Press Release, Rob Ortt, leader of Republican conference in NYS Senate

New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today urged constituents and all New Yorkers to become involved and make their voices heard in the redrawing of legislative and congressional districts to help ensure fair representation in state and federal government for our region and across the state.

“In 2014, New Yorkers took power away from politicians and put it in their own hands with the promise of the Independent Redistricting Commission,” Ortt said. “The constitutional amendment to create the Commission ensured that no region of the state, special interest or political party gained an unfair advantage in the redistricting process. Now, as their work begins, we must ensure that the end result is a balanced and equally-represented government for all New Yorkers.”

Once a decade, New York State is required to draw new district lines that reflect population and demographic changes reported in the most recent Census. Unlike in previous years when politicians drew those lines, more than 2 million New Yorkers voted in a 2014 referendum to give that responsibility to a new “Independent Redistricting Commission.” The new Commission has planned virtual hearings this summer and fall to collect input from citizens and devise the best possible redistricting plan.

As part of its charge to revise district lines for the State Senate, Assembly and Congress, the Independent Redistricting Commission must consider impacts on existing neighborhoods and communities, based on information it gathers from its virtual hearings and written testimony.

“This Commission, overwhelmingly approved by voter referendum, created a redistricting process that is more open and transparent. At the end of the day, it only works if everyday New Yorkers stand up and make their voices heard as lines are redrawn. I urge my constituents and all New Yorkers to learn more, and join with friends, neighbors, community groups and others to speak up for the issues that matter most to our communities.”

The Independent Redistricting Commission will accept submissions through its website, www.nyirc.gov, and any group or individual is entitled to submit opinions or testimony.

This map from the National Weather Service shows a vast area of New York is in a severe thunderstorm watch.

Orleans County and much of western central and northern New York are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. today.

The watch is already in effect. The Weather Service warns that thunderstorms will increase through the afternoon.

“Isolated thunderstorms are developing in an unstable airmass across the region early this afternoon, the Weather Service said. “Expect these thunderstorms to expand in coverage and intensify through by mid to late afternoon.”

The storms could bring gusts over 50 miles per hour and tropical downpours.

“Flooding could occur if multiple storms move over the same area,” the Weather Service said.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.3812/A.436) that repeals provisions of law prohibiting the practice of barbering on Sunday.

Though rarely enforced, there had been a law on the books making it a misdemeanor to cut hair or provide a shave to another person on Sunday.

“This is the very definition of an archaic and meaningless law that makes little to no sense in the 21st century,” Governor Cuomo said. “While not routinely enforced, I’m more than happy to sign this repeal into law and allow these businesses to determine what days they choose to operate.”

The law takes effect immediately.

“I am pleased that the Governor has signed into law a bill that I introduced that will repeal the state’s archaic prohibition on barbering on Sundays,” said State Senator Joseph Griffo. “Barbershops and salons, like all small businesses, have faced significant, unprecedented and strenuous challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. By removing outdated and unnecessary laws such as this, these businesses will be provided with an additional opportunity to recover financially as we work to rebuild our local and state economies.”

Local assemblyman will present merits of making region its own state

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be joining State Sen. George Borello of Chautauqua County and attorney James Ostrowski in discussing different ideas for granting the Greater Western New York region more autonomy in its political affairs.

Hawley will defend the merits of making the region its own state. Borello will discuss the benefits of making the area an autonomous zone within the state, and Ostrowski will detail the benefits of following a path of nullification of disagreeable laws by local sheriffs and elected officials.

Those who wish to attend the virtual town hall, must register using this link (click here).

Provided photo: The United Way team takes a short break after hours of hard work. On July 10 during a chicken barbecue at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Press Release, Orleans County United Way

KNOWLESVILLE –  This past Saturday an enthusiastic group of 15 staff and volunteers came together at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds for the United Way’s summer chicken barbecue fundraiser.

Community members were able to drive up and have their meals brought to their vehicle by a team of volunteers while the kitchen crew assembled over 700 dinners. The event raised approximately $3,500 for United Way funded programs in Orleans County. Remaining dinners were donated to Community Action’s Holley Community Center.

The United Way is grateful to the volunteers who helped make this event a success: Kathy Valley, Carol Bellack and Chris Leavitt. Katie Moll, Natalie Wagner, Matt Kreutz and Scott Gaylord assembled dinners in the kitchen along with United Way staff Matthew Holland, Nyla Gaylord and Dawn Winkler. Executive Director Dean Bellack and board members Jackie Gardner, Darren Wilson, Jim Punch, and Ayesha Kreutz handled the drive-up dinner distribution.

The United Way is launching an aggressive fundraising campaign to raise support for its 15 partner agencies in Orleans County. This fall there will be a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue fundraiser on Sept. 25. Tickets are available online right now by clicking here.

On November 19th, entertainer Jimmy Mazz will be at the Maison Albion to headline the United Way’s signature fundraising event “Blast from the Past” featuring songs that made memories from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. In addition to Jimmy’s Las Vegas-style performance, the event will feature an elegant dinner and live auction.

The Orleans County United Way is truly appreciative of the community for their outstanding support and the service provided by our volunteers. We are “neighbors helping neighbors” and together we are making our community stronger by raising funds to help support our local non-profit organizations.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.3941/A.6040) expanding New York State’s definition of telemarketing to include marketing by text message.

New Yorkers have protection against unwanted robocalls under state law, but texting was not previously defined as telemarketing, exempting it from those protections. This legislation closes that loophole.

“Our consumer protections need to keep pace with technology and New Yorkers who have long been plagued by the nuisance of annoying calls from telemarketers now have to contend with unwanted texts attempting to sell them things they don’t want,” Cuomo said. “This legislation closes this annoying loophole and will help ensure our laws are modernized to confront the needs of New Yorkers.”

Telemarketing, also known as robocalling, has been a longstanding nuisance for New Yorkers and people across the country. Under New York State law, the definition of telemarketing was previously limited to phone calls. Text messages are commonly used by telemarketers, but were not previously defined as telemarketing in the law.

“Now that cell phones are as common, if not more than landlines, electronic text messages to our mobile devices have become the newest unwelcomed invasive marketing technique,” said Senator Leroy Comrie said. “Consumers should not be burdened with excessive and predatory telemarketing in any form, including text messages and I thank my colleague Assemblyman Kenny Burgos for working with me on this bill to close this loophole, modernize the statute and protect the people. I commend the Governor for signing it into law.”

Assembly Member Kenny Burgos said, “During the pandemic, New Yorkers experienced a dramatic rise in text-based telemarketing because the law had not caught up with technological advancements. With this essential piece of legislation, New York consumers on the ‘Do Not Call Registry’ will no longer receive these types of messages. I thank the Governor for signing my bill, A6040, designed to include electronic text messages as a form of telemarketing, and I am proud to see this bill now become State law.”

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2 No. 27

GAINES – The Albion Rotary Club is a civic organization about to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2022, and has been meeting in the Hamlet of Childs at Tillman’s Village Inn for over a quarter of a century.

Twenty one businessmen were originally present and voted in as Charter Members of the Albion Rotary Club on April 20, 1922 at the Lone Star Inn in Albion, located on Gaines Basin Road near the New York Central Railroad tracks. The Lockport Rotary Club served as organizers and the Constitution of the International Rotary Association was adopted.

Albion Rotary members could not have asked for a more elegant meeting headquarters at that time than the Lone Star Inn, one of the finest restaurants in Orleans County in the 1920s. It was created out of the Thurston Farm and had a seating capacity of 450 guests. It was owned and operated by Lewis E. Sands of Albion and for a time, was also operated by Art Case who used to manage the old Lakeside Hotel in Lakeside Park.

It was said that the Inn had such a large following that often three cash registers were needed to handle all of the guests present. Live music was frequently provided by some of the best bands in the area. A large porch was used as an additional dining area in nice weather, where many a lobster, fillet mignon, broiled shrimp and other house specialties were served with vistas of the beautiful flower gardens around the lawn.

The Rotary Club continued to meet there for several years, until a disastrous fire destroyed the Lone Star Inn on Friday, November 28, 1930.  After that time, the property was sold to New York State and served as a Prison Farm.  (Needless to say, no longer a suitable locale for Rotary meetings!)

The Rotary Club assembled for this photo in the 1930s in front of Four Chimneys Restaurant at Eagle Harbor.  It can be noted that the ladies present would have been guests of the Rotarians as it was a men’s organization at that time.  (Rotary Club International changed its policies in the 1980s to begin allowing women to become Rotary members.)

Ladies: L_R: —–, —-, —-, Marjorie Garnett Weller Pauley, Enid Strassner Hakes, —-, —-, —-, and Albertine Garrison.

Gentlemen seated L-R: William Karns, Monuments; Eugene Wilcox, Hardware; Herman Neuremburg, Clothing; Charles Dean, Produce; and Nelson Barrus, Dry Cleaning.

Second Row: Earl Sullivan, Carpenter; John Mansfield, Farmer; Clayton Anderson, Beans; James Lonergan, Journalist;  John Kane, Vinegar; Dr. Cramer, Dentist; Amos Beedon,  Dry Goods; Dr. Ralph Brodie, M.D.; John VanStone, Car Dealer; and Kirk Cole, Lumberman.

Third Row: William Luttenton (guest), Carl Bergerson, School Superintendent;  Henry Anderson,Albion Brass Works; James Craffey, Insurance; Stanley Woods, Feed; Edward Archbald, Fruit Farmer; Burt McNall, Furniture & Embalming;  Sidney Eddy, Printing; Dart Porter, Insurance; and Howard Woods, Miller.

This picture taken of the Albion Rotary Club taken in Rotary Year 1959-60 is a veritable “Who’s-Who” of local businessmen at that time.

Row 1 (L-R) Bill Monacelli, teacher & Mayor; Don Nesbitt, Farmer; Charles Martina, theater owner; Burr Trumble, travel agent; —-Unidentified—, Harlan Harvey, Wells Harrison, car dealer; Jacob Schanels, Hunt Canning Factory; Dr. Bob Raemsch, veterinarian; Guido Monacelli, grocery store; Dr. Thomas Orlando, dentist; George Brunelle, insurance.

Row 2: Hon. Charles Signor, County Judge; Charles Byrne, Birdseye Laboratory; Franklin Cropsey, Attorney; Stanley Landauer, dry goods; Richard Fenton, Bemis Bag Co.; Bill Snowen, Firestone Tire Store; Sidney Eddy, Printing; Dr. James Parke, M.D.; Bob Babbitt, hardware; Ed Archbald, farmer.

Row 3: Brad Shelp, car agency; Neal Beach, Winson Hatch, Dept. of Labor; Thomas Heard, Jr., Marine Bank; R.E. Greenlee, Hunts plant; Carl Bergerson, School Superintendent; Roland Kast, service station; Dr. John Ellis, M.D.; Dr. John Jackson, dentist.

Row 4. Bob Root, insurance; Thomas McNall, Furniture/Funeral Director; Arthur (Dick) Eddy, printing; Richard Hollenbeck, Skip Landauer, dry goods; George Lamont, farmer; Richard Bloom, insurance; Bill Host, School administrator; Albert Raymond, insurance; Francis Blake Jr., Cold Storage.

Row 5: Len Morneau, Lipton’s Company; Lee Maine, Lumber Co.; Leonard Depzinski, sign painter; Daniel Marquart, appliances store; Homer Marple, furniture; Ray Severns, auto sales; Sam Shelp, auto agency.

Row 6: Roy Merrill, Funeral Home; Gordon Gardner, pharmacist; Walter Martin, James Lonergan, journalist; Henry Keeler, construction; Carlton Wilkinson, electrical store; John Merrill, Funeral Director; Harold Farnsworth, Rev. Earle Hamlin, Frank Sachali, produce; Rev. Jack Hillary Smith.

Inset: Homer Luttenton who was absent from the group photo.

In the same decade, The Albion Rotary Club members participated in an annual Variety Show for many years.  One of the “acts” is seen here with (left) Homer Marple, Tom McNall, Winton Hatch and Bob Raemsch.

It was all good natured fun and even the ladies got into the spirit of entertainment: (left) Norma Marquart, Ray Severns, Marilyn Brunelle and Sue Eddy.

The Albion Rotary Club observed its 50th Anniversary with a special Golden Anniversary celebration on May 25,, 1972 at the Fireman’s Recreation Hall in Albion.  Taking part in the evening’s program were (Front) Rotary District Governor Dan Mitchell and Mrs. Mitchell of Amherst, District Governor and Mrs. Bob Reader of Auckland, New Zealand, (back row) Roy Merrill, Albion Rotary Past President and his son, John Merrill, Club President in the Anniversary Year, and Sidney Eddy, Charter Member from 1922.  The Merrill’s were one of several father-son presidents in the Club’s history.

In 1979, the Rotarians gathered for this Club photo outside the Albion Courthouse.

Front Row:  Conrad Cropsey, Rollie Kast, Wells Harrison, Bob Temple, Frenchy Downey, Dick Pilon (Club President 1979), Jim Nesbitt, Pete Dragon.

Second Row: Winton Hatch, Ashley Ward, Dick Eddy, Don Shawver, Bob Remley, Brad Shelp, John Stable, John Koval, Steve Heard.

Third Row: John Merrill, Don Nesbitt, Sam Shelp, Bruce Smith, Leonard Rice, Carlton Wilkinson, Roy Merrill, Erling Maine, Norm Phillips, Merritt London.

Fourth Row:  Harlan Harvey, George Wolfe, Curtis Lyman, Jeff Rheinwald, Bob Babbitt, Tom Heard, Lee Maine, Franklin Cropsey, Al Raymond, Jarvis Swartz, Sid Eddy, Carl Bergerson, Joe Sadler.

Dick Pilon, a 55 year Albion Rotary Club member this June, offered his reflections on meeting venues during his tenure. “The first place we met when I started was the Presbyterian Church in Albion, then Marti’s Restaurant for a short time, then we went to the Methodist Church for 20 years, then Albanese Restaurant for a couple of years and finally to the Village Inn in the 1980s.”

Another milestone was reached in the Rotary year 1986-87 when Diane Arsenault was the first woman admitted as a member of the Albion Rotary Club.  Today, there is about equal representation with men and women.

Rotary members gathered for this group photo in 1994 at Tillman’s Village Inn.  Those attending are:

(Seated L-R) John Greene, Chris Haines, John Stable, Ed Archbald, Al Raymond, Rollie Kast, Jim Nesbitt

Row 2: Bruce Landis, Tom Anderson, Brad Shelp, Dick Eddy, Nathan Lyman, Paul Miles, Lynn Phillips, Ashely Ward, Don Nesbit

Row 3: Mark Reed, Ron Sodoma, Don Butts, Dick Pilon, Darlene Benton, Frenchy Downey, Fred Nesbitt Stan Allen

Row 4: Ed Fancher, Jim Neilans, Mike Pilon, Ed Guthrie, Jeff Hanes, Dan Marquart, Don Bishop.

The Rotary Club assembled wearing red for a meeting in February 2015 to promote heart health. Those assembled included: (Seated L-R) Fred Nesbitt, Don Bishop, Bruce Landis, Marlee Diehl and Mary Anne Braunbach. (Standing) Dick Remley, Bonnie Malakie, Marsha Rivers, Tammy Yaskulski, President Bill Diehl, Ron LaGamba, Brad Shelp and Maynard Lowry from Lockport Rotary. Rotarian Brad Shelp is the Albion Club’s most tenured member. He started with Rotary in 1958 and will have 63 years of perfect attendance this August. Marlee Diehl represented the Albion club as District Governor in 2016-17, with a theme that year of “Serving Humanity.”

Beginning in 1975, the Albion Rotary Club presented its first Paul Harris Award, a tradition that continues through today that honors individuals, both members and non-members, who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. The first recipient in 1975 was charter member Sidney Eddy.  Since that time, the Albion Rotary Club has recognized 75 individuals as Paul Harris Fellows, the highest honor bestowed by Rotary International. Those so recognized are (in alphabetical order):

Ahmad Abdallah, Marian M. Adrian, Stanley Allen, Edward B Archbald, Timothy Archer, Diane L Arsenault, Carl Bergerson, Donald W. Bishop, Harriett Bishop, Richard C Bloom, Michael J. Bonafede, Michael Bonnewell, Donald Butts, Sanford A. Church, Sanford L. Church, Conrad Cropsey, Grace E. Denniston, Marlene Marlee Diehl, William F. Diehl, Kevin Doherty, Everett G. Downey, William F. Downey, Arthur B. Eddy, Sidney M. Eddy, Edward Fancher, Mildred Gavenda, Ada Grabowski, George P Guthrie, Christopher P. Haines, R Wells Harrison, Harlan E. Harvey, Winton P Hatch, Thomas E. Heard, Jr., Scott Hess, Rebekah Karls, Rolland W. Kast, Teresa M. Kelly, Kelly Melinda Kiebala, Alexandra R. Krebs, Bruce Landis, Cary W. Lattin, Leo La Croix, Raymond M. Lissow, Kathleen R. Ludwick, Curtis L Lyman, Evelyn L. Lyman, Erling W. Maine, F. Leland Maine, Bonnie B. Malakie, John B Merrill, Rho B. Mitchell, Sharon  Narburgh, James R. Neilans, Charles H. Nesbitt, Fred W. Nesbitt, Jerome Pawlak, Margaret A. Pearson, Cindy Perry, Michael R. Pilon, Richard Pilon, Charles Pulley, Albert C. Raymond, Francis Richard Remley, Thomas Rivers, Gary A. Saunders, Patricia M Shelp, Bradley J. Shelp, Walter A Shelp, Gary Simboli, David G. Spierdowis, Susan A. Starkweather, Ashley R. Ward, William Morrell Washington, Jr., Patricia J Wood, Tammy Yaskulski.

Editor’s Note: Since this article was initially posted, more Paul Harris award winners were identified, including Cary W. (Bill) Lattin, Karen Sawicz, Jim Parke, Paul Miles, Don Nesbitt, Ron Sodoma, Gordy Gardner, Nathan Lyman, Gail Lyman and Bill Tillman.

In 2019, the Albion Rotary Club named Becky Karls, center, as a Paul Harris Fellow. Karls is congratulated at a club meeting at the Village Inn by Rotarians Cindy Perry, left, and Don Bishop, Rotary Foundation Chairperson; right. Bishop called Karls “the secret ingredient of the Albion Rotary Club.” She is instrumental each year in many of the club’s fundraisers, including the St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner, the Turtle Race at the Strawberry Festival, the golf tournament and the fishing derby. Karls also is active with many other community efforts, including organizing the car show at Bullard Park as a fundraiser for Hospice of Orleans County (now known as Supportive Care of Orleans County).

The Albion Rotary Club has been a sponsor of the Albion Strawberry Festival since 1986. The success of this annual event depends on the many Rotary members, as well as community members, who oversee the event each year.  Thousands of visitors flock to the two-day event that plays out across downtown Albion.

The poster above shows the logo for the 2020 festival which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 health restrictions.  The Rotary Club is hopeful that the event will return in full swing for 2022.  The Club maintains several other community events each year such as the Rotary Fishing Derby, St. Patrick’s Day Ham Dinner, and the Rotary Golf Tournament.

The Club also sponsors Interact, a group of Albion High School students led by advisor Tim Archer. In 2017, Albion Rotary Interact members spent the day at Foodlink in Rochester. Pictured from left: McKenna Boyer, Alanna Holman, Emily Mergler, Noah Wadhams, Cody Wilson, Aubrey Boyer and Annalise Steier. Over the years, the Albion Rotary Club has also been very active in sending and receiving students and adults for overseas foreign exchange opportunities.

Over the years, Albion Rotary has been a sponsor for many youth sports teams, providing uniforms, leadership and much more. Perhaps you can lay claim to one of these “sluggers” from 1988.

Albion Rotary’s two newest members, Robert Batt, Executive Director of Orleans County Cooperative Extension and Laura Olinger, President of Bentley Brothers, are welcomed to the Club on June 10, 2021.

Incoming Albion Rotary Club President for 2021, Jessica Capurso, accepts the gavel from outgoing President Alexandra Krebs.  The Club held their Installation Service outdoors at the Cobblestone Museum in Childs at a potluck luncheon meeting on Thursday, June 24.  Many thanks to Kendall Lions Club who provided the tent.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Marsha Cook, a 4-H volunteer, and Peter Beach, a buildings and grounds employee for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, work together getting cans of corn and beans ready as part of a pop-up food pantry today at the Fairgrounds.

Foodlink in Rochester delivered two trucks of food earlier today at the fairgrounds. The Extension is hosting the first pop-up food pantry in a switch from the food distributions from April 2020 to last month, when 20-pound boxes of food were set in the trunks of vehicles.

In the new format, people park their cars and go into the Lartz Building and pick and choose what food they want. The CCE had about 200 people come through by 2:30 today, in the first hour and half of the program.

Detonse Burroughs of Kendall, a summer worker for the Job Development Agency, and Kayli Miller, a 4H’er from Albion, have watermelons ready for people to pickup.

There was enough food for about 400 households. There were limits on the quantities, including one watermelon per household.

The pickup today was scheduled to 5 p.m., but Extension staff and volunteers are expected to stay longer if the food isn’t gone.

Two brothers from Medina, Aeddon Cayea (left) and Alwyn, have Romaine lettuce and bags of pears ready. The two are working as summer employees for the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Robert Batt, CCE executive director in the county, said he expects more of the pop-up pantries at the fairgrounds. He would like to offer them to the community on a monthly basis.

“It fits with our mission and we’re centrally located,” he said.

The new format was much easier on the CCE staff and volunteers, who didn’t have to lug heavy boxes to vehicles, Batt said.

He also thought the people receiving the food preferred the new format where they could select what they wanted.

“It’s been nice to see people who we have only been seeing through their car window,” Batt said.

ALBION — A Batavia man was on trial last month in Orleans County Court and was found not guilty on all charges — first-degree burglary, aggravated criminal contempt in the first degree, and second-degree assault.

Jamie Dutton

Jamie A. Dutton, 29, was charged on Sept. 9, 2020 and accused of entering a woman’s home in violation of a court order and then assaulting her, causing serious injuries including a collapsed lung.

A jury acquitted him of the charges last month in the first jury trial in the county court since the start of the Covid pandemic in early 2020.

Robert Zickl prosecuted the case for the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and Dutton was represented by Kathleen Casey of Barker.

Dutton still charges of second-degree attempted murder in Genesee County for an alleged stabbing last Aug. 25. Dutton allegedly stabbed a person in the chest. The victim survived after receiving immediate medical attention. Dutton also has been charged with first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These two cyclists approach Albion this morning and are greeted by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus portrayed by Bob and Kathy Schumacher of Medina.

There are 350 cyclists peddling along the Erie Canal Towpath today. They started in medina and headed east to Fairport.

The 23^rd annual Cycle the Erie Canal event started Sunday morning in Buffalo and concludes July 18 in Albany. The cyclists ride about 40 to 60 miles each day.

Last year’s event was cancelled as a group due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year’s group is about half the size of the 650 to 700 that typically ride.

Walter Mayo, 74, of Derby in Erie County is riding in the event for the sixth time. He stopped for a photo of the Santa and Mrs. Claus, who promoted Albion for its distinction as the home to the world’s first Santa Claus School.

The cyclists were also directed to check out two nearby Santa murals.

Mayo said he has rode 2,000 miles since January to prepare for the week-long bike trip along the canal.

“I love it,” he said. “This is the best organized bike trip I’ve been on and it’s in New York.”

Kevin Bedard, 70, of Holley is riding the trip for the second time, and first since 2003.

“It’s the camaraderie of being with people from all over the country,” Bedard said. “And I’m proud of our area. Western New York has the best section of the canal.”

The cyclists stop in front of Tinsel and the Lockstone, where there were free bananas, oranges and bottles of water. The Downtown Browsery also offered free blinking lights to put on the bikes. Many of the cyclists were happy to hop off their bikes and look around the downtown area.

Natasha Wasuck, owner of The Lockstone and Tinsel, organized the welcome for the cyclists in Albion this morning. Holley is an official welcome stop 10 miles to the east of Albion.

Wasuck said she enjoys meeting the cyclists, who this year are from 34 states.

“it’s just fun to meet all of these people who are from so many states,” she said. “”It’s just exciting. You don’t see 300 cyclists all together.”

Stan Farone, right, of Albion is doing the ride for the fourth time. Farone, an Albion village trustee, said he has made friends with many of the cyclists who come back year after year.

Sunday was a tough day to ride due to the rain, and Farone said there was wind and mud on the towpath this morning.

But the riders didn’t seem discouraged.

“I like doing it and meeting the people,” Farone said. “I’ve got to do it while I’m still young. I’m 71.”

Albion police officers Will Francis and Jessica Saraceno stop traffic so this cyclist, Daniel Pilliard of Missouri, can cross Main Street.

These cyclists head east from Albion this morning after already riding 10 miles from Medina. The group will stay overnight in Fairport in tents.

Lowell Pilliard, 18, poses for a photo with his grandfather, Daniel Pilliard, 70. They drove 18 hours from Missouri for the cycling event. Lowell has done two other long bike trips in his home state, while his grandfather has been on group excursions in several countries.

“It’s great exercise and you get to see a lot of stuff,” said Daniel Pilliard. “I love it. It’s a great time.”

This cyclist walks across the Main Street lift bridge after visiting the downtown in Albion. The riders this year range from age 12 to 88.

Nina Sharrock of Bergen County, NJ, wanted to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sharrock said the bike ride is enjoyable for people who aren’t necessarily hardcore cyclists.

“This is a little less challenging and a lot more fun,” she said.

Provided photos

RIDGEWAY – About 150 people watched the rubber duck race on Saturday afternoon on Jeddo Creek at the Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA on Countyline Road in Ridgeway.

People pay $5 for each rubber duck in the race. The local KOA was able to donate $640 to the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. The event was part of a first responders’ appreciation weekend at the campground. There was also a parade of fire trucks on Saturday morning, and first responders were welcome to camp at a discounted rate.

The campground has put on the race for about a dozen years and the proceeds this year are being donated to the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. In the past some of the funds have gone to KOA Care Camps and Camp Good Days.

Church will meet at Clarendon location and be known as Disciples First United Methodist

Photos by Tom Rivers

CLARENDON – Randy Moore pulls the cover off the new sign for a merged church – Disciples First United Methodist Church, which brings together the Disciples UM Church and the Albion First UM Church.

Moore, a member of the board of trustees for Disciples, was joined by Leslee Lockwood of the Albion congregation in unveiling the sign at about 11:30 a.m. after the first service of the newly merged church.

Leslee Lockwood and Randy Moore cut the ribbon on the new sign for the church on Route 237, south of the Village of Holley.

The two congregations have been sharing a pastor for nine years. The pastor previously would travel to Albion and then to Clarendon for services until the Albion members started attending the Clarendon site about 18 months ago.

The two congregations each voted on April 25 to formally merge. Today was the first service for the merged group.

Linda Glantz is the church’s pastor. During her sermon today she spoke about Lego toy blocks, which are simple plastic bricks but can be used to build elaborate structures.

“They have a basic design, but the magic is in the way they fit together,” she said. “They are designed to be connected.”

Glantz said the new church is stronger with both congregations together. Disciples First UMC will have a focus on three core values of faith, family and friends.

“God created us for community,” she said. “Like Legos we are designed to fit together.”

James Shaw, a Boy Scout in Troop 59, served as a acolyte this morning and lit one of the candles at the altar. The church has been a longtime sponsor of a Boy Scout troop.

Vonda Fossitt, the district superintendent and former pastor of Albion First UMC, speaks during the service today with lay leaders from each congregation – Christine Shade of Disciples and Rachel Marasco of Albion First. Fossitt said Disciples First United Methodist Church “is duly organized for the glory of God, the proclamation of the gospel, and the service of humanity.”

In addition to unveiling the new sign, the church planted a maple tree on the lawn.

Richard Moy (left), Clarendon town supervisor, joined in the celebration today and helped plant the tree. Terry Wilbert of the Albion First UMC is back in center and Randy Moore, right, guides the tree into the ground. Moore, 45, has attended the church since he was 9.

Marcy LaPenna served bowls of ice cream while other church members prepared popcorn, hot dogs and other food for a picnic for about 75 people.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina Rotary Club member Carl Tuohey (left) and President Ben McPherson are shown at the tennis courts at Medina Central School, which have been modified this weekend for a pickle ball tournament.

There are 45 participants in the tournament. Tuohey is regular pickleball player in the courts at the Knights of Columbus on Main Street, where the basketball court on the third floor is used for pickleball.

Tuohey said many local service clubs do golf tournaments. Medina Rotary wanted to embrace a growing sport and also put on a unique local tournament.

“It’s good exercise,” Tuohey said. “Anybody of any age can play it.”

In pickleball, the courts are smaller than in tennis. The pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This group practices together as doubles teams on Saturday after they competed individually. They include Pete Zamniak (Medina native now in Rochester) and Sean Greif of Rochester on the left side playing against Will Soos of Buffalo and Jordan Hogan of Lockport.

Pete Zamniak returns the ball on Saturday. He said pickleball isn’t as physically taxing as tennis because the court is a smaller space. Pickleball is a test of quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination. The serve also isn’t an overheard serve like with tennis. The ball is similar to a whiffle ball, and the players use paddles, rather than rackets.

The top three individual players on Saturday include, from left: Will Soos of Buffalo, second; Jordan Hogan of Lockport, third; and Sean Greif of Rochester, first.

Jordan Hogan, right, hits the ball back over the net. Will Soos is at left.

Today there will be 16 doubles teams playing in the tournament.

300-plus participants will reach Medina later today, pass through Albion and Holley on Monday

Photo by Tom Rivers: Cyclists cross Main Street in front of the lift bridge in Albion on July 9, 2018 when about 650 cyclists were part of the eight-day Cycling the Erie Canal. The cyclists will be staying at “tent city” tonight in Medina.

Press Release, Parks & Trails New York

ALBANY – After going virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic, the annual eight-day, cross-state Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour returns this year, departing from Buffalo today and arriving in Albany eight days later on July 18.

Reduced in numbers to meet Covid-safety requirements, more than 300 cyclists from 34 states will cross New York State as part of the 23rd Cycle the Erie Canal tour organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York.

Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail, which is now more than 85 percent complete and is the east-west axis of the statewide 750-mile Empire State Trail.

The decision to go ahead with the event was a difficult one that was made several months after planning usually begins. Coordinators faced many challenges in putting together this year’s event to keep it safe for riders, volunteers, and the numerous communities through which the tour passes, especially as regulations were continually changing.

Cycle the Erie Canal riders are required to either be vaccinated or have a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the start of the ride.

The first day of the tour takes cyclists through Lockport, where they can opt to take a boat ride through a lock, and ends in the historic community of Medina.

On day two, riders enjoy rest stops in friendly “port” villages such as Holley and Spencerport, where a unique “lift bridge” carries Main Street over the canal. They can take an excursion along the Genesee River bike path into downtown Rochester, with its spectacular waterfalls. They also stop in Pittsford and visit Schoen Place’s popular boutiques, galleries, and cafes.

“Cycle the Erie Canal tour is a wonderful way to experience the Erie Canal. It’s fun, healthy, and good for the economy,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We have cyclists aged 12 to 88 and they all get to experience what makes the Erie Canal and upstate New York so special.”

The Erie Canalway Trail contributes significantly to the economy of upstate New York. A recent study shows that the Erie Canalway Trail generates an economic impact of $253 million.

The NYS Canal Corporation and New York Power Authority have partnered with Parks & Trails New York on Cycle the Erie Canal since its inception. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the premier heritage sponsor of the event. Nine regional tourism agencies also sponsor the ride.

Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space.

Navigating Life’s Roads

Driving a Mountain Road can be quite scary, when you’re a flatlander like me. The fear of heights is a real thing! It kept me from enjoying the Beartooth Pass for several years. I conquered that fear with a little help from Georgie. See my Blog regarding that journey from 2019.  So it became a real thing when my new reality found me living on top of a mountain with no way down except as my husband’s passenger. No, this was not acceptable.

I want to believe when there’s a will there’s a way, even if it means conquering fears. Often life leaves us at a crossroads and we have to decide how badly we want to do something. We can either fold and take the path of ease or we can “get ‘er done,” pull up our bootstraps and white knuckle it down the hill of life.

No one wants to be stranded on a mountain without any means of getting themselves down. After a month, I looked at my husband and said, “I am going to do it today, drive us down the East Side and back up.” I need to know if I require a break from him, I can take a drive. Kidding, not kidding, ha! Don’t judge me, you know you have all been there.

So I propped myself up in his Infinity, pulled the seat all the way forward and adjusted the mirrors. The scary part is that when traveling winding roads that don’t have centerlines, but do have steep drop offs, you just don’t know what is coming around the corner that may lead you closer to the edge – another great metaphor for life’s unknowns. You can choose to stay back, do what keeps you feeling secure, or take on the adventure. So down the mountain we go and I navigate the twisty turns and make it to the bottom. We both blow up our fist bump and pat me on the back.

The ride back up is a bit scarier and it begins to rain. My fear creates the words, “I am not driving back up.” My husband says you can do this. I wrinkle my nose, sigh really loud and am seriously annoyed that he is pushing me. I thought about my Little Weezie who never cowered from life’s challenges – she had grit and sass. I channeled her little heavenly spirit, hit the accelerator and drove us back up the mountain.

It was a big day. At 53 years old I have learned this month that when you really want to do something, there are no excuses – only reasons. Some reasons are valid and some are just … hollow reasons. Whether it is taking an adventure, trying new food, making new friends, driving up a mountain. If you want to do it and aren’t, dig deep and ask yourself, why?

Maybe you just really are not interested or maybe you are and it’s time to be honest with why you are not. If the latter applies, conquer the mountain in life and find the joy in showing yourself that you can do it. Many times life’s rewards are right around the bend, you just have to have the courage to drive yourself there. What’s your mountain?

To see another fear conquered this week, visit my blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.

Truly,
Debbie London