Provided photos: Dr. Teresa Lawrence, an educational consultant, leads discussions this summer for the school district as it worked on a strategic plan for the 2021-22 school year.
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – Over the summer, Lyndonville Central School faculty, staff, administration and Board of Education members worked together to develop the district’s 2021-22 strategic plan. Together, they identified literacy as the overall goal for the school year.
“Literacy skills are imperative for a child’s overall development,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “It is the foundation for doing well in school. Literacy is more than just reading and writing. It is also the ability to make sense of and engage in advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking in all subject or content areas. By providing students with a strong foundation in literacy, we greatly improve their ability as a student, community member and life-long learner.”
Throughout the year, teachers will find unique and creative ways to engage all students and enhance their literacy skills. The outline below provides an overview of the plan and steps to be taken to achieve the overall goal.
Identified Goal: To have all students proficient in literacy as aligned with their age and ability. At LCSD, we will provide students with equal access to all learning.
Challenge 1: How do we identify and support struggling students?
We continuously collect and utilize data to create focused instruction and intervention strategies that benefit the whole child.
Challenge 2: How do we align literacy across content areas throughout our secondary grades?
We begin with daily explicit vocabulary instruction and collaborate with peers to incorporate effective strategies in and out of our classrooms.
Typically, Lyndonville develops a strategic plan yearly to set goals and serve as the driving force throughout the school year. Due to the pandemic and the focus on health and safety, the district was unable to develop a formal plan last year.
“It was nice to be able to work together as a team this summer and build upon the strategic plan we previously established,” said Smith. “It unites our focus as a district, sets our goal and provides direction to ensure a successful year.”
If you have questions regarding literacy building within your child’s classroom(s), please reach out to their teacher(s). We look forward to seeing the many engaging activities and projects that will happen this year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2021 at 9:45 am
Organization to acquire 1834 ‘Brick House’ with plans for an addition at key crossroads location
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Cobblestone Museum will be acquiring the “Brick House” and will turn it into a welcome center that would promote other tourism sites and businesses in Orleans County.
GAINES – The Cobblestone Museum has announced it has raised $400,000 out of a $750,000 goal for a visitor’s center in the historic Childs hamlet.
The museum is acquiring the “Brick House,” a 3,000-square-foot building from 1834 at the southeast corner of the routes 98 and 104 and wants to put an addition on the back of the brick building with new modern bathrooms and a meeting space that hold up to 100 people. The property includes 50 parking spaces.
The site would be an Orleans County welcome center and would promote businesses and other tourism sites in the county.
“It’s a win-win,” said County Legislator Fred Miller, who is serving on a fund-raising committee for the project. “It would help all of Orleans County. It’s perfect.”
Miller would like to see the county tourism office be based out of the site, with the county providing some steady revenue to the museum as a tenant in the building.
He sees tourism and the Cobblestone Museum working together to promote other attractions, including fishing, the Medina Railroad Museum, the Niagara Wine Trail (which runs along Route 104) and other historic districts and sites.
“It’s right at Route 98 and 104 which are major routes in the county,” Miller said about the site. “It would be ideal, and it would help everybody. It wouldn’t just be an Albion or Medina thing. Hopefully people will get on board.”
Gail Johnson, a member of the capitol committee for a welcome/visitor center, and Cobblestone Museum Director Doug Farley are pictured by the “Brick House,” a building the museum is acquiring with plans for an addition. The site also has about 50 parking spaces.
Many people already have given to the project. The museum has been doing a “silent” capital campaign and has $400,000 committed. It is making the campaign public this week and welcomes community support.
The Cobblestone Museum’s board of directors have considered a visitor’s center as part of the museum’s campus for several years. But there wasn’t enough room for a new building at the museum campus, which is a National Historic Landmark, the only site in Orleans County with that designation besides the Erie Canal.
The Cobblestone group only had to look across Ridge Road from the Cobblestone Church to see a stately red brick home with six fireplaces. That church was also built in 1834.
Ray and Linda Burke fixed up the brick house, added parking and a driveway on Route 98. They opened Fair Haven Treasures in May 2014. They have high-end artisans and crafters at the site. Doug Farley, the Cobblestone Museum’s director, praised the Burkes for their work and care for the property.
“It is ideal for a welcome center,” Farley said about the brick house. “It is high visibility.”
The $750,000 campaign total would fund the following: $260,000 purchase price with closing costs; $200,000 for meeting room addition; $130,000 for theater and interactive exhibits; $100,000 for ADA accessibility; $30,000 for architectural planning; $20,000 for stabilization (roof, septic, windows, masonry, etc.); and $10,000 for historic structures report.
The Cobblestone Welcome Center Fundraising Campaign Committee includes chairman Richard Remley, treasurer Kevin Hamilton, Brett Kast, Andrew Meier, County Legislator Fred Miller, retired county historian Bill Lattin (who was the museum director for 40 years), Gail Johnson, Cobblestone Museum President Erin Anheier and Doug Farley, the museum director.
Ray and Linda Burke, shown in May 2014, gave the site new life as Fair Haven Treasures.
The Burkes in their work on the building removed plywood and linoleum from the floors, and discovered hardwood floors underneath. They took out one wall to make a bigger room that they used for performances and public events.
The museum cited many benefits of the acquiring the Brick House, including:
a highly visible location to promote the museum and other local sites
plentiful additional parking for school and tour buses, and other museum events including weddings
year-round access to bathrooms
further expansion of the Childs historic district
expanding educational programming and visitation with year-round access
kitchenette for use by caterers or small receptions
large community meeting space for educational programming
multi-purpose room
space for Orleans County Tourism Department (currently based at Orleans County Office Building on Route 31)
new exhibit space to interpret Orleans County history
space for viewing an introductory video and new cobblestone interactive exhibits
distribute materials for local attractions including Medina Railroad Museum, Erie Canal, lighthouse at Point Breeze, campgrounds, marinas, bed and breakfast sites, sports fishing, agri-business, wineries and other locations.
The capital campaign includes several opportunities for naming rights, including the building name (for $250,000-plus), large meeting room ($75,000), Orleans County History Room ($30,000), Reception Desk ($25,000), Ground Floor Rooms (5 at $25,000 each), Second Floor Rooms (5 at $20,000 each), Entrance ($20,000), Stairway ($15,000), Meeting Room on lower level ($15,000) and Major Donor Plaque Entry (Heritage level at $10,000 or more).
The donations can be paid over five years. For more information on the capital campaign, click here to be directed to the museum website or contact Farley at (585) 589-9013, or by email at info@CobblestoneMuseum.org.
A group of Santas helped dedicate International Peace Garden at the Brick House property at the corner of 98 and 104 on April 17, 2015. The Santas were in town for a Santa convention.
Businesses and residents in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and Erie can seek low-interest loans
Press Release, U.S. Small Business Administration
WASHINGTON – Niagara County businesses and residents affected by severe storms and flash flooding on July 20 may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced today.
Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul received on Sept. 8, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared area can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. The declaration covers Niagara County and the adjacent counties of Erie, Genesee and Orleans in New York.
“We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild,” said Administrator Guzman.
To assist businesses and residents affected by the disaster, the SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Niagara County on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at noon as indicated below:
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Niagara County Emergency Management, 5574 Niagara Street Ext., Lockport, NY 14094
Opening Hours – Tuesday, Sept. 14, from noon to 6 p.m.
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed on Sunday
Closes permanently on Friday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m.
Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the DLOC are encouraged to wear a face mask.
“Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets,” said SBA’s Buffalo District Director Franklin J. Sciortino.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain, or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 2.88 percent for businesses, 2 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.625 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration #17161, not the COVID- 19 incident.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications may be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 8, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 9, 2022.
Dr. Frank H. Lattin had extensive bird egg collection featured at World’s Fair, produced magazines on science – also served as assemblyman and local health officer
By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2 No. 36
Frank Haak Lattin (1861-1937), age 26
GAINES – In Part 1 of this article, we explored a 19th century discovery in the Town of Gaines with roots back to the last Ice Age. In this article, we explore how this discovery had a dramatic influence on the life of one of the Town of Gaines leading citizens.
Frank H. Lattin was born in 1861, son of Joseph and Mary (Haak) Lattin of Gaines. Joseph died when Frank was only nine years old, but the setback was only temporary, as Frank went on to graduate from Albion High School, taught school for several years in Gaines, and then began an amazing career buying, selling and collecting natural history objects.
Even at the age of 36, Frank Lattin returned to school and worked his way through medical college and received his M.D. from the University of Buffalo in 1899, beginning a second career in medicine and surgery.
At an early age, Frank developed an interest in geology and natural history. He was especially fascinated by the discovery of “Gilbert’s Hearth” in Gaines in 1864, a prehistoric find that geologists and anthropologists dated to the Paleo-Indian era at the end of the last Ice Age.
His interest in the natural sciences started Frank on a lifelong obsession that led him to leave his mark not only on Gaines and Orleans County, but also all over the world.
“North American Birds Eggs,” 1905, by Frank H. Lattin, MD. Also shown is the birds egg collection of Cary Lattin which he created 1911-1914 at age 13, currently display at the Cobblestone Museum.
At first, Frank’s primary interest was in bird eggs and in 1884 he began the publication of a monthly magazine entitled the “Oologist,” which grew to a circulation of 3,000 copies. In 1894 he exhibited his collection of birds’ eggs at the Chicago World’s Fair and his display alone covered 2,000 square feet in the Anthropological Building.
Frank Lattin’s interests certainly included much more than just bird eggs. Following the World’s Fair, he purchased a world renowned collection of shells once owned by Col. Ezekiel Jewett, former curator of the NYS Museum at Albany. The collection embraced 50,000 separate specimens from over 10,000 species. The Catalog of the Collection made a book of 200 pages.
On February 15, 1895 Lattin began producing a weekly publication entitled, “Natural Science News.” Popularity spread quickly and the publisher needed to employ four workers to meet the demand. Eventually, Mr. Lattin’s many collections within the natural sciences grew to encompass two large warehouses of specimens.
Dr. Frank H. Lattin, 1917
Dr. Frank Lattin’s reputation was equally as strong locally as it was with scientists worldwide. One Gaines resident, Earl Harding, recalled his admiration and appreciation for this small town medical legend.
“Yes, in those days, doctors made house calls. The doctor that delivered me was Dr. Frank Lattin of Gaines. I almost used to try and get ill so my Mother would call him up, because Frank Lattin was very famous as a collector of birds’ eggs. I used to do some of that myself, so if I could get Dr. Frank Lattin up here and talk about birds’ eggs, I’d like it! At that time, there was quite a migration of our people to Wayne County to buy fruit farms, and Frank Lattin was interested in that project, too. He had a farm in Wayne County as I remember.”
Town of Gaines Centennial, 1909
Mr. Lattin wore many hats indeed during his lifetime. He promoted local history and was a moving force in the Town of Gaines Centennial celebration in 1909. On January 5, 1909 he addressed the Eleventh Annual Convention of New York State Fruit Growers Association held in Convention Hall in Rochester. His topic was “My Experience in Reclaiming Old Apple Orchards.”
From 1917 to 1930 he served in the NYS Legislature as Assemblyman from Orleans County. He contributed to the advancement of public health in the State by endorsing and defending new health measures as the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Public Health.
In the 1920s, Dr. Lattin was busy organizing the Old Schoolmates Reunion for the District #4 Cobblestone School in Gaines.
District #4 First Reunion, 1924
In addition to his historical research, Frank Lattin produced extensive genealogical information on the Lattin family. He served as health officer for the Town of Gaines until his death in 1937.
Photo courtesy Town of Gaines Historian
One of Dr. Frank Lattin’s favorite activities was judging fruit exhibits at state and county fairs, as seen in this photo from the 1930s.
The Lattin home in the Village of Gaines, shown above, was a great source of community pride over the years. Dr. Lattin himself reflected that it is probably the only home in the world that was secured through the consummation of a single sale of bird eggs.
Frank Lattin married May Bullard in 1885 when she was 19 years old. They had two daughters, Dorothy Root and Virginia Lattin Morrison who later resided in the family homestead on the southwest corner of NYS Routes 104 and 279.
Perhaps, an editorial in the “Orleans Republican” newspaper from 1937 provides the best summary of Dr. Lattin’s character:
“Everything pertaining to natural history attracted him and he gained a broad knowledge by keen observation of everything about him. Step by step he broadened and progressed, not by magic, but by his own unswerving integrity and steadfastness. Honorable, possessed of a keen sense of humor, he radiated cheer wherever he might be. His success meant no man’s downfall, hence all loved him and regarded him as a friend. His life touched many others at home and in foreign countries in a business way that culminated in friendship. He was like the sturdy mountain oak whose roots ever deepen into the rich soil until it stands firm and solid against each blast.”
Photo courtesy of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor: Kayakers enjoy the Erie Canal in Brockport.
Press Release, Village of Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman
BROCKPORT – The Village of Brockport is pleased to announce that it has joined the Erie Canal communities of Waterloo, Savannah, Amsterdam, Macedon and Medina to offer free kayak and bicycle excursions on the Erie Canal.
Brockport is offering 3 excursions each day on 4 Saturdays and 4 Sundays in September (18, 19, 25, 26) and October (2, 3, 9, 10). The excursion sites were selected and sponsored by the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation.
Brockport’s Paddle/Pedal excursions begin at the Brockport Welcome Center (11 Water Street), and head west to Holley Canal Park in the Village of Holley. The 2 ½ hour tour comprises 3 miles of kayaking (between Brockport and Sans Souci Park in Clarkson) and 6.75 miles of cycling (Sans Souci Park to Holley Canal Park to Brockport).
Kayaks and bicycles are furnished for the tours. Refreshments courtesy of local farms are provided at Canal Park, and participants receive a coupon for a local Brockport restaurant at the conclusion of the tour.
For more details and to join a free tour visit Eventbrite by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2021 at 9:50 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 50 firefighters and law enforcement officers in Orleans County salute while Taps was played on Saturday evening during a 20th anniversary observance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Local firefighters get lined up on Main Street near a giant American flag that was held high from the ladder trucks of the Albion Fire Department and the Murray Joint Fire District (Holley Fire Department).
Two local fire departments have displayed the large flag for the Sept. 11 memorial service for many years. The section of the street is blocked off from State and Park streets.
Alec Sherman led a crowd of abut 200 people in singing “America the Beautiful” at the Courthouse Square near the Sept. 11 memorial.
Dale Banker., the county’s emergency management director, shared a timeline from the day. On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.
Don Snyder, a chaplain with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, gave the opening and closing prayer. He thanked God for first responders who put their own lives in peril to help others. He urged community members to consider volunteering with their fire departments.
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke greeted many of the firefighters, law enforcement officers and community members at the service.
Scott Schmidt served as keynote speaker for the event, as he has for many of the Sept. 11 observances. Schmidt spent three weeks with a federal team – U.S. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team – and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones. He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero.
Schmidt said the country and local community united after the terrorist attacks and that same feeling and commitment is needed today. After the Sept. 11 attacks, there were services of prayer and candlelight vigils, and American flags were displayed in pride, Schmidt said.
“Our unity is a kinship of grief, and a steadfast resolve to prevail against our enemies,” he said. “And this unity against terror is now extending across the world. America is a nation full of good fortune, with so much to be grateful for. But we are not spared from suffering. In every generation, the world has produced enemies of human freedom. They have attacked America, because we are freedom’s home and defender. And the commitment of our fathers is now the calling of our time. On this National Day of prayer and Remembrance, we ask almighty God to watch over our nation, and grant us patience and resolve in all that is to come.”
Schmidt is shown with other DMORT members who have responded to mass casualty incidents. They include from left Art Lucas of Akron, Robert Zerby of Rochester, Schmidt, Vincent Iocovozzi from near Utica, and David Brugno of North Chili.
Schmidt said the local community is fortunate to have many selfless firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers and others who give in service to others.
“Never take for granted the men and women before you…that if there is a grass fire, an MVA or a structure fire … that they’ll be in route,” Schmidt said. “Never take for granted the men and women before you … assuming that if you have chest pains, have suffered a broken bone, or are in respiratory distress … that they will respond with urgency to assist you in your distress. Never take for granted the men and women before … that if someone broke into your house, or if you’ve been assaulted, or if someone is threatening your life … that they will respond, risking their safety to guarantee yours. And never take for granted the men and women before you, ones who have died, and those in uniform around the world … who put their lives on the line to maintain the freedom of each and every American and for this great land.”
Local veterans provided an the honor guard during Saturday’s memorial service.
Rob Connor, Albion fire chief, listens to Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, give her remarks during the service.
“My message to you as we leave here today is to be ever mindful of the realities that surround us,” Johnson said. “Pearl Harbor was a wake-up call 80 years ago. Sixty years later it was here on our mainland, only 20 years ago. We must be vigilant and maintain our resolve no matter how distant a threat might appear, and ask God to bless and protect our great nation from the forces of evil which surround us.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2021 at 8:34 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Michael McElwain, a member of the Albion “mini” football team, holds a flag with a red stripe which shows support for firefighters.
Youth football players from Albion and Batavia had a Sept. 11 tribute between the mini and JV games on Saturday afternoon at Bullard Park.
Local firefighters, including Albion Fire Chief Rob Connor, were welcomed on the field for the tribute, which was on the 20thanniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Active duty military, veterans and other first responders also were invited onto the field.
Michael McElwain, left, and Lucas Connor hold flags during a presentation on the field in between games.
Pete Sidari, an Albion firefighter, speaks about the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 people were killed, including 343 New York City firefighters, 60 police officers in NYC and eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
Sidari had the group observe a moment of silence for the people killed in the terrorist attacks.
Geno Allport, commissioner for the Albion teams in the league, painted “Never Forget – 9-11” on the field. Allport and John Reigle, the Batavia commissioner, worked out the observance between the two games. Allport said he wanted the players to be more aware of why the country pauses to reflect on Sept. 11.
“I know they talk about it in school,” Allport said about the terrorist attacks. “We’re not going to forget. And we want the kids to form a positive relationship with the fire department and the police officers.”
D.J. Moore of Albion directs a Batavia football player carrying an American flag during a 9/11 observance in between football games on Saturday at Bullard Park.
Rocco Sidari, an Albion youth football player, was one of the flag holders. His father Rocky Sidari is a former Albion fire chief and current county coroner. He also is an assistant coach at the mini level.
The simplest childhood joys echo in the skies above Lafayette Park in Albion to this day. As a young girl in the 70’s, I don’t recall the parents in our neighborhood thinking we were all cute and cuddly. Just the opposite, thankfully.
We were not attached at their hips, and they were able to find adult joys that did not include us kids. Which we appreciated. We wanted our friends to be our peers, not our parents. It was special to see when they fancied themselves up for a night out. We knew they loved us and that we were their lives, just not their whole lives.
In the summer of the 70’s in our neighborhood, once we heard the big metal lock and chain hit the fence on the gates of Lafayette Park and the swings started squeaking on the big swing set, it meant it was time to seize the day. You were expected to go outside for the day. Don’t come back until lunch or dinner. Lessons in Independence.
Our parents had better things to do than entertain us. We needed to use our powerful imaginations and entertain ourselves. And we were happy to oblige. Being at the park was magical. Lessons in Finding Joy. As exciting as it was to hear the gates unlock, trust that it was equally deflating to hear the gates lock at lunchtime and again at the end of the day. But in between when it was unlocked, we had some very serious ring toss games, and many tournaments were played. Some quite contentious. I recall my brother and I having a physical altercation over a game once that left me grounded from the park for days and a scar that still lives on his shoulder. A lesson that we all can’t be winners, so we need to be gracious losers sometimes.
My first kiss was behind the bathroom supply shed, sitting on the windowsill. I might have been 10 and it was just a small kiss, but it was very special. A lesson in Love. The counselors were very engaging and we would sit under the crafting pavilion and make boondoggles for hours. Lessons in Social Cues and Community.
The best was the big round concrete pool that was in the middle of the park. My brother and I even paraded around it, during the annual pageant and won King and Queen of the Parks. I was way more excited about it than he was. We were adorned with floral crowns. I beamed and he scowled. Lessons in Pride.
We took “bike hikes” to other parks or Mt Albion. One of those trips left me with stitches in my palm when I took a tumble off my bike and skidded down the gravel slopes! Another trip, to the Brown Street Bridge, left my brother with stitches in his chin when he tumbled off his bike going down the hill. No one sued, no one quit living. We just dusted ourselves off and waited at the gate of Lafayette Park the next morning. Lessons in Resilience.
Life Lessons learned in the 1970’s. Simpler times, yet Sassy Lessons that propelled us all into adulting.
What was your childhood summer lesson? To see the Queen and King, visit My Blog live online here and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 September 2021 at 5:56 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina defensive lineman Chris Johnson reaches high to make a one handed interception during the Mustangs win at Newfane this afternoon. The flag in the background was carried onto the field by the Newfane players for the pre game 9/11 remembrance ceremonies.
Building up a 24-0 half-time advantage, Medina went on to shutout host Newfane 40-0 this afternoon as the Mustangs opened defense of their C North Division title.
Quarterback Xander Payne passed for three touchdowns, two to Greg Thompson and one to Joe Cecchini, and Robert Arnold ran for two scores to spearhead the Medina offense.
A nifty leaping one handed pass interception by defensive lineman Chris Johnson along with an interception by Iverson Poole and sacks by Cecchini and Dominic Larabee highlighted the shutout effort by the Mustangs defensive unit.
Joe Cecchini picks up yardage after hauling in a pass reception for Medina.
Medina jumped out to an 8-0 first quarter lead as Payne rolled out and connected with Cecchini who made a nice diving catch in the end zone to complete a 12 yard scoring strike and Arnold added the two-point conversion run.
Runs of 16 and 14 yards by Arnold, 14 by Noah Skinner and a 15 yard Payne to Skinner pass completion highlighted the 65 yard drive with the opening kickoff.
The Mustangs then broke the contest open with two quick scores within a span of four minutes midway through the second quarter to open up the 24-0 lead.
Arnold ran 13 yards for the first touchdown and Poole added the two-point conversion carry. Pass completions by Payne of 16 yards to Arnold and 14 to Thompson along with 11 yard runs by both Poole and Skinner keyed the drive.
Payne then hooked up with Thompson on a 55 yard pass play for the second TD as Arnold added the two-point conversion to make it 24-0.
Arnold opened Medina’s second half scoring with a 10 yard TD run with 2:21 to go in the third period as Cayden Lilleby added the two-point conversion run. Skinner had a 15 yard run and Payne a 12 yard pass completion to Jarin Rhim to highlight the 74 yard drive.
Thompson then rounded out the Mustangs scoring parade when he hauled in a 20 yard TD pass from Payne on the final play of the third quarter as Arnold added the two-point conversion.
The interceptionby Johnson who returned the ball some 20 yards to the Panthers 20 set up the scoring opportunity.
Medina, which next visits Lackawanna at 1 p.m. next Saturday for an interdivisional game, is now 2-0 overall and Newfane 0-2.
Wilson 20, Cleve Hill 0
In another C North contest, Wilson (1-0, 2-0) blanked host Cleveland Hill (0-1, 1-1) 20-0 as quarterback Tyler Yousett threw three touchdown passes, two to Chris Dispenza and one to Luke Atlas.
Greg Thompson breaks loose for a 55 yard touchdown pass reception for Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2021 at 5:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jake Stinson, right, and Mark Johnson cook sausage today outside the former Keding Automotive, 309 East Ave. The sausage sales went towards a memorial scholarship in honor of John Keding, who owned the auto repair shop for 46 years at the location and also was a long-time member of the Lions Club.
Today’s event also was an opportunity for people to share memories of Keding, who passed away at age 85 on January 18, 2021.
The Lions Club members, friends and family wore buttons with Keding’s photo.
The sausage sold out, and Lions also cooked many hot dogs for customers. Many people stopped by to make donations for the scholarship that will go to someone pursuing a career as a mechanic or in the trades.
Dan Conrad, left, and Kevin Howard take a turn on the grill. Keding was a member of the Lions Club for 52 years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2021 at 5:08 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – An 8th annual car show was held today at Bullard Park in a benefit for Supportive Care of Orleans County, formerly known as Hospice of Orleans County. The top photo shows at 1971 Chevelle with a skunk theme.
There were 77 cars, many of them vintage models, in the car show which also included live music, a 50/50 raffle, food and a cash cactus.
Becky Karls organized the event, which include Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes as a major sponsor.
This 1981 Delorean had a “Back to the Future” theme, including a life-size model of Dr. E. Brown or “Doc” from the famous movie series. Doc was the inventor of the first time machine, built out of a 1981 DeLorean sports car.
Ed Doran of Medina brought a 1968 Chevy Pickup that he has painted and decorated as a tribute to the 343 firefighters who were killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Doran used to be a firefighter for Medina, Shelby and East Shelby. Mark Weld, an Middleport artist, did the artwork on the truck.
The older cars were shined up for the car show, and many included whimsical stuffed animals or other decorations, including this panther resting on an engine.
Many of the vehicles also displayed American flags on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2021 at 12:35 pm
Provided photos
KENDALL – David Warren of Kendall played Taps this morning for each of the four times then planes crashed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Warren played Taps at the Kendall Town Park which includes a war memorial. Warren, a member of Bugles Across America, wanted to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks 20 years ago.
There was a reading prior to each sounding to let the audience know which plane crashed and who was being honored. There were many community members that attended for one or more of the soundings, Warren said.
Warren played Taps at the following times:
8:46 a.m. when Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City
9:03 a.m. when Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City
9:37 a.m. when Flight 77 crashed into The Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
10:03 a.m. when Flight 93 crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa.
Click here to see a video of Warren playing Taps this morning.
There will be a community memorial service at 6 p.m. today at the Courthouse lawn in Albion.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 September 2021 at 11:03 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion quarterback Amari Jones eludes Maryvale tacklers Kevin Jobity and Matthew Wiebe during the Purple Eagles win over the host Flyers this evening.
A combination of five turnovers forced by the defense and two long touchdown pass plays by the offense keyed Albion to a 22-7 victory over host Maryvale this evening in a B North Division game.
Javon Jones and Tyler Gibson each had two pass interceptions and Jahmeek Riley a fumble recovery for the Albion defensive unit. The Purple Eagles special teams also came up with a turnover as Jr Morales recovered a muffed Maryvale punt return.
Offensively, quarterback Amari Jones connected on long touchdown passing strikes of 92 yards to Javon Jones and 76 yards to Gibson.
Improving to 2-0 in B North competition, Albion took the lead for good at 8-0 with 24 seconds to go in the opening quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run by Javon Jones and a two-point conversion carry by Amari Jones. Amari Jones also had a key 16 yard fourth down run to the Maryvale 16 to keep the drive alive.
Maryvale did cut the deficit to one at 8-7 on a 27 yard TD pass from quarterback Will Schiller to Hunter Murphy and extra point conversion kick by Kevin Jobity with 6:17 to go in the second quarter.
However, the Purple Eagles got that one right back just two minutes later on the 76 yard Amari Jones to Gibson touchdown aerial for a 14-7 half-time lead.
The Purple Eagles later got a big insurance touchdown when Amari Jones scrambled near his own goal line and found Javon Jones open behind the Flyers defense for a huge 92 yard scoring pass with 2:41 to go in the third quarter. Amari Jones tacked on the two point conversion run to up the lead to 22-7.
The Albion defensive unit did the rest as Gibson and Javon Jones each had two pass interceptions in the second half.
The Purple Eagles next host Wilson in an interdivisional contest at 7 p.m. next Friday.
In an interdivisional game, Akron romped past Alden 54-6.
Silverbacks game postponed
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville at Lew-Port B North Division game scheduled for this evening was postponed due to a Covid-19 protocol issue with Lew-Port. The Silverbacks bus was halfway to Lew-Port when they were turned around.
Holley game is also postponed
The Holley Central School Twitter account this evening reported that Saturday’s Canisteo-Greenwood at Holley football game has been postponed.
Albion defenders Sh’Kwe Riley and Dallas Ecker team up to tackler Maryvale’s Hunter Murphy.
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s announcement of vaccine mandates.
“We have come a long way from the beginning of Operation Warp Speed to now over 75% of U.S. adults having received at least one dose,” Jacobs said.
“I believe the Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I encourage my constituents to consult their doctor about getting vaccinated – this a personal medical decision that should be made between a citizen and their physician.
“I am opposed to the President’s mandates and believe he has overstepped his authority in announcing them. In addition, I disagree with the President pitting vaccinated Americans against their unvaccinated peers. This serves no public health interest and only further divides an already fractured nation.”
