LYNDONVILLE – This evening’s scheduled concert at the Yates Community Library has been cancelled due to rain in the forecast. The Barker Community Band was going to perform on the library lawn this evening but the concert will be rescheduled with a new date to be set.

The series continues the rest of August at 6:30 p.m. Next week on Aug. 12 features Mystic Sisters, a vocal trio featuring  Lyndonville’s Ruby Hoffee. She’ll be joining Rose Briody and M’Lou Speranza (who also perform with Blue Sky Band).

The lineup in August also includes Puck Daddies on Aug. 19 and Celtic Spirit Pipe Band on Aug. 26.

Press Release, Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – The Albion Police Department would like to issue a warning to dirt bike owners within the village and surrounding area of a recent theft and a separate attempted theft.

In both instances, a U-Haul moving truck was used in a burglary of a garage and separately the attempted theft from a yard. Both incidents occurred after midnight between the hours of 2-4 a.m. and the offenders have not yet been identified.

We are urging residents to take the following precautions to protect their property:

1. Secure your dirt bikes: Ensure your dirt bikes are locked and stored in a secure location, preferably out of sight from the street.

2. Install security cameras: Use security cameras and alarm systems to deter potential thieves and to provide evidence in case a theft occurs.

3. Be vigilant: Report any suspicious activity involving U-Haul trucks during late hours. If possible, take note of the vehicle’s license plate number and any distinguishing features.

If you have any information about these thefts or if you witness any suspicious activity, please contact the Albion Police Department at (585) 589-5627 or the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (585) 589-5527. Your help is crucial in helping us apprehend these suspects and prevent further thefts. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your continued efforts to keep our community safe.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke speaks during Sunday’s Back the Blue rally in Murray. Bourke said law enforcement officers appreciated the support of the community as the job becomes more challenging with what Bourke said are “pro-criminal” laws.

Bourke is critical of state legislation that make it more difficult for judges to set bail for people who have been arrested and are a danger to the community.

He shared how the SWAT team arrested a drug dealer in Orleans County and that person was sitting back on their porch a few hours later, smoking a cigarette.

“We’re not taking care of our citizens,” Bourke said about the legislation. “This should be about protecting people and quality of life.”

Judges should be allowed to review a defendant’s criminal history and determine whether that person is a flight risk in setting bail, Bourke said.

About 150 motorcyclists and 70 other vehicles participated in the 50-mile ride in Orleans County that started and ended on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road. The ride went along Route 31 from Holley through Albion to Medina, and then went north on Route 63, and came back east through Ridgeway, Gaines and Murray.

The state’s “Raise the Age” law also means people can’t be prosecuted as an adult until they are 18, instead of 16.

Other legislation, including discovery laws, have titled the balance towards criminals, Bourke and other speakers said during the rally.

“We love you if you support the police and if you don’t support the police,” Bourke said. “We take care of everybody.”

Many elected officials and those seeking public office welcomed the chance to speak at the rally, including from left: State Sen. Rob Ortt, Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer and Kimberly DeRosa, a candidate for the 135^th Assembly District on the east side of Monroe County.

Ortt said the State Legislature needs more conservative members who will push back on “pro-criminal legislation” that he said is making our communities less safe and putting law enforcement officers in more danger.

He cited the examples of officers killed in New York City and Syracuse by people who would have been held in jail before the bail reform changes, which Ortt said has turned the state into “catch and release” program for criminals.

“We need strong candidates who won’t be swayed,” Ortt said about having more Republicans in the Legislature.

Rightmyer, the Murray supervisor, said he is particularly angered by people who burn the American flag and then replace it with another country’s flag.

DeRosa said the state laws have gone in the wrong direction with community safety.

“Criminals are emboldened by policies that don’t give them any kind of consequence,” she said.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said she would have loved to have ridden her motorcycle on the 50-mile trip but had five events on Sunday. She wore earrings that looked like handcuffs for the Back the Blue rally.

She said the bail reform has made law enforcement more dangerous. She cited the death of Rochester police officer Tony Mazurkiewicz, who was shot and killed on July 21, 2022 in an ambush.

Tenney urged the crowd of about 300 people to support candidates who stand by the Constitution, which she said emphasizes public safety and border security.

This vehicle shows a sign in support of Donald Trump and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Ayesha Kreutz, left, and Peter Vazquez spoke at the rally. Kreutz is a member of the Protect Kids Coalition. That group opposes Proposition One on the back of the November ballot. Kreutz said it is presented as an Equal Rights Amendment but is a “Parent Replacement Act,” giving parents less say in how their children process gender identity and medical decisions.

Vazquez is a candidate for Monroe County clerk. He said he the country need to move past political party labels. He is focused on “God, country and family.”

He spoke against the progressive left and “the buffoon in the White House.”

Many of the rally attendees displayed signs to show their support for law enforcement.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley railed against recently passed state legislation that he said put the communities at risk around the state.

“We are absolutely appalled and dismayed at what law enforcement is facing from the people in Albany,” Hawley said. “Our society has lost its way. The police are our last line of defense.”

These speakers include from left: Orlando Rivera, a candidate for State Assembly; Gregg Sadwick, a candidate for the 25^th Congressional District against Joe Morelle; and retired Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode, who is running for state senator.

Rivera thanked the law enforcement officers for their service.

“You get up every day serving us tirelessly and you don’t have to,” Rivera said.

Sadwick, a Navy veteran and business owner, said, “You will never see me sitting or kneeling against you.”

VanBrederode said state legislators are out of touch with how police officers do their jobs.

This was the fifth “Back the Blue” ride through Orleans County and the event has many vocal supporters for Donald Trump. There were a few Trump flags at Sunday’s rally, but the message and flags were more focused on the “Back the Blue” message. The rally was held on property owned by David Paul and his family.

Monroe County Legislator Virginia McIntyre, an opera singer, sang the national anthem.

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

Provided photo: Tommy Z, an award-winning blues guitarist and songwriter, closes out Medina’s Blue Thursdays concert series on Thursday.

MEDINA – With record crowds, the 2024 Blue Thursdays series comes to a close this Thursday with a much anticipated grand finale featuring the Tommy Z Band from Buffalo.

Among his numerous claims to fame, Tommy Z has had two albums that debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart– Plug In And Play (#5) in 2021, and Blizzard Of Blues (#8) in 2016.

“Three years ago, Blue Thursdays set out to bring the extraordinary to Medina– an array of the best, award-winning, hall-of-fame caliber bands that people wouldn’t normally get a chance to see,” said Chris Busch, one of the event organizers.

“That’s the bar we’ve set for Blue Thursdays, and the grand finale with the Tommy Z Band accomplishes just that. His accolades and accomplishments on a national level are a mile long. To say we’re pumped to be able to bring this caliber of music to Medina is an understatement.”

As noted on tommyzband.com:

“Tommy Z is a contemporary blues/rock artist and radio host from Buffalo, NY who has been described as a ‘blues treasure’ (Jim Santella, Buffalo News), and ‘one of WNY’s best kept secrets’ (Sarah French, Blues Matters Magazine).”

“He is a guitar-driven, electric blues-based stylist onstage, but in the studio composes a variety of music. Experienced and versed in traditional blues, jazz, funk and rock styles, he is an artist who puts that soulful blues feeling into all the different music he performs or creates. His work and talent has been recognized with numerous awards over the years, including being voted Top Blues Vocalist in Western New York 2003/2004/2006, Top Blues Guitarist 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2006 and his band has won the Top Blues/Crossover Blues Band categories 1994, 2005, 2006, and was honored with the Muddy Waters Award for “Artist of the Year” by the Blues Society of WNY in 2004 and 2024.”

“In 2007 Tommy was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, recognizing him alongside some of the best talent come out of WNY (including Rick James, The Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Sheehan, etc.). He has had the opportunity to perform, write, record and/or co-bill with some of the world’s top artists in the blues/rock genre including: B.B. King (and daughter Shirley), Buddy Guy (2023 Farewell Tour guest), Tom Hambridge, Johnny Winter, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray, Jeff Healey, Colin James, Tinsley Ellis, Roomful of Blues, Blues Traveler, Derek Trucks, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph, Peter Frampton, Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Carey Bell, John Mayall, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tommy Castro, Duke Robillard, Elvin Bishop, Eric Gales and many more.”

“All good things must come to an end and so it is with Blue Thursdays 2024, but not before we blow the doors off the park with Tommy Z,” said Busch.

Busch went on, “In talking about the gig last week, Tommy remarked, ‘Looking forward to it! I’ve got my touring band of Dave Herr from Charleston, Ray Hangen and Tom Scime from Florida coming up for this (gig).’”

The performance is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at State Street Park, Medina. Up-to-the-minute updates can be found on Facebook at “Blue Thursdays Medina.” The performance is free an open to the public with multiple food and beverage vendors on site.

Provided photo: Jake Kenward, center, is shown with his fiancé Leigha Klopp and their son.

KENT – A Kent man was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on July 28 in Pembroke. Jakob Kenward struck a guard rail after hitting gravel on Stegman Road in Pembroke. He needed to be extricated from the guardrail and was then taken by Mercy Flight helicopter to Erie County Medical Center.

Kenward was in intensive care for six days. He has survived his injuries but has a long road to recovery with a broken hip, crushed pelvis, fractures in his spine and damage to his arm, said his mother, Lura Kenward.

The family has started a GoFundMe (click here), seeking support to help with medical bills and rehabilitation costs, rent and utilities, and day-to-day living expenses.

Kenward has a young son. He is engaged to Leigha Klopp.

Kenward works at Oatka in Batavia, but will be out of work for an extended period.

“Jake is a hardworking and dedicated individual who has always been there for others, but now he needs our support,” Klopp stated on the GoFundMe page. “The costs associated with his recovery are substantial, and with him unable to work, we are struggling to keep up with our day-to-day expenses, including rent, utilities and other essential bills.”

Klopp said any contributions are appreciated to help ease the financial worries during this difficult time.

“Together, we can help Jake get back on his feet and ensure he has the best possible chance for a full recovery,” she said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band Tryst from Rochester closed out the Rock the Park 9 music festival at Bullard Park on Saturday night.

The band is performing “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.

Tryst opened with “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

The concert by Tryst capped two days of music at Bullard Park, which has been hosting the music festival as a fundraiser for the park and also to bring people to the park and Albion for a music-filled experience.

Tryst, shown singing “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan, made its debut at the Albion Summer Music Festival. Nine different bands performed on Saturday and three bands were on the stage for Friday.

Ron Albertson, one of the committee members, estimated 1,000 people attended the festival over the two days. Some rainy weather earlier on Friday may have deterred some people from attending, but Albertson said overall the weather was very ideal for the outdoor performances.

Ron Albertson, left, is joined on the stage by Scott Ryan, father of the late Dan Ryan, a long-time supporter of Rock the Park. This year’s festival’s is dedicated to Dan Ryan, who passed away at age 39 on June 23.

Scott Ryan pulled the ticket for the winner of a guitar and starter kit. Dan Ryan donated several refurbished guitars for previous Rock the Park events. Scott Ryan said the family will continue to donate a guitar for Rock the Park in the future.

The Zackstreet Boys performed early afternoon on Saturday. The band includes Zack Burgess, center, on guitar and vocals; Kole Moore on guitar, left; Mike Whiting on guitar, right; and Brian Domenick on drums.

Other performers on Saturday included Chris Moore, Ryan & Company, Distant View, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

On Friday, the bands included Triple Play, Lonesome Road and Highway 31.

Bill Pileggi plays guitar and sings for Triple Play, which made its first appearance at Rock the Park. Pileggi, a retired Holley school principal, said he liked how the sound was all set up for the musicians and they were able to easily follow one another on the stage, with most of the concerts about an hour.

“We enjoy listening to each other,” Pileggi said about the showcase for so many bands. “For a small town we have a lot of talent.”

The crowd was close to the stage for Tryst, while many also enjoyed the music from under the tent.

Tryst had the crowd fired up for the show.

File photo by Tom Rivers: A caravan of about 500 vehicles were part of the first “Back the Blue” ride on Sept. 12, 2020 in Orleans County. Here they pass underneath a giant American flag on Route 31 in Holley.

MURRAY – A “Back the Blue” ride will cover 50 miles in Orleans County today, starting at David Paul’s property on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road.

The ride shows support for law enforcement and is expected to include several hundred participants who will leave 3823 County Line Rd. at about 1 p.m. and go to Route 31 and then head west to Medina. They will turn onto Route 63 and go north to Route 104 and then head east to Monroe-Orleans Countyline Rd. The entire ride is about 50 miles.

Before the ride there will be a rally on Paul’s property with conservative talk show host Bob Lonsberry serving as emcee. The scheduled speakers include Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer.

Monroe County Legislator Virginia McIntyre is expected to sing the national anthem.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Big Futch sings and plays the mountain dulcimer during a concert a Hoag Library in Albion today. Futch is shown singing, “John Henry was a Steel Drivin’ Man.”

Futch has been a professional musician for more than 30 years. He tours nationally and lives in Orlando, Fla.

About 50 people attended today’s concert at Hoag.

Jim Doyle, a librarian at Hoag and the music series coordinator, introduces Futch, who Doyle called “a super cool musician.”

Hoag started the concert series last year and Doyle has tried to line up musicians who haven’t performed in Orleans County before.

A state arts grant administered by GO Art! makes the concert series possible.

The concerts are free and begin at noon. The remainder of the lineup this year includes:

• Rochester Recorder Society on Aug. 17
• Alyssa Rodriguez on Sept. 14
• Muriel Anderson on Oct. 12
• Duo Tufekčić & Conant on Nov. 9
• Rochester Ukulele Orchestra on Dec. 7

ALBION – The D-R Smoke Shop has opened on South Main Street, selling tobacco, CBD gummies, cigars, non-nicotine vapes, creatine supplements, lighters and glass bongs.

Mohammed “Mo” Ayash was ready to open the business in early June but the opening was pushed back until July 22. The Village of Albion wanted Ayash to show seven dedicated parking spaces for the business, which is located in a former flower shop with apartments.

The Village Planning Board said Ayash would need a parking variance without the seven spots, but he was able to show seven marked spots for the business during the July 18 meeting. With that in order, the board and code enforcement officer approved the opening, Ayash said.

He has worked in different businesses with his family the past 15 years in Buffalo. He wanted to start his own enterprise and is happy with Albion, which he called “a beautiful town.”

The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ayash said he is listening to customers and will build up the inventory in the store.

“We are here for the people,” he said. “We are trying to give them what they want.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – James Giarla portrays a teacher in a vignette “The Kindergarten Creed” during Friday’s performance of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

The play by Robert Fulghum returns for two more shows today at the Clifford Wise Middle School auditorium in Medina. The shows start at 1 and 7 p.m., with a $5 admission.

Giarla of Lyndonville is one of eight cast members in the production by the Lake Plains Players Summer Youth Theatre Program. Other students shown in the photo include, from left: Adam-James Horton of Lyndonville, Mady Elliott of Medina and Makenzie Cook of Albion.

Other cast members include Sarah Corser, Brigham Durrant, Ella Gardner and Ashton Huth.

The LPP expanded its summer program for youth after maxing out the summer musical in recent years. There are 60 cast members in next week’s production of Mary Poppins Jr. at the Roy-Hart High School Auditorium.

“We wanted to offer more programming for more students,” LPP President Gabrielle Montgomery said about the new play for youth performers.

She said the LPP summer theater programs are drawing on students from about 10 different school districts, mostly in Orleans and Niagara counties.

Adam-James Horton is one of eight students in the play. This is the first play by LPP in the summer youth program. The community theater organization wanted to give more young people a chance to shine on stage.

“All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” features several vignettes that are reflections on life. The play lasts about an hour.

Sarah Corser of Lyndonville offers a soliloquy during a vignette about “Cinderella.”

The play is directed by Danielle Cobb. LPP utilized the Medina middle school for the first time because Roy-Hart’s auditorium is being used for LPP’s musical production this summer.

Brigham Durrant, second from left, plays a pig in a vignette about Cinderella. The play imagines a role for a pig in the famous tale. The pig proves to be a trusty companion to Cinderella, played by Ella Gardner at left. Mady Elliott and Makenzie Cook are also shown in the photo.

Mady Elliott reflects on playing hide and seek in the fall, and how many adults often play hide and seek in real life, choosing not to share their struggles and fears.

In “The Bench,” Sarah Corser, left, and Makenzie Cook share how the bench has a long history of offering place to relax, offering a retreat for everyone.

Provided photo: Passengers disembark from Medina Railroad Museum coaches on a wine train to Spring Lake Winery in Lockport. The event will return on Aug. 17 when passengers will ride in three air-conditioned dining cars.

MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum is sponsoring a special rail adventure on Aug. 17 on a wine train to Spring Lake Winery in Lockport.

Passengers can step aboard the museum’s vintage rail cars, then sit back and relax in air-conditioned coaches during the 40-minute train ride to the winery. A complimentary bottle of water will be given out onboard.

After disembarking at Spring Lake Winery, passengers will savor the tastes of wine, beer and Sangria, served by the winery.

But it doesn’t stop there, according to Dawn Winkler, events coordinator at Medina Railroad Museum.

An open bar will be available for two hours, while passengers enjoy a buffet lunch, which will feature a Mediterranean Station with hummus, tzatziki and olive tapenade served with grilled flat bread pita and vegetables; in addition to seasonal soup, potato salad, Greek pasta salad, pulled chicken sandwich with herb aioli, Italian club sandwich of prosciutto, salami and capicola with provolone and herb oil and homemade macaroni and cheese.

As a memento of this unique experience, passengers will receive a commemorative Medina Railroad Museum wine or beer glass. Chocolates and a bottle of water are included on the return ride.

If someone is looking for a memorable romantic day out for couples, a fun meet-up with friends or an exciting office outing, this excursion will fit the bill, Winkler said.

She advises dressing for the weather, as the excursion will go on, rain or shine.

Passengers are asked to check in at the museum at 10 a.m., pick up their tickets and then take time to view the historic museum. Boarding will begin at 11:15 a.m. and the train will depart at 11:30 a.m. The train will return to the museum at 3:30 p.m.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health has announced a special event at the Albion Healthcare Center to support students of the Albion Central School District.

Between now and Aug. 17 the community is invited to join the Albion Healthcare Center in gathering essential school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The hospital and Albion Healthcare Center realize school supplies can often be costly expenditures, especially with all the other costs for going back to school.

“We’re hoping our team’s effort is able to help some families, even if just a little,” said Scott

Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

Members of the community are encouraged to donate backpacks, folders, pens, pencils, colored pencils and notebooks and drop them off at the Albion Healthcare Center.

“Your generous contributions will help ensure that students in the Albion School District start their school year prepared to learn,” Robinson said.

On Aug. 17, the public and parents are invited to visit the Albion Healthcare Center between noon and 2 p.m., when some supplies will be distributed and tours given of the facility, offering an opportunity to meet with members of the Albion team. Items not distributed during the event will be provided to the Albion Central School District to be distributed as they see fit, ensuring that every donation finds its way to a student in need.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Highway 31 performed on Friday night from the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park. It rained hard earlier in the day on Friday, but the drizzle stopped in time for the bands at Bullard. This photo is taken looking through from under a big tent.

Highway 31 followed Lonesome Road and Triple Play. Today is the second day of Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9. Musicians will be on stage from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The lineup includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

Highway 31 includes Rich Nolan as the lead singer, Aaron Clark of Holley and Tim LaPorte Sr. on guitar, Clinton LaPorte on bass, and Timmy LaPorte on drums.

Rich Nolan, lead singer for Highway 31, kept the crowd entertained with ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. Here he is singing “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw.

Sheri McIlvene, left, and Susan Oschmann are selling $5 tcikets for a chance to win beer and wine packages. Oschmann has been selling the tickets this summer as a fundraiser for pickleball courts at Bullard Park.

The winning tickets will be announced at about 8:45 p.m. today in between the performances by 7^th Heaven and Tryst.

Jill Albertson is selling tickets for a chance to win a guitar and starter kit. This year’s Rock the Park is dedicated in memory of Dan Ryan, who was a key promoter of the event.

Ryan passed away at age 39 on June 23. He donated refurbished guitars as a fundraiser for past Rock the Park events. Ryan also helped with the sound, worked security and played drums in bands that performed at the music festival.

ALBION – Orleans County will be 200 years old next year. The county was officially “born” on April 15, 1825, when the State Legislature recognized Orleans as its own county, approving a separation from Genesee County.

The Orleans County Legislature wants to celebrate the milestone anniversary next year and named members to a Bicentennial Committee to help coordinate information and events for the bicentennial.

County Historian Catherine Cooper will serve as chairwoman of the group.

Other members include:

• Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
• Mark Bower, mayor for Village of Holley
• Doug Farley, director of Cobblestone Museum and Society
• Nadine Hanlon, Orleans County Clerk
• Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian
• Lynne Menz, Orleans County Tourism coordinator
• Susan Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion Historian
• Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor

The committee is to be dissolved on Dec. 31, 2025, legislators stated in a resolution.

Cooper welcomes the community’s participation in the 200th anniversary next year. She would like to see many of the existing festivals around the county in 2025 include the bicentennial as part of a theme in parades and celebrations.