By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 November 2023 at 7:00 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Summer Borck dressed as an elf on Dec. 11, 2022 at the Albion Walmart and gave away candy to help spread joy during the holiday season. She was one of the bell ringers that day.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County is working with Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern to head The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season.
Katrina Chaffee is coordinating the drive for Community Action and has issued a plea for volunteers to ring the bell at three locations in Orleans County – Walmart in Albion, and Tops Friendly Markets in Medina and Albion.
All red kettles had been delivered as of Nov. 10, Chaffee said. There are no table top kettles for donations this year, due to lack of help to monitor and empty them.
Residents are reminded how much impact the funds raised have for neighbors right here locally. All the money collected in Orleans County stays in Orleans County and helps provide summer camp for Orleans County children and emergency services in the county.
Anyone who can spare a few hours a week to ring the bell at Tops or Walmart is asked to call Chaffee at (585) 589-5605, Ext. 117 or register by logging on to one of the three links below:
Bell Ringers at Albion Tops Friendly Markets: Albion Tops 2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing (signupgenius.com)
Bell Ringers at Albion Walmart: Albion Walmart 2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing (signupgenius.com)
Bell Ringers at Medina Tops Friendly Markets: Medina Tops 2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing (signupgenius.com)
There are two red kettles at Walmart – one at each entrance and volunteers can sign up for two-hour time slots between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2023 at 11:27 am
New commander steps forward after loss of 2 longtime leaders
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike Donahue plays Taps as part of the Honor Guard on Veterans’ Day on Saturday at the American Legion post on Gaines Basin Road.
The Honor Guard observed Veterans’ Day at four other stops: The Veterans Service Agency in Albion, Orleans County Courthouse, memorial outside the middle school and the VFW post.
Rex Hults and other members of the Honor Guard fired three rounds in a 21-gun salute at each stop.
The Honor Guard is outside the American Legion on Gaines Basin Road The former clubhouse at Pap Pap’s Par 3 is now the home for the Legion. The veterans’ organization in the past year has put a new roof and siding on the building, as well as electrical and lighting upgrades, and an installation of flags from each branch of the military.
The organization has 120 members and welcomes more. They could be a veterans, son of a veteran, a member of the ladies auxiliary or a social member.
Brad Rouse, a Marine Corps veteran, is the new commander of the Legion. He was instrumental in the building improvements. Rouse also is recently retired from the Village of Albion in maintenance and as a mechanic at the sewer plant.
The Legion also put in a new concrete front patio and placed seven spent rounds, and one live round. The live round is in honor of the military currently deployed, the seven other bullets represent the gun salute from the Honor Guard, with three volleys of seven rounds.
This tribute is in front of a memorial bench for the late Jason Johnston, who was 24 when he was killed by a roadside bomb on Dec. 26, 2009 in Arghandab, Afghanistan.
His father Brad is an active member of the Legion in Albion. Jason Johnston, a specialist and paratrooper in the Army, is the only soldier from Orleans County to be killed in combat during the Afghanistan War.
The legion has added a display case with the Legion uniform for Kevin Christy, who was the group’s commander at the time of his death at age 72 on Nov. 16, 2022. Christy was a long-time leader of the local American Legion and also created the Sons of the American Legion for the organization in Albion.
Roger Ettinger made the display for Christy’s Legion and also the display case for the Army uniform worn by Gary Befus.
The uniform for Gary Befus also is in a display case at the Legion. Befus served with the Army during the Vietnam War. He died at age 76 on Oct. 3, 2022. He was involved for many years with the Legion and helped organize parades and the annual oratorical contest.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2023 at 8:43 am
Gary Simboli, long-time musical director at Albion, gets the spotlight on the stage as Max Bialystock
Photos by Tom Rivers
MIDDLEPORT – Gary Simboli, left, is Max Bialystock and Michael Flanagan is Leo Bloom who are partners in The Producers, which is being performed by the Lake Plains Players.
There were shows on Friday and Saturday nights and a final performance today at 2 p.m. at the Roy-Hart High School Auditorium.
The two characters set out to produce the worst musical in history, raising $2 million and then leaving with the money when the show flops. However, the musical turns out to be a smashing success.
In order to raise the money, Max (Gary Simboli) needs to befriend many old ladies.
Simboli was the musical director at Albion High School for 35 years, leading 70 different shows. In The Producers, he is the lead performer on stage.
Leo Bloom (Michael Flanagan) transforms from being a shy and mousy accountant into a more confident and charismatic person when he envisions being a Broadway producer.
Lake Plains Players is performing the musical that was a Broadway hit in 2001. The show won 12 Tony Awards.
Geoff Klopas plays the role of Franz Liebkind, who is tending to his pigeons while wearing a German Army helmet. He writes the very offensive “Springtime for Hitler” musical that Max is certain will be disaster financially and with the crowd.
Liebkind sees the musical as a chance to clear the Führer’s name on Broadway by singing the praises of Hitler.
“Springtime for Hitler” becomes a big hit when the audience sees it as brilliant satire, lampooning Hitler.
Max and Leo also seek out the worst director for the musical and settle on Roger DeBris, a flamboyant character played by Brian Wilson.
DeBris initially rejects the chance to direct a depressing musical with war, but when the prospect of winning a Tony is mentioned, DeBris signs on to direct the show.
Leo (Michael Flanagan) and Max (Gary Simboli) fight over the two accounting books, one for the IRS with fudged numbers and the other not to be seen by the IRS with the numbers showing their fraud.
Laura Bennett plays Ulla, a Swedish woman who stars in “Springtime for Hitler.” She also runs away with the $2 million with Leo and the two get married.
During Max’s trial for fraud, the old ladies who he swindled out of their money show up in support of Max, despite his conniving ways.
Gary Simboli performs “Betrayed” when Max learns that Leo has fled the area with the $2 million and Ulla.
Leo later returns to be with his friend and gives back most of the money.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2023 at 6:31 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Aeddon Cayea of Medina sprints to finish on Bates Road in Medina today during the 6th annual Operation Honor 5K.
Cayea, 24, won the race in a time of 18:36. His brother Alden is a past winner of the race. There were 51 participants in the event today that started and ended near the Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club.
Operation Honor distributes about $5,000 a year to help local veterans in a financial pinch. It may be paying a utility bill, car payment or some other one-time financial stressor.
Jenn Thom, an Operation Honor leader, said veterans don’t tend to seek any help. She encouraged them to reach out to Operation Honor or have a local veterans group (the VFW, American Legion or Veterans Service Agency) send a message to Operation Honor about a veteran who needs a little financial help.
The group also donates to the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council to support a van service that takes veterans to medical appointments.
Sarah Surdel, one of the leaders of Operation Honor, said the organization will be looking to chronicle local veterans’ experiences in the military through an oral history initiative.
She noted the support for Operation Honor of the late Archie Washak, a Vietnam War veteran who passed away at age 76 on Oct. 15.
There have been $3,500 in memorials for Washak donated to Operation Honor.
“ We would like to document the experiences of our elderly veterans in order to conserve those experiences before they are lost,” Operation Honor states on its website. “We also hope to document the more modern experiences of our younger veteran generations, with the hopes they may find the sharing to be a therapeutic process for further healing.”
Surdel and Thom said the group has applications available for those willing to be interviewed, and is seeking volunteers to help with the project.
Alicia and Brad Zacher of Medina both ran the 5K today. They were welcomed at the finish line by their children, Henry and Harlow, who made they a poster.
Olivia Hill and Aeddon Cayea received American flags as their first place prize. Hill, 31, ran the 5K in 24:27.
This trio walked the course together. They include, from left: Laura Belson, Susan Howard (assistant district attorney) and Joe Cardone (the Orleans County DA).
Jenifer Cardone of Medina kept up a brisk pace during the race.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2023 at 4:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Ken Nice of Nice’s Honeydew Acres in Knowlesville sells some honey today during the Eagle Harbor United Methodist’s Church’s holiday craft show at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Nice was one of 23 vendors at the show, which returned today after a four-year gap. The show was cancelled in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic.
Michelle Howard helped coordinate the craft vendors. She reached out to vendors from past show and promoted the event on Facebook. The space quickly filled up. The Eagle Harbor UMC expects to use a second building on the fairgrounds next year to accommodate more vendors.
Howard was one of the vendors today, selling cross-stitch tree ornaments and pictures.
“As a church we wanted to get back to being out more in the community,” Howard said.
Jon Hotaling, a woodworker, holds a Lincoln Roadster car he made. He had many creations for sale. He was impressed with the crowd coming into the Trolley Building today.
These UMC volunteers served beef on weck lunches and chili. They include, from left: Ron Witkop, Kris Witkop, Brett Boring, Joyce Drought and Michael Vick.
Proceeds from today’s event will be donated to the family of the late Byron Neal of Albion and the late Maddox Pearl, children who passed away from cancer.
Proceeds also will be shared with the family of Brayden Hoffmeister of Medina to help his family with medical expenses.
The church, which also had a bake sale today, is giving to the “One Hallelujah Mission” led by singer/songwriter Chris Wilson. Click here for more information.
Mothers of the bride and groom. Peg Clark and Neva Murray at the reception of Jack and Judy Murray, 1953
By Adrienne Kirby
The things we create sometimes say a great deal about us. Neva Murray (1904-1983) lived in Childs most of her life. A photo album she put together tells us a good deal about her, and of social life in Gaines and Albion from the mid-1940s to the 1960s.
Neva must have loved weddings. The album contains nothing but photos of brides, grooms, wedding parties and receptions, beginning with the wedding of her daughter Beverly to Eugene Leigh, as well as weddings of relatives and friends. With so many nuptials documented in her album, it is fair to conclude she was an outgoing and social person. And with every vow, Neva came equipped with a camera.
John and Neva Murray, 1925
Luckily for us, Neva took many candid shots, and often identified people in the photos. Some of the folks captured on film passed away years ago, while others still live nearby. Landmarks lurk in some of the backgrounds, making the venue easy to identify. Today, some of the churches look about the same as they did in these photos, while others have changed.
Of course, all these photos lead us to contemplate the similarities and differences compared to weddings today. The bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and tuxes all seem quite familiar, though a few brides chose something other than the standard white gown. While varying in size, the wedding cakes, too, look familiar. What really stands out in these photos are the receptions. Most were held at people’s homes – outdoors, if the weather was warm, or in church basements. The D.A.R. house was also popular for such gatherings.
In upcoming articles, I will share photos from Neva’s album, highlighting people and places as they were sixty or seventy years ago. Of course, with this series, it only seems fitting to include Neva’s own wedding photo.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 November 2023 at 2:34 pm
MEDINA – Veterans in the Medina area received recognition in a number of ways during special events and ceremonies this weekend to commemorate Veterans’ Day.
On Friday, the Butts-Clark American Legion Post served free drinks to veterans, while the Ladies’ Auxiliary provided an array of food and snacks.
A display on one wall featured a large patriotic sign under a row of veterans’ pictures.
Cathy Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, handed out patriotic mugs purchased by the Auxiliary to veterans.
Cathy Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, presents a patriotic mug to Phyllis Schrader, coordinator of the veterans’ van service in Albion. The Auxiliary handed out the mugs to veterans during a Veterans’ Day celebration Friday at the Butts-Clark American Legion Post.
A solemn ceremony honoring POW/MIA veterans was conducted by Post chaplain Dave Kusmierczak and commander Jim Wells.
The “Empty Table” ceremony features a table set for one, to symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors.
As Wells rang a bell, Kusmierczak explained the meaning of each item on the table.
A white tablecloth represents the purity of the soldiers intentions in responding to their country’s call to arms.
A single red rose was a reminder of the families and loved ones who keep the faith waiting their return.
Dave Kusmierczak, left, chaplain of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post, and commander Jim Wells conduct a “POW/MIA” empty table ceremony during a veterans’ get-together Friday at the Medina post.
A red ribbon symbolizes the determination of those who demand a proper accounting of the missing.
A candle is lit to symbolize the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit.
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
Salt on the plate is a symbol of the families’ tears as they wait.
The glass is inverted to signify – They cannot toast with us today.
The chair is empty, as they are not here.
Also on Saturday, Tops Friendly Markets gave veterans an 11 percent discount on their grocery bill. At noon today, the VFW served a free beef on weck lunch to all veterans.
On Friday, members of Medina’s American Legion and VFW Honor Guard, fire a three-gun salute during veterans’ ceremonies at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina. Members, from left, are Mike Herman, Carol Callina (trumpeter), John Follman, Mike Donahue, Ricci Harper, Dave Kusmierczak, Brad Nudd, Glenn Whitmore and Jim Freas, officer in charge.
The Honor Guard from Medina’s American Legion and VFW posts has been conducting a service in honor of Veterans’ Day at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for more than 20 years.
Jim Freas, the Officer in Charge, said he started participating when he moved to Medina 20 years ago, and they had been doing it long before that.
On Friday, all the veteran residents were bundled up and moved outside for the traditional 21-gun salute, playing of Taps, a prayer by chaplain Dave Kusmierczak and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Previous to arriving at Orchard Manor, the Honor Guard participated in ceremonies earlier that morning at the Veterans’ National Cemetery in Pembroke, Freas said.
Two veterans who appreciated the ceremony and being recognized for their service were Doug Herman, an Army veteran and member of the National Guard, and Jack Monell, a 60-year member of the Army National Guard, who served in the Advanced Infantry.
All veterans residing at Orchard Manor received patriotic bracelets and were treated to coffee and donuts donated by Tops Friendly Market.
Following recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, one veteran tearfully shouted, “God Bless America.”
Orchard Manor’s activities director Jamie Murphy each year creates a Wall of Honor in the Activities Room for all the veterans in residence.
Provided photo: A member of the American Legion/VFW Honor Guard shakes hands with veteran Kenny Draper during Veterans’ Day ceremonies at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 November 2023 at 2:09 pm
LYNDONVILLE – This year’s Treasure Island on Nov. 4 was a resounding success, with more than 200 guests attending the event at White Birch Golf Course.
The 29th annual event raised more than $42,000, according to Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.
A highlight of the evening was paying tribute to the Twig Association, which supported Medina Memorial Hospital for 70 years, but voted in May to disband. Eight former Twig members were recognized for their dedication.
Jeanne Crane, president of Orleans Community Health Foundation and Twig president for many years, spoke about their incredible 70 years of service. Over the years, the Twig Association donated more than $1 million for renovations and purchase of equipment for the hospital, ran the Gift Shop and volunteered throughout the hospital.
A live auction featured items, such as a trip to Myrtle Beach, a day with the Medina Fire Department and ride with Santa in the Parade of Lights and a fall cleanup package donated in memory of Vic Vicnair, a long-time member of the Treasure Island committee, who was the DJ/sound man and worked hard to raise funds for the hospital.
More than 200 items were featured in a silent auction.
Top sponsors were Seaway Insurance, Tiki Bar sponsor; and Jr. Wilson Sportsman’s Club, Buccaneer sponsor.
Johnson spoke to guests about the power of a small, tight-knit community coming together to support the health and well-being of its residents.
“Small communities like ours have something truly special,” she said. “We know our neighbors, and we care for one another.”
She continued to say, “In recent years we’ve faced unprecedented challenges. From tough financial years and closing services to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve encountered obstacles that tested our resilience. However, we are still here, standing strong, growing and thriving. And that’s not just because of the hospital’s efforts. It’s because of the generosity and unwavering support of this remarkable community. It’s thanks to people like you, who understand the importance of having accessible and high-quality healthcare close to home.”
Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, spoke about the growth of the hospital. Last year had the best year for patient revenue since 2014, and 2023 is on schedule to beat last year, he said.
DJ services for the evening were donated by JT Thomas, and John and Darlene Boardway donated their auctioneering services.
Johnson said they are already looking ahead to another successful event next year on Nov. 2.
Founded nationally in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has had a presence in Orleans County since 1926, when a group of 36 veterans founded a post in Medina, under Commander A.T. Sinclair. They received a charter on January 8, 1927, as Lincoln Post #1483. The club’s first meetings were held at the Armory (YMCA) on Pearl Street.
In 1945, William Gallagher, a veteran and local entrepreneur, bequeathed the building at 216 East Center St. in Medina to the newly formed W.J. Gallagher & Son Memorial Veterans’ Club. This location is also home to Lincoln Post.
In Albion, the Strickland Post #4635 was formed in 1947. It was named in honor and memory of Everett Strickland. The 24-year-old Waterport soldier was killed in action aboard the cruiser Astoria when it was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island in the Solomons in August 1942. This Post meets at the Orleans Veterans Club at 38 N. Platt St. in Albion.
The Holley VFW Post was formally instituted on April 16, 1972, as the John Zazzara Memorial Post #202. Seaman Zazzara was among the first Orleans County casualties to be reported after war was declared. Serving aboard the U.S.S. Houston, Seaman Zazzara was listed as missing in action in the Battle of Java. The Houston was attacked and sunk by Japanese forces on February 2, 1942, as it attempted to run the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra,
In 1973, the name of the Holley Post was changed to Eastern Orleans Memorial Post 202 VFW to better reflect its wide membership area. Originally housed at the old Penn Central freight station, it is now located at 8 Veterans Drive in Holley.
The Lyndonville Memorial Post #7716 VFW received its charter in 1986. It has since merged with Medina’s Lincoln Post.
Local VFW posts provide members with a venue for gathering and fellowship. Post members are active in the community throughout the year. Among other activities, they help organize and participate in Memorial Day and 4th of July parades. They accord military honors at veteran’s committal services. Along with American Legion members, and the Sons of the American Legion, they place United States flags on veterans’ graves before Memorial Day and remove them after Veterans Day.
Each Tuesday, a group of Orleans County veterans, including two women, provide honor guard services for interments at the National Cemetery in Pembroke.
Nationally, the VFW is a non-profit veterans’ service organization whose members include eligible veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces.
Among its many accomplishments, the VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans’ Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. It advocated on behalf of Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, for those diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. Most recently, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 ensures benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances while in service.
Since its inception, the VFW has advocated vigorously on behalf of service members to ensure that they are respected for their service and receive the entitlements they have earned.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 November 2023 at 8:23 am
Amy Dennis Wood and her brother Scot Dennis are shown with one of the buckets they provide residents who sign up for their new composting business. Wood’s dog Luci, a Bernese Mountain dog, is being trained to pull carts of compost as the new composting business grows.
MEDINA – Amy Dennis Wood and her brother Scot Dennis want to make a positive environmental impact with the new business they started in the spring.
Curbside Organic Recycling was launched in June by the siblings on the 1860s farm left to them by their parents at 3031 Culvert Rd. They took over as co-owners in 2013.
The farm has been in the Dennis family since 1940, first owned by Amy and Scot’s grandparents, and then their parents. The last two generations spent their last years there caring for loved ones.
Amy and Scot both have full time jobs, Scot as a senior reimbursement analyst for Rochester Regional Health and Amy an archeologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Scot lives in Rochester, but spends a day a month on the farm, or more often when needed. Scot manages the finances and bookwork, while Amy does the actual farm work.
“We each play to our individual strengths,” Amy said.
The farm has 70 acres, including 10 acres of woods. They rent a large portion to a local farmer, but have plans for the rest. One thing they both wanted to do was grow rare and lesser known fruits, and they have already planted elderberries, saskatoons (similar to Juneberries) and quince trees.
Amy said she found a copy of a 1900s newspaper which had an article on Ransom Hoag, the farmer and original owner, who grew quinces.
“We wanted to bring back things into the market that haven’t been available locally,” Amy said.
Scot Dennis empties a bucket onto the composting pile at the farm he and his sister Amy Dennis Wood own on Culvert Road.
The siblings hope the composting business will grow to the point they will have enough to use on the farm and have some left to sell. Amy said at first most of it will go on their farm, as the land there is clay.
They said composting is not a new thing.
“I’ve spent time in Europe and they have compostable bins there,” Scot said. “All the big cities, including Buffalo and Rochester have it.”
Amy has lived in Brattleboro, Mass., and they require composting, she said.
“Composting is about diverting material from the landfills,” Amy said. “At least 40 percent of what we throw away can be composted. This is something we can offer the community and help the environment.”
The business was relatively inexpensive to start, the siblings said. All they needed was a supply of buckets with lids. The only work involved is collecting the buckets, emptying them and then washing out the buckets. They are looking into compostable bags, which will eliminate the cleaning process.
The government requires they keep track of the amount of compost they collect, to assure they don’t get too big. They have already collected 500 pounds of compost.
They are promoting their business on Facebook and at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, where they’ve been warmly received. They are currently serving customers in Medina, Albion, Knowlesville and Lyndonville, and want to include Middleport.
A customer who signs up pays a start-up fee, and then $10 a month for one pick-up or $15 for two pick-ups a month. A customer can cancel any time.
Each bucket has instructions on the lid, listing what the best items to compost are (grass clippings, egg shells, vegetables, fruit, newspaper (nothing glossy) and coffee grounds. Among the things not to include are meat and bones.
To sign up, residents just call or text Amy at (585) 560-0711 or e-mail dennisfamilyfarmsllc@proton.me. As she works during the day, Amy said customers can leave a message and she will return their call.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 November 2023 at 9:27 pm
MEDINA – The 15th annual Parade of Lights is shaping up to be one of the best to date, with more than 40 floats expected and four marching bands.
Todd Bensley has been named grand marshal of the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25 in Medina.
Parade chairman Jim Hancock and committee member David Stacey have announced the grand marshal for this year’s parade will be Todd Bensley, a Medina native and history teacher at Medina High School.
“Our planning committee was unanimous in our selection of Todd,” Hancock said. “We always try to select a local person who has contributed to our community, and Todd certainly fits the bill.”
Bensley is an active participant in many community events and activities. He has coached T-ball and powder puff, is former president of the Medina Historical Society, former board member of Lee-Whedon Library, former planning board and village board member and author of “Boxwood Cemetery: Where the Past is Present,” with proceeds going to the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery.
Currently, Bensley is village historian, and board member of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery. He co-chairs Boxwood at Night, conducts gravestone cleaning seminars, supervises student volunteers to help clean the cemetery, conducts tours, assists in resetting headstones, helps with chapel renovations, assists with other events in the cemetery and is liaison to the Boxwood Cemetery Commission.
In addition, he volunteers at the Visitors’ Center in downtown Medina, is a member of the steering committee for renovations at Lee-Whedon Library and coordinates an annual Community Service Fair to connect high school students with local non-profit organizations.
“When Jim Hancock asked me to the grand marshal, I was shocked,” Bensley said. “It is such a great honor to be selected. Of course, none of it would be possible without the support of my family, especially my wife Nicole.”
Bensley continued to say he loves the Medina community and is very proud of all they have accomplished in the last couple of decades.
“There are so many other people who are deserving of this honor, and I am humbled to be chosen as this year’s grand marshal,” he said.
As in previous years, the parade will immediately follow fireworks over downtown at 5:45 p.m. by Young Explosives of Rochester.
Hancock said there is still time to enter a float by logging on to their website at www.christmasinmedina.com.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club met on Wednesday night for two special ceremonies, the induction of a new member and also the induction of students into the LEO Club at the school.
The LEO Club is a high school-based club sponsored by the Lyndonville Lions under the Lions Club International umbrella. The club recruits high school students who seek responsibility to their fellow man and community service.
LEO stands for “Leadership, Experience and Opportunity.” It fosters commitment to community service. The LEO Club further allows the Lyndonville Lions to mentor and empower high school students in the Lyndonville community who will become the standard bearers of the next generation.
At present the LEO Club has 21 members. The club is directed by elected student leaders and is has an oversight advisor, Gina Marker, a Lyndonville High School English teacher. The LEOs are available for all community service projects and local charity events. Those wishing for assistance in future community service projects may contact the Lyndonville LEO Club for volunteer assistance on their projects.
Tyler Godfrey, right, is inducted into the Lyndonville Lions Club. He is joined by Club President Harold Suhr, left, and Tyler’s grandfather David Godfrey, a Niagara County legislator.
The club was honored to induct its newest member, Tyler Godfrey, who works and resides in Niagara County. He has done volunteer work for the Lyndonville Lions Club during the 2023 events calendar and has made the decision to become a full member of the Lyndonville organization.
He was sponsored by his grandfather Mr. David Godfrey who also assisted in the candlelight induction ceremony.
The Lions Club also discussed the 50th anniversary July 4th celebration with details to be announced in the coming months. Efforts are underway by the Lyndonville Lions to make the 2024 celebration event the largest ever held in Lyndonville.
The addition of several new bands to the parade and expansion of the fireworks show were topics on the agenda. Preliminary discussion about additions of new venues for the day-long July 4th celebration are ongoing and future fundraising projects were proposed.
The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who have supported the organization over the years. We wish all a Happy Thanksgiving and ask that we take time this holiday season to give thanks for the many blessings bestowed on us.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2023 at 11:07 am
Town supervisor race separated by 1 vote, with council seat also close
BARRE – The winner of the election for Barre town supervisor should be known on Thursday. That’s when the Board of Election will count the absentee ballots that have come in since Tuesday and also do a manual recount of all the votes.
As of Tuesday night, incumbent Sean Pogue has a 1-vote lead over challenger Scott Burnside, 293 to 292. That includes the votes on Tuesday during the general election, nine days of early voting and the absentees that had been received as of Tuesday.
The Board of Elections said there are potentially seven more absentees that could be turned in. They need to arrive to the Board of Elections by Tuesday, Nov. 14, and be postmarked no later than Nov. 7.
The BOE plans to start the count at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
There is a chance the race could end up in a tie.
Mike Mele, the Republican elections commissioner for the county, is checking with the state Board of Elections about what to do in the race ends in a draw. He talked with other past elections commissioners in Orleans, and none recall there ever being a tie.
Some communities with ties among candidates have flipped a coin, done a run-off election or filled the position by appointment with the municipal board making the decision, and that appointment hasn’t always been one of the candidates in the election. Mele wants to get direction from the state on how to proceed if there isn’t a winner in Barre.
The manual recount in Barre also will include the candidates for the town council. A three-way race for two positions also is close.
Kirk Mathes has a comfortable lead in first place with 339 votes, but Margaret Swan is currently 16 votes ahead of Kerri Richardson, 315 to 299.
Mele said an automatic recount by hand is triggered when a race is within 20 votes or a half percent difference. That is the state elections law, he said.
Pogue, Mathes and Swan all ran under the Republican Party line as well as the independent “Future for Barre” line. Burnside and Richardson were both backed by the Conservative Party.
