Dr. Joseph Misiti (left), Orleans Community Health medical director and General Surgeon, will be the inaugural recipient of the Bowen Award named for George Bowen (right), who was influential in establishing Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation is extremely excited about its second annual gala, which this year will celebrate multiple events.

Megan Johnson, director of the foundation, has announced this year’s gala, Eclipse, will not only take place on the weekend of the rare eclipse, but will honor Dr. Joseph Misiti, a longtime surgeon in the Medina community.

The gala is scheduled at 6 p.m. April 6 at Bent’s Opera House.

“The night promises to be a captivating experience for attendees, featuring a live performance by Something Else Rock Band from Rochester,” according to Johnson. “Their energetic beats are sure to get everyone on their feet.”

The opulent affair will be complemented by appetizers, an open bar and an exclusive silent auction.

A highlight of the event will be the inaugural presentation of the Bowen Award, named for George Bowen who worked tirelessly for 15 years to raise funds and led the effort to bring a fully functioning modern hospital to Medina.

Spearheaded by Bowen, dozens of clubs and organizations held fundraisers to finance the hospital, which was built from 1924 to 1925. Bowen served as president of the board of directors of the hospital until his death in 1945, and was such a familiar figure visiting patients, doctors and even the operating room, so much so that he was fondly referred to as “doctor.”

This new award is a prestigious recognition established to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Orleans Community Health, Johnson said.

This year, the Bowen Award will be bestowed upon Dr. Joseph Misiti, a home-grown Medina native, who has dedicated his entire career to serving his community as a general surgeon at Orleans Community Health since 1982.

Dr. Misiti received his doctorate at the University of Buffalo and completed his residency at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He is also serving as medical director at Orleans Community Health. His exceptional commitment to the hospital and his generous donation of his surgical practice in January 2021 exemplify the spirit of the Bowen Award, Johnson said.

“We are thrilled to host the second annual Orleans Community Health Gala – Eclipse, bringing together our community for an unforgettable evening of celebration and appreciation,” Johnson said. “This year’s event holds particular significance as we introduce the prestigious Bowen Award and proudly present it to Dr. Joseph Misiti, a pillar of our healthcare community.”

Tickets for the gala are now available for purchase and all proceeds will support the continued growth and enhancement of Orleans Community Health services.

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities and event details, click here.

Orleans Community Health Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the quality healthcare services provided by Orleans Community Health to the communities it serves. They strive to engage the community in a unified commitment to Orleans Community Health and facilitate financial support to ensure friends and family have quality healthcare close to home, now and long into the future.

7 candidates seeking 3 spots at March 19 election

MEDINA – Recent elections in the village have been quiet, with the candidates typically unopposed.

But the election on March 19 has seven candidates for three positions. Medina will have a new mayor with Mike Sidari not seeking re-election after eight years.

There will be a candidate forum at 6 p.m. on March 12 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, an event sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Pennysaver.

There are two candidates running for mayor. Current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on “The Village Party” line and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”

Five people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board. Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running with Sherman on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms. Padoleski retired in 2021 after a 41-year career in the village clerk’s office.

Mat “Austin” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.

Mark Prawel,  a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.

The candidates see the village at a crossroads, facing $1.7 million for a new ladder truck, an addition to the fire hall with one estimate at $6 million, as well as a looming need to start replacing waterlines that are about a century old.

Many residents say the village taxes are already way too high. The 2023-24 budget raised Medina’s tax rate from $18.85 to $21.15 per $1,000 of assessed property, one of the highest in the region.

Mark Prawel

Prawel, 53, of North Gravel Road said he hears the concern from many of his customers at Prawel Automotive about high taxes. The tax bills have many looking to move out of the village, he said.

“The taxes are really expensive,” Prawel said. “I’d like to see someone with a business mind in there (on the board).”

Prawel retired as a Medina police officer on April 16, 2023. He worked for the village for 16 ½ years. That gave him insight into the village operations. He believes there is room to cut in the village budget and still maintain quality services to the residents and businesses.

“There are a lot of things we could look into,” he said about paring down the budget. “We could be more efficient with our money. All departments could save.”

He worries as the village looks to take on more debt.

“We shouldn’t be spending money we don’t have,” he said.

Prawel has worked as a mechanic since he was 18. He did that full-time while first volunteering and then working for the Sheriff’s Office for 15 years before becoming a Medina police officer. His job as a police officer showed him all aspects of the community.

“I’ve lived here by entire life,” he said. “There are some really nice people in our village.”

Marguerite Sherman

Sherman, Elliott and Padoleski are running as team. Sherman, 61, of Gwinn Street has been a trustee on the board for 10 years and is the current deputy mayor. She also was on the Planning Board for 10 years.

She would like to explore more shared services with the local towns. She was on a  committee with Shelby town officials looking for cost savings.

“We all have to be more money conscious,” Sherman said.

The village needs a comprehensive plan to address its water system, she said. An engineer told the board recently the village faced $30 million to upgrade aging waterlines in the near future.

She noted Medina is going to seek grants for infrastructure, blighted properties and to help with the fire truck and fire hall projects.

Despite the challenges in the village, Sherman said the community has many successes, with dedicated volunteers and business owners pushing projects. She said a $4.5 million Forward NY grant will make the downtown and waterfront areas even better.

“We are so fortunate to have so many facets working for the betterment of our village,” she said.

Residents have pushed to upgrade or create a skate park, splash pad, dog park and a disc golf course  as well as Boxwood Cemetery improvements. Volunteers also organize a summer concert series, run a visitor’s center and help coordinate planting new trees in the village.

Sherman said the village will miss the leadership of Sidari as mayor.

“Mike has raised the standards and expectations of mayor,” she said. “He has put so  much time into it. We’ve worked so hard for so many years to bring things into the village.”

Sherman, Elliott and Padoleski said a bigger share of county’s sales tax and more state aid through the AIM program would make a big difference for the village, taking some pressure off property taxes.

The village receives about $160,000 of the local sales tax that is nearly $25 million in Orleans County. The county has kept the towns and villages frozen at the same level, about $1.3 million for 10 towns and four villages, since 2001.

The village has tried for more village and state funding, but has been stymied.

“We don’t want an adversarial relationship with the county and state,” Sherman said. “But we can’t just give up (on that funding). We want our community to be thriving.”

She said growth in the Medina Business Park with expansions from existing companies and welcoming new ones also would bring in new tax revenue for the village.

Sherman said the budget process is very challenging, to be fair to the village’s 50 employees while also trying not to overwhelm taxpayers.

“It is a lot of stress,” she said. “I don’t sleep at night during the budget season.”

Debbie Padoleski

Padoleski, 62, of Erie Street didn’t expect to make a run for public office. She is uncomfortable seeing her name on political signs around the village. She was motivated to run after she received her reassessments for three properties last year, and the numbers doubled, resulting in a big increase in her tax bills.

“If everything goes up with taxes, we’re in deep trouble,” Padoleski said.

She said the village has tried for years to get more of the sales tax, but county officials have been steadfast in rejecting an increase.

Padoleski brings a deep knowledge of the village inner workings. She can use those skills as part of the village budget process.

She also said the village needs to keep speaking out about the need for more of the local sales tax and AIM funds from the state.

“It can’t just be outrage and stomping our feet,” she said about the local sales tax share and AIM money.

Tim Elliott

Elliott, 39, of Manilla Place helped the village to adopt a vacant registry law where property owners pay to be on the registry and then are assessed an annual fee for each year the sites remains vacant. That law has helped reduce the vacant sites from about 80 to less than 40.

Elliott is concerned about the tax burden for the residents and property owners. Medina is seeking grants to try to ease some of the local burden. But Elliott believes the county needs to free up some of the sales tax revenue for Medina, which he said is a prime generator of that money.

Elliott at one time owned 15 houses in the village. He has reduced that to four properties. He also owned Brushstrokes Studios, Into the Enigma and was part-owner of 810 Meadworks.

He also is a member of the Town of Ridgeway Planning Board and also the Grievance Board.

He worries the county will only take the village’s financial strain seriously if Medina is forced to cut some services. But even then he isn’t sure the county will let go of any of the sales tax revenue.

Elliott said he has never been a “one-issue candidate.” He said he brings an open mind to the position, and tries to research issues and hear from stakeholders before making a decision.

Maak, Mosher and Pasnik are running as a team. They say the current village administration should have had a better plan for purchasing the new ladder and having space for it. The village board also should have a plan for replacing water lines and other infrastructure, the candidates said.

Mike Maak

Maak, 54, of State Street retired in January 2016 as a captain after nearly 27 years with the fire department. He works full-time now as a paramedic with the Gates Ambulance. He is a past chairman of the Big Lakes EMS Council for Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties.

Maak said the board should have had the fire hall space issue resolved before committing to a new ladder truck. The new truck is expected to be ready around Christmas 2025.

The costs for fire trucks has escalated. The ladder truck from 1995 cost $390,000, with the new one more than four times that cost. And building projects also are far more than expected, with the board looking to pare down a project that came in at an estimated $6 million.

The fire department also has a pumper from 1990 that will need replacement in the near future, Maak said.

“They’ve let things go so long eventually you have to pay,” he said. “They’ve kicked the can down the road for too long.”

Maak thinks a better solution for the fire hall addition may be a joint public safety building for the fire department and police. If it’s moved out of the historic downtown area the village would have more flexibility in the construction, he said.

Medina needs an overall updated comprehensive plan to assess the needs of the village, and work on a schedule for upgrades, Maak said.

He would also push for the village to become an incorporated city, which should result in more AIM funding for the community as well as more of the local sales tax.

Jeff Pasnik

Pasnik, 39, of North Street has worked in the construction industry as a union carpenter for 15 years. The past seven years he has been in the union leadership for a 12-county region, helping the group manage a tight budget.

Pasnik grew up in Middleport, but was part of a Boy Scout troop in Medina as a kid. He has lived in Medina the past 10 years. He is a current member of the Leadership Orleans program.

“I want to be a person of change for this county,” he said.

Pasnik said the current village board has lacked a plan to tackle so many issues in the village, from the fire trucks, to fire hall to other infrastructure.

In his job he sees other parts of Western New York much busier with construction projects, from private projects to public infrastructure. Medina should be seeking federal funds through the new infrastructure bill, Pasnik said.

“The president passed a once-in-a-generation infrastructure program,” Pasnik said. “This is our opportunity to upgrade our water system.”

Mat “Austin” Mosher

Mosher, 52, of Hedley Street works throughout the region at 160 Kwik Fill gas stations as a regional safety manager. He said his experience would be an asset to the village with code enforcement, construction and safety.

“I bring a fresh set of eyes,” he said.

Mosher said he isn’t afraid to make tough choices, even if they are unpopular. But he would like to see the public be more informed about critical decisions in the village.

Mosher said he volunteered as a youth coach and has long felt an obligation to serve the community.

“The timing is right for me to be involved,” he said.

Polls for the election will be open noon to 9 p.m. on March 19 at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave. The terms for mayor and the trustees are for two years.

Provided photo

ALBANY – Hannah Brundage of Kendall finished fourth in the state in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. The competition was March 2 at the Crown Plaza in Albany.

Brundage advanced to the state contest after winning the zone competition in Mount Morris. She also won the Orleans County and the 8th District Level contests.

She advanced to the state competition after giving an 8-10 minute speech on the Constitution and then a 3-5 minute additional speech on a chosen piece of the Constitution decided that day.

Brundage entitled her main speech, “Understanding the Government.” She began by asking how many in the audience ever leave home, wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again, not knowing if they would make it back alive?

Her father, Daniel Brundage, experienced that as an Army veteran with the 10th Mountain Division. He served a tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq. As a firefinder radar technician, his job was to locate incoming artillery and their trajectories and determine the enemy’s position.

“Putting his life on the line, he was able to save countless other soldiers from a gruesome death,” Hannah Brundage said. “Just like him, thousands of men and women in the military are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect us. Many do not return.”

Brundage urges citizens to educate themselves on the Constitution and the role of government.

“As James Madison said, ‘Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives,’” she said.

Courtney Fannon

KENDALL – The school district is mourning the loss of a special education teacher.

Courtney Fannon, 29, passed away on Friday with her infant daughter, Hadley Jaye.

“Courtney was a special education teacher who served her students with passion and joy each day,” District Superintendent Nick Picardo said in a message to the community. “When she wasn’t in her classroom sharing her love and gift for teaching with her students, she could be found walking our halls with a smile and a friendly hello.”

School is closed today. Counselors will be available at the elementary school for students and staff on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Fannon’s family.

Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office

The Orleans Aware app is available via the attached QR code.

ALBION – Orleans County Emergency Management today released information to help residents prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse and the significant increase in visitors and traffic volume that is expected to result.

Emergency Management also encouraged residents to download its free app, called Orleans Aware (click here), to receive important notifications during the eclipse event on April 8.

“Our office is in full preparation mode right now, planning for what could be hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to the region,” said Justin Niederhofer, director of Orleans County Emergency Management.  “I encourage residents to do the same.  We know from previous eclipse events in other communities across the country that the disruption can be significant.”

Niederhofer said residents should schedule all non-urgent errands and appointments prior to April 5 or after April 8.  In addition, people should ensure they have enough essential supplies such as groceries, prescription medications and fuel prior to April 5.

“The movement of people is our biggest concern, which is one of the reasons all area schools are closed on April 8,” Niederhofer said.  “To the extent that people can avoid traveling during the peak time, please do so, and if you must go somewhere, allow for extra time.

Niederhofer said the expectation is first responders will be in high demand, which means the ability to reach people in need is paramount. There is concern that some, especially from out-of-town, may pull off to the roadside or onto the shoulder to view the eclipse, which is unsafe.

“Make a plan for where you to intend to watch the eclipse and ensure you have necessary eclipse glasses to protect your eyes,” Niederhofer said.  “Our four local libraries have free eclipse glasses for residents while supplies last.”

Last, Niederhofer said Emergency Management has sped up the release of its new app, Orleans Aware, to be utilized during the solar eclipse. This will allow the agency to connect with residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone.

“It is imperative for us to be able to reach out to the community quickly in the event of any type of emergency situation,” Niederhofer said. “Plus, this app is a joint effort with our Health Department, allowing us to provide information on a host of public health and safety issues going forward.”

Heritage Hurricanes prove crowd favorites at competitions

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A member of the Heritage Hurricanes waves a flag during Saturday’s Colorburst event at Medina High School, which included 25 winter guard teams from Western New York and Pennsylvania.

The Heritage Hurricanes are an all-abilities colorguard with members from Heritage Christian Services and other community members in the Rochester area.

Melissa Jaeger, front, directs the Hurricanes. She helped found the group in 2018. She works at Heritage as a day program manager.

“It gives them an opportunity to perform and create friendships in a different community,” she said.

Jaeger also is director of the Medina winterguard teams – the varsity, JV and a Colorguard Group with students in grades 3-6.

Jaeger lives in Rochester and drives to Medina three times a week to lead the school teams. Her brother, Matt Jaeger, is Medina’s high school band director.

Melissa Jaeger graduated from Medina in 2008. She said color guard teams help create friendships and bring people together.

“Winter guard is a fun a creative outlet,” Jaeger said. “It’s a way to stay and be active.”

The Heritage Hurricanes have 18 members. The group practices once a week. They perform in the exhibition class at Medina and also the North East Color Guard Circuit Championships, which will be April 6 at Gates-Chili.

Jaeger thanked Medina for welcoming the Hurricanes since the group started in 2018.

Heritage staff members and volunteers from the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps and other local winter guards assist the team at practice and during their performances.

The crowd gave the Hurricanes loud applause during the performance and at the conclusion.

Press Release, City of Batavia Police Department

Michael J. Elmore

BATAVIA – The City of Batavia Police Department has made two arrests following an investigation into the line-of-duty death of Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello that occurred in the early morning hours of March 10 at the Batavia Downs.

Michael J. Elmore, 33, of Batavia is charged as follows: Aggravated Manslaughter 1st degree (Class B Felony), Aggravated Assault upon a Police Officer (Class B Felony), Burglary 2nd degree (Class C Felony).

It is alleged that Elmore intended to cause serious physical injury to Sgt. Sanfratello and Sgt. Sanfratello died as a result of the encounter. It is further alleged that Elmore remained unlawfully, left and then returned to the Batavia Downs after having been told to leave the premises and he did so with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia is charged as follows: Burglary 2nd degree (Class C Felony), Attempted Assault 2nd (Class E Felony). It is alleged that Wilcox remained unlawfully in the Batavia Downs after having been told to leave with the intent to commit a crime therein. It is further alleged that Lyndsey Jean Wilcox attempted to commit the crime of Assault 2nd during the confrontation with Sgt. Sanfratello.

Both Elmore and Wilcox were held at Genesee County Jail and were arraigned by Judge Mileham in Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court.

Elmore was held on $100,000 cash bail, $200,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox was held on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 security bond or $200,000 partially secured bond. Both are to appear on March 12 in the Town of Batavia Court.

The City of Batavia Police Department was assisted by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County 911 Communications Center and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation.

Anyone with any further information is asked to contact the City of Batavia Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311 or by submitting a tip at www.bataviapolice.org.

We would like to thank all those that came forward with information to assist the investigation and those that assisted at the scene. We are asking that you keep the family and friends of Sgt. Sanfratello in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Rogan and Aries available at PAWS, awaiting forever homes

Provided photos

ALBION – In collaboration with PAWS Animal Shelter, Albion Correctional Facility welcomed two rescue dogs, Rogan, and Aries, on Nov. 28.

Two teams of three incarcerated individuals then cared for and trained the dogs for approximately 12 weeks. They were under the support and supervision of community volunteer trainer, Dawn Spencer.

She is the owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training in Kent and has over 25 years of experience in dog training.

(Left) One of the incarcerated women is pictured with Rogan. (Right) Dawn Spencer is shown with Rogan and Aries.

Throughout the 12 weeks, the teams of incarcerated individuals served as handlers for the dogs.  Spencer visited the facility once a week to put the dogs through the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program. This training program consists of 10 skills that the dogs must be able to master and aims to train dogs the basics of good manners and obedience. Spencer instructed the incarcerated individuals on what skills to work on each week.

Rogan and Aries had a chance to show off the skills they have learned during graduation on March 4 and are both awaiting their forever homes.  If you are interested in adopting Rogan or Aries, applications are available at paws14411.com.

MEDINA – Loreli Ryan dances to “Maniac” with the Medina varsity winter guard team during Saturday’s “Colorburst” show at Medina High School.

There were 25 guard units competing at the event, up from 19 from a year ago at the Winter Guard Show in Medina. About 500 people attended the competition.

Medina winter guard members Madelyn Lewis, front, and Natalie Herbert slow down the action for a moment during Medina’s performance. Medina did a take on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and is set to songs of the last several decades.

Caiden Class, a Medina senior, joined the winter guard and is depicting Dick Clark and at times playing his saxophone. MacKenzie Poynter is in front in blue.

Winter guard is a hybrid artform and sport that combines elements of music, dance, choreography and military-like precision in a competitive arena. Winter guard is touted for benefits for participants that include teamwork, fitness, timing, planning, responsibility, coordination, and goal-setting.

Medina competes in the SA class. Here are some photos of the teams in the RA, A1 and SA classes.

The team from Corry, Pa. performed a show called “Life at Sea.”

Gates Chili performed a show, “Illusions of the Eye.”

Members of the Jamestown winter guard performed “Paint It Black.” The began in bright yellow outfits and ended in all black.

The Jamestown team goes from yellow to black to signify a journey from a hapopy life to the dark side.

Hinsdale’s team tosses flags in the air and gets ready to catch them. Their show, “Dreams,” is designed around the dream of building a house with everything you’ve always wanted.

Orchard Park’s show of “Life Goes On” sends a message that it’s possible to move on from someone even if your heart refuses to let go.

Lancaster presented “If I Ran the Zoo” which takes the idea of a traditional zoo and reimagines it where there is no cognition and the animals run wild with juxtaposition.

Victor’s winter guard performed “The Vibrant City.” The scene is set in New Orleans.

Orleans County law enforcement agencies share condolences

Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello died in the line of duty at Batavia Downs.

BATAVIA – A sergeant with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office suffered an apparent fatal heart attack after midnight during a physical altercation at Batavia Downs, the City of Batavia Police Department said in a press release this afternoon.

Thomas A. Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, was working a special assignment detail at the Batavia Downs while on duty.

Sanfratello, age 54, and casino security were notified about an altercation inside the facility. After an initial verbal confrontation inside the bar area, Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security began escorting two patrons – Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39 – out at the request of the Batavia Downs security staff, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a press release.

Wilcox became physically combative with Sanfratello. He and Batavia Downs security staff gained control of Wilcox and placed her under arrest. However, Heubusch said Elmore became physically combative, attacking Sanfratello.

Batavia Downs security officers and civilians attempted to assist Sanfratello with taking Elmore into custody and a physical fight ensued. During the altercation, Sanfratello tried to user a Taser electronic control device on Elmore, but he continued to be combative, Heubusch said.

During the physical altercation, Sanfratello became unresponsive, and CPR was started immediately. Despite these life-saving efforts, Sanfratello was pronounced deceased by the Genesee County Coroner.

This is an on-going investigation, and police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this or has video of the incident to contact the City of Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311 or submit a tip at www.bataviapolice.org.

Law enforcement agencies in Orleans County are expressing their condolences on their social media pages.

From the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: “Sheriff Bourke and the men and women of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office send our thoughts and prayers to the men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy.”

From the Village of Albion, NY Police Department: “In this moment of heartache, we stand with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and all of those impacted by last night’s incident. 💙”

From the Village of Medina Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the members of the GCSO as well as family and friends.”

UPDATE at 7:43 p.m.: Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek issued this statement:

“The Batavia Downs Family is extremely saddened by the loss of Sergeant Sanfratello and send our very deepest condolences to his family.  We rarely have incidents at our facility in large part due to the incredible efforts of people like Sergeant Sanfratello.

“While words cannot express our sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sanfratello family and his extended first responder family.

“The safety of our guests and our dedicated staff is our highest priority and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement throughout their investigation.

“We are committed to assisting the Sanfratello family and the entire community through this difficult time.”

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a wind advisory from 5 p.m. today until 2 p.m. on Monday.

The advisory includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario and Allegany counties.

There will be northwest winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result.”

Today’s high will be 37 degrees with an overnight low of 29, followed by highs of 43 on Monday, 56 on Tuesday and 63 on Wednesday.

Photos by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Art Doldan, owner of ArtyParty716, spins the wheel on Friday night during a meat raffle fundraiser for the Medina Rotary Club. Gary Lawton of the Rotary Club is at right in back.

Rotary held the event for the first time as a fundraiser to support community projects.

About 150 people attended the raffle at the Ridgeway Fire Hall.

The crowd holds up $2 to have a chance in one of the rounds. They would get four chances to win different meat products for those $2.

There were 12 rounds in all with chances to win chicken fingers, pickle chips, pizza logs, bacon, burgers, state fair sausage, strips, prime rib, pork chops, pork butt, chuck roast, ribeye steak, shrimp, poppers, stuffed chicken, boneless breast, turkey breast, surf/turf and wings.

Art Doldan pulls the 50/50 ticket in a bucket held by Stephanie Mason from the Rotary Club, and the lead organizer of the meat raffle. The 50/50 split was about $800.

Mason has been to other meat raffles and she said they are fun events, while raising money for a good cause.

The Rotary Club expected the event raised $3,000 to $5,000 last night for the club to give towards community causes.

Carl Tuohey and his son Jackson get the meat ready for the winners.

Art Doldan walks past baskets up for raffle. He said the meat raffles are soaring in popularity. He is based out of Williamsville. Last year he did 37 meat raffles from Jan. 1 to June 1. This year he is scheduled to have 65 in those five months.

The events raise an average of $6,000 to $8,000, and some top $20,000.

“These events have really blossomed,” he said. “People love it.”

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to recover a trailer stolen Feb. 18.

At about 12 a.m. Feb. 18, someone driving a GMC or Chevrolet Silverado short box-style truck stole an 18-foot, double-axle, enclosed trailer (2024 U.S. Cargo with Maine registration 5288003) from Lake Shore Metal on Ridge Road in the town of Ridgeway.

The Sheriff’s Office said the trailer is custom-built for its purpose with a unique driver’s side door and frame around the wheels.

Anyone with information on this may call the county Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 585-569-5527, Investigator Brian Marsceill at 585-590-4158 or the Sheriff Tipline at 585-283-4960 or at sherifftips@orleanscountyny.gov.

An anonymous tip may be completed via the Sheriff’s Office website (click here).

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!!!

At the end of January 2012, right after my mother had been diagnosed as having a Glioblastoma tumor the size of a softball (aka terminal brain cancer), I received an invitation to grab coffee with Kevin Lemcke, someone who knew all too well what it was like to receive that same news, and ask him any questions I might have.

I took him up in his offer and was grateful for his compassion and insight as my family walked through some rough waters over the next few months until mom’s passing. I am thankful to have forged a friendship with Kevin and privileged to have been his pastor for a number of years when I was at Albion Free Methodist. I continue to minister beside Kevin these days on the Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry Truck and was grateful that we could grab coffee once again so that I could ask more questions and retell his story to you.

On March 7, 2000, just three days shy of his 30^th birthday, Kevin was living in Canandaigua with his wife when he started to feel dizzy and disoriented. After a couple hours he went to the ER where they did some testing only to discover that he had a brain tumor, later diagnosed as Glioblastoma. Just like that Kevin was taken by Mercy Flight to Rochester General Hospital with an initial prognosis of 24 hrs.

After those first 24 hours passed by, Kevin continued fighting as he had his first of what would be nine surgeries over the next 5 ½ years as well as starting chemo and radiation treatments. It was an uphill battle to be sure and not only on the physical front.

In the midst of his treatments his wife would file for divorce and so in 2002 Kevin moved to Florida where he worked full-time while continuing to get treatments, have more surgeries, and go through gamma knife procedures at Orlando Regional. When I asked Kevin how he could persevere through so much at that time, especially having to go through much of it alone, he stated, “I was too busy trying to survive to feel sorry for myself and I knew I would get through with God’s help.”

Kevin continued to hold onto that hope, based on a faith in Christ that had been instilled in him throughout his entire life, even when his doctors told him in 2005 that there was nothing more that they could do and that he should essentially get comfortable and spend what remaining time he had with his loved ones.

While keeping a positive attitude Kevin followed the doctors’ advice by retiring and moving home to Orleans County to be close to family. In the spirit of not giving up, Kevin continued to seek help through Roswell Park Medical Center and that is when his hope started to take shape.

For those not familiar with this type of brain cancer it is invasive and aggressive meaning that you cannot totally eradicate it with surgery but simply slow it down. Kevin’s case was no different as the cancer’s “fingers” reached into parts of his brain that would lose function if removed. However, where his tumor was located made a more aggressive treatment possible.

Having removed the majority of the tumor along with a small portion of his brain, Kevin was given a new lease on life. It did come with side effects, such as loss of peripheral vision on one side and narcosis in his joints. But after more treatments there were no more remnants of the cancer.

This particular type of cancer is never considered to be gone and even after 16 years his doctor has never even uttered the word “remission.” But checkup after checkup after checkup it has been good news. Kevin only needs to go for an MRI annually now which is pretty amazing! When I asked him what he would tell others who receive a difficult diagnosis he said, “Don’t ever give up because God’s got a plan we don’t even know about.”

For Kevin those plans ended up including much more than just an extension of life. In 2007 he started dating, and then 6 months later married, his wife Sheila. The blessings didn’t stop there though because, even after being told that because of all the treatments he had received they would never be able to have children, in 2010 their daughter Keira (aka Curly) was born.

In addition his girls, which he considers his two greatest blessings, Kevin has continued to pursue God’s purpose for his life. He has been Jack Burris’ right-hand man since the start of Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry, active in his church, and even went to Washington D.C. with me one year as part of Christian’s United for Israel.

His story almost came to an abrupt end when I fell asleep driving home after while on an 8 Lane Highway but that’s another story. The fact remains that not only did Kevin’s story not end with his initial 24-hour prognosis back in 2000 but continue on 24 years later as he continues to hold onto hope and help others find it whenever possible.

And if you are reading this on March 10, be sure to wish Kevin a very Happy Birthday!!!

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy