By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2024 at 4:35 pm
State officials announced last week that two prisons will be closing. The Great Meadow Correctional facility in Washington County and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County are both maximum-security prisons.
They will close on Nov. 6 and about 1,000 inmates at the two sites will be transferred to the other 13 maximum-security prisons in New York, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said.
The announcement spares the two prisons in Albion – a medium-security prison (Orleans Correctional) and a women’s prison (Albion Correctional).
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said Republicans in the State Senat oppose the two prison closures, and are critical of the state for giving just over 90 days notice to the communities and employees where the prisons are located.
“Prison closures have a ripple effect — they have a negative economic impact on their host communities, a negative impact on staff who must be moved around, and can lead to overcrowding that will further endanger the brave men and women who work in the prisons,” Ortt said.
Gov. Hochul and state legislators during the budget passed in May said up to five prisons could be closed this year. That is in response to a declining population of people incarcerated.
The state also closed six prisons in 2022. The inmate population has dropped from a peak of 72,649 in 1999 to 32,465, according to The Journal News of the Lower Hudson Valley.
The union for corrections officers, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, issued this statement:
“We express frustration and continued disappointment that the State believes closing prisons will remedy significant staffing deficits and reduce historic levels of violence and that it waited a year to make their announcement further subjecting our members and their families with additional hardships,” stated union President Chris Summers.
“In the past year, staffing levels amongst officers and sergeants has decreased by over 1,600, while the prison population has increased by over 2,000 inmates. It is a formula that has led to increased attacks on staff and created unsafe working conditions.
“For years, we have demanded that DOCCS and the State of New York take decisive action to increase staffing in our prison system. The goal was always straightforward: recruit more qualified candidates and retain officers to stabilize staffing. For the past decade we have seen round after round of prison closures that have failed to fix the long-term problem,” Summers continued.
“Our members work tirelessly to provide an increasingly program-focused prison environment for incarcerated individuals as a result of the disastrous HALT Act. Additional programs require more staff, but recruitment of new officers has lagged significantly and officers eligible to retire are walking out the door in droves as a result of dangerous working conditions and mandated overtime. As a result of staffing shortages and mandatory overtime, members spend more time working in the prison then they do with their families and their quality of life suffers as a result.
“Redistributing staff through prison closures will accomplish the same thing it has always accomplished: a short-term staffing boost to a handful of facilities with little to no long-term relief. Furthermore, the State waited too long to make this announcement at a time during the middle of summer when staffing relief is needed most.
“The State of New York needs to take bold and creative action to fix the staffing issue that is creating low morale and pushing members to their limits. Closing prisons and expecting different results certainly is not bold and creative, it is shortsighted.
“NYSCOPBA will insure that proper reduction in force protocols are followed and assist members in getting the needed information to potentially make life-changing decisions for members of those two facilities. This is a lengthy process, but it happens quickly, and our members have lives and families that come before the job.
“Their lives are now further complicated by this late announcement because they will have to consider moving closer to their new prison, which requires uprooting their families on the eve of a new school year in September. It would serve the State of New York well to remember that our members have families, and they pay the price for these poor decisions.”
Press Release, Orleans County Local Development Corporation
ALBION – The Orleans County Local Development Corporation is pleased to announce registration has begun for the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP).
Beginning Sept. 19 and running through Nov. 21, MAP classes will be held on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. This comprehensive business education initiative is funded in part by a Federal Community Development Block Grant and the OCLDC to foster small business growth and entrepreneurship within Orleans County.
Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who maintain a permanent residence in Orleans County, are encouraged to apply. The course fee is $300. However, financial aid is available for qualifying applicants based on financial need.
Participants will benefit from a new curriculum designed to provide essential business education, training, technical assistance, and access to potential capital resources.
Led by industry professionals, the course spans a 10-week period and covers topics such as: legal requirements for starting a business, forms of ownership, business plan development, taxation for sole proprietors, marketing and advertising strategies, bookkeeping and record keeping, banking essentials, pricing goods and services, and cost analysis.
“The Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program is a resource for individuals looking to establish or expand their small businesses,” said Matt Holland, MAP manager. “We are committed to providing participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.”
Since 2002, there have been 544 MAP participants. Over 200 of them started a variety of businesses in Orleans County, while more than 120 were already in business.
About the Orleans County Local Development Corporation:
A division of the OEDA, Orleans County Local Development Corporation (OCLDC) is committed to fostering sustainable economic growth in Orleans County, New York. Dedicated to building a supportive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, OCLDC improves access to small business development opportunities, education, and training, while ensuring greater equity for our rural communities to thrive in the global marketplace.
12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass caught in Cayuga Lake
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Photo from DEC: James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania holds a record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass he caught in Cayuga Lake.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced a new state record for largemouth bass was set on July 11.
James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania reeled in the record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass from Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County while fishing in preparation for an upcoming bass tournament. The record-breaking catch surpasses the previous 37-year-old State record largemouth bass, caught from Buckhorn Lake, Otsego County, in 1987 by one pound and two ounces.
“It’s no secret that New York has the best bass fishing opportunities in the country and Mr. Britenbaugh’s incredible fish certainly confirms that,” Mahar said. “DEC encourages all anglers fishing in New York to check out the Angler Achievement Awards Program before dropping a line in the water. It’s an exciting program that recognizes sizable catches and shines a light on the numerous lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams producing trophy-sized fish right here in New York.”
This year, New York State landed five lakes on Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in the country. Among the New York waters included are the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), ranked as the best bass water in the nation, and Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, ranked as the seventh-best water. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and Oneida Lake made the list as well and are in Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 25 Northeastern Best Bass Lakes of 2024. Other waters across the state also offer exceptional bass opportunities and New York continues to be a destination for world class fishing.
The largemouth bass record comes weeks after a new state record for longnose gar was set. On June 21, 2024. Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County.
Both Mr. Britenbaugh and Mr. Zimmerman submitted details of their winning catches as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species and tracks state record fish. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
Provided photo: GCC says trained solar technicians are in demand.
BATAVIA – Renewable energy in the form of solar electric (photovoltaic) grid systems are expanding rapidly throughout New York State – both residentially and commercially. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for photovoltaic energy workers is projected to increase 50% or requiring 6,000 new workers over the next ten years.
GCC’s Solar Electric Technician Certificate Program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly growing solar industry. Led by Chris Kemp, director of mathematics and engineering science, this program comprises four comprehensive courses, offering a flexible and practical pathway to a rewarding career.
Why Choose the Solar Electric Technician Program?
The solar industry is booming. Solar installers are among the top five most needed workers, with entry-level jobs offering salaries of $40,000-plus per year. Local businesses are actively seeking trained professionals, making this an opportune time to join the solar workforce.
Program Highlights:
Diverse Workforce: The solar industry is known for its diverse work environment, welcoming individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Career Versatility: The skills acquired in this program open doors to various career paths, including management, sales, design (including CAD), and science/tech manufacturing.
No Experience Required: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this program is designed to provide an easy start with no prior experience necessary.
Flexible Schedule: The courses are held over seven weeks each, with classes meeting one or two nights per week, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Course Overview:
PVO101 – Intro to Solar Electric: Explore solar irradiance measurement tools, understand the functionality of solar panels, learn why solar energy is viable even in cold climates, and gain insights into other renewable energy systems.
PVO102 – Solar Design and Installation: Hands-on experience with installing solar panels on various structures; training in basic tools, metal bending, and building roof/ground-mounted arrays; and Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification.
PVO103 – Solar Codes and Standards: Detailed understanding of the Electrical Code, OSHA construction safety and NFPA electrical safety training, safety harness training and rooftop access, and national certification in solar installation.
PVO104 – Solar Business and Finance: Develop skills in creating business proposals and interacting with building/code enforcers, and drone pilot training for solar applications.
Over the past two years, every student seeking immediate employment in the solar industry after completing this program has been hired since it started in spring 2022. Others have pursued further education in business, science, engineering, or renewable energy at partner four-year institutions.
Enrollment is now open for the 2024/25 cohort, with only 16 spots available. For more information, click here or contact Chris Kemp, director of mathematics and engineering science at (585) 343-0055 x6392 or clkemp@genesee.edu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2024 at 9:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
EAST SHELBY – Don Gramlich of Oakfield leads a team of Percheron draft horses pulls a wagon full of people on a ride near the East Shelby Community Bible Church on Sunday during the annual “Old Tyme Day.”
At least 2,000 people attended the festival which offered numerous activities and food for a penny.
The church in the past 25 years or so has created a village at West Jackson Corners. The buildings housed many activities on Sunday. This photo was taken at 4:30 p.m., near the end of the six-hour festival. The crowds were much bigger earlier in the day.
Participants had a chance to make goat milk cheese, soap and goat milk fudge. Heritage activities will include horse and wagon rides, corn husk dolls, basket weaving, spinning, quilting, cheese making, candle making and woodworking.
Leo Lang, 14, of Batavia (left) and his brother Joel, 13, aim sling shots with gumballs at the giant.
The two brothers try to slay the giant with gumballs fired from sling shots.
A new barn joined the collection of buildings at West Jackson Corners. Inside the barn there was popcorn, ice cream and some sheep and rabbits.
The sign on the declares the barn as “Harvest Home – The Lord’s Barn.”
These two visit the two sheep inside the barn.
Charlie Swan keeps an eye on ice cream machines that made 20 batches with a crank. Volunteers devised an automated system so the crank didn’t need to be moved by hand.
The church also debuted a soft serve ice cream machine.
Volunteers made 325 pies and slices were a penny. The pie went fast, and was gone by about 2:30 in the afternoon.
Church members also served 2,500 hot dogs, 18 batches of soup, and lots of lemonade.
These kids sift through sand to try to find gems in one of the stations at West Jackson.
Norm Atwater of Barker leads this team of Percheron horses on one of six wagon rides available.
A choir sang many church hymns inside the East Shelby Community Bible Church during an afternoon concert.
Daily Exhibit: Pretty Bird Paradise. Interact with beautiful, chirping friends!
Trolley Building: Painting of the 1st Orleans County 2025 Bicentennial Oxen.
FAIR Feaster: Checklist available at the fair office. Eat one item at all the included vendors and win a commemorative button and be entered to win one of four $50 gift cards sponsored by the Coffee Pot Café in Medina.
9 a.m. to 11a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Commercial exhibits in place, throughout event
Carissa Klossner, 16, of Holley, left, and her friend Allison Merle, 17, of Holley feed alpacas hay and give them some attention on Sunday evening after the animals were moved into the fairgrounds. The llama and alpaca show will be on Thursday at 5 p.m.
8 a.m. – Cloverbud Horse Show followed by Walk/Trot Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Rabbit and Poultry Meeting for all Exhibitors, Wachob Building
9:20 a.m. – Cattle Barn Department Meeting for all exhibitors at Cattle Barn
9:40 a.m. – Goat/Sheep Department meeting for all exhibitors at Goat/Sheep Barn
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – 4-H Exhibits including common garden vegetables, market packages, cut flowers, indoor gardening, fruits and nuts, plant collection (and scrapbook), landscape pictures and plants, experiments, horticulture methods judged at Trolley Building
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs at 4-H Senior Council Stand
Anna Grillo, 15, of Albion and her sister Lena, 12, get their sheep settled in their pens. They also show beef and dairy animals.
11a.m. – Field Crops judged at Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. – Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged at Trolley Building
4 p.m. – Paid public admission begins at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand opens at Pie Stand
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, strolling through grounds
6 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair Opening Day Parade, throughout grounds
6:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans at flag pole on Ed Center Lawn
6:45 p.m. – Dairy Decathlon at Orleans Hub Stage
Elizabeth Dresser, 12, of Medina leads a red and white Holstein dairy animal out of a trailer on Sunday evening. Elizabeth will be showing in the dairy and beef shows this week. Chad Wall, a veterinarian with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, checked the animals for their immunization records for rabies and a respiratory vaccines. He also made sure they had been tested for BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) and didn’t have any visual signs of ringworm. There are 30 dairy and 80 beef animals at the fair this week.
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space
7 p.m. – 4-H Fashion Revue at Orleans Hub Stage
6:30 p.m. – Mini-Horse Show and Horse Driving Classes at Carlos Marcello Arena
6:30 p.m. – Trolley Building Youth Exhibits open at Trolley Building
7 p.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, strolling through grounds
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair, throughout event
Grant Kuipers, 12, of Byron has his Belted Galloway beef animal settled in at the fair on Sunday evening. The Belted Galloway is a Scottish breed with a distinctive broad white belt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2024 at 7:13 pm
President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden announced this afternoon he won’t be seeking re-election, and has thrown his support to his vice president, Kamala Harris.
Biden, in a letter to Americans, said the country has made great progress in the past 3 1/2 years.
“Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and worst economy crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden said in his letter. “We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.”
But Biden has been lagging in the polls and facing growing pressure from Democratic Party leaders and officials since a fumbling debate performance on June 27 against Donald Trump.
Biden had been insisting he was still up for the job, and wanted to accomplish ore as president with another term. He is already the oldest U.S. president in history at age 81. Trump is three years younger.
In his letter, Biden cited accomplishments included lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, making historic investments in infrastructure nationwide, and expanding affordable healthcare for Americans. The U.S. also provided critically needed care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, and passed significant climate legislation, and also appointed the first African American woman – Ketanji Brown Jackson – to the Supreme Court, Biden noted.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Here are some of the reactions to Biden’s announcement:
Donald J. Trump posted this on Truth Social: “Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border, to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more. He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard. He was not fit to serve from the very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Kamala Harris, vice president: “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.
“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY): “President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations.
“On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe.”
State Senator Rob Ortt, Republican Leader in State Senate: “The Democratic Party has shown they will do anything to cling to power. They have silenced the voice of 14.6 million primary voters and forced Joe Biden off the Democratic ticket just weeks before the convention. If Joe Biden is unfit to run, then he is clearly unfit to serve as Commander and Chief.
“The American people know the Biden-Harris administration is responsible for our wide open border, the inflation crisis, and our diminishing global stature. It’s time we send Donald Trump back to the White House to save our country.”
Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester: “President Biden has done what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. This difficult decision is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy.
“I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years and throughout his lifetime of public service. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – Genesee and Orleans County nonprofit organizations and artists seeking funding for arts related programming, events, and public art are encouraged to apply to the 2025 Statewide Community Regrant Program, administered by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) through a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
GO Art! will be accepting applications Sept. 15 through Nov. 1.
In 2023, the regrant program provided $210,000 in funding for over 50 projects in Genesee and Orleans counties. In 2024, the program provided $336,000 in funding for over 80 projects.
GO Art! will be holding free informational workshops in August and September at various locations throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. New applicants and previous applicants who have not attended a regrant workshop in 2023 or 2024 are required to attend, prior to submitting an application for the 2025 cycle. All applicants are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
Statewide Community Regrant Workshop Schedule:
Monday, August 5th, from 6-7pm at GO ART!, 201 E Main St, Batavia
Tuesday, August 6th, from 6-7pm at Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion
Monday, August 12th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
Monday, August 26th, from 6-7pm at Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Dr, Pavilion • Tuesday, August 27th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
Monday, September 9th, from 6-7pm at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave
Medina Tuesday, September 10th, from 6-7pm at Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St Oakfield
Monday, September 16th, from 6-7pm at Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott Street, Leroy
Tuesday, September 17th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
For more information on the 2025 SCR program or to register for an upcoming workshop visit www.goart.org/grants.
About the Statewide Community Regrant Program
The Statewide Community Regrant Program was developed by the New York State Council on the Arts in response to a mandate by New York’s Legislature that there be a greater local involvement in funding decisions, affecting local non-profit organizations, offering artistic or cultural services and programs, and to ensure New York State’s cultural funding reached every part of the State.
Through the Statewide Community Regrant Program, GO ART!, NYSCA and the New York State Legislature hope to extend, upgrade and increase the arts and cultural programming in Genesee and Orleans counties, making it more accessible to community members.
The goal is to make state arts support available to geographically, economically, and ethnically diverse segments of the state’s population.
GO Art!’s Statewide Community Regrant program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2024 at 8:39 am
PORTER – A 26-year-old pilot died in a plane crash after she released skydivers at about 11:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Melanie Georger of Tonawanda was killed when the Cessna 208 crashed along the Niagara Scenic Parkway, northeast of the Fort Niagara State Park, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office said.
Georger was flying the plane for Skydive the Falls. The skydivers had all been released from the plane. Georger was the only person onboard when she was heading back to land when the plane crashed, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office stated.
The crash started a brush fire around the crash site. That fire was put out by the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company. Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies, State Troopers, Town of Lewiston Police and NYS Park Police Officers all responded to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the fatal crash.
This photograph taken by Marc Cole at the 1903 Orleans County Agricultural Fair captures the excitement of a closely run race.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 22
ALBION – Horse racing was a popular attraction at the early Orleans County agricultural fairs.
In 1881, “trials of speed” were held for “green” horses owned in the county.
Races at the 1900 Fair were open to all trotters and pacers owned in the county. Prizes were 1st – $15, 2nd – $10, and 3rd – $5.
A “hitch-up” race was also offered – competitors would hitch up to any style of wagon, race one-half mile and then unhitch. By 1895, a grandstand had been built to provide a more comfortable viewing area.
By 1919, prizes had increased to $300-$400 per race, which attracted more competitors. There were 50 entries in the 1921 fair, many of them professional runners. This 1926 program, for example, shows entrants from Jamestown, Hilton, Hamburg, Rochester and Batavia.
1926 Program
It rained for three of the four fair days in 1927 and 1928, and in 1929, rain caused the cancellation of races on two afternoons.
The 1931 Orleans County Agricultural Fair offered “the largest racing program ever presented at the County Fair. Over one hundred harness and running horses representing fifteen regional stables were entered in ‘pace’ and ‘trot’ races. Races were held in the afternoon and “at night on a brilliantly illuminated track.”
Horse racing continued as an annual feature at the Orleans County Fair through the 1930s but the stresses of World War II interrupted an event that had started in 1856.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 July 2024 at 9:31 pm
BARKER – Organizers of the 2024 Barker Corn Festival are pulling out all the stops to make this best and most exciting one ever, according to organizer Heidi Dergel.
The Corn Festival had been a popular annual event in Barker for many years as a project of Barker Lions, Dergel said.
It had been discontinued for a number of years when in 2022 after a successful bicentennial event, Dergel and Ruth Dent got the idea to revive the Corn Festival.
“This year we doubled our fundraising, and it was incredible the people who came out to help,” Dergel said. “They want to see Barker growing.”
The 2024 Corn Festival on July 27 will begin with a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. on Main Street. The festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Barker Village Park on Main Street, and will have all the old favorite features and a lot of new ones, Dergel said.
New events include a corn eating contest at the Hideaway in town, a strong man competition there at 10 a.m., a petting zoo at the Farmer’s Market, a car cruise, a beer tent from the Grain House, fireworks at 10 p.m. by the Hartland Independence Day Committee at the Somerset Town Hall, more live music all day and dog training demonstrations.
Old favorites are a corn roast, activities for kids and adults, food trucks and corn hole in the Barker Fire Hall open air pavilion, local brews of wine and cider and live music under the stars by the Bad Influence Band.
Music in the afternoon will be provided in the gazebo by Evan Anstey Trio, Dark Road Duo and Barker Community Band.
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Atlas Preservation as part of their 48 States Tour: Saving America’s Graveyards.
“It is such an honor to be chosen as one of two cemeteries in New York State to be visited by Atlas Preservation this year,” said Robby Klino, president of the Friends of Boxwood. “Our small-town cemetery is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and the help to preserve it for future generations.”
The 48 States Tour will be at Boxwood Cemetery on North Gravel Road on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
The event will be led by Jonathan Appell, owner of Atlas Preservation and has decades of experience in cemetery restoration. The morning session will focus on headstone cleaning and the afternoon will focus on headstone resetting and repair.
Appell will be joined by Alicia Williams who is better known as Lady Taphos on TikTok. Williams has over 2.6 million followers on TikTok. Her motto is, “Finding peace in my life one stone at a time.” In addition, Jeremy La Zelle, a world-renown professional cinematographer, will be there as part of a documentary he his making about the 48 States Tour.
We recommend participants bring a chair, cooler, water and snacks. A pizza lunch will be provided.
We also recommend wearing old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, especially if you will be participating in the cleaning segment. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also a good idea to have on hand.
While there is no cost for the event, we would appreciate knowing how many people are attending and where they are from. If interested, please send an email to friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com with the names of those attending and where they are from.
“I cannot thank enough the members of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery and the Medina community for supporting this little gem of a cemetery,” Klino said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2024 at 9:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Maria Aurigema and Sal Iannello perform Thursday evening at State Street Park in medina for the Blue Thursdays concert series.
Aurigema is the headliner for the band that Thursday also included Michael Haggerty on drums.
The series received strong backing and promotion from Ken Daluisio of The Print Shop in Medina. Daluisio had a fatal heart attack at age 59 on July 11, just before he was going to head out of shop to go to the concert.
Micheal Fuller and Dameon Holtfoth are now running The Print Shop. They attended Thursday’s concert and said The Print Shop will continue as a big backer of the events.
Maria Aurigema, Sal Iannello and Michael Haggerty perform before a big crowd on Thursday at State Street Park. Aurigema is a school instrumental teacher in the Ken-Ton School district in her day job, and she rocks in concerts around Western New York and Canada, especially during the summer.
The blues concerts have been drawing 800 to 1,250 people to State Street Park. Thursday was another big crowd.
Gertie Montulli is among the many food vendors at Blue Thursdays. Sweet Treats by Gertie sells popcorn in 10 different flavors. She said caramel is her top seller.
Maria Aurigema has been in the concert lineup all three seasons of the Blue Thursdays in Medina.
Dave Berry sells 50/50 raffle tickets with the proceeds going to the EMS services provided by Medina Fire Department.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 July 2024 at 8:57 pm
Jake Jackson has strong showing in other tournaments
Provided photo: Jake Jackson, 15, eyes a shot at the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National championship July 8 – 12 in Quincy, Ill.
LYNDONVILLE – Jake Jackson, 15-year-old son of Roger and Terah Jackson, just competed in the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National Competition in Quincy, Ill.
Although he failed to qualify for the world championship, Jake placed fourth in the 16-year-old and younger co-ed 8-Ball qualifier against some pretty tough competition. In the 16 and under 10-ball world qualifier, he won his first two matches and finished 17th overall. According to his father, Jake was facing very tough competition, but played his best.
In the 18-year-old and under, World Heyball Qualifier Jake was 13th. He won several 9-ball mini tournaments, which were new this year. His father explained Heyball is 80-Ball played on a special 9-foot table with only three-inch pockets, as opposed to the five-inch pockets on recreational tables.
“The three-inch pockets make potting the ball very difficult,” Roger said. “The balls are 2.25 inches in diameter, so you gotta be perfect. Nearly 100 junior players played their hearts out for 12 hours on Monday through Friday, plus the final on Saturday for those in the top eight, with only short breaks between matches. The long hours, days in a row, wear players down physically and mentally. Only true champions can maintain focus through the long grueling tournament. We met some new friends and got closer to some we already knew in Quincy.”
Roger said parents, grandparents and friends drive many miles, spend countless hours and pay their own expenses to support these junior athletes.
Jake and other junior players who compete and hold a 3.0 or higher grade point average were given an academic award by the BEF. Roger explained the BEF was founded in in 1993 as a nonprofit charity to promote a lifelong love of pool and build the next generation of professional pool players through youth programs and academic scholarships.
“Jake has a few more years to compete as a junior, and says he won’t give up trying to get to the world championships,” his father said. “Also, he will continue to play on the Predator Cues-Sponsored Junior American Series.”
Jake’s next big tournament is the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour Final at Turning Stone Casino Aug. 29-Sept. 2. The Casino adds $20,000 to this tournament, for a total purse of more than $40,000. Admission is free and Roger urges anyone to come and watch some of the best professional players in the world. There are 128 players entered, he said.
The Jacksons thank everyone who supported Jake’s fundraisers and Bison Billiards in Eastern Hills Mall.
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Atlas Preservation as part of their 48 States Tour: Saving America’s Graveyards.
