Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group President Chris Busch
MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the popular Medina summer music series, is returning for another run in 2024 with seven of the best blues bands in WNY. The Print Shop, in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com, will again produce the series.
The free summer blues concerts takes place Thursday evenings, June 20 through Aug. 8, at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. There will be no concert on Thursday, July 4.
The Print Shop of Medina is the sole underwriter of the event and is the driving force behind the series. They have partnered with the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking top regional blues talent from the Buffalo area.
Headlining the much-anticipated opening night of the series is the Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. That performance is set for June 20 at 6 p.m.
The series, conceived several years ago, is the brainchild of The Print Shop and ORG.
“We decided that it was time we put our expertise and financial backing to work here in Medina to benefit the community,” said Ken Daluisio, owner/operator of The Print Shop. “Blue Thursdays brings an average of 800 people from across WNY to Medina every Thursday night, many of them new to Medina. These past two years, we’ve learned that many of those people have returned on other days to explore what Medina has to offer. The positive effects of this event on the community have been absolutely great in so many ways.”
The Print Shop is a full service, commercial printing, publishing and graphic arts operation in Medina. ORG, a local arts and culture not-for-profit, has been promoting and executing world-class music events locally since the late 1990s.
“The partnership has produced a premier music event featuring outstanding bands and professional promotion,” Daluisio said. “It’s a first-class event all the way and we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo area.
“We’ve booked top-tier spectacular talent that people may not have had a chance to see anywhere locally,” Busch said. “Many of these artists have been playing for years alongside some of the greatest names in the business. They’re hall-of-famers, nationally-renowned and award-winning musicians, songwriters and recording artists. We’re incredibly excited to bring bands of this caliber to Medina.”
The 2024 Blue Thursdays line-up includes:
June 20: The Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington
June 27: Dave Viterna Group
July 11: Nickel City Blues Band
July 18: Maria Aurigema
July 25: Thurman Brothers Band
Aug. 1: Frank Grizanti Band
Aug. 8: Tommy Z Band
“We want to give a big shout out to Dave Viterna who at the outset of this project three years ago, opened the doors to many of these bands for us,” Busch said. “Dave was instrumental in helping us get Blue Thursdays off the ground. He’s a music legend in Medina and WNY, and the series just wouldn’t be right without DVG on stage.”
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
Concert goers will be able to enjoy a wide variety of food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Greenlief’s On The Go. Refreshments will again provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks, along with Blue Groove Coffee.
“For gig updates, any cancellations and venue information, people should go primarily to the ‘Blue Thursdays Medina’ Facebook page,” Busch said. “Further information and details can also be found on the web at bluethursdays.com and from weekly ads on The Orleans Hub.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2024 at 1:13 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – A train from Genesee Valley Transportation hit a flatbed tow truck at about noon today. The truck from A & M Transmissions and Complete Automotive Center had just left a parking area north of the railroad tracks when the truck stalled on the tracks as a train was rounding the bend to the east.
The train hit the front side of the truck which then was pushed into a railroad crossing sign, knocking it down.
A state trooper on the scene said the driver of the truck initially was “shaken up” but is OK. No one else was injured and no violations will be issued, the trooper said.
The train is expected to be stuck on the tracks, blocking Fancher Road (Route 387) for extended period of time while GVT waits for a mechanic to fix an air leak in the engine.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2024 at 12:01 pm
ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to five years in state prison on Wednesday for a crime spree that included one felony and four misdemeanors from September 2022 to April 2023.
Alexander C. Gelo
Alexander C. Gelo, 32, was given the maximum sentence as part of a plea deal. In addition to five years in prison, Judge Sanford Church gave Gelo five years of post-release supervision.
Gelo, 32, was wanted on a warrant when he charged following a traffic stop on Feb. 28, 2023 on Ridge Road in the Town of Gaines. The warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on Feb. 14, 2023 when Gelo allegedly made threats to physically harm a witness in a criminal proceeding against Gelo.
Gelo pleaded guilty on March 27 to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a charge that carries 3 ½ to 15 years in prison. Gelo admitted in court today to having a loaded 9 mm handgun.
He also pleaded guilty to the following charges:
• Menacing in the second degree for displaying a semiautomatic handgun to a person on Sept. 19, 2022 with the intent to scare the person, causing a reasonable fear for safety.
• Criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree for having someone else’s Bank of America credit card on Sept. 21, 2022 with the intent of using to benefit himself.
• Aggravated harassment in the second degree for using Facebook messenger on Feb. 11, 2023 to send threatening messages to a woman.
• Assault in the third degree for hitting a woman in the head with a hammer on April 23, 2023.
In other cases in County Court on Wednesday:
• Kevin McEwen, 41, of Kendall was sentenced to two years in state prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. McEwen was charged after firing two rounds from a Glock near people on Sept. 18 in Kendall in a dispute over car repairs.
McEwen admitted in court on Feb. 28 to having a loaded firearm, and shooting it at a zucchini to scare people.
• Edward Dunn, 38, of Middelport was arraigned for third-degree burglary, criminal mischief in the second-degree and petit larceny for his alleged role in a break-in in March on North Main Street in Lyndonville.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Maison Albion has ornaments made in the likeness of the building at 13800 County House Rd., formerly known as The Pillars.
ALBION – Maison Albion, the luxurious events venue housed in a historic Victorian mansion, today announced the launch of its first Artist in Residence program.
Beginning Feb. 1 through March 29, 2025, the program will provide an unparalleled creative retreat for professional artists across a variety of disciplines.
The Artist in Residence program welcomes applications from professional and emerging artists within literature, visual arts, music composition, performance art, film, and more. In exchange for the invaluable creative time, artists will be requested to gift one original piece of work inspired by their experience at Maison Albion.
“We are honored to open the exceptional Maison Albion estate as a creative sanctuary for artists from all nations and backgrounds,” said Kerri Glover, Maison Albion’s owner. “This program reflects our deep respect for the arts and our commitment to fostering an environment where creative brilliance can flourish.”
As long-standing patrons of the arts, the owners of Maison Albion are thrilled to support the creative process by offering residencies that provide world-class accommodations, exceptional amenities, and a richly inspiring environment. Selected artists will enjoy a transformative experience with:
1 to 3 week residency options in well-appointed double rooms
Complimentary housekeeping services and grocery provisions
24/7 access to a historic mansion, 7 acres of gardens, an open studio/piano space
Full use of a screening room, billiards room, library and sitting rooms
Courtesy transportation from airports and train stations
Inclusive excellence remains a core value, and Maison Albion encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Prospective artists can find full details and apply online (click here) by Oct. 1, 2024. Questions may be directed to Kerri Glover at bonjour@maisonalbion.com.
About Maison Albion
Maison Albion is a 1878 mansion features a breathtaking ballroom and parklike grounds reminiscent of a late 19th century French estate. Close to Buffalo, Rochester, Toronto, and New York City, but located in the quaintest town of Albion, New York, you will find the most magical wedding and event venue. With elegant interiors and lush gardens, the historic estate provides an exceptional backdrop for life’s most meaningful celebrations and creative pursuits.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2024 at 9:02 am
New basketball courts will host 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday
Photo by Tom Rivers: These two play a pickup game last month on the new basketball courts at Bullard Park. The courts have been busy since they opened last October.
ALBION – The new basketball courts at Bullard Park will host a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament on Saturday during the Strawberry Festival.
There will be trophies for winning teams, and T-shirts for all participants. The cost is $20 per player, and the tourney is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 18. The deadline to register is 10 p.m. on Friday. Click here for more information or email Susan Oschmann, tournament organizer, at susanoschmann@gmail.com.
This is the first tournament on the new courts, which opened last October. Last year the tourney was held during the festival on a closed off section of Main Street, between Bank Street and Beaver Alley.
The tournament is part of a fundraising push for lighting and fencing for the new basketball courts, and also to add two pickleball courts. There currently is fencing on the south side facing East Avenue.
The basketball courts also were intended to be used for pickleball, with a portable net brought out. But the courts are consistently in demand for basketball, making it a challenge for pickleball players.
“The courts are always packed and hard to get on to play basketball let alone pickleball,” said Oschmann, who is chairwoman of the Bounce for Bullard effort.
The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc., a non-profit organization, has received a grant to pay for the pickleball posts and nets. The G-ACRE group is trying to raise about $45,000 for the lights, fencing, benches and pickleball courts. It has a GoFundMe for people to donate.
Once the Bullard courts are complete, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events wants to work to install smaller quarter courts in the “pocket parks” in the village.
“We believe that having basketball facilities in these parks is vital for the well-being and recreation of our community members,” Oschmann said. “Both children and adults can benefit from the joy and camaraderie that playing basketball brings.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2024 at 9:18 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jim Aina, left, and Mike Rutkowski of the band Carlton Station opened the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series this evening at the amphitheater at Bullard Park.
Albion will have concerts 11 Wednesdays and all will be at Bullard Park this year, after some of the concerts have been by the canal and in the downtown in recent years.
The concerts are mainly funded with state arts money that is administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Bidleman Ford also is a sponsor of the concerts this year.
The events include food and beverage vendors. This evening there was the Albion Masonic Lodge, Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, and Last Call Cocktail Co.
Carlton Station’s Jim Aina and Mike Rutkowski performed on the amphitheater while people brought lawn chairs to the park. Chris Moore followed Carlton Station on the stage this evening.
The concerts are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except on July 3 when there are two bands performing from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The lineup for the rest of the year includes:
June 12: Albion Jazz Band
June 19: Triple Play
June 26: Highway 31
July 3: Ryan and Company from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Who Dats from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
July 10: Soul Street
July 17: Zackstreet Boys
July 24: Grupo IFE
July 31: Savage Cabbage
Aug. 7: Shot Gun Pauly
Aug. 14: Eclipse
Aug. 21 and Aug. 28: rain dates
The spray park was popular this evening at Bullard, providing some relief on a warm day.
Other concert series in Orleans will be getting started soon.
The Yates Community Library’s Concerts on the Lawn is on Mondays from June 24 to Aug. 26.
The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association has concerts on Tuesdays at the Orleans County Marine Park from June 25 to July 30 (with Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 as rain dates).
Medina’s Blue Thursdays are at State Street Park on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 8.
The Village of Holley’s Concerts at the Gazebo are Fridays from July 5 to August. 23.
Provided photo: Shelly Harling, a director with the Lyndonville Area Foundation, presents a check from the Foundation to Wes Bradley, a Lyndonville Lions Club member and chairman of the fireworks celebration.
LYNDONVILLE – Again this year, the Lyndonville Area Foundation has made a significant donation toward the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual 4th of July celebration.
The Foundation has given $15,000 to the Lions Club, which is planning its 50th annual July Fourth festival. The Foundation has earmarked $5,000 of this contribution to be used toward bands for the parade and musical entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.
The additional $10,000 will go toward the once-in-a-half-century fireworks display being planned.
The Lyndonville Lions Club receives contributions toward the fireworks display throughout the year from many area organizations, businesses and individuals, who have been and continue to be remarkable supporters of the event.
As a result, the contract for this year’s commemorative fireworks show is the largest display in the 75-year history of Young Explosives, a professional fireworks producer out of Rochester.
ALBION – Orleans County Board of Elections Commissioners Michael Mele and Janice Grabowski today announced information related to the June 25th Primary Elections in Orleans County.
There are only primaries for the Republican ballot line and as such, under New York State law, only registered Republicans can vote in these primaries.
There are countywide primary contests for District Attorney and Coroner. For District Attorney, the election is between Susan M. Howard and John S. Sansone. For County Coroner, voters can choose 3 candidates between Kevin P. Dann, Julie A. Woodworth, Rocco L. Sidari and Scott M. Schmidt.
There is a primary in the 24th Congressional District between Claudia Tenney and Mario Fratto.
There is also a primary for Carlton Council member for a one-year term to fill a vacancy between John L. Olles and Jeffrey A. Gifaldi.
The remaining elections are for members of the Republican County Committee. In Shelby District 3, choose two between Bruce R. Schmidt, Alana J. Koneski and Stephen J. Seitz, Sr. In Shelby District 4, choose for any 2 between John H. Pratt III, Benjamin D. Flansburg and Thomas J. Winans.
In Yates District 2, choose for two between Terry L. Chaffee, Jr., William C. Jurinich, Lynne M. Johnson and Steven A. Colon.
Those who are not currently registered but wish to enroll to vote in the June primary elections must do so by June 15. Early voting begins on Saturday, June 15 and runs through Sunday, June 23 at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
Dates and hours are as follows:
Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those with questions can contact the Orleans County Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274. For more election information, click here.
Vote will be June 20 whether to acquire 153 acres to expand town park
Press Release, Town of Yates
YATES – The Town of Yates has changed the deadlines for applications for absentee ballots for the upcoming special election for the Yates Town Park expansion proposition.
The new extended deadlines for registered Yates voters are:
Thursday, June 13, at 4:30pm is the deadline for an absentee voter to have their application for absentee ballot be received by mail by the Yates Town Clerk.
Wednesday, June 19, at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline for the Town Clerk to receive an application for an absentee ballot if it is delivered personally by the voter or by his/her agent.
The deadline to submit their actual absentee ballots has not changed – it is election day. All absentee ballots must be hand-delivered by the voter’s designated agent or, if mailed, the absentee ballot must be postmarked to the Yates Town Clerk no later than June 20 at 8 p.m.
The special election for in-person voters will take place on Thursday, June 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Yates Town Hall (8 S. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098).
The ballot referendum will read: “Utilizing grant funds, shall the Town of Yates be authorized to purchase 153.3 acres from NYSEG for $700,000 to expand the Yates Town Park? YES or NO”
There will be two public meetings open to all and attended by town board members to discuss the proposal and to answer questions: Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Yates Town Hall; and Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. at the Yates Town Park (north terminus of Morrison Road).
Yates Supervisor Jim Simon encourages people to attend the public forums, to email him (jamesjsimon11@gmail.com), or to call him (716-946-2075) if there are any questions.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is sponsoring a proposal in the state Assembly that would eliminate the registration fee for Gold Star mothers’ and Gold Star family members’ distinctive license plates.
Hawley believes this initiative is a small way for New York to show its appreciation for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“As an Assemblyman and a veteran, one of my top priorities is finding ways to give back to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Hawley said. “Gold Star families have given so much for our country and this is just one small way for our state to show our gratitude for all they have done. I’m proud to sponsor this proposal and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider this initiative to show our thanks to our Gold Star families.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) attended a joint press conference on Tuesday afternoon to call out the unacceptable and persistent release of cop-killers by the New York State Parole Board.
Since 2017, 41 cop-killers have been released. Hawley was joined by his colleagues in the state Assembly and Senate and members of the law enforcement community to advocate for police officers and their families.
Hawley has sponsored a proposal (A.3481) that would require life without parole for the first-degree murder of a police officer. The Majority, however, has not allowed this initiative to move forward in the lawmaking process.
“New York State’s Parole Board has failed us,” said Hawley. “These are the people who are supposed to keep dangerous criminals locked up, but instead they’re letting them move in next door. Our police officers are the fabric of our society. An attack on one of them is an attack on our way of life. These cop-killing cowards belong in jail, no ifs, ands or buts. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the state Assembly and Senate until we have a parole board that actually cares about protecting victims, not rewarding criminals.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2024 at 9:14 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – A parade of vehicles from the Town of Carlton Highway Department and Carlton Volunteer Fire Department makes its way down Route 98 on Saturday, while kids spring into action to grab candy.
The town celebrated its second annual “Old Home Days” event on Saturday with a parade and activities at the Carlton Rec Hall and town park, including concerts from two bands: Coupe de Ville and then the Stony Creek Band.
Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said the town wants to make “Old Home Days” an annual event, likely the first Saturday in June.
“We had a very good crowd, they stuck around most of the day,” she said. “It’s very fun. A lot of kudos to the people who work for the town. Everybody had their hand in it.”
Kids gather to get some of the candy tossed during the parade.
Ashbery said she would like to see bands and more floats in the parade next year.
“We want to make it bigger and better each year,” she said.
Carlton’s Little League team has fun in the parade.
As part of a bicentennial celebration last year, Carlton organized its first parade since the 1970s. A parade expected to become an annual event for the “Old Home Days.”
Z.A.M. Yohe Draft Horses pulls a group of local officials on a wagon in the procession down Route 98 during the parade on Saturday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 June 2024 at 8:43 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gertie Motulli, left, of Sweet Treats by Gertie and Beth Miller of Wild Flour Deli & Bakery served up tasty snacks and food during last year’s flea market at the Cobblestone Museum. Vendors are sought for this year’s market on July 20.
CHILDS – A popular event and fundraiser for the Cobblestone Museum is their annual flea market, scheduled this year on July 20.
Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Society and Museum, urges anyone interested in participating as a vendor to reserve a space by calling (585) 589-9013.
The museum is seeking crafters, antique vendors or any others to sell goods of all sorts on the museum grounds, near the intersection of routes 98 and 104, just north of Albion. Households, individuals and organizations are welcome.
Hours for the flea market are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost for a 10’ x 10’ space is $20 on a first-come, first-served basis. Vendors should bring their own table, chairs and canopy, if possible. There is some partial shade.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) celebrated the 100th anniversary of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at several commemorative events across New York’s 24th District last week.
Tenney joined CBP agents from across the Buffalo Sector of the Northern Border which spans 450 miles of the border with Canada from the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line to Jefferson County, New York.
At one of the events, Tenney presented a Congressional Proclamation to Chief Patrol Agent Thomas Martin of the Buffalo Sector, recognizing his and his agents’ dedication to the country. Tenney also joined Rochester CBP Station Chief Juan Ramirez and Deputy Sector Chief James Damato at a ceremony to thank them and their agents for their service.
“Due to President Biden’s disastrous border policies, there has been an alarming surge in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, putting our courageous Customs and Border Protection agents in unprecedentedly challenging situations and endangering our communities,” Tenney said. “Our border protection agents need more support than ever, and I remain dedicated to ensuring they have the resources and backing necessary to safely and effectively do their jobs. Last week, I joined members of the Customs and Border Protection from the Buffalo Sector to celebrate CBP’s 100th anniversary and to thank them for their unwavering commitment to securing our borders. I will always support our CBP agents and their mission to protect our nation.”
