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

Photos by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Rob and Rachel Kaiser, owners of the Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA on Countyline Road in Ridgeway, lead a procession of fire trucks through the campground this morning. It was part of a first responders’ appreciation weekend.

The Kaisers own the lead fire truck, which used to be owned by the airport in Hartford, Conn. The Kaisers give kids rides in the fire truck on most Saturdays during the season, which this year runs from April 30 to Oct. 11.

These kids follow the loud procession on their bikes. The fire trucks had their sirens going. An Orleans County deputy sheriff also joined in the parade. Click here to see a video.

As part of first responders’ appreciation weekend there will be a camping discount for first responders. There will also be a rubber duck race this afternoon on Jeddo Creek with proceeds going to the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. That is expected to be about $600.

Rob and Rachel Kaiser are pictured with their fire truck after the parade. They have owned the campground north of Ridge Road on Countyline Road for 18 years. Last year they had a record year during the Covid-19 pandemic with many people looking for a getaway at a campground close to home.

They have nearly 350 sites at the campground and have two heated swimming pools, a jumping pillow, game room, on-site winery, peddle boats, a water slide and lots of other activities. On many days there are 1,300 or more people on site.

“It’s good family bonding here,” Mr. Kaiser said. “We create memories.”

The Kaisers donated to each of the fire departments that attended today’s parade around the campgrounds. Many of the campers stopped to wave to the firefighters, or to cover their ears from the loud sirens.

Tony Panzica of California takes a video of the procession. Panzica is a Tonawanda native in the area to see family. He said he is impressed by the campground, including how it handled the big downpour from two days ago.

He and his wife Patty said they are enjoyed seeing the small towns in Western New York and Orleans County.

“I’m just floored by this area,” Panzica said. “It’s so beautiful.”

Whatever cabin category you choose on your cruise ship, you’ll find your room comfortable and inviting. This cabin has a private balcony, which can be very enjoyable when having a quiet breakfast or to watch the sunrise / sunset.

Let’s go on an adventure together….Cruising!

I love cruises and have tried to do one a year in recent years. Cruises are a typically a really good deal when figuring the cost of a vacation. The price of the cruise includes your lodging, travel between multiple destinations, all your meals, and a wide variety of entertainment and activities. And, you can usually find some really awesome deals where they offer free perks or discounts. Once you consider all these things, the price of a cruise can be a bargain over paying separately for hotels, meals, entertainment, activities, and doing it all in multiple destinations. You just need to do your research.

My first cruise was when I was 19 or 20. My aunt and I took a Carnival cruise that included ports in Cozumel Mexico, Georgetown Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios Jamaica. I was in my 30s before I took another cruise – a three day Carnival cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas that was combined with four days at Disney. Then, in 2010, my Mom and I went on another Carnival cruise – this time for five days to Key West and Nassau. I started my annual cruises in 2015 when a friend and I took a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Boston to Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada. In 2016 I took a Holland America cruise to Alaska with a friend. I then took the Coastal California cruise on Princess in 2017 with four ports along the California coast and Ensenada Mexico. Royal Caribbean took me to Bermuda in 2018. I did the epic Transatlantic Cruise on Celebrity in 2019 that took me across the Atlantic to the Azores off Portugal, two ports in Ireland, and Liverpool, England. My last cruise was in 2020 just before all the Covid stuff began – I took a Hawaiian Island cruise on Norwegian. I do have a cruise booked for next year – it was originally planned for earlier this year, but we all know why it got pushed out – I’m going on Royal Caribbean and it is actually almost the same cruise as my very first one. This time I’m cruising out of Galveston, TX and going to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth Jamaica. 

The entertainment on a cruise is world class. From Broadway or Las Vegas type shows, like this one on Norwegian’s Hawaiian Island cruise, to comedians, to magicians, to lounge style or dance music – there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day and well into the night.

Once I complete the one booked in 2022, I will have been on TEN cruises and used SIX different cruise lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Do I have some tips to share? Duh…..sure do! So, here goes:

First – do your research! At minimum, you can find some awesome deals, if you look for them. But, also, each cruise line is different. Sure, they all offer the same basic concept and services/amenities. But, they range in pricing, level of luxury, and some offer different destinations above the typical ports of call. You get what you pay for and it really depends on what is important to you when choosing. My personal favorite: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity – both from the same family of cruise lines.

When coming back to the cabin after a day of activities on or off ship, it always puts a smile on my face to find my bed turned down, a chocolate on my pillow, the next day’s activity listing, and a fun towel animal waiting to greet me. The room stewards are eager to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Remember that not EVERYTHING is included in the base price. Your cabin, tons of entertainment and activities, all the food you can possibly eat, and basic beverages are all included. So, yes, you can absolutely make yourself very happy and have a great time without any of the extras and the expenses that go with them. Extras include alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, on-board shopping, internet access, and on-board specialty restaurants. Look for possible “free perks” – some cruises may offer free packages and on-board spending credits that could cover or help with these. If the cruise you choose doesn’t offer free perks, some of the extras may be worth the cost to you to enhance your experience. And, of course, all these things are optional, so it’s all up to what you want out of your cruise and what your budget is. However…..one of the expenses that are not included but are also not usually an option are gratuities – you don’t “tip as you go”, but you are expected to pay a lump sum gratuity that will be divided among the service providers – most of the time you pay this upfront at booking and the crew that are rewarded work hard to make your trip enjoyable, so they deserve it.

If you leave a cruise hungry, it’s your own fault! The food is amazing – whatever you want, whenever you want it, and as much as you want! Don’t like what you ordered? No problem, they’ll just bring you something else! Want more? No problem, just ask! I especially enjoy lobster night and always ask for seconds…..because I can!

A few other things to consider: 1) Cabin category – inside (no windows), ocean view (a small portal or window), balcony, or suite. The cost goes up for each category. I recommend, if your budget allows, to seriously consider a balcony cabin. 2) Check out the shore excursions at each port ahead of time – there are lots of them that offer a wide variety of things to do and prices – choose what fits your interests and budget. Of course, you can go “on your own” when in port, but there are risks and sometimes unexpected expenses to consider. 3) For dinner: there are LOTS of food options all day, every day. But when it comes to dinner, you have a few decisions – buffet or main dining room – in the main dining room, do you want a set time every day or the flexibility to go when you want – and then there are the specialty restaurants that come with an extra charge. I like to mix it up and try them all. I like to choose “my time” dining so I can have some flexibility depending on what else is going on. I also ask for a “share table” so I can meet and eat with different people every night. And…..give those specialty restaurants a chance. Some cruises offer one or two free specialty restaurant perks. But, if not, they are really worth the extra cost at least once during your cruise – they are amazing! But, plan ahead cause they fill up fast. 4) And, lastly, every night you’ll get a booklet of the next day’s activity list – don’t just toss it aside! Look it over and highlight anything that interests you so you don’t miss anything – there’s so much to do, but also don’t forget to take time to just lay out on the deck or pool-side and relax…..a lot – after all, you’re on vacation!

There are several posts on my blog of the various cruises I’ve been on – way too many to link here. So, just go to my blog at https://thoughtsbykim.com and type in “Cruis” – without the “e” to include different terms I used for cruise adventures – in the “Search here” box and it will bring them all up for you to spend some time reading through or pick ones that pique your interest. Or, you can type in a more specific key word to narrow the search.    

Happy Adventuring!

Schedule includes cemetery tours, lectures and a book talk

Photos by Tom Rivers: Bill Lattin speaks during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Orleans County Historical Association at the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse. The association worked to save the 1832 building in recent years. The schoolhouse will host three of the five programs coordinated by the association on Sundays in August.

GAINES – The Orleans County Historical Association has planned five programs on Sundays in August, including cemetery tours, lectures and a book talk.

Three of the programs will be held at the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse, a structure that was on the verge of being knocked down.

The association, led by its former president Al Capurso, worked to save the building in an extensive overhaul of the site. The school was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area. It was last used as a school in 1944.

Volunteers have it looking like a school again, with a teacher’s desk, students’ desks, chalkboards and other classroom ambiance.

There will also be a celebration of the life of Al Capurso at 1 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the schoolhouse and the dedication of a plaque in his name on the building. Mr. Capurso passed away at age 68 on Feb. 17.

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

A plaque on the schoolhouse will be dedicated for Al Capurso, who led the efforts to save the site from being torn down and repurposed as a meeting space and display for the Orleans County Historical Association.

The Historical Association has planned the five programs in August. They will all begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The schedule includes:

• Aug. 1: Dee Robinson, retired Gaines historian, presents a program about Caroline Phipps Achilles and the Phipps Union Seminary at the Gaines Basin School, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd.
• Aug. 8: Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian, conducts a tour at Knowlesville Cemetery off Knowlesville Road behind Ridgeway Fire Station No. 2.
• Aug. 15: Catherine Cooper presents “Church, State and School: A Different Perspective” at the Gaines Basin School, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd.
• Aug. 22: Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon town historian, conducts a 1-hour tour of Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon/Holley. That tour will be preceded by organist Scott Schmidt playing old and familiar tunes in the Hillside chapel at Route 237.
• Aug. 29: Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, presents “Telling Tales Out of School” from his book, “Trivial Tales.” This program will be at the Gaines Basin School, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd.

All programs are free but offerings will be gratefully accepted.

The Orleans Hub on Thursday presented one of its “Outstanding Citizen” awards for 2020 to Rick Ebbs. He led the relocation of a 90-year-old log cabin from an Albion backyard to behind the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse.

Ebbs is continuing to working on strengthening the cabin, which will have its stone fireplace reconstructed at its new location. The 10-by-14-foot cabin was built by local Boy Scouts with help from Fred Benton, father of one of the scouts, Faris Benton.

The Orleans Hub usually has an awards program with all the honorees together but the larger meeting rooms were all off limits at local libraries earlier this year. Ebbs was presented with his award in front of some of the members of the Historical Association on Thursday evening.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library, is shown with the library’s new book vending machine. A $10,000 grant from Xerox paid for the machine as well as many books to be given away.

The library will give away the books through tokens. Those tokens will be given to children 12 and under who will be eligible to receive books on their birthdays. (The library’s has had a birth to age 5 book program for children to receive a book near Christmas and on their birthdays. That is funded by an anonymous donor.)

The vending machine accepts tokens, and then gives out books selected by the reader.

Miller also wants to connect with local coaches, teachers and others who work with youth. The library wants those adults to give out tokens for free books as a reward for children. Miller welcomes coaches and other adults who work with youth to stop by the library for tokens.

The Xerox grant is big enough to pay for another restocking of books, Miller said.

Elissa Nesbitt, a former library trustee, secured the grant from Xerox.

The vending machine includes a specially designed wrap with the Hoag Library name and quotes picked by the library, including:

“Reading for me, is spending time with a friend.” – Gary Paulsen

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass

MEDINA – Restoring the historic Bent’s Opera House has been a monumental project for local entrepreneur Roger Hungerford, but years of work came to fruition two weeks ago with the opening of the Harvest Restaurant.

Chef Lionel Heydel, who taught at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, plated up elegant meals to a steady stream of diners.

Guests were greeted by Hungerford’s wife Heather, who presented each lady with a red rose. Those celebrating a special occasion were given an arrangement of flowers.

The first floor of the Bent’s Opera House has been transformed into a fine dining venue after the site was last used as a bank.

While the menu is limited, the chef stresses it will change seasonally with produce being grown locally.

Beer and wine were available the first weekend, but future plans include having a bartender and full selection of mixed drinks.

An added touch was a violinist who played throughout the evening.

After eating, guests were invited to tour all three floors of the building, including the 10 designer-themed hotel rooms and the historic opera house. That will not be allowed once the hotel rooms are rented, although Heather has said in the future they may have Sunday brunches, which could include a tour of the opera house.

The opera house is ready to rent for special occasions and hotel rooms are also ready to welcome guests.

Lynne Menz of Point Breeze and Kelly Kiebala of Medina were among the guests who visited Harvest on opening weekend. Menz was celebrating a birthday and received an arrangement of flowers and a box of Della’s chocolates.

“I have such gratitude to Roger for taking the initiative to save this building and for taking it off the hands of the Orleans Renaissance Group,” said Menz, who works as the marketing manager for the Orleans County Tourism Department. “I was overwhelmed with gratitude and tearful joy when I entered the Opera House for the first time this past weekend – and on my birthday, no less. Just about eight years ago, I was giving tours of the building in its decrepit shape and promoting its history and potential.

“I couldn’t imagine how we, the Orleans Renaissance Group, were going to afford to bring this gem back to life. Between the opera house, the boutique hotel and Harvest Restaurant, I was absolutely thrilled to see a whole new level of class and distinction the Hungerfords have created on the four corners of Medina. As the coordinator for Orleans County Tourism, I am anxious to begin promoting Bent’s Opera House as a destination worth traveling long distances to experience. Roger and Heather have truly raised the bar in our region.”

ORG had originally been given the building by Bank of America, not realizing the deteriorating condition of the building. When it became evident they would not have the money to save the building, they sought out Hungerford.

Restoring the door to the former bank vault and adding some flourishes to that door is one of the touches that makes the Bent’s a one-of-kind destination.

Kiebala, who is director of Orleans County Job Development, said dining there was an unforgettable experience.

While choices were limited to two fish entrees, or beef, pork or chicken, Kiebala said she thought the menu was very well thought out. Chef Heydel was even able to accommodate a vegetarian.

“The dining room was spacious and comfortable and the servers were friendly and efficient,” Kiebala said.

She also raved about the tour of the hotel rooms.

“The combinations of elements were unique but they all pulled together wonderfully,” she said.

Georgia Thomas of Medina brought guests from Lockport. They all thought their meal was phenomenal and said they will be back. Thomas said the crème brulee was out of this world.

“To think there is something like this in Medina is absolutely awesome,” Thomas said. “My cousins were absolutely overwhelmed.”

Harvest is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reservations for dining or for the hotel may be made by calling (585) 318-2110.

The Bent’s Opera House looms large in downtown Medina. The building has undergone a major transformation.

The number of active Covid-19 cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is down to 1, with none in Genesee and the 1 in Orleans, according to the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.

The local health departments provided the update on Thursday. On Tuesday there was also 1 case in the two counties, but it was in Genesee.

The Covid cases in the two counties have steadily dropped. On July 1, there were 4 cases in the two counties, with 2 in both Genesee and Orleans. On June 4, there were 22 active cases, with 11 in both counties.

On May 28, there were 78 cases with 33 in Genesee and 45 in Orleans, and 108 on May 14 with 43 in Genesee and 65 in Orleans.

On January 7, the number of active cases in the two counties topped 500 with 279 in Orleans and 238 in Genesee.