Photos by Ginny Kropf: Curt Follman of Waterport welcomes the 15 participants in the Run for the Fallen who spent the night at his home on Saturday. Runners left Syracuse on Friday morning and arrived in Buffalo on Sunday. Along the way, they stop, display a flag and say a prayer for a fallen soldier.

Jeanne Crane and her daughter Kelly Follman take time for a picture during supper at Follman’s home, where they hosted participants in the Run for Fallen on Saturday night.

WATERPORT – A local family, Curt and Kelly Follman of Waterport, first heard about the Run for the Fallen when Kelly met Lori Jablonski in Annapolis, where the Follmans’ daughter Annabelle attends. Jablonski was organizer of the run for several years.

Last year, the Follmans offered to host a contingent of runners at their home overnight, and repeated the invitation again this year. Saturday night, 15 participants, some runners and others a support crew, arrived for supper and spent the night. A neighbor on vacation also offered use of their home for the runners.

The Follmans have a lot of reasons to support those who served in the military. Curt is a veteran; son Thomas is a captain in the Marines; daughter Elisabeth is a staff sergeant, employed in cyber security; son Roy John is a first-class petty officer in the Coast Guard; daughter Annabelle attends Annapolis; son Aaron is a police officer in Washington, D.C.; and son Sam is a firefighter and paramedic in Illinois. Only their oldest daughter Kayleen chose a different career – a singer, and she is a soprano living in Texas.

Curt said when Kelly, who is a teacher in Lyndonville, retires in July, they will be doing some traveling to visit their children.

The Run for the Fallen starts in Syracuse and ends in Buffalo on Sunday at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. Runners cover 50 miles a day, accompanied by support vehicles and take turns running and riding.

Stops are designated along the way to salute a flag dedicated to a New York hero and his or her family. This run there were 142 heroes honored.

On Saturday evening, Jablonski presented a flag to Curt and Kelly, in return for their hospitality.

The run is a way of keeping spirits of fallen service members alive, aiding in the healing process of their comrades, and thanking the New York families who have been affected by the war for their sacrifices.

Linda Jackson of Starkville, who was accompanied by her daughter Amy Geweye, said for 10 years she made 10 dozen peanut butter cookies with chocolate frosting for the participants. She has driven a support vehicle for 11 years.

This was the fifth year for Nancy Weber of Syracuse. Her father was a Navy veteran and served in Vietnam.

“I do it for him,” she said.

Information on the New York Run for the Fallen and how to donate can be found on their website at newyork.usarunforthefallen.org or www.honorandremember.org.

Curt and Kelly Follman of Wilson Road Extension welcomed runners in the Run for Life Saturday night for the second time. At their home here are Kelly’s mother, Jeanne Crane, Shari Rotoli of Holley, Curt Follman and David Rotoli. Curt and David are both veterans.

Linda Jackson and Amy Geweye, both of Starkville, are silhouetted against Lake Ontario at the home of Curt and Kelly Follman, where they spent the night as two of the participants in the Run for the Fallen.

Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo of Dave Green was shared during a slide show at his funeral at the East Shelby Fire Hall, where he was an active member the past 65 years. Green died at age 83 on May 22. Green never left the East Shelby community, where many people considered him the “mayor.”

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby fire hall was packed with about 300 people on Sunday to say good bye to Dave Green, a much-loved retired sheriff and stayed very active in his retirement, organizing classic car shows and volunteering with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Green, 83, was praised for his professionalism as sheriff and as the county’s fire coordinator/emergency management director. Green had extraordinary people skills that allowed him to work with the top law enforcement officials in the region and also to connect with inmates in the county jail.

“Dave’s great genius was in how he dealt with people,” said James Punch, retired Orleans County Court judge who also was the county district attorney, a role where he worked closely with Green when he was sheriff. “He could make anyone feel like he was their best friend no matter what walk of life.”

James Punch, who is retired as Orleans County Court judge and district attorney, delivers a eulogy at Sheriff Dave Green’s funeral on Sunday. Green earned the respect of the law enforcement community in Western New York. Punch said there were five murders his first 18 months as DA, and Green and the Sheriff’s Department did excellent police work leading to convictions in all the cases.

Green pulled off the rare feat of being elected as a Democrat to a countywide position in Orleans County, were Republicans have a 2-to-1 advantage over Democrats, and Green did it five times. He was first elected in November 1978 and served as sheriff until the end of 1998.

Green had a way of uniting people and brining out their higher calling, whether in the fire service, law enforcement or other community service, Punch said.

When Green retired as sheriff, he worked in the courthouse as a court officer. Punch was the judge. There was another court officer who became good friends with Green: Don White. He was the Republican candidate who lost an election to Green. Several years later they shared laughs and friendship.

“Adversarial politics didn’t make sense to him,” Punch said the retired sheriff.

Green visited inmates in the county jail and treated them as people, the judge said.

“Dave was a natural leader because he cared about everyone and he had the courage to let them know,” Punch said. “I’ve never met anyone who loved people more than Dave or anyone who was loved by more people than Dave.”

Green became sheriff after serving as the county’s fire coordinator and emergency management director. He led the local response during the Blizzard of ’77.

As sheriff, he pushed to create the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, which brought together the law enforcement agencies in the county to work on the most serious crimes.

Punch said Green was often at crime scenes and would interview suspects, often securing their confessions through kindness and understanding. He was respected around the state and served as president of the New York State Sheriff’s Association.

The Rev. Kim Smith, former pastor of the Millville United Methodist Church, said he was honored that Green requested Smith lead the funeral service.

Smith used to call Green when he was sheriff to request an escort for a funeral procession from the church to a local cemetery.

Smith praised Green not only for his community service, but for his 64-year commitment to his wife, Jessie. The two dated throughout high school. They have three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Green attended a one-room schoolhouse before going to the bigger school in Medina. In high school “he became a social butterfly,” Smith said.

He remained very close to the Class of 1961, planning their reunions every five years. He was working on the upcoming 65^th reunion this summer.

Green became a sought after master of ceremonies for fire department banquets, mixing in humor and personal stories about the many firefighters and other volunteers.

“He knew how to interact with people, where others didn’t,” Smith said.

For 25 years Green organized the classic car shows in Medina in the canal basin, including the Super Cruise on Main Street. He had his own classic cars, and he let his grandchildren take them to their senior proms.

Green loved the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. It was his second home, Smith said. Green was prolific at selling raffle tickets and raising money for the fire company, while also empowering its leadership, including Debbie Taylor as the first woman to be fire chief in the county.

Green took great joy driving an East Shelby fire truck in local parades, especially Medina’s Parade of Lights.

Todd Ralph, Dave Green’s cousin, said Green was a great role model of service to his community and family. Green should go into “The Civic Hall of Fame” for his exceptional service over many decades, ralph said.

“He was a mentor, role model and sounding board who helped me grow personally and professionally,” Ralph said. “No one embodied civic virtue like Dave Green.”

Ralph urged the crowd to “carry Dave’s light” and his example forward.

“He was a humanitarian and a splendid one,” Ralph said. “He was a Western New Yorker and a proud one.”

Two of Dave Green’s grandchildren spoke at the service: Ryan McPherson and Sawyer Green. Ryan is the son of Green’s daughter Lisa and Sawyer is the daughter of Green’s son, Jeff.

The grandchildren shared how their grandfather was a mainstay at their sporting events, concerts and other activities.

Dave and Jessie also gladly welcomed their grandkids and now great-grandchildren to their home on East Shelby Road. The grandfather would joke to them that they were just stopping by for snacks.

Dave loved to cheer on the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange basketball teams. He took the Bills losses hard.

“He was a giant in my life,” Ryan McPherson said.

His grandfather was a man of integrity, who put conviction behind everything he did.

Ryan would join his grandfather at Rudy’s Diner in Medina and it was almost nonstop with people stopping by to shake hands and chat with his grandfather. Ryan, when he was a kid, was surprised to see former jail inmates stop by and thank him for treating them fairly.

Ryan said his grandfather helped teach him to drive, and loved to brainstorm ways to raise funds for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, including Ryan’s passion to bring pro wrestling to the community.

“He was a constant presence in my life,” Ryan said. “He always showed up.”

Sawyer Green also praised her grandfather for his presence in his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives.

He loved to share jokes and dispense wisdom: “Don’t trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.”

She said her grandfather was a good man and her hero.

At the end of the service, a county dispatcher said the fireman’s last call for Green, who served was a past fire chief and captain of the fire company, as well as the steward for 41 years.

“His love for the East Shelby Fire Company was immeasurable,” the dispatcher said.

He mentored many of the department’s leaders, offering extraordinary friendship and service to the community, the dispatcher said.

The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company was like a second home to Dave Green, who was a very active member for 65 years.

Other tributes to Green have been posted online at his obituary (click here).

Joe Cardone, retired Orleans County district attorney: “I had the tremendous fortune of working with Dave for several years prior to his retirement. His wisdom and advice guided us through many difficult cases.

As Sheriff he set a benchmark for his successors.  Dave could handle most any difficult situation and he did it with a sense of sincerity and a reassuring smile. He had the respect of the community that he served and he was a beloved role model and educator for the scores of law enforcement officers and firefighters that worked for him.

Despite often dealing with very tragic situations he maintained a great sense of humor. He humbly helped a lot of people throughout his career and made a difference in so many people’s lives. Our community is indebted to Dave for his years of public service and his fund raising for so many charities.  My condolences to the entire family.”

Ron Spike, retired sheriff of Yates County: “Dave was a truly honorable man and community servant and an admired Sheriff. He and Jessie always so welcoming and caring for my Sue when I at a conference meeting. I will always remember his love of ketchup. He had a great smile that said everything without uttering a word. Thank you Dave for your public safety fire, emergency management and law enforcement service. Your contribution to conserving peace will always be remembered. RIP my friend.”

Sue Zinkievich: “We built our house right next to the Greens. They were the best neighbors. I am sad to think he’s gone. He was one of a kind, special man who understood people, great joke teller. Even though I have been gone for 10 years, I still consider them – my East Shelby Family. I love all the Greens! Sending my sympathies to Jesse and the rest of the family rest in peace, Mr. David magnificent Green.”

Arnold Canham: “When the Medina High School Class of 1961 elected David Green as our class President, I doubt we realized back then just how wise our choice was. Here was a regular guy, always smiling, humble and quietly humorous who didn’t ‘make waves.’  In 1965 I moved away, leaving Medina behind and a few years later settled in the Chicago area.

Yet over the years it was always nice to learn about Dave back in Medina taking on responsibility for another activity or quietly guiding a long term function like the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Department. When I learned he was elected Orleans County Sherriff I was not surprised. Why not? Dave was a humble yet caring guy, seemingly a local fixture happily living a comfortable local life.

Years later it felt good to attend class reunions because Dave would be there, still with the smiling personality and quiet jokes. My Mom told me about Sheriff Dave calling when the 1977 major winter storm dumped 3 feet or more of snow on the area. He asked if my dad would use one of his bulldozer machines to help clear the roads. She quoted him as saying, ‘We can settle up later.’ An example of that steady and honorable guy, now in one of his leadership roles getting things done. Somehow, I expect Dave, who went on from high school to accomplish so much, is now ready to quietly help the ‘big guy’ get more things done.”

BOCES autobody repair class made drop box from decommissioned postal box

Photos by Tom Rivers: Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville, speaks during a dedication ceremony on Sunday for a new drop box for old American flags. It is located outside the Village Hall at 2 South Main St.

LYNDONVILLE – The Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post on Sunday dedicated a drop box for old American flags. The drop box was installed on Wednesday by the Village of Lyndonville Department of Public Works.

When Steve Goodrich, the legion post commander, opened it on Sunday, the drop box was packed full of flags. He is happy the public has responded to the drop box. The post today will have its annual flag retirement ceremony at 5 p.m. at Lynhaven Cemetery. The veterans were going to do it on Sunday, Flag Day, but moved it back a day due to the rainstorm yesterday.

Kathryn Jaques, a Girl Scout from Barker, adds a worn flag to the drop box after it was opened by Steve Goodrich, the post commander.

The drop box was made from a decommissioned US postal box. Students in the Orleans-Niagara BOCES Autobody Repair class worked on the drop box, sanding it down, making repairs and repainting it. The bottom had rotted out and needed new metal patch that was welded on.

Roy-Hart student Kaydence Boyle is an artist and airbrushed an American flag on the north side of the drop box, and the Statue of Liberty on the south side. The front of drop box has the Legion logo, which is a vinyl appliqué.

Other students who worked on the project include Jackson Lederhouse, Nicholas Harding, Wesley Rupert and Avion Johnson.

Jim Rozewski, left, is the teacher of the autobody class at BOCES. He attended the dedication on Sunday. Steve Goodrich is in the middle and at right is Rick Boyle of Lyndonville, the great uncle of Kaydence Boyle, the artist for the drop box. Goodrich presented certificates of appreciation to Rozewski and the students involved in the drop box.

Goodrich a year ago attended the dedication ceremony for the Hartland War Memorial on Route 104. The memorial features a decommissioned Vietnam War-era Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. The aircraft is mounted on a pedestal at the grounds of the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.

Goodrich learned at the dedication that the BOCES autobody class worked on the memorial, doing extensive bodywork. They put on a weather-resistant coat of paint, and welded structural components and mounts so the helicopter could be safely elevated.

Goodrich had already reached out to businesses about refurbishing the former mail box but he said the prices were high. He contacted Rozewski to see if the autobody class could help, and Rozewski agreed to take on the project.

The class covered the costs for the materials, with the exception of the Legion Post paying for the clear-coat.

American Legion members Bob Burtwell, left, and Steve Goodrich had their arms full of worn American flags after opening the drop box on Sunday. The flags and others collected in the past year by the post will be retired today with a 5 p.m. ceremony at Lynhaven Cemetery.

Rozewski said the class wanted the drop box to have a worn look to match the condition of the flags, rather than giving the drop box a shiny look.

Rozewski said the class would like to help other veterans’ organizations with projects, including drop boxes for flags.

Terry Cook, a local locksmith put in the new lock, and Rosenal Hardware donated materials to make the lock long enough for the drop box.

Goodrich said the post appreciates the Village Board and DPW for supporting having the box in a prominent location in the community.

Goodrich said post members will be checking the site frequently, especially after seeing so many flags put in there in the first few days.

Photo courtesy of Andy King, art teacher at Kendall Central School

KENDALL – As part of the Flag Day celebration at Kendall Elementary School each year, staff and students gather outside in a formation of red, white and blue.

This year they were organized on Friday to show the numbers 2-5-0, in honor of the 250^th anniversary of the United States.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Gideon Pask is congratulated by Todd Draper, scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Medina, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Gideon received the rank during a Court of Honor celebration today at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Gideon Pask became an Eagle Scout today.

EAST SHELBY – Gideon Pask, a very busy student at Albion Central School, has earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Today, he had a Court of Honor for his Eagle Scout.

Gideon, 18, is the valedictorian at Albion for the Class of 2026. He also is the drum major in the marching band and starred in the school musicals. He also is very active in the school’s chorus and band programs.

“He’s extremely goal-oriented,” said Todd Draper, scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Medina. “If he puts his mind to it, he’ll do it.”

Kids who are busy learn to prioritize and complete their projects, Draper said.

Gideon has made time for Scouting for more than a decade. He initially was part of Troop 175 in Barre until it disbanded.

He completed 28 merit badges, above the required 21 to be an Eagle Scout.

He also completed his community service project at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, adding benches, picnic tables and a sandstone walkway. Gideon has long attended the church, which was led by his grandfather, the late Erik Olsen. Gideon’s uncle Levi is now the pastor.

Gideon follows his brother Eli as an Eagle Scout. Eli earned the rank in 2018. He volunteers as an adult with Troop 28.

“I enjoy the camaraderie,” Gideon said about scouting. “You can meet some of your best friends.”

He said scouts also will have fun camping and will learn first aid, self sufficiency and problem solving, as well as many other skills.

Gideon Pask follows his brother Eli Pask, age 23, as an Eagle Scout. Eli is an adult volunteer with Troop 28. Eli got caught in the afternoon rainstorm before this photo was taken.

The troop is preparing to send 10 scouts and adults volunteers to the Philmont Scout Ranch for 9 days of rugged hiking in the mountains of New Mexico. The group will cover about 50 miles to start the summer.

Gideon will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall to major in electrical engineering. He would like to stay involved with scouts as an adult volunteer, in particular at high-adventure camps like Philmont.

Gideon Pask is shown as drum major for the Albion Marching Band during Saturday’s Albion Strawberry Festival.

Venezuelan man allegedly Tren de Aragua gang member wanted for felony assault in Yonkers

BUFFALO – An illegal alien from Venezuela and suspected member of the transnational terrorist organization Tren de Aragua was arrested in Albion on May 24, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Friday.

Jairo Antonio Molina Moron, 38, was charged by ICE Buffalo’s Fugitive Operations Team officers and U.S. Marshals Service deputies. Moron has charges pending for felony assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon or instrument, ICE stated in a press release.

Molina was paroled into the United States in 2023. The New York City Police Department arrested Molina for assault with intent to cause physical injury in December 2024, but those charges were subsequently dropped, ICE stated.

The Yonkers Police Department arrested Molina for felony assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon or instrument in February 2025. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against him, but local authorities refused to honor it and released Molina back into the community, ICE stated.

“The arrest of Molina Moron is the product of teamwork, coordination and a relentless commitment to protecting communities through collaboration,” said District of Western New York U.S. Marshal Charles Salina. “We are proud to work with our ICE partners and other federal agencies with immigration enforcement efforts.”

Molina is detained in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. ICE’s Buffalo field office is responsible for conducting immigration enforcement in 48 of the 62 counties in New York.

“Transnational criminal gang members are not welcome in New York,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations New York acting Field Office Director Philip Rhoney. “We will never waver in our resolve to ensure these criminals gang members are not free to terrorize New Yorkers. I am grateful to our officers and our federal partners for their work to keep violent illegal aliens off the streets in our state and our country.”

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.