Provided photos: Master Gardener Mark Tucker has extensive vegetable gardening experience and will be offering his Master Your Garden class on Tomatoes on June 3.

Press Release, Master Gardeners of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension

KNOWLESVILLE – The Master Gardeners of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension have finalized the lineup for their annual educational series, “Master Your Garden”.

The classes are all taught by Master Gardener volunteers or local professionals. Each class focuses on a different topic related to gardening. Topics range from important concepts in sustainability  (‘Less is More Lawn Care’ and ‘Functional Hedgerows’), to gardening for food (‘Edible Landscaping’ and ‘Tomatoes’) and flowers (‘Summer Bulbs’ and ‘Language of Flowers’).

Jena Buckwell, a long-time volunteer with the Master Gardener program, will be teaching the first two classes in the series –  ‘Wonderful Weeds’ on Feb. 4 and ‘Functional Hedgerows’ on March 4. Both classes will focus on ways to look at common landscape elements through a different lens, to see benefits and resources that are often overlooked.

“I chose these topics because I think that expanding our views on where and how we provide for our own needs is important,” Buckwell explained. “Growing plants for our own immediate needs – whether it’s to feed ourselves, grow our own heat, or provide building and craft materials – doesn’t need to be mutually exclusive from our goals of providing habitat for wildlife, protecting water and air quality, or from having something beautiful to look at. It can happen in the same space if we take notice of the resources right under our noses and get a bit creative with how we interact with the landscapes that we are part of.”

Jena Buckwell is one of the most frequent speakers in the Master Your Garden series, offering thought-provoking and thorough classes to the public.

The ‘Wonderful Weeds’ class will explore ways to shift the often unrealistic goal of complete elimination of weeds to understanding a bit more of what certain weeds might tell us about the growing conditions and soil health, as well as embracing the positive aspects of weeds such as pollinator food and shelter, human food, erosion control, etc.

In the ‘Functional Hedgerows’ class, Buckwell will highlight ideas and tips of how to manage existing hedgerows or implement new ones that offer advantages to humans, wildlife, and the ecosystem as a whole.

That same concept of incorporating plants with various benefits into existing landscapes or deliberate gardens is echoed by Master Gardener Kristina Gabalski who is leading the Edible Landscapes class with fellow Master Gardener Volunteer Lydia Fernandez on October 7th.

“I just think it’s so interesting that plants serve so many different functions.” Gabalski said. “You can have a very visually pleasing landscape but also reap a harvest from the same space. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds, wild edibles – there are just so many levels of value that plants can offer to us.”

In addition to the practical benefits of plants, many gardeners appreciate the joy and aesthetic value of a beautiful flower garden. In the ‘Language of Flowers’ class on Aug. 5, Master Gardener Brenda Radzinski will touch on the history of how people in the Victorian Times would assign meanings or sentiments to specific flowers or herbs and then arrange bouquets or nosegays that would convey a hidden message to the recipient. Participants will be able to make their own bouquet to take home.

Sue Starkweather Miller shows how to dig up Dahlia tubers in the 2022 Master Your Garden class on the popular flower.

Participants who attended the ‘Dahlia’ class in in the 2022 MYG class series can further their knowledge in the ‘Summer Bulbs’ class on April 1. Master Gardener Sue Starkweather Miller will be teaching participants how to get a head start on non-hardy garden favorites like Dahlias, Caladium and Canna Lilies.

“I am a big fan of dahlias, which can take 100-plus days to begin blooming. I like to start them early because we have a shorter growing season for summer blooming bulbs and tubers,” said Starkweather Miller. “I enjoy this process and thought a class on how to jump start plants indoors might be helpful and interesting to home gardeners.”

Always popular presenter Michael Klepp will also be leading two classes this season – ‘Mason Bees’ on July 1 and ‘Plan, Prepare, Plant and Prosper with Trees and Shrubs’ on Sept. 2, and local business owner Kathleen Contrino of CW Native Plant Farm in Akron will be teaching all about native plants and planting seeds at the end of the growing season in her Winter Sowing class on November 4th.

“I’m so excited about this year’s class lineup, “ said MG Volunteer coordinator Katie Oakes, “There’s something of interest for every kind of gardener. Our volunteers are so knowledgeable and they each have their own passions and niche experiences that they want to share with the public.”

For a full list of the classes with descriptions, visit https://orleans.cce.cornell.edu/.  All classes are held the first Saturday of the month, February through November, at 10am at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion, NY.  Optional $5 donation per class. For more details or to register for any class, please call 585-798-4265 or email Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu.

The Language of Flowers class has been popular in the past, with participants choosing flowers and herbs based on their Victorian meaning to gather a bouquet with a hidden message.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Scott Wengewicz started as the Shelby town supervisor on Dec. 13. He is pictured after Thursday night’s organizational meeting for the town, where appointments and salaries were set for 2023.

SHELBY – Scott Wengewicz, the new Shelby town supervisor, doesn’t have much interest in being involved in politics.

But he is willing to serve his town and community.

Wengewicz was appointed Shelby’s town supervisor in Dec. 13. He applied for the position after Jeff Smith stepped down as town supervisor on Oct. 12. Steve Seitz Sr. then filled in as acting town supervisor for the next two months.

Wengewicz, 59, is retired from a 30-year career as a Border Patrol agent. He has opened two businesses in downtown Medina. Mystic Dragon’s Lair at 339 North Main St. started in February 2020, offering quartz, gemstones, crystals and other products.

In November, he opened Patriot Guns next to Mystic Dragon. Patriot Guns sells guns, ammunition, camping supplies, hiking equipment and freeze-dried foods. His daughter-in-law Cassandra Wengewicz manages the two sites.

Wengewicz also is a commercial beekeeper with 480 beehives.

He didn’t pay too much attention to Shelby town business until late summer with reports that Borrego Energy proposed two wind turbines at 633 feet tall on land owned by the Smith family on Route 63. Jeff Smith was the town supervisor at the time and recused himself from town deliberations on the matter.

The issue has proven been divisive in Shelby and drew packed crowds to town meetings, especially a hearing on Sept. 13.

Wengewicz watched that hearing through a video that was livestreamed. That hearing on Sept. 13 was adjourned and needs to be reconvened. Wengewicz wants to address the issue again but not until there is a full five-member Town Board. Ryan Wilkins, the former deputy town supervisor, also resigned soon after that hearing which was about possible environmental issues and impacts with the turbine project.

The board will soon do interviews for people who expressed interest and applied for the vacant councilman position.

“We want to get it done as soon as possible,” Wengewicz said about filling the vacancy.

Once there is a full five-member board, Wengewicz said he expects that public hearing will be completed and a review of the project will go forward.

The board also needs to fill another opening with the resignation of Dawn Keppler as town justice on Dec. 2 after being in the role since 1999.

Wengewicz said he wanted to address one of the main complaints about residents during the meetings about the turbines. Many said they didn’t know about the project and other issues facing the town.

Shelby now has a Facebook page for the town. As of this afternoon it has 653 followers. Wengewicz and Shelby officials used the page to provide frequent updates during the blizzard from Dec. 23-25.

The town also has an messaging system where people can sign up for texts and emails about emergencies or other important notices in the town. Click here for more information.

A redesigned town web site also is nearly complete, Wengewicz said.

He is planning to be available to meet with community members at the Medina Senior Center and perhaps some Saturdays at the town hall, just so people can meet him and share some of their concerns. He wants to have those meet-and-greet opportunities because there wasn’t a public campaign for him to become the town supervisor.

“No one got to vote for me,” he said.

Wengewicz already has had one surprise since taking office. He didn’t know there was any pay for the position. It comes with a $10,878 salary.

Shelby is still down one board member and will soon try to fill the vacancy following the resignation of Ryan Wilkins. Pictured from left (going over resolutions at Thursday’s meeting) include Town Clerk Darlene Rich, Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz and Town Board members Steve Seitz, John Pratt and Ed Zelazny.

The Town Board approved appointments during the organizational meeting on Jan. 5, including:

• Steve Seitz as deputy town supervisor.
• Miranda Bennett as bookkeeper/confidential secretary to the town supervisor, human resources manager and IT program manager.
• Dan Wolfe as code enforcement officer.
• Bill Bacon as acting highway superintendent in the absence of Dale Root, the highway superintendent.
• Dave Moden as fire warden.
• Debbie Taylor as fire inspector.
• Dale Root to serve as cemetery administrator of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
• Don Lonnen as cemetery administrator of Millville Cemetery.
• Claudell Grimes as dog control officer.
• Christopher Woodruff as water superintendent.
• Darlene Rich as marriage officer, tax collector, registrar of vital records and records management officer.
• Dorothy Nolan as fair housing officer, deputy town clerk, deputy tax collector, deputy registrar of vital statistics and records management clerk.
• Claude Grimes, Paul Gray and Mike Reese as part-time town and court constables.
• Kirk Myhill as Planning Board chairman.
• Craig Lacy as Zoning Board chairman.
• Jeff Clark as town attorney.
• Councilman Steve Seitz as the department coordinator to the highway department and the liaison to the Orleans County Legislature.
• Councilman John Pratt as department coordinator to the town court judges, as liaison to the Village of Medina, and also will represent Shelby on the Joint Youth Commission.
• Councilman Ed Zelazny will serve on the Ambulance Committee and also the Senior Citizens’ Advisory Board.
• Supervisor Scott Wengewicz as department coordinator to the town clerk.
• Lake Country Media as the official newspaper.
• Bank of Castile as the official depository for the Town of Shelby.

Tim Petry, president of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, presents a plaque for 50 years of membership to Rick Quackenbush.

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 54th annual installation banquet Saturday night was one of tears – tears of joy for celebrating two member’s 50 years as a firefighter and tears when reflecting on a fatal house fire to which firefighters responded in June.

Dale Watts was master of ceremonies for the evening, which began with a welcome from company president Tim Petry and introduction of invited guests and local dignitaries.

The fire company and auxiliary each lost a member during 2022. A brief ceremony paid tribute to Gary Williams and Gwen Way.

Each also acquired one new member during the past year.

Howard Watts presided at ceremonies installing new officers for 2023. Executive board officers are Tim Petry, president; John Palmer, vice president; Kirk Myhill, treasurer; Tiffany Petry, secretary; Dale Watts, sergeant-at-arms; Karl Haist Jr., chaplain; Phil Keppler, assistant chaplain; and Kali Sturtevant, steward.

Trustees elected are Bill Luckman, three years; Andy Benz, two years; and Gary Lamar, one year.

The Executive Board and Firematic officers are sworn in by Howard Watts during Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 54th annual installation banquet Saturday night.

Firematic officers are David Moden, chief; Scott Petry, deputy chief; Zach Petry, assistant chief; Crystal Luckman, firematic captain; Hunter Sturtevant, firematic lieutenant; and Tiffany Petry, EMS captain.

New officers of the Ladies’ Auxiliary are Elaine Watts, president; Patricia Fuller, vice president; Robin Watts, secretary; Lori Myhill, treasurer; Marion Fry, chaplain; Kali Sturtevant, trustee for one year; and Mary Herbert, trustee for two years.

Members of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary take the oath of office during the installation banquet Saturday night.

Awards presentations began with Tim Petry choosing Bill Luckman as recipient of his President’s Award.

Outgoing chief Jason Watts thanked Dale Banker for his dedication as Emergency Management coordinator and congratulated his replacement, Justin Niederhofer. Then Watts announced his choice for the Chief’s Award.

Outgoing Shelby Fire Chief Jason Watts, left, congratulates David Moden, newly elected chief who was recipient of the Chief’s Award.

“Thirty years ago, David Moden presented me with the Chief’s Award and tonight I present it to him,” Jason Watts said.

He went on to explain he had intended to give up the position as chief last year when he accepted a job as head of Medina’s Department of Public Works.

“I thought I could manage both,” Jason said. “When I needed him, David stepped in and picked up the slack.”

He also commended Zach Petry, Scott Petry, and Tiffany Petry, who kept equipment and training up to par.

Jason went on to describe the heartbreak when the department responded to a fire June 21, in which a young man lost his life.

“We got the call there was a house fire on Freeman Road, and people were trapped and jumping out windows,” Watts said. “We had two trucks on the road within minutes and others from Medina. Everyone on our team knew we did everything we could, yet a 22-year-old perished.”

This was the first fatal house fire Shelby had responded to since 1978, Watts said.

“I was never prouder to be chief of this fire company than during our debriefing after that,” he said. “Tim was in charge of the debriefing. We always claim to be a big family, and it was never more evident than on that day.”

Representatives lined up Saturday night to read proclamations to Howard Watts, third from left, in honor of his 50 years as a member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. At left is Bill Eick, Orleans County Legislature; Andy Polecki, FASNY; Scott Wengewicz, Shelby town supervisor; Howard Watts; State Senator Rob Ortt; and Eileen Banker, chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

He went on to say that what makes a great chief are the firefighters underneath him.

“We are so fortunate to have so many past chiefs to lean on – to offer advice and to look up to,” he said. “One of those people is my dad (Howard Watts), who has shared his knowledge for 50 years. He’s the reason I was convinced to stay on as chief another year, so I could present him with his 50-year plaque.”

The two shared a tearful hug as Jason presented his father with a plaque of the American flag and Shelby Fire Company insignia. Later, all his family gathered around to present Howard with a large mounted gold axe.

Tim Petry asked all the members of the Watts family to stand up. He said all the Watts are always there for any event, and Howard has held every office, except secretary.

A second firefighter, Rick Quackenbush, was also presented a plaque for his 50 years as a Shelby volunteer firefighter.

(Left) Shelby Ladies Auxiliary President Elaine Watts, left, recognized Lori Myhill with the President’s Award at the annual installation banquet Saturday night. (Right) Elaine Watts presents a $5,000 check from the Ladies Auxiliary to president Tim Petry and newly-elected chief David Moden.

Both Watts and Quackenbush received proclamations from representatives of the town of Shelby, Orleans County Legislature, FASNY, Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Ladies’ Auxiliary president Elaine Watts thanked all the ladies and men who helped during the year. She said they are always looking for new members. She chose Lori Myhill for her President’s Award, and also presented a certificate for 20 years membership to Marybeth Koch.

Elaine then presented a check for $5,000 from the Auxiliary to David Moden and Tim Petry for the firemen.

Tim Petry also commended Dale Root, Shelby highway superintendent, and his crew of Rusty Hofmeister and Bill Wolter for their work in clearing the roads during the blizzard from Dec. 23-25.

Others who were acknowledged were Steve Seitz, who has chaired the annual gun raffle fundraiser for 30 years; outgoing officers, Dawn Petry and Joe Kyle; Jay Grasso, grant writer, as “Friend of the Fire Company” and Crystal Luckman who chaired the banquet.

Tim Petry, right, commends the Shelby Highway Department for their efforts during the recent blizzard. From left in back are Rusty Hofmeister, highway superintendent Dale Root and Bill Wolter. Seated in front are Dale Watts and Dawn Petry.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3, No. 1

Reporting to the Orleans County Board of Supervisors in 1923, County Executive Nurse, Grace B. Gillette, reported 18 deaths due to tuberculosis in the county from October 1922 – October 1923.

One of the oldest known human diseases, tuberculosis was so named for the nodules or tubercles which developed on the tissues, especially the lungs. Victims suffered from debilitating lung pain, hacking, bloody coughs and fatigue.

In 1882, scientist Robert Koch discovered that the disease was not genetic or hereditary but was caused by a highly contagious myobacterium tuberculosis. A public health campaign was soon launched to educate the public on preventive measures such as covering one’s mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.

Nurse Gillette, a graduate of Rochester General Hospital, had been appointed as Secretary of the Orleans County Tuberculosis Association in October 1920, to conduct a tuberculosis survey of the county, present educational programs on the disease and promote sales of Christmas seals.

Her report to the Board of Supervisors in 1923 reflected her diligent work towards the prevention and elimination of this debilitating disease in Orleans County:

• Visits to homes of deaths regarding disinfection: 12
• Cases of tuberculosis visited: 34
• Visits to homes on these cases: 210

She noted that nine patients had been placed in sanitoria. Since Orleans County did not have a sanitarium, patients went to either the state facility at Raybrook, the Niagara County Sanitorium, the Cattaraugus County Sanitorium or the Ontario County Sanitorium.

In addition to co-operating with physicians, social service agents and the Dept. of Health Sanitary Supervisor, the County Tuberculosis Nurse also had to employ tact and discretion in her work. A 1922 memorandum which outlined procedures for County Tuberculosis Nurses advised them to be aware of “the present status of anti-tuberculosis work in the county, local opposition, if any, and cautionary instructions.”

Nurses were also advised to wait for several days or a week before visiting a home immediately after the death or burial of a patient.

Nurse Gillette worked diligently on the educational component of her duties. In the course of 1923, she spoke at 14 Grange meetings, 27 Mother’s Meetings, and held 34 showings of health films at local playhouses and conducted the Modern Health Crusade (a health club) in 84 rural schools. She proposed that forthcoming Christmas seal money should be used for a film machine which could be used in rural districts to show the excellent health films produced by the National Tuberculosis Organization.

It is also interesting to note the role of public schools in this public health initiative 100 years ago. Nurse Gillette noted that all the schools in the county were keeping the Tuberculosis Association Weight Charts on the walls and most teachers were keeping a monthly record, while all students had been weighed at least three times. Loss of weight had been determined to be a symptom of the disease in children. She also noted that 38 rural schools had begun to provide warm lunches to students. These were new developments in the county and resulted no doubt from her assiduous information and education campaign.

(Source: Proceedings of the Orleans County Board of Supervisor’s Report, 1923)

Most adventures start with me at the dining room table with a pile of maps and brochures.

Let’s go on an adventure together….into my Bucket List!

Happy New Year! This edition of Travel Thoughts By Kim kicks off my fourth year of doing these articles. When I was first approached about doing them, I thought there was no way I could come up with interesting things to write about for very long. Well, I guess I was wrong!

I’m often asked “where HAVEN’T you been?” Well, the answer is “a lot of places”! I have an Adventure Bucket List in my head. It never gets smaller because when I complete one and it drops off, I tend to add at least one…..or more…..to the list. My goal when I first started was to try to visit all 50 states and see as much of this beautiful country as I could before I get to the point where traveling just isn’t easy for me to do physically anymore. But, I quickly found out that there is so very much to see and do – it isn’t just a matter of visiting all 50 states. I completed that goal in 2019 and began focusing more on specific adventures and branching out of the United States. 

So, I thought I’d kick off 2023 by sharing with you some of the items that are currently rattling around in my head on that Adventure Bucket List. This is nowhere near a complete list – there’s a lot more I hope to accomplish at some point, but you get the idea. You can follow along to see what, if any, of them get completed and what more I add along the way.

I’ve always felt like I didn’t do Texas the justice it deserves. My time there met all the criteria to check it off the list, but I saw so little of the huge state. So, I really want to go back and see more. I’m thinking maybe flying into Houston, visiting a cousin near there, renting a car and driving to Galveston, San Antonio, Austin, and wherever else I can visit in a reasonable distance and time frame and fly back from wherever I end up.

I loved the time I spent in eastern Iowa and would love to go back. But, this time, I want to visit the western part of the state. In particular, I’d love to see the covered bridges in Madison County, IA. The movie “Bridges of Madison County” was filmed there. Also in that same general area, there is a John Wayne museum, a quilting museum, and other cool sounding things to see and do. Who knows what else I may find while I’m there.

I’ve recently added Midland, Michigan area to the list. Albion’s world famous Santa Claus School founded by our own Charles Howard was purchased and moved to Midland after Mr. Howard’s passing. I’d love to see how they are continuing his legacy. Also near there is the Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI that I’m told is worth the trip all in itself and the Fantasy Land Christmas Display is in Lincoln, MI. I also have a friend that lives there that I’d get to see at the same time.

All I need for a grand adventure is a plan, a map, and a camera!

I’m obsessed with the idea of driving the Florida Keys. I’ve been to Key West and would love to go again, but this time spending more time to see all of the keys.

I have plans to do the Canadian Rockies at some point. I’d also like to see more of Canada – like the Montreal, Quebec, and Newfoundland areas, at least.

A ride through the Panama Canal is definitely in my future at some point. I’ve been looking at a Caravan bus tour that not only takes you on a boat ride through the canal, but also visits other points of interest in the area. I’ve thought of a cruise, but comparing the two options, I’m thinking I’d enjoy the Caravan tour more….we’ll see.

More international travel is an interest to me. Places I’d love to visit are Germany, Greece, more of the Tuscany region of Italy, parts of the Orient, and, I must say, I get a little excited if I ever think of doing an African Safari. All of these are probably long shots, at this point, but a girl can dream, right?

Who knows where I’ll actually end up spending my adventure time, but these are some of the places that keep popping up when I think about where I may go next. Of course, I’ll share wherever that ends up being with you all and you can always visit my blog here.  to read about places I’ve been. On the right side of the page you can scroll to find the “Categories” list and click on “Adventures” to pull up anything I wrote with the adventures tag or you can type in any destination in the search box to see if I’ve ever written about it. 

Happy Adventuring!

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Sherry Tuohey talks with Dave Lindsay on Friday at the Senior Center of Western Orleans’ Christmas party. Lindsley is crazy about Christmas and created quite a stir with his Grinchy green lighted shoes and reindeer and snowflake suit.

MEDINA – Senior citizens packed the Senior Center of Western Orleans on Friday for their annual Christmas party, which was originally scheduled for Dec. 23, but had to be postponed because of the blizzard.

Seniors were treated to pizza provided by the Senior Center and an array of snacks and desserts which were brought in by the seniors.

Friday is a regular euchre day, so after dinner, the seniors stayed to play cards.

One member, David Lindsay of Medina, is crazy about Christmas and showed up wearing Grinchy green shoes, which lit up when he walked, and a red, white and blue suit of snowflakes and reindeer. He said he loves to dress for the occasion at Christmas, and has another holiday suit at home. He welcomes an opportunity to wear them in public.

Seniors are reminded to sign up for cards from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Euchre is played all three days and pinochle players are welcomed on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. The Orleans County Office for the Aging also offers exercise classes at 11 a.m. each Wednesday.

On Monday mornings, seniors are invited to play six-handed euchre.

The Senior Center is a wonderful place to meet people and enjoy the camaraderie, according to director Kelly Shaw of Gasport.

The gift shop is full of unique and reasonably priced items, including a whole section of jigsaw puzzles, and there is always a puzzle in progress on a table.

Monthly board meetings, followed by a provided or pot-luck luncheon are at 11:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Entertainment always follows, either musical or educational.

Annual dues for membership are $10 a year.

Bryan DeGraw is hopeful he will start making mead at Leonard Oakes in early 2023

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Bryan DeGraw, co-owner of 810 Meadworks, holds a bottle of Liquid Sunshine, one of five different meads available at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road.

Friday was a launch celebration at Leonard Oakes in welcoming 810 Meadworks to the tasting room at 10609 Ridge Rd.

810 Meadworks was part of downtown Medina for eight years. It closed its tasting room and also an ax-throwing range on Sept. 22 at 113 West Center St. DeGraw said the business’s insurance tripled in price, making it unaffordable to operate.

Several wineries in the region didn’t want to see Meadworks go. Leonard Oakes was among several that reached out to DeGraw to sell the mead and also make the product.

DeGraw is thrilled 810 Meadworks will continue and remain in the Medina community, where he and his wife Larissa make their home with two children. The DeGraws own Meadworks along with Tim Elliott.

“This is the community I belong in,” DeGraw said on Friday, just before the tasting room celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. “I didn’t want to uproot. I can keep my business alive and partner with Leonard Oakes.”

DeGraw said Meadworks is working to move its production equipment to Leonard Oakes. That includes five 200-gallon fermentation tanks, eight 60-gallon drums, and other barrels and equipment.

The mead production will be separate from Leonard Oakes, which has its own equipment for producing wine and Steampunk Cider.

DeGraw said Meadworks is waiting on final approval from the State Liquor Authority to allow Meadworks to produce mead at the Leonard Oakes location.

“I’m thankful to keep going,” he said. “Leonard Oakes made that possible.”

DeGraw also said the new arrangement will give him more time to focus on producing mead, which is his passion. He was spending a lot of his energy running the tasting room at Meadworks, with day-to-day pressure to keep the bar stocked.

“This will give me more freedom,” he said.

He already has one new mead coming in 2023: a mead made with mulberry.

Right now, Leonard Oakes is carrying five of Meadworks most popular meads: Liquid Sunshine (lavender lemonade with mead), Scarlet A (apple cranberry mead), Raisin d’Etre (cinnamon raise aged in a bourbon barrel with amber honey), Maple Tap (mead with maple syrup, cinnamon nutmeg and vanilla) and Sweet Devotion (black currants, rose petals, black tea, oil of bergamot and local honey).

Bryan DeGraw speaks with two passionate Meadworks customers, George and Mary Jo Harris of Barker. They have been loyal Meadworks customers for about five years. They said they are thrilled Meadworks and Leonard Oakes will be teaming up.

The Harris couple said Meadworks was a destination that made them discover other sites in the community. They used to go to Buffalo for most of their outings, but now come to Medina and Batavia.

“Meadworks was like a second family,” Mary Jo said. “Bryan makes enough different styles that there will be something for everyone.”

When DeGraw posted on Facebook on Sept. 22 that the business would be closing, there was a big reaction from customers, who didn’t want to lose Meadworks. Many bought bottles of mead and gave the business a lifeline.

They encouraged the owners to try to find a way to keep going.

“The response that day I can’t express how thankful I am,” DeGraw said about the customer reaction on Sept. 22. “The outcry was bigger than I thought it would be.”

Cat Holland, the retail manager at Leonard Oakes, is pleased to welcome 810 Meadworks to the tasting room. Leonard Oakes has other products made in New York, including fruit brandy from North Ridge Distillery in Medina.

She is hopeful to do tastings and event with DeGraw as a host, explaining how he makes the different meads. She knows Meadworks will also bring in a passionate customer base.

“It makes sense to offer more for everyone,” she said. “It was a no-brainer. He’s local and we’ve had a very good working relationship with him.”

$50K-plus raised so far for foundation that supports ALS patients and their families, funds ALS research

Provided photo: Kyle Holz likes the excitement of the Buffalo Bills on the field and their compassion for each other and the community off the field.

CARLTON – Kyle Holz was amazed to see the donations pour in for a fundraiser started by Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills.

Hamlin previously set up a GoFundMe with a goal of $2,500 for a toy drive in the Pittsburgh area. After Hamlin was critically injured on Monday Night Football, the GoFundMe quickly reached $1 million with donations from all over the country. Then it topped $2 million, $5 million and now is just over $8 million.

Holz was watching the Buffalo Bills game on TV on Monday night when Hamlin tackled Tee Higgins, a powerful Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver who has topped 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons.

The two players had a violent collision on field, and Hamlin, the Bills safety, managed to pull Higgins to the turf. Hamlin got to his feet and then collapsed seconds later. He was in cardiac arrest and needed CPR and a defibrillator to be revived on the field.

Hamlin was taken by ambulance to a Cincinnati hospital. The game didn’t resume after that play and won’t be continued. Hamlin is doing much better four days later. His breathing tube has been removed and he is communicating by voice. He is on the right path for recovery, his doctors said.

Holz was moved when he saw the donations for Hamlin’s GoFundMe, and the outpouring of support from the country for the injured Bills player.

But he also was disturbed to see some people were directing hate and blame to Higgins.

“I felt God leading me to start one (a GoFundMe) to show some love to Tee Higgins,” Holz said.

Holz set up a GoFundMe, with donations that would show support for Higgins while benefitting a cause dear to the player. Higgins during a game last month wore cleats in honor of Axe ALS. The father of Higgins’ agent died from ALS, The Buffalo News reported.

The donations so far have passed $55,000. Holz said he has received many messages from Bengals fans in appreciation for the fundraiser and outreach to Higgins.

Hamlins’ parents have issued a statement asking people to not blame Higgins. Josh Allen, the Bills quarterback, also said Higgins bears no fault or responsibility for the play.

Higgins spoke on Thursday that he was greatly relieved to see improvement in Hamlin’s condition.

“Everything’s OK. He’s doing good, so I’m in a good place right now,” Higgins told reporters on Thursday. “It feels good knowing that he’s OK and doing better makes me feel better inside.”

Holz said the Bills players’ concern for their teammate and the care they’ve showed each other in recent days makes him an even bigger supporter of the team.

“I was a Bills fan because they are so exciting to watch,” Holz said. “Recently with everything that had happened, they showed that they are human and feel more like family than anything. The whole team feels like family.”

ALBION – The Albion Police Department is reporting today that a 20-year-old man has been arrested after nearly a month-long investigation into several burglaries to dwellings, garages, sheds and larcenies from vehicles.

Bryton M. Hitzges

Bryton M. Hitzges has been charged with one count of second-degree burglary 2nd to a dwelling, four counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of petit larceny and one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

The Albion PD is reporting that it conducted a search warrant on Wednesday at a residence in the Village of Albion. Hitzges was subsequently arrested there without incident, police said. While conducting the search warrant, officers recovered over 100 items of stolen property from victims within the Village of Albion.

Hitzges was committed to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance at arraignment.

Those who think they have been a victim of a recent burglary in the Village of Albion and have items missing are asked to call the Albion Police Department at (585)589-5627 or email the Albion PD at Contact@albionpolice.com.

The Albion Police Department was assisted by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force during the search warrant, Albion Police Chief David Mogle said.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced today that he will be holding new outreach office hours within his district during the month of January.

During these outreach office hours, residents will have the opportunity to meet with members of his staff to discuss their concerns regarding state government and local issues.

“I’m eager to use these outreach office hours as an opportunity to get input from constituents on issues they’d like to address and get a better understanding of the issues that face the entirety of my district,” Hawley said.

• Genesee County at GCC, Conable Technology Building, Room T124 – from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 31.
• Erie County at Newstead Public Library, 33 Main St, Akron – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 31.
• Monroe County at Seymour Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport – Ellwanger Room from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 11.
• Hamlin Library, 1680 Lake Road, Hamlin – from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25.

ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern seeks donations of beds and bedding, couches, chairs, tables and electric appliances. The agency will then deliver them to people in need, said Bob Harker, the Ministry of Concern’s executive director.

The agency does not distribute wall hangings, TVs and other incidentals, he said.

The Ministry of Concern last year delivered 711 essential furniture items to 203 different families and individuals.

“Right now, we need everything that we deal with – couches, chairs, tables, dressers and especially beds,” Harkin said. “We picked up 10 beds on Monday. I think we have 3 left. Our warehouse is about empty.”

Pickup of the furniture and electric appliances can be arranged by calling the Ministry’s Furniture Coordinator, Michele, at (585) 589-9210.

Press Release, Catholic Charities

BUFFALO – The annual appeal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the diocesan Fund for the Faith seeks to raise $9.5 million by June 30.

The annual Appeal helps fund 57 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities across 80 locations and many diocesan ministries through the Fund for the Faith.

“The hope Catholic Charities provides for those who are struggling to make ends meet or who are facing challenges impacting their health and well-being every day is evident on the faces of so many across our community,” said Adam Sumlin, Ph.D., Appeal 2023 chair. “Community support through the annual Appeal is crucial as the funds raised ensures that much needed programs and services can continue. If we look out for our community, we will always create a better place for others who are less fortunate.”

As the most comprehensive human services provider serving people of all faiths across all eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, educational and vocational advancement services, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, behavioral health and substance use treatment, and youth and family support services.

This year also marks the 100th year of Catholic Charities serving Western New York and the 99th year for the annual Appeal.

“We are inspired by Catholic Charities’ centennial year of service and are launching this year’s Appeal with renewed vigor and excitement,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “During its first year, Catholic Charities served about 12,500 people. Last year, Catholic Charities’ programs and services supported more than 134,000 individuals, families, and children. In the 98 years of the Appeal, close to half a billion dollars has been raised to provide help and hope to those who need it most.”

The Fund for the Faith provides for such ministries as campus ministry, cultural diversity, deaf ministry, parish spiritual renewal, marriage preparation, pro-life activities and services, leadership and support services for Catholic education, and curriculum for Faith Formation programs in Catholic schools, among others.

This year’s Appeal patron is Venerable Nelson H. Baker, founder of Our Lady of Victory charities and one of the signers of the letters of incorporation for Catholic Charities in 1923.

To donate to Appeal 2023, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting GIVEHOPE 23 to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400 to find help through Catholic Charities.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Today, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Senator Patrick Gallivan sent a letter to the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Investigations and Government Operations and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs urging them to conduct oversight hearings to assess the state’s response during the historic storm of a century in Western New York last month.

“While we recognize the historic nature of the storm, and appreciate the hard work and efforts put forward by first responders, local officials, public works employees, and good samaritans, it is clear that we must learn the tough lessons gleaned from this event,” Ortt and Gallivan wrote in the letter. “A legislative hearing is a responsible way to understand the successes and shortcomings of the state and local effort, and ensure we are prepared to adequately respond to any future events in the Western New York  region or across the state.”

The storm hit the Western New York region over Christmas weekend, with a vast majority of the total snow falling within the first 30 to 36 hours. However, too many residents were still grappling with the crippling consequences more than a week later, with the City of Buffalo and surrounding areas being particularly slow to reopen, and over 1,000 calls to the City’s emergency system going unanswered.

Senators Ortt and Gallivan, along with Senators O’Mara, Oberacker and Ashby, directed their request to the Senate Committees that play a role in oversight into relevant areas including state roads and bridges, emergency response, and government operations.

A public hearing would give the Legislature the ability to gather comprehensive testimony to determine where the state’s response to the storm was successful, where the response had shortcomings, and what action can be taken to ensure the State is better prepared to ensure the safety of New Yorkers in the future.

“It’s important for the public to know when events such as this tragic blizzard happen, their public offices are willing to find ways to improve,” Ortt said. “We owe it to the people of Western New York to make safety a priority and to ensure our community is ready to respond to future emergency events.”

“The Blizzard of ’22 was truly historic, but we know it will not be the last snowstorm to hit our region,” Gallivan said. “It is also important to review procedures and operations to determine how to improve our response in the future.”

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

ALBION – Two long-time volunteers were recognized with special awards during the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s annual meeting last month at Maison Albion.

Marty Zwikfa of Albion was presented with the Friend of Extension Award. He has served as manager of the Orleans County 4-H Fair for the past six years.

Zack Welker, OCCCE Board of Directors president, commended Zwifka for his dedication to Cooperative Extension and his ability to solve problems, especially during fair week.

“Anything we need at the fair,” Welker noted, “… a lot of things, that if they break during the fair and are magically fixed…. Marty often is the one who is in charge of that.”

Welker said Marty’s expertise was especially helpful during the uncertainties of the past few years during the pandemic.

“It has been quite the ride,” Zwifka said of his experience. “Most people don’t realize how much work goes into a fair, I couldn’t do it without a team, the fair board is a team.”

Zwifka also thanked his father-in-law, Mike Elam, for being his “right-hand man” during the fair.

“I am going to miss it,” Zwifka said of the fair manager post.

Erik Seielstad of Albion received the Outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year award. Seielstad formed the Orleans County 4-H Robotics Club in 2011 to provide an opportunity for Orleans County youth to participate in the FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics Competitions.

In presenting the award, Kristina Gabalski, 4-H Program Coordinator, said, “The vision of the robotics program is to provide an opportunity for students to learn and demonstrate skills in leadership, responsibility, citizenship and life skills. In addition to team building, problem solving and developing an inventor mindset, Erik makes sure that robotics youth are actively involved in community service. This includes programs at local libraries, farmers markets and the 4-H fair.”

The FIRST Lego League team – the Robusters –  recently won the prestigious “Core Values Award” at a qualifying tournament in Spencerport. The team will be advancing to the FLL Championship in Buffalo on Feb. 18. Seielstad brought the trophy the team won and shared it with guests as he accepted his award.

The FRC-4093 Hardwired team consisting of older youth is currently preparing for the robotics competition coming up in March at the Rochester Institute of Technology.