By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2025 at 6:51 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kelly Swanson, a surgical technician at Medina Memorial Hospital, talks with Medicare specialist Liz Schyve, who had an informational table at For Women Only.
(Left) Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, welcomes guests to the annual For Women Only Thursday at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, introduced a video paying tribute to those whose lives have been touched by cancer – survivors, those currently fighting and those who have been lost.
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 27th annual For Women Only Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course was all about the journey – from early detection to advocacy, to the ongoing fight that so many must take on, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.
The event was a full team effort, Robinson said, from early on in planning when the idea was brought up to have panels and allow for individual speakers to tell their stories.
“Anne, Betty Sue, Megan and Kate shared their stories and has us all glued to each word,” Robinson said. “The expert panel was another great addition that brought even more backgrounds to the discussion. Cancer affects so many – this evening was an opportunity to come together and lift one another up.”
The evening began with a welcome from Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, who thanked major sponsor Baxter Healthcare and extended appreciation to vendors, table sponsors, volunteers and speakers.
A highlight of the program, titled “The Journey,” was the stories told by four speakers – Anne Downey, Betty Sue Miller, Megan Pillar and Kate Backlas.
Downey’s story focused on early detection and her journey, which began with early detection of colon cancer in the summer of 2022.
“My faith was tested, but strengthened after early detection and removal of cancerous polyps,” Downey shared.
Guest speakers, who shared their stories of cancer survival, are introduced by Kim Gray, right, at For Women Only. From left are Kate Backlas, Megan Pillar, Betty Sue Miller and Anne Downey.
Miller encouraged all women to be an advocate for themselves, and shared her story of breast cancer and undergoing a lumpectomy, radiation and then chemotherapy.
“No one is going to cope the same, but you have to advocate for yourself,” Miller said.
Pillar, the former Megan McGrane of Medina, was only 31 and not married yet when she learned in 2015 she had a blood cancer she had never heard of.
Her journey of cancer was one of unexpected turns, resilience and, most importantly, learning how to speak up for herself. Pillar had moved to Florida after high school, but 10 years later when her mother was battling her third round of breast cancer, Pillar returned to her home in Ithaca to be nearer her. Her mother died that winter, and Pillar couldn’t help but wonder if she would breast cancer, too.
Two years later, in 2015, Pillar and her future husband were planning a life together, when a routine blood test showed something wasn’t right with her blood cells. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy determined she had Multiple Myeloma, the disease which took Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw and Roy Scheider from Jaws.
“I was initially told I needed to start chemo right away, followed by a stem cell transplant,” Pillar said.
Because she would be in the hospital for months, she chose to go to Roswell Park, knowing it had helped others in Medina. There, she learned she might have five to 10 years to live. She underwent subsequent testing and was told she shouldn’t have children. A few weeks later she got better news – that the cancer wasn’t in its later stages yet, so she could “watch and wait.”
During this time she found a cost-free women’s cancer retreat called “Mary’s Place by the Sea” in Asbury Park, N.J. There she met a volunteer who told her she needed to see a Myeloma specialist at Mount Sinai in New York City, who was accepting new patients.
There, they found something completely missed by two other hospitals – T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia, a second rare blood cancer she had never heard of.
Through it all, Pillar said John, now her husband, was her rock. Today, at 41, they have two boys, 4 and 6.
In October she started a clinical trial at Mount Sinai – one of only 21 people in the country receiving a drug created to directly target the mutated T-cells.
“It’s far from easy juggling traveling five hours each way, work, young kids, weekly local labs and treatment every four weeks in the city – but it’s worth it,” Pillar said.
She is encouraged, as early data looked promising, she said.
Melanie McAdoo of Medina, left, had a booth at For Women Only, selling a variety of items, including Koozies, T-shirts, Buffalo Bills glasses, soy wax melts, earrings and key chains. Carrie Bias of Ridgeway, attending her first For Women Only, looks at the selection of earrings.
Backlas, the next speaker to share her story, said while everyone’s journey is different, the word “cancer” is always gut-wrenching.
She was 32 and planning to have another child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2016. In the fall she underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction.
“This was a small price to pay for the opportunity to be with my husband and watch our daughter grow up,” Backlas said. “I cut my waist-length hair, and felt a sense of control.”
She suffered weight loss, fatigue and nausea, but she stayed positive. Doctors told her she couldn’t get pregnant after chemotherapy, but in September 2019 she was amazed when a pregnancy test came back positive. She gave birth to a daughter in May 2020.
During this time her mother was fighting her seventh bout of cancer, but in spite of it, always stayed positive, Backlas said. Her mother lost her battle in February 2022.
Backlas faced anger and depression, but knew she needed to do something to help others like herself and her mother.
She has an organization called the Nancy Beicke Project, in which she delivers packages to Roswell Park and their satellite on Park Club Lane in Amherst, as well as to Great Lakes Cancer Care and Oishei Children’s Hospital oncology unit. People can message her with specific requests for packages for loved ones or themselves. She sometimes does individual fundraisers as well. At Christmas, she collects pajamas for Oishei Children’s Hospital Oncology unit. Last year they collected 354 pairs of pajamas.
Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, thanked the ladies for sharing their stories.
“Your courage, honesty and strength inspire us all,” Condo said. “We are truly grateful for your willingness to be vulnerable and share your experiences – reminding us that while every journey is unique, we are all connected by the compassion and support of this community.”
At thas time, Condo introduced a video honoring all who have been touched by cancer – survivors, those currently fighting and those we have lost.
“This video tribute is a celebration of their strength and a reminder of why we gather here tonight – to ensure no one faces cancer alone,” Condo said.
Megan Johnson, right, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, introduces the Resource Panel at For Women Only. From left are Danielle Figura, licensed clinical social worker and director of Community Services with Orleans County Department of Mental Health; the Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Medina and spiritual care counselor with Hospice of Orleans; Elizabeth Schyve, benefits consultant with Walsh Duffield; Darlene Muehlbauer from the Cancer Services Program with GOWN; Pamela Eaton, nurse practitioner with Orleans Community Health; and Heather Miles, radiology technician at Medina Memorial Hospital.
The evening’s program continued with Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, who introduced the Resource Panel, a first-time addition to the event. This included the Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Medina, president and evangelist at Go Scatter Ministries and spiritual care counselor at Hospice of Orleans; Elizabeth Schyve, Medicare benefits consultant with Walsh Duffield; Darlene Muehlbauer, Cancer Services Program with GOWN, providing financial help and resources for those in need; Pamela Eaton, certified nurse practitioner with OCH’s Medina Healthcare Center, certified advanced aesthetic nurse practitioner and certified wellness and medical eight loss practitioner; Heather Miles, radiology technician at Medina Memorial Hospital; and Danielle Figura, licensed clinical social worker and director of Community Services with Orleans County Mental Health.
After answering questions from Johnson, the panel took questions from the audience. Topics addressed included the five stages of grieving from the Rev. LeBaron and his duties at Hospice and how children process grief; Schyve’s sharing of the need for an adequate insurance plan and what Medicare covers; Muehlbauer’s information on certain cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured; Mental Health’s individual and group therapy; and more.
The evening also included a buffet, vendors with a health theme, basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.
Jeanne Crane, former nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has attended many of the For Women Only events, and said the new format was a wonderful improvement to the program. She said it is a wonderful opportunity for women to learn more about their health, so they know they are not alone and support is there for them.
Jennifer Morgan, a nursing supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital, has also been to many of the events and said she likes the new informational format.
Condo announced at the conclusion of the evening that the event had raised $3,200 for cancer services programs.
ROCHESTER – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Jordan Health’s Woodward Center to highlight how President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” will hurt Rochester hospitals and families.
If passed, this legislation would cause 10.9 million Americans, including up to 1.5 million New Yorkers, to lose their health insurance coverage by 2034, and 11 million would be at risk of having their SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated.
“President Trump’s bill is not ‘beautiful’—it’s a betrayal of millions of hard-working Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, and it puts the future of our state’s critical rural hospitals in jeopardy. Congress and the Trump administration should be focused on bringing down the cost of essentials, not limiting access to the health care and benefits that so many New Yorkers rely on to get care and put food on the table. This is an unacceptable piece of legislation, and I will do everything in my power to stop it from passing.”
President Trump’s bill would cause Americans to lose their benefits by imposing work requirements on people receiving Medicaid and even stricter, more onerous work requirements for SNAP recipients.
This would force families with children and people with disabilities to jump through more hoops to access benefits, and it would generate additional administrative costs for the program. In New York State, work requirements for Medicaid will cost an estimated $510 million annually to administer and enforce.
President Trump’s bill would also put rural hospitals at risk of closure by limiting the use of provider taxes, which help make it possible for rural and urban hospitals and clinics to remain open and care for patients by providing maternity, emergency, and behavioral health care.
Funds collected by states through provider taxes are often directed to health care providers whose costs far exceed base Medicaid payment rates. These providers are typically located in rural America – where health care services are hard to find – or in dense urban areas, where the cost to deliver health care is high and health care providers are serving more people with Medicaid.
New York-based community health centers, like Jordan Health, that care for every patient who walks through their doors are estimated to lose $300 million annually as a result of this bill. The impact will vary by health center, but losses will range from 6 to 17%, depending on how many of their patients are covered by Medicaid or New York’s Essential Plan.
Health centers already operate on a shoestring budget, and this kind of funding cut will have very serious consequences. Already, over 60% of health centers have less than 90 days of cash on hand, and more than 20 percent have reduced staffing or closed sites in the past year due to financial strain. Cuts of this magnitude will cause more closures, more staffing cuts, and reduced access for the 2.4 million patients that our New York community health centers serve.
Gillibrand was joined by Jordan Health President and CEO Dr. Linda Clark and State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
“Here are the facts: One in every eight people in New York State relies on a Community Health Center for care, and more than 60% of those people are covered by Medicaid, so nearly half of all health center funding comes from Medicaid,” said Rose Duhan, CHCANYS President and CEO. “We’ve done the math – the proposals included in the House bill will cost New York’s community health centers $300M annually. If you limit access to Medicaid, you hurt Community Health Centers and the people they serve. That’s a fact.”
“We are in a critical state when it comes to the proposed Medicaid program funding cuts and changes,” said Dr. Linda Clark, president and CEO of Jordan Health. “More than 70% of our patients are enrolled in a Medicaid program and depend on funding to cover the costs of their care. Access to high-quality healthcare is not a privilege it is a necessity and impacts our community as a whole.”
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: From left include Scott Clark (Royalton-Hartland), Edward Grabowski (Medina Board of Education Representative for ONBOCES) and Sophia Goyette (Medina).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Four students, at the Orleans (OCTEC) and Niagara (NCTEC) Career and Technical Education Centers received the Dr. Clark J. Godshall Scholarships at their end-of-the-year ceremonies.
The following students were awarded the scholarships: Sophia Goyette (Medina), who is in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program; Scott Clark (Royalton Hartland), who is the Computer Technology Program; McKenzie Taggart (Niagara Falls) in the Allied Health Program; and Sean Kropp (Wilson) in the Computer Technology Program.
Sean Kropp (Wilson) is shown at left, while NCTEC Principal Michael Mann congratulates McKenzie Taggart (Niagara Falls).
The four scholarships recipients were chosen by retired Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ District Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall to receive $500 each to use towards furthering schooling and/or tools to start their careers.
Medina Board of Education Representative for ONBOCES Edward Grabowski commends Gloria Haller (Barker).
Gloria Haller (Barker), who is in the Security and Law Enforcement program, received the $500 Wayne Van Vleet, Esq. Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Van Vleet was the former General Counsel and Executive Director of Personnel, Human Resources & Labor Relations.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2025 at 9:50 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Alexandra Peracciny recently reopened her photography studio in space above Blissett’s in Medina at 447 Main St.
MEDINA – For the first time since Covid, Alexandria Peracciny has a physical location for her photography business.
A professional photographer, as well as Spanish and French teacher at Medina High School, in 2019 Peracciny had opened her first studio above The Book Shoppe after her parents Fred and Gloria Fierch purchased it. And then the Covid pandemic hit in march 2020 and everything shut down.
Recently the opportunity to move into 447 Main St. above Blissetts presented itself and Peracciny took advantage of it. She had been doing senior pictures, family photos and on-location events, but realized she had a need for a physical space.
“I wanted a place to do headshots and portraits, but most importantly, I wanted a space where I could open up a classroom and teach photography classes,” Peracciny said.
Her first six-week class of adult photography had a surprisingly good turnout, Peracciny said. She taught basic cell phone camera use to high-tech photography for anyone wanting to improve their photography skills at every level.
Peracciny has a certificate of study in photography and, with her years of teaching and photography skills, she thinks she has a lot to offer.
Her next goal is to have summer classes for youth ages 8 to 16. Classes will be divided into age levels, she said.
Peracciny said her love of photography comes from her family. Her father had a very fancy camera which he had bought in Germany while in the service, and she was always intrigued with that. She also had an aunt who was very good at photography and Peracciny admired the pictures she had hanging on the walls.
In high school, Peracciny, a Medina native, got to use her photography skills working with staff on her school yearbook, and currently she is yearbook adviser at Medina High School. She also took classes at Brockport and the New York Institute of Photography.
She and Brittany Ford of Lockport, an award-winning wedding photographer, have formed an affiliation, and while they will have individual offices, they will work together in certain events.
Peracciny just completed an assignment photographing all the T-ball teams in Medina.
Her two children, Emily, 24, and Dominic, 22, are both interested in photography. Emily has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and Dominic studied architecture at UB, focusing on digital aspects of photography. Both kids took lessons from Bruce Landis and Wendi Pencille.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2025 at 8:32 am
Onesimus House will offer job and life skills to young men
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Heidi and Anthony O’Hara explain the mission of Trade 180 to those who recently attended a benefit at Bent’s Opera House. The evening raised more than half of their goal of $80,000 to open Onesimus House in Albion, a program to prepare young men with life skills.
MEDINA – Efforts to complete Onesimus House in Albion, a “home of hope” for young men with very limited opportunities, got a big boost from a recent benefit at Bent’s Opera House.
Heidi O’Hara, who is executive director of Trade 180 in Albion, and her husband Anthony have announced their “Comedy for a Cause” featuring Dan Viola and Doug Egling raised $43,000 of the $80,000 needed to complete Onesimus House at 574 East Ave.
Onesimus House is named for a disciple in the Bible who stole, was redeemed and sent back to his community as an active productive member – which is the mission of Trade 180.
The house was donated for use as Onesimus House by Harvest Christian Fellowship just a door away. Lovingly called “The Home of Hope,” it is a short-term, live-in mentoring program with guidelines and structure to prepare four young men at a time for the workforce, equipping them with life skills and hope for a better future, Mrs. O’Hara said. Trade 180 is a volunteer, faith-based, transformative mentoring program for young men ages 18-25.
“We are very pleased and overjoyed by God’s goodness shown through all who attended Trade 180’s ‘Comedy for a Cause,’ fundraiser,” she reported. “It was a full house with 150 attendees, and with the generosity of many giving hearts, we were able to raise more than half of our goal.”
The money will be used to staff and stock the home.
“We are so grateful to all those who have donated and volunteered,” O’Hara said. “Each gift is not just a donation, it is a lifeline for young men of Orleans County who are often overlooked and underserved. Trade 180 values each individual life and wants to see young people discover their God-given purpose.”
Anyone who would like to donate to help Trade 180 reach its goal may still make a tax-deductible contribution by sending a check payable to Trade 180, 25 East Bank St., Albion, 14411; paying with Venmo@Trade-OneEighty; or donating with credit card or debit card online at hcforleans.com/Trade-180/.
Photos and information courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge #1006
ALBION – On Thursday the Albion Elks Lodge #1006 proudly conducted their Flag Day ceremony at their lodge to pay tribute to our national flag.
The ceremony was performed by the Lodge officers including Mike Jenks, Exalted Ruler; Richard Robb Sr., Leading Knight; Lynda Standish, Loyal Knight stand in; Sharon Pollock, Lecturing Knight; Allyn Phillips, Esquire; and Edee Hoffmeister, Chaplain.
Past State President Barry Griffith served as guest speaker for the ceremony. Music and PA system were provided by Bret Boring. Camille Jenks took the photos.
The ceremony was assisted by the Abion VFW honor guard, and Murray and Shelby Fire Departments hoisted a giant flag. Albion Fire Department and representatives of the Albion Police Department were also in attendance.
The VFW honor guard presented each flag of the United States and a 21-Gun Salute at the ending of the ceremony.
County Legislator John Fitzak was in attendance along with many Elks members, guests and members of the public. Albion Elks Riders supported the event by providing refreshments after the ceremony.
Albion Elks Lodge #1006 intends to make this an annual event.
GAINES – The Orleans County Historical Association has scheduled an ambitious monthly series of History Talks in celebration of the county’s bicentennial.
The programs are on Wednesdays and begin at 7 p.m. They are presented in a unique setting: the restored one-room cobblestone schoolhouse at 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion. That school was built in 1832 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The schedule is as follows:
Dennis Upton portrays Joseph Ellicott, a major influencer in the development of Western New York.
• June 25: Dennis Upton will present a first person portrayal of Joseph Ellicott (1760-1826). The name Ellicott is familiar to us – Ellicott Creek, Ellicottville etc. but we never question how these placenames originated. As the person who surveyed the area and sold the land, Joseph Ellicott had a profound and lasting impact on the early development of Western New York. Ellicott was also instrumental in the development and routing of the Erie Canal.
• July 30: “The Haudenosaunee Confederacy” – Kae Woodruff Wilbert will discuss the history of the six Indigenous nations whose traditional lands encompass New York State.
• Aug. 27: Amy Machamer, owner of Hurd Orchards in Holley, will discuss “Orleans County Fruit Culture as Living History.”
• Sept. 24: Doug Miller, retired history teacher, will discuss how multiple religious ideas and beliefs developed and spread along the Erie Canal in the early 19th century in a talk titled “The Erie Canal & The Burned Over District; History is not Accidental.”
• Oct. 29: The county’s historic markers capture the stories of people, place and events of significance. Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian, will present the newly reissued edition of the book, Historic Markers of Orleans County, which includes the markers added in the last 24 years.
There is no admission charge for these programs. Donations are gratefully accepted.
BATAVIA – This fall, Genesee Community College’s Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center will offer hands-on training in two in-demand skilled trades: welding and plumbing.
Evening classes begin on Sept. 2 and are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.
“Students will be awarded an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the training,” according to Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center. “We are proud to offer these short-term programs that open doors to long-term career opportunities.”
The Welding Fundamentals Program equips students with essential skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum covers a broad range of techniques including basic gas and arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW/stick), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn the principles of industrial safety, equipment setup and operation, and shop safety protocols.
Sal Bonafide
Welding instruction will be led by Sal Bonafide, a GCC instructor with over 15 years of industry experience. Bonafide is eager to begin working with a new cohort of welding students.
“Being able to work with students across different generations and disciplines is something I’ve always worked hard at,” Bonafide said. “I can’t wait to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation of welders.”
The Plumbing Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the residential plumbing trade. The training includes a strong foundation in plumbing theory and hands-on instruction in areas such as safety procedures, tool and material use, pipe fitting, fixture installation, and system maintenance. Students will also complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training.
Walter Szczesny
Instruction is provided by Walter Szczesny, a lifelong Batavia resident and Master Plumber who has owned and operated WTS Plumbing since 1993. Szczesny brings a lifetime of experience to share with his students.
“I am excited to take my 45 years of knowledge and experience in the plumbing industry and pass it on to the next generation of plumbers with the skills needed to succeed in the field,” he said.
The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in workforce development, offering targeted seminars, workshops, and training programs to strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the GLOW region. To learn more about BEST Center offerings, please visit our technical programs page.
For more information contact Executive Director of Workforce Development, Jennifer Gilbert Wakefield, at (585)345-6868, or via email: bestcenter@genesee.edu.
Photos courtesy of Katherine Kage: Scott Goetze and Steve Goodrich, both members of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603, helped to retire flags on Saturday.
Press Release, Steve Goodrich, Commander of Houseman-Tanner Post 1603
LYNDONVILLE – On Saturday, Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 hosted a Flag Day Service and retired over 500 unserviceable flags with help from Lyndonville Fire Company.
Flags that were faded, worn or torn by US flag code and American Legion proclamation are to be retired by burning in a dignified, respectful manner.
Worn, faded and torn flags may be given to any Legion member at any time throughout the year. The post will ensure of their proper disposal.
Post members Bob Burtwell and Keith Rutherford sort flags.
Members of Houseman-Tanner wait as flags burn before adding more.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2025 at 7:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Some of the Strawberry Festival Committee members are pictured with Orly the Ox on Saturday. From left include Mike Bonnewell, Tracy VanSkiver, Trevor Thaine and Marlene Seielstad. Orly served as grand marshal for the parade.
Becky Karls, coordinator of the committee leading the festival, said the weather was great both days with temperatures in the high 60s, low 70s.
She praised the committee for welcoming many popular returning vendors and for drawing in new ones.
“We heard lots of good feedback,” Karls said. “They liked that their were more food varieties and there were ranges. We heard so many people say it was so great and that it was amazing.”
Many of the craft and food vendors were cleared out of their inventory, she said.
The crowd was happy to see the many bands, floats and other participants in the parade. There were about 50 entries in all.
Jarred Saj walks with the Turtle in the parade on Saturday, to promote the Turtle Race. Tickets were $5 a turtle or 5 for $20. Saj set a new record by selling 480 of the 1,000 available tickets.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley served as emcee for the Turtle Race. Becky Karls, festival committee chairwoman, is in back at left. She led the planning committee for the second year.
With the Main Street bridge closed again this festival, the turtles had to be dumped into the canal from the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat. From left include sewer plant superintendent Aric Albright, County Legislator Skip Draper, ticket seller extraordinaire Jarred Saj, Emergency Management deputy director Scott Buffin, Albion Police Lt. Brandan Annable and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Tim Pencille is in a kayak and ready to corral the fastest turtles. It was a slow-moving race with the wind counter-acting the current in the canal. It took about 40 minutes for the turtles to “race” a short distance on the canal.
The top five turtles were: Bellucci from Medina in first, $500 prize; Joe Sidonio in second, $250; Dave Schubel in third, $125; Ed Houseknecht in fourth, $75; and Chris Bourke in fifth, $50. The winning tickets were all sold by Jarred Saj.
The Who Dats performed the final concert of the Strawberry Festival on Saturday. The band includes from left John Borello and Todd Graham, lead singer Lonnie Froman, and Eddie Hilfiker with Alex DeSmit on drums.
There was a nice collection of classic cars at a cruise-in on East State Street.
The band Big Logic & The Truth Serum was a new performer at the festival. They are from Rochester and include former Holley resident Justin Gurnsey on lead vocals and guitar. He is facing the camera. He was invited to be in the festival by Bill Pilleggi, one of the committee members and a retired principal at Holley.
Other band members include Jesse Bertholf, Andrew Strzepek, Will Dorfner, Lucas Saladin, Neil Pierce and Zach Pelton.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2025 at 10:40 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Cassie Brown plays the flute for the Albion Marching Band during today’s parade in the Albion Strawberry Festival. Brown and the other seniors all had a tear painted on their face to symbolize their final marching band performance.
The Albion band was among several in today’s parade.
The Albion banner is carried by Adeline Pask, age 10; Nora Fazliu, 11; and Sadie Pask, 10.
Mallory Ashbery, one of the drum majors, walks backwards while directing the Albion band. The Albion Marching Band performed to music by the band Chicago.
Julia Graham, front, and Mackenzie Cook are both members of Albion’s color guard.
Zach Busch is the director of the Holley-Kendall Marching Band which has seen steady growth in the band since the two schools formed the group in 2017.
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band performs a show, “Nightmare on Main Street.”
DownBeat Percussion brought high-energy drummers to the parade. This group performs at Buffalo Bills home games.
The Pembroke Marching Band featured a big group of musicians.
The Rochester Scottish Pipes and Drums have been perennial performers at the Albion parade.
Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps also have played in the Albion parade for many years.
The Batavia Blue Devil Marching Band makes their way down the parade route, which started at Albion Central School and headed down Route 31 before turning onto Main Street.
The Mark Time Marchers also performed in the parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2025 at 5:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Today’s 37th annual Strawberry Festival Parade for the first time include the mini-cars from the Damascus Shriners from Webster. There were eight mini-cars in the parade and the drivers zipped around in circles to the thrill of the crowd.
The cars line up after their spectacle on the street and the crowd gave them a big applause.
Orly the Ox served as grand marshal for the parade. Orly is the county’s mascot during this year’s bicentennial celebration of the county.
Orly was driven by Brad Shelp in a 1954 Bell Air convertible. Behind the grand marshal are royalty members from the middle school, Alexis Neff and Mason Rotthoff.
Fire trucks from the Albion Joint Fire District and other emergency response vehicles make their way down Main Street in the 37th annual Albion Strawberry Festival Parade.
Jeremy Neal drives a tractor, “Little Tex,” named in honor of his late son Byron, who passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023. Jeremy’s wife Tina and their friend Adele Mathes were part of the display for the CURE Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.
Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation at Community Action, served as emcee for the parade. He shared details of the marching bands, including the Mark Time Marchers in photo, as well as other floats and participants. There were nearly 50 different entries in the parade.
Amy Sidari, who has retired as owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, joined many of her dancers on the parade route. New owner, Danielle Schmidt, also danced with the group on Main Street.
Sheryl Watts, owner and artistic designer of Air Raising Events, made a butterfly out of balloons. Watts in previous parades has made other characters, including a strawberry and a purple eagle.
Members and supporters of Arc GLOW and the Self Advocate All-Stars marched in the parade, and some carried signs including this one, “Be Kind, For Everyone You Meet is Fighting A Battle.”
Natasha Wasuck wore an inflatable reindeer costume while walking in the parade with her husband, John Hernandez, and their daughter, Ephy. They are members of the Albion Betterment Committee which has tried t promote Albion’s heritage as the home of the first Santa School. The family also owns The Lockstone and Tinsel.
The Albion FFA tossed candy and greeted people from their float.
Kids go over to see veterans who were handing out flags. Honor Guard member Matt Passarell is at front right.
Mike Donahue, right, and James Hollinger handed out flags to children along the parade route. They were also promoting a medical transportation service for veterans run by the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council.
Gilligan’s Galley at Point Breeze made a festive float for the parade.
Kerry Panek, driving the Gator, was joined by many of her family members in celebrating 40 years of strawberries at Panek’s Pickin’ Patch in Albion.
The Town and Country Quilt Shop participated in the parade. From left include quilt shop owner Tara Thom, Debbie Thies, Brenda Radzinski, Hayley Rimmer and Carrie Standish.
The quilters also displayed the Bicentennial Quilt that Town and Country Quilt Shop members made for Orleans County’s 200th birthday this year.
Keira Zambito, left, and Julia Button served as festival royalty from the high school.
Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance in the parade to promote the lighted parade in Albion later in December.
Many of the tee ball players and their families and coaches tossed out candy to eager parade spectators.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2025 at 1:37 pm
ALBION – Today is the first day of early voting for Republican primaries in three towns: Barre, Shelby and Yates.
Early voting continues each day until Sunday, June 22. The polling location is at the Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
The primaries include:
Barre: Two candidates for the town supervisor position – Scott Burnside and Stephen Coville II. Four candidates for two positions as town council member: George McKenna Jr., Wesley Miller, David Allen and Iva McKenna.
Shelby: Two candidates for town supervisor: James Heminway and Scott Wengewicz. Four candidates for two spots as town council member: Vassilios Bitsas, Lawrence Waters Sr., Edward Zelazny and Michael Moriarty.
Yates: Three candidates for two Town Board seats: Harold Suhr, William Jurinich and Terry Chaffee Jr.
Early voting dates and hours include:
Saturday, June 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 15 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, June 16 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 19 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, June 20 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 22 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Primary voting will also be June 24 with polling locations at the three towns.
GAINES – The Orleans County Historical Association has scheduled an ambitious monthly series of History Talks in celebration of the county’s bicentennial.
