By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 8:10 am
Provided photos
MEDINA – The Dave Viterna Group performed Thursday evening at State Street park in Medina as part of the third season of the Blue Thursdays concerts.
Organizers said about 1,250 people attended the concert, which is a new record for the series.
Viterna draws a big crowd every year, said Ken Daluisio, owner/operator of The Print Shop, which produces the concerts with the Orleans Renaissance Group.
When Viterna performed last year on June 22 at Blue Thursdays, about 1,000 attended.
But Thursday, the weather was perfect, bringing out even more people.
There is no admission charge. The concerts start at 6 p.m. The lineup for the rest of the series includes:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting a string of town hall events in Genesee County on Saturday.
Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them most. These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.
“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Hawley. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The events include:
Stafford Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., 3903 Route 237 in Stafford
Bethany Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 10510 Bethany Center Rd., East Bethany
Alexander Town Hall from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., 3350 Church St., Alexander
BATAVIA – 203 students from Genesee Community College named to Dean’s List, including many from Orleans County. Students honored on the Dean’s List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
Here is the list from Orleans County:
Calista Stinson of Lyndonville
Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
Kristi Oliver of Medina
Sade Poole of Medina
Ellisa Roath of Medina
Alexis Rizzo of Medina
Amanda Greenough of Albion
Derrick Murschel of Albion
Cheryl Root of Albion
Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
Joshua Riley of Albion
Lakshia Johnson of Albion
Heather Gnage of Holley
Amanda Schunk of Holley
Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
Megan Gentile of Holley
Kenley Fenton of Medina
Kobe Pugsley of Albion
Bradley Pierce of Albion
Rowan Hofmann of Albion
Melody Case of Albion
Derick Marr of Albion
Crushunda Johnson of Holley
Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 June 2024 at 11:47 am
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has planned a patriotic service this year full of music, historical information, dedication of a time capsule commemorating the solar eclipse, a display of Staffordshire early Americana plates, and more, followed by a potluck picnic.
According to Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, this will be the 52nd annual patriotic service at the historic Cobblestone Church, scheduled at 11 a.m. July 7.
Raymon Santoro will provide piano and organ solos and also accompany some patriotic hymns to be sung by guests attending.
Phoebe Kirby, daughter of Justin and Adrienne Kirby, has prepared several guitar solos, and her brother Graham Kirby will play Bach’s Minuet on the glockenspiel.
William DeRuysscher, a 2024 graduate of Albion High School and summer intern at the Cobblestone Museum, will lead a responsive reading focused on the Cobblestone’s heritage.
Adrienne will also share information about a little-known historical resource, the Daughters of the American Revolution monuments erected along Route 104 in Orleans County, from 1927 to 1941. These five monuments will be more fully explained in a full-color catalog to be distributed at the service.
The Museum’s collection of Staffordshire Early Americana plates will be on display, showing more than two dozen scenes from early American history.
In addition, the Museum has prepared a time capsule of memorabilia in commemoration of the Solar Eclipse in April. This project will be formally dedicated at the service in preparation for sealing the box, with instructions to reopen it on the next full solar eclipse in Orleans County 100 years from now. Assorted contents of the box will be on display.
A potluck picnic will follow the service at noon. The Museum will provide hot dogs and lemonade. Those attending should bring their own lawn chair and a dish to pass. A free will offering is always welcome, Farley said.
Kendall Lions Club is providing a tent on the lawn.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2024 at 9:03 am
Job Development worker honored for commitment to youths
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Ettinger, left, receives a citation on Tuesday from the County Legislature in appreciation for his 32 years of service to the county. He retired on May 28. He accepts a certificate from County Legislator Ed Morgan and John Papponetti, commissioner of the Department of Public Works.
Ettinger started working with the county in 1992 as a custodian in the Building & Grounds Department. He was promoted building maintenance worker in 1993 and to senior building maintenance worker in 2007.
Ettinger in 2009 transferred to the Highway Department as a motor equipment operator.
“Your efforts across our County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated,” the citation states from the Legislature.
Peter Anderson, an employment & training counselor at Orleans County Job Development, also was recognized during the Legislature meeting. He accepts a citation from County Legislator Fred Miller.
Anderson received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award from the Orleans County Youth Board. The award goes to a youth-serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2024 at 8:28 am
CLARENDON – The Orleans County Legislation on Tuesday accepted bids for two big infrastructure projects.
Keeler Construction in Barre will be paid $741,742 to replace a culvert on South Holley Road over the east branch of Sandy Creek in Clarendon. Keeler was the low bidder for the project, which will be paid from the county’s Road Fund capital bridge budget.
This is different from the emergency culvert replacement that was completed last week by Keeler on Upper Holley Road. The county hired Keeler for that project last month to replace the culvert after an inspection showed a partial culvert pipe failure.
In a smaller project, the Legislature on Tuesday approved paying Keeler $7,000 to assist the county Department of Public Works with asphalt shimming at the Blood Road bridge approaches in Yates. Keeler will provide a paver, operator and screedman.
The Legislature also accepted a $418,000 bid from STC Construction in Springville to replace a sanitary sewer pump station on Route 31, a project that serves the County Office Building and also the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, the former county nursing home. Comprehensive at Orleans LLC, owner of the nursing home, will pay half of the total costs for the project.
The sewer pump station needs to be upgraded due to multiple pump failures and the age of the pump station appurtenances, legislators said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2024 at 10:36 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Contractors work today on reconstructing new tennis courts in Albion for the school district.
ALBION – Tennis camps run by the Village of Albion Recreation Department typically are held at the Albion school tennis courts. But those courts are under construction this summer as part of the district’s capital improvement project.
Albion is still offering the tennis camp, but it will be at the Holley school tennis courts.
There are two different weeks of camps. The first is next week, July 1 – July 5 (except for July 4), and then the following week from July 8-12, except for July 9.
Basic tennis skills will be taught to the beginners with tennis drills and low-level competitive match situations. Scoring, rules and regulations will be taught along with tennis strategies, said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director ad retired tennis coach at Holley.
The camp runs from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is no charge to participants. The camp is funded by the U.S. Tennis Association.
Participants need to get their own transportation to and from the camp. They do not need tennis experience. Tennis balls will be provided. People should bring their own tennis racket. If they don’t have one, a racquet will be available.
The camp will be postponed if it rains or the courts are very wet, Grillo said.
There is no pre-registration. However, email to jgrillo3@hotmail.com if there are any questions.
HOLLEY/ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will visit two local businesses in Orleans County on Thursday.
At 1 p.m., he will visit TeacherGeek in Holley and at 2:30 p.m. he will visit Marti’s on Main Art Gallery in Albion. Hawley is proud to see the success these local businesses have had and is looking forward to visiting their facilities.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to visit these two businesses, which have shown immense ingenuity and creativity as they’ve built their respective brands,” Hawley said. “Local businesses like TeacherGeek and Marti’s on Main are vital parts of the local economy and continue to help our community and state grow.”
By Drs. Kelsey Izzo and Sarah Smith, Pediatricians, Oak Orchard Health
In upstate New York, we wait for months for beautiful summer weather. It’s finally here but with the sunshine comes new tips for families to stay safe as they enjoy it this time around.
Sun safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Adults and children need protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors. How can you avoid this?
Hats and sunglasses with UV protection protect everyone from the sun.
Kids need to wear sunscreen. Wearing 30 -50 SPF sunscreen is important for kids and reapply every two hours. If they are wet or swimming, you should put it on again after they dry off. Children under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all. They should always be protected from the sun.
On very hot days, be sure children are hydrated by offering them water as often as possible. The exception is with babies under 6 months. They do not need any additional water; breast milk or formula are enough for infants.
UV rays are the strongest and most harmful during midday.
Heat and babies. Summer is a great time to take your children out for a stroll but be mindful of how hot it’s getting inside the stroller, especially if you’re using a sunshade or blanket to shield the sun. Children can overheat. How can you tell? If they are turning red or are sweaty, those are two signs. Also, feel their chest to see if it’s hot. Shorter walks are preferred.
Babies do not need to wear too much clothing on hot days. The rule of thumb is one more layer that you.
During the hot summer, it’s never a good idea to leave kids in cars for any amount of time. And be sure to check the backseat so that no child is left behind.
Water Safety
Naturally, no child should be left alone in or near water. Drowning is a very real risk. According to the CDC, drowning is the #1 cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. Stay within arm’s reach of the child even if they’re wearing a flotation device.
Be sure to have a fence around your backyard pool with locked gates. Home doors should be locked so kids can’t get out to the pool area. Sensors on gates and doors offer added protection and safety. Remember, even small kiddy pools with 6 inches of water, are still a hazard. Kids still need to be supervised.
Bike riding
Bike helmets for kids of all ages are recommended. Of course, adults should also wear helmets.
Limit distractions. No bike rider should be listening to music, they should be aware of their surroundings and hear the vehicles and other bikes that may be in the area.
Adults can supervise the little ones. Young children shouldn’t be riding alone and certainly not riding on busy streets if there’s no shoulder or sidewalk.
Knee pads and elbow pads are a great safety idea.
Kids should let parents and caregivers know where they are going and when they’re expected back. Parents can check in with their kids periodically to be sure they are in a safe location.
Cell phones
Whether it’s summer or winter, less than two hours of screen time per day (ages 2 and up) is a best practice. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 2 and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.
Avoiding screen time before bedtime is another great tip. That includes a TV, laptop, tablet, or cell phone.
Staying healthy in the summer
We’re here if you need us. If you’re looking for a pediatrician for your children, give Oak Orchard Health a call at (585) 637-3905.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2024 at 2:52 pm
SHELBY – The 3-way battle for two positions on the Shelby Republican Committee for District 3 will go down to the absentee ballots, and possibly a coin flip if its remains tied.
On Tuesday night, after all the votes were counted for early voting, primary day and absentees thus far, Bruce Schmidt and Stephen Seitz Sr. were tied with 20. Alana Koneski was in the lead with 25.
There are nine absentee ballots that could potentially come in by the deadline on Tuesday, July 2, said Michael Mele, an Orleans County elections inspector.
He and Janice Grabowski, the other election commissioner for the county, will check with the State Board of Elections on Thursday to see the process if there is a tie for one of the committee positions.
When there was the potential for a tie in the Barre town supervisor race last November, the counsel from the state was to flip a coin if the race was deadlocked after all the votes were counted.
Mele said the local Board of Elections will do a hand count of all the ballots in the race in Shelby, and also the committee race in Yates that is close. For Yates in District 2, there are four candidates for two positions. The vote totals currently are Terry Chaffee Jr., 73; Lynne Johnson, 65, William Jurinich, 54; and Steven Colon, 30.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 June 2024 at 9:27 am
MEDINA – Spending the night in Medina has been a tradition for Cycle the Erie Canal for all 26 years of its existence. (One year they stayed at the Fairgrounds when the school was doing a capital project.)
There are 650 cyclists already registered for the event this year, sponsored by Parks and Trails New York.
The 400-mile ride takes cyclists along the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, spending nights in canal villages and visiting historic sites along the way.
Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee, shows tourism booth volunteer Shari Cassidy some of the events planned for Parks and Trails New York’s annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, scheduled July 7 to 14. Between 650 and 700 cyclists will arrive in Medina and spend the night on July 7.
In Medina, the grounds of Wise Middle School becomes “Tent City” as cyclists and their support crew arrive and begin setting up their tents for the night.
Tourism Committee chair Jim Hancock and his team have been busy for months planning to welcome the cyclists, who usually begin arriving around 2 p.m.
He said the school has been a big part of this event nearly every year since “Cycle the Erie Canal” started.
“They open their buildings and have staff on hand to help,” Hancock said. “Cyclists can camp in the gym if they prefer not to be outdoors, have access to the restrooms and showers and use of the cafeteria.”
The Tourism Committee sponsors a shuttle which takes cyclists back and forth from the school to downtown Medina, dropping them off at stops along the way. Main attractions include the Medina Railroad Museum, which will be open until 5 p.m.; the Sandstone Hall of Fame, the Visitors’ Center and canal basin, where Brian Hellner will have his boat ready for hour-long tours on the canal.
Authors’ Note owner Julie Berry sets up a booth in the school full of books on the Erie Canal. She will ship them to the bikers’ home if they wish.
At State Street Park, a concert is planned from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring bluegrass music by Creek Bend. It is free and open to the public, Hancock said. He also plans to have a food truck there.
At Tent City, a welcome booth will be set up by the Tourism Committee, where Guin Panek from Ledge Rock Farms annually provides a tote of sweet cherries for the cyclists, a treat they really enjoy, Hancock said.
Dinner the night of arrival will be catered in the Middle School cafeteria by Zambistro’s, who also provides a send-off breakfast in the morning.
Several seminars of interest about the canal are scheduled in the school on Sunday afternoon and early evening.
From 7 to 9 p.m. at the school, a concert will be presented by Pocket Change with Dave Stockton.
Hancock also extended his appreciation to Todd Eick’s FFA class at Medina High School, who volunteer every year to help unload gear and set up tents.
Also at the welcome booth, cyclists can pick up a rack card with a schedule of the highlighted attractions, a schedule of the shuttle bus and, on the back, a listing of future events planned in Medina.
“After spending a day with us, we know they are going to want to come back,” Hancock said.
After leaving Medina, the cyclists’ destination the next day will be in Fairport. Along the way they have rest stops and snacks provided in Albion and Holley.
Cell phones 
