Magee won’t testify in his own defense

ALBION – The trial against Noah Magee for second-degree murder goes to closing arguments on Tuesday morning.

Noah Magee

The prosecution rested its case this morning after three days of testimony and the defense isn’t calling any witnesses, including Magee, Paul Vacca Jr., Magee’s attorney, announced in court this morning.

The defense asked again that the case be dismissed, saying District Attorney Joe Cardone didn’t prove a collision on Feb. 8 in Barre rose to the level of second-degree murder.

Magee, 19, faces that charge for driving a pickup truck and allegedly intentionally striking Roger Kingdollar, who was riding a dirt bike along McNamar Road. Magee just turned onto McNamar from Angevine Road and then hit Kingdollar who was riding a dirt bike with some of his friends who were on four-wheelers.

Cardone said while Magee didn’t mean to kill Kingdollar, Magee’s “complete disregard to human life” rose to the level of second-degree murder.

“This was no accident,” Cardone said in court this morning. “It was a complete disregard to human life.”

Magee was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado that struck Kingdollar who was driving a motor bike on Feb. 8. The truck outweighed the dirt bike, 9,200 pounds to 236.

Cardone presented evidence showing Magee crossed the center line at about 4 p.m. Cardone contends that Magee then purposely drove at Kingdollar, who was riding on the grass on the north side of the road.

Vacca said the incident was an “automobile accident” with no malicious intent from Magee.

Dr. Nadia Granger, medical examiner from Monroe County Office of Medical Examiner, performed the autopsy on Kingdollar. She said in court today he died from a fracture in the joint in the lower skull and upper neck. That fracture was caused by “blunt force trauma,” either from the collision with the truck or when Kingdollar was knocked into a ditch by the road, she said. He also had bruises and scrapes on his face and forehead, torso, right pinky finger and lower legs.

Kingdollar wasn’t wearing a helmet, but Dr. Granger said a helmet likely wouldn’t have prevented his death.

Kingdollar also was raised from the ditch with ropes under his arms by friends and a responding state trooper. Dr. Granger said that effort wouldn’t have contributed to the fatal injuries he sustained.

Seaver helped foster a new generation of local rock and rollers

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A photo of the late Mike Seaver, owner of the Shay’s bar on Main Street in Albion, is on display today at the Carlton Rec Hall for a big party in honor of Seaver.

He was 69 when he passed away on Sept. 20. Seaver didn’t have an obit or a funeral. He preferred to stay out of the limelight.

But a longtime friend Mike Whiting organized the big party today. Whiting organized open mic nights at Shay’s for a decade. He said Seaver helped launch some of the local bands by giving them their first chance to play in public and build their confidence,

The celebration for Seaver included many mementos from Shay’s included this restored guitar by Mike Whiting. White, shown here at right, joined in the open mic music. Here he is playing with the band, Lonesome Road.

Whiting said when he turned 21, he went to Say’s for a beer. Seaver was the bartender and the two struck up a good conversation. They became good friends.

Seaver had a karaoke machine in the bar, and welcomed the chance for musicians to perform in open mic nights and also in concerts.

“He was a big proponent of the local music scene,” Whiting said at today’s party for Seaver. “Many local bands were birched at Shay’s. He helped create the Orleans County collective. We didn’t realize the talent we had right here.”

Whiting also became close with Jessi Snyder, a bartender at Shay’s, and the two are now married.

Jessi worked with Seaver for 11 years.

“He had a heart of gold,” she said. “He looked intimidating but after talking to him a  few minutes, you really liked him.”

The band Lonesome Road performs during the open mic at the Carlton Rec hall this afternoon. From left in front include Robert Williams on bass/vocals, Alex Fitzak from the band Vette, Todd Colegrove on guitar/lead vocals and Mike Whiting on guitar/vocals.

The big interior sign from Shay’s was on display at today’s benefit, as well as other Shay’s flags and banners.

Tom Irwin and Seaver have been close friends for about 50 years. They were the best man in each other’s weddings.

Seaver worked as a bartender at Shay’s  for about 30 years before taking over the business from Bill Shay. The business was hurt by Covid and restrictions on crowd sizes. It hasn’t open to the public for about four years.

Many of the shot glasses and mementos were for sale at today’s party.

Irwin said Seaver was the heart and soul of the place.

“He was a very talkative person, just like his mother,” Irwin said. “People came in to see him.”

Seaver enjoyed seeing the younger adults come in for karaoke and the live music in the last 20 years.

“He kept rock and roll alive in Albion,” Irwin said.

There were 52 gift baskets up for raffle during the party and celebration of Seaver. Lori Laine collected the baskets for the event. She said Seaver opened up Shay’s to a rock painting group led by Laine. They would meet there from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Seaver liked chatting with the group and appreciated that they brought him home-cooked food, Laine said.

Proceeds from today’s event go to Seaver’s wife Ange to help with expenses.

These musicians in front include Dylan DeSmit, Mike “Thunder” Warren and John Borello. They were among the people rocking out in tribute today for Mike Seaver, owner of Shay’s in Albion.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Seaver and Jessi Whiting are shown in this photo from Aug. 13, 2016 during a “Sip N Stroll” when Shay’s joined 13 other locations in a wine-tasting. Shay’s served ice pops from Lake Effect Ice Cream at The Shamrock (Shay’s).

Whiting said she was thrilled to see a big crowd, at least 150 people in the first two hours of today’s party.

“He didn’t want a funeral but this is our way of saying thank you and good bye,” she said.

Many of Seaver’s family attended the celebration and they were serving food in the kitchen.

Seaver’s sister Donna Halladay came from California with her daughter Samantha. Halladay provided pizza and hot dogs, and headed up the kitchen staff made up of Seaver’s family. Many of them also were part of putting on events and holidays at Shay’s over the years, Mike Whiting said.

“Donna used to make some homemade salsa and chips that were famous at the bar!” Whiting said. “Whenever she was in town visiting, you could always count on those being on hand at the bar, always at no charge!”

Other family members from Orleans County who helped in the kitchen include Vicki Juckett, sister; Melissa Hope, niece; Barry Hope, nephew; Eileen Manning, cousin; and George Manning, cousin.

“Vicki and George were very active with Mike’s life at the bar,” Whiting said. “George even used to help host a video game night called ‘Halo Night’ where we would all play the game Halo 2 on Xbox with Mike for hours! Mike loved that game!”

MEDINA – Medina Lindy in the Village has announced a “Spritz of the Season” dance and concert Nov. 29 at Bent’s Opera House.

The live concert and dance event will feature Gordon Webster’s seven-piece Jazz Band, with vocalist Julia Weatherholtz.

From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., the band will perform three full sets of big band-style jazz and swing classics, including upbeat holiday jazz, according to Julie Berry, co-founder of Lindy in the Village with her husband Phil.

Webster is a musician and bandleader, famous worldwide for his modern take on vintage swing music, according to Berry. Vocalist Julia Weatherholtz of Rochester will perform with Webster on keyboards, Jake Handelman of New York City on trombone, Tim Clarke of Buffalo on trumpet, Eric Metzgar of Sao Paolo, Brazil on drums and Eric Heveron Smith of Rochester on bass.

This lineup was part of the ensemble which recently played with Webster on Jeju Island in Korea. Weatherholtz and Handelman recently played with him at the Lincoln Center.

Attendees at the event, the day after Thanksgiving, will enjoy the ambiance of Bent’s newly restored opera house, along with drinks and appetizers from Harvest Restaurant. Those wishing to dance can take advantage of an open dance floor.

For those interested in learning more about Lindy Hop swing dancing, Medina Lindy in the Village will host a beginner swing dance lesson from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., included with ticket purchase for the concert. Experienced dancers will be on hand all evening to assist beginners.

This event is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program through the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART! Medina Lindy is sponsored by Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Tickets for the concert/dance can be purchased at www.medinalindy.com/tickets, with early bird pricing now through Nov. 24. Discounted pricing is available for college students. Under 18 may attend for free, but youth 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the concert, dance and lessons, e-mail info@medinalindy.com.  Those wishing to make dinner reservations at Harvest or hotel reservations should call (585) 318-2110 or visit www.bentsoperahouse.com.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 36

As you walk in the woods or along the canal bank in late October and early November, you may notice clusters of curious looking round yellow lime colored objects on the ground.

They are about the size of a tennis ball, but heavier, with a wrinkled surface and a delicate lemony scent. These are the seeds of the female Osage orange tree.

Scientists hypothesize that the Osage orange dates to the Pleistocene era when it was eaten by mastodons and other large herbivores. The tree’s name designation derives from the slightly orange color of the wood and from the geographic area where it originated – that area of the southern Plains that is home to the Osage Indians. Its scientific name is Maclura Pomifera, it is also referred to as a Hedge Apple or Horse-Apple tree.

Osage orange wood is very strong. It was favored by American Indians for making bows and by settlers for making wagon wheels. But it was the short, sharp thorns that grow on the lower limbs that made the tree very popular with farmers. Planted close together in a row, the trees grow quickly and straight and soon form a prickly, impenetrable hedge.

A search of the Orleans County newspapers shows that Osage orange trees were being sold and recommended for fencing as early as 1854 and regularly thereafter.

• April 1869, Randall King, of Kendall Corners, advertised 50-60 thousand “good strong plants of my own raising.” (Orleans Republican)
• April 1878, W.S. Webb of North Ridgeway, advertised 10,000 two-year-old Osage Orange hedge plants for sale at $2.25 per thousand. (Medina Tribune)
• March 1880, A.G. Barlow & Co. of North Ridgeway, advertised 40,000 plants for sale at $2.25 per thousand. (Medina Tribune)
• April 1881, S.C. Wood, Long Bridge Nursery, Knowlesville, sold the tree along with a wide variety of fruit and ornamental trees. (Medina Tribune)

Barbed wire gradually replaced Osage orange trees for fencing, the hard wood was then used to make fence posts. The trees were not mentioned again in the Orleans County newspapers for many years, until 1971 when an article in the Medina Daily Journal announced that the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation was offering landowners 250 seedlings of a variety of hardwood trees, including the Osage orange, on a first-come, first-served basis and “upon approval by a State Forester” for reforestation purposes.

Osage orange trees may be either male or female, both are required for fruiting, but only the female tree produces fruit which contains seeds encased in a fleshy pulp, with a sticky white sap in the center. The seeds are exposed as the outer layer disintegrates. The trees may be cultivated from seed – several Osage orange enthusiasts have shared their “how to” expertise on YouTube videos.

Some people place the fruit in corners and basements as they are believed to repel spiders while others use them for decorative purposes. In either case, it is interesting to consider the long links of this tree back to prehistoric times.

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

Today I would like to talk about an integral part of any service-oriented organization and will use the Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry as an example. Previously I have shared about how H4H launched almost 9 years ago under the leadership of John “Jack” Burris & Kevin Lemcke (my only contribution was the name 😇).

I have discussed it’s mission to be a beacon of hope in our community by going where the need is and offering people food, clothing, and prayer, and I have told you the testimonies of those who have received help over the years. This time however I would like to shine the light on those who are so vital to the sustainability and long-term success of H4H—the volunteers.

To say that H4H would not exist without volunteers is an understatement. We all know that volunteers are the lifeblood of any good mission organization, but I would argue even more so in this case because week in and week out every single task is done by volunteers. From purchasing and putting together food shares, sorting and boxing up clothes, loading up the van, setting up all of the tables and benches at each location, manning the prayer table, handing out tickets, assisting anyone who needs help carrying their bags, and so on, volunteers get it done. Some are regulars who are there almost every week and others are committed to certain locations, but everyone works together to offer hope and to show the love of Christ through tangible, practical means.

Is it rewarding? Yes. But is it also draining at times and it would be impossible to accomplish any of it without the many volunteers who commit to coming out anywhere from 1-4 times each month, who help with fundraising and other special events like the recent Red Jacket Rally, and who are not only willing to give up their Saturday mornings but also some holidays. Since people rely on H4H to keep their schedule of stops each month we have worked hard to always be where and when we say that we will be, that has meant having to get creative during the Covid quarantine and, a few years ago, showing up on both Christmas morning and New Year’s. FYI – it was so worth it!

I know that H4H is certainly not the only organization that relies on others willing to donate their time and talents to serve others. (Shout out to Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in their effort to provide food and fellowship every Thursday including the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.) But H4H is one which I have personally participated in for a long time. It was for this reason that I had initially wanted to interview several of the long-term volunteers, but I soon realized just how long that list was and how many might inadvertently be left off. Instead, I decided to focus on a couple who are newer to the ministry but who have found passion and purpose in learning to serve others.

I first met Matt Caldwell and Rebecca Ugorek when they showed up at my church, New Hope Community (First Baptist Church of Medina until recently), a little over a year ago. At that time Matt was a self-proclaimed atheist who had felt led to check out this church which was literally in his backyard. Well, a lot has changed since then and even in the past couple of months both Matt and Rebecca were baptized and became members.

One of the many reasons leading to this life change and spiritual growth was becoming involved with H4H. New Hope Community had made a decision to be outward focused and to find ways to serve the community and support area missions. One of those was H4H and it was decided that in addition to promoting the ministry and collecting donations that we would commit to having church members serve at the Medina location (across from The MAAC Depot) every first Saturday of the month.

Along with several others Matt and Rebecca showed up and started right in helping out in any way necessary, that was when they started to feel God calling them to more. In Matt’s own words, after sensing that they should plan to serve at all four locations each month, he said, “I think for both of us it was because we had both been through seasons in our lives that we could have used what H4H offers, so now being able to help others out of the bad places, which we knew intimately, feels good and right. The praying came later, and I didn’t think I was capable (I still don’t lol), but when asked to do it by Jack, I said I would try. I didn’t know what I was doing, but God does, and I could feel him moving through me and using me. I was an infant in my faith at the time, but I was willing to try. The experience strengthened our faith because every week we showed up and God used us. He kind of nudged Becca to take charge of set up, organization, and helping people on the line while he continues to put me in a position to listen to hurting people and pray with them from a place of understanding, having been on some of their roads.

I went from never praying to praying for others because coming to know God taught me humility. Reading his word and discussing it with others and beginning to live his word. Our God has listened to our cries for thousands of years despite how often we get it wrong and sometimes outright deny him as I did for most of my life. Still he is faithful and loves us. Our God is almighty, but at the same time humble because he forgives and loves us without limit.

C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Changing the position of the word “less” in that statement is such a profound shift in perspective. It’s also very similar to something Jesus himself said. ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ (Matt 22:37–39) I didn’t pray with others before I knew God because I did not know these things, but now that I know these things to be true in my heart I can’t comprehend how I could listen to God’s example and not do for others as my Lord has done for me.”

If you would like to join Matt, Becca or the many other volunteers feel free to show up at any of the following locations on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon (1^st – Medina at corner of Starr & Orient, 2^nd – Holley Square, 3^rd – Albion at Hoag Library, 4^th – Albion at Lydun Dr. Extension).

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy

MEDINA – In recognition of November as National Lung Cancer Month, Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are emphasizing the importance of early lung cancer detection throughout the month.

As part of the observance, the hospital is raising awareness about the critical role of low-dose CT scans in detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Lunch cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but when diagnosed early, it is more treatable and survival rates significantly improve, according information from the hospital.

With Lung Cancer Awareness Month in full swing, Medina Memorial Hospital is urging individuals who are at high risk of lung cancer to consider screening with low-dose CT, an advanced imaging tool that can detect potential issues before symptoms appear.

Those who should consider lung cancer screening are individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50 to 80 years
• Asymptomatic (no current symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year).
• Current smoker or someone who has quit within the last 15 years

For those who meet these criteria, low-dose CT scans could be a life-saving tool in detecting lung cancer early. These scans are non-invasive, quick and highly effective at identifying lung cancers before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Medina Memorial hospital is proud to offer low-dose CT screenings for eligible patients. Unlike traditional chest X-rays, LDCT uses lower levels of radiation and is more sensitive in detecting early-stage lung cancers. Since lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, screening through LDCT provides an invaluable opportunity for earlier diagnosis, leading to more treatment options and better survival rates.

“Lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat, but LDCT screening allows us to catch it early, before patients even notice symptoms,” said Erica Chutko, director of imaging services at Orleans Community Health. “This can make all the difference in a patient’s prognosis. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to know that early detection through screening is key, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.”

For individuals who meet the screening criteria, Medina Memorial Hospital offers convenient, accessible lung cancer services with LDCT. To determine eligibility for screening, individuals should speak with their primary care provider, who can provide a referral and guide them through the screening process.

“We urge our community members to reach out, especially if they have a history of smoking,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “Taking proactive steps now can save lives later.”

Medina Memorial Hospital is committed to raising awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection throughout the entire month of November. Together, we can encourage at-risk individuals to take action, learn about available screening options and ultimately reduce the impact of lung cancer in our community, Robinson added.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Congratulations to the students from the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers, who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES centers, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.

Lyndonville celebrated their students being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Congratulations go to:

Orleans Career and Technical Education Center in Medina:

Ava Achtyl (Animal Science/Roy-Hart), Garrett Armenia (Computer Technology/Roy-Hart), Andrew Austin (Diesel Technology & Heavy Equipment/Lyndonville), Lilyan Beals (Allied Health/Roy-Hart), Shianne Beauman (Security and Law Enforcement/Roy-Hart), Austin Bentley (Security and Law Enforcement/Lyndonville), Alexis Capen (Cosmetology/Roy-Hart), Scott Clark (Computer Technology/Roy-Hart), Jacie Craft (Cosmetology/Roy-Hart)

Madison Davis (Allied Health/Lyndonville), Adler Detschner (Electricity & Electronics/Barker), Madilyn Detschner (Early Childhood Education/Barker), Kelli Dingle (Graphic Communications/Albion), Emma Freas (Welding/Lyndonville), Sofia Gagliardi (Allied Health/Medina), Gisella Garcia (Allied Health/Medina), Nathan Garrett (Graphic Communications/Albion)

Tracy Garrett (Graphic Communications/Albion), Sophia Goyette (Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering/Medina), Gloria Haller (Security & Law Enforcement/Barker), Sahara Holland (Security & Law Enforcement/Barker), Lucas Hollenbaugh (Computer Technology/Lockport), Jayden Lewis (Allied Health/Albion), Markaija Ming (Cosmetology/Lockport), Trenton Morley (Electricity & Electronics/Medina), Paige Newton (Allied Health/Albion), Isabella Pearl (Cosmetology/Lockport)

Ehren Pettapiece (Building Trades/Lockport), McKenzie Pilarski (Security & Law Enforcement/Lockport), Alyssa Prine (Health Occupations Technology/Lyndonville), Mason Renz (Electricity & Electronics/Newfane), Alexis Rutherford (Diesel Technology & Heavy Equipment/Newfane), Rachel Samson (Early Childhood Education/Barker), Zachary Schultz (Welding/Roy-Hart)

Brooklyn Schumacher (Cosmetology/Roy-Hart), Brady Schwartz (Computer Technology/Roy-Hart), Roseland Steffen (Animal Science/Albion), Monet Thomas (Allied Health/Albion), Maria Vasquez (Security & Law Enforcement/Medina), Connor Wesolek (Diesel Technology & Heavy Equipment/Roy-Hart), Brianna Windham (Cosmetology/Newfane), Abigayle Wright (Electricity & Electronics/Medina) and Keira Zambito (Animal Science/Albion).

Barker also has a contingent of students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES who went into the National Technical Honor Society.

Niagara Career and Technical Education Center in Sanborn:

Jordon Andrzejczyk (Emergency Medical Services/Niagara Falls), Christian Barker (Welding/Niagara Falls), Malayna Berhalter (Emergency Medical Services/North Tonawanda), Madison Boyce (Early Childhood Education/Wilson), Jayden Burns (Culinary Arts/North Tonawanda), Brodie Charnley (HVAC/Niagara Wheatfield), Madison Chase (Early Childhood Education/Wilson), Vincent Cipolla (Web & Game Development/Niagara Wheatfield)

Emily Droegmyer (Culinary Arts/Lewiston-Porter), Elizabeth Finley (Health Occupations Technician/North Tonawanda), Brady Finn (HVAC/Niagara Wheatfield), Sophia Haley (Culinary Arts/North Tonawanda), Mattingly Huff (Cosmetology/Niagara Wheatfield), Joey-Dane Jones (Building Maintenance & Management/Wilson), Tyler Kinyon (HVAC/Starpoint), Joseph Kott (HVAC/Niagara Wheatfield), Sean Kropp (Computer Technology/Wilson), Jaylyn Linderman (Early Childhood Education/Starpoint), Alexander Liu (Security & law Enforcement/Niagara Wheatfield)

Kaitlyn Meahl (Culinary Arts/Starpoint), Elijah Miron (Early Childhood Education/North Tonawanda), Adam Niver (Web & Game Development/Newfane), Faith Pittsley (Emergency Medical Services/Niagara Wheatfield), Henry Riek (Diesel Technology & Heavy Equipment/Niagara Wheatfield), Savannah Shaffer (Early Childhood Education/North Tonawanda), Sarah Skorik (Graphic Communication/Niagara Wheatfield)

Jessica Slye-Butz (Early Childhood Education/Lewiston-Porter), Kagan Smith (Project Based Engineering/Starpoint), Azalynn Stalvey (Animation, Film & Visual Effects/Lewiston-Porter), Keing-Keith Taylor (Web & Game Development/Lockport), Jeremy Taylor (Conservation/Niagara Wheatfield), Benjamin Wagner (HVAC/Niagara Wheatfield) and Sean Wellsby (Building Maintenance & Management).

ALBION – Pete Stritzinger (right), president of the Albion Exempts, presents a certificate of commendation to Geno Allport, left, for his years of dedication to the youth football program in Albion.

Stritzinger and the Exempts have been recognizing people in the community each month and donating $75 to the organization they are a part of. Allport received $75 towards the youth football program.

He is also leading an effort to have a new concessions stand at Bullard Park, where the youth football teams practice and play their home games.

Membership in the Exempts is open to the community at $20.

Press Release, Orleans County Master Gardeners

KNOWLESVILLE – It’s that time of year again when Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are gearing up to offer their popular Wreathmaking Workshops.

There are three options for class times this year: Dec. 4 at 2 p.m., Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., and Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.  The 6 p.m. class on Dec. 4 is close to filling up, but there are several spots still available during the daytime classes.

The wreathmaking classes are fun for all ages, including parents and their children. Kristina Kleeh and her daughter Sophia have been coming for several years to make a wreath together.

The Wreathmaking Workshops are the biggest fundraiser for the Master Gardener program at CCE. Proceeds from the classes support educational programming throughout the year, including the monthly Master Your Garden educational classes for adults, youth activities at local events and county libraries, on-site demonstration gardens, and new programs like the debut of the Orleans Community Seed Share coming in 2025.

“The Wreathmaking classes are always such a fun way to close out our program year,” said Katie Oakes, Master Gardener Coordinator at Orleans CCE. “It’s always fun to see how different the wreaths turn out, even with everyone starting with the same base materials!”

Master Gardeners purchase evergreen boughs in bulk to be used as the base for the holiday wreaths. Volunteers also bring in accent material from their own yards so participants can personalize their wreaths to fit with their home décor or holiday aesthetic.

Each wreath comes out entirely unique and reflective of the personality and creativity of the maker.

Accent material in the past has included holly, red-twig dogwood, dried hydrangea, pinecones, and more! There is also a table set up with festive ornaments and trinkets participants can choose from as well as many different styles and prints of ribbon for custom-made bows.

“I have been coming to the Wreathmaking classes for several years,” said Peggy Gabalski, a long-time attendee of the workshops. “I love having this event as the start of the Christmas season!”

The Wreathmaking classes are typically offered in November, but with Thanksgiving falling later in the month and CCE buildings being in use other days, Master Gardeners were limited in options to host the class.

The workshops will be held in the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairground, 12690 State Rt 31, Albion, NY 14411. The cost for the class is $30 per wreath. Pre-registration is required by calling 585-798-4265 ext.125 or emailing klo54@cornell.edu.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves and pruners to streamline the prep of evergreen branches.

Vigil, meal and art show planned for Batavia

Press Release, GLOW OUT!

BATAVIA – Each year, on the 20th of November, people worldwide take time to remember those lost to anti-transgender violence. This year, Batavia will host GLOW OUT!’s annual vigil and ceremony – and add a community meal to the program – for the event’s 25th anniversary.

“We hosted four last year, one in each of the GLOW counties,” said Sara Vacin, GLOW OUT! Executive Director. “This year we’re holding an art exhibition after the vigil, and a meal to honor and celebrate our trans elders.”

This year’s vigil will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Old Courthouse at 7 Main Street in Batavia. A free meal of turkey, potatoes, vegetables and dessert will be served in the Church fellowship hall (300 East Main) at 7 p.m. This space will also host a display of art submitted in remembrance and support of transgender and nonbinary people.

Broadly, the word “transgender” means anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms, while “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not.

In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.

But the event – and transgender advocacy in general – is about more than mourning. “It’s important for us to support and celebrate and love our trans siblings and friends while they’re alive,” Vacin said. “We can give people their flowers now!”

First observed in 1999, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance began after Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, was killed in her Boston apartment. Annually, the remembrance ceremony is held in acknowledgment of the friends and loved ones taken by anti-transgender violence. As transphobia intersects with sexism and racism, a large proportion of victims (every single year) are trans women of color – specifically, Black and Latina. Rita Hester’s murder remains unsolved.

Wednesday’s event is in partnership with SUNY Brockport’s Pride Association, and will include prepared remarks and a list of those lost to anti-transgender violence in the US since November 2023, the period recognized for the International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

As of this writing, 28 transgender or nonbinary Americans have been killed since last November. While this is a decrease from last year (32), and following a thankfully downward trend (51 in 2021; 41 in 2022), many official lists are incomplete because of the misreporting and underreporting of these crimes. Some have been disrespected in death by using their “dead name”, the name they were assigned at birth. As we all know, one person lost to hateful violence is too many.

“This event is to remember those lost, yes,” said Vacin, “but it’s also to come together in love and support of those we are still fighting for – and will continue to, every day.”

Photos from Lyndonville Lions Club: New Lions Club member Justin Widrig, left, takes the Lions Club oath while joined by long-time member Jeff Johnson, center, and President Eric Johnson.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions inducted a new member, Justin Widrig, and four new Leo Club members on Wednesday.

Two more Lions Club members will be sworn in next month with the full traditional candle and blindfold ceremony to be held in the spring for all three new members. The Lions leadership stated that they were happy with the addition of younger members who in the future will carry the Lions Club International torch forward.

The new Leo Club members – Austin Bentley, Grace Fox, James Giarla and Amir Huzair – from the Lyndonville Central School were inducted by Ms. Gina Marker, the club advisor.

The Leos assist the Lyndonville Lions Club in their community projects and are scheduled to help with the upcoming Village of Lyndonville Christmas Tree Lighting and will be caroling during the Lions planned Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing.

Lyndonville Leo’s Club members attended Wednesday’s Lions Club meeting.

The Lyndonville Lions will be busy this holiday season with several planned events. Their annual “Poinsettia’s for Shut Ins” is scheduled for the third week of December. The Lions deliver poinsettia plants to those who will be homebound for the holidays.

It is the club’s hope that this small effort may bring some holiday cheer to those that otherwise might not experience all the joys of the Christmas season. Harold Suhr, the chairman, stated, “This effort has been one of the most gratifying events that the Lions do all year.”

The Lions will be supporting the Village of Lyndonville’s Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 7 at the village park in Lyndonville. The club will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages.

The event brings nearly 100 Christmas trees decorated by residents, businesses and organizations. There will be horse-drawn carriages and the smell of hot cocoa, along with the crackling of warming wood fires. All are invited to this holiday tradition in Lyndonville. Further information can be gained by calling the Village of Lyndonville office.

In other club news, several members of the club attended the Lions Club International Regional Conference on Nov. 1 at the Batavia Downs Gaming Resort. Important programs of the Lions Club International were discussed and local clubs were made aware of the resources available to them through Lions Club International.

The Lyndonville Club has started a preliminary project on securing a $10,000 matching grant from Lions International for a third world vision and eyeglass clinic that would be tentatively slated for next fall. This effort would see Lyndonville Lions in conjunction with a third world Lions Club travel to their country and carry out a “Pop Up Eye Clinic.” Visual testing, glaucoma screening and the providing of a set of new glasses to needy recipients will be the projected goal for this endeavor. The Lyndonville Lions have established a potential country for this needed service and future information on this project will be forthcoming.

Local Lions Club members donate much needed medical equipment to the Grenada General Hospital.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who have supported their efforts during the 2024 campaign. Upcoming fundraisers include a winter bowling tournament and a summer golf outing. The club does realize it is the people of the surrounding area that assist the club in achieving their community support projects.

The Lyndonville Lions Club wishes all of you a bountiful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as they close the books on 2024 and look forward to 2025. May God bless all of us and this great nation we live in as we travel through the holiday seasons.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection to save lives.

As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, lung cancer affects thousands of families each year. The April 2023 New York State Health Equity Report found that Genesee County had a lung cancer rate of 71.5 cases per 100,000 people, while the rate in Orleans County was at 98 cases per 100,000 people.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight the importance of early detection and prevention. Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings vital for those at risk. We encourage individuals, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental toxins, like radon, to consult with their healthcare providers about screening options.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer:

• Lung cancer is responsible for approximately 22% of all cancer deaths.
• Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, with a 5-year survival rate of 56% for those whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
• Risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and other environmental pollutants.

Radon and Lung Cancer:

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after tobacco smoke. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
• Approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the US are related to radon.

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking actionable steps to reduce risk factors associated with lung cancer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Avoiding tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke is a key step to lower your risk of lung cancer. Additionally, testing your home for radon and mitigating high radon levels are important actions everyone can take to further reduce their chances of developing lung cancer.”

The Genesee County Health Department’s Radon Program provides short-term radon test kits to residents of Genesee County. The program also offers educational materials and in-services programs on the danger of radon prevalence, and mitigation options for new or existing homes, all available at no charge.

In other counties, short-term test kits can be purchased at your local hardware store or through the New York State Department of Heath website (click here).

For more information about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@geneseeny.gov.

Resources:

American Cancer Society (Click here)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (Click here)

ALBION – The state Department of Transportation will close a section of Ingersoll Street for two days next week to allow for milling of paving on a street that has had more wear and tear the past two years due to the closure of the Main Street lift bridge.

An article on Wednesday said the DOT would do one lane at a time and keep traffic open on Ingersoll. But today the DOT said there would be full roadway closure from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for milling on Tuesday and paving on Wednesday.

The closure is limited to 9 a.ml. to 2:30 p.m. to allow for school buses to cross the canal.

 From 9 a.m. to 2:30 traffic will need to use alternate routes to cross the Erie Canal: Butts Road on the east side and Gaines Basin Road on the west side.

$300,000 set aside towards new fire truck, fire hall repair or replacement

Photo by Tom Rivers: Members of the newly formed Albion Joint Fire District met on Thursday at Hoag Library to discuss fire district business, including an upcoming election on Dec. 10 for five commissioners and the treasurer. Pictured from left include commissioner Craig Lane, secretary Rachel Hicks, commissioner Chris Kinter, commissioner and chairman Al Cheverie, commissioner Joe Martillotta, commissioner Dave Buczek, and treasurer Victoria Tabor.

ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District has a budget for 2025, the first year for the entity which will oversee fire protection in the towns of Albion and Gaines, which includes the Village of Albion.

The budget approved by the commissioners totals $872,222, which more than doubles the budget for the fire department when it was under the village budget with contracts from the two towns.

Fire department leaders say the department has long been underfunded, with no reserves for new fire trucks or upgrades to the fire hall.

The new budget for 2025 puts $250,000 into a “Apparatus Repair & Replacement Reserve” and $50,000 into a “Building Repair & Replacement Reserve.”

Al Cheverie, the chairman of the commissioners, said the district needs to replace two fire trucks fairly soon. A new ladder truck to replace one that is 27 years old is expected to cost $2.2 million. A new fire engine to replace one 32 years old would likely have a purchase price of $1.1 million.

The commissioners expect to start working on securing a new ladder truck in 2025, a process that could take four to five years before the new truck is in Albion. Setting aside money ahead of time will reduce the bond payments needed in the future, Cheverie said.

A $2.2 million bond at a 7 percent rate would result in an annual bond payment of about $208,000 a year over 20 years, fire department officials said in June when discussing the budget needs for the department.

A new fire engine at $1.1 million and bonded over 20 years would have an annual payment of $104,000 a year. However, those payments would be significantly less if the fire district has money in its reserves.

The district also has $50,000 set aside for the fire hall for either repairs or a potential replacement. Cheverie said there are no plans to leave the building on Platt Street anytime soon.

Some of the fire department’s expenses were previously absorbed in the village budget and now those costs are clearly defined in the fire district budget plan. That includes $17,000 in utilities and $100,000 for insurance.

Cheverie said the first-year budget for the district includes $70,000 in startup expenses for the district that won’t be a reoccurring expense.

The budget includes $15,000 to pay a treasurer and $15,000 for a secretary, plus $10,400 for janitorial services. With Social Security, Medicare and unemployment added, the three positions will total $47,647 in the budget, and those were costs that weren’t factored into the fire department budget when it was part of the village.

The budget categories include $47,647 for personnel services; $17,000 for contractual service (utilities); $100,000 for insurance; $38,950 for operational expenses; $42,500 for apparatus maintenance; $104,715 for equipment expenses (gear for firefighters and trucks); $61,000 for buildings and grounds maintenance; $160,410 for administrative expenses (fire district formation costs, accountant, attorney, medical exams, recruitment efforts); and $300,000 for the new reserve funds.

Craig Lane, one of the five commissioners, said the district budget initially was $1.3 million and the commissioners pared down some of those costs.

Dave Buczek, one of the commissioners, said the budget puts the fire department on a course for a good future for equipment and recruitment.

“We’re building something for generations to come,” Buczek said at Thursday’s meeting.

Commissioners, treasurer up for election on Dec. 10

The five commissioners started meeting on Aug. 20. Voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines approved forming the Albion Joint Fire District in an Aug. 6 referendum. Albion voted 125 yes, 61 no, while the results in Gaines were 70 yes, 43 no.

Five commissioners were then appointed to help establish the district, and create the budget for the first year in 2025. The Albion Town Board appointed Chris Kinter, the code enforcement officer, and Joe Martillotta, a retired school teacher and business owner. Gaines appointed Al Cheverie, a former Albion Fire Department president, and Craig Lane, the deputy highway superintendent for Orleans County. The Village Board appointed Dave Buczek, a former village trustee, to be the village representative.

Voters will soon pick the commissioners with new terms starting in 2025. There will be an election at Hoag Library on Dec. 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. Candidates for the election can submit a letter to the Albion Joint Fire District, P.O. Box 2, Albion NY 14411. The letter should state the candidate’s desire to run for commissioner. It needs to be received by Nov. 20. The treasurer’s position also will be up for election.

The commissioners’ terms will be for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, depending on the vote totals for each. The highest vote-getter gets the 5-year term and then the term length goes in descending order of votes. After the December election, the commissioner election should have one position up for election each year.

LYNDONVILLE – Volunteers are welcome to help set wreaths on 445 graves of veterans in Lyndonville on Dec. 14 during Wreaths Across America.

Volunteers are welcome to a complimentary brunch from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 at the Webber Café on Main Street. Then there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Lynhaven Cemetery.

The 445 wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves for six cemeteries in Lyndonville: Lynhaven, Yates Baptist Cemetery, Angling Road, Marshall Road and Greenman Road as well as the Robin Hill Estate.

The wreaths are funded by an endowment created by Anna Steliano’s family. Stelianou funded the effort in honor of her five brothers who served in WWII and the Korean War.

The American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 is organizing the Wreaths Across America program in Lyndonville.

“Our chapter is committed to the mission of the American Legion of enhancing the well-being of America’s veterans, families and military, as well as enhancing relations in our community,” said Steve Goodrich, the Legion commander.