Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A fire at 14098 Route 31 in Albion was limited to the back entrance of the house.

Albion Fire Department officials said the resident of the house and his dogs were safely able to get out.

A quick response by firefighters contained the fire to a back entrance attachment, without the fire spreading into the house.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5 p.m. Albion police officers and firefighters encountered a smoky scene and called for mutual aid with Barre, Murray, Medina, Shelby, Carlton and the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency all responding.

Part of Route 31 from in between King Street an State School Road was closed to traffic for about 30 minutes.

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Lianna Sheffer, CFS Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor; Tim & Kathy Drake, Orleans County’s Foster Parents of the Year; and Lizzy Boring, CFS’s Homefinder.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services Child and Family Services Unit (CFS) hosted its annual Foster Care Family Fun Night last week, where Tim and Kathy Drake were honored as the 2025 Foster Parents of the Year.

“Within the past year, Tim and Kathy have opened their home to several children that have either been placed directly with them or who are provided daycare in their home while the youth’s given foster parents are working,” said Lianna Sheffer, CFS Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor.  “Tim and Kathy have shown empathy to the youth they have had in their care, while also being strong role models for each youth, and advocates for the youths’ wants and wishes. They attend school meetings, and are always willing to assist the caseworkers with transportation for visitation and various other appointments.

 “Tim and Kathy have also gone above and beyond to be a resource and support for biological families and to reinforce the agency goal of safely reuniting families, while making it known to the youth in their care that they will always be a resource for them, whatever the outcome of the case,” Sheffer said. “Orleans County thanks the Drakes for their continued dedication and support to our community.”

The event was organized by CFS’s Homefinder, Lizzy Boring.  Boring has been in the role for three months, providing support to foster and adoptive families, and working on recruiting more foster parents for youth in need.  If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact Boring at 585-589-3161.

MEDINA – Jimmy Dieter, a Scout in Troop 35, is working to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank.

For his project, he wants to build a batting cage in Butts Park. Dieter is proposing a batting cage that would be 55 feet long and 14 feet wide to be used by Medina youth baseball and softball teams.

The wood structure would be up year-round but the nets for cage would likely just be up in spring until late summer.

There would be four 6 by 6 posts at the corners of the cage. They will be used to hold plastic-coated steel cables to hang a net from. Pressure-treated skirting will be installed around the hitting area and filled with fine packable stone with a turf hitting installed at one end, according to his project description that Dieter presented last week to the Village Board.

There are four baseball diamonds at Butts Park but no designated warm-up area for the players to safely take hitting practice. If players take batting practice on an open field, there are sometimes accidents with players, coaches or spectators getting hit with errant baseballs or even baseball bats, Dieter said.

The Village Board gave its permission to the project, with the stipulation Dieter work with DPW Superintendent Jason Watts on the location for the batting cage. Dieter likes a spot in between field near the Oak Orchard Creek.

“It’s the best area that is out of the way,” he told the board.

Dieter will lead scouts in the project, which is an estimated $850. He will secure the funding or donations for the batting cage.

LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 2025 “For Women Only” will return at a new date with exciting new features designed to inspire an evening of connection, awareness and tribute.

This year’s event is scheduled for June 12 at the White Birch to coincide with World Cancer Month, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. It’s theme, The Journey, reflects the powerful and deeply personal paths of those impacted by cancer – honoring the struggles, triumphs and support that define each experience.

“We chose The Journey as our theme this year to emphasize that cancer touches lives in many ways – and every path is unique, courageous and worth honoring,” Robinson said.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature two dynamic speaker panels – one comprised of individuals sharing personal journeys and the ways cancer has affected their lives; and another featuring professionals in the field who will offer valuable insights, resources and takeaways.

In addition to moving stories and important information, the evening will include raffles, time to connect and reflect and a heartfelt tribute slideshow honoring loved ones lost, survivors and those still fighting any form of cancer.

“The evening is about shared strength, support and community,” Robinson said.

Local vendors have also been invited to the event. There is no fee to participate as a vendor, but donation of a gift card or basket is kindly asked for to support the event’s fundraising raffles. Robinson added this is a great opportunity to showcase a business while supporting a meaningful cause.

To be included in the memorial and tribute slideshow, click here for more information.

Tickets are $30, and it is recommended purchasing them early, as the event regularly sells out. Tickets may be reserved by calling Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or by purchasing online (click here).

Sponsorships are also available. Information, along with vendor inquiries and how to donate a raffle item, is available by contacting Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation at www.majohnson@medinamemorial.org.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way,” Johnson said. “For Women Only: the Journey is our opportunity to come together, honor those experiences and walk this road – together.”

Event will be Sept. 27 at Medina’s State Street Park

Press Release, Alzheimer’s Association

Provided photo from Alzheimer’s Association: Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole are shown in Medina at a recent Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Nicole is holding a bag of paper links she sells for the Alzheimer’s Association.

MEDINA – Mary Lou Tuohey has been named as the chair of the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Orleans County, a role she has held for several years.

Tuohey recently retired as owner of Case-Nic Cookies in Medina. She and her daughter, Nicole, are well known in the area for their fundraising on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I am excited to once again participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I walk in honor, memory and support of my Mom, Dad and two aunts who all passed from Alzheimer’s,” Tuohey said. “Remember those who forget to remember…”

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Orleans County will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at State Street Park in Medina.

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  “We hope everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease, as well as funding research toward treatments that will finally end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York, there are more than 426,500 people living with the disease and 656,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/WNYwalk.

Photo by Tom Rivers: During a simulation showing the dangers of drunk driving on May 16, 2024 outside Kendall Junior/Senior High School, Monroe Ambulance medics have Jimmie Swift on a stretcher. He was one of three students taken away by ambulance as part of the simulation. Gracie Robb and Lucas Jones also portrayed injured students who needed ambulance transport. The simulation was done the day before the prom.

Press Release, AAA

The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically.

Across the country, 13,135 people have been killed in a crash involving a teen driver between 2019-2023. Over 30 percent of those deaths occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA’s review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2023 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 860, happened during the 100 Deadliest Days, a 21 percent increase from 2022.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing a disturbing trend,” said Marke Dickinson, AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO. “On average, eight people are killed per day in teen driving crashes in the summer, compared to seven per day during the rest of the year.”

New York State Police report a 13 percent increase in motor vehicle fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days from 2023 to 2024.

“Teen drivers don’t have much experience, and they take chances,” said NYSP Troop A Public Information Officer James O’Callaghan. “I have a 16-year-old at home. I’m speaking to you as a parent, develop those good habits. We all strive to set our kids up for success, it should be no different behind the wheel.”

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors:

• Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
• Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
• Texting (35%)
• Red-light running (32%)
• Aggressive driving (31%)
• Drowsy driving (25%)
• Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

AAA encourages parents to:

• Talk with teens early and often about avoiding dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment, and distracted driving. Serve as a role model for safe behavior.
• Always buckle up, and follow posted speed limits.
• Teach by example, minimize risky behavior; conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
• Make a parent-teen driving agreement setting family rules for driving.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Veterans line up around the Company F memorial in front of the YMCA (formerly the Medina Armory and home to Company F) to fire a three-gun salute this morning.

MEDINA – Memorial Day observances began early in Medina on Monday morning, with members of Medina’s Honor Guard firing three-gun salutes at all the veterans’ sites in the village and nearby area.

The Honor Guard, made up of members of Medina’s American Legion and VFW, met early for coffee and donuts at the VFW, before starting out with their rifles and flags.

Peter Huth, right, reads a prayer as the Honor Guard waits to fire a three-gun salute in the veterans’ section at Boxwood Cemetery.

Their first stop is always the Vietnam Veterans’ memorial in front of the American Legion on North Main Street, followed by the veterans’ sections at Boxwood Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery and Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Then it was on to the Company F Memorial in front of the YMCA, formerly the Medina Armory. Next stop is the Korean War Memorial on Park Avenue, across from the Olde Pickle Factory; then the tank at Oak Orchard Elementary School; and, lastly, the Butts-Clark Memorial in Butts Park on South Main Street.

Flag carriers representing the five branches of the military stand at attention in Boxwood Cemetery as Ryder Jones, left, and his brother River, in the distance at right, play echo taps.

At each site today, the service began with a prayer read by Peter Huth, followed by the three-gun salute and ending with echo taps, played by brothers Ryder and River Jones, both Medina High School students and members of the Mustang Marching Band.

Jim Freas is the officer in charge of the volunteers, who says he can’t remember how long they’ve been providing this honor to veterans.

Bradley Nudd, a member of the firing squad, said he started in 1972, when his dad Al Nudd told him they needed younger men to step up. He has been participating ever since, sometimes stepping in as bugler.

Veterans from the VFW and American Legion enjoy coffee and donuts before starting out to fire three-gun salutes at veterans’ memorials in the area on Memorial Day. In front are Jim Freas, officer in command of the Honor Guard, Larry Szatkowski and Dave Wells. At rear are Marine Nick Fintak and Medina Mustang buglers River and Ryder Jones.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band performs down Main Street in today’s Memorial Day parade. It was bright with sunshine for the parade after a rainy week.

The parade route was lined with people, especially on Main Street and East Center Street. Following the parade there was a service at the State Street Park.

These veterans in the honor guard carry the colors along the parade route which started at the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue, then onto Main Street and East Center Street to State Street Park.

Local veterans sent a powerful message with these flag-draped coffin and a headstone for “American Soldier.”

Shelby firefighters Zach Petry, left with American flag, and Rob Schaal, with the Shelby fire company flag, wore turnout gear and marched in the parade.

The Medina Marching Band brought a big presence and sound for the parade.

Kevin Bogan of the Knights of Columbus passed out candy along the parade route.

Tyler Meehan, 8, of Middleport assists his grandfather Bob Meehan in passing out flags. The Sons of the American Legion handed out more than 2,000 of the flags to people watching the parade.

These people along East Center Street were happy to receive flags given out by Tyler Meehan.

There were several community groups in the parade including Early Head Start.

Lee-Whedon Memorial Library promoted its upcoming summer reading program.

Alishia Foss, left, and Diana Baker carry the banner to highlight the Orleans County National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event will be outside at Wise Middle Intermediate School in Medina with free food and other activities with first responders and community organizations.

At the beginning of a service at State Street Park, the flags were raised. Veterans placed a wreath on the cannon from World War I.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Veterans carry the colors and march in a parade this morning on Main Street in Albion. After the parade, veterans and the community joined for a Memorial Day service in front of the middle school.

Two brothers from Albion, Benjamin Langford (left) and Zane, hold American flags while a procession of fire trucks go by.

Al Hand plays Taps during the start of the Memorial Day parade while the honor guard holds the flags.

Three generations of the Pawlak family participated in the parade with the Knights of Columbus, sending a message, “Freedom is not free.” Joe Pawlak, front left, holds that sign while his son, Julian, age 9, holds the sign to “Remember those who gave their lives.” Joe’s other sons, Michael and Noah, also were in the parade, along with their grandfather, Jerome Pawlak.

Pino Aldaco, left, and Casimer Pruski, both long-time members of the Knights of Columbus, carried American flags during the parade.

Mallory Ashbery, a drum major for the Albion marching band, helps to lead the group during today’s parade. Mallory Kozody, the other drum major, is in back.

Nick Baxter plays the baritone saxophone for the band as its makes its way down Main Street.

Stryker Braley carries the American flag with other Scouts in Troop 164 in Albion.

These veterans, including Joe Gehl in back holding the flag, promoted the Veterans Medical Transportation Service run by the Joint Veterans Council.

Nicholas Herzog, left, and Angel Aldaco carry a banner for the Knights of Columbus.

DeFillipps served in role for Holley and Murray for 46 years

File photo by Tom Rivers: Raymond Santoro is shown in October 2023 with a copy of his book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.”

HOLLEY – Marsha DeFilipps has retired after 46 years as Holley’s official historian. DeFilipps also served in the role for the Town of Murray.

DeFilipps has been very active in the Holley-Murray Historical Society. She 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.

The depot was constructed in 1907. It was moved in 1988 to Geddes Street Extension and was turned into a museum about local history.

One of the signature accomplishments during her term as historian was her creation of an Index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFilipps spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.

The Holley Village Board accepted DeFilipps’ resignation on May 13 and appointed Raymond Santoro to the role.

“What can I possibly say to acknowledge the many contributions Marsha has made to this village over the course of 46 years of service?” Holley Mayor Mark Bower posted on the village website. “At every turn, with any and every request, or question, she was there to provide any of us the information we were seeking. To say Marsha was a ‘wealth of knowledge’ is simply an understatement.”

Bower during his five years as a village officials said he often turned to DeFilipps for historical photos or information, or for help with some of the village events. .such as research of Myron Holley family when his descendants were welcomed to Holley in 2023.

“Marsha was the driving force in establishing our village’s historical society, now the joint Murray-Holley Historical Society,” Bower said. “On behalf of the deputy mayor and trustees, I thank Marsha DeFilipps for her distinguished service. I thank her for how she advocated for our village and how, as historian, she represented Holley in the best of ways.”

Santoro, the new historian, has been active in the Historical Society since it was founded in 1985. In 2023 he wrote a book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.” The 144-page book shares some of the supernatural experiences Santoro has experienced or heard about in the Holley area.

File photo by Tom Rivers:  The Kendall community observed Memorial Day on May 30, 2018 at Greenwood Cemetery. The Orleans County Historical Association included Greenwood Cemetery in this summer’s cemetery tours. The cemetery is on Route 18, across from the Dollar General store.

The Orleans County Historical Association has announced the schedule of cemetery tours this summer.

The tours are conducted every Sunday at 6 p.m. during the month of August. The cemeteries on this year’s tours are:

• August 3 – Mount Albion Cemetery (Route 31, Albion) with Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County Historian and Sue Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian.
• August 10 – Robinson Cemetery (Rt. 237 & Glidden Rd, Clarendon) with Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon Historian.
• August 17 – Millville Cemetery (East Shelby Road, Medina) with Alice Zacher and Mary Zelazny.
• August 24 – Greenwood Cemetery (Rt. 237 & Rt. 18, Kendall) with Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian.
• August 31 – St. Joseph’s Cemetery (E. Avenue, Albion) with Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian and Sue Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian.

Go to orleanshistory.org for information on the tours as well as historical talks.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters

The Medina Mustang Band left for Chicago on May 22nd for its annual spring trip and competition.  The top photo shows the band exploring Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. This sculpture, by Anish Kapoor, is of highly polished stainless steel reflecting Chicago’s skyline

Comprising of about 90 students, the Coach Bus trip included a combination of educational sightseeing and music competition at the Music in the Park 2025 Festival.

The Medina Marching Band took first place with a Superior rating in the Street Band competition.

The Band returned home late Sunday night and will perform in today’s Medina Memorial Day Parade.

The marching band, as well as the concert and jazz band, will complete their performance season on June 6 and 7 at the Sherburne (NY) Music Festival.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Wayne Dorpfeld of Albion has invented a unique portable easel for artists, which he calls Easely. Here, he holds the folded-up device, which weighs less than 10 pounds. (Center) Dorpfeld attaches the drawing board to his portable artists’ seat/easel, which takes barely a minute to set up. (Right) Dorpfeld holds a folded-up Easely (art horse) as he looks over the one he just assembled.

ALBION – A graphic designer/artist by trade, Wayne Dorpfeld of Albion has become an inventor.

While attending a plein air art show in Colorado, it became evident to Dorpfeld that artists were struggling with their art benches, also called donkey easels or art horses.

“Artists were complaining their art horses were too heavy,” Dorpfeld said. “The most popular ones weighed 30 pounds or more. They were all limited in functionality and their assembly required more time and effort than desirable.”

Dorpfeld’s formal education was a graphic designer and illustrator. He also taught commercial art at Attica Prison, and when he retired he did some painting.

After a fall two years ago, in which he injured his back, the difficulty in managing art benches became evident.

“I didn’t like any of the art horses I found, so I decided to design and make my own,” Dorpfeld said. “I bought a 3D printer and a CNC router, and after many hours of working in my shop, tweaking the prototype and consulting with friends, family and peers, I believe I’ve developed the ultimate donkey easel.”

He calls his invention “Easely” and claims “it is a real thoroughbred.”

There are eight or 10 models manufactured currently, only two of which are foldable. Dorpfeld said none can do what his does. No longer than a yardstick when folded up for carrying, his design weighs less than 10 pounds.

Dorpfeld said Easely can be set up in barely a minute. It is adjustable to suit any media at any angle or height and accommodates drawing boards up to 22” x 30”.  Two snap-on trays hold collapsible plastic cups for water (for watercolor artists), brushes and paints.

 Dorpfeld’s son Jacob is owner of Jacob C. Dorpfeld Custom Furniture and Cabinetry, and has the capability to build Easelys if the demand is there.

Anyone interested in more information or wishing to order one may find Dorpfeld’s contact information by logging on to www.easelyusa.com and click on “contact.”