Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A crowd of people watches the Albion ladder truck go down Main Street during Saturday’s parade for the Albion Strawberry Festival.

The parade brought out thousands of people along East Avenue and Main Street.

The two-day Albion Strawberry Festival has been a community celebration since 1986, with lots of food, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the big parade.

The Damascus Shriners Mini-Cars were back in the parade after their debut last year and they were a clear crowd favorite.

Annette Finch served as the parade’s grand marshal. She worked more than 40 years at Community Action, assisting people in crisis situations. She also has been a very active volunteer in Albion’s recreation programs.

The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.

The Albion marching band performed patriotic music in tribute to the country’s 250^th anniversary. Several marching bands were in the parade.

The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.

Celes Paratore, an Orleans County 4-H’er, needed to scoop up a goat that ran out of energy near the end of the parade. Celes was promoting 4-H programs and the fair from July 27 to Aug. 1

Trellis Pore, pastor of the Shiloh Church in Albion, played music and brought a joyful presence to the parade. He was joined by several people from the  “judgement free” church.

Albion’s T-Ball and youth baseball teams tossed candy to eager youngsters along Main Street.

Kerry Panek and her grandchildren celebrated 40 years of Panek’s Pickin Patch on West Countyhouse Road.

Mr. Septic brought smiles to the crowd with this float. “You dump it, we pump it!” the business declared. Many businesses joined in the parade.

The Eye of Oden K9 Training had about 15 dogs and their handlers in the parade.

Justin Kania, front, and Josh Schoeberlein were out promoting Legendary Exterior Services.

Will Plummer served as king and Julia Graham was queen of the Strawberry Festival. Both are Albion High School students active in community service.

Orly the Ox and his brother Scout were in the parade. Orly debuted last year as the Orleans County bicentennial mascot. This year Orly is joined by his brother in promoting the country’s 250^th anniversary. Oxen were critical in the county’s early days, transporting pioneers and helping them to plant crops and work the land.

Dance Reflections by Miss Heather had a patriotic float for the country’s 250^th anniversary. Dance Reflections also is celebrating 20 years in Albion.

These quilters from the Town and Country Quilt Shop displayed patriotic quilts in honor of the 250^thanniversary of the country.

Jeremy Neal drives a 1955 Farmhall Cub tractor as part of the display for the CURE Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Neal’s son Byron passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023.

CSAT, the  Charter School for Applied Technologies from Buffalo, had a large presence with its marching band.

The Holley-Kendall marching band have been mainstays at the Strawberry Festival in recent years.

Jake Jackson next will compete in Junior International Championship Series in Jacksonville

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jake Jackson practices pool in the family garage at their home on Mill Road, in anticipation of his next competition June 26 in Jacksonville, Fla.

MEDINA – Billiards isn’t a hobby for Jake Jackson, a 17-year-old student at Lyndonville High School. It’s his passion.

Jake has been playing pool since he was old enough to reach the pool table in his parent’s garage, where he used to watch his father practice.

Jake is a son of Roger and Terah Jackson, who aspires to be a professional pool player. He has already made a name for himself on the pool tournament circuit, sometimes beating an opponent older and more experienced. He was the 2024 New York State Junior 10-Ball champion; the 2025 and 2026 Joss Northeast Junior 9-Ball champion and finished third in 2025 in National Junior 8 Ball.

Jake is currently practicing for the Junior International Championship Series in Jacksonville, Fla. on June 26. Then from July 5-11, he will be in DuBuque, Iowa, for the Junior National World Qualifiers.

After that he will compete in the Junior World Championship in San Antonio, followed by the Joss Northeast 9-ball finals at Turning Stone Casino.

“Jake accomplished many great things in the past year,” his father said.

Out of more than 24 competitions in which he competed in the past year, in April, Jake was fifth out of 117 players in Toronto; at the Super Billiards Expo, at the Bison Billiards Expo he won against a 684 Fargo 10-0 and finished one spot from the final draw; he was first at the Bison Billiards Scotch Doubles with Bryan Namulik; in January he was second at the Joss, Massachusetts State Championships, an adult open tournament with a field of 77 players; he was second in January at the SVB 10-Ball Showdown at Billiard Breakdown; also in January he won the Bison Billiard BCA 8-Ball; and racked up four more firsts and a third at competitions throughout New York and Florida.

Jake said he used to practice three hours a day, while maintaining an 85 average in school, but now he is working on techniques and concentrating with his dad on how to handle stressful situations when competition is tough and the games are close.

While his dream is to graduate and make a living playing pool, he has a back-up plan, he said.

“I am going to BOCES taking building trades,” he said.

Jake has acquired several sponsors, including Adam Japal – Musashi Cues, Mid-West Carbon Technologies, In the Box Sportswear, Bison Billiards of Williamsville, Team Level up Junior Billiards, Billiard Breakdown of East Rochester, Pechauer Custom Cues and RackStar Billiards.

Attending these competitions creates the need for fundraising, and Jake is currently selling raffle tickets on a pool stick. Tickets can be purchased from his mother at Salon de Coiffeur on Maple Ridge Road.

Provided photo: Jake Jackson concentrates on a shot during a recent pool competition.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kim Hazel, the Albion town clerk, helps to corral the turtles after the race in the Erie Canal this afternoon.

ALBION – The turtle race is one of the afternoon highlights during the second day of the Albion Strawberry Festival. There are usually 1,000 turtles in the race. This year the race was expanded with a capacity of 1,500. There ended up being 1,200 tickets sold. Each turtle represented two tickets – one in a green number and one in yellow.

Organizers also expanded the prizes from five for $1,000 total to six winners at $1,700 total.

The winners included: first place at $500 (two) – Kevin Sheehan and Mindy Recco; second place at $250 (two) – Joe Sidonio and Village of Albion (ticket bought by mayor Tim McMurray); third place at $100 (two) – Don Colquhoun and Tracey VanSkiver.

Several of winners opted to donate the prize winnings back to the festival.

The turtles get dumped from the Main Street bridge. From left include County legislator Skip Draper, and top ticket seller Jarred Saj, the Turtle, Strawberry Festival Princess Hazel Bringenberg, Queen Julia Graham, High School principal Jennifer Ashbery, Sheriff Chris Bourke, Orleans County Emergency Management director Justin Niederhofer, Albion mayor Tim McMurray, Albion Police Chief Dave Mogle and Aric Albright, Albion’s sewer plant superintendent.

Jarred Saj walks in the parade next to the Turtle mascot. Saj has been the perennial top ticket seller for the race. Thos year he set a new by selling 580 of the 1,200 tickets. He broke last year’s record of 480. Saj said he starts selling the tickets in February. They are $5 each or five for $20. The proceeds go towards helping to fund the festival.

Saj sold three of six winning tickets – Kevin Sheehan, Joe Sidonio and Don Colquhoun.

Corey Winters, director of the Orleans County Planning and Development Department, and Kim Hazel, the Albion town clerk, are in kayaks and they wait for the winning turtles.

A good-size crowd gathered along the canal to watch the action. The rubber turtles make quick work of the race due to some wind and the current in the canal.

After last year’s race lasted about a hour, this year’s was done in about 8 minutes.

Chris and Karen Watt have retired from the business

From left, Chris and Karen Watt are with Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and Main Street store manager Cassie Healy, after the Watts donated truckloads of merchandise to the store.

ALBION – Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store recently received a massive donation of merchandise that will result in tremendous benefit to the store, and ultimately, the community.

“We are so excited about this generous gift,” said Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “Since I have been in healthcare, Karen has always been a strong advocate for me and my work, and for that I am truly grateful.”

Store manager Cassie Healy explained how the donation came about.

“Several weeks ago, I received a call from Karen asking if there was any way we could pick up some stuff from their gift shop,” Healy said. “She said there was shelving and lots of merchandise.”

“Lots” turned out to be an understatement.

“We filled our trucks twice and our van two or three times,” Healy said.

 Merchandise included the entire stock of Watts Farm former gift shop and farm market, such as garden and lawn décor, pictures, a lot of gift items (all new) and cabinets.

Karen Watt stands amid some of the items she recently donated to Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store.

“This is going to help our entire agency,” Healy said. “We are going to send some shelving to our other locations. This merchandise will offer our customers new options when shopping and expand our customer base. There are many things we don’t usually have, such as outdoor flags, garden decorations and greeting cars. Our shelves are bursting at the seams.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Karen Watt and Watt Farms for their generous donations from the former farm market,” Hungerford said. “These items are a wonderful addition to our Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store, helping us continue to offer quality merchandise at affordable proves for our community. Partnerships like this make a meaningful difference, and we really appreciate their support.”

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in the summer.

The store is located at 131 South Main St. in Albion.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kindergarten through third-grade students sang “Get up and Go” at Thursday’s graduation at Orleans County Christian School.

MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School hosted its Award Night and Graduation on Thursday night at the school at 5329 South Gravel Rd.

Two students graduated – Elijah Fields from high school, and Kavik Ambrose from kindergarten. Dozens more received special awards.

The evening began with a welcome by Dawn Zaidel, principal, and Ayesha Kreutz, administrator, who introduced Pastor Kevin Lawson as the emcee. Kreutz said the students pick who they want to be their speaker, and they chose Pastor Lawson.

“We are excited to celebrate the successes of students, staff, teachers, students helping other students, the board, family and administration,” Kreutz said. “We give thanks for them.”

Teachers Laura Fields, Mary Hollenbeck and Krista Lawson brought in their Pre-K – 4th grade classes, who sang “Get up and Go.” They were joined by the middle and high school students, who then sang “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”

A variety of awards were handed out by Laura Fields, Mary Hollenbeck, Kirsta Lawson and Carole Watson. Categories were Compassion, Fruit of Spirit, Joy, Forgiveness, Shield of Bravery, Boldness, Creative Thinker, Joyfulness and Generosity.

Sarah Walker, music teacher, was introduced and commended for her dedication coming from Rochester as a volunteer to provide music for the students.

This was followed by Middle High School students singing “Leave it at the River” and “Love, Joy, Peace.”

(Left) Isabella Devore gets a high honor roll award from teacher Mike Miner. (Right) Laura Fields, a teacher at Orleans County Christian School, presented the high school diploma to her adopted daughter Elijah Fields at the Award Night and Graduation Celebration on Thursday night.

Other awards were presented by Zaidel to Lucian Wright and a Courageous Award to Jayden Goodrich from Mike Miner. Phillip Shannon received the Heart of Gold Award, while Molly Frasier was recognized as an “Exceptional Young Lady.”

Levi Summers was recipient of the “Friendliness Award.”

Honor students with a 94 or above average were Ezra Sugar, Isabella Devore and Elijah Fields.

Other awards were presented by Zaidel to Lucian Wright and a Courageous Award to Jayden Goodrich from Mike Miner. Phillip Shannon received the Heart of Gold Award, while Molly Frasier was recognized as an “Exceptional Young Lady.”

Levi Summers was recipient of the “Friendliness Award.”

Honor students with a 94 or above average were Ezra Sugar, Isabella Devore and Elijah Fields.

Administrator Ayesha Kreutz gives Ryilee Olson the Triple C award from the New York State Attorney General’s office.

Awards for Highest Math Score Overall were presented Elijah Fields. Abbigail Smith received most improved.

Riylee Olson also earned the Triple C Award from the New York State Attorney General, while Ezra Fields received the Presidential Education Award.

An achievement award for academic excellence from the New York State Comptroller went to Isabella Devore.

Ezra Sugar received a Gold Seal Presidential Award for academic excellence.

Pastor Lawson had a message of encouragement for students.

“You can do anything in this world you want to do,” he said. “You can do great things. Turn your heart to God; go do and chase what is in your heart to do.”

Elijah Fields was valedictorian. She said she is thankful for her teacher Laura Fields helping her through some struggles.

“Thank you for welcoming me,” she said. “I can’t describe my gratitude for my teacher.”

Her advice to fellow students was, “Even though you are troubled and have issues, you can stand still, or you can move forward.”

Kreutz gave recognition to Becky Miner, who serves as lunch monitor. Anytime she is needed or anything she can do, she is right there.

A floral arrangement was presented to Curt and Linda Strickland for more than 30 years of support to the Christian School.

“This school is moving forward today because of Curt and Linda,” Lawson said.

The evening was closed in prayer by Pastor Tim Lindsay.

Orleans County Christian School’s board of education members were introduced at Thursday’s graduation and awards night. From left are Shelcy Plueckhahn, Kim Jones, board chair Pastor Kevin Lawson, Mike Zaidel and Curt Strickland. Absent was Mike Watts.

(Left) From left, Principal Dawn Zaidel, sound man Charlie Hettrick and chaplain and administrator Ayesha Kreutz were introduced to the audience at Orleans County Christian School’s graduation Thursday night. (Right) Sarah Walker, music teacher, and Jayden Wodrick talk about the song their class made up.

Students of Orleans County Christian School entertain during graduation and awards celebration Thursday night. Front row, from left, are Karena McGill, Seth Anderson, Immanuel Devore (back to audience) and Nolan Sugar. Second row, Kavick Ambrose (face hidden), Isabella Devore, Ezra Sugar and Zorina Wright. Back row, Lucian Wright, Levi Summers, Elijah Fields, Jayden Wodrich, Phillip Shannon, Abbigail Smith, Ryilee Olsen and Molly Frasier.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The food court on East Bank Street was packed on Friday evening for the Albion Strawberry Festival.

There are about 25 food vendors this year for the festival. The festival expanded the food court area to include the village municipal lot at Platt and Bank Street.

The Strawberry Festival continues today. The two-day event first started in 1986.

Heidi Pask, left, and Tiffany Crawford have fun making a strawberry shortcake sundae outside the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, which hosted a chicken barbecue. Steven Crawford is in back. The trio are members of the Albion Music Boosters.

The band, Stanton, performed on the lawn in front of the County Courthouse. Mike Zelazny, front, plays the guitar while Greg Stanton is the lead singer. Matt Stanton is on bass (back right), Frank Sarchia on drums, and Rick Braham plays guitar (back left).

The Stanton band plays cover tunes from Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty, Tragically Hip, the Byrds, Joe Cocker, Traveling Wilburys, Barry McGuire, J.J. Cale, America, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, the Who, Beatles, Steppenwolf, Roy Orbison, Kiss, Rolling Stones, Monkees, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Marshall Tucker Band, Van Morrison and John Mellencamp.

A trackless train gave kids a ride around the Courthouse Square.

The family fun center included many games, face painting, bounce houses, a small fry tractor pull and also a chance to pet a rabbit. The Cornell Cooperative Extension brought the rabbit and also made tickets available for the upcoming fair at buy one get one free ($10 for week-long admission).

Abby Smith, the CCE communications coordinator and digital literacy program coordinator, joined CCE executive director Robertt Batt with the rabbit. The mini lop is owned by Batt’s daughter, Gracie.

The band V3 performed at the west end of East bank Street in the food court. They are shown singing “Zombie” by The Cranberries. V3 includes lead singer Kole Moore, Alex Fitzak on guitar, Jesse Neely on bass, and Shelby Starr, the drummer.

Today’s schedule includes:

• 8 a.m. – 5k/8k race with start on East State Street near Courthouse
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Craft vendors open (Craft Area Sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97: Albion Masons)
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food vendors open with new options and locations for 2026!
• 10 a.m. – Parade (Sponsored by Nathan Lyman) Marching bands include: The Gates Keystone Police Pipes & Drums, Downbeat Percussion, Mighty St. Joes Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, Holley/Kendall HS, Pembroke Dragons, Batavia HS, Albion Purple Eagles, Mark Time Marchers, Damascus Shriners Mini-Cars & much more!
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Cruise-In on East State Street (Sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97: Albion Masons)
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Soul Street, Food Court East Stage
• 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Black Cherry Voodoo, Courthouse Square Stage
• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. –Festival Family Fun Center Free Fun: Main Street with Interactive Family Games, Bounce Houses, McDonalds Characters (2 to 5 p.m.) Other Fun for a Fee: Main Street – “I Got it!”, Face Painting and Caricatures
• 1 to 5 p.m. – Car Seat Safety Check, Albion Police Department, East Park Street
• 1 to 5 p.m. – Child Safety IDs, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, East Park Street
• 2 p.m. – Turtle Race, Erie Canal Bridge
• 3 to 5 p.m. – Chris Moore, outside at Marti’s on Main, 20 S. Main St.
• 3 to 5:30 p.m. – 104 Country, Food Court West Stage
• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – The Who Dats Band, Food Court East Stage

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – We are pleased to announce that the Orleans County Animal Shelter, operated under the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, has received a $500,000 grant under the 2025-2026 New York State Companion Animal Projects Funds Grant Program.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Inspectors issued reports in 2024 and 2025 indicating that our shelter was not in compliance with current and newly enacted standards with respect to the infrastructure and animal housing areas of our facility. Undersheriff Donald Draper Jr., along with our Animal Control Officers, worked with the NYS Ag and Markets Officials to identify the areas of our shelter in need of improvement  The Companion Animal Projects Grant application required a tremendous amount of work including identifying contractors to provide quotes for the mandatory upgrades to bring us into compliance with state standards.

The Orleans County Animal Shelter needs concrete replacement, drainage repair and replacement, new inside and outside kennels and related equipment, a new HVAC system for proper temperature control, electrical work and lighting, resizing the inside housing areas for dogs and cats to meet new standards along with other structural work.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers will continue to respond to calls for service regarding issues with dogs and cats. We will temporarily house cats when necessary pursuant to the NYS Public Health Law and the Agriculture and Markets Law. We currently have very limited suitable space for cats.

Our Shelter cannot be a drop-off location for cats, but we are working closely with our cat rescue partners locally and in Western New York to find suitable placements for cats in need of care and housing. We are also in the process of rebuilding our shelter’s volunteer program along with partnering with local rescues to ensure we provided the opportunity for as many animals as possible to find new homes. Our goal is to serve our community and care for our animals to the best of our ability.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Everly Sprague, 3, of Kendall gets a strawberry painted on her face by artist Alex Thom of Lockport.

The Albion Strawberry Festival started today and has a full schedules of events over two days.

Becky Karls leads the festival committee in her third year as chairperson. She said there are 75 arts and crafts vendors, 25 food vendors and 25 other businesses with displays at the festival.

She said the committee has worked hard the past year on the festival.

Trevor Thaine is committee leader of the arts and crafts vendors. The 75 vendors this year is up from 65 last year. Thaine said the vendors come from as far as Oswego, Albany and the Finger Lakes. Most are from Orleans County and the neighboring counties.

The crafters like the small town feel of the Strawberry Festival and the big crowd after the parade on Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

Thaine has been a vendor the past 15 years as an ambassador for Tastefully Simple.

Christine Mann serves up a pulled pork meal with cole slaw at Mann vs. Food which she runs with her husband, Scott, who is in the back. East Bank Street is full of food vendors.

A customer looks to try some of the kettle corn, which was available in several flavors, including strawberry.

Pastor Al Wilson and his wife Ykeeta serve up a strawberry shortcake in abooth run by the Royal Body Shop Ministries.

The festival schedule for today includes:

• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food vendors open
• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Craft vendors open (Craft area sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97: Albion Masons)
• 3 to 7 p.m. – Festival Family Fun Center Free Fun: Main Street Pedal Tractor Pull, Interactive Family Games, Bounce Houses
• Other Fun for a Fee: Main Street – “I Got it!,” Trackless Train, Face Painting and Caricatures
• 4 to 6:30 p.m. – Chicken BBQ and Strawberry Shortcake, First Presbyterian Church
• 4 to 6:30 p.m. – Feedback, Food Court East Stage
• 5 to 7 p.m. – Stanton Rock N Roll Band Courthouse Square Stage
• 6:30 to 9 p.m. – V3, Food Court West Stage
• 7 to 9 p.m. – Jim Aina outside at Marti’s on Main, 20 S. Main St.

Diane Shiffer is a much loved social media influencer who spreads joy, encourages kindness

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Diane Shiffer holds a copy of her book, “The Smallest of Joys: How to Create Your Own Magic, Let Your Best Be Enough & Find Contentment Exactly as You Are.” The 248-page book became available in April and has earned rave reviews. On Amazon, it has a 4.9 rating out of 5 from 150 reviewers.

Shiffer has been featured in Forbes magazine, The Buffalo News and interviewed on many other podcasts. She also has been mentioned in The New York Times and is included on best-seller lists.

“Whether you’ve been following Diane for years or are just meeting her now, this book is like a warm teacup in your hands and a soft blanket around your shoulders,” Amazon states in promoting the book. “A modern antidote to hustle culture and self-criticism, it’s a reminder that kindness—especially toward yourself—can be a powerful way to live.”

On Thursday she signed copies of her book at Hoag Library. Shiffer has more than 2 million followers through Instagram and TikTok on social media where she is known as the Cubby Vintage Nana. She spreads messages of kindness and loving others.

Shiffer, 68, is a retired Head Start educator and social worker. She started to go viral on social media during the pandemic in 2020 when she posted short videos of her in daily life – baking, sewing, doing household chores, sharing words about kindness, and showcasing some of her vintage finds, such as potholders.

Shiffer, after her book-signing on Thursday, said she was happy to meet people in person. She appreciates the connection through social media and the positive feedback about her book.

“It is very affirming to see it resonating with people,” she said. I appreciate it so much.”

Diane Shiffer signs a book for Judy Tucker of Albion. Shiffer’s son Noah is sitting next to her.

“She’s positive and she shares her joy,” said Tucker, a retired high school librarian. “She is peaceful and loving.”

Shiffer’s son Noah, 27, is a lineman for RG&E. He was earned his Eagle Scout rank in Albion in Troop 64. He said he is pleased to see so many people with a deep appreciation for his mother.

“She’s always been a phenomenon in my life,” Noah said. “She’s my superhero. People ask is she really that sweet in real life. I tell them she’s even better.”

This photo shows Diane Shiffer signing a book for Lori Laine. Shiffer brought a vintage tablecloth for the book signing.

“She’s so calming,” Laine said. “It’s like sitting and having coffee with your grandma.”

Laine said she has been following Shiffer’s videos for at least two years.

“People want to get back to the basics,” Laine said.

Shiffer signs a copy of her book for Rebecca Schiffer, 39, of Medina, who was excited to meet the author. Schiffer brought her two daughters, Mabel and Harriet, right.

“I have been following her for years,” Schiffer said about Diane. “She is always doing the right thing. She is so inspirational.”

Schiffer said Diane is kind, and also courageous. The author wore a “Black Lives Matter” pin during the book-signing.

“She is incredible and spreads so much joy,” Schiffer said. “She stands up for what she believes in.”

Cindy Albone of Clarendon wanted to meet Shiffer in person and attended the book-signing. Albone sees the power in Shiffer’s message.

“It really is the little things,” Albone said. “Most people are looking for something simpler, rather than the chaos.”

Carlton resident invites people to join him in runs at local high school tracks

Provided photo: Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, is shown on June 4, 2023 entering New York State, the eighth and final state of a 1,300-mile journey on foot. That year he ran 50 marathons in 50 days to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski raised $110,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.

CARLTON – Brett Sobieraski has announced he is tackling another very ambitious, and nearly human-defying endurance challenge: He will run 400 miles over eight days in a  benefit for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, plans to run 55 miles each day the first seven days and then 15 miles the final day. He welcomes people to join him on the track, even if it’s just for a lap.

He expects to be out there for about 12 hours each of the 55-mile days, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The schedule includes:

• Saturday, July 18 – Albion High School for 55 miles
• Sunday, July 19 – Lyndonville HS for 55 miles
• Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
• Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
• Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
• Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
• Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

For more on the 400-mile challenge, including sponsorship, click here or contact Jackie Dunham at Community Action, (585) 589-5605, ext. 110.

Sobrieski, a retired Rochester Police sergeant, currently works as an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force. He also is a member of this year’s Leadership Orleans class.

He has completed endurance challenges before. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.

That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him in Rochester.

Sobieraski, despite nearing 60, wanted to tackle a new challenge this year for Community Action. He wants to raise at least $20,000 for the agency which has faced federal and state funding cuts.

“It’s a fantastic organization that is all about giving hands-up, not handouts,” he said. ‘Let’s help them so they can continue to change lives for the better.”

Some of the programs offered by Community Action include:

• transportation for the elderly and disabled
• food and clothing
• home cooling and weatherization projects
• thrift store services
• work place job training and counseling
• prom dresses along with credit counseling for high school students
• Head Start programs to assist with learning, child care and family services
• Through their Project Salus, help adolescents with the support from education to financial

Photo by Tom Rivers: Bert Gallmon, left, is the race director for the Albion Strawberry Festival. He helps Brett Sobieraski put on the Strawberry costume for the race five years ago. Someone will often dress as a strawberry during the race. The race will be Saturday in Albion at 8 a.m. Sobieraski plans to be at the race on Saturday.

Provided photos: (Left) Carol Wachob, left, handed out gifts and information for Early Head Start at Orleans Community Health’s Children’s Wellness Fair May 30. Tina Schleede manned the table for Community Action. (Right) Lindsay Wilston does face painting at the Children’s Wellness Fair May 30 sponsored by Orleans Community Health.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health welcomed nearly 130 members of the community and distributed 53 bike helmets at their Children’s Wellness Fair May 30. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the park south of Medina Memorial Hospital.

The event served as a fun and educational kickoff to summer, while promoting health, safety and wellness for local children, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing.

The fair featured a variety of interactive activities designed to engage children while teaching important health and safety concepts. Young attendees had the opportunity to dress like doctors and nurses, take their stuffed animals through a mini exam and test their skills on a specially designed obstacle course.

Several community partners played an important role in the event’s success, Robinson said. Representatives from the Orleans County Department of Mental Health, Community Action and Early Head Start provided valuable information and resources for children and families. Members  of Wrights Corners Boy Scout Troop 40 kept everyone cool by serving free snow cones throughout the event.

A popular attraction was face painting, where Lindsay Wilston, a team member from Orleans Community Health, maintained a steady line of children eager to be transformed into their favorite characters and animals.

(Left) Medina Fire Department brought a fire truck and ambulance, which children enjoyed exploring and learning about firsthand. (Right) Boy Scout Troop 40 from Wrights Corners served free snow cones during Orleans Community Health’s Wellness Fair.

 The village of Medina Fire Department joined the festivities, bringing both a fire truck and an ambulance for children to explore and learn about emergency services firsthand.

A major focus of the event was bicycle safety, and Orleans Community Health distributed 53 bicycle helmets to children, helping ensure they are protected as they enjoy outdoor activities this summer.

Orleans Community Health extends its sincere thanks to all community partners, volunteers, staff members and families who participated and helped make the Children’s Wellness Fair a memorable and successful event.

Orleans Community Health also announced Family Fun Fridays through the summer. These special events will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 10, 24, Aug. 7 (in Lyndonville) and Aug. 21. These activities will be an opportunity to enjoy special events and meet with community organizations throughout the summer. The three in Medina will be in the park south of the hospital, and in Lyndonville at the Yates Park pavilion.

In addition, the July 10 event will include the YMCA doing field day activities, and on July 24, Hometown Wellness will put on a children’s yoga session.

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kimony Hamilton, 22, of Albion was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography.

In addition, Kaitlyn Seekings, 28, of Jamestown, NY, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography.

The distribution and receipt of child pornography charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, in March 2025, the New York State Police received multiple reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Snapchat users identified as “kseekings25,” (defendant Seekings) “angel_smith354,” “jordan638p,” and “jordan2025_3,” (defendant Hamilton) had uploaded image files of suspected child pornography.

In July 2025, the State Police executed a search warrant at an Albion address, during which they spoke with an individual, later identified as Kemony Hamilton, who stated that he received child pornography from a friend he met online named “Kate Seekings.”

Subsequent investigation recovered messages shared between the two during which they shared files containing child pornography as well as discussed meeting in Jamestown so that Hamilton could have sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female that “Seekings” would provide access to.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins. The complaints are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.