By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 August 2023 at 7:10 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – Among the final awards presented at the conclusion of the Orleans County 4-H Fair were Citizenship Awards.
Recipients were Layne Walker, Lauren Zwifka, Grace Goodrich, Elizabeth Dresser, Sadie Pask, Hugh Gabalski, Danielle Schmidt, Matthew Bloom, Owen Cornell, Christina Zaidel, Sophia Albone, Marissa Young, Meganne Moore, Lea Donofrio, Lydia Hofmann, Carter Muipers, Kendra Scheid, Amelia Paratore, Kendyll Kidney, Charlotte McGrath, Grayson Erion, Gary Donofrio, Celes Paratore, Sophia Englant, Grant Kuipers, Helen Schofield, Kendyl Collyer, Kate Bennett, Rebecca Asento, Evelyn Paratore, Brody Collyer, Bailey Gonzalez, Albert Kidney, Makenzie McGrath, Autumn Kidney and Jackson Frasier.
Robert Batt, executive director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, also thanked a select few youths who, besides contributing during the fair, went above and beyond to improve the green bathrooms which have been a long-term fair board project. They are Carter Kuipers, Amelia Paratore, Celes Paratore, Grant Kuipers, Evelyn Paratore, Ruth Kuipers, Jaxson Narburg, Madeline Bloom, Hollee Cook and Maci Manicki.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2023 at 11:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Karen Conn, center, has opened Hearth & Home Real Estate Professionals at 110 East Ave. Conn celebrated the grand opening of the business on Friday evening. She is joined by her sister Laural Prentice, left, and niece Emily Banks.
Conn has been in the real estate business for 16 years. She is the owner/broker. Prentice has worked as a real estate agent the past two years. Banks will be the administrative assistant for Hearth & Home, which has regular office hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mondays through Fridays. The office also will be open by appointment.
Conn works as an elementary-general music teacher at Albion. Art teacher Tina Burgett designed the Heart & Home logo and students in the high school art club painted the sign.
Karen Conn is shown on the stairway of Hearth & Home. She and her husband Mitch Conn gave the building an extensive makeover with new windows, sanding and staining the hardwood floors, new lighting, a roof, painting the interior and the exterior.
Conn wanted to run the business out of a former home, rather than an office building. She has decorated the site with many images of Victorian homes.
Conn has a conference room upstairs to meet with clients, as well as offices downtstairs.
“It’s important to make people feel comfortable when doing business,” she said. “I want to put them at ease.”
Conn said she enjoys working with people, especially first-time homebuyers. She wants to help them through the process of finding a house that is the best fit for the long-term.
“I will give them honest answers with no pressure,” she said.
When Hearth & Home closes on a sale, Conn said the buyer will get a wreath for the home.
Shown at a ribbon-cutting on Friday evening includes Laural Prentice, Mitch Conn, Karen Conn, Emily Banks and Darlene Hartway, executive director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2023 at 10:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ed Anderson Jr. sings U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” for the band Distant View during an open mic this evening at Bullard Park for Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival.
The event, in its 8th year, has expanded the first time for two days of music.
Saturday is the busier day with musicians playing from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Distant View performs “What I Like About You” during open mic night. The band includes lead singer Ed Anderson Jr., right; guitar player Chris Oakes, left; and Bryce Waterson on drums. Rusty Fisher, not pictured, also plays guitar.
Rusty Fisher plays the guitar for Distant View while singer Junior (Ed Anderson Jr.) sings for the band during open mic this evening.
The band Good News performed several songs during open mic. Jason Wilhelm is the lead singer, John Angelucci plays bass, and Bryce Waterson stepped in to play drums. Some of the songs included “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Proud Mary – Rollin’ Like A River” and several others.
Good News performs during open mic night. The band plays at many Christian festivals in Western New York.
Rock the Park tries to build off the event each year and this time expanded to include Friday evening music, said Zack Burgess, one of the coordinators of the event all eight years. His band, Zackstreet Boys, also performs at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
There are nine bands performing on Saturday. Burgess said the open mic night was a way to expand the festival and also give more musicians a chance to perform on the main stage at the amphitheater.
Saturday’s lineup will be capped by Nerds Gone Wild who proved to be a crowd favorite last year.
The music lineup for Saturday includes:
Carlton Station on acoustic stage at 11 a.m.
Chris Moore on acoustic stage at noon
Shotgun Pauly on main stage at 2 p.m.
Eclipse on main stage at 3 p.m.
Driven on main stage at 4 p.m.
Zackstreet Boys on main stage at 5 p.m.
Highway 31 on main stage at 6 p.m.
The Who Dats on main stage at 7 p.m.
Nerds Gone Wild on main stage at 8:30 p.m.
There will also be arts and crafts vendors, as well as food and beverages. There is a $5 admission charge good for all day Saturday to have access to the tent in front of the main stage. People can also listen to the music for free away from the tent.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 August 2023 at 8:58 pm
MEDINA – Anyone who likes to shop is advised to keep on eye on businesses in Medina for a sidewalk sale on Saturday.
“If you ever needed an excuse to enjoy a day in Medina, the annual sidewalk sale provides it,” said Scott Robinson, president of Medina Area Partnership. “Many of the businesses will start their sales before Saturday and run through Sunday. Whether it’s clothing, books, small and large or unique gifts, this summer event is worth your time.”
Robinson also reminds shoppers to enjoy the town’s food and drink scene after a day of shopping.
The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in most stores in Medina’s historic downtown. Participating businesses include Lily & Sparrow, American Craftsmen’s Gallery (featuring children’s clothing), Ashlee’s Place, Author’s Note, Canalside Tattoo, Creekside Floral, ellen j goods, Herbalty Cottage, Modern Mercantile, Mystic Dragon’s Lair, Rosenkrans, The Downtown Browsery and The English Rose Tea Shoppe.
MAP also requests shoppers share their special finds with them on Facebook @MedinaAreaPartnership or www.MedinaAP.org.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in August.
• The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Aug. 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion).
• The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Aug. 10 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
“Rabies continues to be a public health issue in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We urge pet owners to take this opportunity to ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”
For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2023 at 10:17 am
Oak Orchard Yacht Club has organized the events for more than 30 years
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – A group of sailors raced sailboats on Thursday evening on Lake Ontario near the Oka Orchard Harbor.
The race has been a tradition on Thursdays going back at least 30 years for the Oak Orchard Yacht Club.
The sailors typically race for 4 miles and have to change directions frequently. The team on the sailboats frequently need to reset the sails to slow down, speed up and change directions.
I watched the action from the western pier at the Oak Orchard Harbor. This is accessible by going through the Oak Orchard Marine State Park on Archibald Road.
KNOWLESVILLE – In 1967, the Orleans County 4-H Leader’s Association undertook a variety of fundraising projects to help finance improvements at the newly acquired Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
One of those projects – the publication of an Atlas and Plat Book of Orleans County – has proven to be of lasting historical value. This was a very appropriate choice for an agricultural county since plat maps show a visual overview of land ownership by town.
The 1967 publication was spiral bound, with a green cover and an aerial view of the Fairgrounds. Ten separate town maps showed the location of farms and listed the farm owners. An Index to Owners listed every landowner in the county whose name appeared in the township maps with location references to the appropriate page and map of the county, a business directory, and a listing of government officials.
Town assessors were offered $10 ($90 approx. currently) each to provide base maps of their townships for the publication. Five of the ten returned the payment to the committee.
The Albion Rotary Club voted to handle the sale of advertising to finance the publication. In exchange, the Club received a share of the overall profit which supported a Rotary Hospital in Bolivia.
4-H Agent Robert F. Stuerzebecher was chairman of the Rotary’s farm plat book committee which also included Sidney Cleveland, Thomas Heard and Richard Bloom. Paul Klatt of Lyndonville headed the Orleans County 4-H Leaders’ Association plat book committee. This was an ambitious project. The books were available from the County Extension Service and cost $2.50, ($22 approx. currently). A second plat book was published in 1972.
Both were produced by Rockford Map Publishers of Rockford, Il. which pioneered this map resource in 1944. Their first maps were hand drawn, but the process was soon mechanized to supply demand. With an emphasis on accuracy, the process involved the use of aerial photographs in conjunction with the base maps provided by the townships. Ownership information was then verified at the county courthouse.
The information so clearly laid out in these plat maps was no doubt of great interest to farmers. Real estate, banking and insurance companies also found them to be a valuable resource. As a historical record, plat maps document the historical ownership of land and are an invaluable resource for genealogists and local historians.
Additionally, the advertisements included provide a snapshot of businesses and services at a particular time.
Advertisements from the 1967 Orleans County Plat book.
Digitization has enhanced the creation and possibilities of plat maps. Geo-referenced maps can be used on smartphones. Transparent plat maps may be overlaid over Google Earth. Whatever method is used, the fundamental issue of interest to individuals and business interests is “Who owns the land?”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 August 2023 at 8:07 am
Photo courtesy of Katrina Gabalski: Orleans County 4-H Fair royalty pose on stage after being crowned Saturday afternoon. Sitting are Marissa Young, princess alternate; Sophia Albone, duchess alternate; Matthew Bloom, duke alternate; and Brody Collyer, prince alternate. Standing from left are Elizabeth Dresser, princess; Kendyll Kidney, duchess; Gracie Erion, queen; Hugh Gabalski, king; and Jackson Frasier, prince.
KNOWLESVILLE – Competitions concluded at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Saturday with awarding of ribbons and trophies and naming of royalty.
Selected as the 2023 Fair Royalty are King, Hugh Gabalski, 16, of Byron; Queen, Gracie Erion, 17, of Byron; Queen Alternate, Danielle Schmidt, 18, of Kent; Prince, Jackson Frasier, 10, of Kent; Prince Alternate, Brody Collyer, 8, of Kendall; Princess, Elizabeth Dresser, 11, of Medina; Princess Alternate, Marissa Young, 11, of Kent; Duke, Owen Cornell, 12, of Holley; Duke Alternate, Matthew Bloom, 13, Albion; Duchess, Kendyll Kidney, 15, Medina; and Duchess Alternate, Sophia Albone, 12, Medina.
King Gabalski showed a great attitude throughout fair week. He spent time maintaining and presenting his animals in the rabbit and sheep areas. Additionally, he spent time year-round preparing multiple entries for the market auction. He has volunteered in areas all over the fairgrounds and is always kind and helpful to adults and his peers. He is a great example of a positive 4-H’er.
Queen Gracie Erion could be seen caring for and showing in the dairy goat and dairy cattle areas at the fair. She was one of the few exhibitors seen milking her cow in the cow barn. She is often seen with a smile on her face and offering to help others. When asked about her favorite thing at the fair, she stated she enjoys showing her animals to the public and spreading awareness about agriculture. She was known to share her pride and support for her peers as well.
Queen Alternate Danielle Schmidt decided to show beef this year, in addition to showing llamas, and she did lots of work to learn the new area. During her shows, she ran back and forth to her different barns to care for her animals. In the evenings, she was known to sing in the karaoke event and offer her support anywhere it was needed.
Prince Jackson Frasier showed great dedication to his goats. He always made sure they had clean water and feed. He was also seen hustling to the goat barn to check on his animals when the storms rolled in. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed.
Prince Alternate Brody Collyer spent the week showing and caring for his cows. His favorite thing about the fair this year was meeting new people. When presented with a frustrating situation in the show ring, he said he smiled and pushed through, not letting it get him down. He could also be seen taking care of garbage or helping in the Senior Council Stand.
Princess Elizabeth Dresser is traditionally a dairy cow exhibitor, however, this year she expanded her interests by exhibiting beef cattle and swine, as well. She was able to successfully juggle all her animal areas and shing bright with a smile while showing. Her nominators said she was a wonderful example for others with her positive attitude, despite being such a young 4-Her.
Princess Alternate Marissa Young showed dogs throughout the week. She volunteered extra time in the dog area and was always ready and willing at the drop of a hat. She maintained her area and all three of her dogs. She was quick to have a smile and was always sharing her positive attitude.
Duke Owen Cornell was hopping around all week long. He did a great job keeping his goat exhibit neat and clean. He was always ready and willing to help with any task. He was seen working with the garbage crew daily. It was said he is very courteous and a great example of a r-Her.
Duke Alternate Matthew Bloom showed dairy and beef cattle, as well as swine throughout the week. His nominators said he demonstrated so much heart and care for his peers and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was seen coaching younger 4-H’ers throughout the week.
Duchess Kendyll Kidney has not only participated extensively in fair, but also throughout the year in Senior Council and the Fair Board. At fair, she completed a number of hours on the grill in the Senior Council Stand. She was seen working long hours and closing the stand at 10 p.m. throughout the week she was seen helping many younger 4-H’ers in the stand, as well as in their animal areas. When asked what her favorite thing about the fair was, she replied, “Seeing younger kids get excited about the animals.”
Duchess Alternate Sophia Albone participated in several areas of the fair throughout the week. At one point she managed three shows at the same time and was always communicating with the superintendents to ensure the shows weren’t being held up. When rushing to the dog show in her riding gear, she didn’t let the rush get to her and she still had a smile on her face while she showed. When her area was completed for the week, she stayed and continued to support her peers, including helping the horse area tear down and rebuild their indoor arena.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2023 at 4:51 pm
Issue won’t be on ballot in November to allow more time to gather data, try to make case to the public
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted unanimously today to rescind a resolution from July 19 that would have put a District Court up for public referendum on the November ballot.
The Legislature is putting the issue on “pause” to allow a committee more time to gather and present facts to the public.
The Legislature passed a resolution on July 19 to have voters decide whether the county would shift to a District Court to handle many of the criminal cases currently in town courts. The District Court would be full-time Monday through Friday.
The proposal faced a lot of pushback from town justices and other community members during a July 20 public meeting in the legislative chambers of the Legislature. They wanted more specifics on how the court would operate, what it would cost and why the town courts aren’t sufficient.
The county faced an Aug. 7 deadline from the Board of Elections to remove the referendum from the ballot. The Legislature called a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. to rescind the resolution.
“The committee needs more time,” said Kathy Bogan, the county attorney.
The committee exploring the District Court includes District Attorney Joe Cardone, Sheriff Chris Bourke, Public Defender Joanne Best, Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller (representing the Orleans County Magistrates Association), Assistant DA Susan Howard, County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, former Gaines Town Justice and Assistant DA Bruce Schmidt and county legislators John Fitzak and Skip Draper.
Fuller spoke during the July 20 public meeting and made it clear he is adamantly opposed to a District Court. He said there are too many unknowns with the court, and believes the town justices are fulfilling their duties in court facilities that are all paid for.
Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best said they see a push from the state to have District Courts with judges who are trained as attorneys. Cardone and Best want to see the county move to a District Court before a state mandate.
They said a District Court would offer more consistency with justice in Orleans County, and would operate on a full-time daily schedule to allow cases to move more quickly.
Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, said the committee will work to provide “clear and concise answers” for the public.
The committee needs financial data from the town courts on the expenses and revenues at the town level. Cardone said few of the courts have provided that information. The committee may pursue those facts through the Freedom of Information Act.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the Legislature’s vote to rescind the resolution to allow more time to make the case to the public was in response to the concerns raised at the public meeting on July 20.
“What’s important is we’re listening to the people,” she said.
Mulka, Creasey, Lewis, Scanlan and Knaak grateful for friendships on teams, opportunity to keep playing a sport they love
Pictured from left include Sydney Mulka of Penn State Harrisburg, Nicolina Creasey of Buff State, and Ella Lewis of Finger Lakes Community College.
By Claire Squicciarini, correspondent
Choosing to continue to play a sport into college takes great passion and commitment. Last year four of Albion’s 2022 graduates – Sydney Mulka, Nicolina Creasey, Abby Scanlan and Alyson Knaak – along with Lyndonville’s Ella Lewis decided to carry their love for soccer into their college careers.
Sydney Mulka completed her first year as goalie at Penn State Harrisburg while studying biology. She recorded an average goals allowed of 0.82. Along with this she earned All-Region third team and United East All-Conference first team.
“I continued playing because I love the sport of soccer and I think it provides so many benefits on and off the field” Mulka said.
Unfortunately, during Nicolina Creasey’s first year at Buffalo State she was only able to play in four games before a serious injury. After spraining her ACL, Creasey did two months of physical therapy until she could run again. However, she continued to support her team and study speech pathology.
Alyson Knaak at Alfred State studies Veterinary Technology while being a solid defender for the Pioneers. In her freshman year she even scored a goal from the back line.
Across the street at Alfred University, Abby Scanlan earned All-Empire 8 third team. Scanlan also earned offensive player of the week and Saxon of the week while exploring her study of criminal justice.
Ella Lewis also is a criminal justice major. She has been a key offensive force for Finger Lakes Community College. In her first year, she scored 25 goals and had 2 assists.
The players shared how they made the transition from high school to college athletics.
“The environment pushes you to grow in unique ways” Creasey said.
The transition to college is extremely challenging and being on a higher-level team can be mentally draining.
“I was not used to the to the physical and mental strain that college soccer would cost,” Mulka said. “However, it is then when you have to rely on the discipline within yourself not to give up because your teammates need you.”
In high school a soccer season typically lasts from late August to possibly early November. Then the athletes can carry on to rest or participate in other sports. On the other hand, a college fall season starts mid-August and can go as long as to late November. However, it does not end there.
Pictured from left include Abby Scanlan of Alfred University, Alyson Knaak of Alfred State and Claire Squicciarini of Alfred University.
Over the winter fall sport teams continues to meet for touches on the ball and lifts to stay strong. Then there is spring ball. Back to practices and lifts almost every day a week staying fit and preparing for one scrimmage before summer. (There are some student-athletes in college that play other sports. Lewis also played softball at Finger Lakes CC.)
The dedication over many months to the team and sport is needed from every person on the team. Creasey explained after her two months of PT with trainers she continued to recover by doing exercises by herself for months after. Athletes need self-discipline and dedication to take care of themselves to continue to fulfill their potential.
College is a major transition in life for the athletes, a shift to added independence and responsibility. Adding the demands of a sport to this critical juncture for the students requires discipline, motivation and self-care.
“In college you get all the players that actually know and play the sport well, it brings out a different competitive side in you,” Scanlan said.
The competition on the field is at a much higher level, with the other players all highly skilled. Every player on that field works day and night for their position. As Scanlan explained this can really push a player to try harder and develop a deeper love for the sport.
Classes are also more challenging and the student-athletes need to make their time count to meet the demands to the team and the classroom. Some student-athletes prefer to be busy to get things done.
“Playing soccer actually kept me more motivated in the end because I was always on a set schedule,” Lewis said.
Working through an injury also takes a toll mentally on the athletes, who bring such a competitive drive and passion for the sport.
“This was a huge mental and physical obstacle for me,” Creasey said about battling through her ACL injury. “I learned a lot about staying disciplined and focused on long-term goals through my recovery.”
Luckily in college not only do athletes get to experience the higher level of competition but also athletic training facilities. While they physically heal, they can come to these trainer, coaches, or teammates for a shoulder to lean on for their mental health.
“Playing for a new team in college just meant that I got to have a built-in family which made my transition to college so much easier and definitely more fun,” said Lewis, of Finger Lakes CC.
A team creates a bond between player that can lead to lifelong friendships. Coming into an unfamiliar environment as a freshman in college can feel a bit lonely. A big benefit of being on a sports team in college is the friendships right at the start of the college experience and the support from those new teammates.
Personally, I have been at Alfred University studying communications and playing for the Saxons for two years. At first, I was nervous for the change and the increase in competition but it has taught me a lot and made me love the sport of soccer even more.
I also met so many amazing people I am lucky to call my friends and teammates while getting to live and play with my best friend that I have been playing with forever – Abby Scanlan. I was challenged physically and mentally. But, overall playing soccer in college helped me grow a lot as a person.
“Getting out there and trying new things will help boost your understanding of yourself leading to more confidence,” Scanlan said.
College sports requires a lot from a person and can be a challenge. However, the experience can change your life.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2023 at 11:06 am
Amy Laureano
KENDALL – The school district is mourning the loss of a beloved first grade teacher. Amy Laureano passed away unexpectedly on Sunday.
“We are saddened to share news of the unexpected loss of Kendall Elementary School Teacher Amy Laureano,” Nick Picardo, the district’s school superintendent, posted in a message to the community. “Amy was a beloved member of our community, and our thoughts are with her husband, family and friends during this difficult time.”
Laureano’s husband Justin is also a coach and teacher at Kendall. They have three children.
Several people have posted tributes to her on the website for Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport.
“She was a great teacher and I never had the honor to have her as a teacher but I had many friends say she was a great one to have she was sweet and always kind to anyone around her,” Kari Harrier wrote. “My condolences goes towards her family who lost this wonderful women.”
Audrey Dezen posted that “Miss Amy” will be deeply missed by her former students.
“You were a bright light who always saw the good in others along with their potential,” Dezen posted. “Your smile could brighten anyone’s day, no matter how miserable they felt. You were not only a wonderful teacher/tutor to our Kylie, but a beautiful human being & friend to our family that had a passion for teaching & life.”
Holley Mayor Mark Bower, a retired teacher and school principal, said Laureano was a “beautiful human being.” He posted that Laureano left a strong impression on him when she was a student in the elementary school and he was a teacher at Brockport.
“I can’t even think of one instance where Amy didn’t demonstrate kindness and respect or any time when she didn’t put forth her best effort,” Bower posted. “How ironic that she became a teacher and that she taught 1st grade, as I was her 1st grade teacher at Ginther School in Brockport … I know from colleagues in Kendall and families whose children or grandchildren had Amy, what an exemplary teacher she was.”
Adriana Passarell said she had the then Miss Parmele in first grade 17 years ago.
“She was the BEST teacher,” Passarell wrote. “Always so kind, nurturing, understanding, and fun. I distinctly remember 1st grade and I truly believe it’s because of her. She had so much love for her students and a special bond with every single one of us, which speaks right to her amazing character. Mrs. Laureano definitely left a mark on Kendall that will never be forgotten.”
Laureano’s family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Ave., Brockport. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Brockport Free Methodist Church, 6787 4th Section Rd, Brockport.
Donations are being accepted to the Kendall Central School District for the Amy Laureano Scholarship Fund.
