By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2019 at 4:34 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Today is Lyndonville’s day to shine as the community welcomes an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people for the 45thannual Fourth of July celebration sponsored by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
It was about 90 degrees during the parade, which prompted this group from the Middleport Fire Department to spray water on people along the parade route.
A group waves from a fire truck for the Hartland Fire Department. The parade at noon lasted more than an hour.
This kid tries to get close to some of the parade participants, which were generously tossing candy and treats.
James Wolfe helps serve potatoes as part of the chicken barbecue dinners prepared by the Lyndonville Lions Club. James, a Lyndonville native, came home to help with the meals. His father Roger is the Yates highway superintendent. James’ sister, Melissa Stinolis, also helped with the meals.
Bruce Schmidt, the Lions Club president, helps serve the chicken dinners. Lions Club members from other clubs helped the Lyndonville Lions with the big meal today.
Two people on bicycles pedal hard on Platten Road when the rain came at about 2 p.m. It was just a passing storm.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 July 2019 at 2:12 pm
Contributed Photo – The players and coaches for Albion St. Mary’s 1994 Orleans County Boys Baseball League playoff championship team included, in front, Eric Johnson, B.J. Aina, Mike Ugorek, Shawn Callicutt and Andre Callicutt. In back are Coach Gary Westlund, Tim Westlund, Mike Rush, Aaron Bouie, Brian Allen, Kory Allen, Matt Tower, Coach Ken Smith and Coach Gary Kingsbury.
These days travel league and major tournament competition has virtually put an end to local community summertime baseball teams and leagues for high school aged players.
However, it was not all that long ago when virtually every community in the county had at least one team competing in the Orleans County Boys Baseball League which crowned playoff champions for nearly 20 years from 1984 to 2001.
Aaron Bouie, left, who helped lead Albion St. Mary’s to the 1994 title, and Brian Fry, who helped lead Medina to the 1985 crown, both went on to play professional baseball
Albion, which most every year had multiple teams, Medina, Lyndonville, Shelby, Carlton, Holley and Kendall all had clubs in the circuit which also at times included squads from Barker, Roy-Hart and Gasport.
The Albion St. Mary’s team proved to be the most successful capturing four playoff championships (1987, 1990, 1992 and 1994). The lineup for the 1994 St. Mary’s squad included pitcher Aaron Bouie who went on to star at St. Bonaventure University and play professional ball in the Baltimore Orioles organization.
The Albion VFW claimed titles in 1984 and 1986 and AFD won in 2000.
Various Medina teams likewise claimed a total of four titles in 1985 (C&N Video Shop sponsored), 1988 (YMCA), 1991 (Village Sports) and 1997. Brian Fry, who hurled a one hitter with 10 strikeouts in Medina’s 1985 title victory, went on to play professional ball in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
In addition, Kendall claimed playoff crowns in 1996 and 1998, Holley in 1993 (VFW) and 1995 (Rotary), Carlton in 2001 and Barker in 1989.
The players and coaches for Medina’s 1985 playoff championship team included, in front, Chris Carpenter, Brian Fry, Brett Decker, Wayne Meland and Todd Hughes. In the middle row are Dave Hilger, Joe Fuller, Carl Creasey, Casey Ferguson, Shannon Parker and Mike Hadick. In back are Coach Aaron Newsom, Jody Sargent, Paul Valley, Jim Ambrose, B.J. Stoddard, Chris Bacon, Jerry Solazzo and Coach Bruce Campbell.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2019 at 10:46 am
Photos courtesy of Thom Jennings
BUFFALO – Albion native Erica Jennings led the brain cancer group during the June 21 Ride for Roswell. Erica, a teacher in Buffalo, was joined by her husband Thom Jr. and their daughter Elle in leading the group. Erica was diagnosed with brain cancer in December. She has had two brain surgeries.
“Erica is a thriver, not a survivor,” said her father-in-law, Thom Jennings of Albion. “Faith, hope and love, she has all three, and she is stronger than the largest army.”
Erica, the daughter of Tom and Angie Graham of Albion, has completed radiation and is undergoing chemo treatments at Roswell Park in Buffalo.
She works as a Spanish and French teacher at City Honors in Buffalo.
Erica is carrying the flag for people diagnosed with brain cancer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2019 at 10:14 am
Evan Valentine is playing summer soccer and looking forward to varsity season in fall
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Evan Valentine, 16, of Holley rang the bell last Thursday to celebrate completing his treatments for leukemia and being in remission for the disease.
He is pictured with his parents, Neil and Diane Valentine, at Golisano Children’s Hospital where Evan spent six months after being diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 19. His parents praised the Golisano doctors and staff for helping Evan to be cured.
“We are just so thankful for the incredible people at Golisano who treated him and to our community for all of the support,” Mrs. Valentine said.
Evan added his handprint to the wall at the CURE office at Golisano.
Evan returned to Holley school on April 22 to a big reception in the gym. He is regaining his strength and is playing summer soccer on Holley’s U17 team. He looks forward to playing on the varsity soccer team this fall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2019 at 8:45 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A boat is pictured Tuesday evening in Albion on the Erie Canal with the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in the background.
Today is going to be hot and sunny in Orleans County with a high of 88, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
“Heat index values will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s this afternoon,” the Weather Service said. “If you are planning to be outdoors for the holiday, be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or inside if possible.”
In addition, the Weather Service said there is a risk for slow-moving thunderstorms that could produce locally heavy rainfall this afternoon and early this evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2019 at 5:43 pm
Provided photos
LYNDOVILLE – Natalie Ostrowski, valedictorian of the Class of 2019 in Lyndonville, accepts her diploma from Jason Smith, the district superintendent, during last Friday’s commencement ceremony at the school’s Stroyan Auditorium. (Courtesy of Lyndonville Central School)
The class included 48 graduates. They are pictured during the commencement program. (Courtesy of Aimee Chaffee)
These five students were all in the AVID program, which helps prepare students for college and a career. They include from left: Natalie Ostrowski, Carlie Russo, Jonathon Scroth, Hannah Despard and Joyce Stamp. (Courtesy of Aimee Chaffee, the AVID coordinator)
Noah Heinsler accepts a Frank B. Housel Jr. Scholarship from Darren Wilson, president of Lyndonville Area Foundation, which manages the scholarship. (Courtesy of school district)
These three are all smiles after graduation. They include Emalee Houseman, Carlie Russo and Grace Hayes. (Courtesy of school district)
Tamara Huzair, the class salutatorian, accepts one of the Frank B. Housel Jr. Scholarships from Darren Wilson, president of Lyndonville Area Foundation. (Courtesy of Daniel Hochstine and Leylah Hochstine)
These five graduates are pictured before the commencement program. (Courtesy of school district)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2019 at 2:56 pm
Provided photos
MEDINA – Benjamin Zakes, the final Medina student to receive his diploma during Friday’s commencement, takes a selfie with his classmates.
There were 114 students who graduated with the Class of 2019.
Kody Leno gives the valedictory address. (Courtesy of Erin Mufford)
Mr. Michael Cavanagh, the high school principal, is at right. He also addressed the students and urged them to let their conscience be their guide and show compassion for others.
“Have a big heart, root for the underdog, volunteer, stand up for what you believe in, and fight for those who are not strong enough to fight for themselves,” Cavanagh said.
These happy graduates include Madison Williams, Marguerite Brakenbury, Cora Mykayla Payne and Guin Schalck. (Courtesy of Colleen Brakenbury)
Jonathan Pietrafesa delivers his salutatorian address on Friday. (Courtesy of Erin Mufford)
Kelly Uderitz – These five graduates from Fruit Avenue grew up together and all graduated with high honors. They include Meadow Washak, Emma Baldwin, Kali Schrader, Dan Squire and Alyssa Blount. “Awesome job fruit loops!!!” (Courtesy of Kelly Uderitz)
Shelby Martin and Devin VerCruysse are cousins who started kindergarten together with the same teacher, played lacrosse together, and graduated together. (Courtesy of Sara Frasier)
Private Ryenn Oliver, a Marine, graduated from basic training on May 31. (Courtesy of Trena Oliver)
The tennis team crew includes Andrew Houseman, Valedictorian Kody Leno, Salutatorian Jonathan Pietrafesa, Benjamin Zakes and Ray Paull. (Courtesy of Jessica Leno)
The daisy chain is a tradition dating back to 1922. The daisy chain is made by the top 16 ranked girls and top 2 boys in the junior class. They include Grace Cook, Jada Draper, Micaela Erway, Mary Flores, Bobby Geiger, Elle Gross, Alexis Jones, Lacey Kenward, Lily Kiebala, Margaret Klotzbach, Jordan Lugo, Jenna Moore, Chloe Nashwenter, Nathan Sherman, Miya Troidl, Layna Viloria, Ashley Woodrow and Miranda Zelazny.
The Class of 2019 is on stage in the high school auditorium. (Courtesy of Dave Viterna)
Alissa Blount with Kaela Grosslinger behind her are happy to have their diplomas at commencement. (Courtesy of Shannon Blount)
These two friends, Ashton Laird and Marguerite Brakenbury, graduated together on Friday. (Courtesy of Colleen Brakenbury)
This group includes, from left: Makenzi Wynn, Heidi Hofmeister and Maci Wynn. (Courtesy of Bianca Cruz)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2019 at 12:04 pm
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville, population of about 800 people, will welcome an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people on Thursday for the annual Fourth of July celebration.
This will be the 45thannual celebration that is organized by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
There are events throughout the day, including a big parade that begins at noon, with the festivities capped by fireworks at 10 p.m.
The Lyndonville fireworks will be at least a half hour. Last year’s show in Lyndonville was the third biggest put on by Young Explosives in a territory stretching from WNY to Vermont and to Pennsylvania, said Wes Bradley, the fireworks chairman.
Only the cities of Rochester and Tonawanda topped Lyndonville. However, those cities tend to send their fireworks straight up. Young Explosives likes the Lyndonville site, where the fireworks can be sent in multiple directions.
The fireworks display costs about $20,000 and Bradley said many businesses, organizations and individuals donate for the fireworks.
“This is easily one of the largest shows in Western New York,” Bradley said today.
The show draws a crowd to the school campus, on Main Street and the near the Yates Community Library. People also park along Mill Road, Marshall Road, Millers Road, Alps Road, and North and South Lyndonville roads to watch the fireworks.
The club’s 35 members organize and run the festival, with help from their families, and some of the Lyndonville sports teams.
Club members have been raising money for the big bash, and have been busy ordering food, setting up tents and parking barriers.
Some highlights in the schedule include:
• Arts & Crafts Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school front lawn with more than 50 vendors.
• Parade at noon with a theme this year of “A Salute to Our Hometown Heroes.”
• Chicken barbecues with baked beans & salt potatoes from 1 to 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
• Concert by Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums, 1:30 p.m.
• WNY Garden Tractor Pull from 1 to 4 p.m. on Housel Avenue
• Parade Awards Presentation at 3 p.m. at information booth
• Concert by the Byrne Brothers at 3 p.m. at Yates Community Library
• The Who Dats in concert at High School parking lot from 7 p.m. until the fireworks.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 July 2019 at 9:39 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: There were several American flags out in July 2017 for the Patriotic Service at the Cobblestone Church.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum’s annual patriotic service on July 7 will have a new twist this year.
After the 11 a.m. service in the historic 1834 cobblestone church, a picnic will take place on the side lawn of the church.
The Rev. Don Algeo will give the keynote address titled “A Spirit of Independence.” There will be a performance by Albion High School alumni Enoch and Elijah Martin, accompanied by Richard Della Costa.
The Martin brothers are preparing patriotic songs, said Maarit Vaga, who is helping to organize the service. She is also a member of the museum’s board of trustees.
Vaga has attended several of the patriotic services in the past and considers the tradition a precious acknowledgement of Orleans County’s unique and significant history, she said.
“Next to the Erie Canal, Western New York’s cobblestone heritage is singular in the United States,” Vaga said. “Therefore, I find it very fitting that, as a community, we would celebrate our nation’s birthday in the oldest cobblestone church in North America. Since childhood, I have had an affinity for museums as portals into times long past. Whenever I visited museums, I liked to imagine myself in another time and place. I don’t think that yearning has ever left me, so it was very natural that I would become enthralled with volunteering at the Cobblestone Museum. Studying to become a docent for the museum has been inspiring.”
Vaga added that the men and women who established the communities around Orleans County were remarkable, resilient and industrial people.
“As I sit in the Cobblestone Church on July 7, I will be thinking of their tremendous efforts which laid the groundwork for all the opportunities we currently enjoy, and I will offer a prayer of thanks,” Vaga said.
The soloists, Enoch and Elijah Martin, are no strangers to anyone who has been fortunate enough to see an Albion High School theater production, Vaga said. Elijah graduated in 2015 from Albion and his brother Enoch graduated last Friday.
The service and picnic are free, but a free will donation will be accepted.
Anyone wishing more information may call the Cobblestone Museum at 589-9013.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2019 at 9:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Karen Conn, an Albion music teacher, leads children in a singalong at the Hoag Library on Tuesday as part of the Summer Reading Program.
In this song, Conn and the kids are singing, “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”
Hoag Library has many different programs scheduled throughout the summer, with most at 11 a.m. on weekdays. On Monday, the program was making Galaxy Slime.
Next week, there will be Waters Wars on Monday with Albion football and softball teams. Click here to see some of the programs planned for the summer.
The Albion NY Rocks group has a display of rocks that have been painted, including some that look like a box of chocolates. They are in the front case at Hoag. The Albion NY Rocks group will be at the library on Tuesday at 11 a.m., helping children paint rocks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2019 at 8:27 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – The Dave Viterna Group performs Tuesday evening at the Orleans County Marine Park to kick off the summer concert series. There were about 500 people at the concert. The band members on Tuesday included from left: Dave Viterna, “Scooter” Scott Felice and Marty Hobbs.
The park is located on Route 98 in Point Breeze along the Oak Orchard River.
This is the 10thseason of concerts organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. The rest of the concert calendar includes The Kid Kurry Band on July 9, The Who Dats on July 16, MAC on July 23, Jonesie & the Cruisers on July 30 and The Brick Band on Aug. 6.
Dave Viterna is the front man for the band, singing and playing the guitar. Marty Hobbs is in back as the bass guitar player.
The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association uses proceeds from the concerts to give back to community organizations. Last year OONA divvied up $4,000 to seven community groups, said Jim Buckley, OONA’s president.
Marlene Serow sells 50/50 raffle tickets for OONA.
Patrick Furlong of OONA calls out the winning raffle tickets, which were picked by his grandchildren, Charlie and Nora. Instead of the usual 50/50, where OONA keeps half and the sole winner gets the other half, OONA picks two winners who each get 25 percent of the pot. The winners last night each received $202.
The Clarendon Lions Club is back selling grilled items and other food. From left include Kevin Johnson, Roger Boynton and Brian Collins.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2019 at 9:23 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – Ten volunteer firefighters completed a 129-hour class, Interior Firefighting Operations. The graduation was held this evening.
Pictured include, front row, from left: Paul Urquhart (Albion), Erik Balys (Holley), Josh Klotzbach (Ridgeway) and Matt Doherty (Ridgeway). Back row: Instructor Dwane Weatherell, Scott Warney (Albion), Nick Pahura (Albion), Jacob Roeseler (Gasport), Caleb Spark (Gasport), Matthew Edick (Carlton), Jacob Marks (Carlton), Instructor Justin Niederhofer, and Instructor Al Cheverie.
The firefighters received training in hose line work, forcible entry, tactical ventilation, fire suppression, ladder work, victim search and rescue, ropes and knots, and other associated firefighting skills.
Prior to this they completed training in exterior foreground operations and Hazardous Materials Operations. In total they completed 129 hours of training over the course of four months.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2019 at 3:07 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Employees with Environmental Enterprises in Cincinnati empty fluids into large drums to be hauled away during the household hazardous waste collection on Aug. 12, 2017. This year’s event on Aug. 17 will include rimless, noncommercial tires.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has expanded the household hazardous waste collection day to include tires.
The Soil & Water Conservation District had been doing a tire collection for a fee but decided to stop doing that program.
County officials then pushed to add the tires to the annual household hazardous waste event, which will be Aug. 17.
Legislators said they wanted to offer “a convenient and environmentally sound means for county residents to dispense with unwanted tires.” The tires must be rimless and will include non-commercial and non-farm tires, only.
Residents won’t pay a fee for disposing of the tires. They are allowed to drop off up to 10 automobile or pickup tires.
The event will continue at the Orleans County Highway Department on West Academy Street in Albion.
Residents can dispose of batteries, propane tanks, oil-based paints, solvents, polishes/waxes, aerosols, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, adhesives & resins, motor oil & filters, acids, corrosives, antifreeze and other household hazardous waste.
To make an appointment for the event, call the Orleans County Department of Planning at (585) 589-3198.
BATAVIA – Tompkins Bank of Castile, along with its affiliates, Tompkins Insurance Agencies and Tompkins Financial Advisors, announces its appreciation of the community with free general admission at the Batavia Muckdogs game scheduled for July 27, in celebration of the bank’s 150th anniversary.
“Community is at the heart of what we do, which is why we have been around for 150 years,” said John McKenna, President and CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile. “We are excited to have the opportunity to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion with our friends, family, and customers at the Muckdogs game.”
In addition to the free admission for the general public, Tompkins Bank of Castile donated 150 tickets to the local United Way in support of the organizations they work with.
The Muckdogs game beings at 7:05 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium, 252 B State Street, Batavia. Those interested may pick up free general admission tickets at the box office in advance or on the day of the game.
(Editor’s Note: The Bank of Castile has a branch in Medina.)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 July 2019 at 12:21 pm
MEDINA – The Medina Business Association will show off the new pavilion in State Street Park on July 7 with the first concert to be presented in the new venue.
From 4 to 7 p.m. the Who Dats will entertain the community and an estimated 650 cyclists who are participating in Cycle the Erie Canal, an annual ride from Buffalo to Albany.
The pavilion/bandstand was built with community donations and support of the Medina Business Association.
Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee, said in the past, the cyclists have spent the night camping at Medina High School, but this year they will stay at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
The public is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, listen to the music and welcome the cyclists.
Hancock said there should be a great turnout of cyclists, because the canal towpath has had significant improvements from Middleport to Brockport.
