Rear half of store will also be unveiled after extensive renovations

Press Release, Author’s Note

Provided photo: Julie Berry, an acclaimed author, purchased the former Book Shoppe in Medina and has made many changes to the Main Street location.

MEDINA – Author’s Note, Medina’s new bookstore, announces its grand opening celebration to be held on Saturday, September 25, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the store at 519 Main St. The ceremony will be followed by an unveiling of the newly-refinished rear half of the store.

Throughout the day, giveaways, refreshments, and activities will help commemorate the day. For more details on the unfolding schedule, visit www.authorsnote.com.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the community, which has been so supportive of this project from the moment I bought the store, and we want to thank them,” explained author and owner Julie Berry. “We’re here because of Medina’s faith in and commitment to local small businesses, and to maintaining a vibrant downtown shopping district.”

Berry, a New York Times bestselling, award-winning author, was born and raised in Medina (as Julie Gardner), but hadn’t lived in the area since graduating from Medina High School in 1991. She and her family had been living in Los Angeles for several years at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. When they learned that the bookstore had come up for sale, they took a leap and relocated to Medina to reinvent the store as Author’s Note.

The bookstore, situated in Medina’s historic Main Street shopping district on the Erie Canal trail, occupies the site of the prior store known as The Book Shoppe, which served Medina shoppers for over 20 years.

Berry purchased the bookstore in February of this year and undertook an ambitious renovation and restoration project, dismantling the interior back to its original hardwood floors and antique molded tin ceilings. The front part of the store opened to the public on May 22, 2021, welcoming shoppers and tourists to Medina throughout the summer, but the rear portion, hidden behind construction drapes, hasn’t yet been seen.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of Medina no longer having a bookstore,” said Berry. “Preserving a bookstore in my own hometown was too wonderful an idea to pass up.”

Her vision for Author’s Note includes leveraging her ties to the publishing industry to bring authors and illustrators regularly into Orleans County for readings, signings, school visits, lectures, and events, thus connecting authors and readers in a wider reading community, once the renovation is complete and as pandemic-related health and safety concerns permit.

The independent bookstore offers new books for adults, teens, and children, both new releases and enduring classics. They also offer toys, games, puzzles, stationery, coffee and gifts.

The store serves shoppers at its brick-and-mortar store and nationwide at authorsnote.com, selling books, audiobooks, and e-books. They also offer onsite school and community book fairs, and institutional book-buying discounts to schools, libraries, churches, civic groups, nonprofits, and businesses.

ALBION – A large contingent of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS and other first responders are expected for a Sept. 11 remembrance service on Saturday, the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.

The service will be at 6 p.m. on the courthouse lawn near the Sept. 11 memorial. Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, is expected to give the welcome for the event.

When she spoke at the service last year, she said that in the hours and days after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, “America came together like never before.”

She recalled seeing American flags out on “house after house, street after street.”

The country was united in mourning the loss of life and in its response to terrorist attacks.

“There will be no forgetting September 11th,” Johnson said. “It is burned into our souls – those graphic pictures, the smoldering ash, and the endless funerals. We must hold on to our remarkable capacity to mourn those we have lost, be they friends, family or total strangers. Honor the value of all lives. They mattered on September 11th, so must all lives matter today.”

Scott Schmidt will again serve as the keynote speaker at the observance. 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.

“This is our generation’s Pearl Harbor,” Schmidt said today. “It is one of those things you’ll never forget where you were or what you were doing that day.”

Schmidt said Orleans County rallied and was united after the attacks and showed their support for the military and grief of the lives lost with numerous American flags displayed on homes.

He said his comments on Saturday will have a theme of not taking things for granted. The United States nearly 20 years ago was attacked during a time of complacency, he said.

This group of law enforcement officers attended the service last year at the courthouse lawn near the Sept. 11 memorial. The public is welcome to attend a service at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the courthouse lawn.

Photo by Tom Rivers: John Keding is shown outside Keding Automotive in Albion when he celebrated his 80th birthday on Sept. 2, 2015.

ALBION – The Albion Lions Club will be serving sausage on Sept. 11 at the former Keding Automotive at 309 East  Ave. with the proceeds going towards a new scholarship in memory of John Keding.

The scholarship will go to a graduating senior pursuing a career in the trades. Keding worked for 70 years a mechanic and owned Keding Automotive for 46 of those years.

He passed away at age 85 on January 18, 2021. He retired in August 2020.

Keding also was a member of the Albion Lions Club for 52 years. He enjoyed cooking sausage with the Lions at many community events, including the Strawberry Festival. Many of the Lions will be tending the grill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11, outside the former auto repair business on Route 31.

The event will also be a chance to celebrate Keding’s life. His daughter, Christine Buongiorne, encourages the community to “bring your appetites and your stories!”

The Lions Club expects the scholarship will become an annual award for a graduating senior.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dr. Surinder Bath, a Medina physician for nearly 47 years, has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 17.

MEDINA – The medical community in Medina is about to see some changes with the announcement of the retirement of longtime Medina physician Dr. Surinder Bath.

On the heels of that news comes an announcement by Oak Orchard Health that the organization will take over Dr. Bath’s office and start a medical practice in Medina.

Dr. Bath started practicing in Medina in 1974. Growing up in a small town in India, he said he thought he would be an engineer, but a cousin convinced him to become a doctor. He trained in internal medicine for two years, studying clinical pathology hematology. He came to the United States, where he studied internal medicine for four years at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, followed by two years at the Veterans Administration in Dayton, Ohio.

He discovered Medina when he and his wife Daisy were traveling back from a trip to Montreal.

“I found this place to be very peaceful and calm,” Dr. Bath said. “They were looking for an internist, and I liked the place and people here, so I gave it a try. That was 46 years ago.”

He and his wife have three children, two of whom are in the medical profession – one a radiologist and one an internist. Another daughter got her MBA in business administration and marketing from the University of Buffalo.

Dr. Bath said it will be hard to leave Medina, but at the age of 75, it’s time.

“I have been tied to my patients and gave them so much love and care, but I want to spend more time with my family,” he said.

Dr. Surinder Bath is surrounded by his staff members, Elizabeth “Betsy” Phinney, left; and Theresa Gurney. Absent is Vicki Lynn Cotter, who has been in the office nearly 40 years.

Sept. 17 will be Dr. Bath’s last working day and he and his wife will be moving to Georgia. He said he may try to sell his home in Medina, but he also plans to come back to visit in the summers.

“I have very fond memories from here,” he said. “This community has given me so much love, and Orleans Community Health has been so good to me. The staff and nurses at Medina Memorial Hospital are great and have always been so helpful. I will miss this community, my staff and the love my patients gave me.”

He said he has been blessed with a wonderful staff over the years and he will miss them.

His staff includes Elizabeth “Betsy” Phinney, who is secretary and office manager. She has been with Dr. Bath for 13 years. Theresa Gurney, accountant, started in 1989, left for a few years and came back. Vicki Lynn Cotter, who does business accounting and billing, has been with Dr. Bath for almost 40 years.

“We’re happy for him. He’s been a wonderful doctor,” Phinney said. “He is taking the next step in his life, but we are going to be sad to see him go.”

“I came here to help out for two or three months, and 13 years later I’m still here,” Gurney said. “With him it’s never been about the money. It’s always been about the care.”

“Dr. Bath is looking forward to some free time to spend with his family, and to golf, he said.

The Baths also have six grandchildren, four in Georgia and two in California.

The one message he wants to leave the community is to “get vaccinated so we can get over Covid.”

He said there is so much misinformation out there about the vaccine and it is unfounded.

“Getting vaccinated is the safest thing,” he said. “It can save your life and someone else’s, too.”

“I am leaving very happy and saddened,” Dr. Bath said.

Dr. Bath is happy to see Oak Orchard Health taking over his practice.

“My staff will be working with them and the care of my patients will be ongoing,” he said.

Stacie Bridge, chief operating officer at Oak Orchard Health, said they are excited about offering health care in Medina.

“We definitely hope to be there this fall, but we are waiting for approval from the state on the renovations we plan to make,” Bridge said. “We definitely want to be there this fall.”

Oak Orchard Health has offices in Albion, Lyndonville, Warsaw, Hornell, Brockport, Batavia, Alexander and Pembroke.

“We are a federally qualified health center which targets the rural population,” Bridge said.

They offer health care to the uninsured and underinsured in the fields of medical, dental, vision and behavioral health.

Bridge added Oak Orchard Health will be opening a dental practice in Albion.

Girls soccer and volleyball contests on Tuesday will start a busy week of area high school sports.

The Kendall at Holley girls soccer rivalry game will highlight Tuesday’s action.

The week’s rivalry match ups will also include Medina at Albion in volleyball on Thursday.

The late week football contests will have Albion at Maryvale and Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville at Lew-Port on Friday and Medina at Newfane and Canisteo-Greenwood at Holley on Saturday.

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday

Girls Soccer – Roy-Hart at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Pembroke at Lyndonville, 5 p.m.; Kendall at Holley, 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball – Lyndonville at Medina, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Boys Soccer – Wilson at Medina, Newfane at Albion, Akron at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer – Albion at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.

Field Hockey – Akron at Medina, Barker at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball – Kendall at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.

Golf – Roy-Hart at Albion, Newfane at Medina, Akron at Barker 4 p.m.

Thursday

Boys Soccer – Kendall at Northstar, 4:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer – Oakfield-Alabama at Holley, 7 p.m.

Volleyball – Medina at Albion, Roy-Hart at Wilson, Akron at Newfane, Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, Byron-Bergen at Holley, 6:30 p.m.

Friday

Football – Albion at Maryvale, Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville at Lew-Port, 7 p.m.

Boys Soccer – West Seneca Christian at Medina/Lyndonville, Newfane at Holley, 7 p.m.

Girls Soccer – Newark at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.

Golf – Akron at Roy-Hart, Medina at Albion, Wilson at Newfane, 4 p.m.

Saturday

Football – Canisteo-Greenwood at Holley, 1 p.m.; Medina at Newfane, 2 p.m.

Boys Soccer – Medina/Lyndonville at Rochester Academy, 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer – Lyndonvlle/Medina at Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.; Albion at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.

Field Hockey – Barker at Roy-Hart, Akron at Wilson, Kenmore at Medina, 10 a.m.

Volleyball – Albion Tournament, 8 a.m.

Employers need to implement workplace safety plans

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the commissioner of health has designated Covid-19 a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under New York State’s HERO Act, which requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans in the event of an airborne infectious disease, helping to prevent workplace infections.

The NY HERO Act mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the law, all employers are required to adopt a workplace safety plan, and implement it for all airborne infectious diseases designated by the New York State Department of Health. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor, or develop their own safety plan in compliance with HERO Act standards.

“While we continue to increase our vaccination numbers, the fight against the Delta variant is not over, and we have to do everything we can to protect our workers,” Governor Hochul said. “This designation will ensure protections are in place to keep our workers safe and support our efforts to combat the virus and promote health and safety.”

The HERO Act’s purpose is to ensure that businesses are prepared with protocols and resources to protect their employees and the public from the spread of airborne infectious diseases, like Covid’s Delta variant.

Under the HERO Act, the DOL in consultation with the DOH has developed a new Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, and various industry-specific model plans for the prevention of airborne infectious disease. Additional information and industry-specific templates for employers are available on the DOL’s website (click here).

The plans adopted by employers must address a number of safety measures, including but not limited to: employee health screenings, masking and social distancing requirements, workplace hygiene stations, workplace cleaning protocol, quarantine protocol, and building airflow technology.

Employers are required to distribute their work safety plan to all employees and post it in a visible and prominent location within each worksite.

Additionally, the HERO Act includes anti-retaliation protections for employees which prohibit discrimination or adverse actions taken against an employee for following the requirements of these plans, reporting concerns on the implementation of a plan, or refusing to work.

Among 4 bills signed include legislation to extend Shared Work benefits

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed four pieces of legislation to help boost workplace safety and put more money in the pockets of working New Yorkers.

The bills establish a demonstration program to implement speed violation monitoring systems in work zones to keep workers safe and make construction contractors liable for the wages owed to their subcontractors.

They also require the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at high-end co-ops and condos and extend Shared Work Benefits.

“On Labor Day every year, we’re reminded of the vital contributions of organized labor to building New York, and that’s why I’m signing four pieces of legislation to help workers thrive across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “These bills will make sure workers are paid fair wages, receive good benefits and stay safe on their worksites. Our state is home to a long and proud legacy of supporting working New Yorkers, and we’re working to bolster that for the future.”

Labor Day Legislation to Bolster New York’s Workforce

• Keeping Workers Safe – This legislation (S.4682-B/A.485-B) establishes a demonstration program implementing speed violation monitoring systems in work zones by means of photo devices and relates to notices of liability and the adjudication of certain traffic infractions involving the use of photo monitoring devices.

• Making Contractors Liable for Wages Paid to Their Subcontractors – This legislation (A.3350-A/S.2766-C) makes contractors on construction projects jointly liable for wages owed to employees of their subcontractors.

Construction contractors are not currently liable for wages of their subcontractors’ employees unless there is an employment relationship between the contractor and the employee of the subcontractor. This bill applies prospectively to contracts entered 120 days after the bill becomes law. It also allows contractors to demand payroll information from subcontractors and withhold payment if the information is not provided.

• Paying Prevailing Wage to Building Service Employees in Buildings Receiving the 467-A Tax Abatement – This legislation (S.6350-A/A.7434-A) requires the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at co-ops and condos that receive tax abatements under section 467a of the tax law.

The law applies to buildings with an average unit assessed value of more than $60,000, with the exception of buildings that have an average unit assessed value of $60,000 to $100,000 and have fewer than 30 units.

The legislation makes affidavits certifying the payment of prevailing wages to building service workers public records that may be produced before a court or administrative tribunal. The New York State Department of Labor has the power to conduct an investigation and hearing and file a final determination to enforce the law and make sure employees are properly paid.

• Extending Shared Work Benefits – This legislation (S.4049/A.5678) changes the cap on Shared Work Benefits from 26 straight weeks to an amount of time equal to 26 weeks’ worth of benefits. The shared work program allows employers to keep employees and avoid layoffs by allowing staff members to receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours.

Under current law, claimants can only receive 26 weeks of benefits, regardless of what the claimant’s maximum benefit entitlement is under UI. This bill will allow claimants to collect the reduced UI benefit under a Shared Work Program until they have hit their maximum benefit amount under traditional UI.

“From day one, Governor Hochul promised to work collaboratively with the Legislature and Labor, and she has delivered on that promise by signing into law several bills that will improve the lives of working people,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento. “The bills signed into law today will; enhance roadway work zone safety, create a fairer unemployment benefit for workers whose hours were reduced in lieu of layoff, hold unscrupulous private construction contractors liable for wage theft; and require a prevailing rate for those who work in residential buildings receiving tax breaks.”

The number of people unemployed in Orleans is about half of what it was last summer, according to State Department of Labor data for July.

In Orleans County, the unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in July, compared to 11.5 percent in July 2020, when many businesses were scaled down due to Covid-19 restrictions. In July 2019, before the pandemic, the unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in Orleans.

There are 900 more working in Orleans compared to year ago. There were 16,400 working in Orleans County in July, compared to 15,500 in July 2020. The number on unemployment also is down from 2,000 to 1,000 during that time.

Other nearby rates for July include: Livingston, 4.6%; Monroe, 5.7%; Erie, 5.8%; Niagara, 6.0.

Statewide the unemployment rate is 7.4 percent compared to 14.8 percent in July 2020. The were 8,668,400 working statewide in July, up 626,200 from July 2020. The number on unemployment is down from 1,400,100 to 693,200.

Nyla Gaylord has a strategy going forward in her new job as director of development and fundraising for United Way of Orleans County.

“Neighbors helping neighbors is what the United Way is all about,” Gaylord said.

Her strategy is to work with small business in the community and ask them to help United Way by selling tickets to their Sept. 25 chicken barbecue.

Nyla Gaylord

Although United Way of Orleans County was responsible for bringing more than a million dollars from grants into the county last year, the agency is still actively pursuing other fundraisers, including the chicken barbecue and the first major fundraising event on Nov. 19 featuring Atlantic City entertainer Jimmy Mazz.

Gaylord also thought asking small businesses to sell chicken barbecue tickets was a good way to introduce herself and get to know them.

United Way is especially excited about a promotion Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina and Albion has agreed to do to support United Way. During the week of Sept. 6 to 12, Mark’s will donate $2 for every pizza sold.

While United Way director Dean Bellack thinks this could result in a substantial donation to United Way, what he said is really important is that everyone in the county will see another partner for United Way.

“We are very happy to support the good work of United Way in helping the community,” said owner Brian Christiaansen.

Jeremy Van Ameron from Van’s Pit Stop in Clarendon echoed Christiaansen’s comment.

“United Way helps out people and families in our community, and I’m happy to help them by selling tickets,” he said. “That’s what we do in Orleans County.”

“I see the way United Way helps everybody, and for me that’s awesome,” said Lynn Burgess, owner of Lynn’s Salon in Albion, who is also selling chicken barbecue tickets.

Other small businesses supporting United Way by selling tickets are Della’s Chocolates in Medina and HeBrews in Albion, whose owner Jim Nowaczewski is planning to open a second location at the former Meggie Moos ice cream parlor on East Center Street by Sept. 15.

Gaylord said it’s important to “be American, buy local and support small businesses.”

“That’s a win-win situation,” she said.

United Way’s first gala featuring Jimmy Mazz was made possible by a donor to United Way. “Blast from the Past” will take place Nov. 19 at Maison Albion, with an elegant dinner catered by Zambistro’s. The evening will also feature silent and live auctions and raffles. Information and tickets are available by visiting www.OrleansUnitedWay.org/gala.

“When our community unites to support United Way, we are ensuring that help is there for us and our neighbors in times of need,” Gaylord said. “The funds we raise will help residents of the county when they need assistance that no government agency can provide.”

MEDINA – The legacy of the late Luke Nelson and his love of skateboarding will live on in the area with the dedication Saturday of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina.

The half a million dollar skatepark is a tribute to Luke, a son of Ken and Terri Nelson of Middleport, who died from an overdose in 2017 at the age of 32.

The skateboard belonging to the late Luke Nelson was placed on display by his girlfriend Megan Schwaibold of Gasport during the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina on Saturday.

Luke used to come to Medina to skate at the old park in Butts Park, where he often met with Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, said his aunt Catherine Puff of Newfane.

“He used to meet Alex and they talked about how they wanted a new park really bad,” Puff said. “Luke worked in construction and he often talked about how bad the park needed fixing up. It was his passion. He had the most amazing heart. Luke touched lives. He loved kids and he loved his nieces and nephews, who are here today.”

The family of the late Luke Nelson cuts the ribbon on Saturday dedicating the half a million dollar skatepark in his honor. At left is Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, who spearheaded the drive for funds for the park.

Puff explained how after Luke’s death his mom’s wish was to raise enough money to buy a bench so parents would have a place to sit when they brought their kids to the park to skate.

When they heard about the Tony Hawk/Ralph C. Wilson Foundation Build to Play grant, Feig formed the Medina Skate Society and an official fundraising campaign began. They applied for the grant, which was a matching grant, and in the course of a year, with community support, they raised $250,570, which qualified them for another $250,000 from the grant.

“We wanted a bench in Luke’s memory and we ended up with a half a million dollar skatepark,” Puff said. “And today we gifted it to the village.”

Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, heads down the ramp to skate in front of the crowd alongside the late Luke Nelson’s skateboard at left

The Society met with skatepark designer Spohn Ranch Skateparks, according to Feig. They insisted the park had to be all inclusive.

“It was intentionally designed for all ages and all abilities,” Feig said, as he welcomed to the crowd.

Medina mayor Mike Sidari stated how the fundraising started out to buy a bench, and now we have this beautiful skate park. He commended Terri Nelson and Feig, who he said were major players in making it happen.

“On behalf of the village board, I thank you for adding to the quality of life in Medina,” Sidari said.

Village of Medina officials participated in the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark on Saturday. From left are board member Owen Toal, Mayor Mike Sidari and board members Tim Elliott, Jessica Marciano and Marguerite Sherman.

Village trustee Tim Elliott was there with his daughter Madelyn, 12, who just started skateboarding two weeks ago, because she thought it would be fun.

“Now, I can only go in a straight line,” she said. “But I’m learning to do curves. Two nice boys showed me how to get on my board properly.”

Her father said he drove by at 7:45 in the morning and there were already kids there.

“This is good for kids and good for the community,” he said. “I hope the kids respect it.”

Terri and Feig both urged people to be role models, whether they are a beginner or a professional skater. Feig added they will not enforce the helmet rule, and those who use the park skate at their own risk.

Feig added most equipment will be allowed from small bikes to rollerblades and skateboards, but no motorized equipment or remote control cars.

“Everybody just has to have courtesy,” he said. “We are all bestowed with the power to create and destroy. Just look at what we’ve created here.”

Cassie Nelson holds a sign which inspired Luke Nelson’s mother just before his death in 2017. Terri Nelson, center, tearfully shares what the sign meant to her during the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina Saturday. From left are Cassie, Dawn Powell, Terri, Sarah Powell and Remi Gill.

The Nelson family concluding the dedication by thanking everyone involved in making the skatepark a reality – from the village board and Department of Public Works to the Tony Hawk Foundation (now the Skate Park Project), Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the designer, Skate Park Society and the community of Medina.

“We appreciate you more than you will ever know,” Terri said. “I’m so proud to be Luke’s mom. He had a dream, a vision. A bench started this skatepark. I’m humbled and I’m blessed by the sacrifices so many people have made. So many people kept us strong and held us up in their prayers. The result is Luke’s vision and Luke’s dream have become a reality.”

She also said the family is starting the Luke Nelson Foundation. They hope to recruit people like Luke – to help skaters, fix their boards and help each other any way they can.

The dedication concluded with a prayer by Luke’s pastor and longtime friend, Craig Campbell.

“It’s an honor to be standing here today celebrating Luke’s legacy – to see a park bench turn into a half a million dollar skatepark,” Campbell said.

Let’s go on an adventure together….to Hawaii!

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

You may remember that I wrote about Hawaii back in February 2020 – I’ll include the link to that travel article at the end of this one so you can revisit it and for those who may not have seen it. That article focused on a Norwegian cruise that let me explore all the major Hawaiian Islands in January 2020. But…..that actually wasn’t the only time I went to Hawaii. Long before that trip, I flew down for a quick trip in March of 2009. Unlike the later cruise, this trip was limited to Oahu – the Honolulu area of the island.

I had friends – Ron and Lisa – who were vacationing in Hawaii for their 10th anniversary. They told me I should join them for at least part of it. At the time, I couldn’t get away from work and other obligations for very long, but wondered if I would ever have another chance to go and just couldn’t pass it up. So, I decided on a long weekend. Yep – I flew all the way to Hawaii just for a long weekend….I’m smarter than that, now….and, retirement helps with the time issue! Hahaha I flew out on a Wednesday with a layover in Houston and returned on Saturday. I stayed at the Queen Kapiolani hotel at Waikiki Beach. It was a great location – just a block from the beach – with a balcony view from my room of Diamond Head and a partial view of the ocean. I’d definitely stay there, again, if I found myself staying in that area.

Whale sighting on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Oahu. We saw so many active whales – including babies, but this was the only photo we got of a perfectly extended whale fin – the money shot, as they say.

Since I really only had two full days (and two partial days), I had to make some decisions on what I wanted to see. Ron, Lisa, and I talked before they went to decide on what they would wait to do when we could all do it together. Some things they did before I got there was tour the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, took a sight-seeing plane ride around the island, and hiked up Diamond Head, among other things. I wanted to do more typical Hawaiian things and see the island.

On the day I arrived, we met up for dinner and wandered around Waikiki and we stopped at the tour desk in the hotel and booked tickets for a whale watching tour and a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. By the way, for those inquiring minds, neither Gidget and Moondoggie nor Frankie and Annette were anywhere to be found! Big disappointment! Hehehe (sorry for those reading this that are too young to understand that reference) But, I DID get a sighting of Monica and Rachel’s “Ugly Naked Guy” – fans of the TV series “Friends” will get that reference…..read more about my sighting of him in the link to my blog post (don’t worry – story, only – no photo) – not my favorite part of the trip, but definitely the funniest memory from it. 

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see if in the Honolulu area. So much to see and do and learn about all the Polynesian Islands. My favorite part was the water parade with dancers from each island – this is the float representing Tahiti.

Thursday was whale watching day. It was the first time I’d ever been on a whale watching cruise and it didn’t disappoint at all. We saw so many whales….March was the perfect season for them, as they travel from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth in the warm waters. They tend to stay in the waters around Hawaii from around December to April to let the babies get strong enough to travel back and stand the cold waters of Alaska. So, we lucked out and saw so many of them – adults and babies – what a thrill! I have since been whale watching in Alaska, off the coast of Portugal, and had the potential to see more on the catamaran cruise in Costa Rica – the only places I’ve actually seen them, though, is Hawaii and Alaska.

On Thursday, we also had lots of time to wander around, shop, and enjoy Waikiki Beach.

The day at the Polynesian Cultural Center was capped off by a fun and entertaining Luau! The entertainment was amazing….food, not so much….but, still a wonderful experience I’m glad I did while in Hawaii for the first time.

On Friday, we spent the whole day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is an amazing place, if you want to learn about the history and culture of all the Polynesian Islands. We saw many exhibits, entertainment, lessons, and demonstrations. My favorite part was the float parade down the canal-like water way through the park. It was a parade of flat boats representing each of the Polynesian islands with dancers performing native dances in stunning native costumes. Everything else we saw at the center was awesome, too – educational, entertaining, and fun. The day was capped off by a Luau. That was really fun, too, but it was an extra cost I’m not sure I’d do again – so glad I did it that one time, but it was very crowded and the food was not that good. It was an experience I can say I enjoyed, but “been there, done that”. I did, however, really like the fruit drinks served in a pineapple and the amazing entertainment.

Yeah – a super quick trip – almost not worth the trouble and expense…..but, I was sure I’d never get another chance and I’m so glad I did it. Of course, we all now know that I did get another chance and got to see all the islands and spent much more quality time in Hawaii. One regret was that I told Ron and Lisa to go ahead and do the Pearl Harbor tour without me. I have now been to Hawaii twice and didn’t go to the memorial either time. I wish on one of those trips I would have made sure I had time to do it…..if I ever get the chance, again, I will NOT pass it up. 

Check out all I have to offer you about Hawaii at these links:

• Blog post link for my 2009 trip to Hawaii

• Link to my Feb 2020 Hub Article about Hawaii 

Happy Adventuring,
Kim Pritt

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2 No. 35

Our efforts to date with the “Historic Childs” article series have focused on 19th and 20th century history, today we take a venture into much, much earlier territory.

I believe the first printed telling of this historic discovery appeared in the “Holley Standard” newspaper on January 6, 1887. The subject of the article concerned an 1814 discovery in the Town of Gaines that scholars over the years have confirmed to date from a pre-Ice Age, Paleo-Indian settlement, dating back over 12,000 years ago.

The scene of the local discovery in 1814 was at the David Tomlinson Farm located on Ridge Road just west of the Village of Gaines. At that time, the region was largely unbroken forest. About 150’ off the Ridge, there was a well-known fresh water spring that the Native Peoples had shown to the settlers in the early 1800s.

In 1824, the spring was cleaned out and stones were built up to form a well. In 1853, the well failed and was subsequently deepened to replenish the water supply. In 1864, the farm experienced a dry well which necessitated a second re-digging to the 18’ level. It was at that level that the prehistoric discovery was made which was described in detail in the Holley newspaper:

“About 18’ below the original surface, the digger came upon a quantity of brush overlying an ancient fireplace, consisting of three round stones, each about one foot in diameter, placed in the form of a triangle. A mess of charcoal and ashes surrounded the stones, which were burned and blackened by fire and smoke. Several sticks were found thrust between the stones, the inner ends burned and charred as left by the expiring flames. A careful inspection of these sticks by a gentleman thoroughly acquainted with the nature and grain of various woods proved them to be hemlock and ash.

“Some were denuded of bark and had the smooth surface usually presented by water washed wood found on any beach. Several sticks were split and surrounding one was a depressed ring or indentation, as through some dull instrument had been employed in an effort to weaken or break the wood. The ashes were indurated to a degree requiring the use of a pick in their removal and rested upon a stratum of sand which was also in a hardened condition, being taken out in large pieces that proved to be fine grained with a smooth surface, slightly creased in places, possibly ripple marks.

“When first discovered the brush was closely packed over the fireplace and had every appearance of having been forced into position by the action of water. The fireplace and all the details of its narrow surroundings, which were carefully noted, clearly indicated that it had been made upon a sand beach and was subjected to an inundation that washed the mass of brush, possibly gathered for fuel, over the stones and ashes, which were afterwards covered many feet deep by successive strata of the same gravelly soil of which the Ridge is composed, and was preserved for ages unknown.

After ascertaining these facts, and after looking over the ground, the observer reached the conclusion that the fireplace must have been made at a period just before the formation of the Ridge.  The Ridge at that point in time must has been a (sand) bar like that on the present lake shore behind which lies a little round pond. The waters of the pond or marsh, finally soaked thru the mud bottom and following a vein or seam, rose to the surface in the formation of the spring. When the marsh land was cleaned and drained the spring failed.  All this would go to show that man was a habitant of the lake shore before the existence of the Ridge. The late Lewis H. Morgan thought the discovery an important one and advised its publication.

At a late meeting of the Anthropological Society of Washington, G. K. Gilbert of the U.S. Geological Survey, retold the story of the find as verified by himself on the occasion of his visit to this vicinity.”

Grove Karl (G. K.) Gilbert (1843-1918), Rochester NY

The find, at that time, was labeled “Gilbert’s Hearth.”  Professor Gilbert’s findings were recorded in the Handbook of Aboriginal American Antiquities, 1919. He stated that the terrace on which the Tomlinson site sits is located about 175’ above the present level of Lake Ontario.  The formation occurred between the ice front on the north and the southern rim of the basin. When the basin was finally free from ice, the lake outflowed via the Mohawk Valley and the present terrace was formed.

Gilbert concluded that the hearth was made in the period following the Ice Age outflow at the Mohawk Valley in a period of time that reflected the decline of the glacial climate.

Next week, in Part 2 of this article, we look at how this local discovery became a dramatic influence in the life of one of Orleans County’s early citizens, Dr. Frank. H. Lattin.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Noah Skinner picks up good yardage during the Mustangs season opening win over Bishop Timon this evening at Vets Park.

A lightning quick touchdown on the opening kickoff ignited Medina to a 54-6 victory over Bishop Timon-St. Jude in a season opening non league football game at Vets Park this evening.

Robert Arnold returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a TD and the Mustangs were off and rolling.

Medina tacked on three more touchdowns before the opening quarter ended on a pair of scoring passes from Xander Payne to Jarin Rhim covering 20 and 40 yards and on an 8 yard run by Rhim.

The Mustangs tacked on two point conversions after each of those scores,  two on runs by Iverson Poole and two on passes by Payne to Noah Skinner, to open up a commanding 32-0 lead.

The Mustangs other touchdowns came on an 18 yard run by Arnold in the third quarter and on runs of 22 yards by Poole and 3 yards by Skinner in the fourth quarter. Arnold and Cayden Lilleby added the two-point conversion runs after the fourth quarter TDs.

Medina next visits Newfane in the C North Division opener next Saturday at 2 p.m.

Medina’s Dominic Larabee (7) and Rashawn Bloom (24) break in to block a Bishop Timon punt attempt.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Sh’Kwe Riley breaks loose for a big gain during the Purple Eagles win over visiting Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville this evening. At right, Amari Jones breaks up a pass attempt for the Purple Eagles.

Exploding out to a 32-0 first quarter lead, Albion went on to defeat visiting Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville 54-2 this evening in the B North Division season opener.

The Purple Eagles infact scored three touchdowns in the first five minutes on a 17 yard pass from Amari Jones to Javon Jones followed by TD runs of 55 and 32 yards by Sh’Kwe Riley.

Amari Jones, Sh’Kwe Riley and Jahmeek Riley each had two-point conversion runs after those scores.

A 40 yard touchdown run by Jacob Hughson  and a two-point conversion run by Amari Jones capped off the huge opening quarter.

The Purple Eagles tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter on a pair of 19 yard runs by Jahmeek Riley and Amari Jones, and one in the third quarter on a 23 yard pass from Amari Jones to Javon Jones.

Amari Jones also had two two-point conversions and Javon Jones one after those tallies.

Albion next visits Maryvale for a B North contest at 7 p.m. next Friday.

Drew Sandolfini, at left, picks up yardage for Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville. At right, Thomas Roote makes a catch for the Silverbacks against Purple Eagles defender Jr. Morales.