AAA said the national average price for gas is on the rise after demand reached an all-time high.
“Summer travel is in full swing as many people look to vacation after the pandemic put plans on hold for some time,” AAA said in a news release. “With oil prices above $70 per barrel, pump prices will likely remain high (above $3 per gallon) throughout the busy summer driving season.”
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a special weather statement, saying a a line of scattered thunderstorms will affect northern Wyoming, eastern Orleans, Genesee and northwestern Monroe counties until 9:15 tonight.
At 8:30 p.m., the Weather Service radar indicated thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Point Breeze to near Varysburg.
Winds in excess of 30 miles per hour are possible, along with brief torrential downpours and frequent lightning.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 July 2021 at 4:31 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Sandstone right fielder Rocco Sidari makes a nifty sliding catch during this afternoon’s Albion Midget League playoff championship game against Rotary.
Bases loaded walks accounted for all of the scoring as Sandstone shutout Rotary 5-0 in the Albion Midget League 12U Division playoff championship game this afternoon at Sandstone.
Omer Fugate went the distance on the mound for Sandstone allowing just one hit and striking to 14.
Omer Fugate hurled a shutout with 14 strikeouts for Sandstone.
Sandstone grabbed a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on a two-out single by Elliot Trapiss followed by three straight walks. The single was Sandstone’s only hit of the afternoon.
Four more walks plated a run in the bottom of the third inning to make it 2-0.
Sandstone then put a lock on the win on three bases loaded walks in the fifth frame. Another walk, an error and a hit batter loaded the bases to set up the threat.
Trailing just 1-0, Rotary did get the bases loaded with two out in the top of the third inning on three walks but Fugate got out of the jam on a grounder back to the mound.
Sandstone right fielder Rocco Sidari then turned in the defensive play of the day with a sliding catch for the first out in the fourth inning.
Rotary did get two runners aboard in the fifth inning on a single by Declan Meiers and a walk and again in the sixth on a walk and an error but Fugate bore down to get out of both jams with clutch inning ending strikeouts.
Sandstone, which went undefeated during the regular season, advanced to the finals with wins over Barre/Elba 14-11 and Carlton 9-0.
Rotary rebounded from an opening round 8-2 loss to Carlton to defeat Barre/Elba 15-2 and Carlton 10-3 to gain a spot in the title contest.
Rotary’s Noah Harrison goes to his knees to make a throw to first base for an out
GLOW Women Rise has recognized two women from Orleans County with Grit Awards, in recognition of their work in the community. The two award winners – Freddie Stewart and Jessica George – exhibit tenacity, fearlessness, and spirit in their work advocating for an underrepresented group, the organization said.
Freddie Stewart
Freddie Stewart has worked for Head Start of Genesee-Orleans for 44 years, tirelessly providing comprehensive services to thousands of children and families in the region.
She began this career as a parent, being drawn to the Head Start philosophy of advancing racial and ethnic equity while developing a student’s literacy, social, mental, emotional, and physical skills. During her lifetime of service, Stewart has exemplified the Community Action mission of treating others with dignity and respect.
“I continue to serve Community Action’s Head Start program because it still holds onto the foundation of acceptance, of being more than just a philosophy of tolerance, but one of inclusion,” Stewart said. “Head Start continues to strive to provide comprehensive programing for low-income children and this charge is to be carried out always mindful that a person’s dignity remains intact whether you are guiding a child, or partnering with a parent or member of the community.”
Stewart continues to view her role of service to the children and parents as a privilege. Head Start continues to stand, along with a few other “war on poverty” programs that provide needed support within our community, GLOW Women Rise said.
Throughout the years, Stewart has witnessed many changes and evolutions to the program and its goals and just as she did when she first began this journey, she continues to steadfastly exemplify a gentle tenacity and loving spirit as she shows up, cares, and continues to carry the progressive and inclusive message of Head Start forward.
Jessica George
Jessica George is an advocate for survivors of sexual assault inside jails, prisons and detention centers in New York State.
She started her own nonprofit in 2018, BreathOne Healing Centered Care, where she provides trauma-informed services to people returning to the community from incarceration.
“My commitment to ending mass incarceration requires the focus to be on successful re-entry services,” George said. “My role is to connect people to community, their families and support their healing, both from their time in prison and from what originally put them in prison in the first place. I do this work to uplift the community.”
George believes when there is help for the forgotten, this leads to real healing both for the individuals and the community together.
“This keeps our communities safer and gives those individuals who are healing an opportunity to be an asset to their community,” she said. “I am working towards the world I want to see. And I love what I do everyday!”
From the “Atlas of Niagara & Orleans Counties NY,” 1875
By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director — Vol. 2 No. 28
Every generation has enjoyed moments, even briefly, when more pressing tasks were accomplished, and a time of relaxation, albeit short, could be enjoyed with family and friends. Such was certainly the case for those living in the Hamlet of Childs and the surrounding countryside in the Town of Gaines.
One such diversion occurred on or about 1835. Historians in 1879 recalled with affection a certain horse race that took place in Gaines on the James Mather farm, southwest of the village on an elevated piece of land east of what was then the Albion Road(Route 279). Mather was an “old-order” farmer that arrived as reports say, “with money,” and paid cash for his land in 1810.
Horses from the neighboring Coloney Farm, Town of Gaines Centennial, 1909. Courtesy Gerald Coloney Monagan
The grandstand for the horserace and starter’s stand were located at the east part of the field. Five or six horses contended for the prize stakes. The race is further described by unnamed eye witnesses, as follows:
“The horses were not started as is the custom now, but they were ranged in line across the track and started off at the tap of a drum. It was a running race and was attended with a good deal of excitement. There was a great crowd in attendance, and many came from distant places. The road leading to the race ground was filled with booths and hucksters’ wagons, and the village streets were filled with teams and horses hitched to fence posts and trees. One of the features of the race was the great number of gamblers who came upon the race ground with their roulette tables, dice tables, and other instruments of their profession, and tempting little piles of gold and silver coin were displayed upon the tables. This race was the first and last of its kind, we believe, ever held in Gaines.”
Five Mile House, circa 1909. Only the back wing remains today.
“Following this race, much attention was paid to the improvement of speed in horses, and for years the favorite ground for trying their speed and training trotting horses was the stretch of hard road on the Ridge east from Proctor’s Corners, and the straight mile stretch from East Gaines to the Five Mile House. Election days generally brought the horses out in full force. There were running races, trotting under the saddle, and trotting before light wagons; and although there was no recognized organization to direct the conduct of the races, as they were wholly impromptu, yet order was observed, and there was quite as keen an interest in the result as though all the machinery of the race course as now understood had directed the contest.”
Other regional recreational activities described in the “Historical Album of Orleans County,” written in 1879, included shooting matches, fox-chases, wrestling matches and hunts. In those days, great hunts were of frequent occurrence. These shooting contests usually involved choosing “sides,” as two or more teams competed for the honor of shooting the most live game. Fair play dictated that equal numbers of hunters must be entered on each side. After a full days hunt, the teams would meet at the tavern and count their spoils. The side with the least good fortune, suffered the expense of supper and copious libation for the opposing team. It was said that the “frolic” was fondly remembered for the full year between hunts. One member of the hunting party offered his remembrance:
“There is a tradition of a big hunt that took place about 1840, embracing a line of hunters extending across the entire Town of Gaines from Ridgeway to Murray along the Ridge Road, who struck north in the woods with the object of driving the game towards the lake and bringing the line of hunters in a concentric circle around the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek. The prime object was to exterminate the wolves that infested the forest and killed the farmers’ sheep. It was spoken of as a very successful undertaking; great quantities of large and small game were shot; the sport was very exciting, and as the focus of the hunt was approached it became somewhat dangerous to the hunters on account of close quarters and rapid shooting. The result of the hunt was said to be satisfactory and for a number of years it was a topic of never failing interest among the participants.”
Photo courtesy Enfield Historical, c.1920
Another pastime enjoyed by both youths and adults, alike, featured the arrival of the circus. E. Earl Harding (1895-1980) grew up with his parents at their home at Five Corners. He reminisced about the annual event that often took place in a field just south of his home near the present day bowling alley on Oak Orchard Road. His remarks follow:
“When the circus came to town it was a really big deal for us kids. It generally came by rail road and set up in a field north of Albion, that being very close to my home. All of us kids would get up early in the morning and go up to watch them unload, and help where we could. We would watch the elephants walk down, and watch them set up tents. If you could get a job carrying water or something, maybe you could get a pass into the circus. That night after the circus, they would load, and be on their way the next morning. The next morning we would get up early and go up to the circus grounds and snoop around. We were quite apt to find a few coins on the ground that people had lost out of their pockets. You just went to look around and see what you could find. It kind of prolonged the excitement of the circus.”
Earl Harding talked about church life, which loomed large in the life of nearly all pioneer families. In addition to the spiritual aspects of attending church service every Sunday without fail, he also had fond memories of the Sunday School picnics held at the lake. His remembrance follows:
“When it came time for the Sunday School picnic down at Lake Ontario, Dad would load up the surrey and all of us kids with our lunches and we’d go down to the lake for the Sunday School picnic. Well we wouldn’t get there an awful lot before it was time to eat. After eating, we’d get a swim and a little time to play, and then it was time to start for home again. You didn’t go very quickly. Dad had a team on the surrey and that pulled us along a pretty good clip. It took about an hour and a half to get from our farm to Point Breeze and the same going back. It was a big day! We went to the Oak Orchard side of the Point. At that time there was a big hotel on the west side. Along the front of the hotel was a row of bath houses where you could change your clothes. It was a huge hotel with a big veranda around it, both an upstairs and a downstairs veranda.”
July 18th. The most coveted day of the year in my book. It is National Ice Cream Day which falls on the third Sunday of each July.
No matter your politics, you have to appreciate Ronald Reagan for declaring the month of July as National Ice Cream Month. Thank you, President Reagan. It passed with joint resolutions in both the Senate and House. Wow.
One thing everyone can agree on: ice cream is yummy and politically correct. Truth be told, I have been known to celebrate Ice Cream Day in other months too, like December, February, and nine other months.
People have been enjoying frozen treats for thousands of years. Back before freezers, frozen-treat lovers would store winter’s snow balls in underground chambers and top them with fresh berry juice. That does sound quite refreshing! When desperate they could hike up the snow capped mountains and score some ice that way too.
After being without a refrigerator for 20 days, I am grateful for the modern convenience of electricity. Not having means to keep your sweet treats frozen for almost three weeks, makes one appreciate these pioneers for their forethought and ingenuity.
Remember the ice cream truck? I have not seen or heard one coming down the street in a few years! Goodness, how can that be? Remember when the sound of the ice cream truck left you running down the driveway waving your hands in the air. God forbid if we didn’t plan for it’s impending arrival and have cash ready. I love a good Nutty Buddy or one of those ice cream bars with the crumbly things on them or an ice cream sandwich or anything really. I am not that picky about my sugary treats. I do long to hear the sound of that ring-a-ding.
Five years ago, after Brian so beautifully restored a Dune Buggy we named LoveBug25, we declared it the summer of the ice cream tastings. We drove that little buggy all over the county in search of the best ice cream stand, doing a tasting at each one. Well, maybe they were more than tastings. It was all fun until September rolled around and I found I had gained nearly 15 pounds. Oh my word, how could something so delightful play such a cruel joke on me that way. Oh ice cream, it was a great love affair that went so wrong so quickly.
Like most true loves they can be hard to part with, so once a week I still have a rendezvous with this creamy sweetheart. My favorites are anything with either mint, chocolate cookie dough, peanut butter and it has to have chocolate sprinkles or it is not entering my belly.
There are over 1,500 national holidays and this one truly is a treasure. So on July 18th honor ice cream by setting up a pretty table, lighting a candle and setting the mood for a lovely evening with this heavenly little darling. Fold your napkin real pretty in your lap and show it some genuine affection before digging in and devouring it.
To see a happy-faced ice cream, visit my blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2021 at 3:57 pm
Photos courtesy of Michael Smith
ALBION – The statue of Joseph up high at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on West Park Street in Albion has a big nest of honeybees.
Michael and Faith Smith noticed the nest and the bees on Friday afternoon, and Mr. Smith went home to get his camera.
The positioning of the nest makes it appear that Joseph is holding the cluster of bees.
“He’s got the whole hive in his hands,” Mrs. Smith said.
This is about 75 feet up high from the steps in front of the church.
UPDATE: Holy Family Parish sent the Orleans Hub a message, saying it will have the hive and bees safely removed soon.
HAMLIN – Kendall’s class of 71 met for the group’s 50th reunion on Friday, July 16th, at Hamlin Beach State Park.
Front row: Charles Sorg, Lori Passineau, Pat Austin, John DeVault, Lorraine Crombe Thompson, Cathy Ruggles, Betty Couch Montgomery, Diane Abel, Eileen Rayburn Young and Marianne Wilson Kepler.
Back row: Paul Harper, Kraig Courtney, Ivy Skutt DeVault, Jane Albert Weitzel, Dale Cliff, Brenda Melidio Terry, Frank Holderfield and Annie Ward.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2021 at 8:03 am
Lawn Chair Ladies excite the crowd in what may be their final performance
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Doug Jones chats with Jason Hardenbrook before the start of the Kendall parade on Friday evening. Both are past Kendall fire chiefs. Hardenbrook drove one of Kendall’s fire trucks in the parade.
The parade on Friday was the first community parade since late 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on gathering sizes wiped out all the parades last year and so far this year, except for some parades limited to automobiles. Those restrictions have been lifted.
There was a big crowd lined up along Kendall Road to watch the fire trucks, community floats and other parade participants. This photo shows members of the Kendall Fire Department marching in procession.
The number of participants in the parade was down from recent years with fewer fire departments sending trucks. Kendall FD officials said departments are feeling strapped for personnel it’s more difficult to send groups to parades. The size of the crowd seemed on par with parades of the past, which have always been well attended.
Mackenzie Niles gives a big hug to Fran Gaylord, a member of the Murray Joint Fire District. Mackenzie is Gaylord’s great-niece. She spotted him in the parade and ran towards him with outstretched arms.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies fired up the crowd with a performance to “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” Click here to see a video of the group’s routine during the parade.
The Lawn Chair Ladies have been a crowd favorite in their nine years of performing. The group, which is mostly women in their 60s and 70s, said this was their last performance.
Evan Levett drives a 1947 Formal tractor. He led the trio of tractors in the parade. Evan is the grandson of Gary Kludt, a long-time Kendall farmer.
Jack Hall of Brockport waves to the crowd while he drives a 1953 Massey-Harris tractor.
The parade featured Kendall’s oldest citizen: Betty Wilson. She gave enthusiastic greetings to the crowd. She was driven by her daughter-in-law, Sandy Wilson.
This group promoted the Kendall youth sports and recreation program.
These candidates in Kendall – Amy Richardson for town clerk (left) and Debbie Kluth for town justice – toss candy while riding in a 1929 Ford pickup owned by Warren Kruger, the Kendall highway superintendent.
This group of elected officials and candidates walk together. Assemblyman Steve Hawley is in front, and behind him are Orleans County Legislator John DeFilipps, legislator candidate John Fitzak and County Legislator Skip Draper.
Ellen Robinson, owner of Lone Oak Stables, and many riders from Lone Oak joined in the parade.
These three were on the cleanup crew following the horses.
Kendall Boy Scouts brought soakers and sprayed their Scout leaders.
This group promotes the Lake Alice Mud Bog on Aug. 21 in Waterport
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2021 at 9:06 pm
The National Weather Service Buffalo has issued a flood watch for Orleans County, Western NY and Central NY beginning at 11 p.m. today through 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The Weather Service issued this statement:
“An area of low pressure will track northeast across Ohio tonight along a stationary front that stretches all the way east through western and central New York.
“This area of low pressure will then track east across western NY and the Finger Lakes region on Saturday. Moderate to heavy rain will enter far western NY tonight and then track eastward across the region through Saturday evening.
“Thunderstorms are possible and due to recent substantial rainfall, localized flooding is a concern. One hour flash flood guidance is 1 to 2 inches across a majority of the region. This could easily be reached, especially if training thunderstorms or organized areas of slow-moving heavy rain occur near Metro areas and locations prone to flooding.
“Rises on rivers and creeks are also expected. However, the rivers and creeks of most concern at this time are the Buffalo Creeks, where minor to even some moderate flooding may occur due to an additional 2 to 2.5 inches of rainfall that is expected by Saturday afternoon.”
Congressman Chris Jacobs and Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt both issued statements today after Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada could potentially begin welcoming fully vaccinated Americans into Canada for non-essential travel in mid-August.
“It’s about time,” Jacobs said. “Families, homeowners, and small business owners should not have had to wait this long.This announcement still lacks any actual details, which is par for the course for these two administrations.”
Rob Ortt issued this statement: “For 16 months, the US-Canadian border has been closed, and the economic toll between our two nations has been devastating. For the second year in a row, the exchange of goods and services between our two nations has been halted, and the small towns, villages, and cities near our border that rely heavily on this exchange have suffered immensely.
“It is encouraging that Prime Minister Trudeau recognizes the illogical decision to keep fully vaccinated Americans from crossing the border into Canada as the positivity rate of the Western New York region continues to remain below one percent.”
Main outfit included Legion cap, sweater and corn cob pipe
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 1, No. 17
Mugs is shown in his parade attire.
MURRAY – Muggs, the celebrated Murray mascot has been the subject of columns in the past but what better time to remember him than “the dog days of summer”?
This term originated with the ancient Romans who observed that the hottest days of summer, July and August, coincided with the position of Sirius in the heavens. Since Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog), rises and sets with the summer sun, the Romans thought that it added heat to the sun and caused higher temperatures.
In actual fact, it is the tilt of the Earth which causes the sun’s light to hit the Northern Hemisphere at a more direct angle and for a longer period which results in longer, hotter days.
Muggs, a 97-pound boxer with sad eyes and droopy jowls who was born in Medina in 1953, lived in Fancher with Thomas De Palma, Town of Murray Supervisor. A character canine, Muggs led a busy life as a mascot for several causes.
Sporting his signature Legion cap and sweater and holding a corn cob pipe between his teeth, he marched in firemen’s parades and attended Legion conventions with Mr. De Palma, a former state Legion vice-commander. Muggs also visited schools and hospitals and never failed to elicit a smile.
The Medina Journal and the Democrat & Chronicle both reported on the death of Muggs, May 26, 1963. He is buried at the pet cemetery in Hornell, NY.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that applications are now open for the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program, a first-in-the-nation program that will assist with immediate Covid-19 response and vaccination efforts and strengthen local and statewide workforce capacities required to respond to future public health emergencies.
This program will provide up to 1,000 full-time, paid positions with placements at the New York State Department of Health, local health departments except for New York City, or other public health partners throughout the state. Individuals are encouraged to apply by clicking here.
Fellows will complete online coursework and receive a Public Health Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, as outlined in the Governor’s 2021 State of the State Address.
“We are teaming up with Cornell University to train and educate the next generation of public health professionals, who will be ready to hit the ground running and help their communities if and when another public health emergency hits,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone who is interested to apply for this first-in-the-nation program and become a part New York’s emergency public health and preparedness efforts.”
Fellows selected for the program will include recent graduates and students advanced in their graduate public health studies; individuals from nursing, medical, dentistry, pharmaceutical and allied health programs; retired medical professionals; emergency preparedness and other New Yorkers who will receive an intensive public health training curriculum developed by Cornell University.
Once selected for the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program, fellows will complete Cornell University’s Public Health Essentials Certificate Program, offered by the Master of Public Health Program. The program will assist in New York’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccination and response operations and establish an emergency response public health capacity that lasts beyond the current pandemic.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build upon the knowledge and expertise of the State’s public health workforce and the health care community to enhance our current Covid-19 response capabilities, engage New Yorkers who have shared our experience fighting this pandemic over the past year, support the return to essential routine public health activities and cultivate a new generation of public health professionals,” said State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2021 at 8:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival returned on Thursday for the a three-day run after last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. The top photo shows kids enjoying the Sky Fighter, which resembles an old fighter plane.
American Amusements Rentals of Franklinville has many classic midway rides on site at the Kendall Fire Department’s grounds on Kendall Road behind the fire hall.
Aubrey Blake, 7, of Clarendon heads down the Rapid Slide, which is 28 feet tall and 70 feet long. Her father Michael Blake joined her for the slide. Mr. Blake said he was happy to take his family to the carnival.
“It’s good family fun and it’s right here in Orleans County,” Blake said.
Shirley Jones and Mike Schultz work together serving beef on weck sandwiches for the Kendall Fire Department. Jones has volunteered at the carnival for 40 years. She was glad to be back at it on Thursday, despite the heat.
“It’s nice to see all of the people here enjoying themselves,” Jones said.
Schultz is president of the Kendall Fire Department and the deputy fire chief. He said the carnival is an important fundraiser, helping the volunteer department provide emergency services to the community.
“We’re glad to be back,” Schultz said. “We hope to have a big crowd all three days.”
It was a larger-than-normal turnout for a Thursday at the carnival. Many people enjoyed reconnecting with friends.
The carnival today will feature the first traditional parade in the county since 2019. There will be a long lineup of fire trucks and community groups in the parade that begins at 7 p.m.
The carnival includes a beer tent, lots of carnival food and live bands. Saturday’s schedule also includes a corn hole tournament at noon, garden tractor pull at noon, cruise-in car show from 4 to 7 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Frank Hess of Wilson Enterprises in Wilson serves up a slice of pizza. Hess and many of the other food vendors were sidelined last year during the Covid pandemic. This is his third event this year. So far, there has been a big turnout from customers, who are happy to be back at fairs and festivals.
These kids have fun on the Super Trooper ride that peaks at 30 feet high.
The Ferris Wheel also was popular on Thursday. That ride takes people 35 feet up high.
Jeremy Moyer of Lyndonville rides down the Super Slide with his daughter, Josie.
This kid sits in the swing ride and enjoys the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival.
