CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has expanded its summer activities to include two special days of events to interest children.

Cobblestone Kids Days will begin today with a program titled “Time Travel to the 1800s,” in which children will get to meet a Victorian lady at the 1834 Cobblestone Universalist Church.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, during which time children will make a Civil War church doll and get to test their detective skills in the Museum’s Exhibit Room.

From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 7, the Museum will celebrate Cobble the Mouse Day.

Cobble was created by Georgia Thomas of Medina, who lent her idea to a coloring and story book. Patty Blackburn of Medina illustrated the book and will read “Cobble the Museum Mouse” aloud. Children will make a Cobble the Mouse holiday ornament and receive a free copy of coloring and story book.

Tours of the Museum will be available at 3 p.m. and Cobble the Mouse Scavenger Hunt forms will be included in a full campus tour.

Cobblestone Society Museum director Doug Farley said reaching the next generation to explain the history of cobblestone masonry is an important step in saving these buildings for future generations.

“Cobblestone masonry is uniquely Upstate New York, and is a visual demonstration of the resourcefulness of our early pioneer families,” Farley said. “The story could be about a new faith community coming together in 1834 to build the first cobblestone church in just six short months. Or it could be a successful farm family that wants to move out of their original log cabin and visually demonstrate their resourcefulness by building a new home in a totally different way. If children don’t know this and appreciate its importance, we could lose these treasures in future years to indifference.”

Time to Travel is for children 8 through 12. Cobble the Mouse Day is for children 6 through 10.

Pre-registration is required for each day’s events by calling 589-9013 or checking www.cobblestonemuseum.org. Cost is $5 per child, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Roy Bubb bought the quilt during auction to benefit Cobblestone Museum

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Ann Raskopf of Olcott and Roy Bubb of Holley renewed acquaintances after meeting on a bus trip in May to view cobblestone structures in the Rochester area. They first met at the Cobblestone Society’s annual membership dinner and fundraising auction, where Bubb was the successful bidder on a Civil War-era quilt she donated.

HOLLEY – Roy Bubb had long been looking for a suitable coverlet for his bed, which dates back to the Civil War era, when he decided, for the first time, to attend the Cobblestone Society’s third annual membership dinner and fundraising auction last spring.

When Ann Raskopf of Olcott inherited a trunk of heirloom quilts, she was faced with the dilemma of finding a proper home for them – one in particular, a Love Apple quilt dating back to the Civil War era.

The two would meet when Raskopf, a member of the Cobblestone Society Museum at Childs, decided to donate the quilt to the Cobblestone’s membership dinner and fundraising auction on April 30.

Bubb is also a member of the Cobblestone Society and when he attended the auction, the quilt caught his eye.

His bedroom set came from the family of Holley resident Corinne “Kitty” Potter Moore, who had been given the furniture as a wedding gift by her grandparents prior to the Civil War. When the last heir in the family died, the contents of their house were left to Bubb.

For some time, he had been looking for a new quilt for his bedroom.

Raskopf, in the meantime, had shirttail cousins in Jamestown who owned a four-story home. When she helped clear it out, they found a trunk in the attic, which a cousin said hadn’t been opened in years and he didn’t know what was inside.

Inside were four quilts. One was tattered (which Raskopf eventually sold at a garage sale for $15); another was called a Nine-Patch pattern; one was the Love Apple quilt; and one in a Wild Geese pattern, she has decided to keep.

Raskopf contacted quilt appraiser, Linda Hunter of Lockport, who spent several hours talking to her about the quilts, which are all hand-appliqued.

The Love Apple design is a Pennsylvania Dutch influence, while the Nine-Patch has pen and ink prints from 1883 of famous people, such as Alexander Graham Bell, and the names of famous families in the Jamestown and Dunkirk areas. She decided to send the Nine-Patch quilt to a relative out of state.

Provided photo: The Love Apple quilt is shown during April 30 at the Cobblestone Society Museum’s annual membership dinner and fundraising auction.

“Then I wondered, ‘What am I going to do with the other one,’” Raskopf said. “I’d always been interested in the Cobblestone Museum, and I knew director Doug Farley from Newfane for years. Then I read online about their fundraising event.

She contacted Farley and asked if the Cobblestone would like a quilt. He told her they already had several, but they were relatively new ones.

“I told Doug I’d drive to the museum and show it to him,” Raskopf said.

The Love Apple quilt is 76 x 90 inches, in turkey red and green.

“I told Doug I envisioned this quilt in a lovely old house – maybe of cobblestone or brick – on a lovely old bed,” Raskopf said.

While Bubb’s home in Holley isn’t very old, he previously lived in an 1810 Cape Cod in New Hampshire, and then in an 1825 house in Clarendon. But his bed is from the Civil War era.

The quilt he was currently using on his bed had been made by an aunt 40 years ago, and he wanted a change so he could rotate them.

Bubb, 88, attended the Cobblestone’s auction, where Raskopf was seated near the Love Apple quilt.

“I didn’t know if anyone would be interested in something like this,” Raskopf said. “Thank heavens Roy was there.”

“Barb Filipiak of Medina started bidding on the quilt,” Bubb said. “I knew her, but I didn’t care. I wanted that quilt.”

He got it for $120, which Raskopf considers a “steal.”

“I was more thrilled when I met him and discovered he was originally from Williamsport, Pa.,” Raskopf said. “That is Pennsylvania Dutch country and this quilt, considered ‘Country Cottage,’ has a Pennsylvania Dutch influence. I guess ‘What goes around, comes around.’”

Raskopf and Bubb would meet again in May when they both went on a bus trip with the Cobblestone Museum to visit cobblestone structures in the Rochester area.

That’s when they made a date for Raskopf to visit Bubb’s home and see the 1800’s Love Apple quilt on his Civil War-era bed.

They both agree she couldn’t have found a better home for her quilt.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jane Grein, a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, touches the bottom of The Good Shepherd stained-glass window, which has cracks and is bowing out at the bottom due to the weight of the window.

The lower section will be removed and straightened out by Godfrey Miller Studios in Rochester. It is one of three windows to be repaired for $7,300. Christ Church is using a $3,000 grant from New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program for the window work.

Jeffrey Mueller, owner of  Godfrey Miller Studios, is on the ladder removing part of the window in the vestibule of the church. He is assisted by his employee, Tony Disano.

This window was damaged during a wind storm and many of the pieces were found outside the church. Mueller will put the window back together in his studio. He said the repaired window should be back in place in about a month.

Jane Grein holds a box with many of the window pieces from the vestibule window.

“They’ve been broken for several years we just didn’t have the money,” Grein said.

There are large stained-glass windows on both sides of the sanctuary. Many of the windows have stress cracks or are bowing out on the bottom from the weight of the windows. Grein fears the cracks and problems will get worse, with more costly repairs needed.

“We’re so lucky to have these windows,” she said. “We really want to preserve them, not just for us but for the community to enjoy for generations to come.”

The building was erected in 1830 by the Presbyterians, and has been home to the Episcopal Church since 1844. The United Methodist Church also meets in the building for services on Sunday.

This memorial window for one of the church founders, Zephaniah Clark, also has cracks and some bowing. It is one of three that will get repairs in an upcoming project. Clark lived from 1794 to 1888 and was a member of the Episcopal Church in Albion for 42 years.

Grein said the church welcomes donations for the window upkeep. Checks with a designation for the windows can be sent to Christ Church, 26 South Main St., Albion, NY 14411.  For more information, contact the church at (585) 589-5314 or christchurchalbion@yahoo.com.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE — Madison Bale (left), 17, and Kaitlin Zwifka, 19, ride together in a last lap around the show ring at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

They took a final lap to the song, “My Wish,” by Rascall Flatts to close out the fair on July 27.

The last lap is a long-tradition in the 4-H horse program, said Shelly Daggs, the horse superintendent. This fair there were 67 riders in the 4-H program.

Madison and Kaitlin have been riding horses together in 4-H for about a decade.

Kaitlin just finished her freshman year at Brockport State College. She is a math major. Kaitlin is involved in the college’s equestrian club. She has been riding horses since she was 6.

“4-H has completely changed my life,” Kaitlin said. “It’s been the highlight of my summer. You meet people from all over Orleans County.”

Besides the fair in Knowlesville, Kaitlin has competed at the Erie County Fair and the State Fair, and has amassed many ribbons.

She started riding with Patty and Paige Levandowski, and then Linda Fuller and Company. Now the Zwifkas own their own horse and a mini-horse. Kaitlin’s 10-year-old sister, Lauren, also rides.

Marty Zwifka is pictured with his daughter Kaitlin and her horse, Lucy. Marty volunteers as the Orleans County Fair manager. He never expected to be a “horse person” but he said he loves being around the horses and the riders.

He said the 4-H program has taught his daughter responsibility and connected her with many friends.

“They become better people,” Zwifka said.

He remembers his daughter being nervous when she was a 10-year-old rider. Now, Kaitlin exudes confidence and has a caring nature.

“I see her love for Lucy, that bond between her and the animal,” Zwifka said.

Kaitlin’s riding awards include three victories at the State Fair.

“She has taken us on a ride we will never forget,” Zwifka said. “She has made us extremely proud because of her hard work and dedication.”

Madison Bale rides her horse, Cowboy, during her last lap at the fairgrounds. Madison is entering her senior year at the Orleans County Christian School. She is planning to enlist in the Marine Corps after graduation and likely won’t be around to ride at the fair next year when she is 18, her last year to be eligible in 4-H.

“I’ve met a lot of people,” she said about her 4-H experiences. “I’ve learned how to take care of situations and help others.”

Madison also competed in high school rodeo the past two years, which tests barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. Last month She competed in the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Madison walks with “Cowboy” after competing in an event on July 27.

Madison’s mother, Amanda McDermott, said 4-H and the horse program have been great experiences for her daughter.

“She has grown up a lot,” said McDermott. “She has learned to be patient with the younger kids. She is attentive and caring.”

Madison also gained confidence through public speaking in 4-H. Madison and Kaitlin, and the other riders have a friendly rivalry.

“There is competitiveness where they push each other to be better,” McDermott said. “It’s a family.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nate McMurray speaks on July 8, 2018 in Albion at the Orleans County Democratic Party’s summer picnic at Bullard Park.

Nate McMurray is running for Congress again after losing a close race last year against Chris Collins. McMurray lost by about 1,400 votes out of about 250,000 cast.

Orleans County’s strong support for Collins was a big factor in McMurray’s defeat. The vote in Orleans was 4,505 for McMurray and 7,269 for Collins.

“The last time I ran I said that we needed to ‘Fight Like Hell.’ And we did fight like hell,” McMurray said in his campaign announcement on Saturday. “We always will. But this time…we will empower the kindness and goodness around us. We will, ‘Be Kind. Do Good.’”

McMurray is an attorney who is also the Grand Island town supervisor.

His campaign issued this press release:

Today I am officially declaring my candidacy in New York’s 27th Congressional District. In some ways, it seems like I never stopped. I continue to travel across Western New York meeting with good people; listening and learning.

But I was struggling to officially commit. I know how hard it is to run, how much time it takes away from my family, and the hateful attacks we will endure. I also considered other opportunities as a business professional and even other roles as a public servant. Certainly, there is a path of less resistance.

Instead, I am choosing the path of most resistance. This week marks the one-year anniversary of Chris Collins’ federal indictment charges for insider trading. Mr. Collins and the political machine behind him remain strong despite his many ethical and legal failures. Many party loyalists continue to view him favorably, even more than his Republican challengers. He retains this support in part due to the tactics he employs; the depths he and his hateful political forces will stoop to.

Despite the perceived insurmountable challenges in 2018, our race against Collins was one of the closest in the country (decided by less than 1 percent), achieving the largest partisan swing of any first time state/ federal candidate in the country—in a district designed for a Republican (any Republican) to win easily. This was despite our side being outspent, outnumbered, and attacked day after day by some of the most dishonest and detestable TV ads ever produced for a political race.

Why did we perform so well? Many are tired of being asked to vote blindly for their party. They are tired of nothing ever-improving, nothing ever-changing. And they are tired of the politics of hate and corruption. With your support, passion, and service to our community, we can finish what we started 2018 and finally reclaim this seat on behalf of the hardworking people of Western New York. People like you, who go to work on time every day, who help their neighbors, who never cheat their business associates, and who spread kindness and goodness throughout their lives.

The last time I ran I said that we needed to “Fight Like Hell.” And we did fight like hell. We always will. But this time I will rely more on the good hearts and values I saw in the people of my district. We will empower the kindness and goodness around us. We will, “Be Kind. Do Good.”

It sounds simple, maybe some will call it soft. But could any two words be more strong in this age of professional cruelty? Kindness and goodness in an era of violence and hate is more bold than any rally cry.

All of us fall short of these values. It is easier to match rage with rage, hate with hate. But with kindness and goodness as our standard, we can overcome this sad moment in American history — a moment where all good people regardless of party affiliation can all feel the America we love fading.

Do not let America fade. America must always be, as Ronald Reagan called it, the “City on the Hill.” A country of kindness and goodness, where capitalism does not build walls; it builds ladders allowing every American to climb from poverty to flourishing. Where we do not fear science and fact, but embrace and lead the world in research and education. Where we do not pay homage to millionaires and aristocrats but value those who provide humble, honest service to family, friends and community.

In 2020, we will go to Washington to fight for healthcare for every American (now!), infrastructure (now!), for common-sense gun control (and now!), for immigration reform to help our farmers (now!), and for technologies and policies that will confront the reality of climate change. I will also fight for a capitalist system that preserves the American Dream and provides opportunities to all, and not just hoards wealth for the most connected and elite.

Thank you all for standing with me in the battles ahead. Together we will finish what we started; together we will bring real representation to the hard-working people of Western New York.

“Given how close Nate came in 2018, we are thrilled to have him running for us this cycle. It’s been too long since the people of NY-27 have had a representative that cares about representing the voters rather than the party. It is the one-year anniversary of Chris Collins’ indictment and the Republicans are still stuck with him and don’t know what to do. We are delighted to have Nate running again.” – Judith Hunter (chair, Livingston County Democratic Committee)

“When Nate McMurray ran in NY-27 in 2018, he came within less than a percentage point of victory. But along with this, he did something else, something magical. He energized the rural counties. He created a movement on the ground that hasn’t gone away. Nate asked them all to ‘Fight Like Hell’, they did, and will again.” – Cynthia Appleton (chair, Wyoming County Democratic Committee)

“I am so pleased to hear that Nate will be running again. He has visited Orleans County many times and is very aware of what our small county faces every day…few jobs, lack of affordable housing and high taxes. We need Nate!” – Jeanne Crane (chair, Orleans County Democratic Committee)

“Chairwoman Brittaney Wells and the Monroe County Democratic Committee are proud to join Nate to finish the fight he began in 2018 for the 27th Congressional District. We are confident that he will be successful in his effort to unseat an absentee billionaire that has not represented the hard-working people of the 27th. Nate will restore integrity to the office and ensure his constituents are heard.” – Brittaney Wells (chair, Monroe County Democratic Committee)

Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

WATERFORD- Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit entries for the 14th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Photos should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the beauty and unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2020 Erie Canalway calendar.

Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 30. Submissions must be horizontal format only. Photos must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.

Judges select first, second, and third place winners based on creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in conveying the beauty and unique character of the Canalway. Winning images are displayed in the annual Erie Canalway Calendar.

Download official contest rules and an entry form at www.eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest.

About the Erie Canalway

Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.

Contriibuted Photos – The 1980 Bailey’s Drillettes Medina Women’s Softball League playoff championship team included, in front,  Cheryl Nudd, Tinker Eddy, Ann Geiger, Donna Myhill and Mary Guzik. In back are Yvonne Zambito, Lou Ann Watkins, Pat Mitchell, Marian Gerhardy, Ann Hyndman, Carol Corser and player-coach Annette Finch.

Over the past five years Bane’s Machine Shop/Banes Plumbing has had a strong run in the ‘A’ Division of the Medina Women’s Softball League winning four regular season and three playoff championships.

Interestingly when the league began play in 1968 the first dominate team was the Abex squad which captured the first three championships in 1968, 69 and 70. Abex in fact posted a 16-2 record during the 1970 season. Those were all regular season titles as the league did not begin playoff competition until 1971.

Not long after Abex, the Bailey’s Drillettes team from Albion put together the league’s first decade long run of success as from 1976 to 1986 the team claimed no less than six playoff and four regular season titles.

During the early part of that run Bailey’s top rival for the title was Apple Depot.

The two teams shared the regular season title in 1976 but Bailey’s prevailed in the playoffs and went on to repeat in 1977.

Apple Depot then bested Baileys for regular season and playoff honors in both 1978 and 1979.

Bailey’s got the playoff crown back in 1980 and then captured both the regular season and playoff championships in 1981, 1983 and 1986.

The only team to best Bailey’s during that stretch from 1981 to 1985 was Village Sports which claimed both the regular season and playoff titles in 1982, 1984 and 1985.

More recently the most dominating team in league history was Hammertime which captured regular season and or playoff titles for eight years in a row from 1995 to 2002.

The 1979 Apple Depot regular season and playoff championship team included, in the back row Debi Stornelli, Diane Willis, Mari Ehrenreich, Gus Fox, Cheryl Schnackel, Barb Draper, Cathy McCormick and Coach Louie Forman. In front are Cheryl Wertman, scorekeeper Skip Draper, Linda Sansone, Kathy Meyers, Cheryl Fuller and Teri Lavery,

The 1970 champion Abex team, which claimed the league’s first three titles, included, in front Louretta Sheelar, Barbara Dennis and Kathy Pawlaczyk. In the middle row are Betty Hassall, Dorothy Fuller, Mary Stillinger, Jenny Preston and Diane Brigham. In back are Carol Schening and Shirley Ridenour who was the league’s organizer and its first president.

Martin Busch was recognized on Aug. 6 by the Medina Planning Board for his 24 years as the village code enforcement office.

MEDINA – Marty Busch, Medina’s code enforcement officer, was recognized last week by the Medina Planning Board during his last meeting as the village’s code officer before his retirement next month.

The board presented Busch with a certificate of appreciation for Busch’s “pursuit of excellence in planning, sign and preservation of our community and heritage.”

The Planning Board also functions as Medina’s Architectural and Historic Review Board.

Busch has been the village’s code enforcement officer for 24 years, during a time of renaissance in the downtown business district and expansion in Medina’s Business Park.

He was praised for helping to craft design standards for the community and for working with business owners and residents to meet those regulations.

In a letter to the Village Board on June 24, Busch thanked the village officials and community for the opportunity to work in Medina.

“The job introduced me to people, took me places and showed me things I never could have imagined,” Busch wrote in his letter. “Most of all I am extremely grateful to have worked with and for the most dedicated, hard working and in some cases brave people I have ever known. Medina is truly blessed to have such public employees and officials.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The band Vette performs to close out a benefit today for the Moody and Weis families. Rob Williams, right, is joined by Alex Fitzak, center, and Cole Moore, who all play the guitar. Shelby Harmon is the drummer. Taylor Whittier is usually the lead singer.

Vette followed the Who Dats and Lonesome Road at the benefit which was held at The Gallagher in Medina.

Dina Farone of Lyndonville helps serve chicken barbecue dinners. There were 640 dinners sold.

Many of the attendees wore “Albion Strong” shirts for the two families.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Bruning: A line of people wait to get inside The Gallagher on North Gravel Road for the benefit, which started at 2 p.m. today and continued to about 9 p.m.

It was a full house inside the Gallagher with many people outside as well.

The benefit was a fundraiser for the two families following a tragic car accident on June 18. Brennan Moody passed away in the accident and his friend Sean Weis was badly injured. The accident was 10 days before high school graduation. Two other classmates were in the accident but weren’t seriously injured.

Erin Moody, Brennan’s dad, said the family continues to appreciate the support from the community.

“It feels really good to know everybody is behind us,” he said.

Chloe Weis, 19, is Sean’s sister. She said her brother has made a remarkable recovery, and had his neck brace removed two weeks ago. He expects to start online college classes this fall at Monroe Community College.

Chloe approached The Gallagher today and saw a long line of cars and then a full house inside the events center.

“It’s heartwarming to see so much support,” she said. “My family thanks everybody. We appreciate it so much.”

Aaron Robinson calls the winners for the baskets and other prizes. More than 150 baskets were donated by community members for the auction. Emily Aydelotte helps Robinson call off the winning tickets.

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.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Matthew Mooney sings “Anthem” from the musical, Chess, on Saturday evening at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion. Mooney a 1993 Albion graduate, was one of about 20 alumni to perform in a benefit for the Albion Music Boosters.

Mooney is active in the Buffalo theater scene and also works as a CNA for Catholic Health. He is studying to become a registered nurse.

Mooney also sang “I Can See It” from the musical, The Fantasticks.

There were two performances by alumni on Saturday of “Celebrating Home: Where Greatness Began.” It is a first-time fundraiser.

The Music Boosters support the music program at the elementary, middle and high schools. The Boosters fund scholarships for the honors choirs/bands, pay for year-end celebrations, and other efforts to help the music program.

Angela Tarricone, Class of 2017, sings “Gimmie Gimmie” from the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Tarricone is an Education and Theater major at Brockport State College.

A saxophone quintet performed selections from “Carmen.” The group includes, from left: Charlyne Olick, Class of 2015; Riley Seielstad, Class of 2018; Nick Ettinger, Class of 2015; Nate Grammatico, Class of 2019; and Mike Grammatico, Nate’s grandfather and a retired Albion music teacher.

Erin Moody, Class of 1995, sings “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Erin owns Moody’s Automotive in Albion.

Miranda Allen, left, and Cheya-Rain Eagle, both from the Class of 2016, sing, “Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again.” Allen is majoring in mathematics in college and Eagle is studying to be a music therapist.

Riley Seielstad, Class of 2018, performs to a sold-out crowd at the Cabaret at Studio B. Riley is singing, “Summertime.”

Justin Barleben, Class of 2009, sings “Smile” from Charlie Chaplin. He is a teacher in the Buffalo area.

Kathleen (Adduci) Barleben, Class of 2009, performs “The Secret of Happiness” from the musical, Daddy Long Legs. She also is a teacher in Buffalo. She and her husband Justin sing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

The Billies, a barbershop quartet with members from the Class of 2019, sings, “Beyond the Sea.” They include Jacob Ettinger, Nate Grammatico,  Enoch Martin and Evan VanAmeron.

Other performers at the concert included Alec Sherman, Class of 1968; Gwendolen Martillotta Ferchen, Class of 1991; Mike Thaine, Class of 1986; and Gary Simboli, Class of 1981.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Members of the American Legion in Lyndonville ride on a trailer and wave to the crowd during the Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2015.

LYNDONVILLE – Veterans in Lyndonville are raising money to replace a trolley car used in parades. The current trolley car has become unserviceable, said Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 in Lyndonville.

The post will be holding a yard sale on Friday, Aug. 30, and possibly the next day.

“We are raising monies to replace the old trolley car used in local parades,” Goodrich said. “The new one will also be ADA handicapped accessible. It will be much lower and easier for our older veterans to use.”

The trolley car will also have space for wheelchairs and scooters, and a ramp will be included.

The yard sale will be at 11517 Roosevelt Highway in Lyndonville. The Legion welcomes donated items to be sold during this event.

People wanting to donate should call Joseph Hausler at 585-967-2934. The items can be dropped off at the location or the Legion can arrange to pick them up by Aug. 28.

Group is close to meeting goal for first phase

Provided photo: Alaina Wilson, one of the leaders of the Friends of the Medina Dog Park, is pictured with David Burd, owner of the Blue Burds Nest. Burd made the sign for the new dog park.

MEDINA – A group that has been working for more than a year to plan and raise money for a dog park in Medina is close to reaching its fundraising goal for the first phase of the park.

The Friends of the Medina Dog Park has raised $10,000 so far out of a $15,000 goal for the park, which would be on North Gravel Road by the village’s compost plant.

The Friends is hoping to raise the remaining costs for the first phase during its 2nd Annual Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 24 at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina. That event from 2 to 8 p.m. includes food, music, raffles and other activities.

The first phase includes fencing for three enclosures – for small dogs, large dogs and an agility area. There will also be benches and waste stations with bags for dog poop.

Alaina Wilson has been leading the push for the dog park. If the group can reach the fundraising goal on Aug. 24, she said the enclosures could soon be erected with the park opening this fall.

With the second phase, The Friends of the Medina Dog Park wants to add agility equipment, and water and rinse stations.

The Medina Village Board agreed to set aside about 1 acre of the land at the former compost plant for the dog park. The dog park would be the first in Orleans County.

Wilson said the park will be a place to take dogs for exercise, and to work on training and social skills. She said the park will draw visitors to Medina, boosting the local economy.

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 31

Dr. Elizabeth Denio

ALBION – Last weekend’s tour of Mt. Albion Cemetery focused on notable “movers and shakers” from Orleans County, including Dr. Elizabeth Denio.

Elizabeth Harriet Denio was born to John and Celinda Weatherwax Denio on August 3, 1842 at the family’s farm in Albion, now part of the Correctional Facility. A printer by trade, John Denio became a respected citizen of Albion due in part to his time as publisher of the Orleans American. As a young girl, Elizabeth attended the local schools but as the daughter of a prominent family, she was afforded the opportunity to attend the Phipps Union Seminary. Upon the completion of her education there, she later attended and graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1866, followed by a very brief term as an instructor at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

In 1876 she became a professor of German and Art History at Wellesley College until taking a leave of absence in 1883 to travel abroad. While in Germany, she commenced study at Leipzig, Berlin, and Heidelberg, focusing on German philology (language) and art history. In 1896 she was fired from Wellesley College due to her antiquated teaching style after the arrival of the institution’s new president. It was nearly two years later in 1898 that she received her Doctor of Philosophy from Heidelberg, writing her thesis entitled “The Life and Works of Nicolas Poussin.” This defining piece on the French Baroque artist was printed in 1899 by Charles Scribner and Sons of New York.

Upon her return to the United States, she was appointed to a position as a lecturer of art history at the University of Rochester in 1902. This appointment marked a significant milestone in the University’s history as Denio became the first female member of the institution’s faculty. In his 1910 report, University President Benjamin Rush Rhees noted that “Dr. Denio’s work has been elected increasingly by our students…there are few persons in the country so well equipped to do this work, and it is work which it is very advantageous for our women to take;” this also came with a promotion to the title of “Instructor in the History of Art.”

In the earliest years of her tenure at the University, a lack of funding required for a permanent position forced the institution to hire her on an annual appointment by special action. Emily Sibley Watson, the daughter of Western Union founder Hiram Sibley, was largely responsible for funding Denio’s remuneration in those early years. After her retirement in 1917, she was made an Emeritus Professor.

On December 23, 1922, Dr. Denio prepared to cross from the south curb of East Avenue at Meigs Street Rochester when she was struck by a car driven by Theodore Drescher. In an effort to avoid the elderly woman, Drescher slammed on his brakes forcing the car to spin out of control and striking Denio with the rear of the vehicle. After she was knocked to the ground, a vehicle driven by Charles Flint passed over Denio’s body. She was quickly rushed to the Homeopathic Hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

As noted by Bill Lattin (Bethinking of Old Orleans v. 16, no. 10), “Dr. Denio was known to be a stimulating conversationalist who had a broad spectrum of friends. Local lore conjectures that she became accustomed to men’s clothing while studying in Germany, for upon her return to this country, she was seen to appear in pants and supposedly enjoyed cigars. Denio’s lasting legacy remains in the form of the Memorial Art Gallery, an institution that she was influential in developing in 1913.”

The tour of Mt. Albion Cemetery this Sunday, Aug. 11, will feature Orleans County’s wealthiest, most famous, and eccentric residents. Gathering at the chapel, the group will depart at 6:05 p.m. for a walk through the west section of the cemetery.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Benjamin Bloom of Medina watches a motorcyclist burn rubber at the intersection of Brown Road and East Bacon Road, the spot where Jaquan Ford of Rochester was fatally injured in an accident a week ago.

Bloom, wearing the RIP shirt with Ford’s image, led a contingent of more than 100 motorcyclists from Rochester to pay tribute to Ford, who was 28.

Savanity Davis is Ford’s older sister. She thanked the motorcyclists for supporting the family during their loss. Davis said her brother was quiet and served as a “connecter” for the family. She lives in Brooklyn and didn’t realize how much her brother grew to love riding motorcycles. Jaquan played hockey when he was a kid.

“Together we have lost someone who has left a very large footprint,” she told the group gathered.

The friends and family of Jaquan Ford pause for a moment of silence and hold balloons up high.

Many balloons were released for Ford.

Ben Bloom addressed the group this evening. Bloom was riding just ahead of Ford a week ago. They were on their way to Caroline Street in Albion to visit a friend.

Bloom drove back after a few minutes and saw Ford laying in the intersection after a collision with a pickup truck.

The two had been riding together for about 5 years and were best friends. Bloom said Ford worked 9 to 5 and used part of wages to pay his brother’s college tuition.

Bloom said Ford enjoyed the family feeling among the motorcyclists. Bloom appreciated the big turnout of riders who made the trip to Orleans County today.

“Family, this is what Quan would have wanted,” Bloom told the assembled crowd. “This means the world to me.”

Bloom was one of the first to get to Albion on the ride this evening from Rochester. He burned a tire at the crash site to leave a mark for Ford.

A loved one of Ford’s is shrouded in smoke while a rider burns rubber at the intersection.

Family and friends tied balloons at a makeshift memorial for Ford at the intersection.

Chris Baxter and her son, Ezra Bloom, brought balloons to the memorial gathering for Ford.

Eliza Banks, 27, of Holley takes a video of the long line of riders arriving in Albion along Brown Road just after 6 p.m. Banks has been riding for three years.

“Any time a fellow rider passes away, we do a ride together,” she said. “We all have love for each other.”

She said Ford was a member of the Lower 9 Motorcycle Club in Rochester, which has members from Orleans County.

She said it is difficult and frustrating to ride in the city of Rochester, with the frequent stops and busy traffic.

In Orleans County, the roads are open and it feels safer for the riders, she said.

Banks said the motorcyclists rally around each other. There was a benefit on Monday in Rochester for Ford and more than 100 riders attended and donated to his family.

Banks said riding a motorcycle is a great stress reliever.

“The minute on get on them it’s my escape,” she said about riding. “The minute you get on them you’re free. If you’re having a bad day, you get on the bike and it goes away.”

A rider keeps a sticker on his motorcycle to honor the memory of his friend, Jaquan “Kicks” Ford.