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.
ALBION – Hoag Library Director Betty Sue Miller, left, and Linda Weller, president of the Board of Trustees, unveiled the newly preserved American Civil War flag of the 26th US Colored Infantry Regiment on Wednesday evening.
Conservator Gwen Spicer, of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC in Delmar, NY, performed the preservation, which involved the meticulous process of glue removal, washing, and hand-sewing of each individual piece of silk fabric. The cost of the preservation was covered by an anonymous donor.
Local History Library Dee Robinson speaks to community members during the flag unveiling.
While it is unknown how the library obtained the flag, historical research shows that Charles H. Mattison, a white man from Barre, transferred to the 26th USCT on June 15 1863, and a local black man from Medina, Henry F. Hawkins, enlisted in the 26th USCT and ranked out as First Sergeant.
While the flag will be stored in the library archives, members of the community are welcome and encouraged to visit the flag during business hours.
Hoag Library has a display about the flag, the Civil War and the 26th US Colored Infantry Regiment.
Dee Robinson, the local history librarian at Hoag, compiled these facts about the flag and the local connections to the 26th US Colored Infantry Regiment.
The regiment was organized at Riker’s Island in New York Harbor on Feb. 27, 1864. There were two officers and 28 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in the line of duty, and three officers and 112 enlisted men also died from disease.
The 26th US Colored Troops Flag is one of three Black regiments in the Civil War – the 20th, 26th and 31st.
Henry F. Hawkins, a black man from Medina, enlisted in the 26th USCT and ranked out as first sergeant. He is named on the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, DC, Plaque B-42.
Charles H. Mattison, a white man from Barre, enlisted Aug. 30, 1863 in the 151st Infantry and was promoted twice. He transferred to the 26th USCT on June 15, 1863. Mattison was promoted to second lieutenant Jan. 1, 1864 and again to first lieutenant and then adjutant of the 26th on March 7, 1864. He mustered out and was discharged Sept. 11, 1865.
After the war Charles Mattison returned to Barre Center and ran a wagon and blacksmith shop. He was elected Barre Town Clerk, Barre Town Supervisor and later was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1878. He passed away on March 23, 1883 and the Grand Army of the Republic Post in Albion held a large memorial service.
The flag has 35 stars, which includes the State of West Virginia, which was admitted June 20, 1863 (just five days after Mattison was transferred to the 26th.)
Hoag Library proudly show off the flag after the preservation efforts. From left include Dee Robinson, local history librarian; Linda Weller, president of the board of trustees; and Betty Sue Miller, library director.
State Sen. Rob Ortt, second from left, attended the unveiling. He said the flag “is an amazing piece of American history for the public to observe.” Fred Miller, Betty Sue’s husband and an Orleans County legislator, also attended the event on Wednesday.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Here is how flag looked before the preservation. It was in a frame and part of the flag had been glued. The white stripes were badly deteriorated.
Press Release, Holli Nenni, DSS Commissioner in Orleans County
ALBION – In New York, May is traditionally recognized as Foster Parent Month. This year, due to Covid-19, the Orleans County Department of Social Services/Child and Family Services held their Foster Parent Appreciation Night on June 29 at Roadies Pizzeria and Sports Bar.
The foster families, including foster children, enjoyed the evening mingling and visiting with each other. Flowers were given to 3 foster families that reached milestones – two with 5 years each and one with 40 years as foster parents for Orleans County. The foster parents were also given a box of Case-Nic Cookies and a “Thank You” yard sign.
We are always in search of people willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need. To learn how you can help, please contact our Foster Care home finder at (585) 589-3161 or visit us on the web at www.orleanscountyny.com, click on “Departments” and then “Social Services.”
Be sure to check out our video featuring Orleans County foster parents and Child and Family Services staff sharing their impressions and experiences of fostering. Click here to see the video.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining his Assembly Minority colleagues in a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie demanding he call a special session to rescind New York state’s eviction moratorium.
The state’s eviction moratorium would persist until Aug. 31, a month longer than federal protections, which are set to expire on July 31.
The eviction moratorium has prevented small landlords from collecting revenue for over a year, even while facing financial obligations of their own.
“In terms of both public health and economic well-being, we are making a comeback from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Hawley said. “With vaccinations available to all who want them and an abundance of job openings throughout the state, I see no benefit in allowing the eviction moratorium to remain in effect any longer. While these protections were sensible during the worst days of the pandemic, the time has come to allow landlords to collect their revenue, both for their sake and also the sake of other tenants who otherwise might have their rents raised to compensate for rent not paid by others.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2021 at 11:15 am
Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
File photo: A bee pollinates a flower in an apple orchard in May 2020 in Knowlesville.
ALBANY – The New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced new actions to better protect pollinators and support the health of honeybees across New York State.
Signed by Governor Cuomo on June 26, this modernization of the Agriculture and Markets Law (AML) better reflects today’s bee husbandry practices and creates a Cooperative Honeybee Health Improvement Program to better monitor honeybee health in apiaries in New York.
“New York State is dedicated to maintaining the health of our pollinators, and this amendment to our Agriculture and Markets Law is another great step in the right direction,” said Ag Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “Thanks to the AML updates, we can build upon our Pollinator Protection Plan to continue to modernize our honeybee health programs and ensure the future of agriculture and our environment.”
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “The health of New York’s pollinators is directly tied to the health of our natural resources and agricultural economy. New York State is committed to maintaining healthy pollinator populations and we encourage all New Yorkers to join us in protecting pollinators by reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides that could be harmful to these creatures and creating good pollinator habitats in their own backyards, bolstering the ongoing efforts of the State’s Pollinator Protection Plan.”
The update to Article 15 of the AML:
provides for the Apiary Industry Advisory Committee and designates the Commissioner of Agriculture as the chairperson of the committee;
establishes a cooperative honeybee health improvement program, which includes the registration of apiaries (noting number of colonies, county where located, and contact information for person responsible);
provides for an annual inspection of apiaries selling nucleus colonies;
requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to provide beekeepers with advance notice of apiary inspections;
amends the Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) to clarify the farm buildings property tax exemption for the bee industry; and
amends AML section 301 (9) to include more bee products in the definition of “gross sales” for the Agricultural Value Assessment program.
Additionally, there is no fee or registration cost for enrollment in the Cooperative Honeybee Health Improvement Program, allowing for broad participation in the new program.
David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President said, “Protection of our pollinators has been a primary focus for the agricultural community in New York, as the bee populations face many challenges including threats from mites, disease, and loss of habitat. New York Farm Bureau commends the Governor for signing this legislation that uses a science-based approach to improve the health of bees and their hives. New York State continues to lead the way in safeguarding what is an essential part of agriculture and our food supply.”
New York’s Pollinator Protection Plan
An interagency taskforce was announced by Governor Cuomo in 2015 to develop a Pollinator Protection Plan to promote the health and recovery of pollinator populations in New York State. The taskforce was led by the Commissioners of the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation. Pollinators contribute substantially to the State’s environment and economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators provide approximately $344 million worth of pollination services to New York and add $29 billion in value to crop production nationally each year. New York’s ability to produce crops such as apples, grapes, cherries, strawberries, pumpkins, and squash relies heavily on the presence of pollinators.
“An investment in the health of our state’s pollinators is an investment in the sustainability of New York’s agricultural systems, economy and labor force,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We’re very grateful to our state partners for their continued commitment to innovate and support honeybee health. Their efforts will elevate awareness about our New York State Beekeeper Tech Team programming, as well as draw new funding to our impactful pollinator research endeavors – both of which help sustain our state’s beekeepers, their colonies and the many specialty crops they support.”
Dan Winter, President of the Empire State Honey Producers Association and Vice President of the American Beekeeping Association said, “The Empire State Honey Producers Association is very pleased with the passing of the new honeybee registration bill, a long-overdue update to New York State law. The new law will give Ag and Markets accurate information and an up-to-date census of beehives in New York State. With this accurate census information, universities can apply for grant money previously unavailable for local NY research. Pollinator protection just got a great boost here in NY.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2021 at 8:05 am
Village Board asks department heads to consider ways to best use the money
ALBION – The Village of Albion will be getting $585,812 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan.
The Village Board now has to determine how to best use the funding that needs to meet federal criteria for health and wellness, some reimbursements for added village costs due to Covid-19, infrastructure including water and sewer, as well as possible broadband internet upgrades.
Mayor Eileen Banker asked the village department heads to consider projects for the funding and then the board and the department heads will have a roundtable discussion. Albion has already received the first half of the money and has until 2024 to complete the projects and be eligible for the full amount of funding.
The Village Board on Tuesday also:
• Approved filling two part-time police officer positions with one to be paid $18 an hour and the other $22 an hour.
• Renewed a five-year contract with Albion sewer personnel to provide wastewater management services for the Village of Elba with 3 percent annual increases.
• Jay Pahura, DPW superintendent, said the village will put new blacktop down on seven streets this summer, up from three in most years. Albion also is putting in eight new manhole covers.
When the projects are done, Pahura said the DPW will look to put in the new walking trail at Bullard Park. That trail needs to be done by December to meet the timeframe for a state grant for the Bullard Park improvements. The walking trail is part of a local community match for the grant, which helped fund the new splash pad, amphitheater and bathrooms/utility building.
• The village owns the 121 North Main St. building, the former Citizens National Bank. The board was notified it will soon have a vacancy there with Crossroads Abstract not renewing its lease.
Mayor Eileen Banker said there will be two open spots in the building. The other vacant space was used by Bernie Baldwin, an insurance agent, who retired in 2018.
• Agreed to allow its insurance to be used for a movie in the park event at Bullard, which will be the first Fridays each month and will include a food truck. The village will co-sponsor the events with the Albion Summer Music Festival group formerly known as Rock the Park. That group will provide the screen and projector with the movies shown at the amphitheater.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2021 at 7:26 am
ALBION — A committee has approved divvying up $311,079 for building improvement projects at 10 locations in downtown Albion. The grants will fund up to 75 percent of the projects
The state allowed a maximum award of $50,000 per building owner for non-residential projects with residential projects eligible for up to $100,000 through the grant.
Albion’s Main Street grant is for $388,192 total and that includes $311,079 for building renovations, $47,613 for streetscape improvements, $25,000 for administration and $4,500 for architecture, engineering and environmental costs.
The village has contracted with J. O’Connell and Associates in Clarence to administer the grant. The projects need approval from the State Historic Preservation Office because the downtown is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The 10 projects are currently being reviewed by SHPO, Village Clerk/Treasurer Linda Babcock advised the Village Board on Tuesday.
That committee that approved the allocations includes Karen Conn, Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Sheehan, Tony Wynn, Planning Board Chairman Matt Hand, Mary Sullivan from the Village Clerk’s Office, Richard Nenni and Jeannette Riley.
10-12 North Main St. (John Brabon for apartments) – $67,930
The projects all need to be done within two years from the when the grant was awarded. That gives the building owners and village until March 31, 2023.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2021 at 7:02 am
Provided photos
GAINES – A new historical marker has been added to the Cobblestone Museum with one side of the marker highlighting the Vagg House at the southwest corner of routes 98 and 104. The other side notes the blacksmith shop operated next door by Joseph Vagg.
This side of the marker include the white ribbon that was a symbol of the
Women’s Temperance Union. Nellie Vagg was active in the temperance movement and wore a white ribbon until her dying days. “Nellie was a warhorse on liquor,” said Bill Lattin, retired museum director.
The museum will welcome guests on Saturday for an open house . There is free admission for people who bring bottles and cans from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That’s when Upstate Bottle Return will be on site with a truck and an attendant to accept empty cans and bottles from visitors. Upstate will donate the full refund for all cans and bottles collected to the museum.
All buildings on the Cobblestone Museum grounds will be open at no charge for this open house event.
The Vagg House was recently acquired by the museum. The home was last owned by Rene Schasel, who died in March 2019. Schasel, was a supporter of the Cobblestone Museum and an avid collector of antiques dating from 1910 through 1940. He was also a friend of Bill Lattin, former director of the Cobblestone Society, and named his sister Marena Rupert and Lattin as executors of his estate.
The museum kept enough of the things to maintain the integrity of the home and furnish it in the style of the 1920s. “The home is now set up to interpret life as the Vaggs would have lived it in the 1920 and 1930s,” Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum director, wrote in the Cobblestone’s autumn newsletter.
Joseph Vagg built the blacksmith shop next door in 1921 and Nellie bequeathed it to the Cobblestone Society after she died in 1975.
“This brings the Cobblestone Museum’s buildings to nine,” Farley said. “We have 18 if you count the outhouses. We are very excited to have a presence on this corner. The potential here is unlimited. This house will be included in our future tours.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2021 at 8:53 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – The bridge over the railroad tracks on Route 31 near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds isn’t expected to reopen to traffic until September.
The bridge was closed on May 11 and was expected to be shut down for about six weeks to accommodate construction that includes bridge deck repairs, joint replacement and slab reconstruction to enhance safety.
“During the course of construction it was determined the bridge required additional materials to ensure the project’s success,” said Jordan Guerrein, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. “Those are currently being manufactured and the bridge is now expected to re-open to traffic in September.”
A signed detour will remain in place for motorists to use Route 98, Route 31A, Route 63 and Route 31. Local roads near the bridge also remain accessible during construction.
