By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2023 at 9:05 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The band Zero closed out a 10-year run with a rocking concert on Wednesday evening at Bullard Park.
This photo shows Mike “Thunder” Warren, Zack Burgess and Dylan DeSmit. (Chad DeSmit plays the drums for the band.)
The members are in other bands and their schedule is busy, making it difficult to make the time to rehearse and schedule performances.
The band was a mainstay at the Rock the Park music festivals, helping to raise money for improvements at Bullard.
Zack Burgess sings “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Burgess also performs with the Zackstreet Boys.
Mike Warren strums the guitar. He had the crowd rocking with his performance of “TNT” by AC/DC. Warren is a member of the Savage Cabbage band.
Chad DeSmit pounds the skins as the drummer for the band. DeSmit fills in for other bands as a drummer.
Dylan DeSmit performs at the amphitheater on Wednesday. He is also a member of driVen and Appetite for Voltage.
The band opened the concert by performing by playing “Slither” by Velvet Revolver.
The Albion summer concert series continues at Bullard with the remaining schedule: August 2, Hastings Duo; August 9, Highway 31; August 16, McHenry & Baz; August 23, Rain Date; and August 30, Geneseo Wind Quinet.
The shows all start at 6:30, except for the final one on Aug. 30 which begins at 6 p.m.
Rock the Park also is back on Aug. 4-5 with nine bands performing over two days as well as an open mic opportunity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2023 at 8:32 am
8 a.m. – 4-H Western Dressage Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
10 a.m. – 4-H Sheep Show at Show Arena
10 a.m. – Wildlife I.D. Contest at Log Cabin
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins; Buildings open to the public. Enter at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
Bella Basinait, 11 of Barre, leads a Simmental Cattle towards the show ring in Wednesday’s Beef Show. Her father Craig is in back.
12 pm. to 10 p.m. – OCALS Literacy Services at Trolley Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Digital Literacy and Connect Orleans Cyber Lounge with charging station at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Towpath Trading Post: Supplies for WNY at Fair Office Portico
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Museum Corner: Photo station, history, and stone exploration exhibit, by the Cobblestone Museum and Sandstone Society at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Painted Sky Ranch Pony Rides at Cattle Barn Lawn area
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan at Lartz Building
1 to 7 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species experts at Lartz Building
Representatives from Cobblestone Museum and Sandstone Society are at the fair this week sharing information and welcoming people to join their organizations. Matt Holland, left, and Reinhard Rogowski were in the Lartz Building on Wednesday evening.
2 p.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Demo at Knights Building
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl at Trolley Building
3 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
4:30 p.m. – Cornell Recipe Chicken BBQ by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension $15 at Curtis Pavilion
5 p.m. – 4-H Llama and Alpaca Show at Show Arena
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Rubber Duck Racers! ages 3-11 at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 p.m. – Beards and Braids (Orleans County’s best hair contest) Open to the public, pre-register at the fair office of 15 minutes prior to contest at Orleans Hub Stage
Doc Magic (Dewayne Reynolds) makes a dog out of balloons as part of his magic and variety show. Doc Magic has been performing as a professional magician and balloon artist since 1998.
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Free Face Painting! At Fair Office Portico
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Jim The Balloon Guy will be strolling
6 p.m. – Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
6 p.m. – Presentation by Connect Orleans: Cutting the cord and unbundling your internet at Education Center
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Storytime with Yates Community Library at Trolley Building
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
7 p.m. to 7:45 pm– Hot Country Liners Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
Faith Bennett, left, and Leah Kania of Albion both perform during karaoke on Wednesday night. A big rainstorm broke out during Faith’s performance with the rain pelting the roof above the stage. Faith didn’t miss a beat and kept on singing.
7 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session at Wachob Pavilion
8 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round) at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. at Hay Bale Rolling Course
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department and the Medina Police Advisory Committee are co-organizing this year’s Orleans County National Night Out.
We are proud to give an update on this year’s event that will take place on Tuesday August 1st from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford Wise Intermediate School, 1016 Gwinn St.
National Night Out started in the 1980s as a way to bring law enforcement and citizens together nationwide on the same night each year. We have expanded on that principle and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Mason Cady, 8, of Kendall rides in a bike rodeo on during National Night Out in Medina, outside Clifford Wise Intermediate School in Medina. The event was free to the community and connected residents with local law enforcement officers and other first responders, as well as agencies.
This year NNO is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Participants in this event will include law enforcement from throughout Orleans County, fire agencies, EMS responders, civic organizations and other groups that will be providing activities and giveaways. Some of the big hits from past events have been the “Battle of the Belts,” K-9 demonstrations and the bike rodeo.
Our mission is simple. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost, eating and having fun in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. We hope citizens can meet members of our local organizations and get to know the services they provide to our community.
We would like to thank all of our sponsors, participants and volunteers who have helped make this event possible!
Tentative Schedule
Mercy Flight Landing at 6 p.m.
Battle of the Belts at 6:45 p.m.
K-9 Demonstration at 7:15 p.m.
The Safety Pup also attended National Night Out and greeted community members. About 700 people attended the National Night Out last year. National Night Out was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions and concerns.
Tentative Dunk Tank participants and schedule include Fire Chief Matt Jackson, Aidyn Jackson, Police Chief Todd Draper, Pastor Russ Peters, Donnell Holloway, Pastor Jovannie Canales, Heather Jackson – NNO Committee Chair, Village Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Trustee Diana Baker and Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2023 at 5:09 pm
The unemployment rate in Orleans County is 3.3 percent for June, according to data from the state Department of Labor. That compares to a 3.7 percent rate in Orleans in June 2022.
The DOL reports there were 600 people on unemployment in the county in June out of a workforce of 17,500.
The rates for Orleans so far in 2023 include 3.3% in June, 3.1% in May, 2.9% in April, 4.0% in March, 4.3 percent in February and 4.8% in January.
Among other WNY counties the unemployment rates for June include Genesee at 2.6%, Livingston at 3.0%, Wyoming at 2.8%, Monroe at 3.2%, Niagara at 3.3%, Erie at 3.2%, Chautauqua at 3.5%, Cattaraugus at 3.5%, and Allegany at 3.8%.
Statewide the unemployment rate is at 4.3 percent, up from 4.1 percent in June 2022. The national rate is at 3.8 percent, the same as in June 2022.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2023 at 3:06 pm
ALBION – A Brockport woman was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Taneesha Diltz, 32, was driving with her ability impaired by drugs on Feb. 11. She was stopped in the Town of Murray on Ridge Road. She also kicked an Orleans County deputy. She was charged with third-degree assault and sentenced to up to 364 days in the county jail for that crime, which will satisfied as part of her state prison sentence.
Her license was revoked for a year and she must use an interlock ignition device for three years when she is released. That device measures her Breath Alcohol Content.
In other cases:
• Haleigh Felton, 27, was sentenced to 10 years of probation for bringing pills into the Orleans Correctional Facility.
She said she brought the pills into the prison “By mistake.” She doesn’t have a prior criminal record.
• Noah Rowlett, 21, formerly of Albion rejected a plea offer and will go to trial on either Aug. 25 or Set. 18 for second-degree rape. He allegedly had sex with an underage female last summer.
Rowlett, now of Arkansas, was offered a plea deal of attempted rape in the second degree with no sentencing promises.
• Wade Murphy, 50, of Clarendon was arraigned on four counts of criminal possession of stolen property 3rd degree, one count of criminal possession of stolen property 4th degree, and criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree.
He allegedly had a stolen UTV, zero-turn lawn mower, utility trailer, jet ski, and a large tow behind camper. Some items were also modified to conceal or remove vehicle identification numbers.
Judge Church continued $50,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond that was set in a lower court.
Murphy’s codefendant also was arraigned in county court.
• Jennifer T. Sportsman, 48, of Clarendon also faces four counts of criminal possession of stolen property 3rd degree and criminal possession of stolen property 4th. She was released on her own recognizance.
• Xavier Hand, 26, of Medina was arraigned after being charged for the sale and distribution of fentanyl pills disguised as prescription oxycodone pills. He also allegedly disguised Xanax bars and high-grade marijuana, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported in February.
Law enforcement seized 114 fentanyl pills disguised as Oxycodone pills, over 2,000 disguised Xanax bars, over a half of pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, over 14 pounds of high-grade marijuana, over $156,000 in cash, a loaded .40 caliber semi-auto pistol, scales, numerous packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.
Hand today was arraigned on two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, CPCS in the fourth degree, CPCS in the fifth degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
Hand’s bail remains at $2,000 in cash or bond, which he has posted.
• Chasity Zinnate, 42, of Medina was arraigned for burglary in the third degree, attempted burglary in the third degree, grand larceny in the third degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
She allegedly stole $8,200 worth of items from a business on Main Street in Medina and attempted to break into another location.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2023 at 8:58 am
ALABAMA – There will be a public hearing at 10 a.m. Thursday for eminent domain proceedings to allow a sewer line along Route 63 from the STAMP site to Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County. The eminent domain would be for a temporary construction easement.
The hearing will be at Alabama Volunteer Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center is leading the effort to put in a new sewer line to serve the 1,250-acre manufacturing park just south of Shelby in the Town of Alabama.
According to a legal notice the eminent domain proceedings would be for land owned by David Schloss and Allison Adkison, Donald and Dana Quackenbush, and Brennen and Valerie O’Connor. Two of the parcels are in Shelby and one is in Alabama.
The sewer line has the potential to bring up to 6 million gallons of sanitary sewer into the Oak Orchard each day.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari has publicly stated his concerns that the influx of water into the Oak Orchard could jeopardize efforts to develop the Medina Business Park.
The Tonawanda Seneca Nation also has been very vocal in opposing the project because they say the project disturbs land and natural resources that are vital to the Seneca culture.
The first tenant at STAMP, Plug Power Inc., is under construction for a $290 million hydrogen production facility that is expected to be ready in the summer 2024.
Another company, Edwards Vacuum, announced plans in November for a $319 million factory that will produce equipment used in the semiconductor industry.
There is still plenty of space at STAMP for other businesses and GCEDC officials say they are talking with other companies about coming to STAMP.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2023 at 7:47 am
8 a.m. – 4-H English Dressage Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens at Senior Council Stand
9 a.m. – 4-H Poultry Showmanship and Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
10 a.m. – 4-H Beef Cattle Show at Show Arena
10 a.m. – 4-H Dog Show Obedience and Rally Classes at Knights Building
Dairy Show judge Kelly Reynolds asks Lane Miller, 6, of Lyndonville a question during the Dairy Show on Tuesday evening. Lane made his debut in the show ring as a Clover Bud.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with the sing-along music of Craig Wilkins (Food will be served at 12 p.m. w/ticket) at Curtis Pavilion
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Jim The Balloon Guy will be strolling
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Painted Sky Ranch Pony Rides at Cattle Barn Lawn area
12 –10 p.m. – OCALS Literacy Services at Trolley Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Digital Literacy and Connect Orleans Cyber Lounge – with charging station at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Museum Corner: Photo station, history and stone exploration exhibit at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan at Lartz Building
Gracie Batt of Albion, left, and Adelina Decker of Kendall chat before their rabbits are judged in the “Best Bred by Exhibitor” category during Tuesday’s Orleans County 4-H Fair.
12 p.m. – 4-H Poultry Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
1:30 to 3 p.m. – Bread & Butter Making Demo and Tasting at Trolley Building
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Rides Wristband at Midway
3 p.m. – Fair Official Meeting at Fair Office
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
5 to 6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Rubber Duck Racers! Ages 3-11 at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
5 p.m. – 4-H Meat Goat Show at Show Arena
Gracie Erion of Byron won the senior showman competition for dairy at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Tuesday evening.
6 to 7 p.m. – Storytime with Orleans County Libraries (Hoag Library) at Trolley Building
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Rooster Crowing Contest at Wachob Pavilion
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – Llama Meet and Greet (on conclusion of goat show) at Show Arena
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
8-10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up at Hay Bale Rolling Course. Register at the Fair Office by 9:50 p.m.
A performer with Wonderland Circus twirls Hula-Hoops during Tuesday’s show.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2023 at 4:56 pm
85 see snakes and reptiles up close at Hoag Library program
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ken Kuehne of Kent, left, brought 12 exotic snakes and other reptiles to Hoag Library today as part of a summer reading program. Kuehne and his daughter Amanda, right, let these kids hold an 11-foot-long Columbian red-tailed boa constrictor that weighs about 60 pounds.
Kuehne owns Know Your Rep and does events with snakes and reptiles at schools, community organizations and businesses, and at parties.
He said snakes are often portrayed as villains in movies.
“We have a learned fear of snakes,” he said. “I want to get rid of that myth.”
Layla Hanna and her mother Jessica Hanna touch one of the snakes at today’s presentation at Hoag Library. About 85 people attended the event, the most popular so far in the summer reading program.
Michael Magnuson, the Adult Services Librarian, built up the courage to hold the big boa.
Amanda Kuehne lets the kids touch a jungle carpet python that is about 9 feet long.
Ken Kuehne also brought a baby alligator to today’s show outside on the lawn at the library. He gets nose to nose with the alligator which has 80 teeth, 40 on top and 40 on the bottom.
He said the alligator has been trained to respond to his voice commands. Alligators can slow their heart rate down to two or three beats a minute to stay under water for up to an hour.
Elizabeth Tuttle, the Youth Services Librarian, gets a close look at the alligator.
Willa Diegelman, 2, of Waterport touches the scales on two snakes. Willa’s mother Katherine is next to her.
Katherine Diegelman of Waterport takes a turn holding the mammoth boa.
MIDDLEPORT – A huge congratulations to Royalton-Hartland High School’s Agriculture Program and its teacher Matthew Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney was notified that his class had received the 2023 New York State Outstanding Agriculture Secondary Program award.
“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the students,” Sweeney said. “We are so appreciative of the support that we receive from the Royalton-Hartland Central School District administration, our Board of Education and the community!”
Sweeney is also the recipient of the 2023 District 9 Golden Owl Award for his devotion to positively impact the lives of students and the program has also received a USDA Farm to School Grant which gets local food in the school’s cafeteria. Roy-Hart is looking to hire another agriculture teacher at the middle school level.
The recognition is the highest honor bestowed to Middle/Secondary Agricultural Programs from the New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) at its award banquet on June 21. “The award is given to a school whose Ag program gives students the skills necessary to be successful in their future career paths,” stated the NYAAE.
The program was brought back to the district in 2016 and more than 700 students have actively taken part in it. The program includes hands-on learning covering agricultural science, food science and advanced agriculture science. Students are very actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and have competed in several competitions.
Roy-Hart’s agriculture program is now also a regional finalist for Region 6 for the National Association of Agriculture Educators Outstanding Program. Regions 6 includes over a dozen states in the Northeast United States. The winner will be announced in August.
At Oak Orchard Health (OOH) we are twice as excited to be celebrating National Health Center Week (August 6-12) and our 50th anniversary. It has been fifty years since a few medical residents ventured out to care for those who did not have access to healthcare! Much has changed since then – we now care for more than 30,000 patients across Western Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Steuben, and Wyoming counties.
National Health Center Week – The Roadmap to a Stronger America
National Health Center Week (NHCW) is an annual celebration with the goal to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s community health centers over the past five decades. Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. Not too long ago, we gave Covid-19 tests in our parking lots and remained open to care for our patients throughout the pandemic.
Each National Health Center Week (NHCW) day is dedicated to a particular area of importance. Oak Orchard is focusing on the following days:
Tuesday, August 8th is Agricultural Worker Health Day. Our roots run deep in the agricultural community Oak Orchard started by caring for farmworkers. During NHCW we will reach out to our patients with items that will help keep farmworkers safe while they work to put food on our tables. Our staff has chosen to donate gently used or new hats and bandanas to agricultural workers so that they stay safe in the heat during their long days. If patients and others in the community would like to donate these items or any others, please drop them off at one of our health centers by July 31st.
Wednesday, August 9th is Patient Appreciation Day. Oak Orchard Health serves more than 30,000 patients and we are grateful that they trust us to keep them and their loved ones healthy. On this day we will be recognizing our patients when they visit our health centers and send thank you messages through our social media channels. Stay tuned!
Thursday, August 10 is Stakeholder Appreciation Day. This is a special day to recognize our elected officials who support our mission. What better way than to show them our newly renovated Albion Dental Center at 362 South Main Street? We are having a Grand Opening with tours of the facility on August 10th from 3-5 PM. Everyone is welcome.
Friday, August 11 is Health Center Staff Appreciation Day. In recognition of their hard work, our Board of Directors will be having some fun with our staff by hosting Ice Cream Socials throughout the week at each health center. This is but a small token of thanks to our staff who work diligently day in and day out.
Oak Orchard Health turns 50 this year!
Over the past fifty years, OOH has grown to eleven health centers where you can get medical, dental, and behavioral health services — but we are so much more than that. Need health insurance? We can show you how to apply and make the process easier. English is not your first language. We have interpreters to help you communicate with your providers and some medical staff speak multiple languages. Having a tough time getting to healthcare services? Oak Orchard provides transportation services. Having trouble paying for healthcare services? We offer a sliding fee discount program based on your income.
Your chance to give back to Oak Orchard Health and your community.
Community Health Centers provide these services for everyone and would like to continue with your help. We are here to serve our entire community, but we need financial support.
Your donation will keep Oak Orchard financially healthy for the medical, dental, and behavioral health staff who make our organization so proud—each one tireless, kind, and skilled in their field. Donating not only fuels vital services; it lets us introduce new ones like the Mommy and Me Program which connects new moms to specialized counselors who help them tackle challenges like postpartum depression.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2023 at 1:02 pm
Melissa Prince takes over Brushstrokes and Amanda Flagler opens ‘Learning Lab Tutoring Center’
Photos by Tom Rivers: Melissa Prince, new owner of Brushstrokes Studios, is shown with some of the bisques to be painted and then glazed. Brushstrokes is located on the second floor of the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 243 South Main St. Prince is also an elementary art teacher at Albion.
ALBION – Two elementary teachers at Albion are both running businesses at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex. They didn’t plan to have the businesses next to each other on the second floor.
But Melissa Prince and Amanda Flagler see opportunities to promote each other’s business and work together.
Prince is the new owner of Brushstrokes Studio. She bought the business from Dee and Al Hansel. Prince, an elementary art teacher for 23 years, praised the Hansels for building up Brushstrokes and making a comfortable space for artists to create at Arnold Gregory. Brushstrokes has a painting room, display room, inventory room, space for a kiln and a birthday party room.
“I feel like it’s an extension of what I’m doing and it’s my passion,” Prince said about the business offering art to the community.
Brushstrokes has several hundred different bisques – plates, cups, platters, seasonal and holiday items, many woodland creatures, animals and characters from video games. Prince said Brushstrokes has been popular with many beginning artists and those farther along with their skills.
The prices range from $10 for smaller bisques up to $45 for the larger pieces. That includes the bisque, paint, supplies, studio time and to be dipped in glaze and fired in the kiln.
“It’s about disconnecting from electronics and exploring your own creativity,” Prince said.
The remainder of the summer Brushstrokes will have studio hour Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Prince will also have pop-up events in the community on Mondays. (She will be at the Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park on Aug. 5.)
Once the school year starts, Brushstrokes will be open for appointments Monday through Friday, with studio hours on the weekends.
Prince said she is planning to offer art classes at Brushstrokes in the future. Click here for more information.
Amanda Flagler has opened The Learning Lab Tutoring Center on the second floor at Arnold Gregory. She is standing in front of a sensory bin on the table where kids find letters, sorting through beans. She has activities, puzzles and games to help students with phonics, math and reading skills.
Flagler opened The Learning Lab Tutoring Center on July 3. She has been an elementary teacher for 10 years and is moving from fourth to fifth grade this school year at Albion.
She will have the Learning Lab open after school from 4:30 to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday.
She will be working with students from pre-K to grade 8, and has students this summer to help prevent the “summer slide” where students often have learning loss in math and English. She also is helping some younger students with kindergarten readiness.
Flagler has worked as a private tutor. She said many students have gaps due to the Covid pandemic with students out of in-person classes for several months, and then on a hybrid schedule for much of the 2020-21 school year. She works with students one-on-one to fill those gaps.
The Learning Lab has bean bag chairs, tables and a comfortable rug for students to work on their skills with reading, math and phonics.
“This is a separate space outside their home that is safe and quiet,” Flagler said.
Flagler said she expects most of the Learning Lab students will be from Orleans County. She picked the Arnold Gregory site because it is close to the Albion schools and the former hospital is well known in the community. She also likes the connections in the building, including The Tree House, an early childhood enrichment program on the second floor of Arnold Gregory.
The Learning Lab will have an open house from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 26. For more information, contact Flagler at (716) 525-3976 or check The Learning Lab Facebook page.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Did you know that radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water? Radon has no smell, taste or color and kills more than 21,000 people each year. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Radon can build up to dangerous levels in your home, which can occur in new homes or older homes.
“Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors and in the well-water supply,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Any house that has contact to the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home.”
Both the EPA and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter).
“Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if high levels are present and corrective action is needed,” Brodie said.
When radon tests are completed, they should be performed in the lowest primary living area of the home.
GO Health encourages residents to test for radon when buying a home, doing a major renovation, every two years if there is a mitigation system installed or every five years otherwise.
You can purchase a short-term radon test kit from your local hardware store or through a radon-testing laboratory. A limited supply of Radon Test Kits are also available for Genesee County Residents at the Genesee County Fair this week from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Stop by the health department booth and ask for a free kit. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2023 at 9:20 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: The booth for funnel cakes and fried dough is among many that are open selling “fair food” this week.
8 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand opens at Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dog Grooming and Handling and Knowledge Contests at Knights Building
10 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Goat Show at Show Arena
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Center Stage
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
Aubrey Bruning, 12, of Barre leads her Brown Swiss back to the barn after practicing on Monday night. The dairy show is today beginning at 6 p.m.
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Digital Literacy and Connect Orleans Cyber Lounge – with charging station at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Museum Corner: Photo station, history, and stone exploration exhibit, by the Cobblestone Museum and Sandstone Society at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 8 p.m. – 89.1 the Point Radio at Fair Office Portico
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Painted Sky Ranch Pony Rides at Cattle Barn Lawn area
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan at Lartz Building
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – OCALS Literacy Services at Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
Carissa Klossner, 15, of Holley, left, and Olivia Streicher, 8, of Chaffee compete in the miniature horse driving competition on Monday.
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
5 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristbands during this session at Midway
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
5 to 6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Rubber Duck Racers! ages 3-11 at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
6 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show at Show Arena
6 to 9 p.m. – Jim The Balloon Guy will be strolling
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
This group is back selling French fries again to benefit the 4-H program. Pictured from left include Sheryl Watts, Rita Helsdon, Roger Ragan and Jane Read. Jane Read has been volunteering in the booth for 50 years. Her daughter Sheryl Watts has been there for 38 years and Rita Helsdon has been a regular for 37 years. Ragan is a newbie in his second year. They typically go through 90 to 100 cases (30 pounds each) of French fries during the week ad raise about $12,000 for the 4-H program. “We promote children and families working together,” Watts said. “The 4-H program teaches the youth to become good citizens and give back to their community.”
6 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6 to 7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance at Orleans Hub Stage
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Wonderland Circus at Trolley Building Lawn
7 to 7:45 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Doc Magic at Knight’s Green Space
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
Trellis Pore of Albion sings “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton during karaoke on Monday night.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 25 July 2023 at 7:39 am
KNOWLESVILLE – In Orleans County, this is the best week of the year, said Barry Flansburg, as he waited to speak at the opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night.
While Flansburg was at the fair on Monday as a representative of Assemblyman Steve Hawley, his involvement in the Orleans County 4-H Fair goes back to the early 1970s, when he stood in the first pie tin they made to get into the Guinness World Book of Records.
As a youth he worked with Pauline Lanning in the Senior Council Stand and went on to announce the greased pole competition for 40 years.
Flansburg explained Hawley has never missed an opening of the fair since he has been in office, but on Monday he needed to be in Albany.
“Steve was president of the Cooperative Extension board in Genesee County and I was former president here,” Flansburg said. “You’ll see Steve here later in the week.”
(Left) Danielle Schmidt, a 2022 graduate of Medina High School, sings the national anthem on Monday evening. She is also showing animals in the llama and beef competitions. (Right) John Follman, left, and Scott Goetze from the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville raise the flag during ceremonies to open the Orleans County 4-H Fair Monday night.
The opening ceremonies took place at 6 p.m. at the flag pole in front of the Education Center, with flag raising by representatives of Orleans County’s American Legions and VFW. Many of the veterans said they had been coming to the opening ceremony for 10 to 20 years.
The national anthem was sung by Danielle Schmidt, a 2022 graduate of Medina High School who has been showing llamas at the fair for several years. This fair she will compete in the beef show for the first time.
In addition to Flansburg, speakers included County Legislator Bill Eick; State Sen. Rob Ortt; Natalie Seal, president of the Cooperative Extension’s board of directors; Shawn Cook, fair manager; and the 2022 fair king and queen, Jimmy Scheid and Grace Gregoire.
Ed Morgan, an Orleans County legislator and member of Cooperative Extension board with Eick, was also in attendance. Eick said more of the legislators would have been there but they were in Chicago attending a Homeland Security seminar.
(Left) Fair supporters Barry Flansburg, left, and Orleans County legislators Bill Eick and Ed Morgan chat while waiting for the fair’s opening ceremonies to begin. (Right) State Sen. Rob Ortt shares his admiration for rural county fairs during Monday’s opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Eick’s involvement with the fair goes back to his childhood, when he showed cattle, beginning at age 11. He went on to show cattle while in high school, and participated in FFA. All three of his children showed animals at the fair.
“There is a group of kids who showed here and now have grown up and their children are showing here,” Flansburg said.
Ortt praised the fair and said he hasn’t missed one since he first ran for office and this was the first event he attended as a candidate.
“This is a great fair that highlights life in a rural ag community,” he said. “It is a great way for families to come together and have and unexpensive evening together.”
Ortt further said this is the only fair he knows of that opens with a ceremony recognizing veterans. He stressed the importance of patriotism and said the values we enjoy in our farm communities are in jeopardy.
“Steve and I are working very hard to make sure these values continue for many years in the future,” he said.
Seal welcomed fairgoers and recognized those who made it possible.
Cook thanked the volunteers, without whom he said they couldn’t do it.
“We make many improvements every year, and this year is no exception,” he said.
In addition to numerous exhibits, animal shows daily, a variety of food vendors and entertainment, special events include the Nutrifair luncheon on Wednesday and the Cornell chicken barbecue on Thursday. Friday will feature Medina’s canal cruise-in at the fair, with the evening ending with fireworks.
Shawn Cook, fair manager, welcomes guests to the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Waiting to speak at right are Barry Flansburg, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Senator Rob Ortt; and Natalie Seal, president of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2023 at 6:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – A Dorset sheep bleats a loud “Baa” while Shania Mathes, 15, of Barre blow dries its hair. Shania gave the sheep a bath earlier this morning.
Shania is getting the sheep ready for Thursday’s sheep show. She has been showing animals at the Orleans County 4-H Fair since she was 9.
“I look forward to the fair,” she said, welcoming the chance to see friends and be part of the week-long excitement.
Charlotte McGrath, 11, of Medina cleans the hooves on a dairy animal. Charlotte will be in the dairy show on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Charlee Burger of Hilton meets with the horticulture judges in the Trolley Building. She brought in squash and flowers to be judged.
Many 4-H exhibits are on display in the Trolley Building.
Judges assessed horticulture projects in the morning and in the afternoon checked baked goods, photography and canned goods.
Owen Collyer, 13, of Kendall gives his black angus heifer a trim. He is prepping “Priscilla” for Wednesday’s beef show at 10 a.m.
Owen said he enjoys working with the bigger animals where he said the effort pays off in the show ring with the angus being more cooperative.
He also is showing another angus named “Emmy.”
Bruce Landis of Albion sets up his display of photos. He has been an exhibitor at the fair since the 1970s. He is also a former 4-H’er.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun,” he said about putting up the display.
He said he looks forward to chatting with people throughout the week.
Lane Miller, 6, of Lyndonville practices showing a dairy animal today with other 4-H’ers. Lane is making his debut at the fair as a Cloverbud and will be in the dairy show at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
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