Photo by Tom Rivers: A 430,000-pound load is shown on May 6 in Albion. The journey was delayed by a week and is set for Wednesday, May 13.

ALBION – A big load will slowly move from Albion through Barre and Elba and then end in Byron on Wednesday.

The 430,000-pound load will begin around 7:30 a.m. in Albion. A transformer is currently next to the railroad tracks on Hamilton Street. The transformer will be moved by a truck and trailer.

The trip was planned for last Wednesday but was cancelled when National Grid wasn;t given enough notice.

The journey on Wednesday will start about 7:30 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m., according to the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

“Please give yourself a little extra time as cargo will be slow moving and delays are expected,” the EMO posted on Facebook. “National Grid customers along the transport route may experience brief outages.”

Motorists are expected to experience delays on Wednesday and are urged to consider alternate routes.

The width of this load will obstruct oncoming traffic, the State Police advised last week.

The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.

Route 98 will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time to all traffic from Old Orchard Road to Lockport Rd.

The permitted route of travel will begin on Hamilton Street in the town of Albion and proceed east on Allen Road then south on Oak Orchard Road (Route 98). Then it goes east on Lockport Road in Elba and continues to North Byron Road, and then goes south on Searls Road to east on Tower Hill Road. The cargo then goes south on Byron Road in Byron.

Photos and information from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

The eaglet at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge that many have been following through the bald eagle nest camera was 38 days old as of Monday and is growing by leaps and bounds.

Just like human babies, the eaglet is doing a lot of eating and sleeping. Sometimes both: Mother eagle brought in a juicy catfish the other day and the chick wasn’t hungry so used the catfish for a pillow – at least when the catfish stopped flopping about. Another time father eagle brought in a stick, disappointing the chick who was looking for some fish bits.

As an only chick, the eaglet is being fed very well so is growing fast and hitting all its important behavioral and physical milestones.

It is taking much larger bites of food, including being able to digest fur, feathers, scales and small bones.  It reaches toward the parents and pecks at them to ask for food. It partly helps itself by picking up and eating dropped pieces of food. Its body feathers are growing in and the primary flight feathers can be seen poking out of the sheathes at the wings and tail.

The eaglet is also entertaining camera viewers with more “wingersizing” – an eagle version of calisthenics. It is gaining more strength in its legs, and you will see the eaglet standing up more often. Once it gains more stability in those legs ─ “riding the rails” is a term used on eagle cameras ─ the chick will start to perch near or on the sticks surrounding the bole.

The camera was funded and installed by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, with assistance from Pixcams Inc., out of Pittsburgh, and Treeman Tom tree service out of Wilson. You can watch the feed on a monitor in the refuge Visitors Center on Casey Road in the town of Alabama, or through a link at the Friends group’s website, FINWR.org.

If you’re keeping track, the eaglet is about halfway through its nestling phase.

Next the eaglet will be doing more standing and walking in the fully upright adult posture instead of scooting around using its hocks and wings. It is already starting to do this, but it will happen more often. In the next few weeks, it will also start doing more practice flapping to build breast and wing muscles.

In about four weeks it will start hopping and flapping to practice hovering above the nest. At this point its feathers will be much more grown in and the bird will be fully dark brown. It will also be able to feed itself from prey items brought to the nest, although the parents will continue to feed it.

Toward the end of June, the juvenile will be able to balance and perch on branches, hover reliably above the nest and flap from branch to branch. The primary wing and tail feathers will be almost entirely grown. It should fledge (be ready for its first real flight) in late June or early July at around 72 days old.

The eaglet will typically hang around a few weeks after fledging but then head off to seek its own territory. It will retain its dark brown coloring for several years and won’t develop its adult plumage ─ the iconic white head and tail feathers of a bald eagle ─ until it’s almost five years old. Until then it is scoping out other territories, play learning with other juveniles and perfecting its hunting techniques.

A final note: Friends group President Dick Moss would like to thank everyone who came out to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday’s Spring Spectacular. Everyone had a great time and the eaglet and its parents were one of the main topics of conversation.

“A special thanks to the vendors who shared their environmental expertise, and especially to the refuge staff who made it all possible,” Moss said.

This eaglet update was a collaboration of Friends of Iroquois NWR group members Dick Moss, Emma DeLeon, Amy Merritt and Garner Light.

Carter Kuipers

An active 4-H member in Orleans County has been named the first-place winner of a New York Farm Bureau scholarship.

Carter Kuipers of Byron won a $3,000 NY Farm Bureau’s 2026 Agricultural Youth Scholarship.

To qualify for scholarships, applicants must have a student or family membership in Farm Bureau. A panel of judges selects the winners based on their essay submissions and applications, which include community and agricultural engagement. District winners then compete for state scholarships.

Kuipers also was awarded $250 as the District 2 winner. He is a member of Genesee County Farm Bureau and is a senior at Byron-Bergen Senior High School.

Kuipers plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill to study agricultural power machinery with a career goal related to diesel technology. His agricultural experience includes working on his family’s farms, where he cares for animals and maintains equipment.

He has been an active member of FFA, including serving as the 2022-2025 Chapter Secretary, and has received many FFA awards and recognitions. Kuipers has been an active participant in the 4-H Beef and Dairy Club for the past decade. Outside of agricultural activities, he is a sectional champion with the Byron-Bergen/Le Roy swim team and a member of the clay target team, while also finding time to volunteer with his local church.

Kuipers has shown animals at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and won the grand master showman title in 2024, which features the top showmen of nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Kuipers showed pigs and beef cattle at the fair in 2024. He qualified for the grand master showmen competition after winning the beef master showman title.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Carter Kuipers, then 16, of Byron shows a beef animal during the grand master showman competition on July 26, 2024. Kuipers won the competition, one of the most prestigious at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. It features the top livestock showmen from the fair.

KENDALL – The school district is proposing a $23,469,328 budget to the community for a vote on May 19. Kendall’s budget would raise taxes by 3.15 percent – from $5,162,224 to $5,324,835, an increase of $162,611.

Kendall school officials will go over the budget during a presentation today at 6:30 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.

The vote will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall on May 19.

Kendall school leaders say many factors are driving the $2,045,169 budget increase for 2026-27: inflation, special education enrollments, instructional operation enhancements, shared services with BOCES, debt service, benefits, salaries, and minimum wage increases.

The debt service increased by 47.7 percent or $1,124,632 because Kendall will be issuing debt during June 2026 to pay for current capital project costs. However, this will be offset by a corresponding increase in building and transportation aid.

Kendall is using $150,000 more from its fund balance to lessen the need on property taxes, school officials state in the district’s budget newsletter.

State aid at $16,004,160 covers 68 percent of the school budget. The tax rate is projected at $10.29 per $1,000 of assessed property, which Kendall officials say in one of the lowest school tax rates in the area.

In addition to the budget, voters will be presented a proposition to use up to $390,000 from the vehicle capital reserve fund to purchase vehicles in the transportation program for the district, including passenger buses.

There are also two candidates for one five-year term on the Board of Education.

• Christa Bowling currently represents Kendall on the board of Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES. She and her husband have two children, a fifth-grade daughter at Kendall and a 20-year-old medically complex son who is in the Transitions Program at BOCES.

Bowling is the sole proprietor for a direct sales and distribution business. She has been Girl Scout Leader for Kendall since 2023, leading a troop of 40 girls each year. She is part of the Kendall Strategic Plan Committee. Her family has been involved with coaching Kendall Rec Soccer for seven years.

“Since moving to Kendall, our family has fallen in love with this community and school district because of the compassion and pride that comes with being an Eagle,” she said. “My drive to be on the Kendall BOE is my love and passion for advocating for both students and staff, which I have proven to do with my BOCES 2 Board role. I plan to help ensure that Kendall continues to have devoted staff, small class sizes, opportunities for all students, and continues to be an affordable community we are all proud to call home.”

• David Warren is a current Board of Education member. He is retired as a manufacturing engineering manager. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.

Warren has been a Little League baseball coach, youth soccer coach, and manager of the Kendall Community Band.

“I want to help ensure that our students have the best opportunity for success,” he stated in the school newsletter about why he is running for the Board of Education.

Site along Erie Canal has options for small businesses on East Bank Street

Photos by Tom Rivers: Local officials joined the owner of the Mayfair Marien for a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday in Albion. From left include Jami Allport, Albion village trustee; Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman; Andrew Dugan, district director for State Sen. Rob Ortt; County Legislator Skip Draper; Matt Holland, small business development director for the Orleans Economic Development Agency; Mayfair Marine owner John Fitzak, who is also a county legislator; Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director; Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Kevin Sheehan, Albion village trustee; Jackie Tarricone, executive assistant for Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Michael Dobell, chief executive officer of the Orleans EDA; and Tim McMurray, Albion mayor.

ALBION – There is now a place along the Erie Canal for boaters to get fuel in Orleans County. John Fitzak has opened Mayfair Marine along East Bank Street.

Fitzak for 23 years ran a bottle redemption business at 255 East Bank St. He closed the Albion Redemption Center on March 1 to focus the site on the fuel sales and also as a small business incubator.

He expects to rent out space at the site to several small businesses, and is working with the village to see if people would be allowed to stay overnight in RVs and also in tents.

“I’m just trying to be a catalyst for the village,” Fitzak said on Friday, when he held a ribbon-cutting for the Mayfair.

Fitzak is an Orleans County legislator. He is retired as a state corrections officer. Fitzak worked at Orleans, Attica, Sing Sing, Groveland and Willard correctional facilities.

John Fitzak built five sections of docks totaling 80 feet along the Erie Canal in Albion. The Ingersoll Street lift bridge is behind him. He sees a lot of opportunity in the Erie Canal for the community.

He built the 80 feet of docks at the Mayfair. There are five 16-foot-sections at different heights to accommodate different size boats. The two new 1,000-gallon fuel tanks were certified last November. He will have 100-foot-long hoses from the gas pumps that extend to the boats at the docks.

This will be the only spot offering marine-grade fuel on the Erie Canal between Macedon and Amherst. Fitzak said about 400 to 500 boats pass by the location each canal season. He expects at least 10 percent will stop for fuel at the Mayfair.

He named the business in honor of the Mayfair Restaurant, which was operated by his mother’s father in Rochester in the 1950s and ’60s. That restaurant was at the corner of Lexington and Mount Read Boulevard.

The new canal season opens on May 15. Fitzak is working with small businesses to open soon after the start of the canal season.

He said Big Dog BBQ from Kendall will be selling hot dogs and food from the site. Fitzak also will have vending machines with items at room temperature, in a cooler and a freezer.

Another business with offer marine services. There will be an ATM, a vendor selling Albion merchandise, and other possible merchants.

Several local officials toured the site on Friday. John Fitzak said there is plenty of room to offer other services, including RV parking.

Fitzak said he has reviewed a comprehensive plan for the canal, with leaders from the canal Corp. stating they would like to see fuel sales offered every 20 to 40 miles along the waterway. Fitzak said Mayfair Marine fills a big void for fuel.

He suspects many boaters haven’t ventured to Albion out of fear they could run out of gas. The Mayfair could result in more boaters making the trip to Albion and Orleans County.

He is hopeful they will tie up at his docks and check out the Albion community. He is short walk from the Albion downtown.

“this is another opportunity to see what Albion has to offer,” Fitzak said.

Dawn Borchert, the Orleans County tourism director, praised Fitzak for seeing a need and meeting it along the canal with the fuel sales.

The Mayfair owner has about 600 feet of frontage for the business. He would like to allow RV parking, and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes. He is working with the village officials to determine if those uses are allowed for the property, which is zoned general commercial and is currently mostly undeveloped.

Some other counties in WNY face freeze warning

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the sunrise from Saturday at Swallow Hollow in the wildlife refuge.

The National Weather Service has issued as frost advisory for Orleans County from midnight to 9 a.m. Tuesday due to temperatures dropping around 30 degrees.

The advisory also includes Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga and Ontario counties.

“Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left unprotected,” the Weather Service said.

Farther away from the lake, the temperatures could be even colder. The Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

“Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s expected,” the Weather Service said about those counties. “Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee dedicated a new plaque on May 2 at Waterman Park in honor of the late Charles E. Bergeman. He was the grandson of Charles Howard, the famed founder of the first Santa School.

Bergeman passed away from cancer at age 64 on Oct. 31, 2023. He had recently moved to Lewiston and wanted to help promote his grandfather’s legacy.

When sculptor Brian Porter created a bronze statue of Charlie Howard as Santa Claus, Bergeman’s cheeks and face gave Porter a reference.

The plaque is near the statue that was dedicated during the Strawberry Festival on June 10, 2023.

A sleigh was donated to the Albion Betterment Committee. It was refurbished by Jim Babcock, a local contractor who is on the ABC’s board of directors. That sleigh has been dedicated in loving memory of Charles E. Bergeman.

The plaque states: “Grandson and namesake of Charles W. Howard. Like Santa, he spread joy to all he knew with his generosity and kindness. His warmth and selflessness touched everyone around him. Charles was dedicated to preserving his grandfather’s legacy, ensuring its magic would live on for generations to come.”

Bergeman’s wife Carol Bergeman and Howard’s granddaughter Jane Holland were in Albion on May 2 for the plaque dedication.

Three of Charles Howard’s grandchildren are pictured on June 10, 2023 with the three Albion Betterment Committee directors who have worked on the statue project over eight years. From left include Charles Howard’s grandchildren Susan Howard Brown, Charles Bergeman and Jane Holland and ABC directors Gary Derwick, Joe Gehl and Gary Kent.

‘He subsisted for 15 days on a pint of flour and a dog’s liver’

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 12

MURRAY – This bronze marker set on a millstone is located at the northeast corner of the junction of Routes 104 and 237 in the Town of Murray.

It was dedicated on October 12, 1932, by members of the Orleans Chapter DAR and the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post in Holley. It commemorates “the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington and the Men Who Fought in the American Revolution and Sleep in the Town of Murray.”

Many of the early settlers of Orleans County were Revolutionary War veterans or the sons of veterans. In other instances, aging parents later came to live with their families. An estimated 65 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in Orleans County.

The Orleans Chapter of the DAR and the Rochester Chapter of the SAR have maintained records of these burials. In addition, Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, two students from the Albion Middle School, have researched and presented a list of the Revolutionary War veterans buried in Orleans County with the guidance of their teacher, Tim Archer. They also obtained graveside markers for unmarked graves and replaced a damaged headstone.

They will present their findings on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30 am at the Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery at 3960 Hulberton Road in Holley. This event is open to the public.

During this current year-long recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there has been a renewed interest in the wartime experiences of the Continental Army soldiers.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the National Park Service have created a Citizen Archivist Mission project to assist in the transcription of the 80,000 pension application records on file. Perhaps you may be interested? https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions

Adam Tabelski, a former mayor of Medina who now lives in Batavia, has contributed several transcriptions of the experiences of these veterans buried in Orleans County to the Orleans County Department of History records:

John Percival (1754-1837)

According to his pension deposition in 1833, Percival saw much action during the war. He enlisted on May 16, 1775, with a Massachusetts company under General Heath and was involved in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. He volunteered for the ill-fated Continental Army expedition to Quebec under Col. Benedict Arnold later in 1775. He testified that:

“They were supplied with Boats to carry their Baggage and provisions (at Fort Winslow) and they went up the river through a dreary wilderness. The river was very rapid, and the soldiers were obliged to wade and push the boats upstream. In many cases, the boats were taken out of the River and carried upon their shoulders…..At this time they were in the greatest distress for the want of provisions. He himself subsisted 15 days on a pint of flour and a dog’s liver.”

He was part of the group that retreated following the unsuccessful attack on Quebec. In 1777, he was involved in the burning of two British schooners and the fortifications at Fort George as well as the destruction of bridges and felling of trees tin an effort to  deter the advance of General Burgoyne’s troops. Later he was “out on one or two short alarums after Tories and Indians”. He testified that he never received any of his monthly wages except for the Quebec Expedition. Apparently, the Continental paper money soldiers occasionally received as pay for service was often worthless.

Two of Percival’s sons resided in Orleans County: Montgomery in the Town of Carlton and Samuel in the Town of Gaines. In 1824, Samuel built the hotel/tavern which is still in operation currently as  the Tavern on the Ridge, formerly the Village Inn.

John Percival is buried in Gaines Cemetery.

Robinson Smith (1761-1828)

Smith enlisted in the Continental Army in 1782 and served in General Washington’s Life Guard, a unit of the Continental Army, about 180 strong, which protected Washinton as well as the money and papers of the Continental Army. Smith was discharged in 1784. He applied for a pension in 1818 and was awarded $8 per month. Eligible to reapply in 1820, he had to cite financial need. His testimony gives a vivid description of the difficulties of the times.

By 1820, he was a farmer with a wife and four children. He could do little labor as he was “badly ruptured.” His debt amounted to $30. His itemized possessions were indeed meagre  and included 3 old axes and 3 old hoes, 1 sickle, 1 barrel and 3 old common chairs.

Robinson Smith is buried in Pierce-Smith Cemetery, Hulburton. In July 1939, the Lemuel Cook Chapter Sons of the American Revolution unveiled an official marker at his grave in recognition of his services for the Life Guard.

Please note that Patrice Birner of the Orleans County DAR will speak about the DAR and the NY250 Centennial Celebration at the Gaines-Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, 3286 Gaines-Basin Road, Albion, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. This is an Orleans County Historical Association program.

Provided photos

HOLLEY – State Assemblymen Steve Hawley was joined by local officials on Friday when he presented “Historic Business Preservation Registry” citations to two long-time Holley businesses.

The top photo shows Hawley with Dan Klips (center), owner of Stockham Lumber in Holley at 88 Geddes St..

Hawley, second from left, was joined by Holley Village Trustee John Morriss, County Legislator Ed Morgan, County legislator John Fitzak and Holley Mayor Mark Bower.

The state registry recognizes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.

Stockham Lumber was founded in 1880 by Nerv L. Cole, Stockham Lumber has over a century of history with its original business focusing on coal and lumber. Stockham Lumber continues its legacy as a lumber company known for its reliability and service with its principles of quality, integrity and customer service remaining in place, Hawley said.

Stockham Lumber has recently expanded and continues to grow the business serving customers across the region ensuring exemplary standards, Hawley noted. There is now an additional Stockham site in Gasport.

Hawley also presented the citation to the Holley Cold Storage on 16677 State Route 31.

Founded in 1902 by Marcus Balcom and Almond Boyce, Holley Cold Storage has become an essential link among regional farmers, food processors and distant markets allowing perishable goods to be preserved safely for extended periods of time, Hawley said.

The facility has provided cold storage services to regional customers and is committed to preserving the legacy of the business while maintaining its role as a steady employer within the Holley community and the region.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Braley

ALBION –  Boy Scouts in Albion continued their annual tradition of placing about 2,000 American flags at the graves of American soldiers in Mount Albion Cemetery and St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery on Route 31.

The group is led by Jeff Braley, the Scout Master. The Boy Scouts include Stryker Braley, Colson Braley, Jax Gotte, Leo Gotte, Jack Breuilly, Peter Stritzinger, Sebastian Stritzinger, Colton Durow and Mason Patten. Lincoln Metcalf, a Cub Scout, also helped with the effort on Saturday morning.

The older scouts started placing the flags in kindergarten and many are in high school now.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Thaddeus Nauden receives congratulations from Melissa Blanar and a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley after being selected by the OFA office staff as “Volunteer of the Year.”

KNOWLESVILLE – Seniors from across Orleans County filled the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Friday to celebrate the annual Senior Jubilee and recognize three outstanding volunteers.

The morning began with introduction of Orleans County Office for the Aging staff by director Melissa Blanar. They are Meghan Bevins, assistant director; Samantha Koons, Becky Karls, Kathleen Bates, Cierra Tiede, Jacklyn Taylor, Lisa Boyle and Eileen Ryan.

OFA Advisory Council members present were Diane Daum, David Gaudioso and Leanne Donovan. Also introduced were Kelly Anstey from the Arc GLOW Nutrition Program; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Skip Draper on behalf of Senator Rob Ortt; Legislator John Fitzak, who shared a proclamation for Older Americans Month; and the county’s chief administrative officer, Jack Welch.

Next, entertainment was presented by the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir, directed by Kelly Marzano and accompanied by senior Jax Dyson. Soloist was Isla Schultz, a junior. Dyson was also featured with electric guitarist Aidan Kelley, a junior.

(Left) Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, smiles as Outstanding Older Adult of the Year nominee Annette Grillo-Finch gets a kiss from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley during the annual Senior Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Friday. (Right) Jean Wetherbee, center, of Medina is congratulated by Melissa Blanar and presented with a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley as the OFA’s nomination for Outstanding Older Adult of the Year.

Each year the State Office for the Aging requests nominations for a representative for the Outstanding Older Adult Award to represent each county in Albany, said Orleans County Office for the Aging director Melissa Blanar.

Two individuals were nominated for the award – Jean Wetherbee of Medina and Annette Grillo-Finch of Albion.

Wetherbee was nominated by Jeanne Crane, who said Wetherbee has volunteered for 33 years at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she helps with filing. She volunteers at the Senior Center in Medina, where she is treasurer, helps run euchre games and assists with preparing meals for their monthly luncheon. She was a TWIG volunteer for many years and provides transportation to help individuals get to medical appointments. Married to husband David for 67 years and the mother of three children, she has traveled the world and enjoys playing euchre and Liverpool.

She is always the first to offer help in her community, Crane wrote. Wetherbee is dedicated to her church, supporting all its function. She said volunteering keeps her active.

“I was speechless when they called to tell me I had been nominated,” Wetherbee said. “It is a joy to help and assist other people.”

Jax Dyson played the keyboard, while Kelly Marzano, right, directed the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir during the Senior Jubilee Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair’s Trolley Building.

Annette Grillo-Finch is the second nominee, who took the microphone and declared, “I am battling two kinds of cancer, but it will not stop me. I will continue to volunteer.”

Grillo-Finch retired as director of community services at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee after more than 40 years of service. During that time she was honored as The Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year, the Rosemary Fleming Memorial Award presented by the New York Community Action Association, Orleans Chamber of Commerce Award for Community Service, Local American Legion Award for Continued Service and the New York Senate’s “Woman of Distinction” in Albany in 2017.

Organizations which she has dedicated her time to for more than 50 years to the Village of Albion Recreation Committee also has served on the Albion Grievance Committee, Social Justice Committee, Hospice board, Albion Woman’s Prison board, treasurer of The Salvation Army for more than 40 years, the Bereavement committee for Holy Family Church, Job Corps and the Albion Hometown Christmas Parade.

“What I do is not for recognition or awards,” Grillo-Finch said. “I do it from my heart to better families, children and older adults and individuals with disabilities. You feel the satisfaction of helping others, by even doing the smallest act of kindness. The world can use some kindness, so do what you can, where you can and with what you have.”

Aidan Kelly on the electric guitar and Jax Dyson on keyboard play a special duet for seniors at the Senior Jubilee Friday.

One other senior was chosen by OFA office staff as their Volunteer of the Year. That was Thaddeus Nauden, who dedicates his time to the OFA Advisory Council. The council meets bi-monthly and advises on activities, planning, budgeting, outreach for seniors and services for older adults in Orleans County. Terms are for three years, with the ability to seek another three-year term.

Nauden has served the two terms, took a year off and recently completed another two terms, for a total of 12 years. He has served as vice chair and chair of the Council over the years. He has a passion for assisting older adults in the community, Blanar said.

Wetherbee and Grillo-Finch will travel to Albany later this month, where one senior will be announced as the NYS Adult Volunteer of the Year.

Friday’s celebration concluded with lunch by Nutrifair, under the leadership of Nutrition Program coordinator Vicki Havholm.

Prom Prep Night set for Wednesday at Main Street store

Provided photo: A local teenager tries on her chosen prom dress at the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store during last year’s free prom event.

ALBION – Orleans Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store will once again offer free prom attire for local students.

Prom Prep Night is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the store, located at 131 South Main St. in Albion.

The store’s manager Cassie Healy came up with the idea for free prom dresses after a huge selection of gowns were donated to the store several years ago. Since then, the program has grown in popularity and support.

“This will be the fourth year of our prom event,” Healy said. “Each year we add at least one more school to our list of events, and so far have been able to help around 200 kids have free prom attire.

“This year has been financially challenging for many families as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise,” Healy said. “Our hope with the prom event is to help ease some of that stress by ensuring teens are able to attend their prom and enjoy a memorable, stress-free night.”

Through the prom events at local schools, more than 400 dresses are made available to students free of charge. In addition, the in-house prom event at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More offers dresses, shoes, makeup, hair care supplies and other accessories, along with a limited number of suits, all completely free of charge.

Prom events this year began April 23 at the New York State School for the Blind and continued through the spring at Orleans/Niagara Learning Center, Holley High School and Lyndonville High School, concluding with Medina High School on May 12, the Main Street Store event May 13 and Albion High School on May 21.

The free program is open to any student in Orleans Genesee and surrounding counties.

Anyone interested in donating to the event can call or text (585) 640-1320, call the store at (585) 589-1430 or send a message on Facebook.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded was at $4.59 on Sunday at the Crosby’s on Route 31 in Holley, on the west side of the village.

Gas prices continue to go up locally, state-wide and across the nation.

AAA this morning reports the national average for regular unleaded is at $4.52 a gallon, up 6 weeks from a week ago. A  year ago, the price was $3.14.

The New York State average is $4.59, up 13 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.10.

In Orleans County, the average price today is at $4.482 a gallon compared to $4.354 a week ago.

Here are the average prices for counties around Western New York:

• Orleans, $4.482
• Genesee, $4.467
• Monroe, $4.492
• Niagara, $4.452
• Erie, $4.501
• Wyoming, $4.483
• Livingston, $4.508
• Chautauqua, $4.406
• Cattaraugus, $4.481
• Allegany, $4.441

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan (New York County) at $4.958 while Franklin County in northern New York is the highest upstate at $4.772.

“Drivers are facing another sharp jump at the pump, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rising 6 cents since last Monday,” AAA said in a news release. “New York state has seen an even steeper 13 cent increase, and some local regions are experiencing higher spikes still. The surge coincides with the start of May, as oil prices climbed amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“Gas prices are now at their highest level in four years, last seen in 2022. As of this morning, oil is trading between $97 and $104 per barrel, compared to $103 to $109 just one week ago.”

Diesel prices are also on the rise this week with the national average at $5.64, no change from last week, but up from $3.53 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.93, down 1 cent from last week, and up from $3.89 last year, AAA reported.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – The Board of Trustees of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina has scheduled its annual meeting for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the library. It will be preceded by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

The Board will present the Library’s Annual Report to the community as well as the proposed 2026-27 budget. Also on the annual meeting agenda will be the election of one member to the Board of Trustees. Stephen O’Dea is running for a new term.

The Board is proposing a total budget of $963,266 for 2026-27. This includes the first bond payment of $253,222 and an operating budget of $710,044.

The proposed increase to the tax levy is $20,456. The proposed increase is within the state-imposed tax cap allowance; the library has never exceeded the tax cap. The proposed tax levy of $622,795 comprises the majority of the library’s funding and is charged to all property owners in the Medina Central School District.

“Our goal is to provide a high level of service to the community at the lowest tax rate possible,” said Cynthia Kiebala, Board President. “We strive to keep the tax levy in check. This budget provides 2,760 hours of access, staffing, materials and programming.”

The proposed tax increase will primarily be used to offset increased costs for staffing, health insurance and utilities. This is also the first year for the bond repayment of $253,222. This will appear on your school taxes as a separate line from the Operating Budget levied for the library’s normal expenses.

The results of the budget vote will not change the bond levy amount.

Copies of the proposed budget and annual report to the community are available at the library.

Voting on the budget will take place at the library on Tuesday, May 12th from 12 noon until 8 p.m.

Residents of the Medina Central School District over the age of 18 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting and on the budget. Identification and proof of residence are required.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connects’ board, takes a picture of volunteers from Baxter Healthcare before they left for their volunteer jobs during Community Connects Day.

KNOWLESVILLE – Volunteers from throughout the county joined together on Friday for Community Connects Day, sponsored by Orleans Community Connects.

Formerly known as Day of Caring, nearly 50 individuals arrived for breakfast at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, before embarking on their volunteer opportunities at a handful of sites.

Orleans Community Connects’ director Nyla Gaylord sits with volunteers Grace Ryan and Todd Schrauger, Baxter employees who volunteered for Community Connects Day on Friday.

Community Connects Day is a dedicated initiative that brings together volunteers and local nonprofits to complete meaningful projects which directly benefit the Orleans County Community.

More than a dozen volunteers came from Baxter on Friday, while others were from Velociti, Takeform, Western New York Energy and Orleans County Mental Health. Sites where they volunteered included Camp Rainbow, the YMCA, Cooperative Extension, Go Art! at Cooperative Extension, Hospice, P‘raising Kids and Arc GLOW.

Volunteers perform such duties as painting, lawn work, filing, cleaning, assembling bookcases and small maintenance jobs.

Orleans Community Connects’ director Nyla Gaylord welcomed volunteers and explained the organization’s name change and the successes achieved in recent years. This included grants and support for expanded broadband in Orleans County, including classes on how to use the modern technology.

“Our new name and new focus are to bring the community together, solve its problems and make it attractive for people to live here,” Gaylord said.

She also shared her appreciation to North Shore Network, who sponsored the day by providing funds for goodie bags for all volunteers. NSN, the company doing broadband installation in the county, is owned by Duston Ellis of Medina.

Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connect’s board, addressed volunteers, saying the agency has made tremendous strides in recent years, having applied for and received more than $2 million in grants, which have funded a grant writer, broadband expansion, respite for caregivers and nutrition programs.

“Our next step is building finances to help towns and villages get state grants and to bring in housing and development,” Bellack said. “We are a housing development agency with a charitable component.”

Orleans Community Connects’ board president Dean Bellack chats with Rahema Quedue and Megan Davenport from Takeform on Friday before they leave for their volunteer opportunities for the day.

Gaylord and Bellack emphasized Orleans Community Connects will continue to give financial aid to its charitable partners throughout the county.

Among Friday’s volunteers were Grace Ryan from Baxter Healthcare. This is her third year of volunteering for the day.

“I have been a big supporter of everything Baxter does involving volunteers,” Ryan said. “I love doing it. Two years ago, I helped clean up the playground at Towne School, and last year I cleaned the storage at the YMCA. I’m going there this year.  It’s for sure I’ll be back again next year,” she said, giving a ‘thumbs up.’

Terry Kingdollar, a family support specialist with Arc GLOW, was with a group from the Arc’s Self Advocacy All Stars. Kingdollar said this was her third time volunteering.

“I like helping people,” she said.

Dawn Winkler, financial manager at Orleans Community Connects, checks in three volunteers at Community Connects Day – Cari Matusak and Larah Rotali from Baxter and Terry Kingdollar from Arc GLOW’s Self Advocacy All Stars.

Matt Luker came with co-workers from Western New York Energy.

“This is my first time here, but I’m a big community person,” he said. “I help in my community a lot, doing anything I can. I’m that kind of person.”

This was Megan Davenport’s first year to volunteer.

“I wanted to last year, but I was too busy at work,” she said. “So this year I made sure I had time this year.”

An employee of Takeform, Davenport headed to Camp Rainbow for the day.

Melinda Rhim, an employee of Orleans County Mental Health, has been an avid participant in the day for many years, going back to when she was on the board of United Way. She comes every year with a team of co-workers to volunteer.

A team from Western New York Energy wait to start out for their volunteer assignments at Community Connects Day on Friday, sponsored by Orleans Community Connects.