By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 May 2024 at 4:02 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: These members of Medina Lions are looking forward to annual community yard sale and chicken barbecue on June 1. From left include Chris Keller, food tent chairman; Tim Moriarty, in charge of maps; and Jim Hancock, chicken barbecue chairman. The fundraiser takes place Saturday and includes a giant flea market at the Olde Pickle Factory.
MEDINA – An annual fundraiser sponsored by Medina Lions is scheduled for June 1 in and around the village of Medina.
The community yard sale and chicken barbecue have taken place the first Saturday in June for 16 years, and continues to grow in popularity. Highlighting the event is a giant flea market at the Olde Pickle Factory, this year with 40 vendors.
Residents who elect to have a yard sale that weekend can place a special ad in the Lake Country Pennysaver. To further advertise their sales, Lions are on the four corners downtown from 8:30 to 11 a.m. handing out maps listing the location of all the sales. Maps are free, but donations are welcome and support the Lions many projects in the community.
“Some people just grab a map and go and others give us a very generous donation,” said Tim Moriarty, who takes care of distributing the maps.
The chicken barbecue is available from 11 a.m. until sold out, said Jim Hancock, chair of that feature.
The flea market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chris Keller heads the food tent, where hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages are sold.
Another popular feature of the sale is the Lions’ Weinermobile, run by Pete Kaiser and a crew of two. The idea is to be on the streets where people are shopping so they can grab a bite and run and not have to miss any sales.
“One year, the Weinermobile sold out on Beach Avenue, before it reached West Center Street,” Kaiser said. “They had to come back and restock before they could continue.”
Kaiser said Medina has one of the largest Lions clubs in Western New York, with 60 members. Two new ones will be inducted at their next meeting.
“And the majority of them are involved in this fundraiser,” he said.
Eight are signed up for the food tent, five to sell maps and 15 to help with the chicken barbecue,” Keller said.
This is a major fundraiser for the Medina Lions, and last year enabled them to give nearly $12,000 to charitable causes, such as Camp Badger, eye screening, the New York State School for the Blind and scholarships, to name a few.
State wants to stop spread of round goby, other invasive species
File photo by Tom Rivers: A boater heads east in Albion after passing under the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in this photo from Oct. 2, 2019.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Canal Corporation joined together to remind those planning to visit New York’s waters to “Clean, Drain, Dry” their boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment before recreating in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Starting Friday, May 24, watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning their equipment. Identified by their blue vests, boat stewards can provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear and offer information on AIS in New York.
“Since the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program began, boat stewards statewide have conducted more than one million inspections, playing a crucial role in protecting thousands of lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout New York State from invasive pests,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “In 2023, boat stewards intercepted more than 11,000 aquatic invasives at boat launches statewide. DEC asks that all boaters Clean, Drain, and Dry before launching to support sustained efforts to protect New York’s waters.”
DEC and the State Canal Corporation continue to implement a comprehensive effort, including a rapid response plan, to combat the potential spread of the invasive round goby to the Lake Champlain Basin following the discovery of the fish in the Hudson River near Troy in July 2021. Aquatic invasive species can out-compete native fish species, disrupting ecosystems and damaging local economies dependent on water recreation and related activities.
Through WISP, a new mobile boat wash decontamination unit will be deployed at launches along the Canal system in the Capital Region this season. The Canal Corporation purchased the unit which contains a hot water pressure washer with a wastewater recovery and filtration system.
Operated by boat stewards, the hot pressurized water will remove AIS from the trailer, hull, anchors, and vessel motor. Internal components of the watercraft (bilge, ballast, lower unit of the motor, and live wells) may also be decontaminated.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we enter this year’s navigation season, we remain committed to collaborating with DEC and our Canal users to mitigate the potential spread of the round goby and other aquatic invasive species. The new decontamination unit being deployed to Canal system boat launches is one tool in our toolbox to ensure the Canal is resilient for the future. We ask everyone, boaters, anglers, and other water recreational users, to do their part to protect New York’s waterways.”
All water recreationists are advised to follow these steps to help prevent the spread of AIS:
Clean mud, plants, and animals off boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment (trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducers, and license plates; motor props; waders; diving gear; anchors; etc.) and discard the material in a trash can or at a disposal station;
Drain all water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an access site;
Dry everything thoroughly before using boats or equipment in another waterbody. Drying times can vary, but five to seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended;
When there’s no time to dry between uses, disinfect boats and equipment with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit or visit a decontamination site;
Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free; and
Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
To this day, a reference to the Civil War Confederate Prison at Andersonville, is synonymous with overcrowding, starvation, suffering and wanton cruelty.
Originally intended to house 10,000 people, some 35,000 prisoners were packed in the site. In its fifteen months of operation, 29% of those interned there died while survivors suffered from years of ill health due to the conditions they endured. Prison commander, Captain Henry Wirz, was the only Confederate soldier executed for war crimes at the end of the War.
The Historical Album of Orleans County (1879) noted that the following Orleans County soldiers were held there:
Carlton
Anderson, George W. sgt. – (Discharged)
Hall, John Bentley, corp. 27th inf., Co. K – (4 months, discharged)
McCarthy, John E., pr. Co. 6, ind. Sharpshooters – (7 months, discharged)
Macomber, Otis, pr. 76th inf., Co. B – (1 year, discharged)
Parkinson, Alfred H., 4th art. – (Died)
Reid, Ambrosall, pr. 76th inf. Co. B – (1 year, discharged)
Willett, Frank E., pr. 8th cav., Co. A – (10 months, discharged)
Gaines
Doyle, Hugh Sgt., 114th inf., Co. B – (Died)
Kendall
Cowell, Charles Jr. Pr. 8th art. Co. K – (Died)
Murray
Flanders, O’Neil, pr. 22nd cav., Co. F – (Died)
Ridgeway
Burch, Philo, pr. 8th cav. – (1 year, discharged)
Hawkins, Isaac, pr. 54th cav. – (Discharged)
Shelby
Ross, Jacob, pr. 151st reg., Co. A – (Died)
Yates
Coleman, James K., Sgt., 3rd Cav., Co. C – (Discharged)
A remarkable depiction of conditions at Andersonville as they appeared on August 1, 1864, was created from memory some years later by Thomas O’Dea. An Irish immigrant, O’Dea enlisted in the 16th Maine Regiment in 1863 at the age of 15. Captured in May 1864, he was sent to Andersonville Prison where he spent nine months.
The scenes depicted by O’Dea teem with detail. Measuring 40×60 in., it is an imposing piece. It takes a few moments to adjust one’s perspective, to focus closely on the center panel where tiny stick figures are crowded in an area bounded by a tall fence.
“The scene of indescribable confusion among the prisoners presents them in every imaginable position, standing, walking, running, arguing, gambling, going to or coming from the Branch with cups, dippers, canteens, or rude pails with water, lying down, dying, praying, giving water or food to the sick, crawling on hands and knees, or hunkers, making fires and cooking rations, splitting pieces of wood almost as fine as matches, the sick being assisted by friends, others “skirmishing for graybacks”, washing clothes and bodies in the Branch, trading in dead bodies, fighting, snaring, shouting …”. Excerpt from History of O’Dea’s Famous Picture of Andersonville Prison by Thomas O’Dea, 1887
Smaller vignettes along the top and sides depict equally grim scenes of a prison which was described by survivors as “Hell on Earth.” O’Dea completed the nine-foot work in 1887 and had 10,000 lithographs made which he sold for $5 each and at a discounted price to G.A.R. posts.
This memorable work, a gift from the family of Philo Burch, an Andersonville survivor, is on display at the Medina Historical Society Museum. It was originally donated to the Armory by his grandson, Bruce Burch and great-granddaughter, Mrs. Fern Corrieri, and was transferred to the Museum in 1977 when the Armory closed.
Born in 1838, Burch enrolled in Hartland on Dec. 19, 1861. According to the Civil War Muster Roll abstracts, he had blue eyes, auburn hair, a light complexion, and his height was 5’4 ¾. He served as a private with the 8th Cavalry, Co. E, was taken prisoner at the Battle of Blackwater on July 28, 1864, and was sent to Andersonville.
He managed to survive there for almost a year and was mustered out on July 27, 1865. His Army Invalid record noted that he later suffered from “disease of the mouth and loss of teeth as a result of scurvy, rheumatism, catarrh, disease of the heart and lungs.” Upon his return, he farmed in the Town of Yates and later lived in the Town of Carlton. He died on June 16, 1918, and is buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Located at 406 West Ave., the Medina Historical Society Museum is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month (May – Sept.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment: call English Rose Tea Shoppe (585) 798-4410.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2024 at 9:12 am
CARLTON – The town last year celebrated its bicentennial with the first parade in Carlton since the 1970s.
Afterward there was a party at the Town Park and Carlton Rec Center. The fun at the town park included music, bounce houses, and many other games and activities.
The event went over so well the town is looking to make it an annual tradition.
The next parade will be at noon on June 1 going down Route 98 from Park Avenue to Waterport-Carlton Road.
“We were so overwhelmed with the response during and after the event last year that we decided to try and make this an annual celebration for the Town of Carlton,” said Kurt Van Wyke, the Carlton highway superintendent.
Parade participants are urged to show up by 11:30 on Park Avenue. They can bring a classic car, tractor, boat on a trailer, decorated float, or even walk their dog on the route.
There will be activities at the park from noon to 4 p.m. with bounce houses, a saw dust pile, horse-drawn rides, fire trucks, and other events including two bands from 1 to 7 p.m. Coupe de Ville will play first followed Stoney Creek at 5 p.m. There will be a beer tent behind the Carlton Rec Hall.
The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically.
AAA coined the phrase after examining troubling data regarding fatal crashes among teen drivers. Nationwide, 6,697 people died in teen driver-related summertime crashes over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. That is nearly half of the total number of those killed in teen-driver crashes for the entire rest of the year in that span.
In 2022 alone, 707 people were killed in such deadly crashes. The 2022 figure is a 10 percent increase over pre-pandemic figures from 2019.
In New York State, 13 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers in summer of 2022. And 151 people were killed in teen driver crashes during the “100 Deadliest Days” over the ten-year span from 2013 to 2022. 151 people killed during summer months over the ten-year span equates to a summertime average of 15 deaths. It’s a dramatic increase from 274 people killed over the course of nine non-summer months over the ten-year period.
AAA teamed up with area police agencies and elected officials across Western and Central New York to raise awareness of traffic safety as Memorial Day kicked off the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers.
“Young drivers in high school and college look forward to the summer season and await newfound freedom with a break from school,” said Mike Formanowicz, driver training manager at AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA urges parents to talk to their young drivers about traffic safety and serve as good role models as well. Putting the phone down behind the wheel is a great example.”
Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors:
Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
Texting (35%)
Red-light running (32%)
Aggressive driving (31%)
Drowsy driving (25%)
Driving without a seatbelt (17%)
AAA driving instructors urge teen drivers to store phones out of reach, obey speed limits, and stay away from impairing substances such as alcohol and marijuana. AAA encourages parents to:
Talk with teens early and often about avoiding dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment, and distracted driving. Serve as a role model for safe behavior.
Always buckle up, and follow posted speed limits.
Teach by example, minimize risky behavior; conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
Make a parent-teen driving agreement setting family rules for driving.
MEDINA – GO Art! is offering a free steel drum workshop for families or individuals at the YMCA in Medina at 306 Pearl St.
The workshops are run by Ted Canning, a percussionist and native of Cleveland, Ohio. His experience includes extensive freelance work in the northeast United States performing classical music, theater, big band and jazz.
The workshops will be held at 6 p.m. on May 31 and June 21 and are open to participants age 12 and older. The cost is free, and all materials (drums and mallets) will be provided. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. To register please email jfisher@goart.org.
Canning’s world music studies and performances include Ghanaian, Haitian, Brazilian and Senegalese drumming in a variety of ensembles. From his start as a lead pan player and founding member of the Pandemonium Steelband of Wesleyan University, Cannin now performs with the steel drum here in the US as well as in Europe and Latin America. He performs in numerous styles, from Caribbean dance music to new classical works.
He has performed as well with national champions “Phase II Pan Groove” in Trinidad and Tobago, and with numerous steelbands in Brooklyn, New York. Ted now leads the Panloco Steelband, the “Steel Alchemy” Community Steelband, and the RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) Steel Band.
He performs with the Trinidad and Tobago Steelband, and has performed with “pan” players from Trinidad and around the world. Since 1993, Ted has been devoted to arts in education as a lead teaching artist. He has presented performances, workshops and residencies in schools, colleges, and community settings throughout Western New York and Pennsylvania.
In addition to presentations of steelband and other world musics, Ted has used music to teach fundamental curriculum skills such as math, language skills, social studies, history and science, illuminating concepts to students and opening doors to multiple styles of learning.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 May 2024 at 8:04 am
MEDINA – Students at Iroquois Job Corps Center enjoyed a day of special activities on Wednesday in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
“It was a day of fun, food and activities to celebrate and acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Jeanette Barr, senior administrative assistant.
The DJ station was manned by Astin Fiegel, recreation manager; Keyonia Pompey, student Y2Y ambassador; and Candace Casey, work-based learning coordinator.
The theme for the day was “Movement: Moving more for our mental health.” Zachary Sargent, Mental Health consultant, addressed staff and students regarding the importance of maintaining good mental health during his opening and closing remarks.
“It was great for all to enjoy time together and everyone had a wonderful time,” Barr said.
Activities included dress down day, chicken barbecue, Lugia’s ice cream truck, caricature artist Rob Dumo, gardening, basketball contest, yoga and several other activities. Students also had fun with squirt guns on the hot day.
Here, students and staff line up for chicken barbecue, cooked by Luke Kantor, an admissions manager, and Brad Hilchey, maintenance manager.
MONTOUR FALLS – Two Medina firefighters are among the graduates of the 89th Recruit Firefighter Training class in Montour Falls.
Medina’s Stephen Baxter, a firefighter/paramedic, and Dylan Schreader, a firefighter/EMT, are among 32 graduates in the class at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Graduates come from 11 fire departments across the state.
Schreader received the Academic Excellence Award for his class. Both of the academy graduates will return to Medina with their respective platoons next week to continue their careers.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 89th Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of NYS New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “You join the thousands of firefighters across New York State who risk their lives day in and day out to protect New Yorkers from fire danger and other emergencies. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your local communities.”
The 32 graduates come from 11 fire departments.
The rigorous 15-week residential training for recently hired career and volunteer firefighters from across New York State includes more than 600 hours of classroom and practical training.
Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations. Training also includes instruction in operating aerial devices, traffic incident management, health and safety, firefighter rescue, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2024 at 11:55 am
Historic cemetery would otherwise run out of space in 10-15 years
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jason Zicari, the superintendent of Mount Albion cemetery, stands on farmland that will become part of an expanded Mount Albion Cemetery. The Village Board submitted a purchase offer at $7,000 an acre for about 30 acres. A final survey needs to be done for a precise measurement of the land south of the current cemetery.
ALBION – Mount Albion is running out of room for new gravesites. The historic cemetery on Route 31 is on pace to run out of gravesites in about 10-15 years, said Jason Zicari, Mount Albion’s superintendent the past 28 years.
The Village Board has approved a purchase offer to acquire about 30 acres of farmland south of the cemetery at $7,000 per acre. That cost at about $210,000 will come out of a cemetery fund and won’t affect the village’s general fund.
A final survey is being done to determine the exact acreage – which will be multiplied by $7,000 for the final cost.
“We have secured the property,” Zicari said. “That’s the main thing and we did it at no cost to the taxpayers because this is coming out of the cemetery fund.”
He expects the 30 acres would be developed in phases, and may not be needed for at least a decade.
Mount Albion started the Deerfield section in 2001 with space for about 1,200 grave sites. There are only about 300 to 400 left.
The cemetery opened in 1843 and has about 20,000 gravesites on about 80 acres. The cemetery does about 75 burials a year and sells about 50 to 60 gravesites annually.
When Mount Albion was nearing capacity in 2001, it opened the new Deerfield section with about 1,200 gravesites. There are about 300 to 400 left there. Zicari also said there are undeveloped areas in the Mapleview section in the southwest corner and near the pump house in the front of the cemetery on the west side.
There are also many unclaimed graves sprinkled throughout the cemetery including in the older sections on the east side. Zicari said some families would buy many plots but didn’t always need all of them. Some people have preferred a plot in the older section where the spot may be high on a terrace or near a tree.
This road goes along the southern perimeter of the cemetery. The land the village is to acquire is on the other side of a row of trees and brush.
The new land is next to the southwest corner of the cemetery. Zicari said it should be fairly easy to expand, running paved paths by clearing out some of the hedges.
Once the deal is closed, the village can begin to plan for the future expansion.
“We will do it in phases,” Zicari said. “But that is all to be determined.”
ALBION – May is National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge the many children in foster care and honor the families that open their homes and hearts to a child in need.
The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) honored the many foster families within our community at their annual Foster Care appreciation dinner that was held on Wednesday at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion.
Kristina McAfee was honored at the Foster Care Dinner as Foster Parent of the Year. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of DSS said, “Kristina has provided a safe haven to Orleans County youth on a continuum basis. Her dedication and willingness to serve, without judgement, makes her a worthy recipient of this award”.
The event was coordinated by Alaina Fleming, Orleans County Foster Care Homefinder Caseworker.
“Alaina has been hard at work ensuring our foster parents are supported and welcomes the opportunity to assist new families interested in providing foster care assistance,” said Stumer. For those interested in becoming a foster parent please contact Alaina at 585-589-3126 or email fostercare@orleanscountyny.gov for more information.
Provided photo: County Legislator John Fitzak is pictured with, from left: Kristina McAfee, Foster Parent of the Year; Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Family & Children Services for DSS; and Lianna Sheffer, Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor, DSS.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2024 at 9:28 am
ALBION – The Village Board approved a zoning change sought by the owner of Crosby’s as the company seeks to make two parcels into one lot.
Reid Petroleum, owner of Crosby’s, in March had a house demolished next to the Crosby’s at the southwest corner of routes 98 and 31. The house used to be a doctor’s office and was zoned residential-commercial.
The Village Board on Wednesday agreed to change the zoning at 210 South Main St. to general commercial to match the zoning for the Crosby’s store.
Crosby’s wants to add 10 more parking spaces to the now vacant land. The company also wants to have two new 20,000-gallon underground storage tanks, with those tanks partly on the lot next to Crosby’s.
John Pastore, director of Real Estate at Reid Petroleum, told village officials on April 10 that the company also would like to eventually add four electric charging stations for vehicles in the future, and they would likely be the faster-charging level 3 units.
The plan for the now vacant land also includes an outdoor sitting area, expanded dumpster coral, 6-foot high fencing and landscaping.
Pastore said the land acquisition gives Crosby’s a chance for better traffic circulation at the Albion store, which he said is one of the company’s best-performing sites.
Village attorney John Gavenda said he is concerned the zoning change could lead to more houses being taken down on South Main for commercial development.
Pastore said Crosby’s plans to renovate the existing store with no plans to make the building bigger.
Village Trustee Greg Bennett noted Crosby’s has three stores in the 14411 zip code. He said he would like to see the company give back more to the community.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 May 2024 at 9:10 am
Provided photo: Participants in last year’s scavenger hunt study their clues as they check out a store front on Medina’s Main Street. The Medina Area Partnership will sponsor its third annual scavenger hunt from June through August.
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has announced it will sponsor its third annual Scavenger Hunt from June through August.
Wonderopolis.org defines “scavenger hunt” as a game in which the players – either individually or in teams – compete to see who can obtain the most items from a list.
How hard could that be, sponsors ask.
Well, those who have participated in one of Medina’s past scavenger hunts will know that they’re quite challenging, but above all, fun for family, friends, coworkers or individuals.
Scavenger hunts have been around for a long time, according to Tim Elliott, who came up with the idea, and Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for MAP. There’s even a National Scavenger Hunt Day annually on May 24, they said. According to nationalcalendarday.com, American gossip columnist, author, songwriter and professional hostel Elsa Maxwell is credited with the introduction of the scavenger hunt for use as a part game in the 1930s.
Maxwell’s invention started a craze, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Two years ago Elliott, a MAP member, along with some of his colleagues decided it was time Medina to jump on that bandwagon.
“The two previous scavenger hunts have been a resounding success,” Elliott said. “Both years have far exceeded our expectations. Feedback was great. All the participants really had a lot of fun with the experience, and everyone had a great time exploring and enjoying Medina.”
As in years past, clues are designed to encourage participants to explore various parts of the 14103 zip code, with every clue taking the participant closer to the prize.
“The winner will have the opportunity to choose from a family prize pack or an adult night-out prize pack, each valued at $150,” Elliott said. “You answer as many questions as you can and submit your scavenger hunt forms by Aug. 31 to be entered into a drawing for a prize pack.”
An example of the questions a participant can expect to see would be, “Tick tock, tick tock. What class said time passes?” The answer is the Class of 1966.
That question on last year’s hunt referred to the clock located in the heart of downtown Medina. One of the memorial bricks at its base has this quote on it.
“There’s so much unique and incredible history in Medina,” Elliott said. “Questions have been carefully crafted using much of our history, both old and new, throughout 14103. You’ll actually learn quite a lot.”
There are 20 questions in total, each one leading to a clue. When a participant locates the area of the clue, they are asked an additional question to confirm they’re in the right place.
Three of the questions are designed to be harder. For every correct answer, participants receive a ticket for the prize drawing, and the hard questions earn 10 tickets for the drawing.
To get started, go to the Coffee Pot Café at 114 East Center St. or click here to get a clue sheet for $10. The hunt can be completed in a couple of hours or at the participant’s leisure. Either way, MAP guarantees the participant will have a great time.
“As always, Tim and the entire MAP Events Committee have done an outstanding job creating a fun and challenging hunt,” said MAP’s president, Cindy Robinson. “And one of the best things about this activity is being able to experience all that Medina has to offer – our shops, restaurants, taverns, architecture and history. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with Medina.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2024 at 8:58 am
MURRAY – The fifth annual “Back the Blue” ride is planned for Aug. 4 and will again start at David Paul’s property on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road.
The first ride had about 1,000 participants. The numbers have been down since the first ride, but several hundred motorcyclists and other vehicles are typically part of the ride.
The participants will leave at 1 p.m. and go to Route 31 and then head west to Medina. They will turn onto Route 63 and go north to Route 104 and then head east to Monroe-Orleans Countyline Rd. The entire ride is about 50 miles.
Before the ride there will be a rally on Paul’s property with conservative talk show host Bob Lonsberry serving as emcee. Paul said speakers expected that day include Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, candidate for district attorney John Sansone, Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Monroe County Legislator Virginia McIntyre is expected to sing the national anthem.
Paul said the community is welcome to be part of the rally and ride, and there is no charge to participate.
