OONA seeks to name ox painted by Carol Culhane

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – An ox sculpture painted with scenes of Carlton’s past and present was dedicated on Saturday.

The only thing missing: what to name this new addition to the Orleans County Marine Park.

The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Marine Park spearheaded the project using a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Carol Culhane, an artist who lives in Carlton, took on the challenge of painting scenes from Carlton.

One side of the ox features the community’s past while the other shows present day Carlton.

“The sculpture is dedicated to the people of Orleans County – past and present,” Culhane said in a statement about the ox. “May it honor the courage of the early settlers, the enduring beauty of the Oak Orchard River, and the wildlife that continues to thrive along its shores.”

The “Past” side highlights the following:

• Waterport Pond – Before the construction of the Waterport Dam and the creation of Lake Alice, this area was known as the Waterport Pond. The natural landscape of river, wetlands, waterfalls and wooded shoreline provided both beauty and habitat for wildlife.
• Waterport Trestle and Hojack Line – Built in 1875 as part of the Rome, Waterport and Ogdensburg Railroad, later known as the Hojack Line, the Waterport Trestle carried trains high above the oak Orchard River gorge near Waterport.
• Point Breeze Hotel (original the Orleans House) – The large white hotel painted on the hip of the ox represents the historic Point Breeze Hotel, originally known as the Orleans House. Located on the east side of Oak Orchard Harbor, the hotel welcomed generations of visitors.
• Oak Orchard Inn – Located on the west side of Oak Orchard Harbor, the oak Orchard Inn was a well-known resort hotel that welcomed summer visitors to Point Breeze.

• Historic Harbor and Lighthouse at Sunset – This scene recalls the early Oak Orchard Harbor when shipping, fishing and tourism helped define life along the lake Ontario shoreline. The original lighthouse was toppled in a violent wind storm in 1916.
• Great Blue Heron and Wetland Life – A great blue heron, turtles, lil pads and wetland vegetation represent the wildlife that has long depended on the Oak Orchard River ecosystem.

Carol Culhane shows the ox to David Dickinson of nearby Lakeshore Road. He marveled at the attention to detail on the ox.

The “Now” side of the ox features:

• Lake Alice – Lake Alice was constructed around 1920. The manmade reservoir was created by Albert Sweat, who dammed the oak Orchard River as part of a power project at the water port Dam. He transformed the original river landlandscape. Today, lake Alice is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking and observing wildlife.
• Waterport Dam and Hydroelectric Station – The Waterport Dam created lake Alice and continues to generate hydroelectric electricity.
• Fly Fishermen – The Oak Orchard River is internationally known for exceptional trout and salmon fishing.

• Kayakers and Canoeists – The Oak Orchard River remains a destination for paddlers and nature lovers.
• Charter Boats and Marina Activity – Oak Orchard Harbor is famous for world-class sport fishing on Lake Ontario.
• Break Walls and Lighthouse Replica – The harbor entrance, break walls, and modern lighthouse replica built in 2010 guide boaters safely into the harbor.

There are also “hidden wildlife and discoveries” on the ox with wildlife intended to delight children and encourage visitors to explore every section of the ox. Among the creatures hidden include a great blue heron, painted turtles, mint green tree frog, dragonflies, monarch butterflies, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, ladybugs, bald eagle, Canada geese, seagulls and tundra swans.

Carol Culhane is shown with the ox on Saturday. She also painted one featuring pioneers for the Orleans County Historian’s Office and will be doing two more: one for the County Office Building and one for the Town of Kendall.

Cheryl Giacherio, a member of OONA, praised Culhane for her efforts to include so many places in Carlton, and to paint many fun wildlife creatures as well.

“It’s so beautiful,” Giacherio said during a dedication on Saturday.

The ox is placed between the two Parkway bridges over the marine Park. The ox will go inside during the winter to help preserve the artwork and keep the ox safe.

Frank Panczyszyn of OONA led the dedication ceremony. He said the ox a great addition to the Marine Park. OONA was the principal sponsor of the project.

“We appreciate her hard work with the artwork,” Panczyszyn said.

The ox is located between the two Parkway bridges at the Orleans County Marine Park.

OONA and the Friends of the Marine Park want to name the ox.

The Orleans Hub editor was there on Saturday for the dedication and a Pop-Up & Jam event with vendors and concerts.

I suggested naming the ox “Albert” in honor of Albert Swett. He is the one who dammed the Oak Orchard River and created Lake Alice for a hydroelectric project. Swett owned the Swett Iron Works and did a similar power project in Medina with Glenwood Lake.

Lake Alice has been a peaceful setting for more than a century in the Town of Carlton. This tranquil waterway was formed to create power at the Waterport Dam around 1920. (The Waterport Generating Station is now owned by Brookfield Power with a capacity of 4 megawatts.)

Swett named Lake Alice after his daughter. Alice Swett was only 10 when she died on Feb. 12, 1884. She is buried in the family plot at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina.

This ox is one of seven so far that will be painted or decorated. So far there is one at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville, two in Carlton, two for county-owned sites in Albion, one headed to Kendall and one in Clarendon.

Dawn Borchert, the county tourism director, said the oxen could be part of a tourism trail that highlights local sights and history.

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross performs today at the Orleans County Marine Park for the Pop-Up & Jam event presented by the Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks in partnership with Carlton Community Heart & Soul, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and GO Art!

Other music performers include the Coupe de Villes performing R&B and classic rock, with the Eddie Joe Clark Band performing country hits and originals beginning at 4 p.m.

Michael Miskuly performs with Celtic Cross. Other band members include Tom Keefer, Jon Fisher and John Lynch.

There are 16 vendors at the event, including Grateful Creations. Natalie Maddalena of Holley, left, makes the homemade jewelry, sun catchers, key chains and other accessories. She was joined in her booth by her sister, Isabella Jones.

Lynne Menz, left, greets Bill and Nancy Karcher, the former owners of the Lighthouse Restaurant at Point Breeze. They were visited the event. The Karchers and Menz helped form the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association in 2009, with a goal to have concerts and events at the Marine Park. OONA has hosted a summer concert series since 2010.

Menz was one of the vendors at today’s festival and she helped organize the event, which goes until 6 p.m. The Marine Park is located on Route 98 near the entrance to the Lake Ontario State Parkway.

‘Let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.’ – Rev. David Fish

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike Donahue and the Honor Guard provided a dignified presence during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on Friday on the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 victims in New York City, Washington, DC and rural Shanksville, Pa.

About 9,000 more have died since from illnesses from being exposed to the toxic dust and hazardous air after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in NYC.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said the community will never forget the horrific event on Sept. 11, 2001. She said people history, even major events, are often quickly forgotten.

“To many of us gathered today, the events of 25 years ago seem like the happened yesterday,” Johnson told the crowd. Yet, we must remember that a whole generation has been born since those attacks – these are our emerging leaders and it is up to us to ensure the lessons we learned from 9/11 do not fade away to the dustbin of history, but rather are passed on to them.”

Johnson said the terrorists attacks were less than a year after a very contentious presidential election, with George W. Bush defeating Al Gore.

“Many were saying the country was hopelessly divided, a sentiment we hear quite often today,” she said. “Yet, in the aftermath of 9/11, the country came together as never before. When things are at their worst, America is at its best. This is a stark reminder that political identity should always take a back seat to one simple fact: We are all Americans.”

About 20 local firefighters stand together during the remembrance service outside the courthouse.

There were about 200 people in attendance for the half-hour service. That was more than double the number at the service a year ago.

During the Sept. 11 attack, 343 New York City firefighters were killed that day.

David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, shared an opening and closing prayer. Fish was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and spent about two years in New York City after Sept. 11 providing security and assisting in the aftermath of the attacks.

“Lord, help us to never forget,” Fish said. “But let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.

“Give comfort to those who still grieve. Strengthen those who continue to serve others. Watch over our first responders, members of our military, and all who place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.”

A giant American flag was held up by ladder trucks from Albion and Murray. Traffic was closed on Main Street in between State Street and Park Street for the remembrance service.

These firefighters are pictured by the flag just before the service, which started at 6 p.m.

About 16 law enforcement officers from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department stand at attention during the service.

There were 72 law enforcement officers killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Justin Niederhofer, director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, shared a timeline from 25 years earlier.

On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.

“We were attacked and wounded beyond belief but not beyond repair,” Niederhofer said.

Sheriff Chris Bourke, back left, led the group in the pledge of allegiance and Scott Schmidt, right, gave the keynote address.

These firefighters are seen between members of the Honor Guard on the courthouse lawn. Orleans County has held a Sept.11 remembrance service every year since 2001.

Scott Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, speaks during the service. He spent nearly three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.

He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero. He noted the death toll continues to grow as more people die each year from their exposure to particulates while working at or near Ground Zero or from when then were fleeing the site where two skyscrapers collapsed.

“A 25-year remembrance is also known as a Silver Jubilee,” Schmidt said. “Silver is a precious metal, one worth saving and protecting. Much like the freedoms that our fore-fathers dictated to the world 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was created to save us from ruling powers of the kingdom of Great Britain. It was penned to provide freedoms and rights to the people of the United States. Among those rights were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those rights and freedoms which we all enjoy today, much like silver metal, are worth protecting.”

Schmidt said the group gathers to remember the 2,997 civilians and first responders killed on Sept. 11 after terrorists turned four commercial airplanes into “flying bombs of death and destruction.”

“Today we mourn for their families who will forever have an empty seat at the table and a vacant and void space when they reach out to hug their loved one,” he said. “We hope and pray this day and all days, that all the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 or in the days and year following due to related illnesses, we hope and pray that they have received the greatest reward from whatever or whomever their God happens to be.”

Brad Nudd plays Taps near the end of the service. He is on the steps of the County Clerks’ Building.

Doug Egling played “America the Beautiful” with the crowd then singing, “God Bless America.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Mary Jo Whitman works on a mural today with a message “Holley is Home.” Whitman, an artist from Batavia, is a 1995 Holley graduate.

She received a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural which is on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower approached Whitman about creating the mural that will include Holley landmarks. She has already painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, and the gazebo by the canal. She will be adding the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts that incudes Sam’s Diner.

Whitman started painted the mural on site about two weeks ago. She said the project should be complete by the end of October, and possibly sooner if there is a nice stretch of conducive weather.

Bower said he has heard lots of good feedback from the community so far, and he is amazed by how realistic her work is of the local landmarks.

Here is how the mural looked on Tuesday. The painting will go higher, just below the second floor windows.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is pleased to announce a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event will be held on Saturday, September 26th at the Orleans County Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.

Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.

For child passenger safety seat questions, please contact Certified Technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Village Board on Wednesday issued a proclamation declaring September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The board presented the proclamation to Tina and Jeremy Neal, who are the parents of Byron Neal, at age 8 on April 14, 2023 after a brave battle with cancer.

From include village trustees Jami Allport, William Gabalski, Jeremy and Tina Neal, Mayor Tim McMurray, and trustees Greg Bennett and Kevin Sheehan.

“Village of Albion residents are urged to recognize the impact of pediatric cancer on families within our community and honor the children in our community whose lives have been cut short by cancer,” the proclamation states.

Tina Neal thanked the board for issuing the proclamation and showing support for the families who have lost children to cancer. The Neal family is active in C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association.

The proclamation states National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor children and families affected by this deadly disease and to rally support for ground- breaking research that can save kids’ lives.

The American Cancer Society states that in 2025 about 9,550 children in the United States under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer.

In the Rochester region, 61 local children have been newly diagnosed with cancer, and 5 have relapsed and 5 children have died from the disease in 2025.

“Although cancer is pernicious and complex, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month challenges us to change the numbers; we must remain vigilant to improve these statistics and press forward,” the proclamation states.

Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers

CARLTON – It was a spectacular sunset this evening, especially over Lake Ontario. This photo was taken from the beach near the Oak Orchard Marine Park.

This is another photo from the beach, just to the west of the Oak Orchard Harbor.

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the sunset over the Erie Canal in Medina.

The high temperatures for the next few days include 70 on Friday, 78 on Saturday, 76 on Sunday and 68 on Monday.

Provided photo

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Class of 1976 celebrated its 50^th reunion recently at the Webber Cafe.

“It was an enjoyable evening of sharing memories and reconnecting,” said classmate Elaine Smith.

Pictured in front row: Bill Jurinich, Kathy Rogers Snowburg, Anne Hyndman, Peter Panek, Bob Rucinski, Sandy Weaver Mitchell, Cheryl Mahnke Watson and Steve Hill.

Middle row: Cheryl DeBrine, Scott Thurber, Norm Starkweather Mary Rey Hughes, Elaine Peruzzini Smith, Joanne Eddy Nesbitt and Paula Bentley Nesbitt.

Back row: Dean Harris, Jim Bell, Steve Culmo, Scott Mason Next Row from Top: John Kage, Cheryl Woodworth Eggleston and James Young.

Missing: Frank Brabon (out of building when photo taken).

Press Release, Velocitii

Provided photo: Heather Smith serves as CEO of Velocitii.

MEDINA – Velocitii is proud to announce that it has been recognized with seven 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards, celebrating the company’s commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose.

Velocitii received Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition in the following categories:

• Work-Life Flexibility Top Workplaces
• Leadership Top Workplaces
• Purpose & Values Top Workplaces
• Top Workplaces for Appreciation
• Employee Well-Being Top Workplaces
• Innovation Top Workplaces
• Professional Development Top Workplaces

The Top Workplaces program is administered by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that helps companies turn employee feedback into actionable insights and credible employer recognition. The program has a long history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations across the country.

What makes the recognition especially meaningful is that Top Workplaces awards are based on feedback from employees through a research-backed workplace engagement survey. The Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas that contribute to a strong employee experience and workplace culture.

For Velocitii, the seven awards reflect several important elements of its culture, from providing employees with flexibility and opportunities to grow to fostering strong leadership, innovation, employee appreciation, well-being, and a connection to the company’s purpose and values.

“Receiving recognition across seven different areas of workplace culture is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Heather Smith, CEO. “These awards reflect the experiences and feedback of our employees. They reinforce our commitment to cultivating an environment where people feel appreciated, supported in their growth, encouraged to share ideas, and connected to the work we do together.”

About Velocitii

Velocitii is a business process outsourcing company committed to delivering exceptional experiences for its clients, customers, and employees. Through a people-first approach, Velocitii focuses on building strong teams, creating opportunities for growth, recognizing employee contributions, and fostering a culture rooted in its Core Values.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Anne Joynt, a Medina High School graduate, is a candidate for the New York State Supreme Court.

MEDINA – A Medina High School graduate could make history as the first woman from Orleans County to serve on the State Supreme Court.

Anne Joynt, a 1998 MHS graduate and daughter of former Medina teacher/principal Cathy Joynt and the late Robert Joynt, is one of seven candidates running for NYS Supreme Court, 8^th Judicial District. There are four judge seats up for election.

Joynt has wanted to become a lawyer from a very early age.

“I remember her asking her dad in elementary school what lawyers did,” Cathy said. “She knew Norris Webster and liked him. Her dad told her that lawyers read, write and argue, to which Anne replied, ‘Those are all things I love to do.’”

Through school, Anne never changed her mind about what she was going to be.

She graduated from Geneseo magna cum laude with degrees in English and Spanish. She enrolled at the University at Buffalo Law School and graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2005.

In her second year of law school, Anne saw an ad that a State Supreme Court candidate was looking for someone to help with her campaign. She went on to assist with the campaign of the Honorable Paula Feroleto, and The Journal-Register in Medina did a story on “Local girl working for State Supreme Court Candidate.”  Judge Feroleto is retiring this year, and if she wins, Anne would have the opportunity to assume the seat of her mentor.

While in law school, Joynt was so focused on passing the bar, she was not thinking about getting a job, she said.

“I got an email one day from a law firm asking me to contact them,” Joynt said. “That was 22 years ago, and I’ve been there ever since.”

The firm became Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford. Anne’s law school Research and Writing professor had recommended her to them, and given them a brief she had written in his class when they explained that they were looking for an outstanding writer.

Her clients include injured workers exposed to asbestos, children exposed to lead paint, and abused children.

“She has really worked hard for blue-collar, hard-working individuals and their families,” her mother said.

She regularly represents people who have been unheard.

“It’s important for everyone to be heard,” Anne said. “Everyone’s experience matters.”

In spite of her successful career, Joynt has never forgotten her roots. She returns to Medina regularly with her mother, who kept the family home in Medina until just a few years ago.  Cathy’s father was the late Russell Houserman, a teacher and coach in the Medina School System.

“I have always been involved in my community,” Anne said. “My life is so much richer when I’m involved in meaningful organizations and causes I care about.”

She is or has been involved as a member or in a leadership role with the Western New York Women’s Foundation; University at Buffalo Law School Alumni Association; Girls on the Run; Women’s TAP Fund; the Center for Elder Law and Justice; the Erie County Bar Association Aid to Indigent Prisoners Society; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Upstate Chapter); National Federation for Just Communities; and the Minority Bar Foundation.

She has also volunteered her time to the Western New York Board of Directors of Geneseo State College; the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, WNY Chapter; Bar Association of Erie County; Buffalo and Erie County Public Library; and Law Intern Program of Buffalo.

Currently she is appointed as a member of the Erie County Water Authority and Erie County Boards of Ethics.

Her honors include “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York, National Trial Lawyers, 2025; Best Lawyers in America; University at Buffalo Law School Distinguished Alumni Award- Community Service; Upstate New York Super Lawyer; Woman Lawyer of the Year; Attorney of the Year Leader in Law Award; Woman of Influence by Buffalo Business First; Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award; 2014/15 Woman in Leadership, Buffalo Niagara Chapter; Buffalo 40 Under 40 by Buffalo Business First; and Women in Leadership by NAWBO Buffalo-Niagara.”

Joynt has been published in the Buffalo Human Rights Law Review, and written about in Buffalo Spree Magazine. She has lectured at HB National Lead Litigation Seminars and has given the Jane Ryan Pre-Law Fund Lecture at SUNY Geneseo.

She has been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court and New York State Supreme Court.

Joynt says she is so proud to be from Orleans County.

 “Growing up here taught me how communities are supposed to look and what it feels like to be in a community of people who support each other,” she said. “Medina looks so amazing. The opportunity to return home feels really nice, and I’m hoping to be able to represent the area and share the values I’ve learned here.”

Should Anne be elected, she will be the first graduate of Medina High School to serve on the State Supreme Court.

In the 1800s, Henry Childs, who was born in Gaines and attended Albion Academy, was elected to the State Supreme Court. His home was the house known as the Maple Crest on the corner of West Center and Prospect streets.

The 8^th Judicial District includes includes eight counties in WNY: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming .

The candidates include:

• Craig R. Bucki – Democratic, Working Families
• Anne E. Joynt – Democratic, Working Families
• Michael L. Amodeo – Democratic, Republican, Working Families
• Robert N. Richardson – Democratic, Republican, Conservative
• Deanne M. Tripi – Republican, Conservative
• Jonathan S. Hickey – Republican, Conservative
• Robert R. Vario – Conservative

Photos by Tom Rivers: Brennan Moody played the role of John the Baptist in Albion’s production of Godspell in March 2018. That musical started with Brennan singing, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” Brennan died in a car accident on June 18, 2019, about a week before he was to graduate. The Albion Village Board on Wednesday voted to name the amphitheater at Bullard Park in Brennan’s honor.

ALBION – The amphitheater at Bullard Park, which hosts numerous bands and musical performers each summer, will be named in honor of the late Brennan Moody.

Brennan was 17 when he died in a car accident on June 18, 2019, 10 days before he was going to graduate from high school.

Brennan starred in the school musicals and was very active in the band and chorus programs.

Jack Burris of Albion and former village resident Thom Jennings first suggested naming the amphitheater for Moody about seven years ago. About 3,000 people backed an online petition for the idea.

Burris attended Wednesday’s Village Board meeting and again pressed the issue. He reminded the board of the strong support for naming the amphitheater for Brennan Moody, and said Brennan’s life continues to inspire people today.

The board unanimously agreed. Mayor Tim McMurray said the village will have a plaque at the amphitheater in honor of Moody.

Brennan’s father, Erin, has been among the performers at the amphitheater as a lead singer with the band Eclipse.

In Brennan’s honor, there is an annual scholarship given to two graduating seniors who have been active in the school’s music program and also show genuine kindness to everyone they encounter.

The Class of 2019 also dedicated a memorial bench in honor of Moody at the high school near the band and chorus rooms.

The bench includes lyrics from the song, “No One Is Alone” from Into the Woods. Brennan played the role of the prince in that show on the Albion stage during the spring of 2019.

Highway 31 closes out Albion’s summer concert series on Aug. 26. The amphitheater, which was constructed in 2019, will be named in honor of Brennan Moody.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike McFarland, who writes under the name Thomas McFarland, holds a copy of his fourth book, The Quarry. The story is set in Albion in 1959.

ALBION – Mike McFarland has written a fourth novel, and this one is more of an homage to a childhood in Albion where children would roam in the neighborhoods, including exploring some of the old quarries. He would swim in the Peck’s quarry on Keitel Road, a site “that was packed on the weekends.”

McFarland, who writes under the name Thomas McFarland, has written “The Quarry.” It is set in the summer of 1959 when a 14-year-old is killed headed home from Peck’s quarry.

McFarland writes about a kid who overhears two men from West Virginia on a lunch break. The men are discussing the murder. A local police officer is able to piece together the clues and solve the crime.

McFarland names the officer Nowak. He is based on a Nowicki who McFarland knew on Knapp Street, where many Polish immigrants and their descendants lived.

McFarland, 83, is retired from a career in sales and also in managing hotels in Rochester. He wrote three historical novels previously.

The Horns of the Buffalo: A Novel of the Zulu War of 1879 highlights a tragic six-month war between the British and the Zulu in 1879.

In Rivers to Cross, McFarland’s book is set in the Civil War and features Tomas Corliss, who is wounded in battle and comes home to find his dreams shattered. He heads west to recover and somehow finds himself in post-war Texas where the great cattle drives to Abilene are just underway.

Donnybrook is a novel set in New York City during the draft riots of 1863.

With his latest novel, McFarland enjoyed reminiscing about growing up in Albion and the summer when he worked for the Kirby Brothers on their tomato farms. It was a dry summer, McFarland recalled, and he was busy moving irrigation pipes, cutting hay, and picking cherries and tomatoes. He was paid 10 cents a basket.

He picked with migrant workers and some local residents. The tomatoes were a huge crop locally back then with the tomatoes destined for the canning factories in Albion.

“They were hard to pick,” McFarland said about tomatoes. “You had to bend way over to get them. The best pickers were on their knees and then went along. It was the one year I worked all summer on a farm. I realized I didn’t want to do that again.”

McFarland now lives in Brockport. He worked about a year on the latest novel, which is about 200 pages. He includes cultural references from the 1950s.

“I do it for the fun of it,” he said about writing. “It’s a story. It’s fun remembering this stuff.”

He is working on his next novel, this time about a serial killer and the troubles in Northern Ireland during the reign of Boston gangster Whitey Bulger.