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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2021 at 2:18 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The top photo shows the Orleans County Department of Public Works on Wednesday working on the front area of the Orleans County Courthouse, facing East State Street.
The DPW has removed the sidewalks and wide walkway leading from the street to the historic building from 1858.
This photo from this afternoon shows the front area leading to the building without any concrete sidewalks. New ones will soon be going in that will be 12 feet wide, much slimmer than the previous ones.
The County Legislature has set aside $50,000 to replace sidewalks, upgrade landscaping, and relocate existing light fixtures at the Courthouse Square.
It’s part of several improvements at the site. The county also replaced the roof hatch and sealed the cupola. The sealed cupola should stop water from leaking inside. The hatch, which is used for workers to access the cupola and top of the dome, had deteriorated.
Photo courtesy of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
MEDINA – Jamie Murphy, activities director at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina, presents Medina firefighters with brownies and posters made by Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center residents in observance of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Pictured from left include: Andy Steel, Tim Miller, Paul Urquhart, Jamie Murphy, Mike Young, Nick Lee and Andrew Cheverie.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2021 at 12:55 pm
Courtesy of Orleans EDA in 2017: The Orleans Economic Development Agency is commissioning a traffic for the area around the Medina Business Park – Maple Ridge Road, Bates Road, Waterworks Road and Sanderson Road.
MEDINA – The Orleans Economic Development Agency today voted to spend $13,500 to have a traffic study done in the area near the Medina Business Park.
LaBella Associates will do the study and will be reaching out the state Department of Transportation for traffic counts and other input.
LaBella will be asked to determine if turning lanes, stop signs or traffic devices are needed, as well as possibly widening roads and looking at potential traffic flow at the Keppler site, which has about 125 acres south of Maple Ridge Road near Waterworks Road.
The EDA has pressed the DOT in the recent past for a left turning lane on Maple Ridge at the Bates Road intersection, but that hasn’t been approved.
The area will see more traffic with an expansion by Western New York Energy and the soon-to-open Cobblestone Suites hotel with 58 rooms on Maple Ridge. BOMET Recovery also has purchased 10 acres of land from the EDA for a new 37,000-square foot facility at 100 Marcia Tuohey Way, the northside of the road facing Bates Road.
The EDA also is promoting about 300 vacant acres of certified shovel-ready land at the business park.
The EDA expects those acres will have businesses with several hundred employees and many truck deliveries in the future.
The traffic study will look at the current situation and projections for the future, and what will be needed to ease traffic flow and make it safer.
The study will likely be used by the EDA and local officials to press for any needed improvements and funding assistance.
Provided photos: Congressman Chris Jacobs toured the Iroquois Job Corps on Thursday. He commended students for preparing for careers in trades and healthcare.
Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs
SHELBY – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) toured the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on Thursday.
“Our region, and much of the country, faces an aging workforce in trades and a lack of younger, qualified individuals to carry the torch. That is why the work the Iroquois Job Corps is doing is so critical,” Jacobs said. “This center, and ones like it around the country, are giving young adults hands-on training in various trades that have immediate career potential following their graduation. In addition, they are providing young adults in high-risk situations with a second chance and the opportunities and resources to succeed.”
Jacobs’ visit included a tour of the carpentry, medical care, electrical, masonry, and educational facilities at the Iroquois Job Corps campus in Medina. In addition, Jacobs met with instructors and students from the various programs to learn about the work they are doing and the opportunities available.
“I commend the leadership team and the instructors at the Iroquois Job Corps Center for the incredible work they are doing and the impressive education they are providing. This center is integral to maintaining our region’s strong workforce and economic prosperity,” Jacobs said. “I urge any young adult considering a career in the trades to reach out to the center to learn more about the opportunities available.”
Jacobs saw up close how students are skilled with tools.
