits for a hot dog at East Shelby Community Bible Church’s Old Tyme Day last year. The event returns on Sunday.

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Community Bible Church will again sponsor its Old Tyme Day on Sunday, beginning with a church service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 5278 East Shelby Road.

Visitors are invited to bring the entire family for an afternoon of food and fun in West Jackson Corners, the 1800s village built by the congregation across the road from the church.

There will be samples of classic dishes cooked in a log cabin, fresh breads baked in a beehive oven and served with homemade butter. Visitors may also enjoy all-you-can-eat homemade pies, hot dogs, hand-spun ice cream and popcorn, all for a penny.

Tony DiGuilio helps a young visitor at the woodworking station in West Jackson Corners during last year’s Old Tyme Day.

Other activities include kids games, wool spinning, candle making, basket weaving, old fashioned photos, horse and buggy rides and horseback riding. Also featured will be weaving on an old-time loom, a working blacksmith shop, a woodworker’s shop, a sewing shop, barn, penny candy store and a mill with waterwheel fed by a sluiceway.

This year’s Old Tyme Day will feature a musical competition. The East Shelby Choir has divided into two groups, with the ladies joining the sweet Adeline group called the “Honey B Flats,” and the men forming a barbershop group called the “Hound Dog Harmonics.” The two groups will sing barbershop-styled music and compete against each other for the audience’s votes.

The crowd will be asked to judge the choirs on their style, presentation and their costumes. The competition will include one major concert and several extra performances.

Before the day concludes, visitors are encouraged to come inside the church, where information detailing the history of the church and its founding parishioners from the 1800s will be laid out for viewing. This will include old-fashioned pictures, personal letters and articles. Some names of these historic members can be seen during a wagon ride to the East Shelby Cemetery, located about a mile from the church.

Youth from East Shelby Community Bible Church perform an old-fashioned dance in a miniature barn in West Jackson Corners.

Pastor Erik Olsen conducts the choir in singing old fashioned songs during last year’s Old Tyme Day in West Jackson Corners, the 1800s village constructed by East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Charlie Silvernail of Basom masquerades as the mayor of West Jackson Corners during an Old Tyme Day in West Jackson Corners.

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2 graduate from Orleans County Christian School

Posted 6 July 2019 at 8:48 am

Provided photos: Aurora Zaidel of Middleport receives her diploma from Linda Strickland, administrator and principal of the Orleans County Christian School during the graduation ceremony. Spencer Burton of Albion also graduated from the school, which moved from the former Medina High School to the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church on Route 63 in Shelby.

Spencer Burton of Albion and Aurora Zaidel of Middleport graduated from the Orleans County Christian School last month.

Press Release, Orleans County Christian School

SHELBY – Orleans County Christian School has provided a Christ-centered education for Orleans County for the past 23 years. This year was no different as OCCS held yet another graduation ceremony under the direction of Linda Strickland, the school’s administrator the past 15 years.

This year’s graduates were Spencer Burton of Albion and Aurora Zaidel of Middleport. Spencer began working immediately as summer help for the Village of Albion DPW, and thoroughly enjoys what he is doing.

Aurora took part in the Allied Health Program at Orleans-Niagara BOCES while attending classes at OCCS and GCC and holding down a job at Medina Memorial Hospital. Aurora will pursue a Bachelor of Nursing RN with GCC.

As of June 30, Linda Strickland has retired and handed over the reins of Administrator/Principal to Jodi Peters. Jodi has completed her sixth year of teaching at OCCS. She is married to Pastor Russell Peters of the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church. Alabama opened its doors to the school this past fall as the former school building had been sold.

Jodi recently represented the school at a forum held at Orleans-Niagara BOCES in which she discussed alternative education to public school education. Mrs. Peters has been a piano/voice instructor to many students in Orleans and Genesee counties as well as a local author of Holding On When Your Ladder Breaks, Coping With Crisis, and her Bible study, Immersed in His Grace, both available on Amazon. Jodi says that her years of teaching, being a pastor’s wife and managing committees and departments, and working and speaking with the community have well equipped her for her new position.

The school averages 20 students each year and graduates one to three students annually. OCCS is now holding open enrollment for the 2019-2020 school years. For more information on how to enroll please visit www.orleanscountychristianschool.com or call (585) 798-2992.

Jodi Peters, the new school administrator and principal, congratulates the graduates and praised Linda Strickland, right, for her service to the school the past 15 years.

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East Shelby home destroyed in morning fire

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2019 at 9:24 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – This house at 5582 East Shelby Rd. is a total loss after fire this morning. The fire started in the kitchen and quickly spread throughout the house.

Firefighters were dispatched for a structure fire just after 5 this morning.

“It was pretty much fully engulfed,” said East Shelby Fire Chief Andy Beach. “We saved as much as we could.”

East Shelby firefighter Dan Culver sprays water on hot spots inside the house at about 8:30 this morning.

A husband and wife lived at the house with their five dogs. The husband was at work when the fire broke out, Beach said. The woman and three of the dogs were able to get outside. Two of the dogs died in the fire, Beach said.

The Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary shelter while the Orleans County Animal Shelter temporarily keeps the three dogs.