Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Sheila Doty sets the tables at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship. Doty was among a big group of volunteers from the church getting ready to serve up to 350 Thanksgiving dinners on Thursday.

“It is my way of sharing,” Doty said about helping at the “OK Kitchen.” “It warms me up and makes me feel good.”

There are about 75 settings at the church. The meals will be served from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 560 East Ave.

Roland Meiers, right, and Tim Delamarter chop onions for a casserole. The OK Kitchen opened at Harvest on June 2 and serves meals and offers fellowship on Thursdays.

Donna Verhagen, left, and Dee Huntington get turkeys ready to be cooked. There are 19 turkeys that will be served on Thursday for the Thanksgiving meal.

The food is ready and the tables are set for Thursday’s big meal.

Tim Delamarter checks the temperature of the turkeys in the oven.

Faith Smith and her husband Mike Smith organize nonperishable food items to be given out on Thanksgiving.

Mrs. Smith serves as the volunteer director of the kitchen. Albion students donated many of the canned food through a class challenge. Students were encouraged to bring in food with the grade level with the most cans winning an ice cream social.

About 200 to 250 people are served through the kitchen each week, with Mr. and Mrs. Smith taking meals to about 100 shut-ins.

Last week the village of Albion government prepared and served the meals – authentic Mexican tacos. That meal brought in a big crowd – 245 people were served.

Many other churches and community groups from around the county are taking a Thursday to prepare and serve a meal.

‘This is 100 percent community-based, supported by the community,” she said about the OK Kitchen.

Mrs. Smith said many of the people who come to the kitchen on site are there mostly for the fellowship, for the chance to sit down and have a meal and conversation with others.

“It’s the fellowship kitchen,” Smith said. “It’s for everyone.”

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross

MEDINA – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that four defendants were arrested and charged in two separate criminal complaints with selling cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and firearms in the Medina area.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October 2021, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Ebony Shine, 36, of Rochester, Nasir Shine, 20, Emmanual Taylor, 19, and Darrell C. Shine, 37, both of Medina.

According to the complaint against Ebony Shine, Nasir Shine, Emmanual Taylor, between October 2021 and October 2022, the Task Force conducted a total of 14 controlled purchases, to include cocaine and fentanyl, and three firearms.

Ebony and Nasir Shine and Emmanual Taylor are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, and face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Darrell C. Shine, 37, of Medina is charged in a separate complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Between October 2021, and November 2022, investigators conducted six controlled purchases to include methamphetamine, cocaine, and a firearm.  In November 2006 and February 2011, Darrell Shine was convicted in Orleans County court of felony drug charges and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

During the course of the investigation and the execution of three search warrants at residences associated with the four defendants, investigators recovered six firearms, including an assault rifle and a tactical shotgun, ammunition, a quantity of cocaine, and drug packaging materials.  Investigators also recovered approximately a pound of fentanyl, a half-pound of cocaine and $29,000 in cash, $20,000 of which was for one sale of over ¼ kilogram of fentanyl.

The complaints are the result of an investigation by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Joseph Cardone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke, the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Chad Kenward, the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

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.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville community keeps growing the annual display of Christmas trees at Veterans Park.

This year there will be 97 trees decorated at the park, which is up from 88 last year. The 97 is a new record.

The community started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has grown each year since then.

Santa will be in town on Dec. 3 to flip the switch at the “North Pole” at the park and turn on the lights for the trees at 5 p.m.

The schedule is set for the annual “Christmas in Lyndonville” celebration.

• 8 to 11 a.m. – Community Breakfast/Basket Raffle – Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Music Boosters Craft Sale – Lyndonville School
• 11 a.m. until sold out –Music Boosters Beef on Weck Dinner – Lyndonville School
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Petting Zoo – Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Hot Chocolate – Library Parking Lot – M&T Bank
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Catherine Street Bakery – Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4:45 p.m. – Horse-drawn carriage rides – Village Hall
• 2 to 6 p.m. – Mr. Pix Popcorn – Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 6 p.m. – Blue Groove Coffee/Bubba’s Loganberry – Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 6:30 p.m. – NYS Child ID – Village Hall – Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept
• 3 to 4:30 p.m. – Craft & Games at Yates Community Library
• 3 to 6 p.m. – Hotdogs & Sodas at Library – Lyndonville Lions Club
• 3 to 6 p.m. – Cup of Chili – Library Parking Lot – Champs
• 4:30 to 5 p.m. – Caroling at Veterans Park
• 5 p.m. – Santa’s arrival & Lighting of Trees at Vets Park
• 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. – Visit with Santa
• 7 p.m. – Christmas Concert at Lyndonville Presbyterian Church

The event is sponsored by the Village of Lyndonville, Lyndonville Fire Department, Lyndonville Lions Club and Lyndonville United Methodist Women.

Photos courtesy of Faith Smith

ALBION – The Albion Police Department and Village Board held a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday evening for three officers who have been promoted to sergeant.

Will Francis, one of the new sergeants, takes the oath which is read by Village Trustee Tim McMurray at left.

Dillon Black also was promoted to sergeant. Black and Francis are both Albion graduates.

Albion Police Chief David Mogle, left, and Lt. Brandon Annable, right, welcome new sergeants – Robert Wagner and Dillon Black – to the department’s leadership.

Provided photos: These digs completed nine months of training while at the Niagara County Correctional Facility.

Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

LOCKPORT – Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, in partnership with WNY Heroes, Niagara SPCA and Diamonds in the Ruff, is pleased to announce the graduation of Canines for the Positive for Heroes Program.

These canines have been training inside the Niagara County Correctional Facility for the past nine months.

On Tuesday, the canines graduated from the program and were delivered to their new veteran handlers.

“I want to thank WNY Heroes for bringing this program to our facility,” Filicetti said. “I also want to thank Niagara SPCA and Diamonds in the Ruff for supplying the dogs for this incredible program. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the great deal of work put in by the Corrections staff and the trainers. This program is a great benefit for all our partners, but especially for the veterans who will now be partnered with these amazing dogs.”

MEDINA – The Medina Historical Society is opening its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday.

In honor of the celebration, Georgia Thomas has created a display of vintage wedding gowns, loaned by members of the community and each having a story to tell.

Alice Zacher’s gown was also worn by her sister and her best friend. It was given to the Niagara County Historical Society, who loaned it back for this exhibit.

Thomas’ gown hangs next to her husband Terry’s dress blues in the Museum. Terry, who was a career Army man, served during the Vietnam War era. They were married near Christmas on Dec. 19, 1964 at St. Mary’s Church. Georgia’s gown was white silk organza over taffeta with a long train with Chantilly lace border.

Francis Folsom is the most famous bride represented. She is the only bride to be married in the White House. She and President Grover Cleveland are the only couple to have a baby in the White House. Folsom lived for a while with her grandmother on North Main Street in Medina.

The exhibit includes a picture of Folsom in her wedding gown and a picture of the Christmas ornament from the White House Historical Association commemorating their wedding. Reports describe her gown as having real orange blossoms cascading down it. It is said that after her wedding, she made adjustments to her gown and wore it several occasions.

Catherine Cooper wore a gown of ivory lace with a handkerchief hem when she married Tim Cooper June 22, 1991 at St. Mary’s Church.

Other gowns on display are the green gown Gloria McCauley Fierch wore for her marriage to local author Frederick Fierch, and the ivory satin sheath with square neckline, cummberbund with bow and matching train worn by Rose Anderson to her marriage to the owner of the local Ford dealer.

Another gown on display is that worn by Virginia Kropf of Medina at her first wedding Sept. 13, 1958. She purchased it at Carr’s in Batavia. It is white satin with a mesh overlay adorned with sequined medallions, a mandarin collar and chapel-length train.

A gown of light olive green from 1860 is the oldest gown on display. It features an A-line skirt with train and ruching at the sleeves and hem. The gown was donated to the Historical Society more than 20 years ago by the late Nancy Berger.

The final gown in the collection is the newest arrival at Blissett’s, which loaned it to show what the bride of 2023 will be wearing.

Thomas explained that extreme care is taken when handling the vintage gowns. Gloves are always worn, because the oil in your hands can do permanent damage to the fragile fabric.

Punch, cookies and a wedding cake by Hans Rosentreter will be served during the day.

(Left) Georgia Thomas stands next to her wedding dress she wore when she married Terry Thomas in in a Christmas wedding Dec. 19, 1946 at St. Mary’s Church. Terry was a career military man and his Army dress blues uniform represents the Vietnam era at the Medina Historical Society Museum, where an exhibit of vintage wedding gowns is on display. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Christmas in Medina on Saturday. (Right) This wedding gown from 1860 is the oldest in the display at the Medina Historical Society.

One of the most recognizable holiday traditions throughout the world is The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, and this week representatives of three local organizations met to plan the drive in Albion and Medina.

For decades, the Red Kettle Drive has been overseen by Annette Finch, former director of emergency services at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. But last year, when Finch announced her retirement, the drive was left in jeopardy.

Community Action reached out to United Way of Orleans County, whose board felt they didn’t have the manpower to take it over, but agreed to help in any way they could.

On Tuesday morning, Community Action personnel Renee Hungerford, director; Katrina Chaffee, director of emergency services and Jackie Dunham, COO, met with Nyla Gaylord, director of development at United Way; and Bob Harker, director of Ministry of Concern, to discuss plans for the Red Kettle Campaign.

Their biggest concern is the need for volunteer bell ringers. Where, in the past, bell ringers have been stationed throughout the county, this year there will only be two locations with bell ringers – Walmart in Albion and Tops in Medina. Table top kettles will be place in several locations, including the Country Club Restaurant and Rudy’s in Medina.

“We expect the drive to be a struggle in this day and age, as so many people don’t carry cash,” Hungerford said.

The Salvation Army is promoting displays of their QR code, which people can simply scan in with their smart phone to make a donation. The donation will go to The Salvation Army serving the zip code of their phone.

Bell ringers will only be needed Wednesday (Nov. 23) and Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. Volunteers can go on the Sign-up Genius website and see when bell ringers are needed and sign up there.

Harker has sent letters to local churches, asking them to put kettles in their facilities. Any other business who would like a table top kettle to display may contact Harker at 589-9210.

Residents are reminded that all money donated to The Salvation Army in Orleans County stays in Orleans County. Funds collected are divided between Community Action and the Ministry of Concern to help people in need, especially to provide funding for kids to go to camp.

“This is a wonderful way to help kids and these two organizations under the umbrella of The Salvation Army,” Gaylord said.

Click on the link to sign up to volunteer at Walmart in Albion: Bell Ringers: Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign – Bell Ringing at Walmart (signupgenius.com)_

Click on the link to sign up to volunteer at Tops in Medina: Bell Ringers at Medina TOPS Friendly Markets: Salvation Army Campaign – TOPS – Medina (signupgenius.com).

The Red Kettle team is urging volunteer bell ringers to be creative.

“Start a family tradition. Bring your kids, pets, musical instruments, smiles and carolers,” Gaylord said. “Help spread the spirit of Christmas throughout Orleans County.”

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by minister William Booth in England. The Red Kettle Campaign was started by a Salvation Army officer in 1891 in Liverpool. By 1897 the effort had spread across the eastern United States, and that year resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy in Boston. The Salvation Army now serves in 131 countries.

ALBION – The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship will serve Thanksgiving meals on Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 560 East Ave.

The community kitchen in Albion used to be based out of Christ Church on Main Street and served its meals on Friday evenings.

The new community kitchen switched to Thursdays at Harvest Christian Fellowship, with the first meals served on June 2.

Different church and community service groups volunteer on Thursdays, including doing prep work a day before.

With the switch to Thursdays that means the kitchen can serve a Thanksgiving meal on the day of the major holiday.

Faith Smith, director of the kitchen, is grateful the kitchen can provide meals and a gathering place on Thanksgiving for many people in the community.

“I just feel there are a lot of people especially seniors especially who are alone,” she said today. “I just want to open our doors and have a home-like setting and be able to fellowship with friends. It’s Thanksgiving but it’s also Friendsgiving.”

Many church members from Harvest offered to prepare and serve the meal. Smith said there will be 19 turkeys cooked for the dinner. The menu also includes green bean casserole with and without bacon, stuffing with and without sausage, homemade cranberry sauce, applesauce, rolls, sweet potato casserole and many dessert – pies, brownies and cakes.

The meals are available for free and can be eaten in the fellowship hall and taken home.

“I’m extremely excited,” Smith said. “I’ve always wanted to do the dinners on the holidays.”

She said many community organizations have assisted the kitchen in its first six months. Just recently the Elks Lodge in Albion donated $2,000 and also gave the kitchen a freezer and meat-slicer.

Another church also is serving Thanksgiving meals for free to the community on Thanksgiving. The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries is partnering with the Renovation Masonic Lodge 39 to serve the meals from noon to 4 p.m., or until gone at the Masonic Lodge, 39 Platt St.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Doing the Dec. 15, 2019 Christmas in the Neighborhood concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, students sing, “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow.”

ALBION – The lineup of musical performers is set for Albion’s annual community holiday concert.

The event will be 3 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the First Presbyterian Church.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go to the Albion High School Alumni Foundation scholarships program and the First Presbyterian Church.

The concert includes current Albion students and many alumni. Concert coordinators are all Albion graduates and include Sue Thaine (the church pastor), Mike Thaine, Gary Simboli and Sue Starkweather Miller.

This year’s list of performers includes Gary Simboli, Community Brass Ensemble, Albion Presbyterian Choir, Hannah Brewer, Ethan Ferchen, Mike Thaine, Matt Mooney, Travis Klossner, Janet (Miller) Klossner, Karen Kenney Conn, AHS Choir Ensemble, Mike Grammatico & grandson Nate Grammatico, Community Choir: Hallelujah Chorus, AHS Instrumental Ensemble, Marlene Seielstad, Jennifer Trupo and Jason Pahura.

The community chorus has been practicing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church. They will perform the song during the concert.

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

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason David Willis, 50, of Gasport, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in 2011, Willis was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison following his conviction on a federal child pornography charge.

On May 18, 2021, an acquaintance of Willis’ brought his iPhone to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and stated that it contained child pornography. The following day, on May 19, 2021, a U.S. Probation Officer searched the iPhone and observed two videos in the “recently deleted” folder on the phone that were produced by Willis on October 24 and October 28, 2020. Both videos depicted explicit images of a 17-year-old minor female. Further review of the iPhone revealed internet history for at least one website containing child pornography.

At the time of his second arrest, Willis was on federal supervised release from his previous conviction and a registered sex offender.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Felicetti, and the U.S. Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth.

Businesses would like to see motorists turn at Bank Street instead of State Street

Photo by Tom Rivers: Main Street from near Beaver Alley to just north of the Erie Canal is blocked off to traffic while the lift bridge gets an extensive overhaul in the next 18 months.

ALBION – In the first week that the Main Street lift bridge was closed to traffic there were far less vehicles moving through the downtown, some Albion businesses said during a meeting Monday of the “Bridging Albion” committee.

Lynn Palmer, owner of Upscale Overstock at 50 North Main St., said her sales were down about 67 percent in the past week.

She was expecting brisker business with the holiday season close by. But she said there are far fewer cars coming down Main Street.

Palmer is hopeful “Small Business Saturday” this Saturday will bring people downtown to support the local merchants.

Laura Kemler, owner of Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods, said signage about the bridge closing seems to be diverted traffic to turn right at State Street, then left onto Ingersoll Street, bypassing the downtown. She would like to see traffic come down to Bank Street, and then turn to go to the Ingersoll lift bridge.

“It has really put a halt on our traffic,” Kemler said. “We’re not getting eyeballs on our stores.”

The group would like to see more signs in the community proclaiming that downtown is open for business. They want more leeway for businesses to put sandwich signs in the sidewalk, promoting specials.

Businesses also will try to put out more flags when they are open, to make the downtown look more dynamic and to better show the public there are many businesses on Main Street and Bank Street.

Michael Bonafede, one of the Bridging Albion members, said the local merchants need help right away from the community and the government officials to weather the tougher economic climate imposed by the closure of the bridge.

The bridge is expected to be shut down for 18 months while the span from 1914 gets extensive repairs.

The Albion Merchants Association is planning a “Small Business Saturday” celebration on Nov. 26 with activities and special deals in the downtown and also at the Arnold Gregory Complex at 243 South Main St. There also will be another day of events on Dec. 10 that are planned by Albion businesses.

Next year’s summer concert series also will include four concerts in a blocked off part of Main Street (between Bank Street and Beaver Alley) and five concerts at Bullard Park.

Natasha Wasuck, one of the Merchants Association leaders, said the group wants to see more food trucks in the downtown and other attractions in addition to the special events. She is asking the Village Board to either waive and significantly reduce the food truck fees. Those fees are currently $100 for one to seven days, $250 for eight days to 6 months; and $500 for 6 months to a year.

Press Release, Hoag Library

Provided photo: Jim Doyle and Elizabeth Tuttle have joined the staff at Hoag Library in Albion.

ALBION – Hoag Library is delighted to welcome Elizabeth Tuttle and Jim Doyle to the NYS Pubic Librarian certified team!

At the September meeting of the Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association Board, trustees approved the hiring of Elizabeth Tuttle as a full-time Youth Services Librarian. Elizabeth graduated with an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo in May 2022. She is already planning exciting youth programs, including a visit from Santa on Nov. 28, and storytimes in December.

At the November board meeting, library trustees approved Jim Doyle as a part-time Reference Librarian. Jim graduated with an MLS from the University at Buffalo in 2016. Jim is looking forward to planning adult programs and sharing his musical talents.

Additionally, at the November board meeting, Elizabeth Haibach was named Assistant Director. Haibach worked as an Adult Services Librarian at Hoag Library since November 2018, and also holds an MLS from the University at Buffalo.

Jim Doyle and Elizabeth Haibach are both Albion natives, graduating from Albion Central School. Elizabeth Tuttle commutes from Shortsville, and plans to relocate to Albion.

This brings a total of six Hoag Library staff members that hold NYS Public Librarian certification including, Mike Magnuson, Dee Robinson, Elizabeth Haibach and Betty Sue Miller.

Please join us in welcoming the new faces to our wonderful library!

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Trupo: The Senior High Area All-State Treble Choir sings at Gates Chili on Saturday.

Elizabeth Whipple

GATES – Elizabeth Whipple, a soprano from Lyndonville, was selected to sing with the Senior High Zone 2 Area All-State Treble Choir at Gates-Chili over the weekend.

This was the first senior high Area All-State festival NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) zone 2 has hosted in several years because of Covid.

To be accepted into these select groups students must perform a NYSSMA solo at solo festival and receive a top score. They are selected from a pool based on their score and teacher recommendations.

Zone 2 covers schools from Lyndonville to the other side of Wayne County. Whipple was the only student from Orleans County to sing in the festival.

This chart shows the new senior citizen income levels and the percent of the property tax discount.

MURRAY – The Murray Town Board on Monday voted to raise the eligible income levels for both senior citizens and disabled property owners younger than 65 to receive a break on their property taxes.

The town followed the Orleans County Legislature which last week approved the higher income levels for the seniors and disabled to receive a discount on their taxes.

Like the county, Murray’s senior exemption previously gave 50 percent off property taxes for those 65 and older with an annual income at $15,500 or less.

The new exemption levels offer 50 percent off at annual incomes of $19,000 or less. It then drops in 5 percent increments until bottoming out at 20 percent off between $23,800 and $24,699.99.

This chart shows the new low-income disabled resident income levels and the percent of the property tax discount. Low-income disabled residents will switch to the senior citizen tax exemption once they are 65.

Murray also expanded the income levels for low-income disabled residents. The maximum exemption used to be at incomes $15,500 or below. Now it’s up to $19,000 for 50 percent off. That exemption then drops 5 percent before the lowest level of 5 percent off at incomes between $26,500 and $27,399.99.

The exemptions take effect in the 2024 tax bills. Applications for the exemptions are due by March 1.

Property owners can go through the town assessor to apply for the exemption.

Gerald Rightmyer signs the oath of the office as a new member of the Murray Town Board. Town Clerk Cindy Oliver administers the oath. Rightmyer resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals to take the position on the Town Board, filling a vacancy created when Paul Hendel resigned. Rightmyer was appointed unanimously by the board to fill a term ending Dec. 31, 2023.