Photos by Ginny Kropf: Ricky and Katrina Standish stand near the banks of Lake Alice on family-owned property, of which they have become managers. Katrina recently graduated from the Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program, which she took to help them run a business.

ALBION – The Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program class recently graduated 11 aspiring business entrepreneurs, whose prospective new businesses are very diverse, according to MAP director Matt Holland.

“We had an excellent group of businesses this year, from a wide variety of backgrounds and stages of business,” Holland said.

This included agriculture, retail, food service, property rental and maintenance – some of which are concept, startup or have been open for more than two years.

“I believe this diversity benefitted group discussions and collaboration,” Holland said. “All of them were enthusiastic and worked hard drafting their business plans. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for their businesses.”

Holland took over leadership of MAP when Diane Blanchard retired in 2023. He said MAP is education and he has always enjoyed education.

“Most importantly, because small businesses are the backbone of a small town area,” he said.

Jeremy Bow of Kent signed up for the Microenterprise Assistance Program to take advantage of the resources they offer. He has started a new business, JB’s Stump Grinding.

They didn’t restart the MAP program until 2024, Holland said.

“We took a step back to see if any changes had to be made and what we could do to get small business centers involved – with the EDA,” he said. “Small business centers bring great programming to the class.”

The Microenterprise Assistance Program has graduated 569 individuals to date. Two graduations are held a year, always with a similar curriculum, Holland said. They teach the basics a business person should know, including legal, marketing, financials, bookkeeping and pricing.

“We always have an entrepreneur come in and tell the class what it’s like to be in business,” Holland said.

One such businessman was Kyle Brent, who just built a new modern building for his business, KJ Motorsports in Middleport. The class was very impressed with his story, starting his business in his home, right out of high school.

“Sometimes a person takes the class and realizes they don’t want to be in business,” Holland said.

The newest graduates and their businesses are Ellen Blanc, Paws Only Grooming; Jeremy Bow, JB;s Stump Grinding; McKenna Christ, The Grove 1848; Megan Davenport, GH Grooming and Spa; Duane DeRoller, Liberty Meadows; Emma Drisdom – Emma’s Nail Room; Shawn Malark, North Star Ammo and Defense; Deborah Mannix – Seasonal Retail; Katie and Christopher Oakes – LynOaken Upick LLC; Alicia Sargent, Medicare Advocacy Center; and Ricky and Katrina Standish, RKScapes (rental property, landscaping and property management).

Two of the recent graduates shared their stories of becoming entrepreneurs.

Graduate Katrina Standish and her husband Ricky both have full-time jobs at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, but recently took over management of property her father owns, mostly on the banks of Lake Alice. Katrina registered for the class, but Ricky came along also.

“The class helped us understand a business plan,” Katrina said.

“They also hook you up with an attorney, who connected us with the Small Business Legal Clinic at the WNY Law Center,” Ricky said.

The couple plan to expand their rental holdings to include Amish shed cabins, accessible to the water for fishermen, as well as a fire pit, canoe and kayak rentals and golf cart rentals. This is something Katrina has always dreamed of, she said.

“I think MAP was a great opportunity for us,” Katrina added.

Jeremy Bow is also employed full-time, but decided to start a side business after discovering how expensive it would be to hire someone to grind up a bunch of stumps in his yard.

“I picked up a stump grinder to do my yard, and then started helping my friends,” Bow said. “At first I thought I’d take care of my stumps, then go help my friends and sell the grinder. But, last fall I decided to get an LLC form and insurance.”

He enrolled in the MAP class, something he said he wishes he had done sooner.

“MAP showed us a lot of resources out there I didn’t know existed,” Bow said. “I also met a lot of class members in all phase of business. Some don’t have a business yet, just a business concept. We shared ideas with some who are fully established and some whose business is still in the works.”

He was impressed with how much they learned – about the paperwork involved, how to motivate employees and the importance of taking good care of your employees.

“Some questions brought up were things I’d never thought of,” Bow said. “There are so many things you don’t know. They don’t make it easy to start a business, but MAP covered a lot of the bases and showed us where help is available. It’s a very good program.”

Bow said he hopes by being affordable and doing a good job, his new business will be successful. His goal is to buy a dump trailer and mini skid-steer so he can clean up after a job.

He wants no dissatisfied customers, he said.

Applications for the next MAP class will be accepted beginning July 15. The fall class will begin the first Thursday in September.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act, reaffirming her commitment to defending the Second Amendment rights of all Americans, regardless of their financial status.

Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Mike Collins (GA-10), Burgess Owens (UT-4), and Randy Weber (TX-14).

The bill ensures that up to $3,000 worth of firearms are exempt from bankruptcy proceedings, recognizing them as essential property. Current federal law exempts a certain value of property from bankruptcy proceedings that allow the debtor to maintain a basic standard of living, such as musical instruments, jewelry and a television. However, federal law fails to provide a specific exemption for firearms, a constitutionally guaranteed right that allows individuals to defend themselves.

“The Second Amendment is a Constitutional right for all Americans, regardless of their financial situation,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “No American should ever be forced to forfeit their right to self-defense because they’re going through financial hardship. This legislation ensures that the Constitutional right to own a firearm is protected, no matter the financial situation.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Jacob Rowland and his sister Hannah, center, dance the Virginia Reel on Saturday evening during square dance at the Barre Town Park.

The Barre Betterment Committee and Go Art! teamed to offer the event, which also included food and a basket raffle.

The Orleans County String Band has performed at the square dance in Barre since 2018. They performed Appalachian string band music.

The members include Margaret Mathews as caller and teacher, Kathy Vandemortel of Point Breeze on the fiddle, Laurence Sugarman on the claw hammer banjo, and Laurie Hunt on bass.

Orly the Ox joined the dancers in the Virginia Reel. Orly is the Orleans County bicentennial mascot during this year of celebrating the county’s 200^th anniversary.

Betsy and Wes Miller, center, joined in dancing the Virginia Reel.

Orly dances with his partner, Elizabeth Marat.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – These three were dressed up as faeries on Saturday for Medina’s “Enchanted Faery Festival.” Pictured form left include Natasha Abdurrafi of Medina, and sisters Amelia and Daisy Marr of Albion.

The Medina Area Partnership organizes the event which usually brings in about 75 to 100 kids dressed as kings, queens, princes and princesses.

Ann Fisher-Bale, one of the festival volunteers, distributes fairy dust at Rotary Park. Her son, Mason Bale, is next to her.

The event included a scavenger hunt. There were 12 faeries and 10 faery houses hidden in windows in downtown shops. There also was a parade.

Haylee Ferrington is dressed as a dragon mother faery while she does face-painting on Morgan Eaton of Rochester.

Kendra Wilston

ALBION – The Albion Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a 14-year-old girl who has been reported as missing.

Kendra Wilston is a white female, at 5 feet, 6 inches and about 105 pounds. She has black hair and blue eyes.

Her family told the Albion PD she ran away from home on Friday at about 6 p.m. and hasn’t come back.

Kendra was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with white writing, black pants and purple slippers. It is possible for Kendra to be in the Lockport area.

Anyone with any information regarding Kendra Wilston’s whereabouts is urged to contact APD at (585) 589-5627, or through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (585) 589-5527 or 911.

Orleans Hub readers sent in photos today of wildlife in Orleans County.

Jonathan Marciszewski sent in the photos of a turtle laying her eggs in Lyndonville this morning, near the bridge on main Street over Johnson Creek.

Emily Luckman took the photo of a deer this morning on a canal walk through Albion.

Provided photos

RIDGEWAY – Sawyer Hahn of Lockport is shown with a fishing pole that was left behind on Tuesday at Glenwood Lake. Hahn is offering a $50 reward if someone can return the pole.

“That pole means everything to me and is irreplaceable,” Hahn said. “It was passed down from my father to me many years ago and I would have liked to hold onto it as a keepsake.”

The reel is red and the pole is yellow, with some duct tape at the top after the tip snapped off.

Hahn, 21, said many big fish have been caught with the pole, including many trout and bass.

To reach Hahn, call or text 716-523-0938.

Orleans facing three straight days with highs topping 90 degrees

Photo by Marsha Rivers: A tugboat is tied up along the Erie Canal in Albion on Friday evening.

A heat advisory starts today at noon and continues through 6 p.m. on Tuesday for Orleans County and all of Western New York.

In Orleans County, the high temperature today is forecast for 87, followed by three days in the 90s – with 91 on Sunday, 93 on Monday and 91 on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Heat index values in the upper 90s are expected, with the highest heat index values expected Monday, the Weather Service said.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses to occur,” the Weather Service said. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

On Wednesday the high is forecast for 81, followed by 81 on Thursday and 84 on Friday.

Photos by Natalie Baron: The Dave Viterna Group jams out at the State Street Park Pavilion on Thursday. Concert series performances run from 6 to 8 p.m.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

Dave Viterna is the lead singer and guitarist for the group. He sings and plays classic rock songs.

MEDINA – The summer concert series, Blue Thursdays, kicked off its first performance of 2025 on Thursday with The Dave Viterna Group providing a strong opening for the event.

The Dave Viterna Group is a local favorite, a blues and classic rock band that plays all over Western New York. The band members are Medina natives. The group includes lead singer and guitarist Dave Viterna, Marty Hobbs on bass guitar and “Scooter” Felice as drums.

Audience members travel from all over the Buffalo/Niagara area to listen to these bands perform. Hundreds of people attend each week. Darlene from Pembroke described what she likes most about the concert series. She said it’s “Just a nice evening out with good music!”

Pat from Medina reminisced on attending high school with the band’s lead singer. “I knew Dave Viterna when he was 17. It’s good to see him.” He added that Jony James is performing next week, on June 26. “He played at my birthday party when I turned 60!”

There is no admission charge for the concerts, which typically draw 600 to 800 people at State Street Park.

The Print Shop is underwriting the event, pairing with the ORG/Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com for booking and coordination.

Marty Hobbs plays bass guitar. The Dave Viterna Group is the first in the concert series lineup. The evening was filled with sound and energy.

A sizable crowd gathers at State Street Park. The Medina summer concert series attracts hundreds of audience members from all around Western New York.

The rest of the 2025 lineup features the following bands:

• June 26 – Jony James, a Buffalo-born, Chicago raised guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, who is often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn and a true Buffalo icon!

• July 3 – Growlers Blues Band, one of the top bands in Buffalo, awarded “best traditional blues band.”

• July 10 – Grosh, featuring the phenomenal award-winning guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, Grace Lougen.

• July 17 – Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train.

• July 24 – High Horse, recording artists and legendary classic rock/blues from Buffalo.

• July 31 – Rusty Fisher Band – high energy blues with a dose of Jimi from legendary guitarist Rusty Fisher.

• August 7 – The Thurman Brothers Band from Niagara Falls, presenting “an evening with” featuring the timeless music of the Allman Brothers.

All performances this year will be enhanced by professional sound by Sal Licata of Sound Factor.

Vendors and beverage providers at the concert series include Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Greenlief’s On The Go, Oakley’s Ice Cream, Stone Hollow Bakery, NOLA Concessions, Blue Groove Coffee, Northridge Distillery and Schulze Vineyard & Winery.

Luddy’s in Albion has array of tools and equipment for all kinds of jobs

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Employees of John Ludwick’s new equipment rental business stand in front of a skid steer and an excavator. From left are Bob Stilwell, Ludwick’s children Ava and Jack, Peter Sidari (in back) and Peter Pilon. The business is located at 419 West State St., Albion.

ALBION – Opening his own rental business is something John Ludwick has wanted to do for years. After much planning and assembling what could be called his “dream team,” Luddy’s Commercial/Residential Equipment Rental is a family affair, open for business at 419 West State St., Albion.

The Ludwick family, John and is wife Danielle, are not new to business, having owned Ludwick Paving and Concrete, which laid the groundwork for what has become Ludwick Constructors.

The couple started out 28 years ago with a used dump truck, several good friends and great family support. Over the years and many long days and nights, Ludwick Constructors has become a well-respected construction company that offers construction and maintenance services in the commercial, industrial and retail industries, according to Bob Stilwell, a cousin and director of marketing and sales for Luddy’s.

John Ludwick stands next to a selection of Stihl concrete saws, available to rent from his new business.

John’s skills and knowledge of the construction field made him realize the need to have an outlet for renting the very equipment he uses day to day. With his son Jack’s design for the company logo, John’s idea went from a concept to an actual brick and mortar store at 419 West State St.

Jack has worked for Ludwick Constructors since 2022 and has been working side by side with his father and other employees in the field. With the opening of Luddy’s Equipment Rental, Jack has been leading day-to-day logistics at the new business.

John and Danielle’s daughter Ava, who is completing her junior year in high school, will be running the front counter while attending school.

Jack Ludwick demonstrates a powered wheelbarrow at his father’s new equipment rental business.

Danielle works full time for the New York State Department of Corrections, but in her spare time will contribute her administration skills and work with Ava on bookkeeping.

It is truly a family operation, Stilwell said.

Peter Pilon has joined the business as retail manager. Many will recognize him from his years as co-owner of Dale’s Market and more recently as store manager at Ace Hardware. He brings 45 years of retail management experience to Luddy’s.

Also part of the new team is Peter Sidari, distribution and materials associate. A long-time friend of the family, he has worked for Ludwick Constructors part time since his retirement from the North Greece Fire District as a fire and life safety educator. Prior to that he had 22 years with the New York State Department of Transportation.

“Pete was always on my list to call when I needed help over the years, whether it was a laborer or a truck driver,” John said.

John and Danielle Ludwick, left, are shown with their staff at the new business they recently opened at 419 West State St., Albion. Next to them are Bob Stilwell, general manager; Peter Pilon, retail manager; Peter Sidari, distribution and materials associate; and Ludwick’s children Ava, front receptionist, and Jack, day-to-day logistics.

In Bob Stilwell’s new position as general manager, he will be dealing with purchasing, communication, marketing and sales, as well as commercial account management. He has several years of graphic design, marketing and sales experience from his years at Hickey Freeman, Ludwick Constructors and most recently, Lake Country Media.

“Anyone who knows the Ludwick family understands their work ethic and dedication to family, friends and community,” Stilwell said. “Stop in and see what they have to offer, make some suggestions of what you would like to see or maybe just have a cup of coffee and chat while sitting at the counter.”

John has tried to gather together the tools that contractors need, as well as tools for the do-it-yourself homeowner. His residential inventory includes rug doctors, pressure washers, floor sanders, sewer snakes, pumps and generators. He also has concrete products and mixes, grouts and mason mixes.

Pictured in the main showroom are, from left, Peter Pilon, Bob Stilwell and owner John Ludwick.

In the heavier equipment, he has skid steers, excavators, stone compactors, transits, jack hammers, concrete saws and concrete boring machines. He also thought it would be smart to offer a retail center with diamond blades, specialty taps, mag floats and a concrete epoxy coating selection.

Other equipment includes a walk-behind concrete grinder, gas-powered wheelbarrow for concrete, hepa vacuum (for cleaning up concrete dust), cleaning solutions for power washers, concrete Stihl saws and more.

Their selection of hardware and fasteners is growing, and they carry several sizes of saw blades, safety gear and cleaning supplies.

If they don’t have what you need, they will do their best to get it for you.

One bay at their new location is dedicated to cleaning, inspecting and servicing rented equipment when it is returned, before it is put back into service.

“We deliver and run through operating procedures with our customers if they need it,” John said. “We will supply our knowledge in running whatever piece of equipment they rent. It’s going to be fun working with people I grew up with. We spent many, many nights talking about doing this. It was now, or we will never do it.”

Luddy’s is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday. For information, they can be reached at (585) 774-1924.

Bob Stilwell points out a jumping jack, used to compress stone.