Photos by Ginny Kropf: Looking much younger than her 100 years, Florence Sanmarco stands by a birthday bouquet in her kitchen. Family friend Grace Kent of Albion made her the birthday crown on the counter.

MEDINA – Florence Sanmarco had one wish for her 100th birthday on Friday.

“I wanted to be home and hear from all my friends, and I got just the birthday I wanted,” she said.

Sanmarco counts her blessings to be celebrating her 100th birthday and enjoy excellent health.

Born in Medina Sept. 12, 1925, Sanmarco grew up in Middleport, daughter of parents who immigrated from Italy. The oldest of six, three siblings still survive.

She graduated from Middleport High School in 1943 and spent the next few years working at various jobs, including several years at Niagara Chemical Company (FMC).

“I left to get married, then went back in 1951,” she said.

Her first husband died after four years of marriage, and a second marriage to Danny Sanmarco lasted until his death in 2004.

(Left) Longtime family friend Karen Mannella, left, and Florence Sanmarco share a toast to Sanmarco’s 100th birthday on Friday. (Right) Florence Sanmarco and friend Sheila Doty hold a “100 and Fabulous” blanket Doty gave Sanmarco for her 100th birthday on Friday.

Sanmarco moved into Lakewood Village in 1985, where she continues to live on her own, doing her own cooking and cleaning, managing her own finances and occasionally driving her car short distances.

Her career included many years as a beautician.

“I’m very thankful for today – I don’t have an ache or a pain,” she said.

Her hearing is wonderful. She takes care of her flower gardens and loves to shop.

She often asks herself, “Why am I still here?”

Her only answer is she thinks she is meant to be an incentive to others, who may look at her and think, “I can do what Florence is doing.”

Sanmarco has seen many changes in 100 years, but she thinks the most amazing thing is probably the internet, although she doesn’t have a computer.

Friday, family friend Karen Mannella spent the day with her. They met when Mannella’s aunt and Sanmarco’s sister roomed together in the nursing home and they’ve been friends ever since. Mannella recently took Sanmarco shopping at Kohl’s and “she wore me out,” Mannella said.

When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity and good health, Sanmarco replied, “My faith. I pray a lot.”

Her Italian heritage and eating garlic might have helped, also, she added.

6 local sites to be recognized during Oct. 10 banquet

Provided photos: This is the home of Donald and Linda Prince at 14050 State Route 31, Albion. It is one of six sites being recognized with preservation awards from the Cobblestone Museum.

LYNDONVILLE – The Cobblestone Society and Museum’s historic preservation awards banquet Oct. 10 will be its third annual event.

Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at White Birth Golf Course, the banquet recognizes historic and preserved properties in the Orleans County area.

Nominees for the award were received from the Cobblestone Society board and the general public, said Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley.

This year’s nominees are:

• Joseph Hart home of Douglas Miller and Susan Starkweather Miller at 323 S. Main St., Albion
• Ebeneezer Rogers house at 352 South Main St., Albion, owned by John and Melissa Gailie
• Greek Revival Tousley-Church house, home to the Orleans Chapter DAR at 249 North Main St., Albion
• Newell Shirt Factory/Hart House at 113 West Center Street, Medina, owned by Andrew Meier
• Donald and Linda Prince’s home at 14050 State Route 31, Albion
• Hank and Sue Beamer’s home at 10181 West Shelby Rd. in the Town of Shelby.

The Joseph Hart home at 323 South Main St., Albion.

The Joseph Hart house was constructed between 1820-23 in the Federal style. It was built to replace a log cabin which Joseph Hart erected in 1911/12 as an early settler. The home is situated on its third site, still on land purchased by Joseph Hart in 1811 from the Holland Land Company. This parcel was originally part of the town of Barre.

Joseph Hart and Ebenezer Rogers both founded the First Congregational Church in Barre. It was organized in Hart’s home in 1816. The Joseph Hart home was originally built across the street from the Ebenezer Rogers’ home located a short distance away.

According to the Pioneer History of Orleans County, Joseph Hart almost always held some town office, and for many of his later years he was an overseer of the poor of the town of Barre, a position the kindness of his nature well qualified him to fill. His fortunate location near the thriving village of Albion, which has been extended over a part of his farm, made him a wealthy man. Through a long life, he maintained a high character for priority and good judgement and was respected by all who knew him.

In 1880, Hart’s son Joseph S. Hart built a brick home for his wife Harriet Cole Hart and moved the Joseph Hart home directly behind his. In 1921, the home was moved to its third and current location at 323 South Main St. The Joseph Hart home has been in the Starkweather family since June 1974, when it was purchased by Sue’s parents, Duane and Rosalind Starkweather.

Highlights of the home include a five-inch key to the original lock possessed by the family; wide board floors in the foyer, dining room and living room; an open, U-shaped staircase with landing and an additional staircase leading downstairs to the crescent-shaped breakfast nook in the back of the house; and glass-enclosed sunporch with a fieldstone floor and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Ebenezer Rogers house at 352 South Main St., Albion, home of John and Melissa Gailie.

John and Melissa Gailie’s Ebenezer Rogers’ house is located at the southern edge of Albion and is the oldest house in the town. Building began in 1816 and was completed in 1820 for Ebenezer Rogers. He was born in 1769 in Norwich, Conn. and moved to Orleans County in 1816. He acquired land through the Holland Land Company. A tanner and shoemaker by trade, he decided to become a farmer and dropped his trade. Rogers opened his home up to many new settlers in the area. He would allow them to stay in his home while they were building their own homes. He also helped start the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, formerly the Congregational Church, as well as the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.

Rogers’ house is appealing through the beautiful brickwork, the welcoming front entrance and front door with its fanlight window, which opens to its original stairway and entry. At each side of the hall and throughout the downstairs, Bible and cross double doors are unpainted originals, revealing the mellow color of the wood and Rogers’ love for his Christianity. In the living room, the early date of the house is displayed in the fireplace mantel and window trim. The delicately-scaled mantel has paired, reeded and columnettes which flank the firebox. Underneath the windows are wood panels with a dainty quarter fan ornament in each corner. The kitchen was remodeled in 2018, and still has the original fireplace and mantel to keep the historic feel of the house. The living room fireplace is duplicated in the master bedroom upstairs.

The two-story rear wing of the house was added on in the early part of the 20th century. The first floor consists of three rooms, and the second floor has two small bedrooms which are believed to have been used for live-in servants.

Greek Revival Tousley-Church house at 249 North Main St., Albion, home to Orleans Chapter of the DAR.

The Orleans Chapter DAR house at 249 North Main St., Albion, was built circa 1845. Sitting on a spacious shaded lawn, the stately red brick Patriots House served as a residence for the Lee, Tousley and Church families until 1929. At that time, it was purchased by Emma Reed Webster for the Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. The Orleans Daughters are proud caretakers of the Greek Revival building that serves as their chapter house and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Of note in the front hall are the hand-carved newel post and landing, supported by four Doric columns, a most unusual feature.

Orleans Chapter DAR was organized June 8, 1925 and received its charter on June 11, 1926. By the year 1928, membership had grown and overflowed private homes as meeting places. Realizing the need, Emma Reed Webster offered to buy a substantial house and give it to the Chapter, the maintenance to be controlled by a corporation. On June 14, 1929, this red brick residence was purchased from the Church family. Some remodeling was done to make a large meeting room. The beautiful period woodwork was left intact and the house is graced with period furniture, antiques and a large collection of artifacts.

Hart House/former Newell Shirt Factory at 113 West Center St., Medina.

Andrew Meier, a Medina native and local attorney, had long admired the Robert H. Newell building at 113 West Center St. Established in 1876 by Elizur Kirke Hart, a banker and U.S. Congressman from Albion, for 86 years, it was home to the Robert H. Newell Shirt Factory, which manufactured custom-made shirts, including many for famous customers, including Winston Churchill and Bob Hope. The Newell company left the historic building in 2004 and moved to Maple Ridge Road. The business eventually closed in 2007.

The village of Medina acquired the building after years of unpaid taxes. The three-story site had been neglected and was in disrepair. It was put up for sale in 2005 and Meier bought it. He was 25 at the time.

“It had great bones and potential,” Meier said about the building. “I knew the risks going in, but it was an opportunity that came up that I could not pass up.”

He set about the task of methodically renovating and preserving the 14,000 square-foot building which had opened in 1876, a site that was a hotel for its first 14 years before it became the Newell Building.

The Hart House Hotel onsite includes rooms named for famous Newell shirt customers, including Churchill, the British statesman. There are also rooms named for legendary comedian Hope and Astor, the wealthy industrialist from New York City.

Meier is praised for showing faith in the community when he invested in the Newell site. Many describe Meier as “one of the original risk takers in Medina and a catalyst for the downtown development.”

This historical aerial image depicts the Prince home and farm as it looked in the early 1900s.

The oldest portion of Donald and Linda Prince’s home at 14050 State Route 31, Albion, was built of wood in 1825 and included many full logs in its construction. A brick addition was added in 1850 with full brick floors in the basement. This large home now has more than 5,000 square feet of space. Some of the early residents to call this home include the Hatch family, and later the Ricci and Perrizini families. Don and Linda acquired the home in 1986.

The historical aerial image depicts the Prince home and farm as it looked in the early 1900s, before much of the recent development that has filled in both sides of NYS Route 31, just east of the Villages nursing home.  Massive farm barns were once located directly behind the residence.

Hank and Sue Beamer’s home at 10181 West Shelby Rd., Town of Shelby.

Hank and Sue Beamer are the third family to reside in the Shelp-Beamer House since its construction in 1836, having purchased the property in 1985. This house at 10181 West Shelby Rd. is located just east of the Niagara-Orleans County line, near Dewey Road in the town of Shelby. It was built of field and lake-washed cobbles for John Shelp, and is one of six cobblestone structures in the town of Shelby, sitting on 145 acres. It was built for Shelp, his wife Mary and her father Oliver Cone, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. In 2008, the house, two barns and a milk house on the grounds were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered one of the finest examples of cobblestone masonry in western New York.

Shelp came from Schoharie County in 1828. In 1836, he moved his family into the new house and remained there until his death in 1868. He and his descendants were prosperous farmers who expanded and improved the property.

The rare three-story cobblestone house contains a huge fireplace, originally used for both heating and cooking. A bake oven is built into the side of it. The house is constructed of both field and lake-washed cobblestones, while the quoins, lintels and sills are local limestone. A wooden addition and first floor remodeling took place in the early 1900s, at which time the first-floor interior woodwork was remodeled in colonial revival style oak. Hank and Sue Beamer have lovingly and painstaking attended to preserving this beautiful historic home for posterity.

In addition to the many interesting attributes of the structure, the owners feel the history of its builders is noteworthy. The home was originally built by John and Mary Shelp in 1836. Mary’s father Oliver Cone was from East Haddam, Conn. and served as a Minute Man in 2nd and 5th Connecticut regiments during the Revolutionary War. He settled in Orleans County in 1817 and was one of many Revolutionary veterans who were early settles in Shelby. He later resided with John and Mary in the cobblestone house and is interred in Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Salt Works Road, West Shelby.

Nominations are reviewed by the Preservation Awards Committee, and each will receive a photo plaque and several citations from various elected officials, according to Farley.

Those who want to attend the banquet or help celebrate the awards should call the museum (585) 589-9013 or register on the website at cobblestonemuseum.org.

Jean Wetherbee is long-time volunteer while her daughter Nancy Callara is director of Patient Financial Services

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jean Wetherbee, right, a longtime volunteer at Medina Memorial Hospital, visits with her daughter Nancy Callara, director of Patient Financial Services, who first started working there in 1987. The mother/daughter are among a long list of relatives who have been employed at the hospital during its 100 years.

MEDINA – As Medina Memorial Hospital celebrates 100 years, they are reminded of the countless stories which make the place so special, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.

He weighs in on two people – a mother and daughter – one a volunteer and the other an employee, whose combined years of service span nearly 70 years.

“Jean Wetherbee and Nancy Callara are two who stand out,” Robinson said. “Jean gave her time as a Twig, volunteered in many other ways and kept out community informed through her updates. Nancy, as a valued team member, is always finding ways to make the hospital run more efficiently – strengthening our stability and the care we provide. Together, they reflect the true spirit of service and teamwork that defines Medina Memorial. We’re fortunate to have them both as part of our story.”

Callara, who is director of Patient Financial Services, first came to Medina Memorial Hospital when she moved back to Medina in 1987. With a 6-week-old baby, she accepted a part-time position in medical records. That was followed with many positions – secretary for the medical staff payroll coordinator, payroll for nursing and IT revenue cycle coordinator for 10 years, after which she left to take a job at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Callara returned to Medina in 2015 as director of patient financial services. She plans to retire next December, she said.

Her mother had retired from HSBC when they offered early retirement in 1994.

“At the end of that year, the hospital needed someone to do filing in HR,” Wetherbee said. “Nancy told me they were looking for someone to volunteer. I came in December. Then, they needed someone at the registration desk. There was also a greeter’s desk and a coffee cart in the waiting room. I would get it from the kitchen and keep it full. I volunteered half days in the mornings.”

When Liz Wagner started a new Twig group – the Lilac Twig – at the hospital, Wetherbee joined and continued supporting the hospital through her membership in Twigs, until they disbanded in 2018.

“We did a lot for the hospital,” she said. “The biggest thing was renovation of the chapel. We raised $9,800 for it. Then we bought pictures and a fountain for the North Wing, and a lot of other things. We were constantly having fundraisers in the lobby, like a popcorn machine, selling candy bars, jewelry and flowers, having bake sales and sponsored a circus.”

Callara’s son Nicholas also worked in dietary while he was in high school. After entering St. John Fisher College to become a pharmacist, he did his internship at the hospital and is now manager of a pharmacy in Denver.

When the Covid pandemic hit in march 2020, Wetherbee said she couldn’t be at the hospital until 2022, when she returned. She still does filing in HR one day a week.

“I like just being able to be out with other people,” Wetherbee said. “I’ve been doing this here for 31 years.”

Callara just wanted to remind everyone, “We are fortunate to have this hospital here and not be under a big umbrella.”

MEDINA – Dark evenings are about to descend upon us much too soon, according to Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian and board member of the Medina Historical Society.

“But we can look forward to Medina Historical Society programs at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library,” she stated in a news release.

She has listed the following lineup of programs for fall 2025:

• On Sept. 29, Donna Vanderlaan, Terry Abrams and Bill Chase will present The Native American Presence in Genesee-Orleans.

• October’s program on the 27th will be The Pioneer Log Cabin, presented by Adam Tabelski.

• On Nov. 24, Renee Lama will present “Once Majestic, Now Forgotten” – the Mansions of Medina.

All programs begin at 7 p.m. and run until 8 p.m.

Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is located at 620 West Ave.

Photo courtesy of Orleans County Tourism Department: From left, Jim Hancock, chair of Medina’s Tourism Committee, and committee members Kathy Blackburn and Jan Smith pose with a billboard advertising an innovative Building Bricks/LEGO event in conjunction with the 200th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal.

MEDINA – Medina Tourism Committee has hit on an innovative and new feature to celebrate the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary.

“It all started at a Tourism Committee meeting when we were discussing the celebration of the canal,” said Jan Smith, a member of the Tourism Committee who came up with the idea to have a Building Bricks/LEGO competition. “There were going to be a lot of communities doing arts and crafts, vendors, food trucks and concerts, and I thought why couldn’t we do something different.”

She said she knew of other organizations who had done events focusing on Building Bricks and LEGOs, and she suggested it to the committee.

“They thought is was a great idea,” Smith said.  “We were fortunate to get a grant from the Canal Corporation to help promote the event.”

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Sacred Heart Club and will include displays from RocLUG Group from Rochester.

High School arts students have been doing canal-oriented creations, such as boats, docks, the canal and culvert – things that will tie into the canal, Smith said. Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their designs, including things like bridges, sandstone buildings and quarries.

Shawn Ramsey from Canalside Tattoo is planning to do temporary tattoos and set up his LEGO collection for display.

“Individuals in the community can build anything they want out of Building Bricks or LEGOs, as long as they have an emphasis on the canal,” Smith said.

The day will include a sensory area for those who need that kind of activity, Smith said.

“There will be a hodge-podge of activities,” she added

She said she knows of other organizations who have done similar events and they were very popular.

 “People have a very good time doing this,” she said.

Downtown merchants will also participate with a scavenger hunt in the village, in addition to window displays out of Building Bricks and LEGOs, Smith said. They will also be giving out souvenir boats for customers to collect and keep.

To participate in the scavenger hunt, entrants must pick up a registration sheet at Creekside Floral or Sacred Heart Club and drop off completed forms at the front desk of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Entrants will be competing for awards based on age and creativity. The competition is open to all ages and abilities.

A lunch menu will also be available to purchase, offering items such as chicken sandwiches, pizza, beverages and more.

Photo courtesy of State Sen. Rob Ortt’s office: Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference on Friday at the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office

LOCKPORT – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Pam Helming and Senator George Borrello, and several sheriffs from across New York on Friday joined together to call for the passage of the bipartisan PROTECT Act (Senate Bill S.2282A) introduced by Senator Helming of Canandaigua.

The bill, developed with input from law enforcement and community faith leaders, provides judges with a tool to evaluate whether violent offenders should be held pretrial or released.

For years, Democrats’ failed public safety policies have left New Yorkers less safe by removing judicial discretion and putting dangerous individuals back on the street, Ortt said. The PROTECT Act is a bipartisan solution that restores balance to the justice system and helps keep communities safe.

“Albany Democrats would rather handcuff our judges instead of criminals and this has resulted in more dangerous individuals in the community instead of in jail,” said Ortt, leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate. “Just recently in Buffalo we saw a young mother murdered at the hands of someone who should have been behind bars, but thanks to out of touch policies that favor violent felons – this man was allowed to roam free. The PROTECT Act is the first step to restoring sanity to our communities.”

The PROTECT Act (Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation Custody and Treatment) creates a judicial risk-assessment tool to help judges determine whether individuals charged with violent crimes should be held pretrial.

The bipartisan bill was written in consultation with sheriffs, district attorneys, and faith leaders to restore fairness and protect public safety. The bill remains in the codes committee.

“Public safety is an issue that affects everyone, whether you’re 9 or 99,” Helming said. “My legislation, The PROTECT Act resulted from a collaborative and bipartisan effort of people who believe our state government must prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of our communities. I’m determined to make the PROTECT Act the law in New York State and I invite everyone to join us.”

“The men and women in uniform risk their lives to protect the public,” said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke. “The current system is failing them and failing victims. The PROTECT Act is a practical step toward fixing that failure and ensuring justice works for everyone.”

Photo courtesy of Albion Central School. Ashleigh Stornelli is the school resource officer at Albion Central School this year. She has worked as an SRO for Kendall.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion Central School is pleased to introduce Ashleigh Stornelli, an Orleans County deputy sheriff, as the district’s new School Resource Officer. She assumed her role at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. She has served as an SRO for Kendall Central School.

Deputy Matthew Prawel served in the role for Albion the previous three years.

Stornelli is a graduate of Lyndonville High School. She earned her associate’s degree in criminal justice from Genesee Community College and completed her law enforcement training at the Erie County Police Academy.

Her previous experience includes six years as Military Police in the U.S. Army National Guard, one year with the Holley Police Department and seven years in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

“A safe school environment is imperative for all,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion Superintendent of Schools. “Deputy Stornelli brings a wealth of experience and a passion for serving the community. We are excited to welcome her and support her as she leads safety initiatives in our buildings and establishes strong relationships within our school community.”

An SRO’s presence has a complex impact and benefits the school community in more ways than one.

“I look forward to serving as a trusted and approachable mentor, and educating on all facets of student safety while prioritizing a safe and secure campus,” Stornelli said. “It’s an honor to join the ACSD team and continue my career here. Serving as an SRO is extremely rewarding and I am eager to build relationships, navigate challenges together and make a lasting positive impact.”

Mary Mattingly transforming a barge on the canal into floating garden

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Federico Rosario of Medina and co-curator Karin Laanso of Rochester wait in front of the former NAPA Auto Parts store on North Main Street for the arrival of artist Mary Mattingly from New York City, who plans to transform a barge on the Erie Canal into a floating garden. The project is part of the Medina Triennial in observance of the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

MEDINA –  Medina Triennial has announced the inaugural edition of a new contemporary art triennial, which will take place June 6 to Sept. 7, 2026.

In preparation for the event, the opening of the Medina Triennial Hub Sept. 13-14 has been announced in the former NAPA building on North Main Street.

This barge docked in Medina’s canal basin is waiting for the arrival of Mary Mattingly, an American visual artist from New York City, who plans to transform the barge into a floating garden.

Also part of the Triennial is a barge docked in the Erie Canal Basin, which American visual artist Mary Mattingly of New York City is planning to transform into a floating garden. Mattingly, an ecological art pioneer, arrived last Saturday afternoon to begin assessing her project.

The inaugural edition next summer will feature more than 50 artworks at approximately 12 indoor and outdoor locations in Medina, highlighting Medina’s dynamic natural residency program and its education and welcome center, according to Federico Rosario of Medina, community engagement and program coordinator for the Medina Triennial.

The former NAPA Auto Parts building on North Main Street is a former sandstone hotel building in the heart of the village. The Medina Triennial is calling the building “The Hub” and it will be open this weekend for sessions about the art initiative.

Saturday Sessions

• 12 to 2 p.m. – Co-Artistic Directors Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo, architects Serweta Peck, and artist-in-residence Mary Mattingly introduce the Hub’s design and fall programming, followed by a tour of the building and Mattingly’s Floating Garden.
• 4–5 p.m. – “What is a Triennial?” Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo trace the history of the triennial format and discuss how the Medina Triennial reimagines it for a new context.

Sunday Sessions

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Roundtable on Labor and Ecology: Mary Mattingly and agricultural educator Todd Eick discuss care and invisible labor across art, ecology, and community life.
• 4 to 6:30 p.m. – Floating Garden Orientation: Mary Mattingly invites neighbors to plan and plant for her floating food forest on the Erie Canal.

The Medina Triennial was initiated by the New York State Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation as part of a broader effort to revitalize the canal and highlight its contemporary significance.

This event will feature new work by local, national and international artists and collectives, to create a free, village-wide exhibition that will be the first of its kind in the region.

Renowned commissioned artists will be invited to respond to Western New York’s communities and ecosystems, often working in collaboration with local residents to create work rooted in context.

Visitors are invited to stop by from noon to 6 p.m. weekends (always on Saturday and some Fridays and Sundays).

Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program Coordinator for the Medina Triennial, stands in the newly-renovated space in the former NAPA building, which will house an art triennial June 6 to Sept. 7, 2026.

Crowd gets smaller but attendees say they’ll never forget

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion police officers, Orleans County sheriff’s deputies and chaplains recite the Pledge of Allegiance on Thursday evening during a Sept. 11 memorial service at the Courthouse Square.

The memorial was on the 24^th anniversary of the terrorists attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, including 60 police officers in New York City.

A giant American flag is displayed high over Main Street from Murray and Albion ladder trucks.

Firefighters stand during the service, including from right: Scott Buffin, deputy emergency management coordinator for Orleans County; and Steve Cooley, Medina fire chief.

There were 343 firefighters in New York City who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

There were about 75 people at the memorial service on Thursday. That may have been the smallest crowd for the annual service. One of the Albion firefighters said he was disappointed by the turnout, saying people seemed to have forgotten the horrors of Sept. 11, when four airplanes were hijacked.

The terrorists attack killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.

Brad Nudd, second from left, and other members of the Honor Guard fire during a gun salute and then Taps was played during the service.

Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak spoke at the memorial service. He said Sept. 11, 2001 remains “one of the most tragic and defining days in our nation’s history.”

The country showed its strength, resilience and unity in the days that followed after the attacks.

“In the days and weeks that followed, we saw a nation come together – neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming family, communities standing as one. That spirit of unity is the legacy we must carry forward,” Fitzak said.

Doug Egling plays, “America the Beautiful,” on a wind controller AE30 Roland. Trellis Pore also sang the song during the service.

Scott Schmidt, Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, served as the keynote speaker at the observance. Schmidt spent three weeks with the federal DMORT team 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. Three of his colleagues on DMORT attended the service in Albion on Monday.

Schmidt noted that human remains from Sept. 11, 2001 continue to be positively identified by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. As recently as Aug. 13, three more victims were identified, Schmidt said.

And 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.

“We mourn all these men and women,” Schmidt said. “We remember their lives equally. We remember their lives equally because in death, men and women of all socio-economic statue, people of all colors and creeds, of all walks of life, all men and women in death are equal.”

Fred Piano, an Albion firefighter, sounds the air horn from an Albion fire truck.

Scott Schmidt noted that an air horn was sounded when human remains were found in the rubble after the World Trade Center towers collapsed.

“That abrasive, harsh, stunning, loud, startling and mournful sound of an air horn is a real-time remembrance of the painful reality of that day,” Schmidt said.

Firefighters take down the giant flag that was displayed on Main Street across from te Courthouse. Fran Gaylord of the Murray Joint Fire District, left, and Jeremy Babcock of the Albion Joint Fire District were among the firefighters putting the flag away.

Provided photos

PEMBROKE – Keeler Construction in Barre had a crew paving in Pembroke today and the group proudly displayed an American flag in honor of the victims from the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks 24 years earlier.

Terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people after hijacking four planes and crashing two in the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, DC and one at a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.

Keeler was out paving Route 77 in Pembroke. Driving the paver is Jason Bessel and standing on the back are Justin Windnagle and Ron Croft.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) World-renown Jack the Ripper researcher Michael L. Hawley and author Julie Berry hold copies of their books prior to the launch celebration Monday night of Berry’s latest novel, If Looks Could Kill. At right is Valerie Fleshauer, a former student of Hawley’s, who introduced him to Julie and her husband Phil. Hawley opened the evening with a short talk on his research of Jack the Ripper suspect Francis Tumblety. (Right) Berry and Hawley share a hug after their presentations at the launch party Monday night for Berry’s newest novel which was influenced by Hawley’s research.

MEDINA – Julie Berry’s launch of her latest book If Looks Could Kill brought out a crowd of more than 100 people on Monday to Author’s Note, the bookstore she owns at 519 Main St.

“Such a tremendous show of support from Medina and the surrounding communities, and from faithful friends of the bookstore,” Berry said. “The most amazing things at Author’s Note are the people who work here and the people who come here.”

She thanked the book club members who are so vital to the store’s support, and gave special thanks to her team, including Olivia Marchese and Erica Caldwell who worked tirelessly to create beautiful, festive and meaningful decorations to set a celebratory tone.

A New York Times’ Best-Selling author, Berry got the idea for her latest book while remodeling the book store after she had bought it.

“I started thinking about murder and exploring a murder story and violence against women,” Berry said. “It is shocking the percentage of women who will experience violence in their lives.”

Then she started thinking, “What if women had the ability to pay back men who hurt them?” That thought resulted in a Medusa image. Medusa is described as “representing a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.” Her famous feature is her hair of snakes.

“In the myth, Medusa had no power to control her power,” Berry said. “I wanted a Medusa for the 21st century, who could control her power – could turn it on or off and manipulate the extent of its effects. I went into this book wanting female revenge. But I don’t believe in discriminate or over-reaching justice. I believe everybody deserves the opportunity to heal, learn and change, but if I was going to move this story forward with the vengeance I still wanted, I needed a very bad villain.”

She picked lower Manhattan as the scene for her newest endeavor, and there was Jack the Ripper, she said.

“I was angry and Jack the Ripper was just what I needed for my book about where to find peace, hope and trust, especially in the darkest of times,” Berry said.

Author and Jack the Ripper researcher Michael T. Hawley gives a slide presentation on why he believes Francis Tumblety, who is buried in Rochester, was Jack the Ripper.

Then, through Lindy Hop dancing with her husband Phil, she met Valerie Fleschauer, a scientist at the University of Rochester’s laser lab, who had been a student of Jack the Ripper researcher Michael L. Hawley. Fleschauer connected Berry with Hawley, who is an expert on Jack the Ripper, and in particular, the suspect Francis Tumblety.

Hawley has appeared on the Travel Channel, Ghost Hunter and History Channel, among others. He said every claim that Tumblety could not be Jack the Ripper has been debunked.  We don’t know if he was the Ripper, but Hawley believes the objections raised against him don’t stand up to the facts.

“To my mind, there is no reason to think Tumblety, who is buried in Rochester, could not be Jack the Ripper,” he said.

In concluding, Berry said Medusa is a power women can use and turn on and off.

“That is the power I want people to feel when they read this book,” she said. “Find your inner monster and ‘Medusify.’ Confidence makes a difference. Insisting you are going to be heard makes a difference.”

Scott Robinson and his wife Alix Gilman were among those who attended the launch.

“The launch of Julie Berry’s If Looks Could Kill at Author’s Note was a reminder of what makes Medina and Western New York so special,” Alix said. “Julie is an intoxicating trifecta of intelligence, talent and wit – but most of all, her heart and sense of justice and unparalleled. Events like this celebrate the incredible depth of talent and knowledge we have right here in our community, and the magic of gathering together to honor it.”

“This event was just the boost of faith, confidence and adrenaline I needed to take this tour nationwide,” Berry said. “That was Medina’s gift to me, and I’m grateful.”

Berry is now travelling on a 29-stop nationwide tour of her book. Click here for more on her book and the tour.

Photo courtesy of Orleans County: Officials from 18 counties gathered for a group photo after being recognized by New York State Association of Counties for money management. Jack Welch, the Orleans County chief administrative officer, is shown in back row, third from right.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Orleans County was recognized at this week’s New York State Association of Counties Fall Seminar, held in Niagara Falls, with “cashVest 90+” Award.

This award is given to counties that receive a score of 90 or better for four consecutive quarters on several money management benchmarks. The honor recognizes counties that have taken proactive steps to maximize the value of every public dollar, strategically investing funds to generate new income and help ease the burden on property taxpayers.

“This award is really a testament to the hard work of County Administrator Jack Welch and Treasurer Kim DeFrank to mitigate risk while maximizing return on investment of public dollars that help fund county services,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.  “At a time when every level of government is faced with tight budgets, their sound fiscal leadership and ability to maximize revenue streams outside of tax dollars is more important now than ever.”

Orleans County was one of 18 counties across the state to receive the honor.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Doris Heydel holds a French frappe coffee at the Serenity Vitality Café, which she opened last week at 438 West Ave.

Heydel also is owner of Serenity Spa & Holistic Center. She opened that business in June 2023. She offers numerous services at the site, from massage, anti-aging treatments with facials and skin care, pain treatments, reflexology, meditation, yoga and holistic life coaching.

The new café fits in with her mission at the spa and holistic center. She wants to help people lead healthier lives.

“Health is 80 percent of what we eat,” she said. “We wanted to bring healthy choices.”

Doris Heydel is shown at the café which has plenty of space for people to relax. The café has a room available for meetings and small parties.

The new café offers smoothie bowls, toasts, smoothies, grab-and-go items (including gluten-free options), healthy soda and health shots.

Heydel’s husband Lionel is a chef and he said soups, including a daily vegan option, should be added soon to the menu.

The café is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 on Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Wednesday.

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning celebrated a grand opening Serenity Vitality Café. From left include Allison Barkowski from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office, Chamber director Darlene Hartway, Doris and Lionel Heydel, Chamber social media director Courtney Henderson, and David Gagne, board president for the Chamber.

Hartway praised Doris Heydel for adding the café to the site, which already has a very popular spa and other holistic health services.

“It’s great to have more healthy options for the community,” Hartway said about the café. “It fits well with her business. It’s wonderful to have this option.”

Doris Heydel accepts a citation from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for opening the new café. She was presented the certificate from Allison Barkowski, operations and outreach director for Tenney.

ALBION – A Lyndonville man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to felony aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Jason Dusett, 50, is being held in the county jail for a parole violation. In January 2019 he was sentenced to four years in state prison for first- and second-degree sexual abuse.

In the DWI charge, he was stopped on June 12 and a state trooper recorded Dusett’s Blood Alcohol Content at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit. Dusett has a previous DWI in Victor in 2018.

He pleaded guilty in County Court on Wednesday and faces up to 6 months in the county jail when he is sentenced on Nov. 12.

In another case in county court on Wednesday:

Richard Kress, 37, of Albion pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree and faces a maximum 1 to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 19.

Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a  Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. There will be a restitution hearing. District Attorney Susan Howard is seeking $5,000 in restitution for the victim of the crime.

Fritz has pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and could be sentenced to up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.

In cases in court last week, Joseph Reamer, 53, of Medina was arraigned on first-degree rape, forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. He posted a bail bond for $20,000.

Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion also pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for having a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.

Santiago faces a split sentence of up to 6 months in the county jail and five years of probation when he is sentenced on Nov. 19.