By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2023 at 6:45 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Womba Africa performed at Hoag Library on Monday evening. The group is from the town of Nungua in Ghana, West Africa.
They now live in Rochester. They perform in the region, promoting West African music and culture and seek to empower indigenous cultural groups to share their heritage through preforming arts.
Womba Africa performed in Albion as part of the new Hoag Music Series. The library doesn’t charge admission for the concerts and is welcoming musical artists to Orleans County who haven’t performed in Albion before.
Womba Africa is a cultural drum and dance group formed in the town of Nungua. The members are part of the Ga Adangbe People in greater Accra, Ghana, a tribe with a very rich history and culture quite distinct from other major ethnic groups.
The Hoag concerts include funding from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts and administered by GO ART!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 May 2023 at 6:32 am
MEDINA – The VFW Auxiliary in Medina’s historian and vice president Dave Berry visited the Iroquois Job Corps on Monday to present the center with an award for its support of veterans.
The National Office of the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary’s annual Service Award was given to the Job Corps in recognition of students who volunteered to assist the Medina VFW Auxiliary serving lunch to veterans on Veterans Day. The students also made Veterans Day cards and handed them out to all the veterans, according to John Thomas, operations director at Iroquois Job Corps.
Also participating in the award ceremony were the three students who assisted with the Veterans Day lunch, Melody Goodwin, Kee’Andra Creque and Joshua Espnal.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
According to the 2023 County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Genesee and Orleans Counties rank 42nd and 55th respectively in overall Health Outcomes. The rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
“Each year we look at the County Health Rankings to get an overview of our health and factors that influence our health,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The county with the lowest score (best health) gets a rank of #1 for that state and the county with the highest score (worst health) is assigned a rank corresponding to the number of total counties ranked in each state. New York State has 62 counties.”
According to the rankings, the five healthiest counties in New York State starting with most healthy are Putnam, followed by Saratoga, Nassau, Rockland and Tompkins. The five counties in the poorest health, starting with least healthy are Bronx, Cattaraugus, Sullivan, Chemung and Montgomery.
The rankings are broken into two main categories: Health Outcomes, which include length of life and quality of life, and Health Factors, which include health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.
The 2023 County Health Rankings findings for Genesee and Orleans counties are:
Orleans County
Ranked 55/62 in Health Outcomes compared to 54/62 counties in 2022
Ranked 57/62 in Health Factors compared to 55/62 counties in 2022
Genesee County
Ranked 42/62 in Health Outcomes compared to 38/62 counties in 2022
Ranked 22/62 in Health Factors compared to 16/62 counties in 2022
“As Chief Health Strategists, we collaborate with our partners and community members to provide quality training, education and referrals as well as develop coalitions to explore the best way to help our county residents thrive and improve health factors,” Pettit stated.
As referenced below, both Genesee and Orleans counties have health factors that could be improved specifically with local access to physicians, mental health providers and dentists along with excessive drinking, adult obesity, and adult smoking.
Access to care significantly impacts and drives the rankings for both counties. Additionally, it is a substantial barrier for residents and ultimately, has an impact on not only an individual’s physical, social and mental health, but their overall quality of life.
Chart from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
This year, the focus area of the rankings was the connection between civic health and the health of the community. The factors that were added included Voter Turnout (Genesee at 64.3%; Orleans at 56.9%) and Census Participation (Genesee at 64.3%; Orleans at 54.0%). Voting and participating in the U.S. census are both examples of civic participation, which can help influence residents’ quality of life and help improve the health of our community.
The rankings have become an important tool for communities that want to improve health for all. Working collaboratively with community partners in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (GOW), Genesee and Orleans counties have completed the GOW 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and are working on the chosen priorities in the Community Health Improvement Plan over the next three years.
We analyze the rankings along with New York State data and community input from the Community Health Assessment survey and Community Conversations to determine these priorities.
For the 2022-2024 Community Health Improvement Plan, prevent chronic disease, promote well-being, and prevent mental and substance use disorders were selected as the priority areas that will be the focus moving forward.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department, with the assistance of the Medina Police Advisory Committee, are co-organizing this year’s Orleans County National Night Out.
We are proud to give an update on this year’s event that will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford Wise Intermediate School, 1016 Gwinn St.
National Night Out started in the 1980s as a way to bring law enforcement and citizens together nationwide on the same night each year. We have expanded on that principle and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out date each year.
This year NNO is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Participants in this event will include law enforcement from throughout the county, fire agencies, EMS responders, civic organizations and other groups that will be providing activities and giveaways. Some of the big hits from past events have been the “Battle of the Belts”, K-9 demonstrations, and the bike rodeo.
Our mission is simple. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost, eating and having fun in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. We hope citizens can meet members of our local organizations and get to know the services they provide to our community.
We are currently in the process of reaching out to many local organizations to coordinate participation. In the past it is the efforts, participation, and donations of these local organizations and businesses that make National Night Out possible. These sponsoring organizations will be highlighted throughout our event.
Registration and donation information is being distributed through mail, email, and social media. For more information you may contact either Heather Jackson at NNOOrleans@gmail.com or Lt. Todd Draper at tdraper@villagemedina.org.
MEDINA – Juniors and seniors in the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s Cosmetology program showed of some stunning looks in a runway extravaganza.
Teachers Anne Carnahan and Sue Lindke tasked the juniors with creating evening wear looks and the seniors with fantasy looks with hair and makeup. Local industry professionals were invited in to judge the finished effect and then the students and their models hit the runway at the center to a very appreciative audience.
Congratulations go to:
Juniors: 1st Place – Erika Chilcott (Lockport), 2nd Place – Petra Bish (Barker) and 3rd Place – Michayla Greene (Barker).
Seniors: 1st Place – Devin Smeal (Newfane), 2nd Place – Sara Smith (Medina) and 3rd Place – Iyanna King (Lockport).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2023 at 9:27 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mary McCormick, an Albion student, reads “The American’s Creed” on Saturday during a book unveiling celebration about Mount Albion Cemetery.
Students in Tim Archer’s seventh-grade service learning class worked to create the book that is about 50 pages and includes many details about the historic cemetery on Route 31 that opened in 1843.
Adelaide Pettit hands out copies of the book to people who attended the book unveiling celebration. The Orleans County chapter of DAR paid for the costs to print 200 of the books. They are available on a first come, first served basis at Hoag Library.
Julia Graham, an Albion seventh-grader, shares how the cemetery was accredited as an arboretum in 2022. The cemetery has more than 1,100 trees in 66 different species. Graham also spoke about the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a Civil War memorial that is 68 feet high and lists 466 people from Orleans County who were killed during the Civil War.
Other students speakers included Aniela Wilson, Cordelia Rivers, Sophia Bouchey, Omer Fugate and Adelaide Pettit.
Tim Archer, the service learning teacher, thanked the students and many people who contributed to the book, providing documents, photos and other information.
Archer’s class has done several preservation projects in the community in the past two decades, including at Mount Albion.
Some historical facts about the cemetery include:
The Village Board appointed committee on April 12, 1842 to find land suitable for a public cemetery.
Mount Albion established on Sept. 7, 1843 with Marvin Potter serving as the landscape engineer.
First lots for Mount Albion sold on Sept. 11, 1843.
More than 25,000 graves
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 27, 1976, first site in Orleans County to go on the list.
310 obelisks, 1,167 trees, three entrances, eight mausoleums, 10 hitching posts, six horse foot stompers and nine marble slabs in the Civil War memorial tower.
68-foot high tower, in honor 466 Orleans County residents killed in the Civil War
The First Baptist Church in 1859 offering vault to cemetery to store bodies during the winter. • • In 1881, the sandstone archway with iron gates constructed at the entrance.
More recently, in 1982 the spring house and lagoon were dedicated to firefighters who have departed from the Albion Fire Department.
In 2022, the cemetery was officially accredited as an arboretum with over 1,100 trees and 66 species.
The book includes highlights of about 50 notable residents of the cemetery. Rufus Bullock, who was elected governor of Georgia in 1868, is among those included. More recently, Craig H. Anderson was buried in the cemetery in 1973. He died of leukemia following his senior year after a standout career in Albion as a student athlete. The high school gym is named in his honor. Donna Rodden, a former Albion mayor who advocated for historical preservation, died in 1985. The cemetery chapel is dedicated in her memory.
25 miles of avenues, roads, walks and pathways
The book also lists about 80 other cemeteries in the county, including several with less than 10 burials.
There also is a list of caretakers and superintendents in the cemetery’s history. Jason Zicari has served in the role for 27 years since 1996. (Archer thanked Zicari, the superintendent foreman, for his dedication to the upkeep of the cemetery. “This is a beautiful place,’ Archer said. “It is not easy to maintain.”)
Matt Ballard, a former Orleans County historian who now works at Davidson College in North Carolina, wrote the epilogue for the book. He also spoke during Saturday’s ceremony.
“This cemetery stands not only as a sanctuary for the mourning, but as a destination for community gathering and shared experience,” Ballard writes in the book’s epilogue. “Despite the common end for all those who rest eternally within the gates of Mount Albion, the grounds represent both an end and a beginning, where those who are gone are never forgotten.”
Ballard, during his remarks, said walking in Mount Albion in the spring, when the flowers and trees are in bloom, “is one of my most cherished memories.”
DAR members attended the celebration, including from left Patrice Berner, the chapter’s treasurer and a national officer; Penny Nice, a member and state officer; and Sharon Schneider, the local DAR regent.
The DAR was happy to contribute to the project highlighting Mount Albion.
“Our objectives are education, historic preservation and patriotism, and this fits those objectives,” Nice said about the book.
Penny Nice of the DAR thanked the students and Mr. Archer for their work on the book celebrating Mount Albion Cemetery. Behind here are Boy Scouts from Troop 164 – Jax Gotte, Stryker Braley and Owen Monaghan.
Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, led a tour of Mount Albion after the book unveiling. Here Lattin and the group stop by the grave of Stewart John Flintham. His collection of bird eggs from more than a century ago is on display at Hoag Library. Flintham was killed in a California forest fire in 1925.
They are shown just west of the chapel. Lattin noted that structure is symmetrical and one of the chimneys is fake and was included to give balance to the building.
Lattin also discusses Amos Clift and the statue of a dog that is symbolically guarding Clift’s grave. Clift’s gravestone and the dog were recently cleaned are are nearly white, compared to others nearby that need a cleaning. Clift was a farmer by the canal in the Gaines Basin. He died in 1872.
Lattin shared many anecdotes, humorous and poignant, about other residents in the cemetery in a 45-minute tour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2023 at 10:39 pm
Jeremy Graham takes over as new fire chief for AFD
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion Deputy Chief John Papponetti, left, and outgoing Fire Chief Rob Conner present the firefighter of the year award to Emma Klaver during the ALD installation banquet and awards presentation on Saturday evening at the Carlton Rec Hall.
Klaver was praised for completing training to serve as an interior and exterior firefighter, and also as an EMT (emergency medical technician).
Klaver, 19, joined the department almost two years ago and pushed to complete training to better serve the department an community. She is among the top responders for the fire department, and also works full-time for Mercy Flight EMS based in Albion. She also is working on a college degree in equestrian management.
“When I join something I like to push it as far as I can go,” she said.
Klaver said she has made many friends through the Albion Fire Department and Mercy Flight, and the groups have been very welcoming.
She joined the fire department partly through her boyfriend AJ Fisher’s involvement. He was the department firefighter of the year for 2021-22. Klaver also said she was inspired by her grandfather Paul Gillette, a long-time member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company.
Jeremy Graham, shown in this file photo from January 2018, is the fire department’s new chief, taking over for Rob Conner, who served two years in the role. Graham’s term was effective beginning May 1.
Graham, 43, was the department first lieutenant in 2022-23, and previously served five years as a deputy chief.
He joined the department soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, including 343 New York City firefighters.
Graham works as a maintenance mechanic for the Village of Albion water treatment plant. He will lead a fire department that responds to about 500 to 600 calls a year.
“I like the Albion people and it’s rewarding to help the other people in their time of need.”
Graham will represent the fire department at Village Board meetings, monthly firehouse meetings and with the County Fire Advisory Board and with the Fire Chiefs’ Association. He praised the commitment of 50 active volunteer firefighters in the department, and also said the AFD has an experienced and dedicated group of officers.
Fred Piano presents Dylan Marx with EMS Responder of the Year.
Steven Papponetti, left, accepts the officer of the year award from Rob Conner, the outgoing fire chief.
Nathan Bloom, the Albion Fire Department president, presented the president’s award to his wife Chrissy for all of her support helping him in the role. She serves as the secretary on the department’s executive committee.
Rob Conner, right, presented a “Chief’s Award” to John Papponetti. Conner also said a “Chief’s Award” will go to Jeremy Babcock. Conner said the Papponetti and Babcock are instrumental in responding to many calls and with the departments leadership.
Babcock was unable to attend the annual banquet on Saturday. He was the department’s top responder in 2022-23. The top 10 responders based on percentage of calls, training and meetings include Babcock, followed by AJ Fisher, Rob Conner, Austin Zobel, Dylan Marks, Brianna Caldwell, John Papponetti, Fred Piano, Allyson Irwin and Steven Papponetti.
Justin Niederhofer (left) leads the officers and executive committee in taking their oaths of office. Niederhofer is the county’s emergency management coordinator.
The 2023-24 fire company officers include:
Jeremy Graham as chief
John Papponetti as deputy chief
James Peruzzini Jr. as assistant chief
Steven Papponetti as captain
Matt Francis as first lieutenant
Fred Piano as second lieutenant
Jeremy Babcock as third lieutenant
Harry Papponetti as chief mechanic
Brianna Caldwell as EMS lieutenant.
The 2023-24 executive committee includes:
Nathan Bloom as president
James Harris as vice president
Kristen Marciszewski as financial secretary
Kelly Irwin as assistant treasurer
Christine Bloom as secretary
Janet Cheverie, Dylan Marx and Kristen Marciszewski as directors.
Years of Service Awards:
5 years – Chrissy Bloom, Kristen Marciszewski, Nick Pahura and Paul Urquhart
10 years – Jeremy Babcock, Andrew Cheverie, Janet Cheverie, Dawn Marciszewski, Susan Papponetti, Jim Peruzzini, Beau Piskorowski and Barb Szklany.
15 years – Adam Fisher and Will Francis Jr.
20 years – Jenny Johnston
25 years – Scott Papponetti
40 Years – Mike Salvatore
45 years – Tim Irwin
Jeremy Graham, Albion’s new fire chief at left, presents a charred flag with a picture of outgoing Fire Chief Rob Conner with his wife Amber who is an Albion firefighter, son Hunter who is a Carlton firefighter, and young sons Lucas and Brantley. Dale Banker, second from left, served as the master of ceremonies and John Papponetti, the deputy chief, assisted with the presentation.
Rob Conner hugs Jeremy Graham after receiving the gift from the department in appreciation for his two years as fire chief.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 May 2023 at 11:16 am
MEDINA – Bright sunshine and warm weather brought a steady stream of visitors to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
The market has been set up all winter in the former NAPA Auto Parts Store owned by Craig Lacy, and plans to stay there for the summer. Lacy is hoping to find a use for the building, and at such time, the market would return to its former location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.
The summer season officially begins June 3, and will have new features and new vendors, Miller said.
Vendors from throughout the Medina area will offer a variety of foods, entertainment and activities.
Current vendors, some of which are regulars and others which come every other week, are Baker Farm, meat eggs and garlic powder; Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse, micro greens; Catherine Street Bakers, baked goods and jams; Dot’s Pantry (every other week), specialty savory relishes, jams, dressings and chutney; Flint’s Maple Products; Gardner’s Gardens Gourmet jams, fudge, cakes, herb blends and gourmet popcorn; Heartland Organics, mushrooms, organic coffee with Lions’ Mane, dried ground mushrooms and mushroom jerky; and Human Farms, asparagus and rhubarb (in season),eggs, chicken, barbecue sauce, spices, flower and tomato plants and other seasonal vegetables.
Also, LockRidge Apiary, honey; LynOaken Farms, 810 Meadworks, Black Button Distilling, Schulze Vineyards and Wintery and Mountain Mule Ciderhouse; Panek’s Pickin’ Patch, fruits and vegetables; and Flower Fields Forever, flower bouquets.
(Left) Erica Waniecski, left, and Michael Klepp, both Master Gardeners, manned the non-profit table for Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. (Right) Canal Village Farmers’ Market manager Gail Miller watches Chloe Hill, 10, and Tegan Hill, 8, choose a prize for completing a scavenger hunt at the market on Saturday.
Dot’s Pantry also has several favorite items, including local cheese and Buffalo pepper products, as well as taking orders for perogies.
In addition, a space is reserved each week for a non-profit which wants to set up an informational table. Oak Orchard Health, Orleans Community Health and Master Gardeners are some who take advantage of this opportunity to inform the public, and more are being scheduled, Miller said.
This week, the community booth featured Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners, Erica Wanecski and Michael Klepp, who provided information on spring lawn care, pollinating, insects and native plants.
Cathie Valley oversees a Kids’ Tent, which provides fun activities for young children who accompany their parents to the market. A scavenger hunt keeps children busy and provides an opportunity to win a prize for finding all the items.
Arts and crafts will also be available at the market, including Rust and Dust Fabrication, 3BeesWax, pottery and more.
Randy Reese with Canalside Radio will begin broadcasting from the market on June 10.
Local realtor Rita Zambito will sponsor music at the market, featuring local musicians and groups.
The market is sponsored by Orleans Renaissance Group. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2023 at 8:35 am
MEDINA – A real estate office has opened on Main Street in Medina for Howard Hanna, a company with a big real estate presence in the northeast.
Howard Hanna has nearby offices in Lockport, Batavia and Brockport. Matthew Kennedy thought an office was needed in Medina. Kennedy was working out of Howard Hanna’s Lockport office.
The company agreed to a Medina site, and Kennedy pushed for a spot on Main Street. His late father, Don Kennedy, served as Medina’s mayor and for many years ran the Kennedy Brothers clothing store on Main Street.
“I saw the pride he had in Medina,” Matthew said during an interview at the office on Saturday, which was the grand opening for Howard Hanna at 534 Main St., Suite 20.
Kennedy’s first job was working for his father cleaning windows at Kennedy Brothers.
“He taught me to treat people right and take pride in your community,” Matthew said.
He was working for Brunner on the third shift when he decided to pursue a real estate license nine years ago. He wanted more balance in his life and work. He is thankful for his first six years with Zambito Realtors (now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito, REALTORS.).
“They were great to work with,” Kennedy said. “They taught me how to be a real realtor. I owe them a lot.”
Kennedy joined Keller Williams, the largest real estate company in the world, for two years but Kennedy said that firm isn’t well known in Medina and the nearby area.
He joined Howard Hanna in December 2021 and focused on Lewiston and Niagara County where the sale prices tend to be higher. Howard Hanna in recent years acquired two well-known WNY real estate companies, Buffalo-based Realty USA and Rochester-based Nothnagle Realtors.
Kennedy, a Middleport resident, said the prices took a dramatic turn, going way up in Orleans and eastern Niagara, improving the chances for a better livelihood for the real estate agents.
He also saw a need for an office in Medina, and pitched it to Howard Hanna. The Medina site is a satellite for the Lockport office, with Jim Watson of Medina serving as manager of the two sites.
Kennedy said the Medina office is a base for him, and two other real estate agents, Nicole DeRosa and of Kent and Patty Schutt of Medina.
They can meet with clients to review listings, prepare listings and go over contracts and other paperwork.
Kennedy also believes being on Main Street offers great exposure for the company.
Nicole DeRosa became a licensed real estate agent in July. She also was working long hours at Brunner and wanted more flexibility with her schedule.
Patty Schutt of Medina is the niece of Raymond Bates, who once ran Lyndonville Realty. Schutt said she enjoys showing houses to prospective buyers, seeing their excitement while hunting for a home.
“I enjoy the people, and helping them to find their dream home,” she said.
Although home prices are up, Schutt said there is a shortage of inventory.
“There are many buyers but not enough homes,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2023 at 10:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Saul Harrison cooks chicken and ribs this afternoon behind the Cone Zone in Albion at 317 East Ave. Today was opening day for Daisy’s Sweet Sauce.
Harrison started the business as a tribute to his late mother. He has cooked ribs and chicken for family and friends, and for barbecues at Shiloh Church. He makes his own sauces – barbecue, Liquid Gold and butterscotch. Cooking for other people makes him think of his mother, and how she loved to cook for her family, even when she was going through dialysis. She would make family members their favorite meal when it was their birthdays.
“It’s enjoyment to feed people and get their reaction,” Harrison said.
Saul Harrison and his wife Connie take a brief pause during a busy first day for Daisy’s Sweet Sauce. They sold about 100 dinners in the first two hours. Staci Palmer is in back cooking the chicken and ribs.
Harrison and his family will be behind the Cone Zone on Saturdays from 1 p.m. until sold out, and also will be there on some Fridays.
Harrison works full-time for the county as a youth care worker, and also three night shifts for Walmart during the week.
He will promote other organizations and efforts in the community at Daisy’s Sweet Sauce, including recruiting for foster parents. “We’re in dire need,” he said.
Saul Harrison stands a banner that shows him with his late parents, Saul and Daisy.
The meals from Daisy’s Sweet Sauce will typically include salt potatoes and cowboy beans as sides.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2023 at 5:09 pm
MEDINA – Cruise-ins in the Canal Basin have been a Friday night tradition in Medina for more than 25 years.
Dave Green of Medina has been involved since very early on, and for many years has organized the summer event. The first one of this season will be June 9. Official start is 5:30 to 7:30, but cars start arriving as early as 4 p.m., Green said.
Boy Scout Troop 35 will be in the basin, cooking hot dogs and hamburgers during the month of August. Green is waiting to confirm who will do the cooking in June and July.
Each Friday features 50/50 drawings, half of which goes to United Way of Orleans County, the event sponsor. DJ Hank Nevins provides the music weekly.
Between 80 and 100 cars visit the Canal Basin for the cruise-ins, with as many as 300 at the Super Cruise, which ends the summer event this year on Aug. 23 on Main Street. Terry Buchwald as Elvis will return to entertain at Super Cruise. Rain date is Aug. 24.
Peter Castricone of Medina wouldn’t miss a Friday night, he said. He has owned a 1991 Camaro convertible for nearly six years, but decided it was time to trade, and recently purchased a 1961 Olds Cutlass convertible (which he calls a “ragtop”) in mint condition. He and his friend Vicky Albone are looking forward to spending Friday nights visiting with other “gearheads” in the basin.
“I try to get there every Friday night,” Castricone said. “I love talking to all the guys about all the cars. Ninety percent of our conversations are about cars.”
“Some of the cars are amazing,” Albone said.
She enjoys the evenings as much as the guys.
Green has owned a variety of classic cars. His most recent is a 1973 Cougar Convertible.
Let’s continue on with the next stop on my recent Texas Adventure. If you didn’t get to read the first article in this series, either scroll back two weeks to find what I wrote about the Houston area OR put “Houston” in the search box to bring it up. Part Two in the series is all about Galveston, TX.
Day Three of my trip – it was a Wednesday – I left Conroe, TX after breakfast and drove about 90 miles south on I-45 to Galveston. One of my main goals for this adventure was to visit a Gulf Coast city so I could get some good seafood and I chose Galveston. It turned out to be a good choice.
The city of Galveston is situated on Galveston Island – a barrier island off the Texas Gulf Coast near the mainland. The island is oriented generally northeast-southwest, with the Gulf of Mexico on the east and south, West Bay on the west, and Galveston Bay on the north side. The island’s main access point from the mainland is the Interstate Highway 45 causeway.
Something you really need to be prepared for when going to Galveston is that most of the parking is paid parking – either paid lots or metered parking on the streets. And, I don’t know about off seasons, but the traffic was really heavy while I was there and I imagine during peak seasons it is even worse with everyone trying to get as close to the beaches and attractions as possible – it is a small island. Because of the traffic and parking, there weren’t a lot of safe places to pull over for quick photos, which I was sad about. But, I have my memories! It really is a beautiful island and I’m sorry I only planned to spend one day/night there.
I spent most of my time driving all over the island – mostly along the Seawall Blvd so that I could check out the beaches and see as much of the island as I could. It was a gorgeous day to be near the water and to take a nice cruise on Galveston Bay.
I had booked a Dolphin Cruise on Galveston Bay. I love water tours and tend to look for them whenever I’m in an area with an interesting shoreline, lake, river, or the like. It is always great to see the area from the water! The cruise took off from Pier 21. I got there a bit early, so I wandered around the pier and decided to have lunch at Willie G’s Steaks and Seafood right on the pier. They had outdoor seating and I enjoyed an amazing lunch of shrimp cocktail and lobster bites (tempura battered chunks of lobster) and a glass of sweet tea! It was so delicious – I was in heaven – it was a great way to check off “eat some good seafood” from the list of goals for the adventure.
On the cruise, we saw several dolphins, pelicans, and other water birds. There was a pirate ship replica docked at Pier 21 as well as a tall ship. The coolest thing we saw on the cruise was the SS Selma – a WWI concrete tanker ship that was scuttled in shallow waters in Galveston Bay in 1920. The ship was made entirely of concrete and sits in the bay partially submerged and partially up out of the water. They attempted to pull it to shore, but there was too much damage to it, so they decided to just leave it there as a warning to other ships of the shallow waters in the bay. If you have your own boat, you can anchor near it and swim over to board it and explore. We also got a glimpse of the USS Texas battleship that is dry docked in Galveston Bay undergoing repairs to the floating museum. The USS Texas is the only battleship that survived both WWI and WWII and is one of the oldest surviving naval ships, having turned 100 years old in 2014.
The hotel I chose was the LaQuinta Galveston West Seawall. It was an awesome choice that I would definitely recommend if you’re in Galveston. It wasn’t technically “waterfront”, so the price was a tad less expensive than the waterfront hotels, but it was right behind a row of waterfront ones, so it was just a short walk to the beaches across Seawall Blvd – GREAT location! The hotel was clean and comfortable, had a very good free breakfast, and an amazing shower! Great choice!
One attraction I wish I had known about sooner was Moody Gardens! It has pyramids with aquariums and a tunnel that you walk through while sharks swim all around and above you, monkeys that wander around loose, and other cool stuff to do. But, I learned about it while on the cruise – our guides talked about it. I looked it up and the tickets were very pricey – too much to make it worth it to pay for entry so late in the day.
But, I think it is something to definitely look into putting on any agenda for a visit to Galveston. There are also piers that go out into the Gulf of Mexico that have rides and restaurants and shops all along them. Lots of stuff to do…..if only I had allowed more time there! But — I really just wanted to see the coast and eat seafood, so I wasn’t thinking about maybe wanting to do other things, too! Hahaha But, my mind is racing with thoughts of taking a cruise ship out of Galveston sometime so that I can spend a couple days leading up to or after the cruise doing some of the things I missed on this trip. Hhhhmmm – yep, a definite possibility.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 May 2023 at 8:32 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health stepped up to show their appreciation of nurses, by honoring them at a brunch Friday morning at Medina Memorial Hospital.
More than 40 current and retired nurses attended the event, which surgical nurse Kim Gray says will be an annual event.
Former Medina resident Jane Punch came from Florida. She was director of nursing during her career at the hospital. She started working at the hospital through BOCES in 1973 and 1974.
“I loved every minute of it,” Punch said. “This is the gang that kept it all together all those years.”
Rebecca Mannella first came to work at the hospital in 1993 as director of cardiac services. She left and returned in 2015 when she became director of nurses for the North Wing and employee health nurse.
(Left) Debbie Guild, Charlie Smith and Mary Williams were classmates in nursing school. They all went on to work at Medina Memorial Hospital. They shared memories at the nurses’ brunch Friday morning. (Right) Mary Dunn, a nurse on the surgical floor, hugs Dorothy Casey, who worked 42 years as a nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Elaine and Charlie Smith are both registered nurses. She worked in maternity for 20 years and Charlie is still employed there. He has done just about everything, from working in the ER, as ICU/ER supervisor and occasional shifts on the North Wing.
Dorothy Casey started at the hospital as a nurses’ aide and went on to become a licensed practical nurse. She would have 42 years of service when she retired in 2005. She continued as a nurse for Dr. Thomas Madejski several years after that.
Three registered nurses who attended went to nursing school together. Then, after graduating in 1973, Mary Williams, Debbie Guild and Charlie Smith all ended up working at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Williams’ daughter Kate Brauen is currently director of pharmacy at the hospital. Williams was born at the hospital, she said.
Another nurse who attended was Brenda Sidari, wife of Medina mayor Mike Sidari. During her 30 years there, she worked in every department, including supervisor of the ER.
Everyone had such a good time and the turnout was so great, they will definitely be making this an annual event, according to Gray.
(Left) Joanne Bracey of Medina and Jane Punch of Florida share old times at the nurses’ recognition brunch Friday morning. (Right) Four nurses at Medina Memorial Hospital enjoyed catching up at the brunch Friday morning to honor nurses. From left are Leighann VanAuker, Darlene Etheridge, Dorothy Casey and Joanne Bracey.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2023 at 8:03 am
Provided photos from Sue Delmege
MURRAY – A pickup truck overturned after hitting a house on Ridge Road on Friday afternoon.
The driver fell asleep and went off the south side of the road, and hit the house at 15908 Ridge Rd. A mother and her two toddlers were inside and weren’t harmed but have been shaken from the incident, a family member said. They were moments from going outside to play in the spot where the truck rolled over.
The driver was treated for head injuries. There is structural damage to the corner of the house.
First responders were called to the scene at 12:57 p.m. No other information is available.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 May 2023 at 10:02 pm
MEDINA – Spring has sprung, and that signals the start of the tourism season.
To prepare, Jim Hancock, chair of the Medina Tourism Committee, has announced the opening of the Visitors’ Center in Rotary Park.
The center will officially open May 22, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Labor Day.
Currently, 16 volunteers have signed up to serve at the center, including Shari Cassidy of Medina and Ruth Cleveland of Medina and San Francisco.
Cassidy likes volunteering to help worthy causes, such as the PAWS Animal Shelter and Medina Area Association of Churches, and decided last year to help the Visitors’ Center.
“I love to walk and have come here a few times to pick up some brochures on the walking tours around the village,” Cassidy said.
Cleveland is a new volunteer and looking forward to the interesting people she will meet.
“Besides, she’s very friendly, and knows a lot,” Hancock said.
“This is a great town to come to,” Cleveland said. “It will be fun sharing it with people who come through and tell them about what is taking place here. I am real interested in the sandstone history here and my eyes open when I’m traveling and see a building and wonder if it is Medina sandstone.”
The Visitors’ Center was opened in 2009 and operated in several places in Medina until finding its permanent home in the Santa house in Rotary Park. This year, for the convenience of volunteers and visitors, a portable john with a sink will be set up in the alley next to the park. It is scheduled to arrive on June 12.
More volunteers are always welcome, and work three-hour shifts – from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Hancock said.
Last year a record 428 people signed the guest book, representing 38 states and eight foreign countries, including Namibia, Africa, and Lithuania.
Rosalind Lind was on duty the day the African visitor stopped, and they struck up a friendship. They have been corresponding ever since, Hancock said.
According to the 2023 County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Genesee and Orleans Counties rank 42nd and 55th respectively in overall Health Outcomes. The rankings are available at 
Let’s go on an adventure together….to Galveston!
I had booked a Dolphin Cruise on Galveston Bay. I love water tours and tend to look for them whenever I’m in an area with an interesting shoreline, lake, river, or the like. It is always great to see the area from the water! The cruise took off from Pier 21. I got there a bit early, so I wandered around the pier and decided to have lunch at Willie G’s Steaks and Seafood right on the pier. They had outdoor seating and I enjoyed an amazing lunch of shrimp cocktail and lobster bites (tempura battered chunks of lobster) and a glass of sweet tea! It was so delicious – I was in heaven – it was a great way to check off “eat some good seafood” from the list of goals for the adventure.
MEDINA – Spring has sprung, and that signals the start of the tourism season.
