ALBION – The Lyndonville Central School Class of 1979 held their 40th Class Reunion on Friday, July 5, with many of the graduating class attending. It was held at Tillman’s Village Inn in Albion.
The evening was emceed by Student Council President Michael Polite. Speakers for the evening included Dawn (Dix) Fraser, Class of 1979 president, and Salutatorian Brenda (Woodworth) Lindsay.
The re-crowning of Homecoming King Larry Bakeman and Queen Dawn (Dix) Fraser was complete with crown and tiara. Guests from out of town came from Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Many of the class members still remain in Orleans County or surrounding areas of the state. The next reunion is scheduled in five years for 2024.
Pictured, from left, in front row, include: Brenda (Woodworth) Lindsay, Kathy Kage, Cathy (Whipple) LaBrecque, Dolores (Petrie) Armbrust, Renee (Eddy) Broadwell, Judy (Eddy) Preedom, Tammy (Foss) Toma and Ann (Barry) Kay.
Standing: Dawn (Bale) Marciszewski, Dawn (Dix) Fraser, Tim Feldman, Marcia (Eberle) Merritt, Bruce Sentiff, Pam Turner, Steve Fraser, Candy (Osborne) Jones, Kenny Knight, Delbert Young, Mike Polite, Larry Bakeman, Alfred (Buddy) Bickle, Jackie (Dennis) Petrie, Jim Robinson, Steve Wilklow, Dave Hydock and Dan Rutherford.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2019 at 3:27 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: United Way of Orleans County’s executive director Dean Bellack posed with George Bidleman from Orleans Ford during a workplace campaign to support United Way.
MEDINA – George Bidleman knows the importance of supporting United Way.
That’s why he agreed to host a workplace campaign at each of the Orleans County dealerships in which he has ownership. This is the first time the dealership has held such a campaign.
“When Dean called and asked if I’d be willing to do it, I asked, ‘Where have you been,’” Bidleman said.
Most recently, the majority of his 70 employees at Orleans Ford in Medina attended the workplace campaign, headed by United Way director Dean Bellack.
Bidleman said he has always been community minded, and United Way has always been an important charity to him. In fact, about 15 years ago he served on the board of United Way of Western Orleans, which then merged with the United Way of Eastern Orleans.
“The community supports us, and we need to stay on our game and give back,” Bidleman said. “I know the need and I know what the agencies supported by United Way do.”
Bidleman plans to host workplace campaigns in each of the dealerships in his group.
“If someone can’t give $1 or $2 a week, something is wrong,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2019 at 1:28 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bob and Shirley Gouger of Waterport were out Saturday morning watering the flowers in downtown Albion.
The Gougers were volunteering for the task for the first time on Saturday. They used the water truck from Village of Albion Department of Public Work.
Gary Kent pours water into one of the flower planters near the Five Star bank. Flowers are also watered at the routes 98 and 31 intersection, at Bullard Park and by some of the gateway signs in the village.
Kent is a retired social studies teacher in Kendall. Mr. Gouger is a former student of Kent’s. He volunteered when Kent said volunteers are needed on the weekends.
(Skip Stratton, one of the dedicated volunteers for the flower watering in recent years, is doing the job today.)
Shirley Gouger and her husband Bob water the flowers on Main Street.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Some of the cyclists on last year’s Cycle the Erie Canal trip approach Albion on July 9, 2018. Another group of 650 cyclists leaves from Buffalo this morning and heads east to Orleans County.
BUFFALO – More than 650 cyclists are leaving Buffalo this morning and will head about 60 miles east to stay overnight at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
This is the 21st annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour organized by Parks & Trails New York. Cyclists from 39 states, Canada, and Australia have turned out for the trip along the Erie Canal towpath.
Usually the group heads from Buffalo to Medina on the first day. But with construction at the school district, the group will stay in tents at the Fairgrounds.
On Monday, they will continue through Orleans County and will head to Fairport.
The 8-day trip covers about 400 miles and concludes in Albany.
“The 21st annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour is a wonderful way to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial. Plus, it’s fun, healthy, and good for the economy,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We have cyclists aged 5 to 86 from 39 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, two Canadian provinces, Australia and they all get to experience what makes the Erie Canal and upstate New York so special.”
The Erie Canalway Trail contributes significantly to the economy of upstate New York. A recent study shows that the Erie Canalway Trail annually receives close to 1.6 million visits and generates an economic impact of $253 million.
The NYS Canal Corporation and New York Power Authority are Premier State Sponsors of Cycle the Erie Canal. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the event’s Heritage Sponsor and Brookfield is the Supporting Sponsor. Other sponsors include Wegmans, Hodgson Russ, and Capital District Physician’s Health Plan. Eleven regional tourism agencies also sponsor the ride.
Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2019 at 8:44 am
Provided photos
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department last Sunday put a new 2019 International Rosenbauer into service. The fire truck, Engine No. 12, is a pumper and was manufactured out of Michigan.
The Fire Department will have an open house soon so the community can get an up close look at the truck and see other improvements.
The department also had the Stone Jug building with the cobblestone wall remortered by Paul Zeppetella of PAZ Masonry in Albion. Local fundraisers paid for that work.
Other fundraising also paid to have the fire chief’s office remodeled with slate flooring. Local contractor Chris Barrett completed the job.
The Fire Department also is in the process of bidding out landscaping around the fire hall.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support,” said Eric Maxon, the fund drive chairman. “This is a very caring community. We appreciate your help so we can, in turn, help you!”
The Kendall Fire Department would like to thank the community for their support and personal help for making the 2019 Kendall Carnival a huge success, Maxon said.
The winners for the raffle include 1st place ($1,500), Heather Banker from Kendall; 2nd place ($250), Charlene Urquhart from Kendall: 3rd place ($250), Ron Burrstone from Kent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2019 at 2:50 pm
Photos from New York Mets
NEW YORK – David Bellavia winds up to toss out the first pitch on Wednesday during the game between the New York Mets and New York Yankees.
Bellavia, a Lyndonville graduate and local resident, received the Medal of Honor on June 25 from President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the White House. Bellavia was recognized for his actions on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. He led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents.
Bellavia had a busy Wednesday, when he rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange.
After his appearance at the Stock Exchange, Bellavia headed to Citi Field to throw out the first pitch.
He is pictured with, from left, New York Mets players Todd Frazier, Jacob deGrom and Dominic Smith.
Mets catcher Wilson Ramos poses with Bellavia after the ceremonial first pitch.
The Mets posted the photos on their social media accounts with the hashtag: “??#BiggerThanBaseball.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2019 at 12:21 pm
NIAGARA FALLS – Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower was the keynote speaker at a conference last week for the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.
Bower spoke to about 300 people at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on June 27. It was attended by self-advocates and their supporters from across all of Western New York and the Finger Lakes.
Jonathan Doherty of Albion led a session at the conference, offering pointers on how to best utilize a smartphone with apps, contacts and other tools.
Bower, a paraplegic since a car accident when he was 18, has been the Orleans County sheriff the past 3 ½ years following a career as a public safety dispatcher.
He shared a message of teamwork, that more can be accomplished by working together.
Bower also spoke during the group’s conference last year when he led a seminar on Internet safety. The sheriff also discussed “overcoming challenges” during his keynote presentation.
The Self Advocate All Stars formed in Orleans County in 2006. The local group made Bower an honorary member in 2015.
Bower during the conference last week said transportation remains a big issue to resolve for people with disabilities.
The All Stars advocate for people in the community with disabilities. All Stars include residents who live at home with their families, in apartments with supportive services or in Arc residential homes.
Jonathan Doherty, a local Self Advocate All Star, led a session at the conference in Niagara Falls about how to utilize the many features on a smartphone.
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 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.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 6 July 2019 at 8:07 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 26
John Butts
MEDINA – Of the five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County, John E. Butts of Medina was the only county native who received the award posthumously for his heroic actions near Cape La Hague, France.
The son of Jerry and Anna Hogan Butts, John was born August 4, 1922 at Medina. As a young man, he attended the St. Mary’s parochial school, joined Boy Scout Troop 25, and played right guard for the Medina High School football team before enlisting with the New York National Guard on Oct. 12, 1939.
When Company F of the 108th Infantry was federalized, Butts was 17 years old and lied about his age in order to join. He was sent to Hawaii in the months following the attack at Pearl Harbor and later returned to the mainland in November of 1942 to enroll in the Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Butts graduated from the school, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the age of 19; he was believed to be the youngest commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Ground Forces at that time.
His service overseas began in North Africa with the invasion of French Morocco as part of Operation Torch, where the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion encountered heavy resistance from German forces at an ancient fortress called “the Kasba.” The 9th Infantry Division earned its first Presidential Unit Citation during the Battle of Sedjenane when the unit repulsed a four-pronged attack from two German infantry battalions. Butts was then sent to participate in the invasion of Sicily, landing at Palermo on August 5, 1943 and remaining on the ground there until November of 1943.
After seven months of training at Winchester, England in preparation for the Allied invasion of mainland Europe, the 60th Infantry Regiment landed at Utah Beach just five days after the D-Day landing. Butts was placed in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France. On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.
On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.
One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.
Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission.” His brother, Charles, who visited John’s body wrote home to their parents, “John’s life reached a glorious end. It terminated exactly as John hoped it would – while performing magnificently in the face of the enemy…in an effort to relieve pressure on his men and buddies.”
The body of John Butts was interred at the U.S. Cemetery at Ste-Mere-Eglise on June 25, 1944. On April 8, 1948, his body was disinterred and sent home for burial at Medina. His body arrived in Buffalo on July 7, 1948 at the Connecticut Street Armory along with the remains of two other Medal of Honor recipients, Pfc. William Grabiarz and Pfc. Charles DeGlopper. He was buried in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Medina.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a lakeshore flood watch from 2 a.m. Sunday until 2 p.m. Sunday for Orleans, Niagara, Monroe and Wayne counties.
“The combination of record-high lake levels and a brief period of moderate northeast winds will result in greater wave action and an increase in lakeshore flooding and shoreline erosion along the south shore of Lake Ontario,” the Weather Service said.
The lakeshore flooding will impact the south shore of Lake Ontario with onshore winds creating greater wave action and shoreline erosion, the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2019 at 2:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The local organization Orleans – Recovery Hope Begins Here carried portraits of people who have died from drug addiction.
Tami Ashton, right, and her mother Linda Fisk both carried the photo of Tami’s daughter, Christina, who died of an overdose at age 34 on June 27, 2016. Christina’s daughter, Hayley Farewell, carried the banner for Orleans – Recovery Hope Begins Here during the Lyndonville parade on Thursday.
“Our goal was to open peoples’ eyes,” Tami Ashton said today. “That’s the message that it can affect anybody. It crosses all races, income levels. Addiction does not discriminate.”
The group carried the photos of about 30 people who have died from addiction, including 14 in Orleans County.
Ashton said many people clapped or touched their hearts and thanked the group for bringing awareness to the issue, while other people expressed disproval for the group’s message during the Fourth of July parade.
Ashton participated with a group from Monroe County in the Lilac Festival parade in May, where they carried portraits of people who died from addiction. Ashton shared that experience with the local Orleans – Recovery Hope group and they wanted to do it for the Lyndonville parade.
Some parents or siblings of people who died of addiction asked that their loved ones’ portraits be in the parade, while the family didn’t think they could emotionally march in the event.
Wayne Litchfield, an Orleans – Recovery Hope volunteer, holds the portrait of the late Maya Colombo of Webster.
Gates to Recovery, which is based on Buffalo Road in Rochester, brought its vehicle to the parade which includes images of people who have died from addiction. S.O.A.R.S. (Substance Overdose Awareness Recovery Services) in Rochester also joined in the Lyndonville parade.
The Gates to Recovery van included the messages: “It’s in my family, too” and “Recovery is possible.”
“Thank you S.O.A.R.S, Gates to Recovery and everyone that walked & pitched in,” Orleans – Recovery Hope posted on its Facebook page after the parade. “We will continue to work to shatter the stigma of this horrendous disease, addiction.
“We will continue to shout from the mountain tops that addiction has no boundaries. We will continue to help anyone that needs it, whether you are a family member, someone in active use, in recovery or lost a loved one to this horrendous disease. We are here for you.”
Kim Lockwood, center in back, holds the portrait of the late Gabby Dusett. Lockwood said participating in the parade was the most powerful thing she has ever done. She wants to help change the way people look at addiction. The portrait of Mark Kinsey is carried at left. The Clarendon resident died at age 35 of an overdose on June 1.
MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES is proud to announce that Alissa Blount, a senior from Medina High School, has taken home a second place medal from the National SkillsUSA competition.
The National Leadership and Skills Conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of June. More than 19,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 600 national corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions participated. There were 103 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.
Alissa attended the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Allied Health program at Medina Memorial Hospital taught by Melissa Brigham. Alissa won her silver medal in the Health Occupation Professional Portfolio competition.
The contest recognizes students for their successful development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the students to present themselves to a prospective employer.
The contestants use their portfolio to showcase communication skills. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2019 at 9:50 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – People lined Main Street for the annual Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville, which lasted more than an hour an included many fire trucks, floats for businesses and organizations, and marching bands.It was another hot parade with temperatures near 90 degrees.
Girl Scouts in Troop 82040 in Lyndonville wore red, white and blue and had a display of local soldiers as part of their float.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley wore a patriotic shirt while passing out candy on Main Street.
Lyndonville had a big turnout from the band for the parade that started at LynOaken Farms at Platten and Alps roads.
Greg Dugan, left, and the Knights of Columbus recognized the different branches of the military.
A member of Save Ontario Shores was decked out in red, white and blue. She took a selfie during the parade.
Brandon and Stephanie Scholes promoted an axe-throwing business that is expected to open next month or September by Dubby’s Wood Fired.
Wayne Teaven served as the parade emcee. Tom Mazerbo of Stafford served as the parade emcee and DJ for about 25 years. He passed away on March 1 at age 67. Teaven acknowledged Mazerbo’s long tenure of service. Teaven also commended the late Richard Pucher for his years of work on the Fourth of July festival in Lyndonville.
Michael Haight of Albion brought a top dragster to the parade. He races it at Empire Dragway in Leicester. The veicle can go 0 to 137 in 5 seconds. Haight calls it “Raisin Hell” in honor of his mother, who loved California raisins.
The Lyndonville Fire Department had a display of three soldiers from Lyndonville, including two who won the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award.
David Bellavia, a Lyndonville graduate, received the Medal of Honor on June 25 from President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the White House. Bellavia was recognized for his actions on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. He led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents.
Bellavia had a busy Wednesday, when he rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange and later threw out the first pitch during the Mets game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field.
Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. He was a technical sergeant serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on December 20, 1943.
Vosler was severely injured in the mission but kept firing his guns and declined to take first-aid treatment. The radio equipment had been rendered inoperative during the battle, and when the pilot announced that he would have to ditch, although unable to see and working entirely by touch, Vosler finally got the set operating and sent out distress signals despite several lapses into unconsciousness, according to his Medal of Honor citation.
Sgt. Trevor T. Cook of Lyndonville was 25 when he was killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise on July 6, 2011. Cook joined the Marines and served two tours overseas. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and was a skilled crew chief and marksman.
Pudgie’s Veggies has fun on the float during the parade.
The Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home debuted a carriage hearse the funeral home recently acquired, and then repainted and refurbished.
Earl Schmidt, director of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency, passes out flags to people along the parade route.
Diane Thurber of the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church in Medina helps promote the church’s Vacation Bible School from July 7-10. The church’s display included a banner of David Bellavia and also highlighted veteran David Riviere who is in the back of the pickup truck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2019 at 8:41 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: “Dancing Derrick” Bradley entertained during Thursday’s July 4th parade in Lyndonville. Dancing Derrick wore the Weedman costume while adding some patriotic flair.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a heat advisory today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Genesee and Livingston counties.
The heat index values will be in the mid to upper 90s. The combination of high temperatures in the upper 80s and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible, the Weather Service said.
People are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid extended time in the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2019 at 8:17 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – It was another spectacular fireworks show to cap the Fourth of July celebration at Lyndonville last night.
Young Explosives was cheered by the crowd on the school lawn many times during a nearly 40-minute show that ended with a crowd-pleasing finale that lit up the sky.
A big crowd of people brought blankets and lawn chairs to watch the show behind the school on the athletic fields.
Before the fireworks, Aniyahe Schurr, 8, of Lockport had fun with sparklers.
David Davey Jr., 5, of Lockport joined his sister Aniyahe with some sparkler fun. Their mother said the Lyndonville fireworks are worth the drive from Lockport.
The fireworks show is one of the largest in Western New York. Last it was only topped by the fireworks displays in the cities of Rochester and Tonawanda.
Skylyn Johnson, 7, of Lockport also had fun with sparklers before the big fireworks display.
The Who Dats once again played before the fireworks. They normally perform in the school parking, but with a school construction project, they moved their performance site next to the softball field. The band includes Aaron Robinson on drums, lead singer Lonnie Froman, John Borello on guitar, Ed Hilfiker on guitar, and Marty Hobbs on guitar.
