BATAVIA – Two people from Orleans County received inaugural Genean Awards on Saturday during a celebration by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
Lisa Roeseler (pictured above), a music teacher and director of Medina High School’s A’Cappella Choir, was recognzied with the individual artist award.
Roeseler started at her career in Medina as a music teacher Towne Primary School in September 1986 and moved to the High School in September 1987. She has been a popular teacher at Medina, with her vocal ensembles performing in the community, especially the annual holiday concert by the A‘Capella Choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
When she started, she had 17 students in Mixed Chorus and 43 in A’Cappella. The Mixed Chorus now averages 85 to 90 students and A’Cappella now averages 92 to 100.
Bryan DeGraw received the Supporter of the Year for his efforts to boost the local cultural scene. DeGraw is co-owner of 810 Meadworks with his wife LaRissa. The DeGraws opened 810 Meadworks in downtown Medina on Nov. 30, 2014. They make mead products and have a tasting room. The DeGraws also have run a concert series at the “beegarten” in the back of the building at 113 West Center St.
GO Art! created its own unique awards “like the Oscars or Tony awards for GENesee and OrlEANs Counties, to recognize a few of the amazing people and organizations we have within our counties,” said Gregory Hallock, executive director.
The Genesee Chorale also was honored as the “Organization of the Year.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2018 at 1:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Pastor Rich Allis, right, of the Light of Victory Church on Brown Street in Albion says a prayer on Saturday morning before a group of runners and walkers ventured out on a 5K. The church has organized the event the past seven years and proceeds go towards community baskets.
Kathy Jurs was the first woman to hit the finish line. She is cheered on by Cyndi Mardino, the race organizer. Evan Valentine, 15, of Holley was the overall winner. Some of the Run for God participants, who meet at the Free Methodist Church, ran the race on Saturday.
Steve LaLonde of Albion nears the finish. The runners and walkers were hit with hard rain in the race.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 April 2018 at 9:18 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anna Lewis and her Lyndonville softball teammates are facing a busy five game week as is the Kendall softball squad.
Thanks to Mother Nature busy schedules are on tap for the rest of the season for area high school diamond squads. However, none can be any fuller this coming week than that of the Lyndonville and Kendall softball squads which both have five games on tap (Monday-Friday).
Not far behind are the Lyndonville, Kendall and Holley baseball squads which each have four games scheduled. Lyndonville and Holley will face each other on Monday at Holley to open that stretch.
The very tight Niagara-Orleans League baseball title race will feature several key match ups including Wilson (2-1) at Roy-Hart (5-1) on Monday to both finish a suspended game and to play a regularly scheduled contest. Also, Roy-Hart vs. Albion (5-2) at GCC and Akron (5-2) vs. Wilson on Wednesday and Medina (5-2) vs. Roy-Hart and Wilson vs. Albion on Friday.
The big matchup in the N-O softball title chase will be on Friday when undefeated (7-0) Roy-Hart visits runner-up (5-1) Medina. The Mustangs also have a key contest at Akron on Tuesday.
Weekly Schedule Monday Baseball: Lyndonville at Holley, Kendall at Attica, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Barker, Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m. Softball: Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville, Kendall at Pembroke, Notre Dame at Holley, 4:30 p.m.; Barker at Medina, Newfane at Albion, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 4:45 p.m. Tennis: Albion at Newfane, Barker at Akron, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 4 p.m.
Tuesday Baseball: Attica at Lyndonville, Byron-Bergen at Kendall, Holley at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Lyndonville at Attica, Kendall at Monroe, Barker at Elba, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Akron, 4:45 p.m. Tennis: Wilson at Medina, 4 p.m. Track: Albion at Medina, Roy-Hart at Barker, Newfane at Wilson, 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday Baseball: Lyndonville at Alexander, Holley at Barker, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Newfane, Roy-Hart vs. Albion at GCC, 4:45 p.m. Softball: Lyndonville at Holley, Attica at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Newfane, Roy-Hart at Albion, CCA at Barker, 4:45 p.m. Tennis: Medina at Roy-Hart, Akron at Albion, Wilson at Barker, 4 p.m. Track: Holley at Oakfield-Alabama, Attica at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday Baseball: Northstar at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Akron at Barker, 4:45 p.m. Softball: Barker at Akron, 4:45 p.m. Tennis: Medina at Albion, Newfane at Barker, 4 p.m. Track: Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Barker, Akron at Roy-Hart, 4:15 p.m. Lacrosse: Medina at Wilson, 5 p.m.
Friday Baseball: Lyndonville at Notre Dame (at Dwyer Stadium), Holley at Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Albion, 4:45 p.m. Softball: Lyndonville at Elba, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, Holley at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina, Albion at Wilson, 4:45 p.m. Tennis: Medina at Wilson, Roy-Hart at Albion, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, Pembroke at Kendall, 4 p.m.
Saturday Baseball: Albion at Notre Dame (at Dwyer), Medina at Attica, 11 a.m. Softball: Albion at Brockport, 3 p.m.; CSAT at Medina, 6 p.m. Lacrosse: Medina at Iroquois, 3 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2018 at 8:40 am
Organizers pleased with crowd at ‘Fairgrounds Fallout’ and expect wrestlers to return
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Kevin (Lockwood) Blackwood, an Albion native, pins Scotty O’Shea during one of the matches on Saturday at the “Fairgrounds Fallout.”
There were about 10 matches in the three-hour event, which featured independent professional wrestlers. Blackwood has been a featured wrestler with Empire State Wrestling for more than a year.
The Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds for the first time hosted a wrestling event on Saturday, and 350 people attended the event in the Lartz Building, which was transformed with a ring, concessions stand, merchandise booth, and some intense lighting and sound.
Empire State Wrestling features independent pro wrestlers from the Buffalo-Niagara region and usually has its events in North Tonawanda at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
Brett Stymus, the promoter, was pleased with the crowd, and their energy. He would like to make Knowlesville a mainstay in the ESW schedule.
“We’d love to come back,” Stymus said. “The local community made it happen and got behind the wrestlers.”
The wrestlers impressed the crowd. It looked very much like the body slamming shown on TV. In fact, one of those stars, Gangrel, flew in from Florida to be in the main event on Saturday in Knowlesville. Gangrel is a former WWF wrestler. He defeated Gregory Iron in the main event.
Gangrel, a vampiric character, entered the ring and did his signature pre-match routine of spitting “blood.”
Gangrel takes time to meet fans after the finale on Saturday.
The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company reached out to ESW for the event. The fire company would like to bring back the wrestlers, said Andy Beach, the fire chief.
He was very impressed with the athleticism and showmanship of the wrestlers.
“It’s not what I expected,” Beach said. “The wrestling itself is a lot more physical than I thought.”
He also was pleased to see the Lartz Building, which normally hosts commercial exhibits during the fair, packed with people.
“I’m very happy and impressed with the turnout,” he said.
Gavin Glass, a Medina native, made his Empire State Wrestling debut in a match against Anthony Gaines for the Interstate Title. They had an intense battle with Gaines ultimately triumphing.
Stymus, the ESW promoter, said Glass was impressive in his debut.
“He hit a home run,” Stymus said.
Anthony Gaines seemed to relish his role as a “bad guy.” Here he is trash talking Gavin Glass. Gaines also shouted insults to crowd and enjoyed getting boos from the spectators.
Frankie Feathers is one of the crowd favorites for the ESW. He is shown with Shone Effner, 6, of Medina.
Frankie Feathers makes his entrance, followed by Wes Bedford of Albion, who won a chance to be Frankie’s manager for the match.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2018 at 6:40 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Al Capurso sings, “Till We Meet Again,” during a rededication ceremony on June 9, 2017 for a bronze tablet listing the names of 24 soldiers from Orleans County who died in World War I. The tablet was installed at the Orleans County Courthouse.
ALBION – Al Capurso has led several preservation efforts in Orleans County in recent years, and has been active in environmental and social justice causes for many years.
An Albion church is holding Capurso as a shining example for the community. Capurso will be recognized with a humanitarian award at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Pullman Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church.
Capurso is retired from 30 years with the county working in social services and with at-risk youth. He also owned the Bait Barn for about 25 years, selling fishing supplies for many years.
He is a life-long resident of Orleans County who has been married to the former Chris Rodden for 45 years. They have four grown children.
Capurso is the current president of the Orleans County Historical Association. He is on the board of directors for the Cobblestone Society Museum and also served as the Gaines town historian.
He is also a musician who performs at many local community events.
Capurso also stands out for his “gentle kindness,” said Darrell Dyke, a member of the board of trustees for the Pullman church.
Capurso ran for the County Legislature last year, the first campaign by a former county employee. Don Allport held off Capurso in the election.
Capurso has been active with Stop Polluting Orleans County (SPOC), which opposed a new landfill in Albion. He also has spoken out against a new quarry in Shelby near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The public is invited to the service at Pullman at 11 a.m. on Sunday. A reception will follow at noon at the church, 10 East Park St., Albion.
Al Capurso is pictured on Oct. 17, 2015 when a new historical marker that was unveiled by a former one-room schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal. The schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area. Capurso led the efforts to save the schoolhouse.
MEDINA – Medina’s Cub Scout Pack 28, and Boy Scout Troop 28 braved the wind and rain today to participate in the Canal Cleanup efforts along with the other volunteers. They worked hard raking and mulching between the Route 63 and State Street bridges.
Pictured, front row from left include: Brennan Woodruff, Frankie DiCureia, AJ Horton, Matthew Jacobs, Aidyn Jackson, and Brandon Brueckner. Back row: Emma Jacobs, Robert Jacobs, David Vanderwalker, Jon Thomas, CJ Woodruff, David Pelton Wibbe, Joseph Brueckner and Scott Horton.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 28 April 2018 at 8:08 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 17
Gravesite of Asa C. Hill – Millville Cemetery, Shelby, NY
SHELBY – Our rural communities are filled with strikingly beautiful landscapes and recognizable landmarks scattered throughout the region. As I passed through Millville this week, I thought about one of my favorite “little” landmarks in Shelby, a cemetery marker that has always grabbed my attention since I first visited Millville Cemetery.
The stone is rather remarkable, aside from its overwhelming appearance, towering over the seemingly smaller stones placed around it. Rarely does an attractive statue such as this adorn the burial site of an individual and perhaps its location in a rural cemetery makes it all the more unique. Yet the story of Asa Hill, the man memorialized by the granite obelisk and stoic soldier standing guard, adds a degree of mystery to the stone itself.
A native of Shelby, Asa Cummings Hill was born August 19, 1837 to William and Clarissa Miller Hill. When the South seceded from the Union in April of 1861, Asa found himself drawn to military service like so many other local men as indicated by his enlistment on November 14, 1861. Over a month later on December 22nd, he was mustered into service as a private with Company D of the 28th New York Volunteer Infantry along with a number of other men from Medina.
Of the four shields that adorn the base of Hill’s monument, the southern face notes his service, stating that he was wounded in action on August 9, 1862, captured, and sent to Libby Prison before his eventual exchange and discharge from service on January 13, 1863. A detailed description of an enlisted man’s service carved upon his headstone surely indicates a closer connection to his service than might appear on the surface. With that curiosity, I thought it worthwhile to peruse the pages of C. W. Boyce’s A Brief History of the Twenty-Eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, which highlights the unit’s service and what transpired on August 9, 1862.
On that date, Union and Confederate forces converged upon a location known as Cedar Mountain, often called Cedar Run by the Confederates and occasionally referred to as Slaughter’s Mountain after a nearby landowner. This particular morning was exceptionally hot, as Sgt. William Lewis recalled, upwards of “100° to 109° in the shade,” and Union forces were told to hold their position in the face of oncoming artillery fire and light skirmishing. Following an impromptu conference between commanding officers, it was decided that the available units should advance upon the Confederate battery in an effort to capture it. As Union artillery was poised to direct fire upon a section of woods occupied by the enemy in advance of the attack, Gen. Nathaniel Banks prematurely commenced movement of his troops.
Asa C. Hill, Standing Atop Cemetery Monument at Millville Cemetery
Sgt. Lewis, the color-bearer for the 28th New York, led the charge with fixed bayonets at double quick and immediately after the advance commenced, “the entire line was met with a murderous fire from the front and also from the right flank…” The men of the 28th New York had encountered the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Virginia Infantry under the command of Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson. It was during this advance that men encountered “…a most desperate hand to hand conflict,” suffering the loss of 17 of the 18 officers and 196 of the 339 enlisted men, either killed, wounded, or captured. It was during this engagement that Col. Edwin F. Bowen of Medina was shot in the arm, the bone shattering to pieces and requiring amputation.
In the months following the engagement, a report appeared in the New York World on October 21, 1862, listing casualties from conflicts in the previous months. It was noted in this report that Pvt. Asa Hill suffered an amputated right leg as the result of wounds sustained during the engagement at Cedar Mountain. It is difficult to discern exactly when the procedure was undertaken to remove Hill’s leg.
A single man who relied upon his physical strength to conduct business on his farm, Hill returned to his family’s home on Sanderson Road in Shelby with an overwhelming injury that he would never recover from. With Asa’s father William passing in 1868, the family relied upon hired men to assist in caring for the farm including William Mull, Joseph Schindelmyer and Asa’s nephew, William Hill. As a disabled veteran he was entitled to a pension, which he applied for in 1866, and the eligible bachelor eventually married Catherine Bodine in 1878. The couple welcomed a son, Asa Bodine Hill on January 15, 1879, and Asa passed two years later on April 25, 1881 at the age of 43.
In the years following Asa’s passing, newspapers reported on the beautification that was taking place at Millville Cemetery, drawing attention to the “…soldiers monument to Asa Hill.” It was noted in a subsequent correction that Hill’s monument was paid for by his widow, Kate, after his passing without any assistance. What is unique about the statue that adorns the peak of this monument is the form of the soldier. Although many monuments to area soldiers are crafted as a “stock” representation of a man, the soldier atop Hill’s monument is carved in his likeness – there is no monument like it anywhere else.
Hill stands atop this granite obelisk, wearing a great coat and topped with a forage cap. It is possible that a portion of the musket barrel broke off as the musket’s length would have extended to the shoulder of a soldier of average height. Packed under his right elbow is his cartridge box, he stands with a rifled musket grasped firmly in his hands and appears to gaze off in the distance as if to watch over the family’s farm.
The statue is carved with exquisite detail as the lock plate, hammer, trigger, and sling are clearly visible. Perhaps most interesting about this representation is that the statue shows no sign of his physical disability as a result of the war, indicating that the representation depicts Hill before the Battle of Cedar Mountain. He rests the weight of his body on his left leg, the right leg slightly flexed. It is likely coincidental that it was his right leg that was amputated and not an effort by the artist to symbolize his eventual injury.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2018 at 7:48 am
Medina native grateful for chance to wrestle in hometown
Gavin Glass has been wrestling as an independent professional for nearly three years.
KNOWLESVILLE – Gavin Glass, a 2015 Medina graduate, has been a professional wrestler for nearly three years, traveling to several states for matches. Tonight, he will wrestle for the first time before a home crowd.
Glass, 20, is in one of the featured matches at the “Fairground Fallout” – an Empire State Wrestling event with about 10 matches from 6 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
“The adrenaline will be flowing,” Glass said Friday night, when the group was setting up bleachers and the ring.
This will be the first time the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds is hosting a wrestling event. Ryan McPherson, a member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, contacted the promoter after attending some of the events in North Tonawanda at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
“They are super-entertaining,” McPherson said. “The things they do are amazing.”
The Lartz Building will be transformed with lighting and sound effects for the matches today. The promoter also will have large video screens up with images and clips of the wrestlers. There will be entrance videos to build excitement for the matches.
Glass who lives in Middleport, became a wrestling fan in fourth grade and watched it on TV and played wrestling video games. As a kid he went to a gym in Hamlin weekly, and learned how to wrestle without hurting himself or an opponent.
The wrestlers get bleachers in place for today’s event at the Fairgrounds.
Glass played youth soccer but didn’t have a passion for sports as a Medina student. Glass has always enjoyed acting and likes the camaraderie among the wrestlers, who work together to entertain the crowd.
Gavin “A Cut Above the Rest” Glass is a promotional photo.
He is an independent professional wrestler and is booked most weekends, often in Rochester and Buffalo. He wears light blue when he is a good guy and black when he is the villain. Because he is wrestling for the home crowd today, he will be in bright blue. When he is the villain, Glass said he enjoys drawing the boos out of the crowd.
Glass isn’t a muscle-bound freak. He is 6’1’’ and weighs 160 pounds. As he gets older, he said he will pack on more muscle. Right now he is fast-paced in the ring, known as a high flyer who uses speed and quick striking ability.
His signature move is “The Glass Cutter,” where he springs from the corner of the ring, grab’s the opponent’s head and slams his face into the floor. It’s similar to Steve Austin’s “Stunner.”
Glass said the wrestlers work together to put on a good event, with a focus on keeping each other safe.
Glass works as a graphic designer and many of his customers are other wrestlers. He designs there shorts, T-shirts and promotional posters. Glass uses his real name with an addition: “Gavin Glass – A Cut Above the Rest.”
The lineup today includes a former WWE star Gangrel and current Impact Wrestling star Braxton Sutter. Albion native Kevin (Lockwood) Blackwood also will be wrestling.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2018 at 3:18 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Melissa Ostrom of Holley smiles after receiving a miniature log cabin created by Al Capurso of Gaines in appreciation for her book, The Beloved Wild, which focuses on pioneer residents to Orleans County and Western New York.
(The large group photo between Capurso and Ostrom shows a colorized version of a picture from the 1860s of pioneer residents in Orleans County.)
Ostrom discussed her book and signed copies of The Beloved Wild on Thursday evening at the Hoag Library. Capurso, president of the Orleans County Historical Association, has created several of the log cabin scenes in honor of pioneer residents. He made the cabin for Ostrom in the style of the home made by Gideon, one of the book’s main characters who settled in the Town of Gaines. His sister Harriet and her beau, Daniel Long, assisted in building the log cabin.
The Beloved Wild was published last month by Macmillan and highlights the courage of pioneers, who were typically only teen-agers when they settled in WNY.
This is a debut young adult fiction novel by Ostrom, a former Kendall High School English teacher who stepped back from that role to focus on writing.
Harriet Submit Winter is the main character in the book. She is expected to stay home in New England and cook and tend to her younger siblings. She refuses. She disguises herself as a boy and joins her brother on the epic trip to the Wild West – the Town of Gaines.
Ostrom discussed how the Genesee Valley and WNY were considered an “Eden” for many New Englanders. The pioneers travelled for weeks by wagon, through dense forests and across the powerful Genesee River, to get to Orleans County. There wasn’t a map. The pioneers followed markings on trees as they made their way west.
The pioneer settlers were incredibly resourceful in taming the land, building homes and farms in the frontier. The obstacles were many – sickness, uninvited strangers, alcoholism, abuse. There typically weren’t mills nearby and the pioneers often would distill their crops to make alcohol.
Melissa Ostrom signs a book for Debbie Martillotta and her granddaughter Avery Gaines.
Doug Farley, director of Cobblestone Museum, checks out The Beloved Wild.
Thursday’s event was sponsored by the Cobblestone Society and Museum, Hoag Library, the Orleans Chapter DAR, and the Orleans County Historical Association.
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be hosting a special roundtable discussion with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro called “ThinkDIFFERENTLY.” The discussion offers different perspectives on how our businesses, organizations and individuals can better treat our residents with special needs.
“I thank Assemblyman Hawley for embracing the ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative we’ve found so successful in Dutchess County, and I hope communities throughout his district will continue to answer our call to action,” Molinaro saud. “Each New Yorker deserves to treated based upon their own unique abilities and potential, and we in Dutchess County seek to embrace all residents of all abilities. I thank the communities that have chosen to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY,’ and I look forward to seeing the trend continue throughout our state.”
The event will take place at the Arc of Genesee Orleans, 38 Woodrow Rd. in Batavia beginning at 2 p.m. on May 3. Residents who wish to attend are asked to please call Hawley’s district office ahead of time to register at (585) 589-5780.
“I am pleased to host this important roundtable discussion with County Executive Marc Molinaro, and I look forward to bringing in community stakeholders to talk about ways to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for our residents with special needs,” Hawley said. “I am hopeful we can implement many of the ideas and solutions that are part of this program, and I am eager to have a productive discussion.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for a bill to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs for five years, providing long-term stability for the nation’s aviation community. This legislation makes no changes to the enhanced pilot training hours that Buffalo area families who lost loved ones during the Flight 3407 crash advocated for, which became law in the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010.
“For the next five years we will not have to worry about Congress watering down important pilot training requirements, giving us much needed certainty,” said Collins. “The families of Flight 3407 have been impressive and tireless advocates for flight safety reforms, and we will continue to work with the Trump administration to make sure there are no changes to these hours. Because of the work of the families, America’s flying public can have confidence in the skills of their pilots and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way.”
This legislation ensures our system remains the safest in the world for air travelers by enhancing maintenance procedures for aircrafts. Additionally, it requires the FAA to direct that all new passenger aircrafts include a second barrier of entry to cockpits within one year of the enactment of this legislation.
Bipartisan disaster relief reforms are also included, providing communities with resources to take action before a disaster occurs to pre-empt damage.
Collins added: “Since I was elected to Congress, I’ve made it a priority to keep Americans safe in our skies. This legislation is a win as we continue to advocate for reforms that enhance flight safety.”
For more information on H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, click here.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. – Western District of New York
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Nolan Donald, 19, of Lyndonville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and being an unlawful user in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between February 17, 2018, and April 18, 2018, the defendant posted videos and photos to the social media application “Snapchat” in which he appeared to be in possession of a pistol and large quantities of marijuana, and using what appeared to be marijuana and prescription medicine.
On April 18, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a federal search warrant at Donald’s North Lyndonville Road residence. Agents recovered a pistol with an obliterated serial number, which was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, and a 12-gauge shotgun. A small quantity of suspected marijuana, suspected edible marijuana cookies, plastic baggies and ammunition for a shotgun were also recovered.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions pending a detention hearing on April 27.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
ALBION – A group of Orleans County residents will be honored as “Heritage Heroes” during an awards program at 7 p.m. today at the GCC campus center in Albion.
The Heritage Heroes Awards recognize the work and dedication of those who give their time and resources to preserve and protect the history of Orleans County for future generations. The awards are co-sponsored by SUNY GCC and the Orleans Hub. The entire community is invited to come and help honor these important individuals.
The 2018 Orleans County Heritage Heroes are:
Aaron Grabowski
Organist and director of Music at St. Mary’s Church in Medina, Aaron Grabowski has always had a passion for making music. However, Grabowski is more than a musician, he also builds organs. Prior to moving to Medina, he acquired a circa 1890s Barkhoff pipe organ, which was originally installed in Annunciation RC Church in Buffalo, built just a few years before St. Mary’s. When he joined St. Mary’s Church, it was evident to him that the church’s ailing electronic organ needed to be replaced. Although the original pipe organ was removed from the balcony many years ago, the organ facade (consisting of exposed pipes and oak millwork) remained intact. Upon inspection of the organ loft, Grabowski knew a proper pipe organ, befitting of the church’s history and space could be installed. Grabowski and several other interested parishioners worked together and decided he would install his Barkhoff organ in at St. Mary’s, and do the work himself! The Barkhoff was a perfect fit, given its age (built within a decade of St. Mary’s), classical voicing and having been designed by the same architect, Albert A Post. Grabowski’s dedication and hard work will fill the nave of St. Mary’s for generations to come.
Diane Palmer
Diane Palmer has always been a historian at heart and has long lent her talents and dedicated her time serving the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Cobblestone Society & Museum. Currently a member of the Board of Trustees at the Cobblestone Society & Museum, Palmer has led the museum’s rebranding efforts and has been instrumental in several key fundraisers.
She also is one of the coordinators of the Eastman at Albion concert series. The series has included about 20 concerts, raising more than $20,000 with the proceeds going to scholarships for Albion students who pursue music and the performing arts in college. In many of the concerts, Albion high schoolers have performed with the professional musicians in town for the concert. The series features Rochester-area musicians, often affiliated with the Eastman Community Music School, paired with Albion’s architectural treasures – the historic churches at the Courthouse Square.
Arthur Barnes
Noted local artist for over 30 years and constant advocate for the community, Arthur Barnes uses his artwork to celebrate Orleans County and its rich history. Barnes created a series of four large-scale murals depicting the Erie Canal which can be enjoyed in Medina, Knowlesville, Albion and Holley. Both a photographer and artist, Barnes highlights local tourism landmarks, such as the County Courthouse, the Culvert in Ridgeway and Mount Albion Tower. However, most of his work pays homage to the houses, barns and beautiful rural landscape of the area. These pieces serve to document Orleans County history as several of the houses and barns in his paintings are no longer standing. In 2000, Barnes bought a cobblestone building in Millville originally built as a Quaker meeting house in 1841. Barnes has repaired the roof and spent countless hours on additional improvements to spare what would have been an inevitable collapse of the building.
Roy Bubb
Teacher and historian, Roy Bubb added author to his resume when he penned Memories of Manning Corners: History of the Bubb Family and its Neighborhood 1931-1942, which is a retrospective on growing up in Orleans County. In 1986, Bubb retired from The SUNY College of Brockport after 25 years of service providing the best possible learning environment to future educators. In the late ’60s, Bubb co-created a simulation program that received recognition from the National College Association. Since then, Bubb has published nearly a half dozen books including his 2017 work, The Family Scrapbook, An Era in Clarendon and Holley-Murray’s History. Proceeds from Bubb’s many works benefit both the Madison Historical Society in Madison, NH, and the Clarendon Historical Society in Clarendon, NY.
Receiving the Bill Latin Municipal Historian Award – Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman
Since 1980, Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman has served her community researching information, collecting names and dates, archiving and cataloging, and writing as the Town of Carlton Historian. Former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin knew Hoffman as an invaluable resource, one who would always have the answer. For many years Hoffman was a regular columnist for the Medina Journal-Register reporting the “goings on” in Lakeside. She developed special displays in the Carlton Town Hall and was an avid collector of archival material that continues to aid and educate future generations.
Receiving the Bob Waters Lifetime Achievement Award – Marsha DeFillips
One of the longest servicing municipal historians in Orleans County, Marsha DeFillips has been the Holley-Murray Town historian for over 40 years. Very active in the Holley-Murray Historical Society, DeFillips was influential in establishing the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum in the old train depot and has led multiple talks and workshops and helped many residents trace their own familial roots. Recently DeFillips teamed with Melissa Ierlan to present “Digging up your ancestors online” which is a public workshop designed to encourage and guide individuals down their own genealogy path. One of the signature accomplishments during her term as town historian has been her creation of an Index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFillips spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.
The public is welcome to attend the awards ceremony at GCC’s Albion Campus Center, 456 West Ave. A reception will follow the ceremony featuring light refreshments.
Curtis Foundation also recognized for contributions
Orleans Hub photos: Jean Shervin of Albion, left, gets a hug from her daughter Jan Albanese at Hospice of Orleans’ annual meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon Thursday at the Medina United Methodist Church. Shervin was named Volunteer of the Year by Hospice.
MEDINA – Jean Shervin has been volunteering since she was in grammar school, and she has carried that spirit of helping others throughout her life.
Shervin, 84, of Albion on Thursday was honored as Volunteer of the Year by Hospice of Orleans County at their annual meeting and volunteer recognition luncheon at the Medina United Methodist Church.
Shervin’s first volunteer efforts were with Red Cross during World War II. She learned how to knit so she could make squares for afghans for servicemen.
“I’ve been volunteering for different agencies ever since,” she said.
Shervin is a regular volunteer at Hospice, not only helping with fundraisers on special occasions, but serving meals at the Martin-Linsin residence two nights a week.
Being honored by Hospice was a complete surprise and one Shervin doesn’t think she deserves.
“There are so many volunteers who do more than I do, but I’m very appreciative they chose to recognize me,” she said.
Also honored was Dr. Thomas Madejski, who received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for the woman who was instrumental in forming Hospice years ago. Madejski was also presented with citations by Senator Robert Ortt, Eileen Banker on behalf of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and George McNierney representing Congressman Chris Collins.
“Dr. Madejski has spent countless hours serving hospice patients in their homes, at the hospital, nursing home and in the Martin-Linsin residence,” Spychalski said.
Jean Shervin, standing, chats with Dr. Thomas Madejski just before they were both honored by Hospice of Orleans County at the organization’s annual meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon Thursday. Shervin was named Volunteer of the Year, while Madejski received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award for his support of Hospice. At left is Dr. Andrew Esch, who is taking Madejski’s place as Hospice’s medical director.
Madejski has stepped down as medical director for Hospice.
Taking his place is Dr. Andrew Esch, who is certified in hospice and palliative medicine and internal medicine. He is also a consultant for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Catholic Health and the National Center to Advance Palliative Care, and is medical director for the Palliative Care and Survivorship of Western New York.
He said two of the biggest unsung heroes at end of life are volunteers and caregivers.
“An organization the size of this speaks volumes about the way this community comes together to help others,” Esch said.
Brittany Dix, Development manager for Hospice, announced the Curtis Foundation as recipient of Business/Civic Award.
“They have been strong supporters over a number of years, contributing to several of our pursuits, including providing funds for IT needs, renovations to our administrative offices and most recently, upgrades for the Martin-Linsin residence,” Dix said.
David Mitchell accepted the award on behalf of the Curtis Foundation.
Brittany Dix, Development manager at Hospice of Orleans County, stands at the microphone after David Mitchell accepted the business/Civic Award on behalf of the Curtis Foundation at Hospice’s annual meeting and volunteer luncheon. County Legislator Bill Eick is at right.
Chris Fancher, volunteer coordinator, said their many volunteers never cease to amaze her.
“Their generosity can be seen each and every day at Hospice of Orleans,” she said before calling the names of more than three dozen individuals who volunteer in many capacities for Hospice, from office work and grocery shopping to sanitizing medical equipment.
One volunteer, Gil Cain, holds the record for volunteer hours, with 400.
Fancher also announced that volunteer Florence Surdi has been chosen by Orleans County Office for the Aging as Senior Volunteer of the Year. She will be presented with her award in Albany in May.
In addition to recognizing volunteers, Hospice conducted its annual meeting. Vice chair Maura Pierce shared highlights of 2017, calling attention to the total number of volunteer hours (5,975), which saved the organization $111,194.
Officers elected were Craig Lape, chair; Doug Miller, vice chair; Beverly Saskowski, treasurer; Annette Pearl, secretary; Ada Grabowski, assistant secretary; and Sheila Myer and Ada Grabowski, directors.
Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Hospice of Orleans County, welcomes guests at Hospice of Orleans County’s annual meeting and volunteer luncheon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 April 2018 at 9:50 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – The driver and passenger in this car were injured in a head-on collision on Ridge Road at about 8:30 p.m. The accident shut down Route 104 from Gaines Basin to Gaines-Waterport Road. The two injured in the car were taken by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital.
The driver of the van at right had minor injuries. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and State Police were both at the scene investigating the accident. The Albion Fire Department also has been at the scene.
Photos by Tom Rivers
