Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new agricultural trade partnerships between New York and Puerto Rico to strengthen both the Puerto Rican economy and the ties between the two communities as Puerto Rico continues to recover and rebuild.
The Governor pledged to help Puerto Rico rebuild their agriculture and food supply systems, and work with local farmers, the University of Puerto Rico, and other partners to provide technical assistance and expertise to rebuild the industry. Ten months after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, agricultural trade between New York and Puerto Rico is rapidly growing with the expansion of New York-grown apples, cabbages, and onions into Puerto Rico and watermelon, mangoes, and pumpkins grown in Puerto Rico becoming available in New York. Conservative estimates say these agricultural trade opportunities will exceed well over $1 million in economic benefit to both New York and Puerto Rico.
The Governor made the announcement while in Puerto Rico leading a delegation of SUNY and CUNY presidents and students, as well as nonprofit partners, labor leaders, and elected officials, to support the ongoing efforts on the island. This trip marks the Governor’s fifth trip to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, and part of the third deployment of SUNY and CUNY student volunteers since the initiative began.
“The people of Puerto Rico are our brothers and sisters and in the face of the federal government’s ongoing neglect, New York will continue to do everything in our power to help them rebuild their economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “This agricultural partnership will create opportunities for local farmers, stimulate economic growth, and help this vital sector recover, and will further strengthen the ties between Puerto Rico and the great state of New York.”
As established in the Build Back Better report assessing the hurricane damage, Hurricanes Irma and Maria severely impacted Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector, primarily made up of small, family-owned farms, with approximately 80 percent of the crop value destroyed, a loss of nearly $250 million to the Puerto Rico economy. The destruction of planted crops caused a loss of locally grown foods, limiting nutritional options, driving up food costs and contributing to food insecurity. In addition, over 2.2 million animals were lost to the storm and the agricultural infrastructure experienced damages in excess of $1.8 billion. This represents 40 percent of the total value.
As with Puerto Rico’s other rebuilding efforts, New York State is committed to helping Puerto Rico rebuild their agriculture and food supply systems stronger than before. Governor Cuomo will launch a comprehensive, targeted effort to work with local farmers, the University of Puerto Rico and other partners to assess immediate needs, provide technical assistance for short-term solutions and develop a strategic plan to bolster the agricultural industry, support food security and grow the Puerto Rico’s economy. As part of this initiative, the Governor will convene a team of experts, led by Commissioner Ball, that will meet with partners at SOMOS.
These actions will focus on:
• increased trade and exchange of food and agricultural commodities between Puerto Rico and New York,
• co-ventures in food innovation
• food security for underserved populations and exploring the development of food banks
• collaboration on best practices in food and beverage safety, as well as, standards and technical guidance for food safety.
Caribbean Produce, Puerto Rico’s largest produce distributor, has thus far imported 186,200 pounds of apples from across New York – including Rome, Empire, Red Delicious, Gala, Snap Dragon and McIntosh apples from New York Apples Sales and Hudson River Fruit. Caribbean Produce has also imported 126,000 pounds of cabbage from Torrey Farms in Elba, Genesee County, and 84,000 pounds of onions from Minkus Family Farms in New Hampton, Orange County, with plans to import New York-grown potatoes, carrots, turnips, beets, and more produce. Caribbean Produce is currently distributing Red Jacket Orchard juice from Geneva, Ontario County. Hudson River Fruit, Red Jacket Orchard and Minkus Family Farm are all a part of the State’s New York State Grown & Certified program.
New York has imported 100,000 pounds of seedless watermelons from Finca González and Soto Farms in Guánica, Puerto Rico, sold at retail in the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, with additional containers planned in the weeks and months ahead. Caribbean Produce will soon export tropical pumpkin to New York from Finca Gonzalez, as well as mangoes from Gan Eden Farm in Santa Isabel. By conservative estimates, these partnerships will generate well over $1 million in economic impact in both New York and Puerto Rico in the long term.
Gan Eden Farm was one of the working sites for State University of New York Maritime, SUNY Albany and SUNY ESF students deployed as part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
These partnerships are made possible by the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism opened by Governor Cuomo in November 2015 in Old San Juan. NYSOTT promotes mutually beneficial tourism opportunities and strengthens economic ties between the state and the island. NYSOTT also operates the New York State Discovery Center, a Taste NY and I LOVE NY store promoting New York-made and produced products.
The distribution of Saratoga Spring Water, Asarasi Sparkling Tree Water and Roxy Mountain Maple Products in Puerto Rico also builds on a number of initiatives announced by Governor Cuomo in September 2015 designed to help Puerto Rico expand its economy and foster a mutually beneficial economic development relationship between Puerto Rico and New York State, including opportunities for business and technology development, agriculture, energy and infrastructure.
New York State and Puerto Rico have been actively engaged in conversations to grow and expand trade opportunities between New York businesses and Puerto Rico and vice versa.
“The Department was so pleased to be a part of the Governor’s Agriculture Trade Forum several years ago, where we had meaningful, positive conversations with our friends in Puerto Rico about the opportunities to work together,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “Today, while we stand strong alongside Puerto Rico during their recovery, I am proud to see that those discussions are now resulting in actions that will not only provide a boost to their rebuilding efforts but also be the bridge to new markets for New York growers.”
‘President Trump is a strong negotiator, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to grow our nation’s agriculture exports through competitive, long-term deals.’
Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) applauded the Trump Administration for providing about $11 billion in aid to farmers impacted by recently imposed tariffs, with a focus on providing aid to the dairy sector in particular. Collins represents one of the nation’s largest dairy producing districts and has been an outspoken advocate for policies that strengthen the industry.
“By imposing tariffs on nations like China, President Trump is working to level the playing field between the United States and other countries that have taken advantage of us for far too long,” said Collins. “From the start, we were assured that the administration would take appropriate action to protect industries, like our nation’s agriculture industry, that may be impacted by the tariffs. Today’s announcement is a win for the dairy industry as President Trump continues to put American interests first and fight for fair trade deals.”
Unjustified retaliatory tariffs have disproportionately targeted American farmers, impacting prices and raising costs. The emergency aid will come from already authorized money from three separate programs that are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency. The USDA has broad authority to stabilize the agriculture economy during financially difficult times by purchasing excess supply.
Collins added: “As we work toward better deals that reduce our trade deficit, I support implementing policies that provide hardworking farmers with temporary assistance during this adjustment period. President Trump is a strong negotiator, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to grow our nation’s agriculture exports through competitive, long-term deals.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2018 at 2:24 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – A big barge pulled into Holley this morning and has been drawing crowds to the Orleans County village today. The Corning Museum of Glass has a 2018 tour includes Holley and Medina in Orleans County, as well as other canal towns in New York.
Glassmakers are doing demonstration on the barge today. It heads west to Buffalo after being in Holley today, and will stop in Medina on Aug. 11-12. Tickets are free and can be ordered by clicking here.
The 30′ x 80′ canal barge is equipped with Corning’s patented all-electric glassmaking equipment. In addition to sharing the story of glassmaking in Corning, the Glass Barge tour emphasizes the continued role of the Erie Canal in shaping the state’s industry, culture and community. The canal was under construction 200 years ago and opened in 1825.
Jeff Mack, a glass artist for Corning, shapes molten glass. Corning has the barge on tour this year for the 150th anniversary celebration of the glass-making business in Corning.
A canal boat passes the barge while the glass artist put the glass in a 2,100-degree furnace.
Steve Gibbs is the narrator and director of the Glass barge. He addressed more than 100 people during an 11:45 presentation today. The barge is expected to draw about 1,000 people for demonstrations today.
The Glass Barge is joined by the Lois McClure, a replica of an 1862 canal barge, and the C.L. Churchill, a 1964 tugboat. They are pictured looking from the lift bridge in Holley.
The Champlain Maritime Museum operates the Lois McClure. The museum shares the story of 19th-century canal life and how materials were shipped on New York’s waterways.
Holley will be providing musical entertainment today from 5 to 7 p.m. by Joe Fiannaca & Wayne Robertson as well as 50-cent hot dogs and free ice cream for children.
The Daily News in New York City on Monday announced it was cutting half of its staff. The tabloid has won 11 Pulitzer prizes, including one last year for its coverage of the city’s eviction rules.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered state resources so the newspaper can avert layoffs.
“The Daily News, now owned by Tronc, Inc., is apparently firing a major portion of their reporting staff,” the governor said. “This will undoubtedly devastate many households and hurt an important New York institution and one of our nation’s journalism giants.
“These layoffs were made without notifying the State or asking for assistance. My father, as Governor, came to the aid of the New York Post when it was facing difficult financial times. Even though the Post represented an opposing active partisan interest, my father understood the value of a robust free press. So do I.
“I urge Tronc to reconsider this drastic move and stand ready to work with them to avert this disaster. I understand that large corporations often only see profit and dividends as a bottom line. But in New York, we also calculate loss of an important institution, loss of jobs, and the impact on the families affected. I hope Tronc does the same and recalculates its decision. New York State stands ready to help.”
State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, criticized the governor for offering state aid to the newspaper.
“From a fiscal and constitutional standpoint, I’m appalled at the Governor’s suggestion that New York taxpayers should bail out a private news outlet,” Ortt said in a statement. “In terms of the state’s fiscal priorities, I would hope that we would first focus on repairing our roads, funding our schools, and providing mental health and addiction recovery services.
“Maybe the Governor is trying to curry favor with a press corps that – aside from the occasional mansplaining to a female reporter or struggle to identify local issues that matter to New Yorkers – he’s downright avoided for years. Or maybe we’re seeing the where the radical, regressive left now stands on the First Amendment – believing that government should be a shareholder in a ‘free’ press. Having witnessed how the Governor’s office micromanages or mismanages public funds, I don’t believe there’s any way this proposal could fly.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2018 at 10:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – These dancers from Lisa’s Dance Boutique in Holley, including Charley London (center), perform “Sing, Sing, Sing” during the Talent Show on Monday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. The group came in fourth in the Maxi Division (over age 13).
Participants performed on a new permanent stage that is part of an addition on the Curtis Pavilion. Dancers did tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and other styles.
Dancers from Lisa’s took five of the top six places, including first, in the Maxi Division. A group from Dance Theater in Medina won third place. Nearly all of the acts qualified to go to the State Fair in Syracuse in late August.
This group earned an honorable mention in Maxi for “Insomnia.”
This group performed “Hey Queen” in the Mini Division (12 and under) and won an honorable mention.
Ava Jurs and Dallas Ecker perform “Do Your Thing” in the Mini Division. They are part of Dance Reflections by Miss Heather in Albion.
The Bruning sisters – Aubrey, 7, and Sylvia, 5 – sing “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. They are from Barre.
These Mini dancers perform “Who You Gonna Call” from Ghostbusters, and won fourth place in the Talent Show.
“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” received an honorable mention in Maxi.
“Don’t Let Me Down” won first place in the Maxi Division. “Bad Girls” won first in the Mini Division.
MEDINA – Medina’s Class of 1978 gathered for its 40-year reunion. There were 60 members of the class for a reunion celebration on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus.
The classmates came from Washington, California, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Tennesee, South Carolina, Virginia and New York.
“We had a fun-packed weekend with a Friday Night Mixer at the Sacred Heart, Saturday events of wine tasting at Leonard Oakes Winery and a walking tour of Medina given by our own Chris Busch, and capping of our weekend with dinner and dancing at the KOC,” said Connie Eick Holt, vice president of the class.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2018 at 8:53 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Seth Krenning, center, and Zachary Neal, both of Albion, lead their pigs into the show ring during the Swine Show on Monday, which was opening day of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Carter Kuipers, 10, of Byron gets ready to enter the show ring with his pig, which he named “Thing 1.” Carter’s pig won best of show and champion market hog and will be included in Saturday’s 4-H animal meat auction at 7 p.m.
Derek Gowanlock, the swine judge from Bennington, goes over the rules and tells the 4-H’ers what he is looking for. He wanted to see clean pigs that were under control.
Rylie Lear won the master showman award as the top showman, with Carter Kuipers the reserve showman. Rylie advances to Friday’s grand master showman competition that includes the eight master showman in eight different types of animals.
Justin Robinson won the senior showman award with Jayden Neal the reserve showman. In the junior showman category, Carter Kuipers won first place with Seth Krenning the reserve champ.
Melissa Robinson won the novice showman award with Reece Senske the reserve winner.
Olivia Krenning, of Albion right, and Jack Cecchini of Medina compete in the showmanship event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2018 at 8:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Andy Beach, the swine superintendent, helps get 4-H-ers ready for Monday’s swine show. Beach competed in the event when he was a kid.
Visit the new Ag Education and Activities Areas in the Lartz Commercial Exhibit Building.
8 a.m. – Senior Council Stand opens
8 a.m. – English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
10 a.m. – $7 Admission per car starts
10 a.m. – All buildings open
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Center Stage
10 a.m. – Little Britches Cattle Show at Show Arena
Allison Mathes, 13, of Barre models a blue floral cotton romper that she made during the Clothing Revue. The outfit can be wore for dressing up or casual. It features a V-neck line in front and back, with a tie belt to complete the look.
12 p.m. – Leaders’ Pie Stand opens
12 p.m. – Calf Feeding and Care Demonstrations at the Cattle Barn
12 to 4 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
2 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristbands at Midway
4 p.m. – Agripuppets Entertainment Show at Agripuppets Stage
The Agri-Puppets teach all about agriculture, animals and farming.
5 p.m. – Beef Showmanship and Show at Show Arena
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Costume Class and Cloverbud Show at Wachob Pavilion
6 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6 p.m. – Agripuppets Entertainment Show at Agripuppets Stage
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course at Fair Office
Mark Traxler of Lyndonville, a member of the Air Force, raises the flag during opening day ceremonies.
6:30 p.m. – Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations Lawn South of the Knights Building
7 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Calf Feeding and Care Demonstrations at Cattle Barn
7 to 7:45 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Talis Equity Stage
8 p.m. – Agripuppets Entertainment Show at Agripuppets Stage
8:30 p.m. – Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations, Lawn South of the Knights Building
9 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Talis Equity Stage
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
Molly Falkenstein of Hamlin sings “Grenade” by Bruno Mars during karaoke on Monday night.
Members the Medina Mustang Band will be directing traffic in the parking lots all week. This group includes, from left: Mark Barcena, Bailey Jackson, Becca Lunden, Margaret Klotzbach, Dawson Brown and Kody Leno.
Opening day ceremony held by expanded pavilion with new stage
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
KNOWLESVILLE – The 2018 Orleans County 4-H Fair got off to an official start Monday night with a flag raising ceremony at the new flagpole located on the south end of the Buzz Hill Education Building.
The new location is one of several changes at the fair this year, according to Robert Batt, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, who welcomed fairgoers from the new pavilion and Talis Equity stage.
The traditional flag raising featured members of all branches of the military from veterans’ groups throughout Orleans County.
Veterans from four branches of the military wait to raise the flag in the opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night. From left are Dan Barnard of Medina, Marines; Mark Traxler of Lyndonville, Air Force; Tony Vicknair of Lyndonville, Army; and Ron Ayrault of Holley, Navy.
Bugler Russell Young of Medina played Taps as Mark Traxler and Tony Vicknair raised the American flag.
From there the ceremony moved to the new Talis Equity stage, where Batt introduced fair manager Martin Zwifka, king and queen Aeddon Cayea and Riley Seielstad, Senator Rob Ortt, Legislator Bill Eick, Albion Mayor Eileen Banker and a representative of Governor Cuomo’s office.
Batt said the new stage was just one of the many changes in store for the fair.
Mark Traxler of Lyndonville raises the flag during opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night. Standing at attention are Ron Ayrault of Holley, left; Jim Freas of Medina, (back to camera) and Steve Johnson of Lyndonville.
Zwifka said it had been hectic, but they pulled it all together.
“We want to make this the best fair we can,” he said. “If you notice things are spaced out more – there’s a reason for that. There are many changes to come.”
Ortt said he spoke for himself and Assembly Stephen Hawley, who was stuck at Atlanta airport, when he praised the fair.
“This is the only fair I know of which starts with a ceremony honoring the veterans who made it possible for us to be here,” Ortt said.
Veterans from throughout Orleans County line up for the flag raising ceremony to officially open the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night.
The state senator also praised the farmers and agriculture, which is the number one job in New York state.
“You can’t grow anything on Wall Street,” he said.
Eick called the Orleans County fair a “fair for kids.”
“A lot of the kids here today are fourth generation 4-H’ers,” he said. “Fifty-five years ago I started showing cattle here in the Lartz Building. We’re here on this new stage which has just been built. That’s how far we’ve come.”
Fair royalty Aeddon Cayea, king, and Riley Seielstad, queen, shared what 4-H meant to them during opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night. At right is fair manager Martin Zwifka.
Seielstad shared the fact 18 years ago she celebrated her first day at the fair in her stroller.
“The fair has given me fantastic experiences and a world of opportunity,” she said. “Orleans County is home to a very talented group of children.”
Cayea said he grew up showing animals at the fair, and now he gets to work here as a fair assistant. He said he has a greater appreciation for the efforts from many volunteers and staff to make the event possible.
Nyla Gaylord, director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, paints a flower on the cheek of Lila Rose Buzard, 3, at the Best Friends’ booth in the Trolley Building on opening night of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
KNOWLESVILLE – Larry Sharpe, the Libertarian Party’s candidate for governor of New York, will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. He will be at the booth for the Libertarian Party.
Sharpe is a Bronx native, a Marine Corps veteran, an entrepreneur, and a management consultant with 15 years of experience mentoring international executives, entrepreneurs and sales people.
He is also a teacher, previously serving as a guest instructor for business management and leadership at institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, Baruch College and John Jay College.
He is running for governor of New York in order to make education more effective through innovation, reform the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation, and build an economy that works for all of New York State.
Sharpe has recently visited Batavia, Newfane and other small towns in the state, pushing ideas to revive Main Street. He is visiting communities across New York to meet voters is a grass-roots campaign that he said is not funded by special interests or lobbyists.
ALBION – A Medina resident was sentenced to 3 years in state prison during Orleans County Court this morning.
Dino Callara, 50, of Slade Road was arrested in February for criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree following an investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Callara is a two-time convicted felon who allegedly possessed and sold a firearm in November 2017.
Callara was also arrested on a separate charge of grand larceny in the 4th degree after he allegedly was hired to install a transmission in the victim’s vehicle in October 2017. Without the victim’s consent, he sold the vehicle for scrap metal at Dunn Salvage in Niagara County.
As part of a plea deal, the larceny charge was dismissed but Callara admitted to criminal possession of a weapon.
He also has to pay the larceny victim $3,800 in restitution.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2018 at 11:49 am
Provided photo from Corning Museum of Glass: A barge with mobile glassmaking equipment will be in Holley for demonstrations on Tuesday.
HOLLEY – A barge with glassmaking equipment will stop in Holley on Tuesday as part of a summer-long tour along the Erie Canal.
The Corning Museum of Glass has a 2018 GlassBarge tour that is visiting Holley and Medina in Orleans County, as well as other canal towns in New York. The Glass barge will be at Holley’s Canal Park later today and will be open for demonstrations on Tuesday.
The Glass Barge will be in Medina, docking at Medina Canal Basin, on August 11-12.
In celebration of this pivotal journey, the Corning Museum is recreating the voyage with GlassBarge – a 30′ x 80′ canal barge equipped with Corning’s patented all-electric glassmaking equipment. In addition to sharing the story of glassmaking in Corning, the GlassBarge tour emphasizes the continued role of New York’s waterways in shaping the state’s industry, culture, and community.
GlassBarge begins it tour in Brooklyn on May 17 and will travel north on the Hudson River, then westward along the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo before making its way to the Finger Lakes. A ceremonial last leg of the trip will take place by land, concluding in Corning with a community-wide celebration on Sept. 22. (Besides stopping in Holley and Medina, GlassBarge will also be in Brockport from Aug. 17-19.)
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Lois McClure passes under the Main Street lift bridge in Albion in August 2013.
The barge will be joined by the Lois McClure, a replica of an 1862 canal barge, and the C.L. Churchill, a 1964 tugboat. They are both part of the permanent collection of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. The museum will share the story of 19th-century canal life and how materials were shipped on New York’s waterways. On the Erie Canal, GlassBarge will be moved by an historic tug from the fleet of the South Street Seaport Museum, connecting upstate and downstate by water.
Holley officials feel very fortunate to be a stop on the GlassBarge tour, Mayor Brian Sorochty said today.
He urged people to visit the GlassBarge, the Lois McClure and the C.L. Churchill tugboat.
The Glass Barge will be available for free glass blowing demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those interested in seeing a demonstration (about 30 minutes in duration) are encouraged to register for a timeslot in advance (click here). The 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. demonstrations are already full.
Limited additional seating is available for walk-up registration on the day of the event. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Holley will also be providing musical entertainment from 5 to 7 p.m. by Joe Fiannaca & Wayne Robertson as well as 50-cent hot dogs and free ice cream for children.
“I am very excited about this event and proud to have the opportunity to have it here in our community,” Sorochty said. “Please plan on attending this wonderful event.”
ALBION – The Albion Free Methodist is sending a group of 11 to Bulgaria for a short-term missions trip. They leave on Tuesday.
On Sunday there was a commissioning prayer with several members of the church praying with the group.
The primary function of the trip will be putting on a Family Camp for the pastors, leaders, and families of 19 new churches which have been planted over the past three years. In addition to the team leading programs for various age groups and assisting in worship and other activities, Pastor Randy LeBaron of AFMC will be preaching locally and leading training seminars for the 19 pastors. All of the pastors are Roma (gypsies) and have had to deal with extreme prejudice so part of the overall effort is to encourage and minister to them so that they will be renewed as they go back home to minister to others, LeBaron said.
The missions team includes, in front, from left: Brian and Sharon Stewart, Pam Wadhams and Dee Hansel. Middle row: Molly Wadhams, Ashlyn LeBaron and Elliott Neidert. Back row: Doyle Wadhams, Mark Chamberlain and Pastor Randy LeBaron. Missing from photo: Noah Wadhams.
After previous trips to Chile’, Haiti, and Peru, the Rev. Randy LeBaron, the lead pastor at AFMC, said that he and others felt called to go to Europe this time around.
A few years ago the Superintendent of Genesis Conference of the Free Methodist Church, Mitch Pierce, started to oversee parts of Europe in addition to his position here and that opened the door to new overseas connections.
When inquiring early last year where a need was for short-term missionaries, Pastor LeBaron was informed that Chance & Dee Dee Galloway, missionaries to Bulgaria, were on home leave passing through the area. LeBaron with Mike Neidert, AFMC’s missions coordinator, and Brian & Sharon Stewart, previous short-term missionaries in France, had lunch with the missionaries and were convinced that Bulgaria was where God wanted to send them.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kennedy Murphy gets a horse named King ready for this morning’s clover bud show. Kennedy is assisted by her mother Stephanie Murphy, left, and Faith Woody in back.
Today is Opening Day. Gates open at 2 p.m. Midway will not be open. Special gate price $2.
Visit our new Ag Education and Activities Areas in the Lartz Commercial Exhibit Building.
By noon – Dairy cattle must be received at the Dairy Cattle Barn
8 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
8 a.m. – Cloverbud Horse Show Followed by Walk/Trot Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Commercial Exhibits in place
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Orleans County Open Flower Show entries accepted at Lartz Building
9 a.m. – Dog Show (Classes 6-25) at Show Arena
10 a.m. – Market Auction Weigh-In
10 a.m. to noon – Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged at Trolley Building
11 a.m. – Field Crops judged at Trolley Building
Matthew Bloom, 8, of Albion washes cows this morning. He will show dairy animals as a clover bud.
1 to 3 p.m. – Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged at Trolley Building
3 p.m. – Fair Official Meeting at Fair Office
4 p.m. – Paid per car admission begins: Special Opening Day $2
5 to 8 p.m. – Ministry of Concern’s Just Friends E3 team youth mentoring program with kids coloring, crafts and face painting at Trolley Building
6 p.m. – Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans at Talis Equity Stage
6 p.m. – Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
6:30 p.m. – 4-H Clothing Revue at Talis Equity Stage
6 p.m. – Agripuppets Entertainment Show. Agripuppets Stage
6:30 p.m. – Mini-Horse Show and Horse Driving classes and demo at Carlos Marcello Arena
A new stage will be available for the first time during the fair this week. The new stage was built as an addition to the Curtis Pavilion. A state grant covered the cost of the $83,000 project. The stage today will host opening ceremonies at 6, 4-H Clothing Revue at 6:30, Talent Show at 7 and karaoke at 9 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations at lawn south of the Knights Building
6:30 p.m. – 4-H Bake Sale. Blue Ribbon Baked Goods available for a limited time at Trolley Building
6:30 p.m. – Trolley Building Youth Exhibits open at Trolley Building
7 p.m. – Talent Show at Talis Equity Stage
7 p.m. – Swine Show at Swine Area
7 p.m. – Calf Feeding and Care Demonstrations at Cattle Barn
8 p.m. – Agripuppets Entertainment Show at Agripuppets Stage
8:30 p.m. – Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations at lawn south of the Knights Building
9 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Contest at Talis Equity Stage
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
Jayden Neal, 15, of Albion cleans a cow. He will be showing pigs later today during the Swine Show at 7 p.m. The Dairy Show is Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2018 at 9:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – It was busy morning at the wash rack today at the Orleans County 4-H Fair with many 4-H’ers cleaning cows and other animals.
The annual Orleans County 4-H Fair starts today and continues until Saturday night. There are about 350 4-H members exhibiting during the week.
Emily Novak of Medina, left, and McKenna Elsenheimer of Middleport clean a horse named Fubu this morning. There was a clover bud horse show at 8 a.m. for the first event of the fair.
Justin Robinson, 18, of Albion milks a Jersey cow that he will show in Wednesday’s dairy event. Robinson won the Jersey as part of a scholarship program two years ago at the fair through the Dairy Club. He will milk the animal twice a day during the fair.
Rylie Lear, 18, of Waterport and Gina Sidari, 11, of Albion give a cow a wash this morning. Rylie is a veteran of many fairs, while Gina is making her debut in Wednesday’s dairy show.
