By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 9:41 am
Largest crowd in about a century fills the third floor of historic venue in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Musicians performed at the Pratt Opera House to a full house for the first time in likely a century on Sunday.
There were 22 musicians on stage in the “Live at the Pratt” event in an opera house built in 1882 at 118 North Main St.
Erin Moody closes out a 2 1/2-hour show with “American Pie” by Don McLean. Moody and 21 other musicians played to a capacity crowd.
The 300 people at the performance on Sunday was biggest crowd to attend an event at the Pratt since at least 1930, when the theater closed, a victim of the Great Depression and emergence of movie theaters. The Pratt building was built in 1882.
Michael Bonafede, co-owner of the Pratt with his wife Judith Koehler, welcomes the crowd to Sunday’s performance. Bonafede also played the drums for more than two hours on Sunday.
The husband and wife purchased the Pratt and Day building in 2005. They have put on a new roof and made a series of other interior and exterior improvements to the building, which has several tenants on the first and second floors.
Just in the past few weeks they added 235 chairs that they bought at an auction from Holley Central School, and last week purchased 43 sets of double-auditorium chairs from Wells College. Those seats date back to the 1800s, Koehler said.
The Pratt was sold out on Sunday for the concert in the historic opera house. This photo shows people waiting to enter the building on Main Street.
There was a concert last June in a “test run” to see how the musicians liked the acoustics. They loved them and most of that group was back performing on Sunday, offering their services for free.
“It’s a nice place to play,” said trumpeter Brian Wilkins. “The acoustics are great.”
Bonafede said the Pratt performance venue can be used to promote Albion and the many other historic resources in the community, form the downtown business district, Courthouse Square, Mount Albion Cemetery, Cobblestone Museum and Erie Canal – all of which are either on the National Register of Historic Places. (The Erie Canal and Cobblestone Museum also are designated National Historic Landmarks.)
“We want to create a sense of vibrancy here,” Bonafede said. “We have a lot of unique assets to offer folks.”
The musicians played rhythm and blues, and many rock and roll classics.
From left in front include Brian Wilkins on trumpet, Michael Bonafede on drums, John Borello on Stratocaster guitar and Rich Simbari on Fender P bass guitar.
Bonafede also played with two of his bandmates from Black Sheep. Larry (Rose) Crozier played the piano and Don Mancuso is on the guitar.
Black Sheep, with also included legendary lead singer Lou Gramm before he went to Foreigner. Black Sheep broke up in 1976. But before that they performed in front of tens of thousands of people.
Black Sheep recorded two albums for Capital Records and shared the stage with Kiss, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon, and Hall and Oates.
Ron Albertson gets a turn at the mic and sings, “Shake.”
Don Mancuso, a Rochester guitar legend, welcomed the chance to perform in Albion on Sunday with his Black Sheep band mate Michael Bonafede.
The Pratt is working on hosting another concert on June 23.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 2:08 am
ALBION – A 68-year-old man who lived at Oak Orchard Estates died on Sunday night when his trailer became fully engulfed in flames.
Albion firefighters were dispatched at about 11:45 p.m. to North Street for a trailer on fire with a person trapped inside.
Two neighbors tried desperately to kick in doors, and break into the back window to try to help the man get out. Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, two Albion police officers and an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy also tried to break into the trailer to get the man out but were unable to get inside in time.
The trailer was quickly consumed with fire and the man was in his bedroom.
The man lived alone with his cats. He was described by neighbors as a “nice guy” who was always happy to chat with people.
Albion Police Chief David Mogle said the department is trying to notify the man’s family members. He expects the man’s name will be released on Monday.
A state fire investigator, Rick Cary of Holley, is on scene to try to determine the cause of the fire.
The Albion Fire Department was assisted at the scene by firefighters form Barre, Ridgeway, Carlton, Kendall, Medina and Shelby.
Provided photo: Flames shoot out of the trailer on North Street just before midnight.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2024 at 8:46 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Medina police officer Felicia Holtz takes photos of a red pickup truck after it was pulled from the Erie Canal on Saturday morning by Automotive Solutions of Medina.
The driver of the truck was not in the vehicle and there were no footprints from the shallow water of the muddy canal on Saturday morning. Officials at the scene weren’t sure where the driver was or if the person was injured.
Medina Police Chief Todd Draper said the driver has been identified and issued traffic citations. Draper declined to release the driver’s name. Medina Fire Department officials said the driver is safe.
The truck was headed south on Route 63 (North Gravel Road) but failed to negotiate a right turn onto the lift bridge. The truck went straight and plunged into the Erie Canal, which currently is drained.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2024 at 12:53 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – People check out some of the frames for glasses available at an eye glass clinic Saturday at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
The Lyndonville Lions Club organized the event for the third straight year. Lions Club members from Medina, Lewiston, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Grand Island and Niagara Falls assisted in the event.
People were able to get a vision screening, fitted for glasses and a glaucoma screening.
Several optometrists and ophthalmologists were on hand to assist with the clinic.
Joe Shiah, a member of the Kenmore Lions Club, checks how a pair of glasses fits one of the people at the clinic. Shiah is a key leader in the Lions Club pop-up eye clinics in Western New York.
The frames were collected by Lions Club in Western New York, with some also given by the Lakes Plains Eye Center in Medina.
The lenses will all be new. The glasses are expected to be ready in about three weeks with pickup at the White Birch.
There were 80 people at the clinic in the first hour of the five-hour event, with people coming from Lyndonville, Albion, Gasport, Appleton, Middleport, Waterport, Kent, Kendall, Lockport, Barker. Newfane and Medina.
The Lyndonville Lions Club recently purchased a iCare 200 tonometry machine with support from the Lyndonville Area Foundation. That handheld machine measures intraocular pressure.
The tonometry machine will allow for glaucoma screenings. Glaucoma is one of the most common forms of preventable blindness in the United States.
The Kenmore Lions brought a trailer to help promote the eye glass clinic in Lyndonville on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2024 at 8:08 am
Organization offers Narcan training, other services
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Volunteers work to fill take-out containers with chicken barbecue dinners on Saturday in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
There were 500 dinners available as a fundraiser for Orleans – Recovery Hope Begins Here. Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard is in back, center, with Danielle Kujawa next to her at right and Kathy Hodgins at far right. Hodgins is director of treatment for UConnectCare (formerly GCASA).
The organization last year gave out about 500 Narcan kits. Orleans Recovery works to reduce the stigma of addiction or substance use, while providing support to those with substance use disorders and their families.
Danielle Kujawa joined Orleans Hope about two years ago. Her brother Zach Kujawa died at age 30 on Oct. 25, 2019, after an overdose.
“I joined to reduce the stigma,” Kujawa said. “Everyone struggles with their own battle.”
Mike Hoch cooks 500 chickens for Chiavetta’s BBQ at the Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Orleans Recovery sold 400 of the dinners presale with about 100 available during the event from 1 to 4 p.m.
The organization is based at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 243 South Main Street, Suite 190.
It is planning more pop-up events this year to give away Narcan kits that help to reverse a drug overdose. Orleans Recovery also wants to make the community aware of the other services provided by the organization.
Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, greets a driver at the fairgrounds pulling in for one of the dinners. Schmidt is joined by Don Snyder, a retired chaplain who is active with Orleans Recovery.
Schmidt is the group’s acting president. As coroner he said he had been called to many scenes following fatal overdoses in Orleans County.
“This is an epidemic,” Schmidt said. “It’s awful. There are so many people who have accidently overdosed while trying to deal with their pain.”
BATAVIA – The regional LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLOW OUT! is hosting a free, full-day conference focused on empowering and supporting youth.
At Genesee Community College in Batavia on April 19, community members and professionals who work with youth will gather for informative workshops, a panel discussion, and the keynote speaker, Ashton Daley.
The Youth/Young Adult Recovery Program Director for Youth Voices Matter NY, Daley holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work, and has volunteered for years in multiple roles supporting trans-identifying young people in the Capital Region of New York.
“We’re very excited to bring this event to Batavia,” said Sara Vacin, Executive Director of GLOW OUT! “This is helpful information for anyone working with youth, but especially important if those youth are LGBTQ+.”
Risk of mental health challenges and suicide ideation is a concern for all youth, but LGBTQ+ young adults are statistically more likely—more than four times as likely—to consider and attempt suicide than their heterosexual, cisgender peers. For transgender and/or nonbinary youth, mental health and suicide ideation can be particularly challenging – with many surveys reporting 40-50% of respondents seriously considering, or attempting, suicide. The Rainbow Resilience conference is sponsored by the New York State Office of Mental Health’s “Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund.”
Workshops focus on suicide risk factors and warning signs; dealing with difficult family members; knowing your rights and advocating for change; and understanding and overcoming mental health stigmas. The faith-based youth organization Beloved Arise will present, as well as Roger Rosen’s “Life on the Stage.” The panel discussion, titled “Envisioning Your Future,” features “LGBTQ+ inspirations” and aims to encourage youth to imagine life beyond their teen years.
“Showing the youth that we support them is so important,” Vacin said. “Just one adult – someone at home, someone at school, someone at church – that one supportive, caring adult can really help that child build a sense of resilience and strength.”
Self-care sessions will be offered throughout the conference on a variety of topics including art, yoga, spirituality, nature, journaling, mindfulness, and healthy eating.
Guests may still register (click here), although additional lunches will not be available. The conference is free to attend, and begins at 9:30 a.m. at GCC in Batavia.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2024 at 10:39 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Automotive Solutions in Medina uses a heavy wrecker tow truck to pull a pickup from the Erie Canal in Medina this morning at about 10 a.m.
Officials at the scene believe the truck went in the canal during the night. There is no sign of the driver at the scene, or any footprints leading from the scene.
The Medina Police Department welcomes any information from the public about the driver.
Firefighters and local police were dispatched to the scene at 8:45 a.m. Fire Chief Matt Jackson said it is unusual to have a vehicle in the canal, but it does happen once every few years.
The truck was headed south on North Gravel Road and failed to make the right turn onto the lift bridge.
These tire tracks show where the pickup, a red Chevy S-10, left the road and went towards the canal.
Automotive Solutions has the truck strapped and starts to left it out of the muddy canal.
The spot before the lift bridge on North Gravel Road has a bend just before the bridge.
ROCHESTER – The New York State Canal Corporation on Wednesday hosted the first installment of its SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum Series as part of New York State’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the original Erie Canal’s opening in 1825 and the waterway’s continued influence on the state.
The forum at Monroe Community College in Brighton focused on ways local governments, businesses and recreational service providers can make the New York State Canal system and Canalway Trail more accessible and welcoming for people with and without disabilities. Coinciding with the event’s panel discussions was a vendor expo that showcased adaptive equipment and information to further assist attendees in making Canal communities more accessible.
“Since its opening nearly 200 years ago, the Erie Canal has had a profound impact on our state and today’s focus on accessibility and inclusion is just one example of how this industrial waterway continues to evolve as it supports an incredible network of recreational activities,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “The Canal system and Canalway Trail provide endless opportunities for adventure, fresh air, and exercise, but there are often barriers for people with disabilities.”
With more than 120 attendees present, the audience learned that according to Cornell University one in five Americans lives with a disability. Further, the buying power of people with disabilities along with their direct family members is $1 trillion, making the case for the substantial economic impact of accessible and inclusive recreation.
The forum was broken into two panel discussions – “Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion,” moderated by New York State’s Chief Disability Officer, Kim Hill Ridley and the second panel, moderated by John Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, focused on “Implementing Accessible Opportunities – Assisting Canal Providers/Municipalities.”
The first panel served as important education on understanding ableism and culture, leading to inclusion and employment, reframing our language, reframing disability, planning from a perspective of functional ability and the importance of universal design, as well as the role of Independent Living Centers.
The second panel built on this foundation, providing specific examples of organizations focused in this space, how to incorporate inclusion in their areas and organizations, and the system view needed to make inclusion a reality.
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “The New York State Canal system is a treasure trove of history and recreational opportunities and by making the water and trails more accessible and inclusive, we open them up to a whole new segment of the population. An accessible canalway benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities, as it creates a more vibrant and diverse community experience and leads to new partnerships and economic opportunities where everyone feels welcome.”
As part of the Canal Corporation’s continued commitment to ensuring the canal waterways and trails are accessible for all outdoor recreational enthusiasts, this season’s “On the Canals” program seeks to provide greater opportunities for accessible and inclusive outings that will allow people with and without disabilities to participate together. With more than 30,000 participants over the last four years, “On the Canals” offers a variety of free activities including kayaking, cycling, boat tours, birding, wildlife hikes, and painting.
The SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum series is a collaboration of the Canal Corporation, the New York Power Authority, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the New York State Department of State. The series will continue through 2024 and 2025 as a component of the New York State Erie Canal Bicentennial celebration announced by Governor Hochul during the 2024 State of the State address.
Additional forums will focus on ensuring the Erie Canal and 524-mile New York State Canal system remains a vibrant economic contributor and is sustainable for the next 100 years. The Erie Canal’s Bicentennial celebration will culminate with the 2025 World Canals Conference in Buffalo.
Continuing a high school experience begun in the 1990s by Anne-Marie Finger and Alexandra Peracciny, 15 Medina High School students traveled to Greece during the spring break vacation. Adding to the European event was the fact that a companion group of adults from Middleport joined them. Because of that, there were numerous multi-generational combinations.
The group photo on top includes:
Front row: Elaina Bitsas, Valeria Canales, Abigail Pratt, Malloree Rinker, Elaina Huntington, Makenzie McGrath, Adreanna McMurray and Gloria Fierch.
Middle row: Jill Westcott, Keri Pratt, Madison Pratt, Robin Watts, Ava Blount, Paisley Pasnik, Emiliana Batista, Aurora Owczarczak, Madisynn Stanton, Vonda Westcott and Alexandra Peracciny.
Back row: Renee Webber, Emilia Peracciny, Fred Fierch, Keira Walker, Michael Cavanagh, Linda Kozubal, Tyler McInally, Conor Crandall, Celeste Stahl-Balaban, Hunter Pratt, Dominic Peracciny, Matt Peracciny, Alex Balaban, Gary Watts and Richard Westcott.
Alex Balaban and his mother Celeste Stahl-Balaban.
The group enjoyed a sun-filled week visiting the Acropolis and its museum in Athens, having a Greek cooking class, a cruise in the Saronic portion of the Aegean Sea, visiting the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina, a visit to the incredible Corinth Canal, the ruins of Mycenae, a pottery class and a wonderful visit to the gorgeous city of Nafplio. The latter included a picturesque boat ride in the blue waters and a visit to the local beach.
Dominic, Emilia, Matthew, and Alexandra Peracciny, and Fred and Gloria Fierch.
The visit was coordinated through EF Tours and its Athens and Argolida Tour. Many people on this tour went together 24 years previously, and there were four families who were traveling with children or grandchildren.
Some of the past travelers inspired Mrs. Peracciny to restart the student program. This tour was chaperoned by Mrs. Peracciny and Mr. Michael Cavanagh, Medina High School Principal. The Middleport portion was organized by Matt Peracciny.
The people who went on this adventure all share a love of travel, adventure and learning.
Dick, Vonda and Jill Westcott, Keri, Hunter, Madison and Abbie Pratt.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health)
April 14-20, 2024 is STI Awareness Week. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexuality transmitted infections (STIs) and how they impact our lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually transmitted infections, commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. STIs spread through anal, oral, and vaginal sex, and are caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite.
Sometimes, STIs only create minor symptoms, or they don’t cause any symptoms at all. As a result, it is easy to get infected without realizing it. For this reason, if you are having sex, it is important that you get tested for STIs.
Locally, according to the New York State Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System (CDESS), in 2023, Genesee County had an increased number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases, compared to 2022. Orleans County experienced an increase in gonorrhea during this same time period.
A variety of symptoms, including none at all, may occur with STIs. As a result, STIs can be spread unknowingly and this is why it is important to get tested. Delayed treatment can cause serious health effects. STI symptoms could be:
Sores or pimples in the oral or rectal cavity, as well as on the genitalia
Painful urination
Unusual or smelly discharge
Unusual bleeding
Discomfort during intercourse
Aches in the lower abdomen
High temperature
Rash on the hands, feet or trunk
Taking the time to learn about STIs, safe-sex practices, and how to make educated decisions is important in prevention.
Here are some ways to prevent STIs:
The best defense against STI infection is to avoid all forms of sex (oral, vaginal, and anal).
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV. Receiving both vaccines can prevent several kinds of cancer. HPV is the most common STI in the country, effecting over 79 million people.
Limit sexual partners. The more sexual partners a person has the more at risk of getting an STI.
Discuss your partner(s)’ STI status.
Use condoms and or other forms of protection.
“As indicated or needed, make sure you routinely test for STIs,” stated Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Untreated STIs can have effects such as infection, miscarriage, infertility, and an increased risk of cancer. By engaging in preventative measures, you are protecting yourself and your sexual partners.”
Learn how to prevent STIs for both you and your partner(s). Get help today.
If you are interested in STI testing, or want more information:
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Information from CDC.
Talk with your healthcare provider about testing and how to further prevent STIs.
If diagnosed with an STI, do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment, otherwise reinfection will occur.
If diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, talk to your provider about Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). EPT gives providers the option to treat your sexual partners without requiring an examination.
For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced record-setting tourism numbers in New York from April 6 to April 9 as visitors arrived for the total solar eclipse.
Nearly one million people visited New York State Parks from April 6 to April 9 – an increase of 45 percent compared to last year. The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week.
Governor Hochul was one of 45,000 visitors who experienced Monday’s celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.
“From majestic Niagara Falls to the mighty Adirondacks, New York was one of the best places on earth to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event,” Governor Hochul said. “We planned for more than a year to welcome a record number of visitors during the total solar eclipse, and those preparations helped this event go off safely and successfully.”
In October 2022, Governor Hochul convened an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities to prepare to welcome the influx of visitors the state expected for this once-in-a-generation event. New York State agencies involved in the Interagency Task Force reported record services provided to residents and travelers.
New York State Parks
From April 6 to April 9, nearly one million visitors showed up to New York State Parks to witness and celebrate the total solar eclipse, an increase in attendance of more than 45 percent compared to the same days in 2023.
On April 8 alone, New York State Parks welcomed more than 326,500 visitors, an over 52 percent jump in attendance compared to last year. 12 state parks reached full capacity on April 8: Cayuga Lake (Seneca County), Chimney Bluffs (Wayne County), Crown Point (Essex County), Cumberland Bay (Clinton County), Fair Haven State Park (Cayuga County), John Brown Farm (Essex County), Point Au Roche (Clinton County), Robert Whele (Jefferson County), Selkirk (Oswego County), Seneca Lake (Seneca County), Southwick Beach (Jefferson County) and Stony Brook State Park (Steuben County).
Governor Hochul opened campgrounds at State Parks within the path of totality early to accommodate visitors for the total solar eclipse, which were 100 percent booked the night of April 7 and 93 percent booked the night of April 8.
New York Power Authority
On April 7 and April 8, the New York State Power Authority reported that EVolve Stations dispensed over 260,000 miles of driving, which is over 115,000 more miles dispensed than the same days the previous week.
New York State Department of Transportation
New York State Department of Transportation staff and resources were fully engaged up to and through the eclipse monitoring traffic conditions, responding to emergencies and helping motorists get to their destinations safely and with as few delays as possible. As expected, New York State experienced moderate to heavy traffic volumes in certain areas along the path of totality, especially in the North Country and Adirondacks, and aside from a few crashes that were addressed quickly, there were no major reported incidents.
New York State Thruway Authority
During the five-day period from Friday, April 5 to Tuesday, April 9, over 5.5 million toll transactions were recorded. The peak day was Tuesday, April 9, with more than 1.2 million toll transactions, a 21 percent surge over the previous year. Gas sales and overall sales at the service areas almost doubled during the eclipse weekend, with the peak day being Tuesday, April 9, similar to a summer travel weekend. In addition, charging sessions at the EV charging stations increased by over 111 percent compared to weekdays in March.
Acting New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons said, “What an incredible day it was! People from around the world came to our parks and historic sites to share a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed a rich, memorable experience thanks to the hard work of our staff and Park Police over a two-year period.”
Stefanie Peruzzini of Albion sent in this photo of her daughters Kendall and Kamryn Peruzzini, and their friends Jax Gotte, and Colson, Stryker and Donovan Braley. They tried to make the best of the cloudy conditions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2024 at 1:37 pm
‘There’s going to be numbers that people aren’t used to seeing. The assessments are going to go up.’
YATES – The notices should be in the mail soon for about 1,800 property owners in the Town of Yates.
Town Assessor Trisha Laszewski said next week she will be done with a town-wide revaluation, the town’s first in five years. Laszewski said the notices will then be printed and mailed out.
There may be some shock with higher assessments that reflect a marketplace that has been climbing about 15 to 20 percent a year.
“There’s going to be numbers that people aren’t used to seeing,” Laszewski told the Town Board during Thursday’s town meeting. “The assessments are going to go up.”
She said the assessor’s job is to have the property values match sale prices.
“I have to try to make it as equitable as possible,” she said.
The higher assessments should result in lower tax rates. The actual tax bills shouldn’t see a dramatic change for property owners, as long as the town stays within or close to the 2 percent tax cap.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon said he expects town taxes won’t see more than a minimal increase. So the town tax bills should have a smaller tax rate with the higher assessments for the 2025 town budget.
Property owners can meet with the assessor to challenge their assessed values, and also bring those disputes to a Board of Assessment Review.
Laszewski said the state says about 10 percent of properties typically go through the grievance process when there is a town-wide reassessment. She is setting aside time to meet with 150 property owners, and can do more if needed.
She also was the assessor for Shelby and Ridgeway for their reassessments last year.
Besides Yates, Gaines and Albion are also doing the revaluations this year.
Laszewski said the town hall in Yates will be a busier place in May after the assessments come out.
“Next month we will be in the thick of everything,” she told the Town Board.
