Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Thomas Russo gets safely to third base after banging out an RBI triple in the fifth inning of the Rams sectional win over visiting Akron this afternoon.

A trio of pitchers combined on a one hitter as No. 5 Roy-Hart downed visiting Niagara-Orleans League foe Akron 7-1 this afternoon in the semifinals of the Section VI Class B2 playoffs.

Brayden Hy started on the mound for Roy-Hart and allowed 1 hit with 4 strikeouts over the first three and one-third innings. Three of those strikeouts were clutch coming in the first inning to end a big Akron threat after the Tigers had loaded the bases to open the game on a hit batter, a walk and a single.

Thomas Russo came on in the fourth inning with the bases loaded and got the Rams out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout back to the mound. He struck out 5 in two and two-thirds innings.

Ryan Mettler came on to hurl the seventh inning and retired the Tigers in order with two strikeouts.

Roy-Hart took the lead for good in the third inning on a two-run double by Russo.

The Rams tacked on one run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Jake Gould and then broke the contest open with three runs in the fifth. A triple by Russo plated the first run and a bunt single by Ethan Kuzma followed by singles by Jay Heideman and Remington Albee combined to plate the other two.

Roy-Hart capped off the win with a run in the sixth as Mettler leadoff with a triple an came home on a sacrifice fly by Kuzma.

Improving to 19-4, Roy-Hart will now face N-O rival Medina for the Class B2 title at 12 p.m. Saturday at Grand Island. The Rams and Mustangs split a pair of league meetings and shared the N-O title at 10-2.

Lew-Port 12, Albion 2

Four unearned runs sparked No. 4 Lew-Port to a 12-2 win over visiting No. 8 Albion in a Class B1 semifinal contest.

Roy-Hart’s Ryan Mettler slides into second base as Akron’s Drew Romesser stretches to take the throw.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Xander Payne had a big day both at the plate and on the mound for Medina during today’s sectional semifinal win at Southwestern.

Defending champion No. 6 seed Medina rallied to edge past host No. 2 Southwestern 5-4 this afternoon in the semifinals of the Section VI Class B2 playoffs.

Trailing 4-1, Medina got back into the game on a two-run single by Richard Keppler in the fourth inning as a leadoff single by Aidan Paul and an error set up the threat.

The Mustangs then rallied into the lead at 5-4 in the fifth inning as a leadoff home run by Xander Payne tied the game and Joe Cecchini and Zach Fike followed up with back-to-back doubles to plate the game winner.

Payne also had a big day on the mound. Coming on in relief, he allowed just 1 hit and struck out 5 over the final four innings. He registered a clutch strikeout to end the sixth as the Trojans left a runner stranded at third base.

Breaking away from an early 1-1 deadlock, Southwestern but up a 4-1 lead on a two-run single by Kenyon Davidson in the second inning and a home run by Judd Harris to lead off the third.

Now at 19-3 on the season, Medina will  face Niagara-Orleans League rival Roy-Hart in the B2 championship game at 12 p.m. Saturday at Grand Island. The Mustangs and Rams shared the N-O title at 10-2 after splitting a pair of league meetings.

Provided photo: Karen Dawley gives out poppies in front of Walmart on May 21. Friday is being observed as National Poppy Day.

ALBION – May 27 is National Poppy Day, celebrated in countries around the world.

The American Legion brought the observance to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, according to information from Cathy Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary.

On May 21, Karen Dawley, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Sheret Post 35 in Albion, sat at Walmart giving out poppies.

National Poppy Day honors all United States service members, from the battlefields of France in World War I a century ago to today’s global war on terror. After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe and quickly became a symbol of the sacrifices made by Americans and Allied service members around the world.

Soldiers returning from World War I brought home the flowers in memory of the barren landscape transformed by the sudden growth of wild red poppies among the newly dug graves – unforgettably described in a memorial poem by Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae – “In Flanders Fields.”

National Poppy Day broadens a tradition that dates back to the American Legion Auxiliary’s first national convention in the early 1920s, when the red poppy was adopted as the American Legion family’s memorial flower. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of honor.

Each year, the American Legion family distributes poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Genesee reports 3 more Covid-related deaths

Chart courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The number of Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties dropped in the past week, the second straight week of decline after a steady rise for two months.

There were 120 cases in Orleans from May 18 to May 24, which is down from the 10 the previous seven days and the 220 from May 4 to May 10.

The cases in Orleans in the past week include 90 from lab tests and 30 from take-home tests, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments reported on Wednesday.

In Genesee there were 170 new confirmed cases from May 18 to May 24, which is down from 261 the previous seven days and 283 from May 4 to May 10.

Genesee County also is reporting three more Covid-related deaths during the seven days and now has had 191 Covid-related deaths during the pandemic since March 2020. Orleans has had 117 Covid deaths during the pandemic, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

The seven-day Covid positivity rate statewide is 7.68 percent. In the nine-county Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans, the positivity rate is at 10.10 percent in the past seven days. It’s higher in the Capital Region at 10.65 percent, Long Island at 10.68 percent and Western New York at 12.95 percent. Central New York has the lowest rate at 5.79 percent.

“As we head into the Memorial Day weekend and prepare to travel and gather with loved ones, I encourage everyone to continue taking advantage of the tools we have available to protect against and treat Covid-19,” Governor Hochul said. “The best way to avoid serious illness from Covid-19 is by keeping up to date with your vaccination and booster doses.”

HOLLEY – The Holley Police Department posted the above images from security cameras during a burglary at Dollar General store last night at approximately 1:50 a.m.

“The suspects pictured forced entry into the building and stole several items,” the Police Department posted on its Facebook page. “We are also investigating the report of individuals looking into vehicles and houses in the early hours this morning.”

The Holley PD asks that anyone with information or security camera footage to contact the department immediately at (585) 638-5308 or message directly through the department’s Facebook page.

College recognizes other staff for achievement during past year

Photo courtesy of GCC: The 2022 SUNY Chancellor Award winners at GCC are, from left: Rachel A. Czechonski, Karen K. Wicka, Esq., Florence A. Radley and Thomas W. Kinsey. Absent: Lina M. LaMattina, Ed. D.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College held its fifth annual Employees Serving Beyond Expectations ceremony on May 17 when the college formally honored the many outstanding achievements of GCC’s faculty and staff.

Among the highest honors were recognizing the recipients of the prestigious 2022 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, which includes the following:

• Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching – Rachel A. Czechonski, Adjunct Instructor
• Award for Excellence in Classified Service – Florence A. Radley, Financial Aid Clerk Typist
• Award for Excellence in Faculty Service – Karen K. Wicka, Esq., Criminal Justice Professor
• Award for Excellence in Professional Service – Thomas W. Kinsey, Institutional Research and Planning Reporting Analyst
• Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities – Lina M. LaMattina, Ed. D., Director of Business Programs, Assistant Professor

“The past few years at Genesee Community College have been unlike any other years we have been through,” GCC’s President James M. Sunser said. “Like our students, GCC faculty and staff have continually adapted to provide the best possible campus environment. For that reason, it is important for all of us to recognize our achievements in serving beyond expectations.”

In addition to the SUNY Chancellors Awards, the “Serving Beyond Expectations” ceremony also recognized 31 employees with extensive years of service with benchmarks of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to GCC. The college also recognized individuals in seven unique categories of service known as the “Cougar Awards,” which were awarded in the following areas:

• Innovation Award for one who’s implemented idea made a positive impact on GCC – Karlyn M. Backus, Registrar
• Cougar Salute for a supervisor or manager consistently demonstrating GCC’s core values – Shelitha W. Williams, Vice President for Student & Enrollment Services
• Inclusive Excellence Award for a significant role in embracing the diversity, equity and inclusiveness of the campus community – Madeline E. Reichler, Community, Equity & Diversity Specialist
• Rookie of the Year Award for the outstanding achievements of a new staff member – Allison McAdoo, Student Financial Services Advisor
• Spirit and Community Award for exemplary school spirit – Deborah A. Erion, Student Success Coach
• President’s Award for the efforts and services of an individual in support of the college’s mission and strategic priorities – Macy A. Reyngoudt, Counselor
• Teamwork Award for superior performance by a department or cross functional team –Campus Safety – Erik L. Anderson, Alex C. Brownlie, David P. Childs, Gregg A. Evans, Edgardo Guzman, Randal J. Henning, Brenda D. Hoffman-Case, David J. Lester, Joseph D. Meacham, Elizabeth A. Mills, Allison R. Parente, Daniel J. Wendling, Hunter S. Webster and Stephen P. Wise

The Cougar Award nominees were kept secret until the awards ceremony and recipients were named live during the event.

Seven staff who retired after September 1, 2021 were acknowledged by the college president. They include: Ricky Bezon, Michele Bokman, Donna Ehrhart, Daniel Hoffman, Raymond Strzelecki, Gail Schnabl and Eileen Wekenmann.

Lastly, but no less important, the “Serving Beyond Expectations” ceremony recognizes the numerous accomplishments and contributions made by GCC’s faculty and staff throughout the past academic year.

The number and breadth of these achievements exemplifies the quality and compassion that seems near endemic across all departments and divisions at GCC. Thirty-nine members of GCC’s staff, and many of them with multiple honors and recognitions, are listed under the general awards category.

From Athletic Director of the Year to professional association officers, to serving as a presenter or a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, from furthering their own education to membership on local community committees and boards, and even a costume designer, GCC employees are an active collection of top-notch professionals motivated by passion, patriotism and the idea of making the community a better place to live and work.

Photo by Tom Rivers: David Quaranto receives a Special Recognition Award from County Legislator Skip Draper in appreciation for a 32-year career with the County Probation Department.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday presented a Special Recognition Award to David Quaranto, who is retiring after 32 years with the count’s Probation Department.

Quaranto started as a probation officer in 1988 and was promoted to probation supervisor in 1994. When he was a probation officer, he was also the department’s DWI officer.

“Being a probation supervisor is a challenging job as you need to be familiar with all aspects of the criminal justice system and how it impacts probation,” said Luci Welch, director of the Orleans County Probation Department. “As probation supervisor, Dave has had to develop many interpersonal relationships with staff, several county departments, courts and out of county agencies which we collaborate with on a daily basis.”

Welch said Quaranto “has been an invaluable asset to the department in both of his roles and he will be sorely missed.”

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: Shoppers check out the wares at Black Button Distillery of Rochester’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market last year. The summer market begins June 4 at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.

MEDINA – Opening day of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market is a sure sign of summer, and shoppers can look forward to the opening on June 4.

“Our winter market had a very good season, but we’re always fired up for opening day of the summer season,” said Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market. “The Saturday morning gathering of vendors, musicians and friends under sunshine and blue skies is a welcome sign of summer. After a long winter and more Covid, people are ready to enjoy summer life. We’re excited to be able to provide this great weekly summer event for the community.”

Gail Miller is manager of the market.

“I am looking forward to a great summer season the Canal Village Farmers’ Market,” Miller said. “As always, there’s a lot packed into the Saturday market, including regular and rotating vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ scavenger hunts and more. Weekly updates can be found on the market’s Facebook page.”

Returning anchor vendors include Baker Farms, Roberts Farm Market, Human Farms, Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagels, LynOaken Farms, Gardner’s Gardens, Catherine Street Bakery, Heartland Organics, HateCuddler Craftworks and Flower Fields Forever.

Products to be found at the market include local beef, pork, chicken, garlic, garlic powder, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, numerous fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, bagels, herbs, barbecue sauce, herb blends, tea blends, fudge, jam, jellies, sea salts, cookies, pies, cakes, breads, scones, muffins, honey and many other items.

New regular vendors this year include Shirt Factory, Lock Ridge Apiary and Barn Owl Blacksmithing.

Wineries, mead and spirits will return, along with local beer. Scheduled throughout the season will be 819 Meadworks, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Mountain Mule Ciderhouse and Schulze Winery and Vineyard. Black Button Distillery will also be back every month, along with a new vendor from Batavia, Eli Fish Brewery.

“We are super excited to welcome Eli Fish Brewing to our family of vendors,” Miller said. “It’s great to be able to add a local beer vendor to the market.

Tom Keefer of Celtic Cross will perform from 10 a.m. to noon on opening day of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

The market also has a great lineup of food trucks, with a nice variety for all tastes, Miller said.

“If there are other food trucks interested, we still have some Saturdays open,” she said.

Food trucks rotate throughout the season. In addition to the weekly anchor food truck, El Gran Burrito, other food trucks scheduled are Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza from Albion, Some Like it Hot from Buffalo and Greenlief’s on the Go from Middleport. Dubby’s will be on site for opening day.

Artisans and crafters include Between the Vines, Stillwater Pottery, HateCuddler’s Crafts/HHC and Laurel’s by the Creek.

“We’ve been contacted by quite a few artisans and crafters, and some spots are still available,” Miller said.

The weekly kid’s scavenger hunt will be sponsored by Maureen Hungerford this year, Miller said.

“Each week, kids can play by answering five market-related questions to win a prize from a box full of cool kid stuff,” Miller said.

Miller said the scavenger hunt is a very popular attraction, and they are grateful to Hungerford for her sponsorship.

“We have many kids play each week and they really love a choice from the prize box,” Miller said.

Live music at the market will be sponsored this year by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Zambito Realtors.

“We’re incredibly grateful for live music sponsorship,” Busch said. “It really makes the market vibe something special, and thanks to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Zambito Realtors, we have a full slate of musicians.”

Entertains scheduled so far are recording artist Barry DiGregorio, Rob Robinson, Thom Jennings, Thomas Keefer solo, Steve Novak, Zach Busch and Dark Road Duo.

The community tent is also back, according to Miller.

“The tent is for community organizations, such as tourism, veterans’ organizations, health and wellness organizations, Master Gardeners, charitable organizations and the like,” Miller said. “This gives these organizations a helpful outlet to share information about their services.”

Opening day will see the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services at the Community Tent. They will be answering questions and handing out Fresh Connect Check Coupon books to veterans.

“Any community-oriented organization who feels they might be appropriate for the market should contact us,” Miller said.

Miller encourages customers to check the Canal Village Farmers Market Facebook page for products available each Saturday.

The market has multiple options for making sales transactions. These include, besides cash, credit via Square, PayPal and VenMo.

The market accepts Senior Coupons, WIC, SNAP and Fresh Connect Checks and will soon be able to offer Double up Food Bucks to SNAP recipients. More information is available at the market manager’s tent.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. Miller can be reached at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com.

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Seana Hamilton (Roy-Hart), Jovany Trejo (Albion), Gracelin Mahnke (Medina), Sophia Tronolone (Newfane), Mackenzie Clogston (Newfane), Antinina Renee Sikora (Lockport), Keira Wass (Barker) and Alyssa Clare (Newfane).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Health Occupation Technician (HOT) students recently partnered with the Early Childhood Education students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.

The HOT students invited their preschoolers into their class for their first annual Stuffie Clinic.

The event encouraged the preschoolers to bring in their favorite stuffed animal or doll and the HOT students taught them how to brush their teeth, take a blood pressure reading, and use a stethoscope, proper techniques of handwashing and X-rays.

HOT teacher Courtney Slack says she and her students were happy to report that all the stuffies and dolls were in good health!

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Rev. Sohail Akhtar, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medina, gives a blessing at a luncheon Tuesday in celebration of the Medina Food Pantry’s 40th anniversary. “You are exhibiting God’s love by running this food pantry,” he told the volunteers of the pantry.

MEDINA – Forty years ago, three local clergy teamed up to start an enduring program to help the people of the Medina area.

That program would become the Medina Food Pantry, which on Tuesday was celebrated 40 years with a luncheon at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Jane Stroyan, a member of St. Peter’s Church Council, welcomed the volunteers, saying it was amazing that this group kept the food pantry open during a global pandemic.

“Being 77 years old, and with a couple of underlying conditions, I sheltered and stayed safe,” Stroyan said. “But you folks stayed strong. You showed up. You put on your masks protecting yourselves and others, and made sure our Medina residents in need got food and understood they were not alone.”

Stroyan commended Hancock, Robin and Denny Dubai, Sally Grimm, Diane Mazur and the others who kept the pantry staffed and stocked with foods for those who needed it.

Also honored was Jim Hancock, a member of St. Peter’s Church and the only person still involved from the pantry’s early days.

“Jim Hancock has been with the food pantry for the entire 40 years of its existence,” Stroyan said. “Volunteering for that length of time is laudable and quite amazing. The Church Council of St. Peter’s thanks Jim for this accomplishment and so much more.”

In 1982, Hancock said Medina had a Medina Clergy Fellowship which helped people who needed food, gas or money. At that time, three local pastors, the Rev. Ron Haefer of St. Peter’s, the Rev. Benjamin Moss from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Rev. George Yiengst from St. Mary’s started talking about what they could do to help the community.

Jane Stroyan, a member of St. Peter’s Church Council and volunteer at the Medina Food Pantry, presents a gift to Jim Hancock, who was involved in forming the food pantry 40 years ago.

The result was the founding of a food pantry. Their first referrals came from the Medina Clergy Fellowship, Hancock said. Most of their donations of food came from local churches.

As the need for the food pantry grew, they organized and in 1991 formed a board of directors and adopted a constitution and bylaws. It became known as the Medina Emergency Food Pantry. Board members came from different churches, but were overseen by St. Peter’s, Hancock said.

In those years, St. Peter’s had a parsonage next to the church, which was used for Sunday School and the kitchen became home to the food pantry.

From 1982 to 1989, the food pantry was moved to the basement of the church, then moved back to the parsonage until 1999. Then the church was planning an addition and the parsonage was torn down. The food pantry was relocated to Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God during 2000 and 2001.

“The addition was completed in 2002 and the food pantry moved back from Calvary Tabernacle, and it’s been here ever since,” Hancock said.

The Medina Food Pantry serves needy residents in the village of Medina and the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway. There is no income requirement, only proof of residing in the 14103 zip code. Occasionally, families from Middleport, Lyndonville and Albion will be served on a one-time basis, then they are referred back to their home town.

Sally Grimm reads the names of volunteers who have been dedicated to the Medina Food Pantry in recent years.

Each of those towns also has a food pantry, Hancock said.

The Medina Food Pantry was open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until the pandemic, and since then, is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and Thursday.

“We are very blessed that many people in the community donate generously to us,” Hancock said. “In addition, United Way of Orleans County and Food Link in Rochester have been a big help.”

St. Peter’s pastor, the Rev. Sohail Akhtar, said thousands of people have benefitted from this food pantry.

“You are exhibiting God’s love by running this food pantry,” he said. “Jim has done wonderful work – for the pantry and the church.”

Sally Grimm said some of the volunteers have been the glue which kept the food pantry going. She named Robin and Denny Dubai, Diane Mazur, Bob Hoffman and Michelle Capstick.

Hancock called Tuesday “a momentous day in the life of this church.”

“Forty years later, we are here celebrating our history,” he said.

MEDINA – Those who own a vintage vehicle and those who enjoy looking at them will be happy to hear Friday night cruise-ins in the canal basin will return for the summer on June 3.

This will be the 25th year for the weekly summer event, said Dave Green of East Shelby, who has been involved since the very first one.

The cruise-ins were originally headed by Donna Mruczek and Donna Bushover, in addition to Green. The first ones took place at what was then Botsford and Hartway Motors, Green said. Then they moved to the canal basin, where they continued to grow every year.

Eventually, the end of each summer event was celebrated with a Super Cruise on Main Street with Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald. The evening closes Main Street from the four corners almost to Prospect Street and attracts as many as 300 antique vehicles.

Cruise-ins were canceled the last two years due to Covid, so Green is optimistic car collectors and the public will be eager to have them return.

Cars will begin arriving about 5 p.m. and average between 90 and 100 weekly.

“Cars come from a very long distance, including Wyoming County and Niagara Falls,” Green said.

Disc jockey Hank Nevins will provide music weekly. Super Cruise this year will feature the band Crash Cadillac from the Buffalo area.

Special features of cruise nights include a 50-50 drawing, with half going to United Way of Orleans County, which sponsors the event; Christmas in July when people are asked to bring new toys to be given to children at Christmas time; and the local Boy Scouts selling hot dogs and hamburgers.

Every week something different is featured, such as Truck Night, General Motors Night, Ford Night, Mustang Night and Corvette Night.

Green is not only the head of cruise nights, he is a collector himself. He has owned a variety of antique vehicles, which he trades whenever he sees something he likes.

“The thrill in collecting is changing them every so often,” he said.

His most recent trade was a 1980 Chevy pickup, which he traded for a 1973 Mercury Cougar convertible. The 1978 Buick Regal Landau he currently drives was traded for an El Camino from the 1980s.

Green added the cruise-ins wouldn’t be so successful without the support of downtown businesses, Medina Fire Department and DPW, who provide any services needed.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proud to announce the Top 10 seniors from the Class of 2022.

This recognition reflects the weighted cumulative grade point average of the students throughout their high school careers, including the first through third marking periods of their senior year.

Jack Whipple is valedictorian and Maddox Stirk is salutatorian.

The remaining students ranked 3 to 10 are listed alphabetically: Ethan Gardner, Amanda Garza, Shawna Grabowski, Roman Heinsler, Aasiya Huzair, Ella Lewis, Katherine O’Brien and Karlee Rounds.

“We are proud to honor the hard work and achievements of our top ten seniors,” said Lyndonville Middle-High School Principal Aaron Slack. “Saluting our top ten graduates has been a school tradition for over three decades. I am confident this group of exceptional scholars will go on to do remarkable things.”

Please join us in congratulating Lyndonville’s Class of 2022 Top 10!

Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, stands alongside veterans at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. during the 12th Patriot Trip in 2019. The trip was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing the resumption of his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, where veterans and their family members are hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit many historical sites and landmarks erected to pay tribute to their service to America.

This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations throughout the DC-area, including the Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials. The trip also stops in Gettysburg.

Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members, and will cost between $400-500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details.

“Every year, taking veterans to the memorials built to honor their service is one of the most fulfilling experiences I partake in, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to do it again this year,” said Hawley. “Our veterans are the reason we are able to peacefully enjoy all this country has to offer, so it’s been my honor to take them to see some of the most awe-inspiring, historical places in our nation over the years.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The tugboat Edna A., which is owned by the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company of Troy, pushes away from the Erie Canal bank just east of the Gaines Basin Road bridge.

It is pushes a barge carrying a condenser for a nuclear submarine. The condenser was trucked in on an oversize load weighing just under 400,000 pounds. The condenser itself weighed about 200,000 pounds. The unit was manufactured by Graham Corp. in Batavia.

The condenser travelled by truck from Batavia this morning and reached the canal in about 2 ½ hours. It went up Route 98, to 31A in Barre, then down Gaines Basin Road before turning right on Albion-Eagle Harbor Road.

A massive crane lifts the condenser from the truck.

Ken Printup of Shelby brought binoculars to watch the heavy-duty operation. He is in the parking lot for the Sheret American Legion Post on Gaines Basin Road.

The heavy equipment was then set on the barge in the Erie Canal.

The process drew a crowd of onlookers along the north side of the canal. Many said they had never seen such big cranes and equipment before.

The Edna A. pushes the barge down the canal. It will go to Albany, then down the Hudson River to New York Harbor. From there it will be moved to an ocean-going-barge for the trip to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

The tug and barge approach the Main Street lift bridge in Albion at about 1:30 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – A caravan of vehicles started down Route 98 in Barre this morning, delivering a huge oversize load to the Erie Canal in Albion.

The large piece of equipment was manufactured by Graham Corp. in Batavia and will be used for the Navy.

The equipment will be put on a barge in the canal. An enormous crane is at the site just east of the Gaines Basin Road bridge.

Orleans County dispatchers warn to expect some delays and power outages while the caravan moves to its destination. It was going on Route 98 to Route 31A, then along Gaines Basin Road in Albion and then the last stretch is Albion-Eagle Harbor Road along the canal.

This company kept raising wires and traffic lights so the big load could pass through.

This group of escorts was out in front of the oversize load.