By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 October 2024 at 5:03 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Brody Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio stand behind the counter in Rudy’s Soda Bar and Cafe. The business will be honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as the Small Business of the Year.
MEDINA – When Brody Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio took over his family’s business in 2020, they knew they would have big shoes to fill, but didn’t realize what a challenge they faced.
Now, with Rudy’s Soda Bar and Café being recognized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as their Small Business of the Year, Hoffmeister hopes things are looking up.
Rudy’s was first started in 1988 by Hoffmeister’s grandparents, Joseph and Debra Russo. Then his mother Kelly Duffield stepped in and ran it until she died of cancer in October 2019, and Hoffmeister was thrust into running the establishment much sooner than he expected.
As if that wasn’t enough, soon after he took over, Covid hit and the restaurant was forced to close in March 2020. When they did reopen, it was for take-out only, and unfortunately, they lost employees and customers, many of whom have not come back.
The couple, however, is determine to turn the restaurant around from surviving to thriving.
“Winning the Chamber award was a surprise and humbling, and a much-needed boost,” Hoffmeister said. “We want to do what people want. I’ve spent a lot of time making sure this place survives.”
Earlier in the year Hoffmeister was on a path to change. Personally, he has lost 100 pounds. On the business side, he thought a change in the menu and décor might be welcome and he teamed up with a branding and graphic design firm to implement a change, a decision that didn’t pay off.
At their suggestion, he revamped the menu and began renovations to create a 1950s diner look.
He soon discovered, however, the new menu was not catching on.
“Sometimes you have to look through the forest to see the trees,” Hoffmeister said. “Our customers weren’t coming back. So we are going back to our old menu. Daily specials and homemade soups. Turkey dinners on Thursdays and fish on Fridays. And real mashed potatoes.”
He said his focus will continue to be quality over quantity and he invites customers to come back and check it out.
Overall, he said Rudy’s is a generational thing.
“It’s forging of bonds and the commitment of building something together that ultimately is bigger than everyone involved,” Hoffmeister said.
Of his menu he said, “If we are going to do specials, they are going to be good.”
Rudy’s, 118 West Center St., is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The PTA, Albion school officials and students celebrated a new book vending machine at the elementary school.
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – The Albion Parent Teachers Association (PTA) donated a brand-new book vending machine to the elementary school this fall.
For the past couple of weeks, the Albion PTA has stocked the vending machine with age-appropriate books and, on Monday a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before the monthly Board of Education meeting.
Albion PTA Vice President Jessica Estela says the goal of the book vending machine is to help promote literacy and provide an opportunity for positive reinforcement.
According to Estela, the plan is to provide each elementary teacher with enough awards so every student can be recognized for their “good” behavior at some point during the school year. Students will be given the opportunity to use either the school’s book vending machine or the book vending machine at the Hoag Library as their reward.
“We want this to be an opportunity that is inclusive of everyone,” Estela said. “Even the children with significant behavioral struggles will have a ‘good’ day at some point throughout the year. The goal is to really emphasize the good behavior and hopefully create a cascade of better behavior.”
Students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will be introduced to the vending machine by reading the book that came with it: “The Dream” by Jason Blumberg. The story follows Inchy the Bookworm’s adventure as he finds through reading and wants to share those feelings with his friends.
Albion Elementary School Principal Angela Conway said it was important to both the school and the PTA that this be a character-driven award rather than an academic highlight.
“Our goal is always to foster good, well-rounded learners,” Conway said. “It is equally important that we encourage our students to be good citizens as well.”
Principal Conway hopes that this program will reinforce the school’s motto: SOAR, which stands for safety, showing ownership, acting responsibly and respectfulness toward others.
Estela also explains that this process will encourage a positive office experience for students.
“The [principal’s] office is often thought to be a place where students are sent just when they have done something wrong, and I really wanted to change that,” Estela said. “I think it’s important that students see administration and office staff as supports.”
“We are happy to partner with the Albion PTA and Hoag Library to promote literacy, inclusivity, and positive behavior incentives,” Principal Conway said. “This is a continued goal at the Elementary School and we are grateful for the community’s support in educating all of our SOARing Purple Eagles.”
The Albion PTA will continue to purchase, donate, and stock books for the vending machine, providing the students with plenty of new options throughout the year. For more information on the Albion PTA, please contact PTA President Beth Stanley at purple.eagles.pta@gmail.com.
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism, recreation, and events along the New York State Canal System including canal waterways and Canalway Trail. Applications are open now through Nov. 15.
As New York State commemorates the bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025, the grants program will emphasize infrastructure and amenity improvements that boost tourism, and events that commemorate the canal’s 200th anniversary or expand the audience of canal users.
Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes located within the Canalway Corridor. Applications for infrastructure projects located on land owned by the New York State Canal Corporation are open only to federal/state/local governments, unless a nonprofit applicant is currently named as a permittee on an existing Canal Corporation Use and Occupancy Permit.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we approach the Erie Canal’s 200th birthday, the Tourism Infrastructure and Events Program is a fantastic way for communities and organizations to join in the commemoration of this milestone. The Canal Corporation is proud to be working on this impactful program with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for another year as we help the municipalities and stakeholders that line the Canal’s banks bring their ideas to life. I can’t wait to see what this year brings.”
The grant program includes two funding categories: Event Support, with an award range of $500 to $3,000, and Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support, with an award range of $5,000 to $24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories.
Interested applicants are invited to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, October 16, at 10 a.m.
Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor said, “We look forward to supporting community investments in infrastructure and amenities that prepare the canal corridor for its next century of service. Equally important, event support is critical for commemorating the Erie Canal’s 200th year and contributing to a thriving and vibrant waterway.”
In 2024, 43 nonprofit organizations and municipalities received NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $196,349. The grants supported eight tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2024 at 8:42 am
MEDINA – Jim Hancock is counting down the days.
“There are only 54 days until the 16th annual Parade of Lights,” said Hancock, who has helped lead the event for nearly 15 years.
“We’re already planning this year’s event and have had several committee meetings,” he said.
He hopes people, businesses and organizations will start planning their float.
“We are offering an early-bird incentive to get your entries in,” Hancock said. “The first 10 who submit their float entry form before Halloween will get a $50 reward.”early-bird
They must appear in the parade to receive the $50, Hancock said.
Regular entries will be accepted until Nov. 24 for the parade, this year scheduled on Nov. 30.
He urges everyone, including individuals, not-for-profits, religious groups, fire departments, commercial groups, service clubs and organizations or agricultural groups to enter a float in the parade.
Floats are judged in seven Best in Class awards and a Grand Champion. In addition, four special awards will include a Star Award for the most creative float; Littlest Elf Award for the entry that best incorporates youth and adults in their float; Community Spirit Award, given to the entry that best illustrates a community spirit from the community they come from; and Santa’s Pick Award, for the entry that in the opinion of the judges would be the one Santa himself would choose for an award.
Entries can be submitted by logging on to Olde Tyme Christmas and clicking on “Registration and other forms,” or by calling Hancock at (585) 798-2118.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 October 2024 at 8:22 am
Proceeds come from ‘Tabletop Sales’
Provided photos: (Left) Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, accepts a check from Sharon Miller on behalf of West Barre Church. (Right) The community donates all kind of goods to the West Barre Church, who then store it in a building across the road, where people can come and shop every Friday and Saturday from May to September and leave a donation.
WEST BARRE – For a little church located on a country road, the West Barre Church has proven itself to be a pillar in the community.
Under the leadership of the Worship Committee, the congregation plans fundraisers, serves meals to the public and runs other fundraising events, which allow them to support worthy causes in the community.
One of those causes is Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and recently, church member Sharon Miller presented a check for $931 to CAOG’s director Renee Hungerford.
A fundraiser called Tabletop Sales grew out of an abundance of donations of all kinds of merchandise, which the public continues to give to the church. The members sort and arrange goods in a large room set aside as a shopping center, where the public can come in shop to their hearts content.
There is merchandise of all kinds, including pictures, kitchen wares, baby items, holiday decorations, toys and gifts, and more. There are no prices on any merchandise. Shoppers simply leave a donation of what they think their items are worth or what they can afford. No one is refused anything because they can’t pay for it.
Members of the community and friends of West Barre Church relax and listen to a band in Mull-Barre Park. When land across the road from West Barre Church was donated by the late Wilbur Mull, the church developed Mull-Barre Park, where they hold concerts all summer.
Money earned is donated to a different cause in the community each month. Previous donations have gone to Hands for Hope, the Cobblestone Museum, Albion’s food kitchen, Ministry of Concern, MAAC and community members.
Miler explained another fundraiser is summer concerts in the park, possible because of Mull-Barre Park.
Since 1993, when a local farmer Wilbur Mull donated land across the street to the church, they have used it for community entertainment and a playground for youth. For the last five years they had a concert in the park on Sunday afternoons. Members of the community bring their lawn chairs and sit under the trees to enjoy the music, which differs every week, from rock and roll and blues to country. An added feature is Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza which sets up a portable wood-fired oven at the edge of the park.
The church is planning a craft show on Oct. 19, chaired by Jann Davis. It will include a basket raffle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A big part of their ministry is community dinners. They are known for their Election Day turkey dinner, which since Covid, has been drive-thru only. This year’s will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, featuring turkey and all the trimmings.
“We are a church with community in our hearts,” Miller said.
Anyone is welcome to attend worship at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2024 at 7:37 am
Gas prices have been dropping, down an average of 3 cents statewide in the past week and down 65 cents from a year ago, according to AAA.
The average price in the state was $3.22 on Oct. 6, compared to $3.87 a year ago. The price nationwide was $3.17 on Oct. 6, down 5 cents in the past week, and down from $3.75 from a year earlier.
Around WNY, the average prices in each county on Monday include:
Orleans, $3.458
Genesee, $3.369
Wyoming, $3.425
Livingston, $3.428
Erie, $3.350
Monroe, $3.346
Niagara, $3.313
Chautauqua, $3.434
Cattaraugus, $3.441
Allegany, $3.435
AAA issued this statement on Monday: “According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand plummeted last week while total domestic stocks rose slightly. Tepid gasoline demand and recent low oil costs could keep pump prices sliding down, and soon the arrival of cheaper winter-blend gasoline will help to further take pressure off pump prices.
“Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline still fell by five cents since last Monday, and prices regionally have dropped by an average of three cents. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but tensions in the Middle East could disrupt oil shipments and has already led to oil prices creeping higher.”
Staff and Board members of the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital in Albion examine a new bed in 1960. Left to right: Dr. John Ellis; Sidney Eddy, Board member; Helen Yerger, hospital administrator; Edward Archbald, Board president; Robert Babbitt, Board member; Mrs. Douglas Hayes, nurse. (Photograph by Wm. A. Monacelli)
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 31
ALBION – Our photograph this week captures the dedication and local support which sustained Albion’s Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital.
The centerpiece of the photo is a new model adjustable bed, part of an order of upgraded furnishings for the “new” hospital facility. Built in 1952 at a cost of $650,000 of community funding, this 51-bed unit replaced the original 27-bed hospital opened in 1916.
The new hospital was obviously needed. During its first decade, 15,435 patients were admitted, 3,026 babies were born and 50,304 people were treated in the emergency departent.
In the photograph, healthcare professionals Dr. John Ellis and Nurse Hayes are on either end of the group. The three gentlemen in the group – Sidney Eddy, Edward Archbald and Robert Babbitt – were hospital Board members. They were also members of the Albion Rotary Club which actively raised funds for the hospital for many years.
Hospital administrator Helen Yerger is the lady appropriately positioned in the center of the group. Hired in 1949, she was actively involved in the planning, construction and furnishing of the new building. She continually sought to update equipment and improve services.
By 1965, plans were underway to add a new wing to the hospital. Having had some health issues, Miss Yerger announced her plan to retire on October 1, 1965, but she died unexpectedly on August 6. 1965. She had been a dedicated employee and tireless champion for the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital for 16 years.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 October 2024 at 11:11 am
Gary and Maggie Roberts and their children run fruit and vegetable farm, cider press and farm market
Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Roberts family poses in front of their farm market on Maple Ridge Road in Medina. Maggie and Gary Roberts, center, are flanked by son Patrick at left, and daughter Jenna Bruning, right, all of whom are involved in running some aspect of their farm, which has been honored as the Agricultural Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
MEDINA – Farming is not an easy job. The work is hard and the hours are long, but Gary and Maggie Roberts wouldn’t have it any other way.
The couple run the family farm on Freeman Road and the farm market on Maple Ridge Road with daughter Jenna Bruning and son Patrick Roberts.
They are honored and delighted to have been honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as Agricultural Business of the Year.
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. Gary’s sister Linda and her husband Steve Fuller live there today.
Gary and Maggie Roberts look at some of the crates of apples used to make cider at Roberts Farm Market.
Gary’s dad Orren and uncle Lee Roberts eventually took over and carried on the Roberts Farm, joined by Gary and Lee’s son Todd as the boys grew.
In 1974, Orren and Lee purchased the property on Maple Ridge Road which was H.J. Heinz pea vinery. It would become Roberts Farm Market. The first order of business was to purchase a cider press. At some point, Gary said his dad started growing plants. Gary’s sister Linda managed the operation for a long time, until around 2,000, when she decided to get into horses and a riding stable.
In the early 1990s, Gary and Todd decided to focus their main interests in different areas, and in 1996 Gary and his dad took over the fruit growing, while Todd and Lee concentrated on crops, namely corn and soy beans.
Orren eventually transitioned from growing processing fruit to high-density fresh fruit trees. From 90 acres, they expanded to 180 acres of fresh fruit trees now. Varieties include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Snapdragon (a New York apple), Ruby Frost (also a New York apple developed and mostly grown in New York), as well as some standard old favorites, such as Cortland.
“Everything I learned was from my dad and the Cornell fruit team” Gary said.
Gary and the former Maggie Hall met in high school during their senior year in 1986. They were married in 1987 and had three children, Christopher, who lives in Durham, N.C., Jenna and Patrick. Gary and Maggie have eight grandchildren.
Jenna, who married Gabe Bruning and lives just down Freeman Road from her parents, has five children and is running the farm now with her dad.
Maggie said Patrick was born in 1996, and she started working at the farm market when Patrick went to school. Eventually she became manager and began to expand the market’s offerings.
A new cider press was installed and the cider room upgraded; they built new greenhouses; and added new products and services.
“I tried to gradually enlarge it without drastically changing anything,” Maggie said.
They grow most of their own vegetables, all their own pumpkins and raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Maggie buys as much as she can in Orleans County, and the rest from Niagara, Monroe and Genesee counties.
Five years ago, she added a very popular apple cider slushie machine.
Gifts, garden décor, locally made baked goods, locally grown beef and mushroom, Gardner’s jam, cheese curds, honey and maple syrup are other items they sell.
“I tried to keep all Linda had here,” Maggie said.
Gary and Maggie Roberts stand among the many shelves of produce and gifts for sale at Roberts Farm Market.
In 2007, due to a large shortage of labor, Orren and his dad built their first labor camp to house Jamaicans they bring in to harvest the apple crop every year. In 2020, a second camp was built to expand their work force, which now numbers 37. Twelve arrive in March and 25 by the end of August. All are gone by the middle of November.
Their average harvest produces 175,000 bushels of apples annually. They use 20,000 bushels at the market for cider and sales.
As Jenna and Patrick take over more responsibility, Gary and Maggie plan to do some traveling, but not get out totally.
“The farm has been wonderful,” Maggie said. “It gives you the freedom and space to raise kids and you’re not stuck in an office all day. I enjoy meeting the customers, many of whom I know by their first name.”
“I couldn’t do any of this without our team,” Gary said. “It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding at the end.”
He said the day Chamber director Darlene Hartway came in and told him of their award, he was making cider.
“We were surprised and grateful,” Maggie said.
Gary and Maggie thank the community for their support.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2024 at 10:51 am
Forecast shows highs around 60 most of the week
Triena Christ sent in this photo from Murray of a double-rainbow that emerged in a bright sky.
The forecast for the rest of the week shows highs around 60, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 61.
Tuesday there is a chance for showers with a high near 60, followed by showers and partly sunny Wednesday with a high near 59.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 56, followed by 66 on a mostly sunny Friday. Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny and reach 68 degrees.
Tina Wolfe sent in this photo of the double-rainbow on Powerline Road in Holley this morning.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 October 2024 at 10:14 am
MEDINA – Brian and Lisa Chriastiaansen’s journey to owning their own pizza shop began when he met Mark Crane of Fairport, owner of the chain of Mark’s Pizzerias.
“The only job I’d had since I was 16 was working in a restaurant in Fairport,” said Brian, who is 53 now. “Mark asked me if I wanted to be manager of a store. That was in 1992, and within a year he asked me if I wanted to own my own store.”
He opened his first pizzeria in Hamlin, followed by Bushnell’s Basin and then Brockport. He now has stores in Medina, Albion and Newfane.
He met his wife Lisa in Medina when she worked at a bank. He opened the Albion store when their first child was born, followed a few years later by Newfane and Medina in 1997.
In 2019 the pizzeria needed remodeling and at one point he was looking at moving outside the village on Maple Ridge Road.
“But our customers liked us on Main Street,” he said. “Lance Mark owned the whole building here, with six store fronts, and I asked if he was interested in selling.”
He was, and the Christiaasens purchased it.
Brian wanted to have a space for his customers to sit down and dine and he and Lisa had always wanted a bar. They decided to combine a bar with the pizzeria, but first had to get permission from the franchise’s owner.
“Tapped Main at Mark’s Pizzeria was given permission with Mark Crane’s blessing,” Brian said.
Brian and Linda Christiaansen stand in front of Tapped On Main, the bar and game room they opened next to their existing pizza shop, Mark’s Pizzeria.
The Medina location became the only one of Mark’s franchises to serve beer and wine.
Tapped on Main opened in December 2019, then Covid hit in March 2020.
“It was slow at first,” Brian said. “We had to close the bar for a year. When we could finally open in 2021, we started to hit our stride.”
In 2023, they added a party and game room to the bar, which can accommodate private parties of 50 or less. The space is perfect for birthday parties or sports teams.
Brian said the renovation was done by Chris Marquart of Medina and his dad Dave.
Lisa had the inspiration for everything on the bar side, Brian said. They tried to keep everything original that they could, including the ceiling and a brick wall.
“Lisa, me and Chris planned it all and I’m pretty proud of that,” Brian said.
He said they have great managers in the pizzeria, which allowed him and Lisa to concentrate on getting the bar going.
Brian said Chamber director Darlene Hartway came in to tell them about their award, and he was honored.
“It’s great to get acknowledged for the work we’ve done,” he said. “We take pride in our building and our bar business and it’s nice to be recognized for it.”
Tapped on Main at Mark’s Pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. In addition to beer, wine and cocktails, they offer Mark’s Pizzeria menu and bar food.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 October 2024 at 9:54 am
EAST SHELBY – The 36th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run was a resounding success Saturday at the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
According to Mary Kaderli Zelazny, the event raised more than $30,000 for cancer patients and their families in Orleans County.
Stacey Knights Pellegrino, daughter of the late Richard Knights, said so many organizations and individuals support the fund during the years, including her dad Richard Knights’ Class of 1964. Many benefits are held annually and the profits donated to the Knights-Kaderli Fund, such as the David Millis golf tournament, Liz Monell golf tournament, Kathy Vicnair’s former Pink Crystal Ball, the family of Bruce Williams, the Zinkievich family and Angela Waldriff when she had Ashlee’s Place.
This year’s event drew 150 walkers and runners, in addition to many more who came just to take part in the basket raffle, said Stacey Knights Pellegrino. Many push strollers and participate with family members, such as the McAdoos.
Walkers and runners wait in the parking lot of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall for the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run to begin Saturday morning. About 150 participated in the event, which raised a whopping $30,000.
Kristin McAdoo came with her son and said they have supported the event for more than 20 years.
“They helped us when my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “I sell 31 bags (insulated lunch bags) and my customers donate them to the McAdoo family. Then I give them to Knights-Kaderli, and Mary gives them to cancer patients.”
Another of McAdoo’s customers donates Comfort Care Bags, which she also gives to cancer patients.
Tish McAdoo said she had walked other years, but couldn’t this year because of a bad knee. However, she still came to buy basket raffle tickets and support the event.
“I came with my best friend Pat Vader, whose husband and father were both helped by the Knights-Kaderli Fund.
Tish McAdoo buys basket raffle tickets from Mary Zelazny at the 36th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run Saturday at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. Other ticket sellers are Zelazny’s nephew Jay Hanna and her sister-in-law, Laura Kaderli.
Leslie and Mike Green, who grew up in Medina, married and moved to Plattsburgh, used to come home to participate in the walk/run. In February, they moved back home and came to walk on Saturday.
“The fund did a lot of both our moms,” Leslie said. “We walk in honor of them.”
The race began with a welcome from Aaron Knights, son of the late Richard Knights, for whom the race is named. He asked for a moment of silence those lost and those who are battling cancer now.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2024 at 7:58 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A group gathers in the chapel at Boxwood Cemetery on Saturday evening for the third annual Boxwood at Night event.
The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery lighted up many of the monuments, trees and other parts of the cemetery, inviting the public to “see the cemetery in a new light.” More than 200 people attended.
Sandra and Tom Philbrick portray Susan and John Bland at the Bland family plot. The Philbricks now live in the Bland family home on West Center Street.
Mr. Bland owned several businesses in Medina, while Mrs. Bland was known for keeping a beautiful garden and maintaining an active social life. She gave Medina Memorial Hospital a good deal to acquire 10 acres for the hospital.
The event included nine different docents who portrayed people buried in the cemetery.
Miranda Starr portrays George Beach, who was born in 1842 and died in 1902. He was active in a pharmaceutical business and manufactured iron goods in Medina.
Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian and retired director of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, shares the story of Mary Lee-Whedon whose father left money for the community to a public library in the 1920s. Cooper said the library has been a gift of knowledge and has helped strengthen our democracy.
Jessica George of Albion and her daughter Harper, 8, check out the extra large Lite Bright that was part of the event.
The street on the south side of the cemetery was lined with torches to help illumine the path when it got dark.
The cemetery took on a different feel with the colorful display of lights.
Reinhard Rogowski portrays the late Robert Waters, who was an active community booster and the publisher of The Journal-Register. Waters died at age 90 on July 29, 2015. He led the Medina Sandstone Society and helped find a new use for the Medina Armory, among his many community efforts. He also loved to wear a bow tie.
One of the stops included a display with a list of the 107 people buried in the potter’s field. Of those 107, only 28 have head stones. The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery would like to install a plaque in the cemetery listing all 107 people.
Frank Ferri portrayed Robert H. Newell who ran a high-end shirt business in Medina on West Center Street. The business at one time had 100 employees on three floors. Ferri displayed scissors, a thimble and one of the shirts from the factory.
The Orleans County String Band played Appalachian music while people strolled on the north side of the historic cemetery on North Gravel Road.
Shawna Baldwin portrays Harriett Davey and reads a passage from Edgar Allan Poe, the famous writer who died in 1849, the year Boxwood opened.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2024 at 6:48 pm
MURRAY – A body has been recovered from the Erie Canal and transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death, said Jeff Gifaldi, chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office was called at 12:37 p.m. for a report of a body floating in the Erie Canal near Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray.
Upon arrival, deputies located a body east of the Bennetts Corners Road bridge.
“At this time, the death is not considered suspicious,” Gilfaldi said in a news release.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Holley Police Department, State Police, Murray Fire District, Clarendon Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office dive team and Orleans County Coroner Rocco Sidari.
Law enforcement are on the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge near where a body was located in the canal today. This photo was taken about 2:45 p.m.
ALBION – Our photograph this week captures the dedication and local support which sustained Albion’s Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital.
