Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

YATES – The Lyndonville Lions Club held to a long-standing tradition of thanking the people who have supported the club throughout the year. On Thursday, the Lions hosted their community appreciation event at the Yates Town Park.

Attendees were treated to hot dogs and sodas as Crash Cadillac entertained the crowd with a long list of classic rock and roll songs. The skies cleared just in time to allow the event to take place. A warm, but pleasant summer evening was enjoyed by all.

The Lions wish to thank all those who over the year supported the club in its many endeavors. The Lions will begin planning 2025 events in a few weeks. They did announce Octoberfest is planned for Oct. 10 at the White Birch Golf Resort. Further information about this event will be forthcoming and ticket sales will start the middle of August.

The club would like to wish all a happy and safe summer. Thank you again for the support, and may God continue to bless each individual and this great nation we live in.

Pedestrian bridge headed to Buffalo has drawn lots of interest on canal journey

A much-anticipated canal user is expected to reach Orleans County today. A tug pushing a long barge with a pedestrian bridge should reach Holley and Albion today.

Carver Companies has the bridge destined for Buffalo on two different barges. One is in Rochester and the other in Pittsford to start the morning.

Carver Companies posted on social media it would leave Rochester around 6 a.m. and head west and stop between Rochester and Lockport, and then tie up the barge and send the tug back to Pittsford to get the other barge.

It listed the estimated time of arrival as 9:15 a.m. in Spencerport, 11:15 a.m. in Brockport, 11:30 in Holley and 12:30 in Albion.

“As our journey continues we have now entered the Western End of the Canal,” Carver Companies posted. “This end of the canal has not been used for commercial traffic in quite some time. We will do our best to give accurate ETA’s but please understand that we have to take this section of canal carefully and slowly to ensure safe passage for the tug, barges, and crew. We will do our best to give everyone as accurate a time as possible.”

Carver encouraged people to follow its Facebook page for more up-to-date information.

The 266-foot-long bridge is in four sections and has travelled about 300 miles of a 370-mile-long journey on the canal. The bridge is for Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy in Buffalo for a new 266-foot pedestrian walkway that will span across interstate I-190 and the CSX rail line. It will link a new park with the lower west side neighborhood of Buffalo.

Carver Companies is using two barges that are 195 feet long and 35 feet wide to move the bridge pieces. The company has moved big cargo on the canal before. In 2017 it transported Genesee Brewing’s beer tanks.

‘Zucchini 500’ returns July 20, July 27

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Here is a sampling of some of the creative zucchini race cars youth made at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market Saturday. The event returns the next two Saturdays.

MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmer’s Market debuted a new event Saturday morning, aimed at attracting more children to the market, while entertaining the crowd.

Market manager Gail Miller got the idea for zucchini races at a meeting of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.

“I thought it sounded like fun, and checked it out on YouTube,” Miller said.

(Left) Dave Miller gives two zucchini race cars a trial run to check out the track he built, before the competition starts at Medina’s Canal Village Farmer’s Market Saturday. Fifteen youth participated in the first-time event. (Right) Bishop Stanton, 9, checks out a zucchini race car before beginning to build his own.

Miller’s husband Dave likes to design things and volunteered to make the race track. It ended up being quite an intricate project, with a finish gate and electronic switch. He spent a month working on it, Gail said. He ordered the wheels and metal axles.

Then the Millers canvassed the stores for accessories for the race cars. Children who registered for the race Saturday had a container full of feathers, stickers, flags, flowers and assorted vegetables from which to choose to decorate their cars.

“The turnout for the first Zucchini 500 was more than I expected,” Gail said of the 15 entrants. “I am so pleased. The great thing was that both children and parents had a lot of fun making their zucchini racers and then racing them.”

Axel Godfrey, 10, and his sister Mazie hold their completed zucchini race cars before entering them in the race.

Also helping with registration of racers and putting a race car together was Barb Jantzi, who is a regular volunteer at the market.

The zucchini races will continue at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market on July 20 and 27.

One entrant, Axel Godfrey, 10, said it was fun making the race car and he will do it again.

Certificates were awarded for the fastest car, best looking and the best crash.

Gail said she still hasn’t figured out the prizes, but children who enter all three weeks may get special recognition.

The races begin at 10 a.m. each Saturday and last until 1:30 p.m.

(Left) Brae Dilorenzo, 10, and Bishop Stanton, 9, are ready for the zucchini race to begin. (Right) Dave Miller’s brother-in-law Bon Bargiel, who was visiting from Westminster, S.C., got roped into weighing the zucchini race cars.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These wrist bands are available to purchase today as part of a benefit to help Dan Ryan’s family with expenses.

Dan Ryan passed away on June 23 after getting pneumonia that then caused multiple organ failure. Ryan had been battling a liver problem.

The band Eclipse performs on the stage at Dubby’s Tailgate. Eclipse followed Clueless on the stage. Chris Moore and other musicians are expected to play until the benefit ends at 9 p.m.

Ryan was the drummer of Eclipse which includes Erin Moody on lead vocals, D.J. Button on guitar, Brett Zambito on bass, and Mike Parker on drums.

Zambito said the loss of Ryan is painful for the local music community and for Albion.

“His kids just adored him,” Zambito said about Ryan, the father of Nadalee, 12, and Tyler, 6. “He was a good dude. It’s sad all around.”

There are 73 baskets and gift certificates up for raffle. Dan Conrad and Ryan’s sister Pam Kennedy helped to collect many of the baskets.

Pam Kennedy and her son Ayden, 10, sell the raffle tickets for the benefit today.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Paul Draper of Shotgun Pauly sings “Be My Baby Tonight” by John Michael Montgomery on Saturday night at the Kendall Fire Department’s Field Days. Joe Chimera, the bass player, is at right.

Shotgun Pauly closed out the two-day celebration with many country, blues and rock songs. The band includes Paul Draper as lead singer and on guitar, Michael Dyrda, rhythm and lead guitar, Gary Brown and rhythm and lead guitar as well as vocals, Joe Chimera on bass and vocals, and Nino Speranza on drums.

The Kendall Community Band and the Begging Angels band also performed on Saturday, and Highway 31 was the featured band on Friday night.

Andrew Kludt calls out the numbers at the Chuck-A-Luck Wheel, where participants could triple their money.

The Kendall Fire Department usually has a three-day carnival with amusement rides, but the fire department was unable to secure a ride company this year. Kendall FD officials said they will try to get an amusement ride provider next year.

Rather than cancel the entire carnival, the fire department and ladies auxiliary instead did a two-day field days that include a parade, tractor pull, car show, cornhole tournament, an auction and lots of food.

Evan Levett, 18, puts fries in the deep fryer on Saturday night. Levett said he has been volunteering at the field days or carnival since he was a little boy.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I like doing this. It’s helping out the community.”

Phil D’Agostino, left, hands off a hot dog to his son Charlie D’Agostino. Phil grilled sausage, hot dogs and hamburgers. He was assisted in serving the food by nine of his grandchildren.

D’Agostino said the crowds were still good for the two-day event, even though there weren’t amusement rides.

D’Agostino said the fire department sold 600 ppunds of chicken fingers, 400 dozen clams, and 150 pounds of roast beef.

Desiree Plucknette, left, and Leanne Richards serve waffles in powered sugar. The waffles were hot items at $2 each.

Elected officials are united in condemning the violence this evening in Butler, Pa., where former President Donald Trump was injured after being shot in the upper part of his right ear.

The Secret Service rushed Trump off the stage while he had blood on his face. The former president wasn’t seriously injured.

“There is no place in America for this kind of violence,” President Joe Biden said at a news conference. “It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. It cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader as a Democrat, made this statement on social media: “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul made this statement: “Any violence against a fellow American is disgusting and unacceptable. We must express political disagreements peacefully, civilly and respectfully.

“I am praying for the safety and health of former President Trump and all who are attending this event in Pennsylvania.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued this response: “My thoughts are with former President Trump and all of those affected by this horrible act, and I’m grateful to law enforcement for their swift response. Political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in American democracy.”

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson issued this statement: “As we pray for President Trump and all those who attended today’s rally where gunshots were apparently fired, let’s also pray for our country and an end to the division that is driving some people to political violence.

“The fact is, while fighting with vigor and passion for the issues that matter to us, we must remember that those who disagree are not the enemy. They are fellow Americans with a different point of view. That should be one thing we can all agree on.”

Ken Daluisio hailed for championing community, small businesses

File photo by Tom Rivers: Ken Daluisio is pictured inside The Print Shop in September 2016, when the expanded to the former Bernie’s Laundry at 124-126 E. Center St., Medina. Daluisio won the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Phoenix Award for the ambitious renovation in Medina’s downtown.

By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Ken Daluisio had just finished another busy day at The Print Shop on Thursday when he turned off his computer at 4:30 p.m. and was eager to head over to State Street Park for a blue’s concert.

Daluisio and his business are the main sponsors of the concerts, which typically bring at least 800 people to Medina.

But Daluisio collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Medina firefighters attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.

News spread of Daluisio’s death at age 59, leaving many saddened and in shock. Daluisio worked with many business owners, organizations and authors, producing signs, books and other materials.

He dispensed advice and encouragement, as well as providing a product.

“He was one of my best friends, and this is very hard, not only on me, but the entire community,” said Cindy Robinson, owner of The English Rose Tea Shoppe. “Ken was with us from the beginning of Medina’s comeback. Our sound system downtown was Ken’s idea and he spearheaded its installation. He was always there when you needed things done. He was full of ideas. He was an all-around wonderful man, devoted to his community, and I will miss him.”

It was Daluisio, along with Chris Busch, who came up with the idea of Blue Thursday concerts in State Street Park. The Print Shop was and will continue to be the major sponsor.

“Over many years, Ken and I have collaborated on so many projects, I couldn’t name them all,” Busch said. “He was generous to a fault, inspired and creative in his thinking, and a constant force for good in his community. Many a great project was hatched during one of our many afternoon conversations at his shop. His energy for the community was infectious, and I totally shared his desire to create projects that were meaningful, credible and done with professional perfection. He was one of the best of collaborators. Ken didn’t seek the spotlight. His satisfaction came from seeing the fruits of his labors benefit the community he loved.”

Provided photo: The Print Shop owner Ken Daluisio, center, poses with his right-hand men, Micheal Fuller and Dameon Holtfoth.

“Blue Thursdays was one such collaboration,” Busch continued. “Each week, he was so immensely grateful to see huge crowds of people we managed to attract – often many new to Medina – traveling here and enjoying the community. With everything Ken did, he wanted to showcase Medina in the best possible way. And he did just that, every week with Blue Thursdays and with so many other ventures. He wanted people to come away from their visit to Medina thinking, ‘Wow! What a great town. I’ll be coming back.’ Nothing made him happier.”

Darlene Hartway, Chamber director, posted this message on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce announces the passing of Kenny Daluisio of the Print Shop in Medina. He was a long-time member of the Chamber and a beloved person in our community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Jim Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Tourism Committee and the Parade of Lights, said Daluisio was a big supporter of the Tourism Committee and efforts to promote Medina.

“He really got behind us and supported our events,” Hancock said. “He was very good at his craft. He made all the banners, posters and flyers for Medina’s events. He had a wonderful business sense. He was a great community member.”

Daluisio first opened The Print Shop in 2004, and in March 2015 he acquired the building which housed Bernie’s Laundry on East Center Street. He then led an ambitious renovation of the site that earned him the Chamber of Commerce’s Phoenix Award in 2016.

When doing renovations for the expansion, Daluisio needed 13 dumpsters to haul out laundry machines and dryers, as well as the old floor, ceiling, partition walls and other debris.

The building was stripped down to four bare walls and then rebuilt with new floor, a roof, electrical system and other upgrades.

The overhauled space allowed Daluisio to add the latest state-of-the art equipment. He was a perfectionist in his field, and dedicated to providing the best and most affordable service to his customers.

Daluisio suffered a heart attack about two weeks before his death and was hospitalized to have stents put in. He was discharged with orders to go home and rest. However, he couldn’t stay from The Print Shop.

Two of Daluisio’s top employees, Micheal Fuller and Dameon Holtfoth, are expected to continue The Print Shop.

The men are in shock, but committed to continuing the business as Daluisio would have wanted.

Ken Daluisio holds a T-shirt with a four-color design that was printed in the basement of The Print Shop. Contractors needed seven dump truck loads to remove all of the debris from the basement before it was turned into usable work space.

Fuller has worked there just shy of 10 years, having started when he was a junior in high school.

“My father took me down there and asked Ken if he would give me a job,” Fuller said. “I swept floors and carried out the garbage, but soon I was answering phone, taking orders and offering to cut paper for customers. The start of my senior year, I missed a week because I wanted to quit and work in The Print Shop. Ken said if I didn’t finish school, he would let me go. I owe him a lot. I knew this was what I wanted to do.

“Ken wasn’t a boss,” Fuller added. “He was more like a dad. At times I wished he was more of a boss, but then I appreciated when he was like a dad, because it showed how much he cared. To him, this wasn’t a business. It was one of his kids.”

Holtfoth has worked there four years and shares the same respect for Daluisio.

“I came from a career in customer service and wanted a change,” Holtfoth said. “Ken drew me right in and taught me along the way. We also became friends outside of work. Mike and I thank the community for their support right now. Ken’s main goal was giving back to his community, and we will do our best to honor that.”

“As this business lives on, it will help to keep Ken living on,” Fuller said. “We will do our best to make him proud for everything he worked for.”

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: A memorial to Ken Daluisio is growing on the counter of The Print Shop on East Center Street, the business Daluisio founded. Flowers, a message from the Hellner family and a portrait painted by local artist Pat Greene of Daluisio looking at something on a wall pay a tribute to a beloved Medina citizen.

State wants to celebrate canal’s 200^th anniversary in a big way throughout next year

File photo by Tom Rivers: Kathy Hochul, shown on June 15, 2021 when she was the lieutenant governor, rows in a kayak in the Erie Canal in Medina. She was helping to promote the “On the Canals” program that offered free rental of kayaks and hydro-bikes.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the creation of the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the original Erie Canal.

Initially introduced as part of the Governor’s State of the State Address in January, this new commission will ensure that the Erie Canal Bicentennial is recognized through community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and by telling the diverse stories that comprise the state’s relationship with this historic waterway. These tangible endeavors to be undertaken throughout 2024 and 2025 will set the tone and stage for the next century of operations and opportunities along the iconic New York State Canal system.

“The Erie Canal is an integral part of New York’s story, and as we commemorate the bicentennial of this important waterway, we will honor the Canal’s history while looking ahead to its vibrant future,” Governor Hochul said. “As a lifelong New Yorker and avid boater from Buffalo who has traveled the Canal, I understand the significance of this waterway on our State’s history, and what it means not only for the identity of so many upstate communities, but also their economic livelihoods.”

The celebration will culminate with the 2025 World Canals Conference in Buffalo, September 21-25, and the departure of the Seneca Chief, Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica vessel that will reenact Governor Dewitt Clinton’s 1825 inaugural cross-state journey along the Erie Canal to New York Harbor.

Leading up to the culminating events in Buffalo in 2025, the commission will support community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and the telling of diverse stories in recognition of the celebration’s theme, “Raising More Voices.” Some of these activities include:

• Community Events: Numerous events across Upstate New York funded by the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor grant program.
• Arts and Culture: Partnerships with New York State orchestras featuring emerging and diverse composers and offering canalside concerts and educational programing.
• Academic Forums: In partnership with the State University of New York and the Department of State, the SUNY / Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum Series will include a schedule of public lectures and panel discussions covering a range of topics and hosted at SUNY campuses. These sessions will explore how the Canal system can be revitalized and maximized as a driver of upstate economic development and environmental stewardship.
• Bicentennial Promotion Toolkit: Supported by funding from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and I LOVE NY, communities across the Canal can host local celebrations and promote consistent messaging, social media images and video, fact sheets, display banners and giveaways to build excitement and momentum toward September 2025.
• Legacy Projects: Ribbon cuttings for major community waterfront enhancements and new investments in preservation projects and recreational trails and amenities.
• Economic Development: Investment announcements from the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation to ensure the Canal remains an economic driver for upstate communities as it enters its third century of operation.

These events will highlight the vital role of the Canal system as a historic example of New York’s spirit of ingenuity and its contemporary role as a driver of upstate economies and as a public recreational asset.

To be co-chaired on a volunteer basis by First Gentleman of New York William J. Hochul Jr., and New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton, the commission will be responsible for the planning, scheduling, and execution of a series of public meetings and commemorative events throughout 2024 and 2025.

The commission co-chairs will be joined by honorary commission members including New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley; Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development; and Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tem of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to set the stage for the next century of operations and opportunities along the 524-mile New York State Canal system.

First Gentleman and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair William J. Hochul Jr. said, “As we near the 200-year mark of the Canal’s operation, I cannot think of a better group to lead our efforts in uplifting the diverse voices that make up the shared history of our canal. Growing up in Buffalo, I saw first-hand the significance of the canal to my community – not just for boating and recreation, but also as a steadfast driver of tourism and economic growth. I am proud to co-chair this commission alongside some of the brightest minds in our state, and I look forward to all the events and discussions to come.”

Canal Corporation Director and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Brian U. Stratton said, “On the eve of the Erie Canal’s 200-year anniversary milestone, we are excited to be working with Governor Hochul, the First Gentleman, and our stakeholders and agency partners to establish the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission. The Erie Canal holds a special significance in New York’s history, and we will engage in a robust two-year plan to mark this anniversary and celebrate the next century of operations and opportunities along the entire Canal System to ensure a vibrant and more inclusive future. The Bicentennial Commission will acknowledge the historic waterway and its ongoing impact on upstate communities through community events, capital investments in canal infrastructure, and the storytelling of diverse narratives that tell New York’s and the nation’s profound relationship with this historic waterway.”

To stay informed of Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission activities and events, please visit www.canals.ny.gov.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo provided by DEC: Chuck Zimmerman holds his record-breaking fish.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced a new state record for longnose gar was set on June 21.

Using a topwater swimbait, Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County. The record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record longnose gar, caught from Lake Champlain in 2018, by one pound and four ounces.

“DEC congratulates Mr. Zimmerman on an impressive catch and encourages all anglers to take advantage of the state’s plentiful fishing opportunities in the hopes they too can catch a new state record or other Angler Achievement Award when they cast their next line,” said DEC interim commissioner Shane Mahar.

The prehistoric longnose gar prefer shallow weedy areas of larger lakes and can be found swimming near the water’s surface. In New York, longnose gar are primarily found in the St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lake Champlain, eastern Lake Ontario, and larger tributaries to these waters.

Evolutionarily speaking, longnose gar are considered living dinosaurs and New York is fortunate to have these fish swimming in its waters today. Their long, needle-like snout is filled with rows of teeth, making them unmistakable from other fish species.

Mr. Zimmerman submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which also 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.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

ALBION – Orleans County has been notified that it will be awarded a $13,846 for Phase 40 and $13,645 for Phase 41 federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as appropriated by Congress through FY2022.

Applications are due from qualified organizations by July 31.

The National Board consists of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. More about the national program is available online at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

A local board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help supplement food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The local board will determine how the funds awarded to Orleans County are to be distributed among local qualifying agencies.

The Orleans County Emergency Food & Shelter Program Board is encouraging local agencies that meet requirements to apply for the funds. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an adequate accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have an active voluntary board of directors. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

The deadline for applications to be submitted online is July 31. Non-profit organizations or public agencies interested in applying for funding may contact local board chair Katrina Standish at (585) 589-5605, ext. 103 or via email at KStandish@caoginc.org.

Provided photo: Jake “the Snake” Jackson of Lyndonville, 15, is currently competing at the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National Championship in Quincy, Ill.

LYNDONVILLE – Jake “the Snake” Jackson, 15-year-old son of Roger and Terah Jackson, is pursuing his dream this weekend at the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National Championship in Quincy, Ill.

In an e-mail this morning, Roger said Jake is currently in fourth place and playing this morning for third, after winning his first two matches.

“The competition is tough, but Jake is playing his best,” Roger said.

Jake qualified for a spot in the national competition by winning the New York State Junior Championships in Endicott.

Five from this competition will be chosen to represent the USA in the world championship in New Zealand.

MEDINA – Brody Hoffmeister is proud of a family legacy with Rudy’s Soda Bar & Café, a Medina mainstay since it opened in 1988 by his grandparents, Joseph and Debra Russo.

Hoffmeister’s mother Kelly Duffield also was a key force in making Rudy’s such a welcoming establishment.

Hoffmeister’s mother passed away from cancer at age 49 on Oct. 21, 2019. His grandmother died at age 70 on March 26, 2023.

Hoffmeister, 30, said the losses were painful, and they thrust him into running the popular diner much sooner than he expected. He has been the owner since Jan. 1, 2020, about 2 1/2 months before Covid hit and the restaurant had to close to eat-in customers for a few months.

Hoffmeister and Rudy’s have worked through those challenges. Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio want to go take Rudy’s from surviving to thriving. Hoffmeister works in the kitchen while his wife handles the front. He said Pangrazio has been critical in seeing Rudy’s through the recent challenges.

“Rudy’s has been an everything day for me my whole life,” Hoffmeister said. “But if you don’t change with the times, you’re going to be lost to the times.”

In the past year he has sought to gain more control in his life, and the future of Rudy’s. He has lost 90 pounds. And now he has revamped the menu at Rudy’s, looking to streamline the business and not discard so much food.

Hoffmeister is looking to make some interior renovations to maintain a 1950s’ diner look throughout the eating area. Hoffmeister said the soda bar side is currently in a ’50s’ décor with the dining room more of a country style in the 1980s and ’90s. (Rudy’s is partnering with Manna Made, LLC to reignite the brand and marketing, bringing it back to their roots and classic diner feel.)

Rudy’s has recently introduced a new type of hamburger patty that is juicier than what they were offering the past 25 years. Hoffmeister wants honest customer feedback and so far the reviews of six different burgers has been very favorable.

He also has teamed up with Jimmy Z’s of Brockport using that establishment’s meat sauce and mac salad.

“People love it,” Hoffmeister said about the Jimmy Z’s fare combined with Rudy’s. “We’ve done over 2,000 plates since January.”

Rudy’s is serving up gourmet milkshakes, including a caramel brownie milkshake. Hoffmeister said it is part of a push to return to a 1950s classic diner experience.

For now, that means a leaner menu. Hoffmeister said more specials will added in the fall.

He is trying to adapt to a restaurant industry that has suffered since the Covid pandemic, where at least 10 percent of the establishments have closed since 2020.

Rudy’s used to have primarily eat-in customers. But since Covid, takeouts have gone from 20 percent of the business to 65 percent. Hoffmeister wants to see more long-time customers, and new ones, came back and enjoy a meal in the diner at 118 West Center St. Rudy’s also has utilized the Door Dash delivery service since 2021.

Rudy’s is in a  competitive food scene in Medina. When Rudy’s opened 36 years ago, there were four restaurants. Now Hoffmeister counts at least 17 options.

Rudy’s offered so many items on the menu, 30 to 35 different specials, that it was difficult to maintain consistency in the food, especially when many long-time employees didn’t come back after Rudy’s was forced to scale down during the early days of Covid.

Hoffmeister is going to a smaller menu with the focus on quality and presentation, and then will look to expand the menu in the fall. The core menu will stay with burgers, melts and wraps.

Rudy’s currently has 10-12 employees, which is down from the 25 before Covid.

“With Covid the restaurant industry changed,” he said. “We’re going to make our focus quality over quantity. There will be much more consistency.”

LYNDONVILLE – What threatened to be a complete washout actually turned out to be a very successful event for the Cobblestone Museum on Wednesday evening.

That was their annual mid-summer garden tour, this year at the wonderful gardens of Jim and Connie Fisher on Millers Road.

Wednesday morning, Shirley Bright Neeper, who co-chaired the event with Joyce Chizick, e-mailed that she was heart-broken over the weather forecast, which predicted high winds, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Bright expected nobody would come and they would be sitting under the tent eating up the delicious snacks Chizick had prepared.

Miraculously, the weather broke mid-afternoon and the sun even partially came out.

 And so did the people.

There were 80 guests who came to view the exotic gardens at the Fisher home, all in full bloom, and enjoy the snacks. Neeper was sure attendance would have been double, had it not been for the weather.

Guests and Cobblestone Museum volunteers enjoyed conversation under the tent during Wednesday’s garden tour. From left are Chris Sartwell of Albion, Holley Mayor Mark Bower and Sue and Jim Bonafini of Kendall. Sue is assistant director of the Cobblestone Society.

Doris Antinore of Albion was one of the guests, who couldn’t stop raving about the evening.

“The gardens were absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Especially the lilies. They were all colors. I can’t imagine having that much garden to care for. They were so beautiful I can’t even describe it. I’ve never seen anything like it. And the snacks were so delicious.”

Neeper said everyone who came had a wonderful time. One band didn’t come because of the weather. However, Mike Grammatico offered to play his saxophone under the tent throughout the entire evening.

“How lucky we were the flowers didn’t get beat up by the wind and rain,” Neeper said. “A lady just a mile north said her lilies were laying on the ground. God was good to us.”

Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley added his praise to the event.

“It was a huge success, even with the threat of terrible weather,” Farley said. “Overall, we were very lucky. We had a good turnout and gardens were beautiful.”

He extended special thanks to Garden Walk Chairs, and Shirley Bright Neeper and Joyce Chizick for co-chairing the event.

Wayne Miller of Wayne Miller Roofing and Siding built and donated a birdhouse door prize, which was won by Carole Patterson of Albion.