By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2023 at 5:06 pm
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 25th annual business awards banquet on Oct. 19 at the White Birch Country Club in Lyndonville.
The deadline to nominate a business or person is Sept. 11.
The categories include:
• Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year.
• Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements.
• Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility.
• New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year.
• Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres.
• Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year.
• Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year.
• Hidden Gem – This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County.
Press Release, United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Spencer Hart, 39, of Albion, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and having a prior conviction under the laws of any state relating to the possession or receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that in October 2018, Hart was convicted in Orleans County Court of attempted possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child.
On July 16, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Hart’s residence and child pornography was found on a computer belonging to Hart. In total, Hart possessed more than 600 images of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors and depicted violence against children. Hart also admitted that he distributed child pornography using a peer-to-peer software program in June 2020.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2023 at 1:10 pm
Orleans County Tourism and also the Chamber of Commerce urge local businesses and organizations to plan promotions and events for the total solar eclipse.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature wants to see the county benefit from the hoopla and influx of visitors from the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Orleans is in the direct path of totality between 3:19 and 3:23 p.m. A total eclipse occurs about once every 18 months somewhere on Earth, but only happens in the same place about every 360 to 410 years.
The County Legislature on Tuesday approved spending $9,045 from its contingency fund to buy 25,000 eclipse glasses with the Orleans County tourism logo. The glasses will provide some eye protection and also be a keepsake from a memorable day.
The county is working with the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on acquiring the glasses. The $9,045 was approved to go to the Chamber which will then buy the glasses. They are expected to be made available and distributed by the county, and local towns and villages.
Orleans County will be in the direct path of the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 between 3:19 & 3:23 PM.
Orleans County businesses, organizations and schools: send us your plans to commemorate this once in a lifetime event and we will promote it on our Events Calendar. Complete and submit this form to be considered. (Must be available to the public.)
“This will be a big tourism draw,” said Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director.
People are already booking hotel rooms and other lodging in the county that day. She knows plans are in the works to open public land, including at Lakeside Beach State Park, for viewing opportunities of the eclipse.
“It’s fun,” she said today. “It only happens once in a lifetime.”
The county tourism has a page on its website devoted to the eclipse. The tourism department urges businesses, schools and other organizations to share their plans on the tourism site for commemorating and participating in the historic day. (Click here for more information.)
Darlene Hartway, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, also sees the eclipse as a big opportunity for businesses and the county.
“People are already booking hotels,” she said. “It’s going to be beneficial for our area. It’s gearing up to be a momentous thing.”
She commended the Legislature for approving the expenditure for the glasses.
Businesses would be wise to have promotions for the eclipse, to help make the day even more memorable for local residents and visitors, Hartway said.
I Love New York created this graphic showing the path of the solar eclipse. Orleans County is in direct path of the phenomenon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2023 at 11:23 am
Lisa Stenshorn, clerk to Legislature, praised for earning certification
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nyla Gaylord, acting executive director for the United Way in Orleans County, accepts a proclamation on Tuesday from County Legislature Fred Miller.
The Legislature proclaimed September as “United Way Month in Orleans County.” The organization was praised for an annual fundraising campaign that supports many agencies in the county.
The United Way has also spearheaded other projects in recent years, acquiring grants to assist residents with digital literacy and other issues, including housing.
“The Orleans County Legislature urges all community-minded citizens to not only applaud the efforts of the volunteers but also the contributions of these agencies by offering their wholehearted support,” the Legislature stated in the proclamation.
Lisa Stenshorn, clerk to the County Legislature, is congratulated by Legislator Bill Eick for becoming a “Certified Legislative Board Clerk,” a distinction earned through the NYS Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards. Stenshorn has been clerk to the Legislature since January 2021.
Legislator Fred Miller, right, presents a proclamation to Renee Rowley, child support coordinator for the county. She is joined by, from left: DSS Commissioner Holli Nenni, and child support staff Danielle Champeney, Holden Carter, Jennifer Hammons, Pam Jenks and Danielle Kickbush.
Legislators declared August as “Child Support Awareness Month.”
“Parents have the most critical role in the development of their children, and an obligation to provide safe, loving and secure environments in which their children can grow and flourish,” the proclamation states. “Studies have shown that when both parents provide financial and emotional support, children are less likely to engage in unhealthy and unproductive behaviors and are more likely to do well in school and succeed later in life.”
Legislators praised the Child Support Enforcement Program and child support professionals in county for “a vital role in assisting parents in achieving and maintaining economic security for their children.”
‘As our adversaries continue to ramp up their space capabilities, we must enhance our own efforts and continue to focus on space exploration and defense.’
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
Claudia Tenney
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, announced her support for establishing a Space National Guard as the reserve component of the Space Force. This builds on Tenney’s previous support for establishing the Space Force, which occurred during the Trump administration.
Under the current system, individuals who serve as de facto Space Force reservists are part of the Air National Guard. This could prevent these individuals from participating in official Space Force educational and training opportunities and cause organizational issues.
Importantly, creating a Space National Guard would require no additional personnel, units, or facilities and would improve communication, reduce costs, and allow these dedicated space warfighters to continue supporting the Space Force’s missions at a high level.
Tenney recently cosponsored H.R.3048, the Space National Guard Establishment Act, to formally establish the Space National Guard as the primary reserve component of the U.S. Space Force. H.R. 3048 was introduced in the House by Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO).
“Now more than ever, as our adversaries continue to ramp up their space capabilities, we must enhance our own efforts and continue to focus on space exploration and defense,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By supporting the creation of the Space National Guard as the primary reserve component of the U.S. Space Force, we are leveraging the technical expertise of part-time reservists who work full-time in the private sector. The bipartisan and bicameral support for the establishment of the Space National Guard illustrates the importance of cooperation in advancing our military capabilities. Notably, this would have a direct impact on the 222nd Command and Control Squadron, based in Rome, New York, which is part of the 107th Attack Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. This Air National Guard Squadron would be a natural fit for the Space National Guard. Further, the 222 CACS is particularly vulnerable to the potential risks of continuing to delay establishing a Space National Guard. I look forward to the positive impact this will have on our region and on our nation’s ability to maintain its dominance in space.”
“There are seven states and one territory that have a space mission as part on their Air National Guard Wing’s and New York State is fortunate to be one of them,” said John Cooper, Chairman of the Niagara Military Affairs Council. “The creation of a Space National Guard is critical to us in New York State as the 222nd Command and Control Squadron in Rome, N.Y. presently performs a space mission and is part of the 107th Attack Wing in Niagara Falls, NY. The establishment of a Space National Guard must be included in the operational structure of the Space Force and is critical to the future of the 107th Attack Wing. Failure to do so could negatively affect the State of New York and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station for many years to come. We are fortunate to have our foot in the door with the future of the Space National Guard through the existing work of the 222nd Command and Control Squadron and the 107th Attack Wing. We encourage our federal delegation to support any legislation that supports the creation of a Space National Guard as without it we will lose qualified and experienced Airmen who already perform this mission on behalf of our nation.”
“The 222nd Command and Control Squadron (222 CACS) of the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, has a unique and enduring partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO),” said Colonel Andrew Carlson, Commander of the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard. “Our highly trained space professionals provide surge and contingency support to the NRO and are also involved with the State Partnership Program. My personal opinion is that the creation of a Space National Guard (SNG) would prevent the possibility of a future training void. This void could happen if the US Space Force decided to limit their space-based training programs to those service members with only Space Force Specialty Codes, and not Air Force Specialty Codes (members of the 222 CACS have Air Force Specialty Codes). It is also my personal opinion that an attempt to transfer Air National Guard space mission sets and space professionals into the Active-Duty component, even on a part time basis, will potentially cost the US Space Force expertise that could require 7+ years to recapitalize. Lastly, it is my personal opinion that the creation of a Space National Guard would appropriately align the members of the 222 CACS to provide forces in accordance with US Space Force deployment models. In the 222 CACS members’ current status, they will align to the Air Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model as Air National Guard members, even though they are space professionals.”
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of Col. Andrew Carlson and do not represent the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2023 at 8:37 am
Holli Nenni
ALBION – The homeless population is increasing in Orleans County, with available emergency housing maxed out, forcing the county Department of Social Services to use rooms outside Orleans at hotels in Batavia, Niagara Falls and Brockport.
Holli Nenni, the DSS commissioner, said the county spent $1,435,600 on emergency shelter from July 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023. That is double what the county was paying for about a year before that.
The number of people placed as homeless increased from 45 in July 2022 to 75 last month, she told local officials on Tuesday evening during the monthly Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at the Black North Inn.
Of those 75, the county DSS found housing in Orleans County for 45 of those people with the other 30 having to take rooms outside the county. The DSS works with Dollinger’s in Albion and the Medina Motel to house people in need of emergency shelter.
Nenni said the county has 12 new applications this month for more people who are homeless without a place to stay.
She said there isn’t enough affordable housing in the county.
“This is a complicated issue and we struggle to meet with it every year,” she said.
The Orleans County Legislature declared a state of emergency on May 17 due to the homeless situation and the lack of available beds in case migrants or asylum seekers were sent to the county from New York City. That state of emergency remains in effect.
The state of emergency declaration has been modified since May to not mention migrants or asylum seekers. County officials said the homeless crisis warrants the declaration on its own.
“The state of emergency has been declared due to the County of Orleans experiencing a housing crisis due to an increase of 164% in placement of homeless persons since July 2022 exceeding our limited number of temporary and permanent emergency housing facilities,” according to the declaration on June 16. “In-county placement of emergency homeless persons have increased 134% and out-of-county placement of emergency homeless persons have increased 400% since July 2022.”
The challenge to find emergency housing could get even more difficult once the cold weather season is here. The state’s “code blue” executive order requires DSS to find shelter for homeless from Nov. 1 to March 31, or when the temperature drops below freezing or during other inclement weather. DSS is required to find the shelter without going through the usual application process, Nenni said.
Last year, 153 people were served in the county through “code blue” for a total of about 500 stays. The state reimbursed the county 100 percent for those expenses. Nenni said the state is setting the county’s allocation at $73,000 for this year for “code blue.”
With the homeless population outside of code blue, Nenni said the state reimburses the county 29 percent of the cost for housing single adults. If DSS finds housing for a homeless family, the state reimburses the county about half the expense, she said.
The local DSS also needs to find transportation for the people to get to appointments, even when they are placed out of county.
Nenni said DSS is looking for more options locally to help those in need of housing. One local organization is considering running a warming shelter at a local church to have another housing option locally for “code blue.”
“We want to develop a warming shelter because we have so much overflow already and code blue is coming,” Nenni said.
She said two landlords also are willing do two-week stays for homeless residents, which could turn into longer-term housing.
The Holley Hotel last Aug. 24 was closed due to sanitary conditions, which took 40 units out of mix. Many people in need of emergency housing stayed at the Holley Hotel, which hasn’t reopened yet.
Nenni said none of the current group of people receiving homeless assistance were tenants at the Holley Hotel when it closed.
She has reached out to other hotels in the county about providing emergency housing, but they have declined. The hotels receive the full daily rates, but the county does not have to pay sales or occupancy taxes on the rooms.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 August 2023 at 3:56 pm
File photo: These flowers were displayed at State Street Park during the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Personal messages were written on the flowers. The different colors of the flowers have different meanings. Blue flowers represent a person battling the disease. Purple is for a person who lost their battle with the disease. Yellow signifies a caregiver. Orange is for a supporter of the cause.
MEDINA – The annual walk in Orleans County to benefit Alzheimer’s disease is scheduled Sept. 9, beginning in State Street Park.
Registration begins at 10 a.m., with refreshments and other activities. The opening ceremony at 11 a.m. will be followed by the start of the walk at 11:15.
The walk is being held earlier this year, because the weather is often colder or blustery in October, said Carolyn Wagner, a member of the planning committee.
Wagner and Mary Lou Tuohey are among volunteers on the committee who have personal reasons to be involved in fundraising for the disease.
Both have family members who died of Alzheimer’s.
Tuohey has been very vocal about her experiences with her parents, Don and Jane Bradley, who both suffered from the disease. Don was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 52. He was forced to retired from his job at Harrison’s and close a repair shop he ran. As the disease progressed, his family took his car keys.
Mary Lou would bring him to her house and give him a basket of socks to fold. Then she would bring him another, which he knew was the same basket she had unfolded and then gave back to him.
One day he got so angry he punched her in the stomach. One week later, she gave birth to a son, Casey. When the family feared he would harm his wife, they moved him to a nursing home. He died at the age of 65.
Jane’s story is that of a stay-at-home mom and devoted wife of 42 years. At the age of 75, she started forgetting things, like people’s names, taking her medication or turning off the stove. One day she went driving and got lost. She has no idea how she got back home. That’s when her family took her car keys away.
Jane became very angry and mean to her children and threw things at them. Eventually the family moved her to assisted living, which she hated. As her condition worsened, she went to a nursing home, where she became aggressive toward the staff and her family. They brought her a doll named Andrew, which Jane loved and cuddled. She sang “gibberish” to him, until she finally closed her eyes and went to be with Don.
Mary Lou’s daughter Nicole remembers her grandma and grandpa, and watching them fade from life. That is why she sells elephant links for $1 at her mom’s store, Case-Nic Cookies, and donates all the money to Alzheimer’s for research.
Carolyn Wagner’s connection to the disease began with her father-in-law. He had been on a steady decline for several years, but no one knew what was wrong. Then it became obvious, she said.
“People with Alzheimer’s become ‘Sundowners,’” Wagner said. “In the late afternoon they become very agitated. Eventually he didn’t know his own son. I stayed nights with him so he didn’t turn on the stove or do something harmful.”
She said being a caregiver was 24/7 and she was constantly exhausted and on edge.
He eventually would move in and live in the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital, and they were wonderful to him, Wagner said.
“We didn’t want to put him in a nursing home, but it wasn’t safe for him or my mother-in-law for him to be at home,” she said.
She and Tuohey are sharing their story to get the word to people that help is available from the Alzheimer’s Association.
“They offer so much,” Wagner said. “We didn’t realize any of that.”
The local committee works with Lynn Westcott, director of development at the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Amherst.
“She works with the committees in each county,” Wagner said. “They offer a lot of help. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease and we want to do what we can to raise awareness. Statistics show that the number of people who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is staggering. Most people think it is an old person’s disease, but it’s not. People in their 40s are being diagnosed. Their body is still strong, but their mind is gone. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, educated or not, Black or White. It’s a tough disease for anyone involved.”
The local planning committee starts meeting in the spring at Case-Nic Cookies. They welcome invitations to come and speak to groups, such as local service clubs.
Committee members, in addition to Tuohey and Wager, are Cathy Hooker, Amanda Pollard, Michelle Lewis, Pam Canham, Jennifer Nowicki, Beth Schmidt and Mollie Radzinski.
Information on registering for the walk or making a donation is available by clicking here.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Betty Sue Miller, the Hoag Library director, gives blood last Dec. 17 during a blood drive at the library. It was her first time giving blood. Her husband Fred Miller has given more than 20 gallons over several decades.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 134 South Main St.
“Hosting a blood drive coincides with Hoag Library’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Betty Sue Miller, library director. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor.”
Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 August 2023 at 1:37 pm
Michael Bauer
ALBION – An Albion man has been charged after allegedly breaking into the Plaza Liquor Store, damaging the building and some of the merchandise.
Michael R. Bauer, 38, of Albion was charged on Monday with burglary in the third degree: illegal entry with intent, criminal mischief in the second degree, and petit larceny.
The Albion Police Department was dispatched to Plaza Liquor Store at 127A South Main St. on Sunday morning for a report of a front window smashed out.
Upon arrival, officers observed a broken window and damaged door frame, said Police Chief David Mogle.
Officers began an investigation and determined there was approximately $2,000 damage to the building, and $336 in damage to alcohol bottles. About $90 worth of alcohol and cash also were stolen.
Officers completed their investigation at the scene and canvassed the area for cameras and were able to obtain video footage from numerous businesses in the area that showed footage of the suspect, Mogle said.
After speaking with local businesses the Albion PD was able to determine the name of the suspect, who was identified as Michael R. Bauer from Albion. Bauer was located in a local business and transported to Albion Police Department, where he was interviewed and arrested.
Bauer was then remanded to Orleans County Jail for CAP Court pending an order of protection and issued appearance tickets as none of the charges are arraignable offenses the state’s bail reform laws, Mogle said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 August 2023 at 1:21 pm
Jayah Osby
ALBION – An Albion man who was wanted on an active arrest warrant now faces felony drug charges.
Jayah Osby, 23, was charged on Sunday night with criminal possession of a controlled substance/narcotics, and criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, which are both B felonies.
An Albion police officer was on routine patrol on Sunday night and observed a male at a residence on Beaver Street who had an active arrest warrant out of the Albion Police Department, said Police Chief David Mogle.
Albion officers took Osby into custody without incident. Subsequent to the arrest, officers searched Osby and located cocaine, marijuana and distribution bags for sale as well as $600 in cash, Mogle said.
Osby was remanded to Orleans County Jail for CAP Court due to the active arrest warrant and issued an appearance ticket as none of the charges are arraignable offenses under the state’s new bail reform laws, Mogle said.
Photos from Albion PD: Jayah Osby allegedly possessed cocaine, marijuana and distribution bags.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) denounced the state government’s recent decision to require background checks for all ammunition purchases in New York.
While the current system allows for free customer background checks for firearm purchases, this initiative would hand over this duty to the New York State Police. Once this new system goes into effect, customers will be charged an additional fee of $9 for firearms and $2.50 for ammunition in order to cover the cost of a background check. Hawley is disappointed the state government is once again disregarding New Yorkers’ Second Amendment rights.
“This new plan to require background checks for ammunition purchases is completely outrageous,” Hawley said. “Not only does this infringe on our Second Amendment rights, but they’re making responsible, law-abiding gun owners foot the bill. Actual criminals are not going to go through the process of doing a background check and pay an additional fee on top of that.
The new requirement for background checks to buy ammunition goes into effect on Sept. 13.
“This will only deter law-abiding citizens from exercising their constitutional rights,” continued Hawley. “As New Yorkers, we shouldn’t have to worry about career politicians in Albany picking away at our rights piece by piece. As your assemblyman, I’ll do everything within my power to make sure our Second Amendment rights are safe and secure.”
Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Erie, Genesee, Monroe, and Orleans counties.
ALBION – The Albion school district will be offering free breakfast and lunch for all students throughout the 2023-24 academic year.
As part of the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, each student grades K-12 will be offered a free breakfast and lunch every day.
“We are proud to announce that Albion Central School District will be offering all of our students two free meals a day,” said Mickey Edwards, superintendent of Albion Central School. “It is important that when our students enter their classroom they are ready to learn and that starts with a full belly at the beginning of the day. The more we can set them [our students] up for success, the better.”
In order to continue this wonderful program for our entire district, it is extremely important that families who meet the income eligibility guidelines complete the Household Income Eligibility Form (click here).
The completed applications should be returned to:
1. Mail to: Albion CSD Re: CEP Form 324 East Avenue, Albion, NY 14411
2. Fax: 585-589-2059
3. Email: kmcgaffick@albionk12.org
We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity to our students and their families.
Please contact Katie McGaffick at (585) 589-2056 with any questions.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 August 2023 at 9:47 am
Nearly 60 members of the Elks Riders from Albion and Brockport lodges take off from Stan’s Harley Davidson in Batavia on a charity ride to benefit Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
BATAVIA – Nearly 60 members of the Elks Riders in Lodge 1006 in Albion and 2110 in Brockport participated in a recent charity run to benefit Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s Emergency Services program.
The ride began at Stan’s Harley Davidson in Batavia, and continued through Oakfield, Elba, Medina, Albion, Kendall and Holley to Brockport, where the Elks Lodge welcomed riders with refreshments, music by Chris Moore and a basket raffle.
Along with registration for the ride, basket raffle, a 50/50 drawing and donations, the profit was $2,620.
The idea for the charity ride was suggested by Ricky Standish, a member of Albion Elks Riders and facilities’ manager at Community Action in Albion. He pitched the idea to the riders from Albion and Brockport lodges and they agreed to the joint effort.
“Our Albion Elks do a lot of things for different charity organizations with Brockport,” Standish said.
With guidance from Katrina Chaffee, director of community service and reporting at Community Action, they put together the charity run. Chaffee even rode with Standish.
“They did a wonderful job,” Chaffee said.
The riders met at Stan’s, where they enjoyed hot dogs donated by the cycle shop and registered for the ride.
“A lot of people in Orleans and Genesee counties will benefit from this,” Chaffee said. “Some of the money will help toward our Holiday Fund and the rest will go into our operating budget.”
Chaffee said they are already collecting toys for the Holiday Gift Program, which provides toys and gifts for children under 18 and a family meal for Christmas.
Katrina Chaffee, left holding check, and Ricky Standish, both with Community Action, and Jeff Penna, vice president of Brockport Elks Riders, hold the ceremonial check representing proceeds from a charity ride the Albion and Brockport Elks did for Community Action’s Emergency Services program.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 August 2023 at 8:24 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Cameron Boysen, who recently moved to Medina, stopped to talk to firefighter Nick Lee and see the fire truck on display at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market had a special attraction on Saturday, with a visit from Medina fighter Nick Lee with a fire truck.
Market coordinator Gail Miller said they welcome the presence of non-profits in the area who want to come and set up a display.
Now that the market has moved back to the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, there was room for the fire truck to park, where it caught the attention of visitors to the market.
One visitor was Cameron Boysen, who recently moved to Medina from Idaho. He was looking for a change in his life and had a good friend in Medina, so decided to come here.
He is very happy he did.
“I never knew Medina had so much history,” he said.
The fire truck caught his eye, as he spent five years as an apprentice to learn about sprinkler systems, and he stopped to talk to Lee.
Lee said they visit the market several times a year to promote awareness in the community. The Medina ambulance had also been there for a while, but got called out several times.
Pam Canham, who volunteers at the market every weekend, said they encourage non-profit groups to come to the market. This past weekend, both PAWS and Head Start had a table set up.
Any non-profit wishing to set up a display at the market can call (716) 628-3078.
The summer market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 8. Then the winter market will open at 345 Main St., the former NAPA parts store.
Medina firefighter Nick Lee brought a fire truck to the Canal Village Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
