ALBION – The community can step inside the new Save-A-Lot store in Albion beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and see how the store has been transformed since January by owners John Hedlund and Bill Larson.

The store used to have a red-color scheme and that has been replaced with blue and gray. The shelves have been replaced and they are shorter and the aisles are wider to give an open space feel, Hedlund said today before a ribbon-cutting celebration with local elected officials.

The Albion store is the first Save-A-Lot with the new store design.

Hedlund and Larson put in a new public bathroom and changed the former video store into an office and bagging area.

The owners have invested in energy-efficient LED lights and more efficient motors to power equipment.

John Hedlund is pictured in the revamped Save-A-Lot in Albion. The store opens its doors at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Hedlund, a North Tonawanda resident, owns a Save-A-Lot in Salamanca and is co-owner of the stores in Batavia and Le Roy.

The owners also run the Batavia and Le Roy Save-A-Lot stores and those nearby sites will provide a synergy with Albion, ensuring a selection of food at low prices, Hedlund said.

The Albion store has kept the meat department, and Larson said Save-A-Lot wants to establish relationships with local farmers to sell produce.

The Pawlak family ran a Save-A-Lot for about 14 years in Albion until the store closed in November. In January, John Hedlund signed a lease to take over the space and reopen a Save-A-Lot.

But first extensive upgrades would be done with new refrigeration, electrical – an overall transformation of the space.

He praised the plaza’s owner, Westwood Financials, for being “very accommodating” to get the space upgraded.

The new store has 20-25 employees. Lura Kenward is the store manager, Zech Simpson is the assistant store manager, and Greg Webster is the meat department manager.

The first 100 customers on Tuesday will receive $5 gift cards.

Albion Mayor Eileen Banker, who is chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley, presents a  certificate to John Hedlund from Hawley in recognition of reopening a Save-A-Lot in Albion. She is joined by Ron Vendetti, Albion’s code enforcement officer, and Lisa Stratton, president of the Albion Merchants Association.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Six people, including two small children, were injured this afternoon and transported by ambulances after two vehicles were in an accident at the intersection of West Countyhouse and Gaines Basin roads at about 3:45 p.m.

None of the people suffered life-threatening injuries, Albion firefighters said. COVA took four of the people in two ambulances and Mercy Flight in Batavia also transported two people by ambulance.

A Barre firefighter witnessed the accident and said this van entered the intersection and was struck by the red car which had the right of way.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident. No additional information is available.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Norm McDonald, a Lyndonville student, is led away on a stretcher by Medina firefighters during a simulation this morning at the school. Lyndonville firefighters created a scene that looked like a two-car accident.

Firefighters then extricated students. The school has hosted the simulation the past seven years just before the prom and graduation season to remind students of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Lyndonville has its prom on Friday.

Miranda Lembcke pretended to be the driver that caused the accident. She is led away by Deputy Torry Tooley of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office after failing sobriety tests.

Lembcke, a senior, agreed to be part of the simulation because she wanted to send a strong message to students to be safe and not drive under the influence.

“We wanted to bring awareness to everyone and let our class know that this happens,” she said about the accident scene.

Luke Isaacson also is taken by stretcher after being freed from the wreck.

Ken Strickland, an investigator with the Sheriff’s Office, said local law enforcement agencies respond to many car crashes with teen-agers each year, with drug and alcohol use often a factor.

Paige Gardner was one of two people who were fatalities in the simulation. Kevin Bogan of Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home is at the scene. He brought a hearse. Gardner was put in a body bag and put in that vehicle.

Kim Bow, an administrative assistant at Lyndonville, pretends to me the mother who has just seen her deceased child.

Bow is led from the scene by Lt. Mike Heideman of the Lyndonville Fire Department.

Norm McDonald is in a damaged car. He needed to be extricated. Students in grades 10-12 witnessed the simulation.

After the simulation, Deputy Torry Tooley led a discussion with students about the dangers of distracted and drunken driving. He said texting, talking on the phone, watching videos, and navigational aids can all distract drivers. Even a moment of inattention can result in a fatal accident.

Provided photo: The Sheriff’s Office also brought its new STOP DWI Driving Simulator to Lyndonville. Dep. Tooley observes Anna Lewis in the simulator, where students and other users can see the effects of driving while texting, drowsy or if they are impaired or intoxicated.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – A float in the June Fest parade that many people have found to be offensive and racist has prompted the June Fest Committee and the village to insist on a final check of all entries before the parade, Mayor Brian Sorochty said today.

A vehicle pulling a trailer had a detached fake head mounted by the front bumper and other strange “decorations,” included a black baby doll that was chained to a tree. There was a Sandy’s Oak Orchard Marina marker on the vehicle, but Sandy Kintz, marina owner, said she didn’t endorse the decorations.

A friend, Peter Gewerz, created the display. She was told it would be a water theme with a kayak and maybe an alligator.

“I had no idea,” she said. “I’m flabbergasted.”

Mayor Sorochty and Kintz have both spoken with Gewerz who insisted he meant nothing racist or offensive in the display. He is known for big Halloween displays.

“He didn’t seem like the kind of guy to do that,” Kintz said about a racist message. “If you know him, you know he would never do that.”

She apologized to the community for the display.

Sorochty said the committee and village will do a thorough review of all floats in the future while they are in the parade staging area at the elementary school.

He issued this statement to the media:

“It has come to our attention that one of the parade participants had display material on their float that offended many people. I have spoken with this person and he claims that he had no intention what so ever of displaying any kind of racist or offensive message. I have also spent the last day looking into the matter, keeping in mind that we had several committee members all who were responsible for a variety of aspects of this fast growing event. The bottom line is that when this individual arrived we clearly did not perform a thorough review and scrutinize the float content.

“This event is supposed to be an opportunity to celebrate our community and the floats are supposed to family friendly. The fact that this happened is very saddening to me and for all those that were disturbed and offended by this float I am sorry. Please note that neither the Village of Holley nor our Community Events Committee would ever approve of any offensive content for our festival.

“Our committee has done a wonderful job pulling this festival together and growing it the last two years and I hope that this one incident does not take away from what a great day it was. Our committee has only done this now for two years and we are learning each year how to improve the operations of this event. Going forward we will absolutely have an individual dedicated to performing a final check on all floats to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for your understanding.”

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Orleans and Niagara counties for today from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m.

The Weather Service said strong currents will make for dangerous swimming conditions.

“Stay out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls,” the Weather Service said.

Today is forecast for a high of 68 with a chance for showers, mainly between noon and 4 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion senior Brad Sanford lights a candle during the baccalaureate service on Sunday evening at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Aleka Schmidt, pastor of the First Baptist Church, joined other church leaders at the service.

Before they graduate from high school, the Class of 2018 at Albion was embraced by the Albion Ministerium and given a blessing for their future.

The church leaders organized a baccalaureate service. The service is optional for seniors. About 45 out of the class’s 123 students attended the program.

The candles represent faith and the graduates’ light as they go out into the world, said the Rev. Richard Csizmar, pastor of St. Joseph’s and the Holy Family Parish.

Class leaders Victor Benjovsky, left, and Allison Graham lead the Class of 2018 into the church.

Miranda Smith sings, “Moon River,” during the service at St. Joseph’s. Her classmate Victor Benjowsky sang, “Beautiful City” from Godspell, and seniors in the chorus sang, “May Your Roads Be Straight and Narrow.”

Seniors joined hands for a prayer led by the Rev. Susan Thaine, who starts next month as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion. Thaine is a 1986 Albion graduate.

Allison Graham, the class vice president, and Riley Seielstad, the class secretary, light their candles.

Susan Boring, pastor of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, delivered the message, “Choices.” Boring is a 1981 Albion graduate.

She urged the seniors to strive for wisdom, which will help them make good decisions. Boring urged the seniors to choose friends who will encourage them to believe in themselves and make wise decisions. Many people will sap the seniors’ enthusiasm and try to derail their dreams, Boring said.

She is retiring later this month as a Brockport band teacher. She said some people tried to discourage that career choice, but she followed her passion. She also has felt called to ministry and has been a pastor the past 18 years. However, Boring said she delayed being a pastor by about 12 years because she was told women shouldn’t be church leaders.

“There are people in the world who are dream crushers,” Boring said. “If you listen to them you will never reach your full potential.”

Boring encouraged the seniors to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, who will be a close friend. She welcomed them to visit churches and think about how they can connect with God in their lives.

Rylie Lear reads a Scripture during the service.

Contributed Photo – Medina High sophomore Melanie Green meets here with her father, Ron Green, after capturing the state high school girls golf championship today at Bethpage, N.Y.

A third place finisher a year ago, Medina High sophomore Melanie Green claimed top honors this time around at the girls state high school golf championships held Saturday and today at Bethpage.

“I was really close last year so I really wanted to get this one,” said Green in a post match interview with state tourney officials. “It feels great, absolutely great. I played fine. I really like this course.”

Green went 2 under for today’s second round and finished the two day event with a total of 138 to win by two strokes.

“She was driven after finishing third last year so it’s not surprising she came back and won it,” said Medina golf Coach PJ Bell. “She just loves the game of golf and she just works so hard at it. She is 100 percent committed.”

Green was 4 under after Saturday’s opening round with a 68 and tied for first place with Kaitlyn Lee (Section 1). Today she was even after 15 holes but birdies 16 and 17 to go 2 under finishing with a round of 70. Lee finished at 3 over today and wound up five shots off the pace at 143.

Green, who advanced to the states by capturing a second straight Section VI title, finished ahead of Bailey Shoemaker (Section 4) who had  a two day total of 140. She was 7 under today after being 3 over at the end of the opening round.

Photos by Ginny Kropf

BARRE – Skydiver Troy Fallon of Buffalo is silhouetted over the trees as he comes in for a landing Sunday at Pine Hill Airport today. Fallon has made 350 jumps.

Hundreds of people attended Pine Hill Airport ’s fly-in breakfast this morning. The semi-annual event started in 1979.

Karl and Susan Driesel, members of Barre Volunteer Fire Department, brought one of the department’s fire trucks to Pine Hill Airport ’s fly-in breakfast this morning.

Wendy Sanders of Barre, right, shows her grandchildren Michael McElwain, 6, and Paysen Sanders, 3, the Stearman biplane based at Pine Hill Airport. The plane is available for rides.

Alice Mathes, a member of the West Barre Methodist Church , sells baked good s at the fly-in breakfast. The church has had a baked goods booth at the annual fly-in breakfast every year for as long as Mathes can remember.

Ace Caldwell of Albion serves eggs to Dick Williams of Royalton at the fly-in breakfast. Caldwell has been cooking eggs for the airport’s fly-in breakfasts every June and September for nearly 40 years. He also cooks eggs every Sunday morning in the hangar for anyone who shows up. He figures he has cooked more than two million.

Pete Nesbitt, left, one of the original owners of Pine Hill Airport, cooks pancakes while new owner Tim Allen of Alden looks on.

John Keding of Albion cooks sausage at the fly-in breakfast.

Shelby Gray of Derby, a member of the Western New York Skydiving Club at Pine Hill Airport, volunteered for the dunk tank. The dunk tank was one of several new attractions at the airport designed to get kids interested in aviation.

Chance Wright of Rochester lands safely after a jump Sunday at Pine Hill Airport, during the fly-in breakfast. Wright, a member of the Western New York Skydiving Club, has 185 jumps to his credit.

Skydivers Chance Wright, left, and Troy Fallon give a high-five after their successful jump during the fly-in breakfast Sunday at Pine Hill Airport.

Provided photos: Drummers, from left, Will Trembley, Molly Wadhams, Aubrey Boyer and Abby Allen  are focused in competition at Nunda on Saturday.

NUNDA – The Albion High School Marching Band finished with the top score of the five bands in Nunda on Saturday. The Purple Eagles’ score of 97.8 represents the band’s highest marks of the season.

Band Director Mike Thaine was pleased with the group’s performance.

“Every week, we ask each student to take on the personal responsibility of doing just a little better than they did last time,” he said. “So far, they’ve come through with flying colors.”

Two weeks ago at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands, Albion earned high honors among the seven bands in competition with a score of 94.75.

The Purple Eagles’ show is based on music of the rock group Queen.  The band wraps-up the 2018 season at the home town Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday.

Spectators show their appreciation in the background as the woodwinds finish the drill for the show’s closing number, “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Fireworks are reflected in the Erie Canal by the lift bridge in Holley at about 10 p.m. on Saturday. A 20-minute fireworks show was an explosive conclusion to the June Fest celebration in Holley.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s first baseman Charlie Bruning celebrates after getting the final out of today’s 10-1 Far West Regional victory over Midlakes at Frontier Field in Rochester. The Midlakes runner is Connor Young.

A huge relief pitching effort by senior Jake Bruning combined with a 13 hit attack sparked Roy-Hart to a 10-1 victory over Midlakes in the Class B Far West Regional this afternoon at Frontier Field in Rochester.

The victory propels the history making Rams into their first state semifinals against Seton Catholic next Friday at 5 p.m. at Maine-Endwell High School near Binghamton. Seton Catholic trimmed Adirondack 3-2 in the Central Regional.

Jake Bruning, who came on to turn in a sparkling relief effort for the Rams, here delivers a pitch.

Roy-Hart jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning on a two-run double by Gavyn Boyle and a fielders choice play off the bat of Charlie Brigham. Three walks loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.

However, Midlakes answered right back with a run in the home half of the frame on a single by Jordan Maher and an RBI double by Devin Kelly and then quickly loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of walks.

That set the stage for Jake Bruning to enter the pressure cooker situation in relief of his brother Charlie and he wasted no time in quickly getting the Rams out of the jam on two clutch strikeouts and a fly-out to Walker Samanka in left field.

“Charlie was having some trouble and I was able to come in and hit my spots and get the job done,” said Jake Bruning. “After that I knew we would win. I’m just so very proud of this team. They just work so hard.”

Gavyn Boyle bangs out a third inning double to drive in Roy-Hart’s first two runs.

Getting out of that bases loaded jam started a strong five inning relief stint for Jake Bruning who allowed only one hit, a seventh inning single, and struck out eight over that stretch.

“That was huge. Jake really stepped up,” said Roy-Hart Coach Mike Tarnowski. “He wants the ball when it’s crunch time like that.”

Sparked by that big mound effort, the Rams quickly boosted their lead to 5-1 by scoring twice in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Charlie Bruning and an RBI single by Jake Bruning. A leadoff single by Noah Hardy and a sacrifice bunt by Karson Grover set up that threat.

Midlakes did get two runners aboard in the home half of the frame via a pair of walks but Jake Bruning quickly got out of trouble on a pop out to Charlie Bruning at first base.

The Roy-Hart advantage increased to 7-1 after a pair of sixth inning tallies on a fielders choice play off the bat of Samanka and an error. Leadoff singles by Schwab and Boyle sparked that uprising.

Jake Bruning faced only four batters in the fifth, striking out two, and retired the side in order in the sixth notching a strikeout for the third out.

The Rams put a firm lock on the victory by scoring three times in the top of the seventh on a two-run single by Boyle and an RBI single by Jake Bruning.

Boyle and Charlie Bruning both finished with 3 hits as Jake Bruning, Schwab and Hardy each had 2.

Jake Bruning then closed out the win with two strikeouts and a groundout to shortstop Al Xapsos in the bottom of the seventh after yielding a leadoff single.

Charlie Bruning also had a clutch strikeout to end the first inning after Midlakes got runners to second and third. He also ended the second frame with a strikeout stranding a Midlakes runner at second base.

Improving to 19-2, the Rams now look to continue their history making postseason run at the state semis. In going 5-0 to date in playoff action, the Rams have already made plenty of history by capturing their first sectional title, a 4-2 win over Medina in the Section VI Class B2 finals, their first berth in the state playoffs, with a 12-9 win over Olean in the Section VI Class B final, and then today earning a first ever Regional victory.

Roy-Hart’s Ben Schwab slides into third base ahead of the throw to Ezra Maslyn of Midlakes.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The parade seemed to keep going in Holley today with classic cars, community organizations, fire trucks and other participants as part of a re-energized June Fest.

The top photo shows Koryn Neale tossing candy with a group from Wiley’s Ark Animal Care, which is owned by her mother, Krista Wiley, who also is coordinator of the June Fest.

Al Pulcino of the American Legion greeted many people with a big smile along the parade route, which went from the elementary school through the Public Square.

Maarit Vaga dressed as Cobble the Museum Mouse for the Cobblestone Museum. She rode in a 1911 Reo truck owned by Russ Bosch of Clarendon.

John Brown of Batavia brought this 1964 Amphicar and his dog Reagan, an English Setter, for the parade. Brown also brought several other classic vehicles for the parade and for a car show. Brown, owner of a collision shop in Batavia, was recognized with the business award for his efforts with the parade.

Al Capurso, president of the Orleans County Historical Society, dressed as a pioneer resident with a log cabin shed to honor the pioneers. Capurso said he will have the log cabin shed at upcoming parades in Albion, Barre and Lyndonville.

There were many soccer participants in the parade and that earned the youth soccer program the youth award from the parade judges.

Dan Schiavone, left, and John Kenney, both former Holley mayors, served as parade judges along with Penny Cole.

Some members of the Clarendon-Holley-Hulberton fire youth group march in the parade.

The Holley-Kendall Marching Band was awarded the grand prize from the parade judges.

Carol D’Agostino and the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies were a big hit with the crowd. They won the award for best group.

Barb Kurzowski walks a llama in the parade to promote the Orleans County 4-H program.

Dustin’s Pizzeria was among many local businesses in the parade.

Dick Holland of West Henrietta drives a 1947 Massey Ferguson tractor through the Public Square. He is followed by Matt Clayton of Knowlesville and Raychelle Wilson with a 1958 Massey Ferguson.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman

ROCHESTER – The Roy-Hart varsity baseball team is pictured after defeating Midlakes 10-1 this afternoon to advance to the state semi-finals at Maine-Endwell High School near Binghamton on Friday at 5 p.m.

Roy-Hart improved its record to 19-2 on the season in winning the Far West Regional today at Frontier Field in Rochester.

Check local sports later for game highlights.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley is bustling today with many activities as part of the June Fest, including a big parade at 11 from the elementary school through the Public Square. The top photo shows Bill Ingham of Morton with his 1954 Model 40 John Deere tractor.

Cameron Kelley, 6, of Holley makes his way up the climbing wall.

Dan Mawn, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society, rings a bell by the Historical Society Museum. Mawn rang the bell 12 times at noon, the first time in many years the bell had rung out that many times at noon. The bell was originally used by the United Methodist Church when it was in the Public Square. The church built a new site in Clarendon on Route 237. The bell was donated to the Historical Society about a decade ago and was mounted in a display by Mawn and the village in early 2017.

The museum is open today includes many displays of Holley pride, including this uniform of the state champion marching band in the 1950s.

Adam Johnson, owner of 39 Problems in Albion, is debuting a new Chuck Wagon, which is like a food truck. Johnson, a Holley resident, unveiled the new portable trailer on Friday at CRFS in Albion. He plans to take it to community events and parties.

The Clarendon Lions Club sells hot dogs, sausage, hamburgers and cheeseburgers at Holley’s Canal Park. This trio includes, from left: President Kevin Johnson, Roger Boynton and Chris Miller.

Children enjoy a bounce house in the park.

The festival concludes with fireworks tonight at the Firemen’s Field across from the elementary school.

Photo by Matthew Ballard: Grave of William & Ruth Tanner – Tanner Cemetery, Albion, New York

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 22

I spent some time over Memorial Day weekend photographing historic markers and cemeteries as part of an ongoing inventory project I am working on. I was amazed at the beauty of our little burial grounds scattered throughout the county; there is definitely something to be said about the peacefulness of eternal rest and the aura that exists within the cemeteries.

Unfortunately, over the years many of our rural cemeteries have fallen victim to Mother Nature, or worse, vandals. In 2006, two cemeteries in Clarendon were attacked by mischievous kids who knocked over stones and smashed others with sledgehammers. In 2012, vandals were active at Beechwood Cemetery in Kendall, tipping over several dozen stones. A lack of respect and appreciation for our past often fuels this type of behavior.

I have received a number of inquiries over the past several months about some of the smaller cemeteries in our area including the Billings Farm Cemetery on Baker Road in Carlton and the Long Farm Cemetery on Rt. 31 in Albion near Transit Road. In the case of the latter, many of the graves are marked by fieldstones and masked by overgrowth and thickets. The question I most often hear is “why?” Why are these cemeteries allowed to fall into a state of disrepair? Time, money, and no descendants are often the reasons, but are these smaller grounds not just as important as our larger cemeteries?

I stumbled across an article written by Bill Lattin a number of years ago, an article drawn from one written by his father Cary Lattin in relation to the old Annis Cemetery on Rich’s Corners Road in Albion. In 1907, Sophia Harling Lattin visited the cemetery where her grandparents were buried, only to find that the grounds were overgrown with briars, locust, and myrtle. She found the condition to be quite shameful, overcome by disappointment that sacred ground should be allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair. Refusing to be deterred, she trudged through the thicket and gathered the names of the deceased from the tombstones in order to assemble a battalion of workers to clear the dense brush.

Upon the completion of this herculean task, the Town of Albion was encouraged to mow the cemetery from that point forward. Lattin paid $10 to have a wrought-iron gate and posts installed at the front of the cemetery, which still stands with a small wooden placard that reads “Annis Cemetery” (albeit in poor condition). Within this cemetery stands a small monument to the memory of Jonathan Rich, a member of Capt. Ebenezer Mason’s Company of Minute Men who responded to the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775; the quintessential Patriot.

Another example of community-driven efforts to resurrect the sacred space of our rural cemeteries is Tanner Cemetery, situated across the road from Mount Albion Cemetery. I am often asked about the origins of this particular burial ground given its close proximity to the much larger municipal cemetery. It appears that the cemetery, “established” in 1833 started as early as 1825 with the burial of Ruth Tanner, wife of William Tanner (1751-1831). The couple was interred on the farm owned by their son, Samuel Northrop Tanner, who is buried atop a hill east of the main gate in Mount Albion Cemetery. On numerous occasions, this cemetery became overgrown by weeds, vines, and small trees and on each occasion was cleared by volunteers. Over the years, stones were knocked over and broken with the occasional passerby leaning the stray markers against trees. Small unmarked rocks are situated throughout the burial ground, likely marking the graves of those who could not afford an etched stone.

Records indicate that William Tanner was paid 9 pounds in March of 1781 for service as a private with the 9th Regiment of Foot, U.S. Service with Col. Crary commanding. Those same records indicate that he was wounded during his service and carried a scar for the remainder of his life. Also buried on this site is Sgt. Jedidiah Phelps, a member of the Connecticut Militia and silversmith by trade. After his relocation to Barre in 1819 (then part of Genesee County), he played an active role in establishing the First Presbyterian Church at Albion.