ALBION – On Thursday a group of volunteers served nearly 200 taco meals at the new Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship.

That included 45 who ate at the dining hall and another 143 meals that were served to go.

Faith Smith and her husband Mike are shown with a tray of brownies in the new kitchen. They have volunteered preparing and serving meals at the community kitchen for 11 years. Mrs. Smith is director of the effort.

Mark Hartleben was pleased to see the kitchen open. He attended the meals for the Community Kitchen at Christ Church for about 20 years. He also helped as a volunteer at times.

“You see the community come together and I think that is important,” he said on Thursday.

He likes the friendly and accepting atmosphere at the kitchen. At the new site at Harvest, he noted the round tables which he said made it easier for conversation.

He sat with Jackie Henry, who said she has been coming to the kitchen for 12 to 15 years.

“The people are friendly and very nice,” she said.

Hartleben said he has been trying to spread the word to the community kitchen regulars about the new site, and also is encouraging others to give it a try.

“It’s a nice circle of people,” he said. “It’s social thing bringing people together.”

The community kitchen for many years operated out of Christ Episcopal Church. It has been closed there since December. Faith and Mike Smith ran the kitchen as volunteers for more than 11 years.

After a “miscommunication,” they now are running the new operation from Harvest Christian Fellowship on Route 31. That church recently completed an expansion with a new sanctuary. It turned its old sanctuary into a fellowship hall with a new kitchen.

It calls the space the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. “Koinonia” is Greek for fellowship.

Faith Smith is grateful for the space and opportunity to keep serving meals to local residents. The kitchen will be on Thursday evenings from 4 to 5:30 p.m. instead of Fridays. She and her husband also will make deliveries closer to the downtown area for people who have transportation issues to the church on Route 31.

Mark Hartleben, left, was glad to be back at the community kitchen on Thursday. He said he looks forward to seeing so many people.

Smith is hopeful a transportation provider will step up to bring people to the church and then take them home or to a spot close to where they live.

She said Thursday was a good start for the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen – “the OK Kitchen.”

She is looking for organizations, agencies, churches and volunteers to help prepare the meals and serve the food. She is asking those groups to also purchase the food until the new kitchen can get a system in place for acquiring food. They also need more refrigerator and freezer space.

In the meantime, the OK Kitchen will provide the space and paper supplies – plates, utensils and napkins.

“This was a good start until we get the hang of things,” she said about the first day. “I know it will take some time until the word gets out.”

She said she is thankful for a donation of 260 pounds of ground beef for the first meal. That donation prompted her to offer tacos, which has long been a favorite at the community kitchen.

People interested in volunteering can sign up for a spot on the OK Kitchen website. There is contact information on that site to reach Smith for more information.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina freshman third baseman Brody Fry, shown here making a throw backed up by senior shortstop Joe Cecchini, and their Mustang teammates will face Palmyra-Macedon in the Class B Far West Regional at 2 p.m. Saturday at Monroe Community College.

Having captured both Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class B titles, Medina will now begin state playoff competition on Saturday with a squad that has has been a very successful blend of veteran and youthful players.

Now at 21-3, Medina will face undefeated (23-0) Palmyra-Macedon in the Class B Far West Regional at 2 p.m. Saturday at Monroe Community College. The victor will advance to the state semifinals on June 10 at Binghamton. Pal-Mac blanked Bath Haverling 7-0 Thursday to advance.

“They have melded together very nicely,” said Medina Coach Jon Sherman of his Mustangs squad whose regulars include 4 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 3 freshmen and 1 eighth grader. “We have a lot of young kids but everyone has come together and they’re all good buddies. It’s really nice to have that good team comradery.”

Four players from Medina’s 2019 state Final Four team – senior pitcher/first baseman Zach Fike, senior shortstop Joe Cecchini, senior catcher/pitcher Xander Payne and junior pitcher/first baseman Aidan Paul – have provided the veteran leadership for the Mustangs whose regulars also include freshman second baseman Tyler Kroening, freshman third baseman Brody Fry, sophomore leftfielder Julian Woodworth, eighth grader centerfielder Vinny Gray, senior rightfielder Hayden Woodroe, sophomore designated hitter Richard Keppler and freshman Ryleigh Culver who catches when Payne is on the mound.

On the mound Fike is 10-0 with 116 strikeouts and an earned run average of 0.746. Paul is 6-2 with 122 strikeout and a 1.607 era. and Payne is 5-1 with 55 strikeouts and a 1.180 era.

At the plate, Paul is hitting .427 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 23 RBIs, Payne .412 with 12 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 14 RBIs, Fike .385 with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs and 25 RBIs, Cecchini .324 with 10 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 24 RBIs, Keppler .309 with 10 RBIs and Woodworth .283 with 14 RBIs.

“Our pitching has been solid all season and you have to have that to go very far,” said Sherman. “Now we need our pitchers to keep doing what they’ve been doing, play good defense and score a few runs.”

Pitching in fact has been a strong suit for both teams as Mustang hurlers have registered 11 shutouts and the Red Raiders mound staff 13.

Medina is 2-0 in previous Far West Regional appearances having defeated Sodus 4-0 in 2003 and LeRoy 10-2 in 2019.

Sale of body armor will be limited and must be purchased in person

The state Legislature approved legislation on Thursday that raises the age to legally buy an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to 21.

That weapon was used by an 18-year-old to kill 10 people on May 14 at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo and also in the slaughter of 21 people by an 18-year-old at an elementary school on May 24 in Uvalde, Texas.

“This package of legislation will strengthen laws that we have on the books, help authorities better communicate with our federal partners about gun violence, work to address the role social media plays in violence and acts of domestic terrorism, and more,” said Carl Heastie, State Assembly speaker. “The Assembly Majority will continue working to end the scourge of gun violence so no New Yorker needs to fear going to school or to the grocery store or to their place of worship.”

Heastie said the legislation will strengthen the 2019 Red Flag law by expanding those who can file an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to include health care professionals who have examined the individual within the last six months.

It will also require police and district attorneys to file ERPO petitions upon credible information that an individual is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themself or others, and possesses or has access to firearms.

Besides raising the age to buy a semi-automatic rifle to 21, the legislation will require a firearms license to make that purchase.

The new laws will ban online sales of body armor, such as that worn by the shooter in Buffalo. Body armor sales will be limited to law enforcement and other professions designated by the Department of State. The sale of body vests will also need to be completed in person.

“Just last night a deadly semiautomatic weapon was once again used to mercilessly kill innocent civilians, this time at a medical facility in Oklahoma,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Thursday night. “It was a scene all too familiar in this country, one we’ve seen everywhere from Uvalde, to Sandy Hook, to Parkland, to my hometown of Buffalo. We cannot keep living like this.”

Hochul said the Buffalo mass shooting shows the needs to make New York’s already tough gun laws even stronger.

“This comprehensive package will close loopholes, give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent easy access to guns, and stop the sale of dangerous weapons to 18-year-olds,” she said. “Even as we take action to protect New Yorkers, we recognize that this is a nationwide problem. I once again urge Congress to seize this moment and pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. We have no time to waste.”

The new legislation will require firearm manufacturers to use “microstamping’ technologies that would imprint a distinct mark on bullet casings. That will make it easier to solve gun crimes, legislators said.

Another new law also creates a new “Office of Social Media and Violent Extremism” within the state Attorney General’s office. The state will require social media networks to provide a clear and concise policy regarding how they would respond to incidents of hateful conduct on their platform and maintain easily accessible mechanisms for reporting hateful conduct on those platforms.

The Legislature is establishing two new crimes for threats to cause “mass harm.” The first is “making a threat of mass harm” as a class B misdemeanor. This is when an individual threatens to inflict or cause serious physical injury or death at a school, place of worship, business, government building or other place of assembly.

A second crime is “aggravated making a threat of mass harm,” or when making the threat and overt acts to further the threat, as a class A misdemeanor.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued the following statement, saying the legislation doesn’t address the underlying issues of violence:

“Recent heartbreaking tragedies have left all of us mourning. As public officials, we want to put an end to these despicable acts of violence, and to keep our children, families and communities safe and free from harm.

“Unfortunately, Albany Democrats are choosing to go after the rights of law-abiding citizens, rather than the criminals who commit horrific acts of violence. We cannot stop the violence in our state without addressing the underlying issues.

“That is why I have worked with my colleagues to introduce our ‘Safer NY Plan’, an extensive legislative package focused on preventing targeted violence against New Yorkers. This plan will make our schools safer, provide necessary investments in our mental health system and strengthen penalties for violent criminals.

“New York already has the strictest gun laws in the country. I will not accept passing more laws that fail to address the source of the problem as the only solution. I encourage my colleagues to put politics aside and work with us on policies that will stop preventable violence and make New York State safer.”

The three state legislators whose districts include Orleans County all issued statements, expressing disappointed with the legislative session that just ended in Albany.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement: “This Legislative session has made it clear that one-party rule is failing our state. As New Yorkers face historic inflation, an unprecedented affordability crisis, skyrocketing violent crime and continued out-migration, Albany Democrats have focused on coddling criminals, increasing costs and covering up for the status quo corruption in our state capital.

“In just six months, Albany Democrats advanced radical policies that will increase the cost of living for hardworking New York families. They passed pro-criminal policies like “Clean Slate” while failing to seriously address their no-cash bail reform that has emboldened violent criminals. And they dramatically increased spending, leveraging our state’s future.

“While serious problems mounted for the people of New York, Albany Democrats dedicated their time to serving themselves. Time and again they tried, and failed, to codify their political power, only to be rejected by the voters and the courts.

“I am proud to lead a conference that has been focused on addressing the real challenges facing our state. The Senate Republicans have advanced solutions to lower costs for families and businesses, to support victims and repeal pro-criminal policies like cashless bail, and to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

“As the politicians return home to their districts to answer to their constituents, I am proud to be on the side of the aisle that fought to make New York State safer, stronger and more affordable.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“As prices and crime continue to rise in tandem here in New York, I am saddened that throughout this legislative session the Majority has been unwilling to help us address the real concerns of everyday people. It only goes to show that under one-party rule, helping people put food on their tables, gas in their cars and live lives free of crime and violence just aren’t priorities for them.”

State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, issued this statement:

“Albany could have done more to help alleviate the burden New Yorkers are facing as inflation costs are pushing too many hardworking people to the brink, but they failed to address this in the budget or before leaving town for the summer. That’s why I voted against the budget in its entirety and have called for our leaders at the state Capitol and in Washington to take real action to address the rising costs of the daily essentials, like groceries, baby formula, and cleaning products needed.

“Although there have been temporary, Band-Aid solutions, we need comprehensive reforms to how business is done. This ‘tax-and-spend,’ big government mentality has pushed too many businesses to the brink, stalled production and halted transportation of goods, and forced prices to skyrocket above what most Americans can afford. Here in New York, the problem is only exasperated because these daily essentials are taxed above other states, further adding to our out-migration problem. New Yorkers need a change from their state leaders, and they need it now.”

Press Release, Heritage Wind

BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its Summer 2022 grant cycle.

The program provided more than $10,000 during its last cycle, which supported local organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education, including the following:

• Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
• Beds from Brian
• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library
• Albion Betterment Committee
• Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance (COVA)
• Orleans County United Way

Local organizations working in the Town of Barre, and the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents.

We will be accepting applications until July 8. Please apply at www.heritagewindpower.com/grant.

The four focus areas for the community grant program are:

• Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health or enhance the quality of life in the community.
• Economic Development – Programs that supports the economic wellbeing of the community.
• Environmental Sustainability – Programs that support environmental revitalization, sustainability, or empower residents to be stewards of the environment.
• Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, especially the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This may include curriculum development, vocational training, or literacy support.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Anna Mathes at anna.mathes@apexcleanenergy.com or (585) 590-2254.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is down about 7 in the state, AAA is reporting today.

The state has suspended its 4 percent sales tax share, beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Dec. 31.

AAA said the average price per gallon for regular unleaded is at $4.827 today, down from $4.934 on Wednesday. A week ago the average price was $4.930.

The average price for a gallon of diesel dropped from $6.450 on Wednesday to $6.363 today. A week the price was $6.495.

The price in the state is down while it has gone up an average of 9 cents nationally, AAA said.

The average price in Orleans is highest among the Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $4.782
• Genesee, $4.723
• Wyoming, $4.755
• Livingston, $4.731
• Niagara, $4.638
• Erie, $4.699
• Chautauqua, $4.611
• Cattaraugus, $4.589
• Allegany, $4.665

The highest price in the state is in Westchester County at $5.020. It’s the lowest in Cattaraugus at $4.589.

There are 62 counties in the state and 25 have voted to suspend the local sales tax when the price reaches either $2 or $3 a gallon.

Orleans County officials, at this point, have opted against waiving some of the local sales tax on gas.

Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, said the sales tax is needed for road maintenance and infrastructure.

“Given that the policy of the federal government is higher gas prices to reduce fossil fuel usage, it seems imprudent to reduce the local sales tax on gasoline,” Welch said. “Even if fossil fuel is reduced, we still need to maintain our roads, bridges and culverts within the county. When we compare those structures under the state’s stewardship, it seems that the state has some deferred maintenance to catch up on.”

He acknowledged the high gas prices are a financial strain.

“We understand this is a difficult time for our residents with this policy that is being followed by the federal government,” Welch said. “It seems that our responsibility is to maintain our roads, bridges and culverts so when all types of vehicles drive in our county, they will have a smooth traveling on the county’s infrastructure.”

If the federal government changes its policy, Welch said, “we will continue to evaluate the situation.”

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

Getting an early start playing in the second threesome of the day, Medina’s Melanie Green shot a five over par 76 this morning on the opening round of the 77th annual U.S. Women’s Open Tournament being played at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Starting on the ninth hole, Green scored birdies on the 11th and 1st holes and had bogeys on holes 10, 12, 15, 16, 5, 6 and 8.

Half of the 156 player field still has to play this afternoon but at the end of her round Green was eight shots off the pace as there was a tri of co-leaders at -3.

The second round will be Friday after which the cut will be made to determine the players advancing to Saturday and Sunday’s final two rounds.

MEDINA – The summer parks and swim program will be starting July 5 and run through Aug. 12, a free program for children ages 6 to 12 in the Medina school district.

There will be in-person signups o June 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Butts Park pavilion.

The program this year is being directed by Michelle Capstick, a Medina teacher the past 29 years. She stepped into the role for the first time after seeing a notice that the program would be cancelled if there wasn’t a director.

“I feel very strongly about the Medina community,” said Capstick.

Her father is the late Don Kennedy, a former Medina mayor and businessman who Capstick said instilled the importance of service.

Capstick said the program has good leaders in place with Hayden Woodroe serving as the park supervisor and Hannah Kenward the pool supervisor. Other swimming instructors and aides will be hired.

The parks program will be run at the Oak Orchard Elementary School campus with the pool program at the middle school.

The Village of Medina and towns of Ridgeway and Shelby all contribute to funding the program.

The parks program is for children ages 6 to 12. That program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and until 3 p.m. on Fridays. Besides games, the program will include bowling, field trips, a carnival and other activities.

The swim program starts with a “mommy and me” class for children 6 months to age 2, classes for 3- and 4-year-olds, and then classes for levels 1 to 6. The full swim schedule will be available at registration.

Site also has turf floor for athletic drills

Photos by Tom Rivers: John Brabon, left, and Nick Joy are co-owners of the Hustl House gym in Medina. They also have a site in Albion that they opened about a year ago. The Medina gym has a turf floor for lunges, sprints and athletic drills.

MEDINA – John Brabon and Nick Joy, cousins from Lyndonville, have opened a second gym. They started the Hustl House last May in Albion at the former Albion Fitness Center on Main Street.

The Hustl House drops the “e” in hustle for no excuses. They gym has been popular in Albion, and that success made the cousins confident a second Hustl House would be popular in Medina.

Nick Joy and John Brabon are pleased with the success of the Hustl House in helping people become stronger and healthier.

“We bring an attitude and a culture,” said Brabon, a former wrestler who is in the Niagara Community College Hall of Fame for his mat success. He works full-time as the sales manager for Orleans Ford.

The Medina site opened on Wednesday and has more space at 119 Pearl St. They have added turf in part of the building. Those 2,300 square feet of turf are an ideal surface for lunges, sprints and other athletic drills.

Joy was up late Tuesday night installing the turf. Joy, 31, has a master’s degree in exercise science. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist who wants to help people get stronger and be healthier. The Hustl House offers exercise programs, weight resistance and now a supplement line with protein, hydration and energy nutrition.

Joy is willing to work with everyone in the community. He has worked as a strength and conditioning coach for professional athletes, including the L.A. Galaxy. For 11 years he ran the Shed Express, a business hauling sheds for the Amish and Mennonite communities.

But Joy said his passion is fitness and he is fully committed to the Hustl House and its members. His goal is to start a youth athletic performance program, working with local high school athletes. The Hustl House can help the athletes improve their strength and skills.

“The offseason work makes a difference and takes you to the next level,” Joy said.

The gym will offer dual memberships to both the Albion and Medina sites.

They share space with the Hometown Wellness Center which is run by Pam Eaton. Hometown Wellness offers group fitness, personal training and nutrition programs.

Eaton said she is happy to welcome the Hustl House to the building.

“Now we can to do a full-service place,” she said. “We have everything.”

The Hustl House will soon be available 24-7 in Medina. The gym has a wolf in its logo.

“The wolf is alpha, just like us,” Joy said. “You got to be confident.”

For more information on the Hustl House, click here.

MEDINA – Residents and staff at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center enjoyed a cold treat from Twisted Treats Ice Cream truck this afternoon.

Jessica Taylor of Medina started the business about a month ago. Having a food truck has been her dream. When there was a delay in getting a required fire suppression system for a food truck, she switched and converted an old SWAT truck into a pink ice cream truck.

Her brother, Christopher Doxey, wanted to do something nice for Orchard Manor, so he called his sister and they made arrangements to come to Orchard to treat residents and staff to ice cream.

This photo shows Elijah Doxey, Christopher Doxey and Jessica Taylor in front. In back are Alexis Brege, Nikea Taylor, Adrianna Brege and Billy Jo Taylor.

Lynne Johnson

ALBION – Orleans County officials don’t plan to suspend any of the sales tax on gas, Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said.

“We need to use these funds to improve bridges, emergency response and communication services, otherwise we become further burdened with fixable and unfixable problems,” Johnson said today.

There are 62 counties in the state and 25 have suspended the gas tax when the price hits either $2 or $3 a gallon.

Among the rural GLOW counties, only Livingston is waiving the sales tax – and that’s after $3 a gallon. Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming haven’t suspended the local share of the tax.

New York State today is suspending the full 4-percent state sales tax on gas until Dec. 31, saving consumers an estimated $609 million over the next seven months, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office said.

“Should we not say that we must have a balance between a tax cut that would not improve old equipment and deteriorating roads and would benefit outside persons at the detriment of our own citizens?” Johnson wrote in an email.

“Do we not continue to improve our county’s emergency response equipment and communications and services? Do we just let equipment that needs repair deteriorate so it needs to be replaced at greater cost?”

Sales tax revenues for Orleans and counties are up so far this year, but counties have rising costs with inflationary increases, said State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in an April 29 report. The counties face economic volatility due to the business recovery from the pandemic, he added.

“The increased revenues come as residents, municipalities and businesses everywhere try to cope with high inflation levels affecting food, fuel, home heating, and other parts of everyday life and commerce, and using funds for infrastructure, emergency response and communications, is in my opinion a better field to spread our tax monies,” Johnson said.

She is concerned losing the tax revenue on gas would have a detrimental impact on the county budget, necessitating a property tax increase or cut in services.

“Today all of us know of gas prices reaching towards $5 a gallon and its effect on struggling families, seniors, and all of us but we have many safety issues and maintenance issues that we could not address because of the Albany imposed 2% tax cap,” she said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These truck drivers stay in their vehicles at Saint-Gobain ADFORS in Albion after the parking and loading area for trucks was flooded this afternoon. A big thunderstorm hit the area and flooded yards and some local roadways.

The area – Western New York, Southern Tier and Central New York – remains until a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m.

This front yard along Allen Road near Clinton Street in Albion was inundated with water at about 1:30 p.m. today.

Part of Route 31 near West Academy Street was flooded at about 1:30 p.m., causing traffic to slow down.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded gas at the Crosby’s in Albion at routes 31 and 8 is down 16 cents today with the start of the state suspending its share of sales tax.  

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the suspension of certain taxes on motor fuel and diesel motor fuel takes effect today. The motor fuel excise tax, State sales tax, and Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District sales tax on motor fuel and diesel motor fuel will remain suspended through the end of the year.

This fuel taxes suspension will provide a reduction of at least $0.16 per gallon statewide, with some counties providing additional savings per gallon.

Editor’s Note: There are 25 counties that are suspending some of the local sales tax. Orleans County isn’t among those offering a sales tax break at the pump.

“Fuel prices have surged in recent months, hurting working families and small businesses the most, and it is crucial that we provide New Yorkers relief,” Governor Hochul said. “At a time when families are struggling because of economic headwinds and inflation, we will continue to take bold action to reduce the economic burden on New Yorkers and get money back in their pockets.”

Counties contribute to additional savings

Twenty-five counties across the State have also taken action to set temporary caps on the sales tax charged per gallon of gas and diesel. This program was authorized as part of the State’s FY 2023 Enacted Budget.

Beginning today, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Monroe, Putnam, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, Ulster, Wayne and Yates counties will collect tax only on the first $2 charged per gallon of gas and diesel, regardless of the actual price at the pump.

Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Jefferson, Livingston, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Suffolk and Westchester counties will collect tax only on the first $3 charged per gallon of gas and diesel, regardless of the actual price at the pump.

These actions will save New Yorkers additional cents per gallon with each customer’s specific savings depending on the local sales tax rate and the difference between the price per gallon and the local cap. You can view the local sales tax rates on certain motor fuels in your county by clicking here.

 Information for distributors, wholesales and retailers

Governor Hochul had previously directed distributors, wholesales, and retailers of motor fuel and highway diesel motor fuel to prepare for the upcoming suspension of these taxes. Those businesses can learn more by clicking here.

Livingston County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman and Town of Caledonia Supervisor Daniel L. Pangrazio said, “Livingston County relies on the generation of sales tax as part of its operating budget. However, the skyrocketing price of fuel and additional tax generated from that should not come at the expense of our residents. Gasoline sales generate a significant percentage of our overall sales tax collection, so while we struggle with our own rising costs, please know that this measure by your County Board of Supervisors is a call to action to help.”

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board recognized 15 youths for their service to the community or for an extraordinary role in their family.

The awards were presented last week during the 40^th annual Youth Recognition Banquet. The event was held at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

The following were recognized: Alicia Allen of Albion, Lance Babcock of Holley, Cora Bennage of Holley, Olivia Bieber of Albion, Jeffrey Brown of Albion, Jordan Bull of Holley, Thomas Dobri of Holley, Ann Faery of Albion, Ethan Ferchen of Albion, Samantha Johnson of Albion, Amber Kiefer of Lyndonville, Mason Neale of Holley, Libbie Pecora of Holley, Alexis Ramsdell of Kendall and Cooper Traxsler of Albion.

The youths were praised for their kindness, helpfulness and efforts to make their school and community a better place.

The Youth Board also recognized five adults for their service to local young people.

Each year a volunteer for youth is presented the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award.

Jaime Allport of Albion received the honor for her 13 years of service to Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP). She is critical to the success of the program through her work with sign-ups, fundraising, organizing practices and collecting all the documentation and needed school information, said her brother Geno Allport, commissioner of the league.

Allport is at the field on games days, from sunrise to sundown. She keeps track of all the rosters, keeps the stats during the games, and will work the concession stands.

Allport thanked all of the volunteers for keeping youth sports and programs going in the community. She gave a special shoutout to John Grillo, the Albion youth recreation director and retired Holley wrestling and tennis coach. Allport said he was her first coach when she was a kid and has been a mentor.

The Orleans County Youth Board last week recognized this trio for their service to youth in Orleans County. From left include Heather Jackson, a juvenile probation officer; Jaime Allport, an active volunteer the past 13 years with the Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP), and Annette Finch, who is recently retired as director of community service for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Mike and Cheryl Wertman also were recognized for their work covering youth sports for the Orleans Hub and the former Journal-Register.

Four people received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Adult Youth Worker Award.

Annette Finch was honored for a career over 40 years with Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, where she was instrumental in providing assistance to people in crisis. Finch recently retired as director of community services. She ran the Red Kettle campaign in the county during the Christmas holiday season and oversaw a toy drive. She also pushed to sign children up for a summer camp. Her main job was getting emergency services for families in need.

“Annette is an angel to many and an inspiration of kindness and love,” the Youth Board stated.

Heather Jackson has been serving Orleans County youth for nearly 20 years – with 10 years as a caseworker with the Department of Social Services and the past eight years as a juvenile officer in the Probation Department.

She has been able to keep more at-risk youth out of the criminal justice system by helping them and their families access services and programs to help them succeed.

Mike Wertman, the sports editor at the Orleans Hub, has been covering high school sports locally for 44 years. His wife Cheryl, the Hub’s sports photographer, has been capturing the images of the athletic events for 37 years.

The two are together on the sidelines, baseball diamonds and gyms. They have worked for the Orleans Hub for about nine years. Before that, they were part of the former Journal-Register in Medina.

Many of their write-ups and photos from the games are displayed on refrigerators and in scrapbooks, going back decades now, said Geno Allport, who nominated the Wertmans and presented their award. (They were unable to attend the awards program because they were covering a playoff baseball game.)

The Wertmans keep up the daily coverage at a time when many newspapers have scaled back their local reporting.

The Wertmans not only cover the varsity games, but they include youth sports as well.

“They are beyond important figures to the sports world in Orleans County,” Allport said. “For nearly half a century they have been supporting youth in Orleans County and the surrounding counties. Their work is very important to the kids and their families.”

The awards’ recipients received certificates and citations form the Youth Board, Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office and State Sen. Robert Ortt’s office. The Youth Board also gave each of the winners a yard sign to celebrate their recognition.

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – JP’s Farm Market had its last day in Holley today. The site will become a Crosby’s. The Piedimonte family started the business more than three decades ago and in recent years it has been operated by Kathy Brooks, who maintained a frequent, friendly presence at JP’s, often in the deli.

The store on Route 31 was popular especially for its subs. It has a dine-in area where many people would congregate in the mornings and at lunchtime.

When JP’s becomes a Crosby’s there will be two in Holley, as well as locations in Clarendon, Kendall, two in Albion, one in Gaines, one in Medina and one in Lyndonville.