Public urged to follow the rules of the road, slow down and be observant

Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

LOCKPORT – The Niagara County Traffic Safety Board is charged with promoting and overseeing traffic safety throughout Niagara County. This coalition includes members of law enforcement,

local and county public works departments, and Niagara County Legislators. The goal is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors as they travel throughout Niagara County.

“Recently, there has been an increase in the number of complaints to law enforcement agencies in Niagara County regarding vehicles that are speeding, operating recklessly and failing to observe traffic controls,” stated Middleport Police Chief John Swick, Chairman of the Niagara County Traffic Safety Board.

Traffic Safety is public safety. Law enforcement will be increasing enforcement efforts to combat these and other traffic-related offenses.

“The three leading causes of accidents in Niagara County are distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, and unsafe speed,” stated Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti, Vice Chairman of the Niagara County Traffic Safety Board. “We will be focusing patrols on these behaviors in an effort to reduce accidents and make the roadways safer.”

Law enforcement representatives of the Niagara County Traffic Safety Board are comprised of the Lewiston Police Department, Lockport Police Department, Middleport Police Department, New York State Park Police, New York State Police, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Falls Police Department, North Tonawanda Police Department, and Town of Niagara Police Department.

The safety and security of the residents and visitors of Niagara County is paramount. These and all other agencies in Niagara County would like to remind the public to follow the rules of the road, slow down and be observant.

ALBION – Orleans County will replace the air-conditioning system in the original County Office Building on Route 31 for about $600,000. That building, formerly known as the County Administration Building, was constructed in 1980.

The AC units often haven’t been working, even during oppressive heat. The county can no longer find parts to repair the units.

“They are in desperate need of replacement,” County Legislator Bill Eick said during the Legislature’s July 28 meeting when the bids were approved. “You can fix and fix and fix, but there gets to a point where they have to be replaced.”

County legislators accepted a bid for $355,674 from Trane in Buffalo to supply and install a Turnkey chiller and pump replacement. The county also agreed to pay Trane $258,840 to replace pneumatic VAV controls and interface with the existing Trane Building Logix automation system. This will control the air pressure in the system.

In addition, the County Legislature approved an agreement with Trane with the company to be paid $5,994 for repairs on a valve replacement on the HVAC equipment.

The county is pursuing a $177,500 state grant through the Department of Environmental Conservation to help pay for the replacement and upgrades. That grant application is through the state’s “Climate Smart Communities Grant Program.”

John Papponetti, the county DPW superintendent, advised county officials in June that the AC units needed to be replaced.

“The AC units aren’t working and we can’t get parts anymore,” he told the local officials on June 22 during the meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. “The can has been kicked so many times it can’t be kicked anymore.

The section of the building that opened in 1980 includes the DMV, Social Services, Tourism, Planning and Development, Office for the Aging, Personnel and Job Development.

A new 23,000-square-foot addition opened in 2019 and includes the Health Department, County Legislature, computer services and the Board of Elections.

Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan

GAINES – Chris Capurso, center in back, is shown with family members on Sunday afternoon, when a plaque was unveiled in honor of her late husband Al Capurso at the Gaines Basin cobblestone schoolhouse.

The schoolhouse on Sunday also a celebration of the life for Mr. Capurso, who spearheaded saving the schoolhouse from ruin. Mr. Capurso passed away at age 68 on Feb. 17.

Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, speaks about Capurso’s support for local history projects. The cobblestone school on Gaines Basin Road is owned by the Orleans County Historical Association, which Capurso led as president.

The building has been repurposed to serve as a meeting space and display for the Orleans County Historical Association.

The plaque notes Capurso was instrumental in saving the 1832 cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, the oldest documented cobblestone building in the county.

Capurso led a team that put on a new roof, replaced windows and cleaned out junk and debris from the site. They put in new electric, a new subfloor, restored the trim and repaired the facade. He added a historic marker and flag pole. The building has been given new life as a meeting house and display of schoolhouse artifacts for the Orleans County Historical Association, which Capurso led as president.

These painting by Judy Collins shows Capurso playing his guitar. He performed at many community events, often singing songs he wrote about pioneers.

High temps forecast to top 90 Monday through Thursday

Photos by Tom Rivers: A hawk (that I think is a red-tailed hawk) was hanging out by the Erie Canal in Fairport on Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Monday from noon to 7 p.m. in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties.

The high temperatures are forecast for 92 in Orleans County with heat index values of 95 to 100 expected. Temperatures above 90 and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the Weather Service said.

People outside are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”

It will be hot after Monday, too, with a high near 92 on Tuesday, 90 on Wednesday, 91 on Thursday, and 84 on Friday.

This same hawk let people get pretty close by the canal in this Monroe County village.

‘Rare Mileage Collectors’ praise site in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Fetchero of Charlotte, N.C., left, talks to passengers as them disembark the train at Medina Railroad Museum Saturday morning. Fetchero rented the train for 50 fellow train buffs who call themselves “Rare Mileage Collectors.” Many have ridden trains in all 50 states, most of Canada and several foreign countries.

MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum hosted an uncommon group of individuals on Saturday, who call themselves “Rare Mileage Collectors.”

“We’re not an officially recognized group, just a lot of people who love riding trains,” said Michael Dault of New York City.

Some of the Rare Mileage Collectors aspire to reach 100,000 miles riding the rails.

John Schmidt of Springfield, Va., “Boomer John” as his friends call him, has ridden trains in all 50 states and all but two provinces in Canada. He said with all the places he’d been, he was very impressed with Medina Railroad Museum.

Saturday’s ride from Lockport to Brockport in Medina Railroad Museum’s two first-class dining cars was funded by Jim Fetchero of Charlotte, N.C.

Fetchero admits to being a train buff all his life, in addition to being retired from the Iowa-Pacific Railroad.

“Just like some people are bird watchers and like to watch for all kinds of birds, I like to ride trains and see how many miles I can accumulate while seeing the sights.”

He said he has ridden on too many railroads to count – throughout the United States, Europe and South America.

“I’m delighted to have this museum here,” he said of Medina Railroad Museum, where they stopped for an hour layover. “We’re having a great day and appreciate the museum being flexible and working with us.”

Passengers on the ride came from California, Washington State, Ohio, North Carolina , Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida and Illinois, as well as New York state.

All were impressed with the museum and “awesome,” “awesome” was heard over and over.

John Schmidt “Boomer John” of Springfield, Va. looks at the bell of the famed 999 engine at Medina Railroad Museum on Saturday. He was among the 50 train buffs who rode the train from Lockport to Brockport, with an hour stop at the museum.

“This museum is the ultimate rail fan basement syndrome,” said Greg Molloy of Seattle. He has ridden trains in all 50 states.

Chuck Weinstock of Pittsburgh said he usually isn’t a fan of railroad museums.

“Some people have a couple of rusting cars in the weeds or a room full of junk and call it a museum,” he said. “But this place has great stuff.”

After reboarding the train to continue to Brockport, lunch was served on the train by volunteer coordinator Grace Stewart. The lunch, catered by Captain Kidz, included a sandwich or salad, potato salad, chips, water and a train cookie from Case-Nic Cookies.

Museum board president Rick Henn was conductor for the trip, and engineer was Neal Keirn of Middleport.

“This was a great ride,” Henn said. “It was such fun to be with a group of people who love trains and train riding. It was also great to hear how much they were wowed by the museum.

“It’s a huge credit to everyone involved, including Genesee Valley Transportation. I have to thank them for their assistance in organizing this trip and thank the train crew for their cooperation in making the ride special.”

The Rare Mileage Collectors will continue their quest to rack up the miles by riding the train Sunday from Gowanda to Dayton, and then on Monday the Arcade and Attica.

Jim Fetchero, left, who rented the two first-class dining cars from Medina Railroad Museum for a day-long trip from Lockport to Brockport, talks to Greg Molloy of Seattle and Cincinnati, and Chuck Weinstock of Pittsburgh during their stop to visit the Railroad Museum.

Sailboats also race on Thursday evenings until Aug. 19

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bob Hodgins, commodore of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club, and his wife Mary Lou stand in front of the sign at the Yacht club’s quarters on Archibald Road, Waterport. Since taking over as the 2021 commodore, Bob is working to promote good relationships with the community. They will host a chicken barbecue and open house for the community on Sept. 11.

WATERPORT – When Bob Hodgins took over as commodore of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club, one of the things he vowed to do was make the facility more welcoming to the community.

The Yacht Club has since invited the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association to have a meeting there, welcomed a group of high school kids who couldn’t have a prom or graduation ceremony because of Covid and offered the facility for the initial meeting of Leadership Orleans Class of 2021.

His latest endeavor is to host an open house and chicken barbecue for the public on Sept. 11. Featured will be the club’s famous chicken barbecue or the regular menu in the restaurant.

Chicken barbecue can be ordered for takeout or pre-ordered online to be served in the restaurant – with full service on real dishes and real silverware, Hodgins said.

The bar and restaurant open at 5 p.m. and reservations must be made by logging on to the club’s website.  More information is available by calling (585) 305-6221.

In the afternoon the Corvair Club of Western New York will meet at the Yacht Club to show off their cars. Any member or guest who would like to drive a car to show it off may bring it along.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This group of boaters, including many with sailboats, were out June 30, 2016 in Lake Ontario near the Oak Orchard Harbor during one of the Thursday evening races.

In the clubhouse, tableside magic will be performed from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by live music by Fred DiCesare starting at 8 p.m.

Oak Orchard Yacht Club is actively seeking to grow its membership of both full and social members. Hodgins urges anyone interested to take this opportunity to come and visit the club, enjoy a great meal and entertainment and meet some of the members. Anyone wishing a personal tour of the club can contact them through their website.

Hodgins also wants the public to know about their regular races every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Their fleet consists of boats with a wide range of sizes, captained by a wide range of sailors. Some are very competitive and others are just out for the pleasure of sailing, Hodgins said.

The races are open to any sailboat which wants to join and have some fun. Their members’ boats are all measured and handicapped using the PHRF system. Anyone who wants to join in is welcome. If they do not have a PHRF rating, they cannot be officially scored against the rest of the fleet, but can still possibly earn some bragging rights by coming in ahead of the other boats.

Hodgins said crew are often needed and there are always opportunities to join a boat. He invites boaters to come out to sail with an experienced sailor and see how it’s done.

Anyone interested can contact the fleet captain Larry Travis by e-mail at larryt22@hotmail.com or by cell at (561) 846-2366 for racing instructions or help connecting to one of sailors to help with a race. All experience levels are welcome.

Races start at 6:30 p.m. just outside the harbor walls to the west. Races run through Aug. 19.

The Synergy of Two Hearts

Thirty years ago on July 27th, I entered St. Joseph’s Church in all white. My future father-in-law said, “Welcome to your funeral.” Thankfully, I appreciate his inappropriate sense of humor, because I was about to marry his son that afternoon. It is no wonder 30 years later my husband Brian and I are still palling around together because both our parents have been married over 50 years each! They left a great road map to follow. It has not always been perfect, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be.

Sometimes we failed each other privately, but our vows said until death do us part … not failure do us part. Good thing. I am sure those of you who weathered the failures, to experience all the joys that followed, can understand what I am saying without dwelling on this.

Being positive, it is much more productive to focus on what does work. You know what works for us? Bickering. My Mom calls us the Bickersons. If I say left, he says right. If I say black, he says white. Sometimes we just have to say grey. It is called compromise. We can not always get our own way.

Sometimes you have to do things you do not want to when you are part of a team. Like go into a home improvement store for 3 hours and shop for nuts and bolts. Dang, I do not like that. Or admit we were wrong about something. But then there are those times that make it worthwhile. Like when they have to admit they are wrong. Just kidding! Keeping it real now. It is gratifying to be a shoulder to lean on, and having one to lean back on is just as sweet.

When it is time to play and explore, a playmate is never too far away. When the other needs a dollar, it is priceless to know the other would give up their last. When we disappoint ourselves or others we can try to show each other a better way. Hopefully, we are wise enough to get out of our own way and pay attention. 

A good, committed team can grow and adapt. In the beginning one of us was more rigid and less tolerant and the other was more laid back. Somewhere along the way the roles have changed. We met in the middle and then switched.

I think it is that way for alot of couples. It helps to understand each other and proves we are truly paying attention to each other when we become each other. It allows us to appreciate the other even more, because we understand the other’s perception. Marriage is the union of two people. If you are successful, you can unify into one common goal and plan for your golden years together.

As we look to our next 30 years, I have no doubt it will be filled with laughter, adventure and a lot of bickering. I just expect we are together making our dreams still come true. Perhaps rocking in two chairs overlooking a mountain somewhere- joyful for all we overcame to build a life around loving each other. How has your union flourished and what are your aspirations?

To see 30 years later, visit my blog online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments. 

Truly,
Debbie London

The lobby in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Caesar’s is a huge and beautiful hotel and casino. If you go to Vegas, even if you stay off strip, be sure to go in all the big hotels and just wander around. They are amazing and have so much to see and do. Our favorites were Caesar’s, the Venetian, and the Mirage.

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

Let’s go back a few….well, a LOT….of years to 2006. I was booked to go to Las Vegas for a seminar for work. My Mom always wanted to go to Las Vegas. So, since it didn’t cost any more for a second person to stay in my room, I talked her into joining me. I flew from Raleigh, NC (I was living near Raleigh at the time) and Mom flew from Buffalo and we met up at the Las Vegas airport for a chance to make some amazing memories together.

The seminar was held at Caesar’s Palace, so that’s where I was booked to stay. If I recall correctly, we spent four full days there. During the day, I was tied up with the seminar, but we had our evenings free to explore. Also, we rented Mom a scooter because she couldn’t walk a long way without pain, so she scooted herself all over the place while I was “working”. We’d meet in the room to get ready for dinner and adventuring and she’d tell me all about what she did all day. She definitely got out and about and enjoyed herself. I’m glad we got the scooter and she didn’t feel stuck waiting for me to get done for the day. And, then, our dinner and together time fun began!

Las Vegas is an amazing place. Full of fun and excitement and lights and activity – right from the day we arrived at the Las Vegas airport and walked through several mini casinos on the way to baggage claim! With the help of the scooter, we covered the whole strip and checked out many of the wonderful hotels, casinos, and restaurants. We didn’t go off the strip – mainly because we only had the evenings and we weren’t there that long. But, also because the scooter was our only means of transportation, unless we wanted to take a taxi somewhere. But, we got around and saw everything we could on the strip.

Mom and I spent a little time with “Elvis” in Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. We had so much fun having our photos taken with all our favorite celebrities and laughing about some of the poses and dramatics we shared. You might think, “nah, I’ll pass”, but give it a chance – could be a lot of fun!

One night, we had dinner at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. What a place – a bit pricey, but so worth it to do at least once in your life! The food was awesome and the waiters and staff were all dressed like pirates and many were on stilts! We were amazed watching them carry trays of food walking (sometimes running) on those stilts going up and down stairs to the various levels and ducking to avoid overhead collisions with beams and doorways. It was a riot! Then, every hour or so, they would play “Margaritaville” and the huge blender pool at the end of the bar would light up and a bikini-clad pirate gal walked the plank at the end of another pirate’s sword and slid down a big slide to splash into the blender…..and the crowd roared while the whole place sang out loud!!! Definitely an experience not to be missed.

Another restaurant we enjoyed was Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar and Grill” – I think it was in Harrah’s. We had delicious steaks with wonderful country music blaring in the background.

We also loved exploring all the hotels. Of course, Caesar’s is amazing – HUGE – and so much to see and do with the casinos and statues and entertainment and a mall under a ceiling that looked like the sky – you feel like you’re out in the open. Our next favorite was the Venetian. It, too, has a huge mall with a sky-like ceiling and a casino and statues, but it also has a canal with gondolas flowing all through it inside and out – just like in Venice. At the Mirage, we saw stunning gardens with water features and the famous white tigers strolling around a beautiful enclosed pool.

We had a great time scooting through Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. I know – corny – but we had a BLAST taking our photos with all our favorite celebrities – some we posed rather dramatically with. We laughed so hard and enjoyed sharing memories that popped up when we saw certain ones.

Here I am helping “Tiger Woods” line up the perfect putt in Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. He didn’t seem to mind that I know absolutely nothing about golf! Hahaha

But, the most wonderful part of the whole trip was the special surprise I arranged for us to share. We were there not long before Mom’s birthday, so I searched to see if there was a show she might really enjoy for her birthday gift. I discovered that the Mirage had a Cirque du Solei based all on Beatles music called “Love”. It was just getting started at that time and the tickets I got were for “dress rehearsals” they were doing for live audiences to get opinions and work out any bugs, so they cost about half what they did once the show officially opened. You’d never know it wasn’t the official show….it went smoothly and was absolutely incredible! I got us front row balcony tickets, so we were right on eye level with the high flying action and could easily see all the action on the stage, as well. This was perfect for us — Mom and I had a lifetime of shared love of the Beatles and had many wonderful memories connected to their music and movies. This was one more cherished memory we shared with them. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to see this show with her in Las Vegas. 

I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to Las Vegas. I really enjoyed it and am incredibly happy to have memories of sharing it with my Mom, who we lost just 10 years after this trip. But, I can’t help but feel like I can’t top the experience I had there in 2006. If I do ever decide to go, again, I really want to do the off-strip stuff and maybe get over to the Hoover Dam and other things near there. Maybe someday…..we’ll see. 

The best part of the trip and the thrill of a lifetime for me was getting to see the Cirque du Solei show “Love” with my Mom at the Mirage. “Love” is a highly entertaining and energetic show based all on Beatles music. Incredible! I don’t know if it is still there or if you can find it playing anywhere, but if you ever get the chance….go see it!!!

As I mentioned at the beginning…..this adventure was “pre-blog” and before I got into taking photos of everything I see. So there is no blog post with lots of photos and stories to refer you to. But, you can still visit my blog for photos and other adventures – just type ADVENTURE in the search box (or just scroll around) and see what you can find to read about – not just trips, but local adventures, too:  https://thoughtsbykim.com

Happy Adventuring!

The number of Covid-19 cases has jumped in Genesee and Orleans counties, especially in the past few days.

About a month ago on July 8 there was only one active case in the two counties, with one in Orleans and none in Genesee.

On Friday, there were 34 active cases in the two counties – 14 in Genesee and 20 in Orleans. On Tuesday there were 10 cases in the two counties, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported.

Here are some daily updates of the active cases in the two counties the past month:

• July 8: 0 in Genesee, 1 in Orleans (1 in 2 counties)
• July 12: 4 in Genesee, 8 in Orleans (12 in 2 counties)
• July 15: 5 in Genesee, 9 in Orleans (14 in 2 counties)
• July 19: 4 in Genesee, 8 in Orleans (12 in 2 counties)
• July 22: 5 in Genesee, 4 in Orleans (9 in 2 counties)
• July 26: 3 in Genesee, 6 in Orleans (9 in 2 counties)
• July 29: 4 in Genesee, 6 in Orleans (10 in 2 counties)
• Aug. 2: 7 in Genesee, 3 in Orleans (10 in 2 counties)
• Aug. 5: 11 in Genesee, 10 in Orleans (21 in 2 counties)
• Aug. 6: 14 in Genesee, 20 in Orleans (34 in 2 counties)

“The Delta variant is the dominant strain of Covid-19 circulating in the United States right now and presumably it is here locally,” said Kristine Voss, public information office for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Currently, genetic sequencing to differentiate between variants is not widely available.”

There is currently one Orleans County resident hospitalized from Orleans, and none from Genesee.

The daily Covid cases state-wide are up 10-fold in the past month. On July 6 there were 307 new cases reported in the state, and on Friday there were 3,700.

Local and state health officials urge unvaccinated people to get the vaccine. There will be several vaccination clinics next week in Genesee and Orleans, timed to help get children 12 and older vaccinated for start the school year. For more information on those clinics, click here to be directed to the Health Department website.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The 160-foot-high spire at First Baptist Church added lights about two weeks ago, and now the steeple is visible from many blocks away at night. This photo shows the spire next to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at left.

Anonymous donors paid to add lights in 12 steeple windows. Greg Smith and Richard Neal from the church installed the lights.

The church was built in 1860 at 30 West Park St. It was the tallest point in Albion until the Presbyterian Church built a 175-foot-high spire in 1875.

The Baptist church was built with Gothic elements with the steep buttresses and a tall hexagonal tower rising from the center of the front façade. It also includes Romanesque features with round-arched windows and corbel tables.

The church wanted year-round dusk-to-dawn lights in the steeple and bordering the sign at the front entrance.

“This is the first time since 1876 when Mrs. Stafford sold the neighboring property to St Joe’s that Albion First Baptist Church could easily be seen from Main Street year round!” the church posted on its Facebook page. “These lights look amazing at night! The steeple now stands out in the skyline for blocks in multiple directions! Drive by at night and check them out!”

“And, join us every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. for Worship…..we’ll leave the lights on for you!”

Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti

Provided photos: In Niagara County some of the incarcerated individuals are working with dogs to prepare them for homes with veterans.

LOCKPORT – Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti is proud to announce the “Pawsitive for Heroes” program at the Niagara County Correctional Facility.

This program, in partnership with WNY Heroes and Niagara County SPCA, will have incarcerated

individuals training canines which will be used for veterans who are in need of a service dog.

Through a partnership with the Niagara County SPCA, a canine is selected by a WNY Heroes’ trainer and then housed at the Niagara County Correctional Facility. There, they

are paired up with incarcerated individuals who will complete a rigorous training program with their partner.

After completing their program, the dogs will continue on their journey to stay with veteran in Western New York.

The first three dogs to enter the Pawsitive for Heroes program are Hemi and Daffodil, two pit bull type breed of dogs that were available for adoption through the Niagara

County SPCA. This program has afforded Hemi and Daffodil an opportunity to serve those in need. We also received a dog from WNY Heroes to train, who answers to Bandit.

“Having this type of program in the Niagara County Correctional Facility is an outstanding opportunity for our veterans, incarcerated individuals and the canines selected,” said Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti. “The skills that are being learned throughout this process will enable those incarcerated individuals to apply what they have learned upon their release. This is a win-win for all of the organizations who will benefit from this program.”

Chris Kreiger, founder of WNY Heroes, stated, “This has been a program in the works since 2018. We are ever so honored to put this program together which will only serve more

veterans in WNY. In partnership with the Niagara County SPCA, we will strive to gather our dogs from their facility, saving both veterans and dogs at the same time.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Monsters, Inc. is shown on a large screen at the new amphitheater at Bullard Park. It is the first of three outdoor movies planned for Bullard the first Friday night through October.

The leaders of the Albion Summer Festival organized the event. The next ones will be Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

Three were three food vendors at the event, including Best of Tymes Party Rentals in Albion at right, The Shack and Blue Groove Coffee.

About 50 people watched the movie from lawn chairs and on blankets.

Michelle Wiseman, left, and Christine Nenni are co-owners of Best of Tymes Party Rentals. Wiseman served popcorn and Nenni made snow cones.

Photos courtesy of Kristina Gabalski: Charlotte (left) and Makenzie McGrath pose in the Fairy Garden they created in memory of their “Aunt Gail.”

By Kristina Gabalski, 4-H Program Coordinator in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Something “magical” is now located just outside the classroom entrance to the Education Center on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Gail Culver

It is a fairy garden planted recently by Orleans County 4-Hers to honor the memory of Gail Culver, a long-time volunteer at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Gail, a life-long resident of East Shelby, passed away in April of 2020.

Gail served Orleans County CCE for over 40 years in many ways – as a 4-H club leader, Master Gardener, member of the Fair Board and member of the Orleans CCE Board of Directors. She also worked at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County for many years.

Robyn Watts, her cousin, and Robyn’s grandchildren, including Makenzie, Jackson, and Charlotte McGrath – ages 13, 11 and 9, all of Medina, were always very close to Gail and wanted a way to keep her memory alive.

“She loved the fair,” Robyn Watts said. “She would bring my kids and then my grandkids. My children and grandchildren always called her ‘Aunt Gail.’ She was my children’s 4-H club leader and then started the Abundant Harvest 4-H Club with me.”

Watts explained that Gail had an extensive fairy garden outside the front of her own home.

“It had lights and houses and was built around a tree,” Watts said. “She loved fairy gardens. I think she found them to be magical.”

Back when Gail’s health began to fail, her son, Dan, asked Robyn’s grandchildren to help tend her home fairy garden. They cleaned it up and installed new lights, Watts said. After Gail’s death, her house was sold.

“The fairy garden was so important to her,” Watts said. “Her fairy garden accessories were given to Makenzie to do with what she wanted.”

It was decided a memorial garden for Gail on the fairgrounds she loved so much would be a wonderful way to make use of the materials. The idea was brought before the 4-H Family and Consumer Science Program Development Committee, of which Gail was also a former member, and was unanimously approved. The garden was planted just prior to the start of the 4-H Fair, which was held last week.

All the fairy garden accessories – houses, fairies, etc. – belonged to Gail Culver and used to be at her home garden in East Shelby.

“First, we put down weed-suppressing fabric, planted the plants and then placed mulch and fairy garden accessories (which belonged to Gail),” Makenzie McGrath explained.  “We didn’t really have a plan, we put items down as we went.”

Makenzie has many happy memories of participating in 4-H with her “Aunt Gail” who encouraged both Makenzie and her siblings and taught them so much.

“She was very active in 4-H,” Makenzie remembered. “She helped us with our own fairy gardens.”

Her younger sister, Charlotte, also helped with the fairy garden installation.

“My favorite thing in the garden is the big tree stump,” she said.  The big tree stump is a planter made especially for fairy gardens.

The 4-Hers had some help installing the garden from Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Deanna Poczciwinski of Barker. Poczciwinski provided some of the plants and guidance as well as help in getting everything planted and placed.

Robyn Watts said the family and members of the Abundant Harvest 4-H Club will work to maintain the garden. It currently includes succulents and evergreen shrubs along with annual flowering plants.

“We will work to replace the annuals with more perennials next year,” Watts said.

The Abundant Harvest 4-H Club will maintain the garden in the future.