MEDINA – A Medina student has been charged with making a terrorist threat for allegedly making a threat on social media.

Medina police interviewed witnesses and collected evidence and determined there is no threat to school staff, students of community members, Medina Police Chief Todd Draper and district superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski stated in a press release.

The student has been charged with a felony. The police and school district were made aware of the threat on October. 18, and the student was charged on Monday. The name isn’t being released due to the age of the person.

The police department and school district urge community members to report any threats so they can be investigated.

“The Medina Police Department and Medina Central School District recognize and take very seriously any mention of violence or threats made against our school district or community,” Draper and Kruzynski stated in the press release.

ALBION – Orleans County has been awarded an $11,562,698 state grant to upgrade wireless internet service throughout the county.

The Orleans County Department of Planning and Development applied for the grant through Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. This will allow the county to increase wireless internet speeds from the current 25 Mega Bit Per Seconds (Mbps) to 100 (Mbps).

The county recently completed a build-out of a wireless internet system. There are now 19 towers and the county will add two or three more, likely near Lake Ontario where there are gaps in internet coverage, county officials said.

Orleans has two years to complete the project, upgrading the internet infrastructure on all the towers so 100 Mbps is available in download and upload speeds. The grant also will include a digital literacy component to help people learn about the technology.

County legislators accepted the grant on Tuesday and accepted a bid of $11,216,500 from North Shore Networks LLC in Medina to implement the faster internet service.

That company is led by Duston Ellis, who worked over a decade in Kentucky for Broadlinc, helping run a high-speed internet service in a rural area.

Ellis moved to Medina to be near his wife’s family. He expects to hire a project manager and two technicians as part of the effort in Orleans County.

Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets

WILLIAMSVILLE – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.  (Tops has stores in Orleans County in Albion and Medina.)

This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families.

On Monday, November 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “This annual savings is just one of the many ways we wanted to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”

Additionally select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. Flags will be on sale through Veterans Day.

Photo from findagrave.com: The gravesite for Benjamin Darling on Saturday will add marker signifying he served in the Revolutionary War.

SHELBY – There will be a ceremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday when a marker is dedicated for a Revolutionary War soldier buried at the Maple Ridge Cemetery.

Benjamin Darling served with the 7^th Connecticut Regiment and wintered at Valley Forge. He was born July 6, 1758 at Lunenburg in Worcester County, Massachusetts. He died at age 82 on Feb. 7, 1841. Maple Ridge Cemetery is at 12055 Maple Ridge Rd., just west of Sourced Market & Eatery and Culvert Road.

Brent Downing, president of the Rochester chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, said a contingent from the chapter will be at the dedication service on Saturday, wearing Revolutionary War uniforms, offering a musket salute and playing Taps.

A descendant of Darling’s, who now lives in Pontiac, Mich., also will attend the service, Downing said.

Provided photos: Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank accepts the gavel to serve as president of New York State County Treasurer’s and Finance Officers Association. She succeeds Kevin Gardner, right, the treasurer of Oswego County.

ALBION – Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank is serving as president of the New York State County Treasurer’s and Finance Officers Association.

DeFrank was sworn in as president on Friday at the organization’s annual meeting in Liverpool.

DeFrank has served as the county treasurer since Jan. 1, 2018. She worked in the treasurer’s office for 24 years before that.

She said the statewide association has been very helpful, providing a network of knowledge from other treasurers and finance officers around the state from counties of all sizes.

“I find this group to be extremely helpful in the positions that we hold,” DeFrank said. “There is no ‘employee manual’ to this job. Being involved with this organization is the best networking that exists.”

The association puts on an annual finance school, in conjunction with the State Comptroller’s Office.

“It’s 2 ½ days of informative classes where we can ask questions and obtain current information,” DeFrank said. “To me, there is no other better source of info than a colleague that has held the position for a while. They offer experiences and knowledge that for me far outweigh anything that is written.”

As president, DeFrank will preside over all meetings of the NYSCTFOA, appoint members of standing committees, create special committees, serve on the Finance School committee, and plan the annual summer conference.

Kim DeFrank and the Treasurer’s Office recently relocated the office from East Park Street to Main Street at the former Bank of America next to Subway. DeFrank paid to have a plaque made, listing all 31 treasurers in the county’s history, dating back to 1825.

CAMBRIA – A 21-year-old man carried a replica of a long gun, intending to scare students at the Orleans/Niagara B.O.C.E.S/ Niagara Academy in Sanborn, the Naiagar County Sheriff’s Office said.

Owen Weidenboerner

Owen Weidenboerner, 21, of Cambria was charged with attempted menacing in the 2nd degree.

The Niagara County Communications Center received a 911 phone call today at 1:48 p.m. with report of a male walking down Saunders Settlement Road in the area of Shawnee Road carrying what appeared to be a BB gun and waving it around, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release.

Sheriff’s personnel responded to the area and located a male (Weidenboerner) matching the description on Saunders Settlement Road just east of Baer Road. He was carrying what appeared to be a long gun.

Weidenboerner was ordered to drop the weapon, which he complied to, and was quickly detained. The weapon he was carrying was a replica long gun which was not capable of firing, the Sheriff’s Office said.

After Weidenboerner was detained, he told Sheriff’s personnel he intended to walk to the Orleans/Niagara B.O.C.E.S/ Niagara Academy property, gain access to the school and point the weapon at students to instill fear in them, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Weidenboerner was issued an appearance ticket for the charge, returnable for a later date in the Town of Cambria Court. He also was transported to a local facility for a mental health evaluation.

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Peter Celentano of Bergen was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of machine guns, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 29, the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF, executed a search warrant at Celentano’s Rochester Street residence.

During the search, investigators recovered two 3D printed pistol frames, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition reloading equipment, an AR 80% style Jig and drill, a drill press, and various other tools related to the manufacturing of firearms.

In addition, investigators also searched two properties associated with Celentano in Lyndonville and an apartment on East Avenue in Medina, recovering numerous AR-style lower receivers, 3D printed handguns, and additional firearm parts and accessories. Approximately 59 of the AR-style receivers contained a “third pin hole,” qualifying them as machine guns.

On October 9, a dive team searched the Erie Canal beneath the Beals Road bridge in Medina. A cardboard box was located and retrieved from the bottom of the canal. Inside were 10 AR-style receivers, an unmarked handgun, magazines, and additional firearm parts.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Gotta Dance by Miss Amy will have 3 cabaret shows, basket raffle to help Merklinger family

Provided photo: From left in front include Gabrielle and Luke Merklinger with their son Dean. In back are Denise, Todd, Lauren and Jordan Thomas. The family has been a part of Gotta dance by Miss Amy for about 15 years as dancers and instructors, with Denise teaching piano.

ALBION – For many years Gabrielle Thomas danced and led classes at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy. Many of the young dancers called her Cinderella when Gabrielle, with her flowing blond hair, was an instructor.

Gabrielle’s sisters – Lauren and Jordan also have been dancers and instructors at Gotta Dance – and their mother, Denise, is a piano teacher at the studio on West Bank Street.

Gabrielle is now married to Luke Merklinger, a Rochester police officer. They met at the First Baptist Church in Holley. Gabrielle works as a dental hygienist. The family lives in Irondequoit.

The Marklingers have a 2-year-old son Dean and are expecting a second baby with a due date of Nov. 3.

The soon-to-be born baby will be named Grant. A congenital heart defect has been detected. Gabrielle will leave on Wednesday to travel Philadelphia to give birth at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She will be there ahead of the due date in case the baby is born early.

Grant will have surgery soon after birth. He has a condition called Double Outlet Right Ventricle with malposed great arteries as well as a hypoplastic aorta. He will likely need multiple surgeries to help him survive and improve his quality of life.

To help the family with the costs of travel and care, Gotta Dance by Miss Amy will be hosting three cabaret shows from 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. There also will be a basket raffle that day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gotta Dance is located at 28 West Bank St., Albion.

“There are many great things about our community and one of the proudest moments is when we unite to help others,” said Amy Sidari, Miss Amy owner. “Thank you for your love and support.”

She welcomes basket donations for the raffle. Call her or text at (585) 354-232o or email GottaDanceAlbion@gmail.com to arrange a drop off.

The cabaret shows each have about 15 different performers from dance, singing, skits and piano. The three shows are not the same. Some of the performers include comedian Phyl Contestable, the Rev. Mother.

Jack Civiletto and April Mazzone, professional musicians from Buffalo, also will perform at the cabaret shows. Civiletto sings many Sinatra songs while Mazzone covers Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline.

There is also a GoFundMe fundraising page set up for the Merklinger family.

Photo by Tom Rivers: From left include Gotta Dance owner Amy Sidari, Lauren Thomas and Denise Thomas. Gotta Dance will host a benefit on Nov. 2 with a basket raffle and shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Lauren is a dance instructor at Gotta Dance and her mother Denise is a piano teacher at the studio.

Press Release, Barker Lions Club

BARKER – Diabetes is one of Lions International eight causes. The original cause, preventing blindness, was inspired by Helen Keller. Because diabetes is a cause of blindness, Lions adopted that as a mission. Educating people about diabetes is one way to prevent blindness.

To support this, Barker Lions are sponsoring four events in November.

A 5K race for wellness will be on Nov. 2. Race Management Solutions is organizing a 5K race through the orchards next to The Winery at Marjim Manor. Included for all runners will be an after race snack and beverage. Preregistration is open at RaceManagementSolutions.com.  Same day registration begins at 9 a.m., with the race at 10 a.m.

Following the fitness theme, there will be six yoga classes at the Winery at Marjim Manor. Inner Luminary Yoga will have classes on Nov. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21 beginning at 7 p.m. Classes are $10 each. The other fitness event will be Step classes at Perfect Images Salon, Main Street in Barker. Classes will be Nov. 8, 15 and 22 at 7 p.m. Those classes are $10 each.

Finally, Catering By Jen will provide a diabetes friendly holiday dinner on Nov. 13. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. at The Winery at Marjim Manor.  The cost is $20.  Reservations are required for that.

Each event will have an educational component. The display will include our poster Rethink Your Drink. Lion Kalena Britt will do a presentation on diabetes at the dinner.

For more information email Roar@BarkerLions.org or contact Lion Kalena Britt at 585-733-8961.

Press Release, Orleans County DSS

ALBION – HEAP season begins this year on Nov. 1, with a tentative end date of March 31, 2025.

Applications for furnace repair or replacement are being accepted now. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2025 through March 31.

If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 1.  Applications will be available Nov. 1  in Albion at the County Office Building, Pathstone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.  If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.

If you are currently a Public Assistance or SNAP recipient you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay of your HEAP grant.

For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be given before Nov. 1. If you are over age 60, please call the Office for the Aging at (585) 589-3191.

You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting the following website www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the opening of a new Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Jill Klotzbach

Leading this new initiative is Jill Klotzbach, family nurse practitioner, and a native of Western New York.

“Our team is extremely excited to welcome Jill and the ENT Clinic to Medina Memorial Hospital,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “We’re continually trying to bring services to our area that are both lacking and needed in the community. Not only is this a valuable service, but the recent news of the clinic closing in Middleport makes it even more critical.”

Klotzbach brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at the hospital.

“She is going to be a huge asset to our team,” Robinson said.

Klotzbach began her nursing career at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and has since practiced in Ohio and Texas before returning to her roots. Her diverse clinical background encompasses medical-surgical, dialysis, intensive care, long-term care, operating room, allergy and ENT services.

A graduate of Daemen College and St. John Fisher, she holds multiple certifications, including those from the National Certifying Board of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the Council of Occupational Hearing Conservation. She has also contributed her skills to the local community by providing hearing test screenings for various businesses and serving as an on-call nurse at Crossroads House in Batavia, where she provided compassionate end-of-life care.

“I am excited to return to Western New York and serve the communities that are close to my heart,” Klotzbach said. “My focus at the new ENT Clinic will be to offer high-quality care for all age groups, with an emphasis on ENT and allergy diagnosis.”

In her personal life, Klotzbach enjoys traveling, golf, swimming and pickleball. She also cherishes the time spent with family and friends, especially during trivia nights. She has one son who lives in Denver.

The new ENT Clinic at Orleans Community Health aims to address the growing needs of the community with specialized care and accessible services. Everyone is invited to experience the compassionate care Klotzbach and her dedicated team will provide.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the ENT Clinic, click here or contact (585) 798-2550.

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce honored several businesses and community leaders during the 26^th annual Chamber awards celebration last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.

Camber Director Darlene Hartway said the award winners all show tremendous “tenacity” in running successful businesses and completing projects for the community.

The following were recognized during the awards celebration:

Matt Burch, owner of Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North, accepts the award for new business of the year. He is joined at the podium by his wife Marisa, left, and Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director.

New Business of the Year – Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North in Lyndonville

Matt Burch opened Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North in the former Curly’s location on April 22.

Burch opened his first pizzeria in Gasport in 2008. He expanded that site in 2017, adding a bar. He is looking to add more to the Lyndonville site.

He thanked his employees for getting off to a good start in Lyndonville at 16 North Main St.

“It’s been a blessing so far in Lyndonville,” Burch said at the award dinner, which was attended by about 125 people. “The community has been so supportive.”

Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director, praised Burch for choosing Lyndonville for the new pizzeria.

“I’m always in awe of people willing to take that leap, especially in a small town,” she said.

Brian and Lisa Christiaansen accept the Phoenix Award for their extensive renovations to create Tapped on Main in Medina.

Phoenix Award – Tapped on Main at Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina

Brian and Lisa Christiaansen completed an extensive remodeling at at 549 Main St., Medina, in December 2019, opening a bar at Mark’s Pizzeria. The bar was forced to close due to Covid restrictions in March 2020.

The Christiaansens reopened Tapped on Main in 2021, and last year added a game and party room that can accommodate groups of up to about 50.

Brian Chriastiaansen opened his first Mark’s Pizzerias in Hamlin about 30 years ago, and followed with Mark’s in Bushnell’s Basin and then Brockport. He now has stores in Medina, Albion and Newfane.

He and his wife wanted to have a space for customers to sit down and dine and he and Lisa had always wanted a bar. They decided to combine a bar with the pizzeria, and became the first Mark’s franchise to serve beer and wine from a bar.

As part of the renovations they kept the original ceiling and brick walls in the historic building.

Agricultural Business of the Year – Roberts Farm Market

Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market accept the award for Agricultural Business of the Year. The farm market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Roberts family has been farming since 1931 in Medina. In 1974, the family started a farm market on Maple Ridge Road, which has expanded and includes a greenhouse and apple cider press.

Gary and Maggie Roberts and two of their children, son Patrick and daughter Jenna Bruning, all have key roles in the operation today.

Gary praised his wife for the success of the farm market over many years.

“She has brought the market to where it is today,” Gary said during the awards banquet.

He said he is fortunate to have two of his children alongside him working in the business.

The farm began when Gary’s grandparents, Justin and Lorraine Roberts, purchased their home and 166 acres of land on Maple Ridge Road in 1931, just across from the farm market.

The family grows fruit on about 200 acres, yielding about 175,000 bushels. Of those 20,000 bushels are sold at the farm market or are used for making cider.

George Lacey, owner of Captain’s Cove in Carlton, accepts the Hidden Gem award. He is joined by Captain’s Cove manager Samantha Tillman, center, and Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director.

Hidden Gem – Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina

The Chamber honors a business as a “Hidden Gem” for its role promoting and supporting Orleans County tourism, often without much fanfare.

George lacey has overcome many challenges since he purchased Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina in 2015. His wife passed away three weeks after Lacey bought the business, which was they flooded in 2017 and 2019.

He has rebuilt the store with improved parking on the upper level. All the wood in the new building came from the trees up on the hill.

Lacey recently obtained his beer license for the new store, and has groceries, fishing tackle, live bait and hunting licenses.

The property also includes a 14-unit motel and 32 slips. Captain’s Cove rents pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. He has refrigerators available for fisherman to store their catch.

The entire west wall of the new building facing the river also has a new look. Mural artist Michelle Cryer of Clarendon is painting a large mural showing the lake and the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Lacey was praised by Dawn Borchert, the county’s tourism director, for his hard work to make Captain’s Cove and Point Breeze a destination.

Lacey urged more people to invest in Point Breeze and local community.

“I see lots of opportunity in Orleans County,” he said.

Businessperson of the Year – Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group

Bob Gibbs, owner of the Environmental Construction Group, is presented with the award of “Businessperson of the Year.” He accepts it from Lindsay Ward, regional director of the SUNY Brockport SBDC.

Bob Gibbs owns the Environmental Construction Group, a full-service abatement, remediation and selective demolition company. ECG is based in Albion and employs about 50 people.

Gibbs has worked in the environmental field for more than 30 years, starting when he was 23. Most of the company’s work in is Monroe County, doing remediation and demo work in some of the biggest construction projects in the Rochester area, including several school districts, Strong Memorial Hospital, Innovation Square (former Xerox Tower).

ECG also has taken on projects in New Jersey, Arkansas, Virginia, Texas and Wisconsin.

Gibbs has also bought distressed properties in Albion, done major renovations and sold them as homes. He is has cleared some vacant land, turning them into ready-to-build lots, and is currently transforming 101 East Bank St. into a place that can be rented out for parties.

Gibbs thanked his wife and two grown daughters for their support, and for riding “the emotional journey with me.”

He grew up helping his father, the late Robert Gibbs Sr., who was a contractor. Gibbs was 19 when he bought a house at age 19 and completely renovated it by age 21.

Brody Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio were honored with the Small Business of the Year for their commitment to Rudy’s Diner in Medina.

Small Business of the Year – Rudy’s Diner

Brody Hoffmeister was thrust into ownership of Rudy’s Diner following the death of his mother, Kelly Duffield, from cancer in October 2019.

Hoffmeister is the third generation to lead the establishment. In March 2020 he faced an unexpected challenge. The business was forced to close to in-person customers due to Covid restrictions. Rudy’s and other diners had to shift to takeout-only.

The pandemic sliced away a big chunk of Rudy’s business, and some customers did not return. They preferred the comfy booths, nostalgia and friendly faces at the popular diner.

Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio have retooled the operation, keeping the 1950s feel of the diner while offering a pared down but popular menu.

Hoffmeister urges the community to continue to support Rudy’s, where he said the focus on food is quality over quantity.

Rudy’s currently operates with 10 employees, down from a peak of 25 before Covid hit.

“We’ve had an uphill climb but we’re still here,” Hoffmeister said during the Chamber event.

Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, accepts the Community Service Award on behalf of the agency that assists about 5,000 people a year. Mary Lou Tuohey, last year’s winner, is at right.

Community Service Award – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is an agency dedicated to helping people become self sufficient. The agency offers numerous services to help build a stronger community.

Community Action has more than 100 employees and the agency assists families of very young children through Early Head Start and Head Start, and has numerous other programs, including ACT (helping youth ACT responsibly), Stone Soup Success/Food Rx (educating to prepare healthy meals), Child Care Resource and Referral, Weatherization and Energy Services, Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, a credit recovery program for Albion seniors, emergency services, holiday meals and gifts, the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley, which provides daily meals, a clothing depot and food giveaway.

Community Action is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. Renee Hungerford, the executive director, said Community Action has been on a journey of transformation as an agency, embracing new technology while staying true to the mission of uplifting the community.

She said many people can find themselves thrust into poverty, whether from a tragic event or an illness. Sometimes, a rise in income from a higher minimum wage can lead to hardship, disqualifying people for some assistance and making their rent unaffordable. She urged compassion and understanding for some of the challenges of lower-income people in the community.

Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service, accepts the award for “Business of the Year.” Behind him are his son Ray Laine, left, and son-in-law, Rex Harvey, and Darlene Hartway from the Chamber. Ray and Rex are both key leaders at Frontier.

Business of the Year – Frontier Heating & A/C Service

In 1991, Tom Laine started Frontier Heating and AC Service in his garage. The business has grown to over 7,000 customers.

After four years in his garage, Frontier moved to East Bank Street in Albion. Last year, the business moved to a 12,000-square-foot facility on Route 31A.

The site has more parking and a larger a showroom to display the products they sell. Frontier services all brands and sell Amana and Mitsubishi equipment, as well as boilers, water heaters, air conditioning units and heat pumps. In addition they install Generac and Honeywell generators, and  deal with all types of fuel, including natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and propane.

Frontier offers “around the clock service.” The business employs 15 to 20 people at any given time, nearly all Orleans County residents. Over the years, their service area has expanded to include Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties.

‘They’re not happy until you’re happy,” said Hartway, the Chamber director.

David Mitchell, left, is congratulated on the Lifetime Achievement Award by Darlene Hartway, center, and Mark Tillman, last year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement.

Lifetime Achievement Award – David Mitchell of Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals

David Mitchell wanted a career where he could make an impact with local families going through a tough time in life. He considered being a police officer, but chose to be a funeral director.

The community is grateful for that decision, said Mark Tillman, last year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement for his long career running Tillman’s Village Inn.

Mitchell has served Orleans County for 40 years as a funeral director. He took over as owner of Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes after his father Rho retired. Mitchell has expanded to owning funeral homes in Middleport, Gasport and Medina, and has the business set up with local ownership long into the future with his son Josh Mitchell and Jake Hebdon from Cooper Funeral Home in Medina. Christopher Mitchell has been rebranded as Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.

David Mitchell has maintained and grown the local ownership of the funeral homes in an era when corporate conglomerates have been buying up funeral homes in smaller towns.

Tillman said David Mitchell has been a trusting presence for the community during times of immense grief.

“Compassion, dignity, professionalism, community service and, most of all, kindness,” Tillman said in listing some of Mitchell’s attributes.

Mitchell has been active in many community organizations – as a member of the Holley Rotary Club and Albion Lions Club, as a board member for Community Action, United Way, Ministry of Concern and the Curtis Foundation.

He sponsors many local events and gives to other community causes and projects, including donating two vans to the Orleans Joint Veterans Council to transport veterans to medical appointments.

Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals has eight employees, including two long-time funeral directors: Paula Fuller with 30 years and Scott Schmidt with 27. Mitchell said the employees are committed to the community and are instrumental to the business’s success.

Tillman quoted the late Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of Apple: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

Tillman followed that by saying, “David, the love shows.”

Jimmer Szatkowski, a Medina native with ALS, sits in a wheelchair after being pushed the entire 26.2 miles in a marathon Sunday in Syracuse.

SYRACUSE – Andrew Szatkowski of Medina called Sunday an incredible day, when many people joined his brother Jimmer and pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair to complete a marathon in Syracuse.

Andrew is the brother of Jimmer Szatkowski, a Medina native and current resident of Cicero near Syracuse. Three years ago Jimmer was diagnosed with ALS, a neurological disease that causes muscle weakness. Jimmer is paralyzed from the disease and on a ventilator

Having run two marathons before his diagnosis, Jimmer was determined to cross the finish line in Sunday’s race, which benefitted ALS research.

In total, Szatkowski raised more than $112,000, more than double his original goal.

Andrew said many Medina friends made donations and even make the trip to Syracuse to help push Jimmer over the finish line.

Several marathon runners from out of state also came for the event to support Jimmer, who owns a Chick-fil-A in Cicero.

Four people, including Jimmer, completed the entire race. Another dozen or so along the way stepped in to take turns pushing Jimmer’s wheelchair, including nurses.

“It was an incredible day,” Andrew said.

For more information about donating to ALS research, click here.

HOLLEY – The lift bridge in Holley was recently named best overall lift bridge in the state’s canal system, which includes 16 lift bridges.

The bridges are inspected each fall. Holley won best overall bridge based on the 2023 inspections.

Each lock and lift bridge across the canal system is inspected by engineers and Canal Corp. personnel. They use a scoring system, evaluating the condition of the maintenance of the operating machinery, safety protocols and the upkeep of the buildings and grounds at each site.

“Awards are given to the highest scoring locks and lift bridges,” Shane Mahar, director of public engagement for the Canal Corp., wrote in a message to Holley Mayor Mark Bower. “The inspection awards recognize the dedication and excellence of our employees that maintain the Canal system’s vital infrastructure.”

This year’s inspections recently were completed  and awards will be announced next year.

Holley’s lift bridge recently was closed to traffic for some repairs. The bridge closed on Sept. 10 and reopened on Oct. 11.