Provided photo

MEDINA – Girl Scouts in Troops 82007 and 82261 placed wreaths on veterans’ graves in Boxwood Cemetery in medina on Saturday as part of the Wreaths Across America program.

The Scouts joined other volunteers in placing wreaths on the graves of 315 veterans.

Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps helped push many projects

Provided photo: Orleans County legislators John DeFilipps, left, and Ken DeRoller, far right, were presented with a State Senate proclamation on Monday evening during a retirement reception in their honor. State Assembly members Steve Hawley, second from left, and Mike Norris, second from right, joined in recognizing the two county legislators. State Sen. Robert Ortt is in center.

ALBION – Two Orleans County legislators who joined the Legislature together eight years ago attended their final meeting as legislators on Monday.

Ken DeRoller of Kendall and John DeFilipps of Clarendon were both praised for their high-energy in pushing through many projects.

“These two legislators committed themselves full-time to the position,” said Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman. “You have served with dedication and commitment.”

The two were presented with plaques from the county for their service on the Legislature. State Sen. Robert Ortt also presented both with framed proclamations from the State Senate.

DeRoller and DeFilipps both opted to retire rather than seek re-election. DeRoller’s spot in January will be filled by John Fitzak of Carlton and Ed Morgan will take DeFilipps’ place on the seven-member board.

DeFilipps said he was grateful for the many friendships he made around the county in his role as legislator.

“I met a lot of good people, been to places I probably wouldn’t have gone,” he said during Monday’s Legislature meeting.

DeRoller sees progress on many fronts for the county.

He cited the $17 million transformation of the Holley High School, which is now 41 apartments and the Holley village officials. That project is a major improvement at one of the gateways into Orleans County along Route 31.

New homes are being built as part of the Cottages at Troutburg, a former Salvation Army camp in Kendall.

DeRoller was on the committees that pushing for waterfront revitalization plans for the Lake Ontario lakeshore towns of Kendall, Carlton and Yates. He also pushed for the waterfront revitalization plan for the Erie Canal communities.

DeRoller said those plans have identified many projects and initiatives to better utilize that waterfront property for residential, recreational and business development.

“This will give us some opportunities for the future,” DeRoller said about the plans.

He also noted major projects to better withstand high Lake Ontario water levels, projects identified by local and state leaders for Yates, Carlton and Kendall. The shoreline is now better protected to fight flooding, DeRoller said, and the Oak Orchard and Johnson Creek harbors have been dredged to allow better passage for boaters.

He also thanked the team of county officials for moving forward with broadband expansion that will close the internet gaps in Orleans, a project that has been about a decade in the works.

He also praised a digital literacy initiative led by the Orleans County United Way over the next five years to equip residents to use technology. And he cited the Cooperative Extension for its push to create a robotics garage at Fairgrounds, teaching students to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“It’s been a pleasurable trip,” DeRoller said. “The journey has been challenging and rewarding.”

He offered a “special thanks” to all of the county employees, legislative clerks and the staff at the Orleans Economic Development Agency. DeRoller and DeFilipps both have served on the agency’s board of directors.

“Together we achieve more,” DeRoller said. “Thanks for listening. It’s been a pleasure.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Staff at Takeform in Medina, Medina merchants and winners of a holiday contest pose in front of a new gratitude panel created by Takeform and erected in Rotary Park for the Christmas season. At left are Mike and Kara Zambito, Decorate Medina chair Jaye Sullivan, and Jordan and Brett Grollnes with son Patrick, who won Takeform’s contest. At right are Ryan Scaja, engineer at Takeform; Shannon Dent, designer; engineers Jesse Follman and Doug Robertson; and Andrew Szatkowski, operations manager at Takeform.

MEDINA – When Takeform employees learned they weren’t going to have a float in this year’s Parade of Lights, they knew they had to do something else, said Takeform director of operations Andrew Szatkowski.

“We really missed working on a float, so we started thinking about it and ideas just snowballed,” said designer Shannon Dent.

They decided to have a booth at the Parade of Lights, where they would ask the crowd to take a slip of paper and write down what they were grateful for. To encourage people to their tent, they gave away Christmas ornaments, said Szatkowski.

Three hundred and fifty people participated.

At the end, one winner was drawn, 8-year-old Patrick Grollnes, whose answer was, “My family and friends.”

Patrick, 8, who won Takeform’s contest at the Parade of Lights, poses with Santa Claus, his mother Jordan and sister Adeline in Rotary Park, where his reason for being thankful is one of those engraved on the Gratitude Wall designed by Takeform employees.

As winner, Patrick and his family, parents Brett and Jordan and sister Adeline, were treated to dinner by Mike and Kara Zambito of Zambistro’s in their popular outdoor igloo.

It was pretty cool, Patrick said.

“Patrick is a big eater, so he really enjoyed having a multi-course meal,” his mother said. “It was a real nice treat the week before Christmas.”

Meanwhile, Takeform had contacted Jaye Sullivan, chair of the Decorate Medina Committee, who said they could erect their display in Rotary Park. The layered display features an 1880’s picture of Medina’s downtown with an acrylic overlay engraved with the messages of those who filled the slips at the parade.

This wall of Holiday Gratitude and Greetings will stand in Rotary Park until about the first of February. It features a background picture of 1880’s Medina with a plastic overlay engraved with reasons why hundreds of people who attended the Parade of Lights are grateful.

Reasons for giving thanks included many who said “family and friends and good health.” But others were thankful for their community, for small towns like Medina, Godzilla, deer season and one said, “Everything I have.”

Dent said it took her about 10 hours to lay all the comments on the plastic.

The Takeform group said the display is most beautiful at night when it is lighted.

It will remain up until about the first of February, Szatkowski said.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jeanne Crane, Orleans Community Health Foundation president, presents a poinsettia to North Wing resident Elizabeth Atwell, who is surrounded by her family.

MEDINA – The North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital is all decked out for the season to help residents enjoy the Christmas holiday.

Recently, Jeanne Crane, president of the Orleans Community Health Foundation, presented each resident with a poinsettia.

This is a tradition started by the Twig Association many years ago, and then handed off to the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

North Wing resident Rose Plummer gets a poinsettia from Jeanne Crane.

From left, Orleans Community Health Foundation director Heather Smith, OCH president Jeanne Crane and CEO Marc Shurtz pose amid holiday decorations in the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital.

ALBION – Orleans County is spending $10,482 in a $150,000 regional campaign to boost vaccination rates to slow the increase in Covid cases.

The County Legislature on Monday agreed to spending, which will come from a portion of the federal American Rescue Plan money sent to the county.

One Legislator, Don Allport, opposed the move because he didn’t want “government to go after individuals” who have decided not to get vaccinated.

Allport said everyone knows about Covid which has dominated the news for nearly two years.

“It’s hard to believe anyone doesn’t know what’s going on with Covid,” he said. “Whether it’s federal, state or local money, it’s taxpayer money.”

Legislator Ken DeRoller said there is much misinformation and “a political twist” about vaccines and fighting Covid.

“We’re not getting good information,” he said.

There are also hard to reach populations, including the Mennonites and Amish communities.

DeRoller said the campaign will highlight the effectiveness of vaccines and their local availability.

Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch join other county leaders from the nine-county Finger Lakes Region in frequent calls about fighting Covid.

The $150,000 campaign will be focused on the rural communities, and will target zip codes with low vaccination rates.

“This resolution coordinates advertising strategy to promote people to get their vaccines,” Johnson said.

Welch said the state has put lots of resources into outreach campaigns in urban areas, but not too much in rural communities.

“We’re trying to get a fair communication message out so they can make an informed decision,” Welch said.

In the resolution, legislators said new cases, hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 infections continue to rise within Orleans County and throughout the region. The county last week reached 100 deaths from Covid since March 2020.

The marketing and outreach strategy will be conducted by Common Ground Health and Causewave Community Partners. The campaign will include advertising in a number of local and regional outlets, earned media, and targeted direct mailings to particular populations within the region.

Orleans County recently had the highest percentage of positive Covid tests in the state. That has started to decline but the county still had over 200 active Covid cases on Monday.

Orleans has made some gains in its vaccination rate. It had the lowest vaccination rate last spring, but now is ahead of 12 other counties.

In Orleans, 57.1 percent of population has had at least one vaccination dose, and 66.1 percent of population 18 and older with at least one dose.

That compares to 76.7 percent of total population in state with at least one dose, and 88.0 percent who are 18 and older in state with at least one dose.

The 57.1 percent in Orleans with at least one dose is ahead of Allegany at 47.9%; Tioga, 50.2%; Lewis, 52.2%; Fulton, 53.1%; Cattaraugus, 54.1%; Seneca, 54.2%; Chemung, 55.4%; Steuben, 55.5%; Wyoming at 55.5%; Yates, 56.4%; Delaware, 56.7%; and Herkimer, 56.8%.

MEDINA – A Medina native and Nashville entertainer return home for Christmas and give a concert Dec. 30 at the Medina Theater on Main Street.

Brandon Noreck is a 2009 graduate of Medina High School, where he sang in the choir, played in the jazz band and was a member of the Mustang Marching Band from seventh grade through high school.

Brandon Noreck

“Mrs. Roessler, who led the choir, was a big inspiration to me,” Noreck said. “Mr. Doctor pushed me to be a vocalist. He urged me to audition for a school musical. I didn’t want a featured spot, but I ended up as Tony in ‘West Side Story.’”

Noreck’s parents still live in the area – his father Jim on South Lyndonville Road and his mother Lisa in Amherst.

“I’ve loved music all my life,” Noreck said in a phone call from Nashville last week. “I started playing piano when I was 5 years old.”

In his senior year of high school, he and his mom took a trip to Nashville, and he was hooked.

“I fell in love with the city,” he said.

Noreck attended Fredonia State College, where he graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in sound recording technology.

Initially, he wanted to be an engineer in sound recording technology, he said.

Not only is he an engineer, but a song writer, singer and instrumentalist. He plays piano, guitar and trumpet. While he has knowledge of woodwind, brass, percussion and choral arrangements, his specialty is RnB/Soul/Pop.

Music is one of the most important things in his life, he said.

After moving to Nashville in 2013, Noreck did freelance sound recording, but after a couple of years he realized his biggest passion was to sing. He started attending sessions called Writers’ Rounds, where musicians and singers meet and perform for each other.

Noreck has written several songs and really enjoys performing his original stuff, he said. He has had a couple of his songs cut and released. He has also done jingles on the radio.

Click here to hear “I Just Want You” by Brandon Noreck.

When a family friend, Tim McPherson of Medina, learned Noreck was coming home for Christmas, he thought how great it would be if the singer could perform for his home town crowd. McPherson contacted Joe Cardone and arranged to use the Medina Theater for a concert. This will be his first time performing for his home town.

Noreck will sing and play from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 30 at the theater. Admission is $10 at the door.

The number of active Covid cases in Orleans County is going down, from 241 on Thursday to 216 today, while the state set a new pandemic high for new cases.

The state has set a new record high for new Covid cases each of the past three days, capped by Sunday’s 23,391. That surge is driven by a big increase in New York City which had 15,245 new cases on Sunday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

“The winter surge in Covid-19 cases is a reminder that we must stay vigilant in our fight against the pandemic,” Hochul said today. “Make sure you are using all the tools that we know work in reducing the risk of transmission and serious illness: get vaccinated if you haven’t yet and get the booster if you have, mask up indoors and exercise caution when in large gatherings. Let’s make sure our loved ones and the most vulnerable among us this holiday season are there with us for the next and many more to come.”

Orleans County is reporting 81 new positive cases of Covid since Thursday, and 103 more recoveries or previous positive individuals who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

Genesee County’s active cases are on the rise, up from 217 on Thursday to 275 today. The county is reporting 209 new cases and 150 more recoveries.

Orleans County currently has 12 residents hospitalized due to Covid and Genesee has 35 in the hospital from Covid.

Press Release, State Assembly Minority Conference

BUFFALO – Today, Assemblymen Joseph M. Giglio, Steve Hawley, Jake Ashby, Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris held a “No Surrender” Veteran Initiative: Making PTSD a Priority roundtable event in Buffalo.

The event, one of several regional roundtables being organized by the Assembly Republican Conference, was aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) facing veterans, as well as law enforcement, health care and emergency service personnel.

“Gatherings like the one that took place here today give an outlet to those who may not have otherwise had an opportunity to discuss these complex issues with experts, counterparts and lawmakers all at once. This forum gave our suffering frontline defenders a voice, and I am proud to have been a part of that effort,” said Assemblyman Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda). “Mental health issues can be some of the most difficult to talk about out loud, and I am very happy to see so many brave men and women share their experiences here today. This is a great building block.”

“The overwhelming pressure and danger that comes with military service can shake a person to the core. I have seen too many of my fellow service members struggle to overcome that trauma and one of the reasons I decided to serve in the Assembly was to continue to support those who wear the uniform even after I took mine off,” said Assemblyman Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “This initiative represents our Conference’s effort to ensure support for those who lay everything on the line to protect us. I look forward to putting what we have learned here today to work.”

“Military personnel and frontline first responders are routinely exposed to emergencies and other circumstances that dramatically impact their mental health. Too often, these incidents create lasting mental health challenges that go largely unaddressed,” said Assemblyman Ashby (R,C,I-Castleton). “For that reason, I have introduced and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation to help address this issue, including a bill to make the Division of Veterans’ Services into its own independent state agency. This evening’s event in Buffalo was an important step toward reshaping our state’s treatment plan, and I am hopeful that with the feedback we have gathered we can better formulate short- and long-term strategies to adequately address mental health concerns.”

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed a number of flaws in the state’s health care system, especially as they related to individuals coping with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Those wishing to show their support for Assemblyman Ashby’s legislation (A.3725) are encouraged to sign a recently launched petition here.

“Our veterans made a decision to risk everything for the freedom of people they don’t know, devoting their lives to fight for peace and justice and a better tomorrow for all,” said Assemblyman Morinello (R,C,I-Niagara Falls). “As a veteran and someone who has experienced the horrors of combat I know the scars of war are not always physical. Many of our veterans suffer internally, and the sacrifices they have made for others often come with a price; PTSD, depression and anxiety. We can and must do better for all of the men and women who have given so much to us and we must be diligent in our commitment to giving each one of those individuals the support they need.”

“The men and women here today are some of our bravest citizens, not only because of their service to our nation but also because they have had the courage to share their stories and continue to fight on behalf of their communities,” said Assemblyman Norris (R,I,C-Lockport). “Our State owes them a debt of gratitude and I am determined to take their stories to the State Capitol with my colleagues to continue to craft our mental health policy that will help New Yorkers deal with complex issues like those we heard about today.”

The Conference is also advocating for legislation requiring the Office of Mental Health to conduct a study related to using therapeutic PTSD techniques (A.8377, Giglio, JM), among other measures, including:

• A.3501, Ashby – Establishes a peer-to-peer mental-health support program modeled after the successful Joseph P. Dwyer Program for frontline health care workers; provides confidential, peer-to-peer assistance for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety or PTSD.
• A.04646, Ashby – Allows first responders who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder to request line of duty sick leave.
• A.03585, Ashby – Relates to establishing a green alert system for missing military members.
• A.04999, Ashby – Establishes the “New York’s Own Combat Veterans Health Care Choice Program Act” to establish tax-free savings accounts to pay the health care costs of certain combat veterans until covered by the federal government.
• A.03783, Norris – Establishes the New York State Volunteer Fire Protection Emergency Reimbursement Account.
• A.5103, Reilly – Requires the Office of Mental Health, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Education to create a behavioral health website which shall provide information on various behavioral health issues such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.
• A.03506, Hawley – Relates to a leave of absence for military spouses.
• A.05793, Palmesano – Enacts the “Omnibus Emergency Services Volunteer Incentive Act” to provide certain benefits to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
• A.04846, Miller, B. – Creates a veterans’ clearinghouse for purposes of identifying veterans eligible for benefits.
• A.03782, DeStefano – Designates certain emergency and public safety dispatchers and operators as first responders.
• A.07483, Ra – Relates to capital costs of construction, improvement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of facilities owned by veterans’ organizations; allows for state grants to be used for VFWs, American Legion Posts, etc.

The next “No Surrender” Veteran Initiative event will be held in the Finger Lakes Region on Tuesday, Dec. 21, from 6-8 p.m. at the Ontario County Safety Training Facility, located at 2914 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424.

Press Release, Shelby Town Clerk Darlene Rich

SHELBY – Due to staffing issues because of Covid, the Town of Shelby Clerk’s Office will be closed on Wednesday (December 22) and Thursday (December 23).

There is a drop box by the front door that can be used for your convenience. We will also be closed for the Christmas holiday on Friday (December 24) and Monday (December 27).

The office will open on Tuesday, December 28. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Photo courtesy of FMC in Middleport: FMC Corporation’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport recently hosted Middleport Fire Department officials for a tour. Katie Russell (second from right), interim FMC Middleport plant manager, and Archie Ames (far right), FMC Emergency Response Team leader, discuss plant fire safety procedures with Middleport Fire Department Chief Ryan Czaja (third from right), and Fire Department members (from far left to right) Dan Dijames, Regan Ginty and Dave Greenwell.

Press Release, FMC in Middleport

MIDDLEPORT – FMC Corporation’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport recently hosted Middleport Fire Department officials with a plant tour and an update on emergency preparedness developments and procedures to ensure a coordinated and timely response in the event of an emergency incident.

“As part of our everyday effort to safeguard the safety of our employees and our community neighbors, FMC continually trains our emergency response team and shares useful information with first responders like the Middleport Fire Department so that together we are able to address any potential emergency situation,” said Katie Russell, interim FMC Middleport Plant manager.

“It is important for the fire department to have an understanding of our operations and what they can expect when they come to the plant site,” she said. “At the same time, we also find out what we can do to help department members in responding to an emergency incident.”

Fire Department Chief Ryan Czaja said the tour and update provided a good opportunity for fire officials to learn about changes at the plant and safety operations, as well as getting to know new individuals who are working at the plant.

Photo and information courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Group Photo: (From left to right): Ian Jones (Junior SkillsUSA President-Lockport/Computer Technology), Camellia Higgins (Senior SkillsUSA Parliamentarian-Barker/Graphic Communications), Haylee Green (Senior SkillsUSA President-Lockport/Graphic Communications), Lilian Streich (Senior SkillsUSA Treasurer-Lockport/Security and Law Enforcement), Allie Dent (Senior SkillsUSA Vice President-Royalton-Hartland/Cosmetology), Jayden Colletta (Junior SkillsUSA Vice President – Royalton-Hartland/Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering), Molly Russell (Senior SkillsUSA Secretary-Royalton-Hartland/Computer Technology), Kalyn Reabold (Jujior SkillsUSA Reporter-Diesel Technology), Maleah Updegraph (Junior SkillsUSA Treasurer-Lockport/Security and Law Enforcement), Olivia Kroening (Junior SkillsUSA Parliamentarian-Medina/Cosmetology), Catelyn Kidney (Senior SkillsUSA Reporter-Lyndonville/Cosmetology) and Lisa Beam (Junior SkillsUSA Secretary-Albion/Welding).

MEDINA – The Skills USA students at Orleans Career and Technical Education Center recently partnered with Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern. They held a fundraiser for families having a hard time getting through the holiday season.

Paper turkeys were sold for students and staff to buy, and 565 turkeys were sold. Generosity ran rampant through the building, so a huge thank you to everyone who contributed. A special shout out to the Building Trades and Graphic Communications programs as they were the top contributors!

The $565 raised was used to help provide families with toys and clothes including jackets, boots, and other cold weather gear for children. Two families will receive gifts from the fundraiser. Skills plans to collaborate with other charitable organizations in the future to keep giving back.

Great job everyone for making the holidays nicer for some in our community!

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new display of gratitude sends messages of thankfulness during a time when many people are feeling anxiety, loss and disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Takeform in Medina installed the display featuring a vintage photo of downtown Medina on Friday in Rotary Park at one of Medina’s main intersections.

The company had a booth during the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration on Nov. 27 and asked people what they are thankful for in their lives. Those quotes are part of a display that will be up until mid-January.

Many said family, and others included organ donors, deer season and even chocolate.

A sampling of some of the messages include:

“This Wonderful, Friendly Town of Medina”

“Things in Life Do Not Come In A Box”

“Thankful For My Mommy, Daddy And Two Babies”

“For A Healthy Family And The Wonderful Life”

“Snow Storms That Look Like Snow Globes”

“Mustang Pride”

“Open Your Heart To The Goodness Of The Holiday”

“My Family, Sheep & Goats”

“Medina, A Hallmark Hometown – We’re So Lucky”

“Stay Safe, Love Each Other”

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2. No. 45

GAINES –  The Hamlet of Childs is the current home for an outstanding artifact of the mid-19th century. The name settled upon for this object is “The Akeley Fox,” in homage to the taxidermy artist, Carl Akeley, who created the diorama in 1879.

Pictured at top in 1979 is Mr. John Seager, along with the fox his great grandfather Francis Harling shot over 140 years ago. In 1979, Mr. Seager gave his family heirloom to the Cobblestone Museum for its permanent collection in memory of his parents Agnes Harling Seager and John Seager.

Young Carl Akeley – Photo courtesy the Field Museum

The story goes that sometime in 1879m Francis Harling lay near a fox run in a Barre Swamp almost a full day before this specimen came along.  At the time, a young Carl Akeley of Clarendon (shown above) was in his late teens or early twenties and was learning the techniques of taxidermy under the tutelage of David Bruce from Brockport. Knowing Akeley, Francis Harling purposely procured the fox for him to mount. The fox is depicted in a large gold-framed shadow box just as she had killed a partridge.

The Akeley Fox is one of his early works. It is signed on the reverse side of the glass, “C .E. Akeley, Clarendon”

In the late 19th Century Akeley went on to become the great world renowned African explorer and established the African Hall in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was noted as being one of the first taxidermists to place specimens in their natural surroundings and traveled with Theodore Roosevelt and George Eastman on several safaris. One of his staunchest supporters was none other than J. Pierpont Morgan. The image above depicts Akeley surviving a leopard attack on one of his many safaris in Africa.  He captured the leopard using only his bare hands.

Unfortunately, Akeley died in his early sixties before he had a chance to complete his life’s work. The Akeley Fox however is testimony to a great man’s artistic genius. For many years it hung in the parlor of the Harling residence on East County House Road near Albion. It was then inherited by Walker Harling, son of Francis and passed on to his daughter Agnes Harling Seager who kept it in the attic for over forty years. Once arriving in the Hamlet of Childs, the fox was displayed along with the Hon. E. K. Hart Bird Collection at the Cobblestone Museum. Ironically, the Hart Bird Collection was prepared by Akeley’s teacher, David Bruce.

Considering the legacy left by Carl Akeley and the significance of his contributions to the field of history, the little red fox is held in the highest regard and treated as one of the crowning artifacts within the collection of the Museum. Accepting the unique artifact into the collection as a rare representation of the earliest works of a world renowned taxidermist, the Museum retained a distinct piece of history that museums today would fight over.

With thanks to the efforts of the Clarendon Historical Society, a spectacular tribute to the life and legacy of Carl Akeley was arranged to celebrate the passing of Akeley’s 150th birthday. Museum co-coordinators Matthew Ballard and Sarah Karas both attended a celebration in Akeley’s honor where they met John Janelli, chairman of the National Taxidermy Association’s Conservation Committee. After showing him photographs of the fox, the true significance of the piece was finally understood.

(L-R) Sarah Karas, Cobblestone Museum co-coordinator, John Janelli, and Matt Ballard, co-coordinator

Members of the Committee visited the Museum to see the fox firsthand on May 23, 2014 (shown above) when it was decided that the restoration of this artifact was not simply a possibility but a necessity. Heat from being stored in an attic for decades, along with freezing in the winter, had led to severe deterioration. One eye had fallen out, the tail had “melted,” the paws were void of hair and bugs had found their way inside. Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian, said, “It was in bad shape. We thought we would have to replace it, but we didn’t.”

The fox is depicted eating a bird it had caught. The paper mache work on the bird included newspaper from the Holley Standard, dated December 4, 1879. As an important symbol of modern taxidermy’s founding father, the fox needed to be restored and preserved.

On June 5, 2014, the Museum coordinators, Ballard and Karas, presented the proposal to the board of trustees. With a unanimous yes, the board offered their support in the effort to preserve Akeley’s little red fox. Fundraising begin immediately to procure funding for the evaluation and proper restoration of this important piece of history.

The fundraising to enable the restoration was a major project in itself. Ierlan said the restoration resulted from an “amazing grass-roots effort to secure funding” for the project. Private donors, a grant from the Elizabeth Dye Curtis Foundation and donations from the Orleans County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Orleans County Historical Association (OCHA) and the Clarendon Historical Society made the project possible.

With funding in place, Melissa Ierlan personally bubble wrapped and transported the fox in her car to the restoration offices of George Dante in New Jersey.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Ierlan: John Janelli, left, is past president of the National Taxidermy Association. He is pictured with George Dante of Wildlife Preservations, LLC, and the refurbished fox at Dante’s studio. Dante has provided taxidermy exhibition services to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology.

Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County Historian and former Cobblestone Museum Director, has a family connection to the fox. He explained that his great-grandfather, Francis Harling of Albion, procured the fox for Akeley. Lattin explained that the fox, enclosed in a framed diorama, is a precious artifact. “In the world of taxidermy, it’s like owning a Rafael,” Lattin said.  “It’s very, very special.”

Akeley (1864-1926), is known as the Father of Modern Taxidermy.  He devised a method for fitting an animal’s skin over a meticulously prepared and sculpted form of the animal’s body.  The process included the animal’s musculature and details such as wrinkles and veins and produced a very realistic result.

Lattin said his great-grandfather wanted the fox diorama to display in the family’s home on East County House Road in Albion. Harling was a middle-class dirt farmer and blacksmith, Lattin explained, but noted it is interesting that, “common ordinary people (of that time) had a sensitivity for aesthetics.” Harling had gone out of his way to procure the fox, Lattin said, so that something beautiful could be made to decorate the family’s home, “that’s remarkable,” he observed.

Akeley’s African Elephant Exhibit, courtesy of the Field Museum, Chicago

Akeley made many trips to Africa to collect specimens and created the African Hall at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.  Akeley also liked to place the mounted animals in settings that reflected their native habitat. Lattin also explained that during the Akeley Fox restoration, it was discovered that what was thought to be a “tod” (male fox) was found to be a “vixen” (female fox).

In 2017, Melissa Ierlan made a return trek to New Jersey to pick up the fully restored vixen fox. A “welcome home” celebration was held in September 2017 at the Museum’s Cobblestone Church.  At the celebration, shown above, Matthew Ballard (Orleans County Historian), Bill Lattin and Melissa Ierlan pose with Carl Akeley’s restored fox diorama.

Jay Kirk, the author of the book, “Kingdom Under Glass” (shown above), a book about Carl Akeley and his work, attended the celebration as did Akeley expert, John Janelli. County Historian Matt Ballard said, “We wanted to bring (the fox) to the attention of people who would appreciate Akeley’s work.” The fox is part of a transitional phase for Akeley. Ballard noted the legwork done by Ierlan, the Clarendon historian, to have the fox restored as well as the importance of the local fundraising effort. “It’s surreal to see it come to fruition,” Ballard said of the restoration project.  “It’s a piece of national significance.”

At the celebration, Ierlan discussed Carl Akeley’s life and work from his humble beginnings on Hinds Road in Clarendon to the jungles of Africa. “He was the original Indiana Jones,” Ierlan said.  She noted his early work preserving the pet canary of his aunt, his training in taxidermy by David Bruce in Brockport and his apprenticeship at Ward’s Natural Science Establishment in Rochester. She explained that the taxidermy work done before Carl Akeley arrived on the scene, often made animals look like stuffed toys. Akeley wanted “to make them look as real as possible,” Ierlan said.

Melissa Ierlan brought copies of photographs of Akeley’s work including diorama’s from the American Museum of Natural History and the entourage that accompanied Akeley on his African trips to collect specimens (far left), as well as the condition of the fox diorama prior to restoration.

The Cobblestone Museum has prepared a short video to provide additional information for those who missed out attending the Akeley celebration.  It can be viewed by clicking here along with a collection of other videos on local history.

In addition to his taxidermy work, Akeley was an accomplished sculptor, biologist, conservationist and inventor with over 29 patents.  Akeley improved the motion picture camera for filming animal movement. Ierlan said, “He had a remarkable life. He was one of America’s greatest men.”

Medina RR Museum welcomed 20,000 riders past three weekends

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Nineteen-year-old Robert Kennedy of Rochester surprises his grandfather James Kennedy during a ride on the Polar Express Saturday. Robert was in basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. and told his family he wouldn’t be able to make it home.

MEDINA – The 2021 run of Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum is one for the record books.

Nearly 20,000 people rode the train during the past three weekends, taking passengers to the “North Pole” and back. Along the way they enjoyed hot chocolate, a train Christmas cookie, Christmas carols and a visit by Santa, who gave every child a bell.

During this year’s event, one family held a surprise birthday party on the train and one man proposed to his girlfriend, but it was on the last train Saturday the biggest surprise took place.

The Kennedy family from Rochester has traveled to Medina to ride the train every year. This year, however, was going to be different. Nineteen-year-old Robert Kennedy had joined the Army in September and was in basic training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Robert Kennedy, center, poses with his parents Jaime Kennedy and Matt Peer after surprising the family on a ride on the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum Saturday.

He decided to surprise his family, telling them he wouldn’t be able to make it home and they would have to ride the train without him. But, in fact, he did finish basic training, and he shared that news with his parents. His father drove to Georgia and brought him home, not telling the rest of the family.

Robert rode the next-to-the-last train of the day, then hid in the storage room on his family’s coach. After they boarded and the train was headed to the North Pole, Robert got in line behind the staff serving hot chocolate. As they served his family, Robert popped up and revealed himself.

Robert Kennedy’s brother and sister were among nearly a dozen family members he surprised during a ride on the Polar Express Saturday.

There were a lot of gasps and cheers as one-by-one, the family realized it was really Robert.

First to get a hug was his grandfather James Kennedy, himself a veteran, who was Robert’s inspiration to join the military. Then there were hugs from grandma Rosann, his parents, brother and sister, aunts uncles and cousins.

Robert said he always wanted to be like his grandpa and serve his country. He plans to make a career of it.

The Polar Express is an attraction owned by Rail Events. They hold 45 Polar events annually throughout the United States, 10 in the Ukraine and a new one this year in Australia, according to Edward Rozycki, licensing manager, who visited Medina Railroad Museum on Saturday.

Some railroads have been doing Polar Express events since the book came out in 1985, Rozycki said. The movie came out in 2004, and Rail Events received a license from Warner Brothers to run events in 2007.

Most events were canceled in 2020 due to Covid, but in 2019, nearly 1.4 million people rode the Polar Express, Rozycki said.

The Medina Railroad Museum will be closed until March 1 as it makes upgrades and repairs to the building and coaches.

The Museum has already scheduled a return of Day Out with Thomas for June 10, 11 and 12 and tickets will go on sale online after the first of January.  The event will have a new look and new features.