By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 August 2022 at 9:02 am
Contributed photos: A young volunteer takes corn from the roaster at a Barker Corn Fest years ago.
BARKER – A Barker tradition which delighted the area years ago is being revived.
For years, the Barker Lions Club sponsored an annual corn festival, until an aging membership and lack of volunteers resulted in it being discontinued.
Then a local resident, Heidi Dergel, who grew up in Barker, moved away for 20 years and returned five years ago, heard about the corn festival and decided to revive it. She formed a committee and started planning.
Barker mayor Aaron Nellist, deputy mayor Seanna Bradley, local resident Ruth Dent and Lions past president Scott Ecker helped in planning and supplied information on prior festivals.
As a result, the Barker Corn Fest will make its comeback on Aug. 13, with a variety of activities at the Barker Fire Hall pavilion on Quaker Road and a 5K run/walk at the Village Park on Main Street.
“The response has been great, and our group of organizers is getting bigger every day,” Dergel said. “It was a bit tough getting the ball rolling, but I can feel that it is already raising spirits in town. Most people I speak to say they are very excited to see the corn fest coming back, and that it has been sorely missed. They often tell me stories about the things they miss the most about the festival, from carnival games and a parade to the 5K.”
Ecker said at the Barker Lions board meeting Aug. 16, 1989, they voted to have a corn festival the following year, and the Barker Corn Fest was born. The first one, for which was proposed a pig roast, and those which followed, featured a 5K race, parade and games of skill, as well as vendors and a chicken barbecue.
An annual highlight of the Barker Corn Fest was the Barker Community Band, shown performing here at a corn fest from the past.
Ecker doesn’t remember how many years the festival continued but it met its demise a few years back when they were faced with aging members and lack of manpower. Then the ride companies wanted a three-day commitment, and there weren’t enough volunteers to do that, he said.
“I’m happy it’s returning,” Ecker said.
Local veterans lead off a parade to kick off a past Barker Corn Fest. The festival returns on Aug. 13.
The Lions are contemplating a booth to sell snow cones, added.
The festival will begin with the 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. in the Village Park on Main Street. From noon to 6 p.m., the Barker Community Band will entertain and a farmers’ market will take place. There will be local artisans and vendors, roast corn and food trucks, a tug-of-war and corn hole competitions.
The Dark Road Duo will play at 2 p.m. and Bad Influence Band at 5 p.m. A magic show is scheduled at 3 p.m.
Events for adults and kids will be ongoing through 10 p.m. Other features include bike night and a beer, wine and cider tent.
Major sponsors of the Corn Fest are Con Equip Construction Equipment Parts, Mahar Septic and Excavating, Sunrise Door and Woodworks, Harris’ Outdoor Services and Harris Farm.
Ecker said they are also grateful for local farmer Jim Bittner, who works for Niagara County Farm Bureau and runs the corn roaster.
“Next year the Corn Fest will be planned in July in combination with the 200th anniversary celebration of the town of Somerset,” Dergel said. “I am so thankful to the community members who have come out of the woodwork to make this happen. This incredible rebuilding year will no doubt make next year’s celebration an even bigger success.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2022 at 8:13 am
The average price for regular unleaded has dropped 9 cents in New York State in the past week, from $4.52 to $4.43 a gallon.
The average in New York is at $4.427 today for regular unleaded. That is down from $4.516 from a week ago, $4.833 a month ago and $3.224 a year ago. The average price for diesel is at $5.622 today, down from $5.713 a week ago, $6.095 a month ago and $3.359 a year ago.
Nationally, the price is down an average of 15 cents a gallon to $4.06. One year ago it was $3.19.
In Orleans County, the average price is down 11 cents from $4.78 to $4.67 a gallon, according to AAA. The price in Orleans has decreased 32 cents from $4.99 on July 5.
Here are the current average prices in Western New York counties:
Orleans, $4.674
Genesee, $4.448
Niagara, $4.385
Monroe, $4.517
Erie, $4.4468
Wyoming, $4.529
Livingston, $4.520
Chautauqua, $4.440
Cattaraugus, $4.4468
Allegany, $4.547
AAA said declining demand for gas and lower oil prices are pushing the prices down at the gas pumps.
“While overall demand has dropped in the U.S., we are seeing strong demand in New York as the summer travel season continues,” AAA said in a news release this morning. “Some states return to school earlier than this region, so their summer travel season is wrapping up. Also, new AAA consumer research shows that almost two-thirds of Americans have reduced their driving due to high gas prices.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2022 at 2:47 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Today is the annual Holy Family Parish Lawn Fete. There is a lot of food, children’s games and more than 100 gift baskets available at the corner of West Park Street and Main Street.
The top photo shows Christine Fancher, her mother Gina Boothby and Mora Edwards serving pasta fagioli. They were also serving ghoulash. Fancher and Boothby prepared the fagioli.
The lawn fete started at noon and continues until 5 p.m.
There are 118 gift baskets up for raffle and 21 other items available in a live auction inside St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Gerri Janus tosses a ring at a bottle of wine. That station was led by Brian Kozody with a silly hat.
The Wheel of Fortune is led by Larry Gaylord (left), Audra Fisher and A.J. Corrigan.
Michael Pawlak, 8, tries to knock down pins in one of the children’s games.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2022 at 9:47 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The local band Eclipse performs “Stinkfist” by Tool during Saturday’s Rock the Park at Bullard Park in Albion. Erin Moody is lead singer for the band that includes Brett Zambito, left, on guitar and D.J. Button, right, on guitar, as well as Dan Ryan on the drums.
This is the seventh Rock the Park, which features several bands performing during the day in a benefit for the park. The event has expanded in recent years to the Albion Summer Festival with activities for children, and food and craft vendors. Saturday also included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and cornhole tournament.
Rock the Park helped generate funding and momentum for the village to complete $800,000 in park upgrades, including the amphitheater, splash pad, playground equipment, new pavilion and utility building with bathrooms and a walking trail.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Dan Ryan, the Eclipse drummer who has been a part of all the Rock the Park events. “It’s done a lot for the kids and helped get the splash pad up. That’s what it’s all about.”
D.J. Button, left, feels the music as a guitarist with Eclipse. The band of four from Albion has been performing together for about a year.
They were among seven bands on the main stage at the amphitheater on Saturday. There were also two acoustical acts under the big tent for the festival.
Paul Draper of Shotgun Pauly sings “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan during Rock the Park.
Three members of the band Zero jam out to “Alive” by Pearl Jam during Rock the Park on Saturday at the new amphitheater.
From right to left include Dylan DeSmit, Zack Burgess and Mike “Thunder” Warren.
Mike “Thunder” Warren rocks out with Zero. Warren has been playing with local bands for many years.
The music stopped briefly twice on Saturday due to blasts of rain. A big rainbow appeared at about 6:30 p.m. when the Dave Viterna Group took the stage.
The Dave Viterna Group of Medina played Rock the Park for the first on Saturday. The group includes from left: Marty Hobbs, “Scooter” Scott Felice and Dave Viterna.
Provided photo: The band Vette kicked off the concerts from the main stage. Vette includes, from left: Travis Mackie, Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak with Shelby Starr the drummer.
Lonnie Froman sings “Hush” by Deep Purple as the Who Dats close out their set. The band also includes Alona Kuhns on guitar, John Borello on guitar, Alona Kuhns on guitar, Ed Hilfiker on guitar and Alex DeSmit on drums. The band has been a big part of the local music scene for the past 20 years.
Froman said he enjoyed playing for a crowd of about 500 people, from the stage set up high on a hill at the park.
“I love the whole atmosphere and being able to be up above everybody on stage,” he said about Rock the Park and the new amphitheater.
The event was capped by Nerds Gone Wild, who played more than 2 hours, singing popular party songs from the 1980s. The Buffalo-based band made its debut in Albion on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2022 at 8:26 am
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Orleans and several other counties.
Heat index values of 95 to 100 are expected in Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga and Oswego counties.
The temperatures are forecast to hit 89 in Orleans County. The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the Weather Service said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service said. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”
The high temperatures in the following days for Orleans County include 84 on Monday, 76 on Tuesday, 80 on Wednesday and 80 on Thursday.
Orleans Hub has a new feature that spotlights local businesses that have been long-time advertisers with the Hub.
The Orleans Hub went live on April 1, 2013. We wouldn’t have lasted very long without advertisers. Many have been with us since day 1 and have stayed with us for nearly a decade. In a show of appreciation to them, we will be doing features in the coming weeks and months on our long-time advertising partners. We hope to include more recent advertisers in the future.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 11:50 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nerds Gone Wild, a Buffalo-based band that performs popular songs from the ’80s, closed out a day of music at Bullard Park for the annual Rock the Park summer music festival.
The top photo shows lead singer Ed Wyner aka “Milton Wild” urging the crowd to give a right fist pump while he sings, “Tainted Love.”
The band had the crowd on its feet singing well-known songs such as “Jessie’s Girl,” ‘The Power of Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Footloose” and many others.
Event organizers said there were more than 500 people for the final concert. There were seven bands on the main stage and two other acoustical acts. The crowds were big throughout the day and weren’t deterred by two blasts of rain.
“It’s bringing Albion out,” said Bernie Baldwin, one of the event organizers. “I love it.”
John Gibbon plays the guitar and maintained a high energy for the performance, frequently high giving and interacting with the crowd at the new amphitheater at Bullard. The band members wore pocket protectors, taped glasses, suspenders and bright-colored shoes.
The band members include John Gibbon on bass, guitar and vocals; Ed Wyner on lead vocals and guitar; Eddy Tabone on drums and vocals; Brian Beaudry on keyboards and vocals; and Eric Rovner on lead guitar and vocals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 6:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There was a ribbon-cutting celebration today for a walking trail along the perimeter of Bullard Park. The 3,800-foot-long crusher-run path is dedicated to the late Wayne Burlison and Judy Christopher.
The Albion Running Club donated $5,000 towards the trail, which was installed last fall by the Village of Albion Department of Public Works, with assistance from a private contractor with a milling machine.
Pictured from left include Village Trustee Tim McMurray, Marc O’Hearn of the Running Club, Village Trustee Zack Burgess, Brian Krieger of the Running Club, Margy Brown of the Running Club, Gene Christopher (Judy’s husband), David Cristofaro (Judy’s son) and Lindon Morici of the Running Club.
The 5-foot-wide walking trail is part of an $800,000 improvement project at Bullard, a village park on Route 31. Other upgrades include a new splash park, amphitheater, utility building with bathrooms and a pavilion.
The trail is in memory of Wayne Burlison, an Albion elementary music teacher who died at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. Burlison was an active member of the Albion Running Club and he promoted fitness in the community and led a Couch to 5K program called Run for God.
Christopher ran Phoenix Fitness in downtown Albion and organized the first 19 Strawberry Festival races. She started the 5k and 8k races at the festival initially to give members of the gym needed a fitness. Christopher passed away from cancer at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.
Her family also ran the Four C’s Marina for many years. Judy also was the first woman elected to serve on the Albion Town Board. She was a long-time member of the Albion Rotary Club and served on the Swan Library Board of Trustees.
Cristofaro recalled his mother’s famous quote to “just keep moving.” She would be thrilled people have a nice path to go for a walk or jog around Bullard.
“It’s beautiful,” Cristofaro said about the new trail. “It’s awesome.”
Krieger followed Christopher as the Strawberry Festival race director for several years. He was close friends with Burlison. The two teamed to lead the Run for God program.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to keep moving,” Krieger said. “It’s a great memorial to two wonderful people from Albion.”
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 6 August 2022 at 3:00 pm
Let’s go on an adventure together….to Corning, NY!
Hammondsport is a beautiful town on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit many parts of our beautiful state, including the Finger Lakes. In October 2014, a friend and I got in the car and headed out with the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY as our main goal. Our plan was to find a nice place for a two night stay, spend one day at the museum, and make some stops on the way there and back.
After some research and thought, we decided to stay in Hammondsport – a quaint little town situated on the tip of Keuka Lake. We found a wonderful 1960s style motel right on the lake – Keuka Lakeside Inn. It’s been a while, so I don’t know if it is still operating, but if you’re looking for lodging in Hammondsport, consider checking out the Keuka Lakeside Inn – I highly recommend it. The inn had lake views and had been recently modernized and renovated. Our room faced the lake and there were chairs and a gazebo on the property to sit and enjoy the lake. Highlights of our day after arriving in Hammondsport included a leisurely drive around the lake, a stroll around the historic downtown, ice cream at the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Parlor, time spent in the chairs overlooking the lake, and a delicious dinner at the Luna Mezza Grille.
Corning Glass Museum is full of beautiful and unusual glass pieces – like this stunning glass dress form.
After a good night’s sleep, we drove about thirty miles to Corning to spend the day at the Corning Glass Museum. If you’ve never been, you really should treat yourself to a visit. It is amazing! They have a wonderful gift shop, loads and loads of stunning and unusual exhibits. The many incredible stained glass windows on display took my breath away and I was especially in awe of the Lalique room. We watched a glass blowing demonstration and made our own glass – I made glass wind chimes that I still have hanging in the window over my kitchen sink and my friend made a clock. What fun! The museum is full of exhibits, activities, shopping, and fun for all ages.
Corning Glass Museum is full of beautiful and unusual glass pieces – like this stunning glass dress form.
We ended the evening in downtown Corning. WOW! What a lovely area with gorgeous architecture. We found a beautiful park where we sat for a bit to enjoy the evening before making our way to dinner. We ate at the best Italian restaurant called Sorge’s on Market Street right downtown and had the most delicious homemade pasta, sauce, and meatballs I think I’ve ever had – they make their pasta fresh every day and it was AMAZING! So glad I don’t live closer – I’d surely eat way too many meals there.
The next morning we went back to the museum to pick up the items we made – it was late in the day when we finished them and there wasn’t enough time for them to cool before they closed. Then we began the drive back to Albion. On the way, we took the time to drive through Letchworth State Park – I always enjoy doing that when the opportunity arises – a true gem in our own backyard. Other stops on the way home were to shop at the Gigglin’ Pig in Caledonia and have dinner at the wonderful Depot Restaurant in LeRoy. All to end an awesome three day trip.
If you’ve been reading my articles, you know I love to travel and go on grand adventures. But, I continue to be amazed at the adventures to be experienced right here in New York State and, especially, within a relatively short drive from home. Do yourself a favor and check out all the wonderful New York adventures awaiting you.
For lots more photos and info from our Corning and Hammondsport adventure, visit my Blog Post!
Happy Adventuring!
Downtown Corning is a wonderful place to stroll and take in the amazing architecture.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 1:29 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The amphitheater at Bullard Park is set for seven bands to perform today from 2 to 11 p.m. The stage has canvas in the back, rather than the usual open air set up for the amphitheater. Susan Oschmann, owner of Susie’s Bout-tique, made the canvas which was hung up by Ron Albertson and Bernie Baldwin.
The venue will be used for the seventh Rock the Park with proceeds going to Bullard Park.
Before the bands go to the amphitheater, two acoustic acts performed under a tent by the stage. The Remediators were the first to perform with guest musician Dylan DeSmit at left, joining Keith Hambley and Todd Colegrove. They are performing “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC.
There are 18 craft vendors and seven food vendors for the festival. Maureen Bennett is the owner of Lil Cottage Chic which sells upcycled furniture and other repurposed items.
Tim Von Sanden of Pavilion, owner of Mountain Top Kettle Corn, is one of the food vendors.
There is a corn hole tournament as part of the festival beginning at 1 p.m.
These players warm up for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that started at 11 a.m.
Roosevelt Bouie, a Syracuse University Hall of Famer from Kendall, is giving away T-shirts with donations accepted to upgrade the basketball courts at Bullard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 8:44 am
ALBION – Rock the Park is back today with 12 hours of music of Bullard Park. The Albion Summer Festival will include the 7th Rock the Park.
It will include seven bands, two acoustical acts, a large beer tent, food and craft vendors, and also basketball and cornhole tournaments.
“It’s another opportunity for the community to get together and have a good time,” said John Grillo, the Albion summer recreation director and member of the Rock the Park Committee.
Rock the Park started as a chance to bring several bands together to perform a Bullard, while raising funds to upgrades the park.
Organizers have met many of those initial goals of helping to bring new playground equipment, a splash pad and amphitheater to the site. There will be a ribbon-cutting today at about 3 p.m. for a new walking trail around the park in memory of Judy Christopher and Wayne Burlison.
Grillo believes the best is yet to come for Bullard. A new scoreboard for the youth football program will soon be installed. This time next year there should be two new basketball courts and a 9-hole disc golf course at the park. Grillo is pushing for a new lodge at Bullard that would be available to the community.
“I think there is more potential here,” said Zack Burgess, one of the Rock the Park organizers and a member of the band, Zero.
He expects a big crowd throughout the day for today’s event. Parking is free. There is a $5 admission charge to get in the beer tent and a fenced-in area.
There are other activities for kids for free, and the new playground and splash pad are next to the amphitheater.
Burgess said the concerts today are like a family reunion for many of the local bands. He is happy to have the Dave Viterna Group in the lineup for the first time for Rock the Park. The event will be capped by Nerds Gone Wild, another new band to Rock the Park. They play many popular party songs from the 1980s.
The lineup of events includes:
11 a.m. – Festival opens with food and craft vendors, a kids carnival, the start of a basketball tournament and the first musical performer, the Remediators on the acoustic stage.
noon – Mark Fantasia on the acoustic stage
1 p.m. – Corn hole tournament starts
2 p.m. – Beer tent opens with Vette performing on the main stage
3 p.m. – Eclipse on the main stage
4 p.m. – Zero on the main stage; craft vendors close
5 p.m. – Shotgun Pauly on the main stage
6 p.m. – Dave Viterna Group on main stage
7 p.m. – The Who Dats on main stage; food vendors close
8:30 p.m. – Nerds Gone Wild on main stage
11 p.m. – Festival closes
Organizers of Rock the Park are dedicating the event today in memory of Jonathan Doherty, who passed away at age 38 on May 5. Jonathan was on the committee for many years and was a big promoter of the event. He also introduced the band Zero and sang a song with the band, including a memorable rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart.” Jonathan set up recycle bins at the event with the proceeds donated to The Arc. The bottles collected today will be donated to The Arc GLOW.
Provided photo: Steve Hicks, left, is pictured with Michael Restivo. With over 15 years of experience servicing the GLOW region, Hicks of Albion founded The Hicks Wealth Management team at Brighton Securities, which is based at the Batavia Branch location and serves clients in the GLOW region, specifically in Batavia, Albion, Buffalo and Rochester. Hicks is president of the Albion Alumni Association. Restivo is a financial advisor with Brighton Securities.
BATAVIA – Brighton Securities, a Rochester-based financial services firm, today announced the formation of The Hicks Wealth Management team at Brighton Securities.
The Hicks Wealth Management team is an internal Brighton Securities team lead by Steve Hicks, our Batavia Branch Manager and Senior Vice President; Michael Restivo, Financial Advisor, and Amy Sherman, Client Service Associate.
With over 15 years of experience servicing the GLOW region, Steve Hicks founded The Hicks Wealth Management team at Brighton Securities, which is based at our Brighton Securities Batavia Branch location and serves clients in the GLOW region and specifically Batavia, Albion, Buffalo and Rochester.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done throughout my 15-year tenure at Brighton Securities to help our clients not simply meet their financial goals and objectives, but hopefully live more fulfilled lives,” Hicks said. “The relationships I have shared and developed with all my clients have made this as rewarding a career as I could have ever imagined. And to continue with that dedication, I have partnered with Mike Restivo and have founded Hicks Wealth Management.”
Hicks Wealth Management at Brighton Securities is committed to providing solutions and guidance that positively impact the financial well-being of our clients and their families.
“At Hicks Wealth Management at Brighton Securities, our mission is to be a trusted partner that our clients can rely on for the years ahead,” he said. “We know that each client is different, and each situation is different. Someone in Batavia or Albion may have different questions and concerns than someone in Rochester. We understand that, and we want to help guide our clients through those challenges, whatever they might be.”
Hicks Wealth Management has a strong foundation of excellent client care to build on that will enable Brighton Securities’ ability to continue meet the financial needs of our clients.
“The investment in continuing to grow our team in Batavia demonstrates our continued commitment to better serve our clients and our communities,” said Melissa Hawryschuk, CEO of Brighton Securities. “Mike’s addition to the team reflects Brighton Securities focused efforts in growing our firm organically, attracting top talent and competitively elevating our team as a best-in-class financial firm. I look forward to this group’s strategic growth strategy and look forward to broadening our firm’s community outreach and enriching our depth of dedicated service to our clients.”
About Brighton Securities
Brighton Securities Corp., an employee-owned financial services firm, is headquartered in Rochester, NY with branch offices throughout Upstate NY, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and New Mexico. We offer Modeled Investment Portfolios Powered by Brighton Securities Capital Management.
