Provided photos

RIDGEWAY – The Crusaders Motorcycle Club will be racing today as part of the 66^th season of flat track racing on Culvert Road.

Today’s events are highlighted by the annual memorial race in honor of past friends and family. The gates opened at 7:30 a.m. with practice starting at 11:30 a.m. and racing beginning at 12:30 p.m. at 3312 Culvert Rd.

Our 2023 events include the Men’s Mad Dawg Race on June 18, the Women’s Mad Dawg Race on July 9, the Men’s Mad Dawg Race on July 23, and a rain date for Aug. 27 if needed. The Crusaders have updates on the club’s Facebook page and website.

Jude Lacy of Medina is pictured on a 125 4-Stroke from a race on May 21. He placed 2nd overall in the 125 4 Stroke Class in our 2022 race season.

The Crusaders also had their Kiddie Kamp on Saturday. The 50cc Kiddie Kamp participants are shown with Brad Hazel and Austin Luczak, who are local pro riders who taught the class.

The training session is for riders ages 4 to 8. The class provides young riders with basic riding and racing skills. The participants are taught what all the different colored flags represent, how to watch for the green race light and to practice their starting skills.

They also learn how to maneuver around the corners. By the end of the day all the riders pick up their speed and increase their riding skills.

Press Release, Albion Marching Band

Provided photo: Albion drum majors Jason Anstey and Audrey Pask hold the band’s prizes following the competition at Nunda.

ALBION – The Albion Purple Eagles Marching Band continued their successful competition season with a win in Nunda on Saturday, earning 1st place with a score of 95.15.

The previous weekend the Purple Eagles were awarded the designation “Outstanding with Distinction” at the Darien Lake Music Festival. These honors followed their first place finish at the Springville Pageant of Bands earlier this month.

The band’s competition show this year is entitled, “Highlights from Jersey Boys.” The show features the music of Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons. Nicholas Andrews is the trombone soloist. The band is led in competition by senior drum majors Audrey Pask and junior Jason Anstey.

The Purple Eagles conclude the season at the hometown Albion Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday with the parade starting at 10 a.m.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right by joining Randy as he remembers a friend’s kindness during a time of crisis and talks about what it means to stand in the gap for someone.

There are a few things I want to mention up front today. First, I would like start by saying thank you to all who have taken the time to drop me a message on FB or introduce yourself to me out in the community. I am grateful for your feedback and hope to connect with more of you over time. Second, I would like to note that today’s article follows up two previous ones from March 12 (click here)  and April 23 (click here). And lastly, I wanted to note that I am writing this on May 30 which is significant because it was eleven years ago on this day when my mother lost her battle to brain cancer. 

As I wrote about previously, after almost four months of surgeries, radiation, and chemo, which only worked to slow down the inevitable, my mother went to The Aurora House (a hospice home in Spencerport) to spend her final two weeks. It would have been more convenient to stay close to home but unfortunately our own Hospice Home here in Orleans County, the Martin-Linsen Residence, was still under construction.  Thankfully though there was an apartment downstairs at the Aurora House which I was able to stay in for the duration of my mother’s time there.

As the days went by I spent less and less time away as my mother grew weaker. If this was a marathon, as many people had referred to the process of caring for a loved one, I was about to hit the wall. It had been days since I had been able to eat or sleep much and part of the reason was that I didn’t want to leave mom’s side. I didn’t want her to be alone.

And that’s when my friend John “Jack” Burris showed up to stand in the gap. One night he walked in around 10 p.m. and announced  that he was going to stay with mom through the night so that I could go downstairs and sleep. I knew it would be no use protesting so I did just that and, as it turned out, his timing was perfect because mom ended up passing away that next day and, thanks to being able to sleep, I had enough strength to deal with it better.

Now jump ahead to September of the same year. I had written previously about how I had begun running and eventually finished the Niagara Hospice Half Marathon in 2011. It just so happened that the morning before mom passed I had signed both myself and my wife Sheryl to run it in 2012. (Quick note to any husbands reading this… I do not suggest signing your spouse up for a 13.1 mile race without her knowledge unless you can blame it on making an emotional decision like I did.)

Well, long story short, I actually tried to run in the Strawberry Fest 5K that next week and ended up on an ambulance about the 2-mile mark for what they thought was a heart attack. Thankfully it turned out to just be the result of adding physical stress to the mental and emotional stress I had been under for so long and my body said no more. This was when I went on sabbatical and at times tried running again but could not train the way I needed to by the time September rolled around. And that’s when I called on Jack once more to stand in the gap and run the half marathon in my place.

Up to that point he had never ran that kind of distance but, just as I had run in memory of my friend Matt Jones the previous year, he agreed to take my place and run for mom.

I will never forget that day, and only partly because my wife won’t let me forget how I signed her up and then didn’t even run it myself. No, I will always remember Jack using every last effort to get across the finish line and then immediately taking the medal, putting it around my neck, and saying “This is for mom.”

Jack and I have had many adventures together since that time, whether driving to NYC to take care of my sister after her breast cancer surgery or working together on the Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry Truck, but it was his initial willingness to literally stand in the gap when I needed it most that forged the friendship that I am grateful for to this day.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Phyllis Winters, Lions Club president Jim Punch and Donna Bushover stand at the four corners of downtown Medina, getting ready for the annual Community Yard Sale. Winters and Bushover handed out maps showing location of yard sales and Punch set out some of the equipment available in the Lions’ Medical Loan Closet.

MEDINA – With nice weather, 34 participating vendors and hundreds of shoppers, the Medina Lions are proclaiming their annual Community Yard Sale a “resounding success.”

“We couldn’t be happier,” said chairman Jim Hancock.

The chicken barbecue sold out, the Weinermobile (which traveled the streets during the sale so shoppers could grab a hot dog and not have to stop for lunch) sold out, the Lions’ food booth at the Olde Pickle Factory did very well and 70 percent of the Lions membership turned out to help, Hancock said.

“And I am amazed at how many people there were out and about,” he said.

Lions members, including Phyllis Winters, Donna Bushover, president Jim Punch, Dave Bellucci and Dean Bellack were at the four corners of Main and Center streets at 8 a.m. to hand out maps of the yard sales to passersby. Those who wished, could make a donation for the maps. Punch brought out wheelchairs, walkers and canes to display.

“I want the public to be reminded that we have these things to loan out at our Medical Loan Closet,” Punch said.

Brenda Cherry of 504 Park Ave., Medina, puts out clothing in her yard sale early this morning.

Many people took part in the yard sale, including Brenda Cherry of 504 Park Ave. She has participated other years, and sometimes she has done well, and other times not so well, she said. She enjoys doing it and it’s a good way to get of things she can’t use.

There’s no telling what shoppers would find at the location advertised here at the corner of West and Park avenues.

“I like the opportunity to help someone who might need something I have, and it helps the Lions and the community,” she said.

Some families combined their goods into one large sale. Shoppers could find almost anything they were looking for, and often things they weren’t looking for.

Rob Klino on West Center Street had his sale, but went across the street and bought something from his neighbor.

At the Olde Pickle Factory, vendors included everything from baked goods and jewelry to fancy dishes and books.

OCALS, Orleans County Adult Learning Services, annually has a book sale at the vendor show.

“You can’t believe how many books we sell,” said Don Colquhoun, treasurer of OCALS.

This morning Pam Schuner, Carolyn Wagner and Kathy Punch were running out of room to display all the books that had been donated. Books included everything from baking to World War II.

Rob Robinson and his band entertained at the vendor fair, and the crowd really enjoyed them, Hancock said. “Everything went very well.”

Pam Schuner, front, Carolyn Wagner and Kathy Punch fill OCALS’ table with donated books at the vendor fair at the Olde Pickle Factory today.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There are 80 items up for raffle today at Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street in Albion as part of a benefit for Sean and Nicole Van Winkle Paul. They couple is known locally as the leaders of Frosty and Friends, a group that supports many community causes.

They were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident May 6 in Oakfield. Nicole recently moved out of the intensive care unit but has a long road to recovery, said Christine Nenni, one of the organziers of today’s benefit. Sean broke his ribs, an elbow and sustained other injuries in the crash.

Nenni, one of the owners of Best of Tymes Party Rentals, has teamed with the Pauls on several events to benefit local children.

Juliette takes a shot with a basketball outside Dubby’s, were there are bounce houses, temporary tattoos, face painting, balloons and other activities.

In addition to the 80 gift baskets, there are four major items up for raffle. The event goes on until 5 p.m.

A GoFundMe also has been set up by daughter Christine Wainwright to support the couple and their family.

Klafehn, Heise & Johnson takes over space and clients for retiring Jeff Martin

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Dave Gagne, right, president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Kevin Johnson and other attorneys and staff for Klafehn, Heise & Johnson to Holley’s Public Square.

Jeff Martin, center left, is retiring after more than 40 years as a local attorney. He is handing off his clients and office to Kevin Johnson, second from left.

Klafehn, Heise & Johnson already has an office in Brockport at 109 Main St. Johnson said the Brockport site has many clients who come from Orleans County. The Holley office will make it easier for them to meet with staff in person.

Jeff Martin, far left, cuts the ribbon with staff from Klafehn, Heise & Johnson during an opening celebration on Friday evening. Klafehn, Heise & Johnson have been working out of Holley since January.

Other staff in the photo include, from left of Johnson: Melissa Rutherford, a paralegal focusing on Medicaid issues; Brittani Bradshaw, a paralegal focusing on Medicaid and estate; Marnie Johnson, human resources and office manager; Jacinda Styers, receptionist; and Samantha Sullivan, attorney. Carrie Bonacci, a probate paralegal who also works in administrating estates, also attended the celebration. Holley mayor Mark Bower is at right.

Kevin Johnson grew up in Holley until age 10. He is one of three attorneys with the firm, including Roy Heise and Samantha Sullivan. (The late Mark Klafehn also was active with the firm until he passed away in 2011.)

“We’re thrilled to be here in Holley,” Johnson said after a ribbon cutting. “We’re here to serve whatever your needs.”

Holley Mayor Mark Bower welcomed the firm to the Public Square.

“To have you Kevin taking over this firm is wonderful for the Village of Holley,” Bower said. “And thank you Jeff for your years and years of service to Holley.”

Martin said he feels good knowing his clients will be well cared for by Klafehn, Heise & Johnson.

“I’m leaving my clients in excellent hands,” he said.

Press Release, United States Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York

Stephen Nicot

ROCHESTER – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced on Friday that Stephen Nicot, 60, of Rochester was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with  production and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2022, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received information that Nicot had cameras hidden in a bathroom of his residence.

The Sheriff’s office subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a USB drive, cell phones, an SD card, and a laptop. A forensic review of the items seized recovered numerous photographs and videos depicting young boys and adult men nude. Some of the videos depicted young boys and adult men showering.

Investigators believe some of the videos were taken by the camera hidden in Nicot’s bathroom. In addition, investigators have identified videos that they believe were taken by a camera that Nicot hid in a bathroom, that included a shower, in an Orleans County church. The investigation has identified five victims.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-585-546-2220.

The arrest is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

HOLLEY – June Fest will be today in the Village of Holley, and organizers say there are many activities throughout the day for people of all ages.

The schedule starts at 9 a.m., with the unveiling of a canal-themed mural on the back of the Community Free Library. Tony Barry isn’t quite done with the project that highlights Holley’s namesake, Myron Holley. He was an early canal commissioner who was influential in the construction of the manmade waterway.

The Holley-Kendall Marching Band will perform at 9:30 a.m. and the go in a processional playing music through the Public Square, down White Street to the canal gazebo.

The festival also will debut a cardboard regatta in the Erie Cana at 9:45 a.m. The participants were by invite-only. Rainey Losee, one of the organizers, wants people to see the regatta and get ideas on how to make it bigger next year.

Holley is trying the regatta after some of the organizers saw it in Watkins Glen. There needs to be teams of at least two people in boats made of cardboard and held together with duct tape. Today they will only race from the south side of the canal to the north side.

“It’s something fun and unique,” Losee said. “I think it will be cool.”

There will be 50 vendors in the canal park and path. There will be bounce houses, pony rides, alpacas, food, beverages, craft vendors and a wine-tasting.

At 12:30 p.m., Mark Ross of Woodstock will put on his family entertainment show to the pavilion. There will be a 7:30 p.m. concert by Beggars will Ride which includes Holley alumni Tom Mark, Rick Brunette and Daniel Mark.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church also is selling chicken barbecue dinners from 11:30 a.m. until sold out, and The Whole Approach will be leading yoga and other fitness activities near the waterfalls. There will be other games during the day by the falls: badminton, cornhole, volleyball, lawn darts, frisbee, horseshoes and a coloring activity.

“The festival is important to the village,” Losee said. “People are happy to have a reason to be out and about.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Department of Public Works this morning installed a 6-foot bronze statue weighing about 450 pounds.

The statue bears the likeness of the late Charles W. Howard in a Santa suit.

The top photo shows sculptor Brian Porter, right, exclaiming when seeing the statue set on a concrete pad at Waterman Park, a site on Main Street a half block south of the Erie Canal.

Scott Bradshaw, in orange shirt, and Charlie Ricci of the DPW give the statue a close inspection after getting it to set securely on the concrete with some epoxy. DPW workers Shaun Stephens and Vance VanSkiver also were part of the installation this morning.

The Albion Betterment Committee raised more than $80,000 for the project over about a decade. Gary Kent, in back left, was up early to see the installation. He is one of the directors of the Betterment Committee.

Kent said he is pleased with how the statue turned out, and is happy it highlights a beloved person in Albion’s history. Kent believes the community’s history – with people, architecture and many treasured stories – should be part of moving Albion forward right now.

Howard ran a Santa School in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. He also developed Christmas Park which attracted thousands to Albion and had live reindeer and many amusement rides.

The statue was covered up after it was installed. The Orleans Hub isn’t showing any photos of the front of the statue until after the statue is dedicated during a ceremony on June 10 after the Strawberry Festival Parade at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Porter said the statue is at ground level, and in human size so it shouldn’t intimidate children and will be easy for people to interact with and get photos. A 24-foot-long Santa mural is next to the statue on the north side providing a striking backdrop, Porter said. He worked about 18 months on creating the statue.

ALBION – A luncheon at Hospice of Orleans on Thursday was an opportunity to thank the dedicated staff and to announce the return to the organization’s original name of Hospice of Orleans County.

Leaders at Hospice acknowledged the name change to Supportive Care of Orleans was never well accepted in the community.

“Staff wanted to go back to our roots,” said Julia Alt, director of development. “Hospice of Orleans is who we are. It’s what we do, and we want to make sure the community knows that.”

At the luncheon, Alt revealed the new logo, which represents the agency’s original name. The return to Hospice of Orleans was effective Thursday.

From left, John Lomeo, chairman of Hospice’s board of directors, treasurer Carlo Figliomeni and new administrator Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand enjoy the sunshine before a staff appreciation luncheon and announcement of the return to the name of Hospice of Orleans on Thursday morning.

As Supportive Care of Orleans, the agency has had some turbulent times in recent months, with a lot of turnover in staff.

“It’s great to see everyone has their passion back,” Alt said. “A lot of us – myself included – have had personal experience with Hospice, and we believe in its nurse-driven leadership. We are on a much more solid ground. We really function as a team and everybody is very happy with the change.”

Hired at the first of the year as administrator was Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand of Attica. She started her nursing career at Medina Memorial Hospital, and was there for 15 years. Then she was chief of nursing at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia, before retiring and then coming back to work at Hospice.

After posing for pictures in the Memorial Garden, Alt unveiled the new logo, followed by a chicken barbecue lunch in the home next door.

Almeter-Milibrand praised the staff for their dedication and support.

“We totally appreciate every single person here,” she said. “We’re a great team, and there are great things to come.”

Press Release, Kendall Lions Club

Provided photo: Kendall Lions President Eric Maxon presents Julie Kludt with our annual “Citizen of the Year Award.”

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club honored Julie Kludt as the 2023 Citizen of the Year. The cub gives the annual award to an individual whose volunteerism and dedication have made a significant contribution to the community.

Kludt, through many years of service to both the causes and citizens of Kendall, has never sought recognition. She serves, supports and shows up. She has volunteered for a variety of community organizations over the years.

She has supported the Kendall Fire Auxiliary and Fire Department as she runs the waffle booth at the Kendall Fireman’s Carnival and volunteers at the annual Easter Egg Hunt, coloring eggs and bringing the Easter Bunny to life.

Kludt also volunteers to help our youth with the Recreation Department and Kendall Central School.

“My heart always smiles the biggest when I am with kids,” she said.

Kludt is also active in her church and helps many others through her many acts of kindness throughout the community. The Kendall Lions appreciate the many years of service and congratulate Julie Kludt on her award.

Team from United Way available to help access free installation, discounted rate for low to moderate income households

ALBION – “The internet has changed our world,” said Nyla Gaylord, grant writer for United Way of Orleans County and coordinator for United Way’s Connect Orleans collaborative.

Gaylord is part of the initiative to bring affordable wireless broadband to every resident of Orleans County. Online shopping, social media, phone and video calling, e-mail, banking, live sports events, music, television shows, news, movies, and more, are all now just a click away, – “If it is available, If you can afford it and If you know how to use it,” she said.

County officials have been pushing for about a decade to have high-speed internet service available throughout the county.

Sharon Quill

Gaylord and the United Way team of two Connect Orleans outreach workers, Sharon Quill and Karen Sanders, are helping low-to-moderate income households in the villages of Albion, Holley, and Medina and the towns of Albion, Gaines and Shelby prequalify for a grant that pays for free installation of wireless broadband service and free equipment, a $650 benefit.

These communities are targeted because at least 51 percent of households meet the criteria for having low to moderate income. They are also screening people to see if they qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which can save them $30 a month.

In partnership with the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative, funded by the United Way, the team connects people with digital literacy mentors who offer one-on-one coaching in how to use internet-based technology like smart TV’s, phones, tablets and more.

“What we are finding is that most people can significantly lower the cost of their internet service by unbundling from cable and switching to wireless broadband. Some people are saving over $100 a month,” Gaylord said.

The difference between cable and wireless technology is that cable comes through a wire, such as phone lines, while broadband comes through the air.  The new Ambient wireless broadband service, sponsored by Orleans County using federal funding, will significantly expand the availability of internet access, consumer choice in service providers and the opportunity to “unbundle” from cable packages and save money.

“Many people, especially older people and people with disabilities don’t know they now have options in how they get internet-based services – options that will save them money,” Gaylord said. “Change is hard. It is a bit scary to think about switching from cable to wireless. The cable companies want you to ‘bundle,’ but with this service, you get access to the internet and can subscribe to only the options you want. It is like ordering off a menu instead of buying a meal deal. That is why our Connect Orleans team is available to help every step of the way.”

Gaylord is enthusiastic about the work the United Way team is doing.

“The whole team is enjoying meeting people and talking to them about this new service,” she said.   “When we help people save money, or get internet access for the first time, we know we are really making a positive difference in their lives.”

This week, households in the villages of Albion, Holley and Medina and the towns of Albion, Gaines and Shelby will receive post cards in the mail with information on how to contact the Connect Orleans team for information on the new wireless broadband service and cost saving benefits, such free installation and a free wireless receiver.

This equipment will allow access to wireless internet services through Ambient Broadband and is funded by the Community Development Block Grant administered by Orleans County.  If residents are also eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) they can save $30 a month which would make the basic service free. The basic service enables users to email, browse the web, stream music and use social media. Three levels of data plans are available, depending on usage needs.

During the month of June, the Connect Orleans outreach workers will be available at the following locations:

Karen Sanders will be in Medina at the MAAC Thrift Depot at the corner of Starr and Orient streets in Medina on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sharon Quill will be at Save-a-Lot in Albion on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 pm to 4 p.m.

Saturday, June 3, will be a busy day for the team. Sanders will be at the Medina Community Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Quill is at the Holley June Fest.

The following weekend the Connect Orleans team will be at the Strawberry Festival near the Bounce for Bullard activities near the canal bridge.

As weather permits, Sanders and Quill will be doing “pop-ups” outdoors in the Holley, Medina and Albion area. Orleans County residents will be able to stop by and learn more about service availability and their options for using lower cost wireless broadband service.

The team will be distributing free recyclable grocery bags from 211 of Western New York and will have information on how to unbundle from cable service and use common streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix, as well as free entertainment options such as Amazon Freevee and Roku channels.

To schedule a time to talk to a Connect Orleans team member, call (585) 493-6014 and leave a message. The Connect Orleans website www.connectorleans.net has information and a contact form, or email: connect@orleansunitedway.org.

211 of Western New York can take calls 24/7 and will route the contact information to Connect Orleans. Every effort will be made to return all calls and contacts within 24 hours on business days.

Households not eligible for the free installation and free equipment can purchase the Ambient Broadband service directly through the company at www.Ambientbroadband.com.