Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lynn Palmer, owner of Upscale Overstock, displays some of sports clothing and memorabilia she has in her store in Albion in this file photo from February 2021. She credited a microenterprise assistance program for helping her with her business.

ALBION – The Microenterprise Assistance Program has graduated more than 540 prospective business people since its inception, but few have a more poignant story than Lynn Palmer.

At the November MAP graduation, Palmer shared her story of despair and how she has risen above it after completing the MAP.

Palmer not only started a new business, Upscale Overstock on Main Street in Albion, but she was one of seven applicants who received special grants. Palmer received $15,000.

Diane Blanchard, right, coordinator of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, wipes her eyes after hearing Lynn Palmer tell her heartbreaking story of being down and out and how she has fought her way to success. Palmer hugs MAP mentor Jon Costello and Blanchard at the recent MAP graduation.

“I cannot say enough about the Microenterprise Assistance Program,” Palmer said. “Twelve years ago I was a single mom of three children who were 20, 17 and 15 at the time. I had raised them by myself since the youngest was 4.”

She shared how when she became pregnant with her last child she was determined to do whatever she needed to keep that baby. She was living in a very small house, but was able to find a five-bedroom home in Medina whose landlord was willing to rent to her. After a year, the rent was increased to $1,200 a month and Palmer couldn’t afford it.

“I had a degree in early childhood education, so I asked the owner if I could license it as a day care center,” Palmer said.  “When I opened, I had a waiting list, so I thought why not re-license it for 16 children and hire some help.”

Then she learned the property owners were not keeping up with the mortgage and she was going to lose everything.

She was able to find space at Towne School, but she had to have a teacher and aide in each room, plus two substitutes. She would have had to pay 20 employees and she couldn’t do it.

“I closed and became depressed, suicidal,” Palmer said. “I took a job in a day care center in Batavia making minimum wage, and went to work at Walmart part-time. It was just paying the  bills.”

Palmer began to think she would like to be a business owner again. Her dream was to own a bar and grill with a game room, but she was looking at $250,000.

“I thought long and hard,” she said.

Her daughter, 22, by then was selling overstock merchandise and traveling to cities all over the county, making a good living.

Palmer enrolled in MAP’s class of 2019.

“The timing was terrible,” she said. “On Nov. 30, I opened Upscale Overstock in Medina and three months later Covid shut us down.”

To stay afloat, Palmer’s daughter began making face masks and sanitizer. There was such a demand, she couldn’t make them fast enough. Praising Kids, a child care center in Medina, and Orchard Manor each ordered enough for all their employees.

Palmer tried to apply for a PPE grant to see her through, but because she hadn’t been in business three years she was not eligible. She went to work at Walmart again until June, when she was able to start up her business again.

Her lease in Medina was up at the end of October, and her daughter had seen a “for rent” sign on a store front in downtown Albion.

“A year ago, I would have laughed if you told me where I’d be today,” Palmer said. “I have a bigger store for less rent. I’m next door to a bank and when people cashed their stimulus checks, they came into my store and spent it.”

Her sales in the first month there tripled, she said.

In the spring she got a call from Diane Blanchard, coordinator of the MAP, telling her there was a grant available.

“I wanted to apply, but my computer was 15 years old and my credit was not perfect,” Palmer said.

She contacted Blanchard and MAP mentor Jon Costello.

“Jon sat down with me for hours and helped me,” Palmer said. “But I knew I wasn’t going to get the money.”

Then the day came when Blanchard contacted Palmer and told her to check her e-mails.

“Instead of $10,000, I got $15,000,” Palmer said. “I didn’t sleep that night. I thought it was a joke.”

She called Costello, who congratulated her. She was able to buy a new computer, shelving for her store, a pallet jack cart, and the rest she spent on inventory.

“I’m making more at the store than I did at Walmart,” Palmer said. “If anything, this pandemic has taught me to be prepared. For the first time in my life, I have money in the bank. My credit cards and student loan are paid off. My car is paid off. I have no debt. I cannot say enough about this MAP program.”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Eddie English of the Lord’s House hands a present to a member of the congregation during a celebration on Saturday evening.

WATERPORT – The Lord’s House held a celebration on Saturday evening after a busy day of distributing toys to more than 100 children.

The Lord’s House since 2008 has partnered with Toys for Tots to have gifts for local children.

The church also shared 41 boxes of food this Christmas season with local families.

The church on Saturday had dinner with about 50 people to thank them for supporting the ministry the past year.

Some of the presents are under the Christmas tree inside the church.

The celebration included music and a dance from youth in the church.

Eveyln Brady, right, and her granddaughter Jayla Brady present gifts to people who attended the celebration service on Saturday. Pastor Eddie English and his wife Rose, the church’s first lady, are at left.

A member of the youth group presents a card to Rose English.

Lyndonville is facing a busy pre holiday week of boys basketball with three games over the next four days.

The Tigers will visit Newfane Monday, Elba Tuesday and host Notre Dame on Thursday.

The lone pre New Year’s Niagara-Orleans League basketball contest will take place on Tuesday as Roy-Hart will host Wilson in a boys contest. The full N-O schedule will begin on January 4.

Monday
Boys Basketball – Medina at Middle Early College, Barker at Tonawanda, Lyndonville at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball – Oakfield-Alabama at Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Wrestling – CSAT at Medina, 6 p.m.

Tuesday
Boys Basketball – Wilson at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Elba, Alexander at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Wrestling – Lyndonville at Wilson, Holley-Kendall at Attica, 6 p.m.
Swimming – Albion at Medina, Roy-Hart at Akron, Newfane at Barker, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday
Boys Basketball – Albion at City Honors, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball – CSAT at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Attica at Holley, Kendall at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Wrestling – Medina at Wilson, Newfane at Albion, Roy-Hart at Akron, 6 p.m.

Thursday
Boys Basketball – Notre Dame at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Wrestling – Pavilion/York at Lyndonville, 6 p.m.
Swimming – Medina at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Albion, Barker at Akron, 4:30 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA — Tom Snyder, right, represents the Navy and holds wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina today as part of the Wreaths Across America tribute. He is joined by other local veterans as well as State Sen. Rob Ortt and Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Medina has participated in Wreaths Across America since 2013 when it started with seven wreaths at Boxwood. It has grown each year to 315 today, up from 261 a year ago. Community members cover the cost of the wreaths at $15 each.

Chloe Luxon, 9, of Medina carries two wreaths up the hill at Boxwood to be placed on veterans’ graves.

Many local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts join other community members in volunteering to place wreaths at graves today.

State Sen. Rob Ortt salutes after setting a wreath at a grave in the veterans’ section at Boxwood in honor of soldiers missing in action or prisoners of war. Seven others laid wreaths during a ceremony, paying tribute to a veteran from each branch of the military including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force,  Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

The American Legion and VFW joined in the ceremony honoring veterans. Pictured from left include Dave Morien, Dave Berry and Dave Wells.

State Sen. Rob Ortt speaks at the ceremony. Next to him is Kathy Blackburn, coordinator of the effort in Medina, and local veteran Dave Kusmierczak, who offered the opening prayer. Ortt praised a group of 100 who attended the ceremony in freezing drizzle. He said the wreaths are a remember that “freedom isn’t free.”

David Thom carries wreaths to veterans’ graves at Boxwood. He joined many other volunteers in the duty.

David Barhite lays a wreath in honor of those who served in the Marine Corps.

Kathy Blackburn, coordinator of the Wreaths program in Medina, braves the bitter weather in sharing about the Wreaths program which is part of 2,700 communities across the country.

Lyndonville also placed wreaths on veterans’ graves today, with 438 wreaths placed at Lynhaven and other cemeteries in the Lyndonville community. Anna Stelianou funds the effort in appreciation for the community’s kindness to her parents, Ary and Konstantina, during the lean years of the Great Depression. They emigrated to Lyndonville from Greece after WWI. Stelianou also donated the money for the wreaths in honor of her five brothers who served in WWII and the Korean War.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mitch Grater and Ed Wolfe flip chickens that are among the 1,000 chicken dinners being served today at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street.

At 1:45 about half of the dinners were gone. The Albion Masonic Lodge is volunteering to cook the dinners and many other volunteers are serving them as part of a Christmas celebration at Arnold Gregory until 6 p.m.

Best of Tymes Party Rentals, owned by Christine Nenni and Michelle Wiseman of Medina, and the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries worked together to organize the “Que In” for Christmas at Arnold Gregory.

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, the union representing corrections officers, donated $1,000 towards the chicken dinners.

Today’s event features costumed characters including the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. They are portrayed by Marcus Cavarello and his fiancé Morgan Waple. Their dog Toby is playing the Grinch’s dog, Max.

The Grinch and Cindy Lou are pictured with the Best of Tymes Party Bear (with Christine Nenni in the outfit) and Albert D. Wilson Jr., pastor of the Royal Body Shop Ministries.

Wilson also leads a church in Buffalo. The Albion congregation meets on Fridays for services at 7 p.m.

Wilson’s grandfather, Roy Rodolph, founded the Royal Church of God in Christ on Baker Road in Carlton in 1952.

Wilson said the new church welcomes everybody and reaches across denominations and faiths.

“We want to show the love of Jesus and be kind to one another,” he said.

There were numerous Christmas presents given away today. Kassie Crane, left, joins Jayda Elsenheimer and Theresa O’Hearn in giving out the presents.

Harley Weis, 9, of Albion is happy to meet with Santa.

John Santiago, 6, of Albion joins Santa on a giant white chair.

There were also many games and activities available in the building for children and families.

Santa was given a ride to Arnold Gregory on a fire truck. Here he greets Albion Fire Chief Rob Conner, right, and firefighter Jeremy Babcock.

Photo courtesy of Bill Vosteen

CARLTON – The mouth of Johnson Creek in Carlton is getting dredged and the work is nearly done at the site near Lakeside Beach State Park.

It is part of a $15 million regional dredging project at eight counties through the state’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

In Orleans County, the Oak Orchard Harbor was dredged in August for the first time since 2014.

The dredging projects remove built-up sediment from the bottom of the waterways to allow for continued safe passage of watercrafts to support the tourism economy and preserve wildlife in the region.

The Orleans Digital Literacy initiative has partnered with all the local libraries in Orleans County as meeting space for members of the community to meet tech mentors and receive tech help, according to Kathryn Leach from Cornell Cooperative Extension, who is coordinating the Digital Literacy program.

Members of the public can stop by with any tech questions, meet mentors and schedule tech mentoring. There will also be information guides which people can take home. An example includes tips on what to do if a cell phone or computer isn’t working well, and tips on how families can monitor their children’s technology use and keep their kids safe.

Participating are our tech mentors from Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Orleans County Career Center, Orleans County Adult Learning Services, Orleans County Office of the Aging and Hoag Library.

The tech mentoring educational program is administered by the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Leach will be at all the events. The program is funded by a grant obtained by United Way of Orleans County and executive director Dean Bellack will also attend.

The schedule of tech help events is as follows for January:

• Saturday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
• Monday, Jan. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
• Thursday, Jan. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.
• Saturday, Jan. 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.

In February, dates are:

• Saturday, Feb. 5 from 5 to 11 a.m. at Yates Community Library.
• Monday Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library.
• Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee Whedon-Memorial Library in Medina.
• Saturday, Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Community Free Library in Holley.
• Saturday, Feb. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.

These events at local libraries will be a chance to meet people and spread the word about the tech mentoring services being provided through Cornell Cooperative Extension and United Way of Orleans County.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – This decorated car was part of the debut “Santa’s Coming Home” light parade in Albion today.

The procession included about 30 vehicles. They started from the parking lot at COVA and the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street and went north before turning onto East Bank Street. Then children were welcome to visit with Santa in the Albion firehall.

Rose Friedl, right, and Chelsea Arnold worked together to help organize the parade, along with others. They are shown with Friedl’s display.

They were pleased with the turnout for the debut event, which was organized in the past three weeks.

“I’m so happy and so excited,” Friedl said.

She wants to see Albion celebrate its role as home of a Santa Claus School run by the late Charles Howard from 1937 to 1966.

Chelsea Arnold decorated her car with a National Lampoon’s Vacation theme, including a cutout of Clark Griswold in the front passenger seat.

About 30 vehicles decorated for the parade with lights and characters. This photo shows one of the vehicles turning onto East Bank Street.

Last Saturday’s Barre Lighted Tractor Parade was cancelled due to the powerful winds. Two of the tractors usually in that parade made the trip to Albion.

The tractors turn from Main onto East Bank.

This group has fun on a float from LoMay Mo Llamas in Oakfield.

COVA Ambulance was among the participants in the parade.

This vehicle had Darth Vader spreading holiday cheer.

Santa rides in style on his way to the Albion fire hall where he met with youngsters and gave them presents.

Addie Rotoli, 5, of Pavilion shares her Christmas wish with Santa.

Twin brothers Lexington and Roman Prigden, 3, of Albion get ready to meet Santa in the fire hall.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Linda Moore of 405 Park Ave. (above) has been declared Grand Champion of Medina’s Village of Lights contest.

More than a dozen homeowners and several businesses entered this year’s competition.

Pat Payne, who coordinated the contest, has announced the winners in Residential and Business categories.

In the Residential Category, Sara Paige of 500 South Academy St. won Christmas Spirit – Traditional; Julie and Joe Granchelli of 121 Zacher Drive won Christmas Spirit – Innovative; Cindy Watson of 935 Gwinn St. was named Most Whimsical; Amanda and Dan Costich of 421 West Oak Orchard St. won for Best Use of Lights; Michelle Wiseman and Christine Nenni of 169 State St. won Probably Visible from Space; Kellie Watson of 528 Bates Rd. won Contemporary; and the Grand Champion prize went to Linda Moore of 405 Park Ave.

Runners-up were Gary Lamar of 900 West Ave.; Travis Farewell of 104 Roseland Ave.; Diane Arndt of 1150 Gwinn St.; Kody and Paige Clark of 518 West Center St.; Alisha Schwarzott of 425 Park Ave.; and Terri Moriarty of 607 West Center St.

In the Business Category, ATB Staffing at 534 Main St. won Christmas Spirit; and Modern Mercantile at 135 East Center St. won Community Spirit.

Pictures of all the winners can be found on 2021 Village of Lights website.

Julie and Joe Granchelli won Christmas Spirit – Innovative in the Village of Lights contest for their home at 121 Zacher Dr.

This home of Michelle Wiseman and Christine Nenni at 169 State St. was named Most Visible from Space in the Medina’s Village of Lights contest.

The home of Sara Paige of 500 South Academy St. won in the Christmas Spirit – Traditional category.

Modern Mercantile at 135 East Center St. won Community Spirit.

Cindy Watson of 935 Gwinn St. won Most Whimsical.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Kaylee Lacey, a senior from Medina High School, is among 25 in New York State to be nominated for the US Presidential Scholars Program.

Kaylee Lacey

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa made the announcement on Thursday.

The recognition is one of our nation’s most prestigious honors for high school students.

“We were extremely excited to find out that one of our 12th grade AVID students, Kaylee Lacey, was selected from our district,” said Medina High School Principal Michael Cavanagh. “We know Kaylee has worked extremely hard and definitely deserves this incredible honor. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Director of School Counseling Audralee Doll for nominating her to the state.”

“Kaylee is one of our most outstanding students at Medina High School,” Mrs. Doll said. “Going above and beyond in every way possible, Kaylee is not only salutatorian among her cohort, but she will also graduate with a New York State Honors Regents Diploma with an Advanced Designation in Science – a title so rare that only few have reached this distinction in previous years.”

Kaylee will also be presented with two District awards, the James Perry Craft, Jr. School of Mathematics and Science and the John Ryan School of Historical Excellence.  Her school activities include Drum Major of the Marching Band, Impact Club, Conservation Club, Swim Team and Softball Team.

After graduation, Kaylee plans to attend school to become a pharmacist.

Photos and information courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Community Action of Genesee & Orleans staff this morning received many donated items collected from students at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School.

Students in Mrs. Joan Mrzywka’s third grade class and students in Mrs. Toni Plummer’s health class led the initiative. After contacting Community Action to see what items were most needed, the elementary school gathered donations of personal care items, winter wearables and pet food and supplies.

In all, the school collected 218 toothbrushes, 130 tubes of toothpaste, 50 deodorants, 100 pet items and countless hats, mittens, scarves and socks, as well as some toys. A group of students made the trip over to Community Action to donate the items this morning.

Pictured with students include from left: Michelle Figueroa, Community Action case manager; Cameron Richardson, head custodian in back; third grade teacher Joan Mrzywka; and Katrina Chaffee, Community Action director of community services and reporting.

Mrs. Plummer’s classes discuss empathy, gratitude and becoming a change in the world, lessons that play a big role in the holiday season. The giving tree was a great way for all elementary students to have a chance to help community members.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s mission is to provide services, with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient. The organization has helped low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families for more than 40 years.

ALBION – A caravan of vehicles decorated in lights and Christmas displays will be part of a debut “Santa’s Coming Home” parade in Albion today.

The community is welcome to decorate cars and other vehicles and show up at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street at 5:30 p.m.

At 6 p.m. the vehicles will head down Main Street and then turn on Bank Street.

Rose Friedl has taken the lead in organizing the event with help from Angie Wolfe, Cassie Dash, Tim McMurray, Angel Javier Jr. and Kevin Sheehan.

The community is welcome to line up on the parade route to see the display. Afterwards, Santa will be at the Albion fire hall on Platt Street giving out presents.

Many of the Albion businesses also will be staying open until 9 p.m. today.

Photo and information from Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Did someone say Christmas cookies? It appears Santa Claus caught wind that James Atzrott’s Culinary Arts students were making some holiday treats and popped in for a visit.

Santa (Board of Education President Ed Grabowski) stopped into the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center to wish everyone happy holidays.

RIDGEWAY – The Town of Ridgeway will continue to hold in-person town meetings with masks required, and will also offer the option to call in via telecommunications.

Until further notice the public may call 585-798-0730 and dial 401 (PIN number 1234#) to connect to the meeting at the Town Hall. There will be no video, but anyone may listen and comment when appropriate.