Frank Curvin at his store. Note the root beer mugs on the counter and the display of pipers on the wall behind.
MEDINA – An advertisement in the Medina Tribune of October 21, 1921 signaled the opening of a new business venture at the modest Trolley Stop on North Main Street in Medina, a busy spot for passengers traveling east and west on the Rochester, Lockport and Buffalo Railway.
At the age of 48, Francis Gilbert Curvin was making a new start. A previous business venture in Brockport had not been successful. He had a wife and three children to support. The odds were not in his favor, but his creative and often audacious sales ploys ensured that his confectionery business grew and even survived the Depression, an accomplishment at a time when disposable income was in short supply. Remarkably, “Curvin’s” is still remembered locally 100 years later and the name continued to have a Main Street presence until recently.
Frank soon outgrew the “little store” at the Trolley Stop. He purchased the Callaghan & Sutter lunch room where he remained for one year and then moved to the 420 Main Street location. In 1826, he purchased the home at 321 Catherine St.
He promoted his business energetically and employed every possible promotional sales ploy. He advertised weekly, boldly proclaiming his sales offers and proclaiming his growing inventory.
He added newspapers and magazines to his inventory. He sold bottled milk and a limited line of groceries for the convenience of his customers. Noting a surge of interest in jigsaw puzzles, he added puzzles to his inventory, sold them at half price and facilitated puzzle exchanges for 5 cents.
Again ahead of his time, he installed a record player in the store to provide background music and a microphone to announce specials. These were connected to a loudspeaker in the entryway which broadcast the sound. Soon the system was being used to page people on Main Street and urging them to meet – at Curvin’s of course.
Naturally, his store was a magnet for children. A tantalizing array of Penny Candy was strategically placed at the rear of the store. As the children lingered while making their selection, the accompanying adults looked through the merchandise and no doubt made a purchase. Frank also operated a concession stand at the annual Rural School Picnic which was held in Elm Park for several hundred children and their parents.
Medina Tribune, September 1, 1929
He needed to be bold. By the 1930s he had to contend with the effects of the Depression as well as a declining trolley passenger volume. An inspired sales plan in 1932 proved to be a huge success. He hosted a party on Main Street in Medina on Tuesday nights, hiring the popular local Coppa Family Band to play. There were prizes galore and giveaways – towels, stockings, tobacco, ice cream. But the main draw was the grand prize – a ton of coal.
He intuitively tuned in to public need at the time and provided what people craved – music for a release from tough times, free entertainment, some excitement, the anticipation of winning a free gift. His contribution of the gift of a ton of coal each week was simply brilliant in terms of the publicity and name recognition it generated but also because it was a genuine recognition and acknowledgement of people’s needs.
The inclusion of a personal photograph in an advertisement was unusual at this time. The energetic pose echoes the various pillow, mattress and car salesmen we are familiar with today. Medina Daily Journal, Jan. 19, 1933.
Tuesday night was soon referred to as Curvin Night. The music began at 9 p.m. People began to assemble at 7 p.m. Attendance soon grew from hundreds each week to well over a thousand, many traveling for twenty or thirty miles. Naturally, many would need to purchase sodas, cigarettes and ice cream in the course of the evening. The extra traffic was a boon to other establishments as well.
An article in the August 10, 1932 Medina Daily Journal wryly observed:
“And still they come, and still the wonder grows, how Curvin draws the crowds, only Curvin knows.”
His sales precepts, which he outlined to columnist Russell Waldo, were simple:
“Advertise, keep your stock in sight, the customer must buy more than one item, smile and be pleasant, you cannot afford to be grouchy to customers, salespeople be treated with consideration and must be pleasant to the customers.”
One can well imagine that a visit to Curvin’s would have been a memorable, multi-sensory experience – music, promotional announcements, variety, selection, the mingled scents of newsprint, root beer, sweets, coffee, cigars, cigarettes, roasting peanuts.
Frank Curvin suffered a fatal heart attack at his store on November 25, 1946. He was 72. He was survived by his wife, Marjorie, daughter Catherine and sons Winthrop and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mabel in 1944.
The store continued under the management of George Bunnell until 1962 when it was sold to Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Kimball of Ridge Road.
(Photographs and information courtesy of the Medina Historical Society.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2021 at 7:10 pm
Bigfoot and Spiderwoman Grandma among the characters
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 20 scarecrows were made on Saturday during a fall festival put on by the Albion merchants Association. Those scarecrows, including the top one of Elsa and Olaf, are decorating Main Street this month.
Toyz n Kandy hosted pumpkin painting at the store on East Bank Street.
Matt and Crystal Hand and their daughters made the Bigfoot scarecrow, which may be moved to alternate locations throughout the month.
“Hawaiian Man” is among the scarecrows on Main Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2021 at 3:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – A Columbus Day holiday with temperatures in the mid-70s had lots of people outside today in Orleans County. The top photo shows Michael Alexander, 12, of Carlton hunting for pumpkins in the pumpkin patch at Rush’s Farm Market on Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road.
Some fly fishermen also tried to catch salmon in the Oak Orchard River near the Archer’s Club.
The temperatures will stay unseasonably warm in Orleans County the rest of the week with highs reaching 80 on Tuesday, 72 on Wednesday, 73 on Thursday, 72 on Friday and 67 on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
These sisters, Rylee (left) and Lillianna Corke of Albion, pose through the pumpkin cutouts at Rush’s.
Abby Alexander, 10, (left) and her sister Maxine, 8, of Carlton work together to pick a pumpkin at Rush’s.
This person tries his luck fishing underneath the Route 279 bridge in Waterport.
The St. Mary’s Archer’s Club at the Oak Orchard River has this sign next to the river. The club started about 75 years ago and offers hospitality to many local and visiting fishermen.
The anglers were out today in brilliant sunlight.
Corey Black is up in a lift painting a building he owns at the corner of Main and East Bank streets in Albion. This building includes HeBrews 5:9 and Hair Fantasy.
This is looking up at Black while he gives the windows a fresh coat of white paint.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 October 2021 at 12:03 pm
Heading into the final week of the regular season the Roy-Hart boys and girls soccer teams are both in the drivers seat to claim a second straight Niagara-Orleans League championship.
Currently at 7-1, the Roy-Hart boys squad has a one game lead over runner-up Wilson (6-2) with two games remaining on the N-O schedule. The Rams will host Newfane (2-5-1) on Tuesday and then visit Wilson on Thursday.
The Roy-Hart girls squad, which has already clinched at least a tie for the title, brings a 6-0 N-O record into the final week and a two game lead in the loss column over runner-up Albion (5-2) and over third place Wilson (4-2). The Lady Rams will visit Newfane (0-6) on Tuesday and then host Wilson on Thursday.
The week’s football schedule will get off to an early start as Medina (3-0, 5-0) hosts Tonawanda (0-4, 0-6) in a C North Division game at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Albion (4-0, 5-0) will then visit Maritime (4-0, 4-2) in a key clash for the B North Division title at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Weekly Schedule Tuesday Boys Soccer – Akron at Medina/Lyndonville, Wilson at Albion, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 6:45 p.m.; Holley at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; Albion at Wilson, 6:45 p.m. Cross-Country – Medina and Barker at Roy-Hart, Akron and Newfane at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday Girls Soccer – Attica at Lyndonville/Medina, 5 p.m.; Kendall at Wheatland-Chili 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Oakfield, 7 p.m. Field Hockey – Barker at Kenmore, Akron at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; Buffalo Seminary at Medina, 6:30 p.m. Volleyball – Lyndonville at Kendall, Holley at Pembroke, Roy-Hart at Medina, Akron at Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Football – Tonawanda at Medina, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer – Albion at Medina/Lyndonville, Newfane at Akron, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer – Akron at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; Wilson at Roy-Hart, 6:45 p.m.
Friday Football – Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville at Cheektowaga, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer – Northstar at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Kearney at Holley, 6 p.m. Girls Soccer – Northstar at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Field Hockey – Medina at Wilson, Newfane at Akron, Roy-Hart at Kenmore, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball – Albion at Lyndonville, Notre Dame at Holley, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m. Cross-Country – Albion and Barker at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Saturday Football – Albion at Maritime, 2 p.m. Field Hockey – Medina at Barker, 10 a.m.
Standings Football B North Division – Albion 4-0, 5-0; Maritime 4-0, 4-2; Maryvale 2-2, 3-3; Burgard 2-3, 3-3; Lew-Port 1-2, 1-3; Cheektowaga 1-3, 1-4; Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville 0-5, 0-5 C North Division – Medina 3-0, 5-0; Akron 3-0, 5-0; Wilson 2-2, 3-3; Newfane 1-2, 3-3; Cleve Hill 1-2, 2-4; Tonawanda 0-4, 0-6
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2021 at 10:28 am
Gas prices went up 7 cents in the past week to an average price of $3.35 per gallon in New York State. That is up from $2.26 a gallon a year ago, according to AAA Western and Central New York.
In Orleans County, gas costs more than most counties in Western New York. The average price per gallon in Orleans is $3.375. That is topped only by Livingston at $3.384 and Chautauqua, $3.393, for WNY.
Gas is cheaper in other nearby counties: Genesee, $3.328; Monroe, $3.335; and Niagara, $3.298, according to AAA.
“Gasoline demand, the need for more oil production, and the price of crude oil all contribute to the fluctuating gas prices,” AAA said about the price increase. “OPEC+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and allied countries, chose not to move forward with an agreement to produce more crude oil in November. These factors combined led to an increase in gas prices locally and nationally. High crude prices (touching $78 per barrel) are keeping pump prices elevated.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2021 at 9:46 am
Photos courtesy of Samantha Zelent
HOLLEY – These Holley students joined others from the Holley Interact Club on Sunday morning, cleaning grave stones at Hillside Cemetery. These students include Alexis VanAmeron, Lily Newman and Allison Merle.
A big group of students and Holley Rotary Club members worked on cleaning the grave sites.
Aidan Kelley, Elena Girangayas, Isla Schultz, Madison Lowell and Charli Gearing work on one of the big monuments at the cemetery. Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon historian, helped organize the effort.
Assistant Principal Dan Courtney and his family came to help, including two of his daughters, Bridget and Claire.
Fire Chief Harris Reed of the Murray Joint Fire District brought water to help with the cleaning. He was assisted by Erin Reed, Abby Reed and Brody Fiorito.
Lance Babcock was happy to help with the morning project, even after a busy homecoming week at Holley.
Ellie and Ava Quincey work together on this grave stone.
Thomas Dobri and Board of Education member Anne Smith teamed up.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 October 2021 at 9:17 am
Mary Dooley competed for 30 years in sawing, cutting and axe throwing
Photo by Tom Rivers: World champion wood cutter Mary Dooley of Waterport tried her hand at hatchet throwing at 810 Axes in Medina, when it opened in July 2019.
A Waterport resident and swim teacher at Medina High School has just received notification she has been inducted into the Paul Smith’s College Hall of Fame.
Mary Dooley was informed of her honor in a letter which read:
“The past and present success of PSC and its students were made, in part, by your personal and significant contributions. You and many others, some living and some dead, will be inducted and honored at a special ceremony in the near future.”
Dooley and a classmate were the first female members to compete with the college’s Forestry Club Men’s Woodmen’s Team in 1972. Dooley captured the coveted Tall Tale contest with her tale of coach Gould Hoyt’s fascinating introduction to women entering the woodsmith’s arena. Paul Smith’s fielded the first all-women’s team in North America, of which Dooley was a member. The team would go on to dominate the Eastern collegiate circuit early on and continue to post record accomplishments today.
Dooley said she probably inherited her competitive nature from growing up the second youngest in a family of seven.
She went on to compete for more than 30 years in sawing, cutting and axe throwing, and is a many-time world champion in crosscut log sawing and member of the winning women’s team at the 2009 Olympics at Sydney, Australia.
Dooley’s love of the woods probably began as a child when her parents visited the Adirondacks every summer, she said.
She grew up in Rochester, one of seven children, whose parents she said made sure they excelled. At Paul Smith’s College, she received an associate’s degree in forestry. She also attended Cornell, where she learned to be a farrier.
Then she took a job as a logger and horse teamster in the forests in Wyoming, Colorado, Washington and Oregon. She worked in environmentally endangered areas and lived in logging camps with all men.
Provided photo: Mary Dooley, left, and her partner compete in crosscut sawing at the New York State Lumberjack Association meet in Old Forge.
After several injuries, Dooley decided she had enough and moved back to Western New York, where she took a job with Terry and Sue Williams of Royalton, owners of the Olympic champion Abdullah.
It was there she met her first husband, Wayne Bruning, who had a farm on Chestnut Ridge Road.
They were married in 1980 and had four children. In 1991, when the oldest was 9, their twins were 6 and the baby was 3, Wayne was killed when a farm wagon overturned on him.
Dooley was left with a farm to run, 60 cows to milk and four small children to care for.
She would get up at 4 a.m., milk the cows and then get the kids dressed for school. At the time, she had a baby sitter so she could go to work at Zwicker’s Aquatic Club on Dysinger Road. She hired someone to milk for her at night, and on weekends, she played catch-up, she said.
Wayne had been friends with Carlton Plummer of Waterport, also a farmer, and he came to check on Dooley after Wayne died, she said. In 1993, they were married and she moved to his home.
When Plummer asked what she wanted for a wedding present, she replied, “A competition saw.”
“I still have it,” Dooley said. “I earned a couple of world championships with it, some of which still stand.”
Paul Pfenninger of Chili was her sawing partner for 15 years, and their world record still stands. She still has five world records standing in Jill and Jill and Jack and Jill sawing.
She has been a world champion in sawing, chopping and axe throwing.
Carlton died in November 2019, and at 67, Dooley has retired from the competition circuit but continues to teach swimming at Medina High School, a job she said she loves. While working at Zwicker’s, she coached the USA Swim Team in Lockport, and in 1996, she started coaching in Medina. She has been teaching swimming in Medina since 1998.
“Being able to swim every day is like a fountain of youth,” she said. “It’s the next thing to being outside.”
Photo and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band
WEBSTER – The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Webster on Saturday for their fourth competition this season. Again the weather was beautiful when six bands came to compete and show their musical and marching skills.
In SS1 Medina earned 1st place with a score of 85.95 followed by East Irondequoit at 83.35. Other competitors were Greece in LS3 with a score of 77.9 and Webster in LS2 with 84.95. Victor earned 1st place in the National class with 85.6 followed by Lancaster in 2nd with 85.4. Medina will compete next in Victor on Oct. 16 and then in Greece on Oct. 23.
The championship show held by the NYS Field Band Conference will be on Sunday, Oct. 31 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The show starts at 8 a.m. and runs through to 10 p.m. with 50 high school marching bands and 4,000 students participating. The show is broken up into three segments with SS3 and SS2 classes beginning at 8 a.m. and each band has 15 minutes to get out on the field, set up, perform and exit the field in total. This 1st segment will finish at noon.
The second segment involves LS3 and LS2 beginning at 12:45 p.m. and ending 4:30 p.m. There are 16 bands in this segment.
The third segment involves SS1 and National class and involves 18 bands competing followed by a performance by the Syracuse University band. Medina is scheduled to perform at 5:45 p.m. and this will be their 44th appearance in this competition.
The 2021 NYS Field Band Conference Hall of Fame inductees include Joseph McKain from Medina who led the marching band from 1970 to 1999.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 October 2021 at 6:09 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The American Legion inmembers Glenn Whitmore, commander; and Dave Morien, treasurer, present a check for $2,500 to Linda and Timothy Shaw of Depew, at left. Timothy bought the winning ticket to the Legion’s raffle at Medina’s Ale in Autumn on Sept. 30.
MEDINA – Timothy and Linda Shaw wouldn’t miss attending Ale in Autumn in Medina, and this year, it really paid off for them.
They were walking down Main Street when they passed Jim Wells, a member of the Butts-Clark American Legion, who was sitting at a table in front of Author’s Note book store selling tickets for the Legion’s cash raffle.
Timothy stopped to buy a ticket and was ecstatic to get the call he was the winner of $2,500.
The Legion conducts various raffles throughout the year to make money to support their post.
Legion Commander Glenn Whitmore and treasurer David Morien presented the check to the Shaws on Saturday afternoon, after which the winners bought everyone in the room a drink to show their appreciation.
Whitmore thanked Wells for overseeing the drawing and members of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion for their support in selling tickets. He said Bogan and Tuttle paid for printing of the tickets, and everyone who purchased a ticket got a $5 coupon good at Zambistro’s and Avanti’s.
After expenses and the winner was paid, the remaining money is used by the Post for its maintenance and to support the Warrior House on Salt Works Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2021 at 9:58 am
Most of the candidates on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election in Orleans County will be unopposed.
None of the candidates for county positions have opposition and only a few positions at the town level are contested.
Voters go to the polls on Nov. 2, and there will also be early voting from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31 at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building on Route 31 in Albion.
Nearly all the candidates are Republicans. Only two Democrats are on the ballot. Others made the ballot filing independent petitions or running under the Conservative Party.
Here is the slate of candidates:
• Orleans County (all unopposed) – Kim DeFrank for country treasurer; Merle (Skip) Draper of Medina for county legislator, at-large west; Don Allport of Gaines for county legislator, at-large central; Ed Morgan of Murray for county legislator, at-large east; Bill Eick of Shelby for District 1; Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville for District 2; Fred Miller of Albion for District 3; John Fitzak of Carlton for District 4.
All the county candidates are Republicans, except Fred Miller, who is a Democrat. Morgan and Fitzak are running for the Legislature for the first time. Morgan is seeking the spot held by John DeFilipps who is retiring on Dec. 31. Fitzak is running for the position held by Ken DeRoller, who isn’t seeking re-election.
• Albion — All of the candidates are unopposed, including Richard Remley for town supervisor; and Sandra Bensley and Arnold Allen Jr. for the Town Board.
• Barre – Sean Pogue, a Republican, is being challenged for town supervisor by Gerald Solazzo, who is running under the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” George McKenna and David Waters are on the ballot for positions on the Town Board. They have the Republican line and also the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” However, Steve Harling and Tom Decker are mounting a write-in campaign against McKenna and Waters.
• Carlton – Two are vying for town clerk with incumbent Karen Narburgh having the Republican and Conservative lines while Dori Goetze runs under the independent “Be the Change.” Other Carlton candidates are unopposed: Kevin Hurley for town justice, Jeff Gifaldi and Debbie Yokel for Town Board, and Kurt Van Wyke for highway superintendent.
• Clarendon – Richard Moy is unopposed for another term as town supervisor, while three candidates seek two spots on the Town Board. Chris Caufield and Marc Major are backed by the Republican Party and William Fox is running as a Democrat.
• Gaines – The Republicans are all unopposed including Tyler Allport for town supervisor, Susan Heard for town clerk, Charles Prentice for town justice, and James Kirby and Kenneth Rush for Town Board.
• Kendall – The candidates, all running under the Republican Party line, are unopposed including Anthony Cammarata for town supervisor, Amy Richardson for town clerk, Debra Kluth and Robert Fagan for town justice, Wayne Martin and Paul Jennings for Town Board, and Warren Kruger for highway superintendent.
• Murray – The candidates are all unopposed on the ballot, including Joe Sidonio for town supervisor, Cindy Oliver for town clerk, Gary Passarell for town justice, Michael Mele and Paul Hendel for Town Board, and Dirk Lammes Jr. for highway superintendent.
• Ridgeway – There are races for town clerk and the Town Board. For town clerk, Hannah Hill is running under the Republican line and independent “Hannah Hill for a Better Ridgeway” against Laurie Kilburn, who is endorsed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Laurie Kilburn for the People of Ridgeway.”
Three are seeking two spots on the Town Board including Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber, who are running as Republicans against David Stalker, who is backed by the Conservative Party. John Olinger is unopposed for highway superintendent.
• Shelby – Jeff Smith is uncontested for town supervisor and Stephen Seitz Sr. and Edward Zelazny are unopposed for the Town Board.
• Yates – There are seeking two spots as town councilmen with Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee Jr. running as Republicans against Paul Lauricella Jr., who is backed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Lyndonville Taxpayers First Party.” Jim Simon is unopposed for town supervisor and Donald Grabowski is uncontested for town justice.
October 13th, 2019 the origination of Positive Perks by This Small Town Missus. On that day I vowed to create Posts that inspire others by sharing what has inspired me. Maybe the silly, the serious and sometimes the sad moments of my life would make those who feel alone.. feel a little less alone. Hopefully something I wrote inspired.
The promise to myself was to do this for 2 years. Well, it has been 2 years. The full website (click here) has over 100 full blogs and many weekly photo Perks. There has been personal commentary on adventures, creatures, music, celebrations, fashion and other silliness. If you ever commented or dropped a note in my personal email, know that I greatly appreciated it. If you ever shared a story or stopped me out and about to tell me how much you looked forward to my Posts, know that I greatly appreciated it.
The mission was to spread joy, positivity, happiness and most importantly hope. Sometimes I hit the mark better than others. But no matter how it was presented, it was always from my heart. So for now this will be my last Perk for a while. If you ever need a Perk please feel free to visit my full website. If you want to subscribe, maybe I will put a Post out once in a while or a fun picture. I have never made one dime on this venture. Knowing there were those who sought out the weekly publications to read my Posts was payment enough and kept me going. I love you all!
One common thread that I have tried to weave into the fabric of Positive Perks is that “You Can Do It.” I am your biggest Cheerleader! Do Not ever allow others to hold power over you or make you feel your thoughts, dreams or self worth have no value. If you are restless or unhappy, unpack that joy and make life happen.
And Do Not let anyone tell you you can’t, because you can! Be your own Cheerleader and be a Cheerleader to others. Protect the greatest right of mankind, Freedom, and keep it sacred.. protect it. Sometimes “You got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything,” Aaron Tippin. Don’t be afraid, have the courage of your convictions. “There is nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself,” Teddy Roosevelt.
Don’t worry if the glass is half full or half empty. Just pick the damn thing up and drink it! Love yourself and love others. Respect yourself and respect others. Choose to be happy. Treasure your memories with those you love and love them enough to share their stories. #1 life rule – Turn off the TV, stop scrolling and judge for yourself by what you see, not by what others are telling you.
If you need a Perk, I am still here ready to listen and be inspired by you. Email me. Keep dreaming, keep your mind, spirit and body young and healthy. Hold up little Weezie’s Heavenly Sass and Fight as you continue your earthly journey and keep on dream’in and asking yourself “Why Not :)”. XOXO tata.
To see this Post’s Dedication, visit My Blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and Share Your Comments.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 October 2021 at 10:29 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Javon Jones hauls in the winning two-point conversion pass as the Purple Eagles rallied past visiting Cheektowaga this evening.
What a difference a half made!
Trailing 14-0 after a turnover plagued first half, Albion battled back with two second half touchdowns to nip visiting Cheektowaga 16-14 in a B North Division game this evening.
The victory keeps Albion deadlocked with Maritime for the B North Division lead at 4-0 and sets up a huge game next Saturday as the Purple Eagles visit Maritime.
“We just believed in ourselves,” said Coach David Skrip of the big comeback win. “They played with a lot of heart and they believed in each other.”
Albion’s Jacob Hughson picks up big yardage on the Purple Eagles final victory preserving possession.
Albion, which is now 5-0 overall, got back into the game when quarterback Amari Jones hooked up with Javon Jones for a 50 yard touchdown pass with 4:49 to go in the third quarter. Amari Jones then completed a two-point conversion pass to Jahmeek Riley to slice the Cheektowaga lead to 14-8.
The Purple Eagles finally pulled even at 14-14 when Amari Jones connected with Riley for a 51 yard touchdown pass with 6:52 remaining in the final quarter. On the play Jones scrambled and finally hooked up with Riley who broke a tackle and sprinted down the sdieline and into the endzone for the score.
It then took the Purple Eagles two tries to score what proved to be the winning two-point conversion. A penalty wiped out the first attempt but on the second Amari Jones threw a pass to Javon Jones who made a leaping grab in the middle of the endzone for the decisive two points.
The Purple Eagles defense then stopped the Warriors final possession on downs at midfield with 4:12 remaining.
The Albion offense did the rest running out the remaining time as Amari Jones completed a 17 yard pass to Riley and Jacob Hughson broke loose for a big 16 yard gain to highlight the win preserving possession. The contest ended with the Purple Eagles camped out at the Warriors 11 yard line.
Cheektowaga capitalized on two Albion turnovers to score twice within a span of two minutes midway through the first quarter to take a quick 14-0 lead.
A muffed Albion punt return attempt at the Purple Eagles 23 yard line set up the first score. A lost Purple Eagles fumble at the Albion 40 then set up the second tally.
The Warriors first half lead could have been bigger but the Albion defense came up big to stop three other Warrior possessions in Purple Eagles territory. Javon Jones had interceptions to stop two of those drives and Riley led the way on a key fourth down sack to stop the other threat at the Albion 29.
The loss drops Cheektowaga to 1-2 in the division and 1-4 overall.
Albion’s Jahmeek Riley wards off Cheektowaga defender Jeremy Gray for a good gain during the final possession.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 October 2021 at 1:02 pm
Provided photo: Joanne Roberts, right, and team members Amanda Finch, top left, and Lisa Ridgeway have joined the Medina-based Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors Western New York Properties, along with another co-worker, Paul Patterson.
Four individuals who bring a combined 50-plus years of experience have joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Zambito Realtors’ Western New York Properties, according to an announcement this week from Mark Zambito, associate real estate broker/owner.
Joanne Roberts and team members Lisa Ridgeway and Amanda Finch have joined the Medina-based company, working out of their Lockport office, along with licensed real estate salesperson Paul Patterson. Patterson is a multi-million producer, Mark said.
According to Zambito, Roberts, who joins the company as an associate real estate broker, brings more than 34 years of real estate experience, primarily servicing Niagara County and the surrounding markets. With her co-workers, they bring more than 50 years of experience.
“The J.M Roberts team shares Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors commitment to quality and customer service,” said Rita Zambito, broker/owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors. “Their team is exactly the type of sales professionals we are seeking, as we continue to grow the company and increase our presence in the local community.”
The company, which opened in 2007 in Medina, has offices in Medina, Wrights Corners and Orchard Park. It’s expertise is in selling residential, waterfront, multi-family, farm, land, commercial and foreclosure properties in the surrounding area.
“Rita and Mark’s focus on the customer and their goal to provide the best products, support and services for its sales professionals are what make Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors the best fit for me and my team,” Roberts said.
They will be announcing the opening of a new, larger office in Lockport in the near future, Mark said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2021 at 9:03 am
Albion has by far the most with 76 while Lyndonville fewest with 3
In the first month of the school year, 165 students at the five school districts in Orleans County have tested positive for Covid-19.
Albion has by far the most cases with 76, while Lyndonville has the fewest with 3, according to the state’s COVID-19 Report Card, which was last updated on Friday.
Here is the breakdown of cases per school district in Orleans County:
• Albion has had 76 students test positive, plus six teachers and five other staff for 87 total in the school district. That includes 46 students in the high school, 7 in the middle school and 23 at elementary.
• In Holley, 36 students, two teachers and one staff member have tested positive for Covid. The students include 22 in the junior-senior high school and 14 in elementary school.
• Kendall has had 17 students, no teachers and two staff members test positive. The students include 10 in junior-senior high and 7 in elementary school.
• Lyndonville is reporting by far the fewest cases with 3 students — all in junior-senior high — and one staff member.
• Medina has had 33 students who have tested positive, no teachers and two staff members. The students include 21 in junior-senior high school, 9 at intermediate/middle school and 3 in elementary.
Here are the number of students, teachers and staff who tested positive during the 10 months of the previous school year in 2020-21.
Albion (enrollment 1,768 students) had 86 students test positive (75 were in-person students and 11 remote-only). Those students included 33 in high school, 26 in middle school, and 27 in elementary school. There were 26 teachers/staff that tested positive.
Holley (enrollment 902) reported 45 students who tested positive last year, including 43 in-person students and 2 who were remote-only. Those students included 34 in junior-senior high and 11 at elementary school. The district also had 17 teachers/staff test positive.
Kendall (enrollment 698) last school year reported 37 students tested positive for Covid with 35 on-site and 2 as remote-only students. That included 19 at junior-senior high school and 18 at elementary school. Kendall also had 4 teachers/staff test positive.
Lyndonville (enrollment 639) had 20 students test positive for Covid (15 in-school and 5 remote) and 13 teachers and staff. The Lyndonvile students included 17 in junior-senior high school and 3 at the elementary level.
Medina (enrollment 1,396) had 87 students test and the state database says 4 were in-person students and 83 were off-site students. Those students included 43 in high school, 27 at intermediate/middle school, and 14 at elementary school. The district also had 31 teachers/staff test positive for Covid.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 October 2021 at 10:54 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jarin Rhim tries to escape the grasp of Wilson defender Paul Smith during the Mustangs win over the host Lakemen this evening.
Moving on top to stay with two quick touchdowns in the first five minutes, Medina went to defeat host Wilson 44-13 in a C North Division game this evening.
Quarterback Xander Payne completed touchdown passes of 34 yards to Greg Thompson and 8 yards to Cayden Lilleby for a quick 12-0 Mustangs lead.
Medina quarterback Xander Payne picks up yardage as Evan Wolfe pursues for Wilson.
However, Wilson came battling back to cut the deficit to five twice before halftime, first at 12-7 on a 4 yard TD run by Luke Atlas and an extra point kick by Evan Krieger on the first play of the second quarter and then at 18-13 with 4:27 to go in the period as Chris Dispenza recovered a Mustangs fumble in the Medina end zone.
The Lakemen though would get no closer.
Medina took the 18-13 lead into halftime on a 56 yard touchdown run by Jarin Rhim just 54 seconds after Wilson’s first score.
The Mustangs opened up a little breathing room at 24-13 on a 33 yard touchdown pass from Payne to Joe Cecchini with 2:03 remaining in the third quarter.
The Medina defense came up big to preserve that 11 point lead by stopping a Wilson drive at the Mustangs 30 yard line early in the fourth quarter as Rhim had a key breakup of a fourth down Lakemen pass attempt.
Medina then broke the contest wide open with a burst of three touchdowns with a span of just over two minutes late in the final quarter.
That explosive stretch included a 21 yard touchdown pass from Payne to Iverson Poole, a 54 yard TD run by Poole and finally a 32 yard scoring run by Thompson as Dominic Larabee added the two-point conversion.
A pass interception by Hayden Woodroe at the Wilson 32 set up that final touchdown opportunity.
Medina is now 3-0 in the division and 5-0 overall while Wilson slips to 2-2, 3-3.
The Mustangs will next host Tonawanda in a C North contest at 7 p.m. Thursday to begin a busy regular season ending stretch of three games in nine days.
Medina’s Iverson Poole sheds one Wilson tackler as Cayden Lilley blocks another Lakemen defender, Luke Atlas.
