By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 10:02 am
Center in response to students with limited access to shower, laundry facilities
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Mark Hungerford, Cassie Healy, program director of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action and Mark’s wife. They stand by the new shower installed in the Fresh Start Care Center, due to open soon for disadvantaged youth in the area who have limited access to shower and laundry facilities.
ALBION – A new service developed out of the Health Leadership Fellows Program is about to be launched at Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store at 131 South Main St.
Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford took part in the Health Leadership Fellows Program last fall, during which their team was required to execute a health-enhancing project.
The result was developing a program, which Hungerford described as “a groundbreaking initiative,” designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Mark Hungerford and Cassie Healy demonstrate the new washer/dryer installed in the Fresh Start Care Center at Community Action’s Main Street store. Youths can come in and wash their clothes and/or shower.
After months of planning and facing cuts in program financing, Hungerford has announced the Fresh Start Care Center will be up and running by the time school starts this fall.
The Fresh Start Care Center is in response to alarming data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, and Hungerford said some places lack basic plumbing. Cassie Healy, program manager at the Main Street store, is also manager of the Credit Recovery program which COAG runs in the store. During their sessions, Healy learned that children were standing in line to shower in the nurse’s office at Albion school. She also learned there were many homeless children living in the Albion area.
Since acquiring the former American Legion building, Community Action has continued to add programs and services for the community, including the main attraction, a thrift store; a free prom giveaway, which has spread to include more than half a dozen schools in the area; the credit recovery program, in which as many as 30 teens at a session have participated; a private booth for veterans to use the internet; and now the Fresh Start Care Center, located in what was once the men’s restroom.
The first phase of the Care Center project was completed with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the work and dedication of volunteers, including Mark Hungerford and Dan and Cassie Healy, who spent weekends installing plumbing, electrical wiring and setting up the space. Jim Babcock was contacted to install the shower.
At lunch one day, Hungerford was talking to Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, about how their agencies could partner. She mentioned the need for a shower, and shortly after, Shurtz announced he and his wife were excited to help, however, they could. One thing led to another and they agreed to purchase the shower.
“We are grateful we could be a part of something so much needed,” Shurtz said.
Also, Ryan and Blake Halstead donated a hot water tank.
Students from Brockport State College came and painted the wall to the Care Center.
Hungerford also offered thanks to Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” Hungerford said. “Our community has once again shown what is possible when people come together to support a meaningful project.
“Although we had applied for grant funding to complete Phase 2 and were disappointed when we did not receive it, that setback quickly became an opportunity for local generosity to shine. We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners for their generosity, commitment and continued support.”
She added Community Action was proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens could take care of their basic needs without shame or judgement.
“We need these programs,” Hungerford said. “The community needs these programs. We have services for adults, but nothing for students. That’s where Cassie and the Fresh Start Care Center come in.”
“This instills in students that somebody cares,” Healy said.
The Fresh Start Care Center will continue to need towels, personal hygiene items and laundry supplies. Any donations may be made by messaging Healy on Facebook, calling (585) 640-1329 or stopping at the Main Street store.
Cassie Healy stands by the wall to the Fresh Start Care Center, which was painted by students at Brockport State College.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Cherish Potter, Jennifer Raduns and Abigail Kincaid.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Jennifer Raduns wanted to do something to honor the memory of her grandson Liam. The six-month old baby was beaten by his father in 2016 and later died from his injuries.
Raduns shared the heartbreaking story with students at the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers before she handed out the Liam’s Legacy Memorial Scholarships to Cherish Potter (Barker), Abigail Kincaid (Albion) and Julianne Viera (Lockport).
The students were chosen because they are all actively involved in health care programs at the CTE centers.
“I wanted to pay homage to the first responders who tried to save Liam’s life,” said Ms. Raduns.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 9:07 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) A volunteer and author of a book benefiting the Oak Orchard Lighthouse, Anne Martin displays copies of the book, “Maren: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Mouse.” The book is on sale at the lighthouse at Point Breeze. (Right) Anne Martin, a volunteer and member of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse board, stands with artist Chris Manaseri, president of the lighthouse board, who is holding a picture of the lighthouse he painted for the child’s book she wrote. Manaseri illustrated the book, which is for sale at the lighthouse.
POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse continues to be an attraction in the area, and now there is a new reason to visit.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse board president Chris Manseri has announced the sale of a new children’s book, written by fellow board member and volunteer Anne Martin.
The book, entitled “Maren: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Mouse,” was born out of an idea started by Peg Wiley, owner with her husband Richard of Wiley’s Marina on Route 98 at the Point.
Wiley had started some years ago to write a book, which she called “Whitefoot Willy,” but never finished. She helped start the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum after moving here from Rochester began to research the area of her new home. She discovered there used to be a lighthouse on the west pier at the end of Oak Orchard River, and she wondered why no one had ever tried to rebuild it. The lighthouse was built in 1871 and guided sailors until it was decommissioned in 1909, destroyed by a storm and collapsed into the river in 1916.
Wiley had met the late Dick Anderson, a resident of Point Breeze and avid supporter of the area. He had built a replica of the lighthouse, which he displayed at local events. In 2003, they formed the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee, and soon started talking about raising funds to build a lighthouse at the Point. With donations and grants, an exact replica of the lighthouse was built and dedicated in 2010.
Chris Manaseri of Pittsford bought a cottage on Lake Ontario in 2016. Dick Anderson, who was then president of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee, put the word out that they needed board members, and Manaseri joined. He currently serves as president of the board.
After Anderson died in 2022, Manaseri recruited Martin and her husband Ken, who had lived in Indiana and were looking for a place on the water to be near her parents and daughter in Toronto. Ken is currently president of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
“We live three doors down from the lighthouse,” Martin said. “How cool is that.”
Martin said she has visited other lighthouses, and they have a mascot, and she thought Maren the Lighthouse Mouse would be great idea for the gift shop.
“Anne stepped up and wrote one,” Manaseri said. “It is relatively short and relatively simple.”
As Manaseri has a background in art – he and his wife own an art gallery cooperative in Pittsford, which currently has 20 exhibiting artists.
Manaseri volunteered his talent to illustrate Anne’s book, and the pictures are all in black and white, so children can color them in, if they wish, he said.
The book also features Larry the Lighthouse Keeper, who Manaseri said is fashioned after one of their members, Larry Grimes. Grimes is the chef extraordinaire who provides the exquisite desserts for the Lighthouse Museum’s annual fundraising event at the Carlton United Methodist Church. He is also a regular volunteer at the museum.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse attracts about 2,000 visitors a year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2026 at 8:46 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: A semi-truck pontoon boat passes through the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze on Friday afternoon. The boat got a lot of second looks from people.
After a very hot week last week, it won’t be quite as warm this week.
Today’s high is 79, followed by highs of 82 on Tuesday, 87 on Wednesday, 88 on Thursday and 84 on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2026 at 2:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brody Hoffmeister, owner of Rudy’s Diner, is happy to welcome back Frank, a 6-foot-high hot dog.
MEDINA – Frank, the giant hot dog mascot at Rudy’s Diner, has returned to the beloved local eatery after getting a major restoration from students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
Frank left Rudy’s last fall. Frank was falling apart, in need of repairs and fresh paint.
He returned about two weeks ago, looking like new after a major overhaul led by students in the Orleans/Niagara BOCES autobody class and teacher Jim Rozewski.
“Frank,” a 6-foot-high fiberglass statue, kept a low profile at Rudy’s for the last several years. This famous hot dog was acquired around 2008 when Rudy’s founder, Joe Russo, wanted to celebrate the diner’s 20th anniversary. Frank was out in California before making the move to Medina.
The hot dog statue also was a gift from Joe to his wife, Debbie, and their daughter, Kelly Duffield, who were both instrumental in Rudy’s success for many years.
Joe and Debbie Russo opened Rudy’s in 1988 and wanted to create a comfortable environment for people to enjoy a meal. Joe brought a sense of humor to the operation, as well as a commitment to quality food and reasonable prices.
Frank the hot dog used to be out in front of the restaurant on East Center Street, and people would stop by frequently to get photos. They also often leaned on him, knocking off one of his arms.
Frank’s paint started to come off and there was other wear and tear, prompting Brody Hoffmeister, Joe’s grandson and the current owner, to move Frank outside in back of the diner.
But now he is back in the limelight. Rudy’s staff has been wheeling him out each morning to the front of the diner. The BOCES class made Frank a new base with wheels.
Hoffmeister said he appreciates the skill and care the students and their teacher put in on Frank.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot., met Frank last September before the frankfurter got his groove back. Orly featured Frank in one of his social media posts about interesting people places and things during Orleans County’s bicentennial in 2025.
Invitation to an Independence Ball held in Gaines, July 4, 1848.
GAINES – In 1848, residents of Gaines celebrated the July 4th holiday at an Independence Ball, held at the Assembly Rooms. Hamilton’s Cotillion Band provided the music.
In 1849, residents of Medina celebrated the holiday “with the usual ceremonies of the day: the ringing of bells, the firing of canons, processions, music, readings, orations, toasts and fine words.” In Carlton, boat excursions were available at the Oak Orchard Harbor while landlubbers enjoyed “dancing on the green.”
In 1850, activities at Oak Orchard harbor began with a national salute at sunrise, excursions on the lake and a display of fireworks in the evening.
In 2026, Orleans County residents continued the tradition of celebrating Independence Day with processions, music, and activities, ending with a display of fireworks in the evening.
This year, we had the added element of marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document was read aloud at some venues.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2026 at 1:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The older water tower on West Avenue is silhouetted on Saturday night at the start of Lyndonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show. Lyndonville works with Young Explosives to put on one of the region’s biggest fireworks shows. The Saturday night show was just over a half hour.
This photo shows the Lyndonville United Methodist Church at left with the Presbyterian Church in back at right.
Saturday’s fireworks show was part of Lyndonville’s Independence Day celebration on the 250th anniversary of the country.
The water in Johnson Creek reflects the fireworks that are shot off behind the school.
The Lyndonville Lions Club added the red, white and blue illumination as part of the Independence Day celebration.
There were cutouts of Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty near the waterfalls on Main Street.
This photo looks through the cutoff of Uncle Sam with fireworks in the background.
Fireworks are shown in the distance while looking through the Statue of Liberty cutout.
There were lots of concessions available throughout the day, including right up until the fireworks.
A basketball hoop is shown with lots of fireworks.
The basketball hoop is a silhouette against the colorful fireworks during the finale.
Two kids play with light-up swords on the basketball courts during the fireworks finale.
Bryan McDowell sent in this photo from the finale with the scoreboard in the foreground.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 7:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville marching band performed with a big contingent of students for the Fourth of July Parade today that started at noon. The marching band is shown going down Main Street.
The band heads north on Main Street near a giant American flag that was displayed by Panek Farms. Panek held the flag high from an old City of Lockport ladder truck the farm acquired.
Veterans ride in a trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.
Main Street was packed with people to see the parade.
Lyndonville Mayor John Belson wears the Lyndonville baseball jersey of the late Mark Hughes, a much loved Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away at age 75 on June 4, 2025. Belson assumed Hughes’s long-time role, pulling the fundraising barrel for the fireworks, which start at 10 tonight.
Auston Ley portrays George Washington and tosses candy to kids along the parade route.
Mike Fiegl plays Abraham Lincoln and Jeff Costello is Ben Franklin. There were more than the usual famous U.S. leaders in the parade, which falls on the 250th anniversary of the country.
Bob Eberle dressed as Uncle Sam and waves to the crowd along Main Street during today’s Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville. He is approaching the giant American flag.
Eric Johnson also pulls a fundraising barrel for the fireworks. He added some touches for President Donald Trump with the orange hair and a golf club for a cane.
Scott Schmidt, second from right, served as the parade emcee. He is joined on the parade platform by his father, Bruce Schmidt, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club, which organized the Fourth of July celebration for the 52nd year.
The Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Gates have been a parade mainstay in Lyndonville.
Mark Watts drives a 1933 fire truck that was used by the Medina Fire Department until 1972, when it was taken out of service.
Marlene Seielstad, a candidate for Orleans County legislator, had a contingent with her during the parade.
3B Manufacturing, a precision machining and fabrication shop in Medina, tossed candy to the crowd, many of the people were wearing red, white and blue.
Community Action and Head Start was out spreading the message about their programs serving children and families.
Snowstorm Solutions brought a plow truck with a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The Oak Orchard Assembly of God promoted an upcoming Vacation Bible School – July 12-15 with a theme of “Emerald Crossing.”
The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company was among many fire departments represented in the parade.
Teagan Balaban of Medina and Aidan Kelley of Holley spent week at camp
Photos and information courtesy of Zach Busch, Holley band director
FREDONIA – Incoming Seniors Teagan Balaban of Medina and Aidan Kelley of Holley spent the last week at the Fredonia Summer Music Festival Band Camp.
The Fredonia Summer Music Festival is a six-day camp hosted on the SUNY Fredonia campus. Middle and high school students from around the state can enroll in various camps such as Middle School Band, High School Band, Choral, Composition or Piano.
While attending the camp, students can perform in groups like the Wind Symphony, Chamber Ensembles, and Jazz Ensemble. To round out their daily schedule, students attend music elective classes, master classes and lessons with SUNY Fredonia Staff and students, and various recreational activities. Attending the Fredonia Summer Music Festival gives students a week-long taste of life as a college music major.
Teagan Balaban of Medina, back left in glasses, and Aidan Kelley, right in second row, both played the clarinet at the band camp.
Both Teagan and Aidan play clarinet as their primary instrument and participated in the same ensembles at last week’s camp. Thursday evening, they performed with the Woodwind Choir, comprised of about 30 student musicians playing instruments ranging from the Flute to the Baritone Saxophone. The students performed movements II and III of Patrick Glenn Harper’s “Three Sketches for Woodwind Ensemble” under the direction of Ms. Jackie Ellmauer, camp counselor and 7/8 Band Director at Transit Middle School in Williamsville.
During the Fredonia Summer Music Festival’s Large Ensembles Concert, Teagan and Aidan performed in the Festival Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Symphony.
The Festival Chorus was under the direction of Dr. Vernon Huff of SUNY Fredonia, and performed a medley from the musical Rent, as well as the Armed Forces Salute to honor the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
The High School Jazz Ensemble was under the direction of Elliott Scozzaro, adjunct Jazz Lecturer at SUNY Fredonia. The group performed “Isle of Blue” by Les Sabina and “All ‘Dem Leaves” by Ryan Erik Adamsons. Aidan and Teagan were able to showcase their talents on secondary instruments in the Jazz Ensemble, playing the tenor sax and alto sax, respectively.
The Wind Symphony was under the direction of Mrs. Christina Helbock, band director of Brentwood High School on Long Island. The Wind Symphony performed technically challenging repertoire including “The Iliad” by Robert W. Smith, “Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein” by Erika Svanoe, and “Exultate” by Samuel Hazo.
Both Teagan and Aidan intend to audition to SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music this coming year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 10:11 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Joey Stempien Big Band, a group of young adults performing as a professional jazz orchestra, gave a concert on Friday evening in Holley by the Erie Canal.
The band includes 17 musicians, many who were students at the Eastman School of Music.
Holley has new banners to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The banners were designed by Lake Country Media and funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Joey Stempien Big Band led off the Holley Canal Concert Series. The rest of the schedule, with concerts beginning at 6 p.m., includes:
July 10: Feedback
July 17: Who Dats
July 24: Triple Play
July 31: Road Less Travelled
Aug. 7: Stanton Band
Aug. 14: Vinyl Recovery
Aug. 21: Beggers Will Ride
Aug. 28: Blue Circle Band
The Joey Stempien Big Band played next to the Erie Canal by the gazebo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 8:40 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Fireworks light up the sky over Bullard Park during the finale of a fireworks show. A 1967 Ford is in the foreground. The car was there for a cruise-in, one of the many activities at the park as part of a July 3rdIndependence Day celebration.
The Village of Albion and Great Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE) organized the event which included fireworks for the second year in a row.
Some kids watched the fireworks from the playground at Bullard.
The Who Dats played for about two hours before the fireworks, including “867-5309/Jenny.” They were joined at the amphitheater stage by the Who Dat Dancers.
Kids enjoyed the swings and the playground while the fireworks went off.
Some kids were shooting hoops at the basketball courts while the fireworks went off at the park.
These kids gathered on the basketball court at the start of the fireworks show.
A crowd watches the Who Dats perform at Bullard. There were about 40 vendors.
The activities started at 4 p.m. and included bounce houses, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks to cap the day.
People lined up at night for food. The vendors were busy throughout the day, especially at night before the fireworks.
The Citrus Circus Crew and Albion Masonic Lodge were popular spots for Friday night food.
Ed Hilfiker and The Who Dats kept the crowd entertained. Other bands also played for about six hours total.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ryan & Company, led by Ryan Klatt (center), performed at Bullard Park this afternoon as part of a July 3rd Independence Day celebration at Albion.
The community has been throwing the big party a day before July 4th. For the second year in a row, the day will be capped with fireworks at 10 p.m.
There are other musical performers, including The Who Dats beginning at 8 p.m. on the amphitheater stage.
There are numerous artisan vendors at the park.
Nick Holler of the Citrus Circus Crew has red, white and blue kettle corn, as well as lemonade and snow cones for sale.
Confection Connection in Albion has cookies, brownies and craft sodas. MyKayla Deyarmin, left, is helping Confection owner Becky Harris at her booth.
Volunteers prepared 533 chicken barbecue dinners. Tom O’Hearn, left, led the group that includes from left in back John Sacco, Dan Conrad and Gary Moore. Gary Van Wyke, Ray Stefani and Dusty DeCarlo also were part of the crew.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 3:12 pm
Photo courtesy of Kristina Nesbitt
WATERPORT – Nesbitt Fruit Farms has an American flag displayed from farm machinery today on Wilson Road, just in time for the Fourth of July celebration.
