‘This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community’
Photo by Richard Termine: New York Theatre Ballet will do two student matinee performances and a public event in Elba later this month.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
ELBA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will present New York Theatre Ballet performing the classic ballet The Firebird in a special regional engagement at the Elba Central Schools Auditorium on Friday, March 20.
The day will include two student matinee performances serving hundreds of students from across Western New York, followed by a public evening performance at 7:30 p.m., which will conclude with a talkback with the dancers and artistic team. The school auditorium is located at 57 South Main St. in Elba.
“This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO Art! “Opportunities to see professional classical dance without traveling to a major city are rare in our region. We are thrilled to make this experience accessible to students, families, and community members.”
Founded in 1978, New York Theatre Ballet is widely recognized as New York City’s leading chamber ballet, presenting both classical masterworks and contemporary choreography to audiences nationwide. Their production of The Firebird, set to music by Igor Stravinsky and based on Russian folklore, tells the magical story of Prince Ivan, the mystical Firebird, and the defeat of the immortal sorcerer Kostchei. The ballet blends storytelling, music, costume, and movement to create a theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The engagement is part of GO Art!’s ongoing work to expand access to professional performing arts in rural Western New York, connecting nationally recognized artists with audiences and students across Genesee and Orleans Counties and the broader GLOW region.
Student Matinee Performances
Two school-day performances will introduce students to professional ballet through New York Theatre Ballet’s acclaimed “Once Upon a Ballet” educational series, designed to engage young audiences while maintaining the artistry of professional performance.
Students attending the matinees will also participate in a post-performance talkback, allowing them to ask questions and learn about careers in the arts directly from the dancers.
Public Evening Performance
The community is invited to attend the 7:30 p.m. evening performance, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience a professional touring ballet company locally.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, and $10 Youth and Veterans. Tickets are available through GO Art! at: https://square.link/u/Xn4PSJn8.
Regional Leadership in Dance
The performance also reflects GO Art!’s growing leadership in dance across New York State.
Earlier this month, Gregory Hallock was selected through a competitive statewide search to become one of the newest members of NYS DanceForce, a consortium of dance advocates dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity across New York State.
Each DanceForce member receives an annual allocation to design residency projects that bring professional dance artists to communities throughout upstate New York.
Hallock’s appointment will allow him to further expand opportunities for dance artists and audiences across rural regions, building on initiatives like the New York Theatre Ballet residency in Elba.
“The work we are doing locally is part of a larger effort to ensure that communities outside major cities have meaningful access to professional dance,” Hallock said. “Being part of NYS DanceForce will allow us to build even more opportunities for artists and audiences across Western New York.”
About GO Art!
GO Art! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and creative opportunities throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. Through performances, festivals, cultural programs, and partnerships with schools and community organizations, GO Art! works to ensure that high-quality arts experiences are accessible to residents across rural and small-city communities.
Funding Support
This performance is funded in part by the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today provided an update on recent casework efforts to assist constituents located in the Middle East and shared important resources available to Americans abroad who may need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government.
Rep. Tenney’s office has successfully helped dozens of constituents located overseas, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait, helping them navigate communications with the U.S. State Department and secure safe travel arrangements back home.
Her office regularly works with federal agencies to help constituents obtain timely information, connect with embassy officials, and access the resources available to U.S. citizens abroad.
“Helping constituents navigate urgent situations overseas is an important part of the work our office does every day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am grateful our team was able to assist constituents in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates and help ensure they were able to return home safely. For Americans currently abroad, the State Department offers several important resources that can provide guidance, updates, and support during emergencies.
“Our office will continue working closely with federal agencies to assist constituents and ensure that Americans traveling or living overseas have access to the information and help they need. We are grateful to the State Department, and our regional partners in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Kuwait for their help getting Americans home safely.”
Americans currently overseas who need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government are encouraged to utilize the following resources:
State Department Crisis Intake Form – Used to notify the U.S. State Department and request assistance or information during emergencies abroad: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Allows U.S. citizens abroad to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and receive important security alerts and updates: https://step.state.gov.
Travel.State.gov – Americans traveling or living abroad should regularly monitor Travel.State.gov and communications from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for country-specific updates and safety guidance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2026 at 8:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Fireworks reflect in the Erie Canal on July 2 after a performance by the Albany Symphony in Medina as part of the celebration for the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary. That concert attracted 1,000 people. There were many special events last year in the county for the bicentennial of both the canal and Orleans County.
ALBION – Orleans County set a new record high for bed tax in 2025, despite concerns that some Canadians might cut back on their traveling to the region.
Last year was a big year for celebrations in the county with the bicentennials of both the Erie Canal and Orleans County, as well as an active year for concerts, festivals and other events.
The Seneca Chief travels along the Erie Canal between Middleport and Medina on Sept. 25. The vessel is a replica of the maiden canal boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the canal in 1825. There were celebrations along the canal system during the Seneca Chief’s 33-day journey last year from Buffalo to New York City.
The county imposes a 4 percent occupancy tax on lodging establishments, and that bed tax generated $119,501.51 in 2025, said County Treasurer Kim DeFrank.
This is the fourth straight year the tax has topped $100,000 for the county.
Here are the totals in recent years:
$119,502 in 2025
$116,712 in 2024
$119,003 in 2023
$111,548 in 2022
$79,102 in 2021
$58,438 in 2020
$58,424 in 2019
$51,002 in 2018
$45,374 in 2017
There are about 200 rooms for rent in the county, including at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals.
Orleans County imposes a 4 percent bed tax on top of the 8 percent sales tax.
The county sets aside the bed tax to fund the tourism department and initiatives to bring in visitors. The increase in funds allowed the county to hire a sportsfishing coordinator in December 2022, filling a position that had been vacant for nearly five years. Ron Bierstine promotes the county’s top tourism draw of sportsfishing attending more of fishing shows, including in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The county also has stepped up its digital advertising on Facebook to promote events in Orleans to attract more visitors to the area. The tourism department promotes local festivities, museums and other attractions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2026 at 4:46 pm
Lynne Menz to get Lifetime Achievement award, while Albion group supporting Bullard Park named “Organization of the Year”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lynne Menz speaks on Sept.7, 2019 during a dedication ceremony for a bronze statue and memorial to the soldiers who trained at the Medina Armory, which is now a YMCA on pearl Street in Medina. Menz’s late father, Bill Menz, had the vision for the monument and pushed to get it done.
Provided photo: This lamppost was made from old, discarded steel from the lift bridge in Albion. Bill Schutt turned it into a lamppost that is now at Albion’s Erie Canal Park between the two lift bridges.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced the winners of the annual Genean Awards for artists, cultural supporters and organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties.
Lynne Menz of Point Breeze will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years with the Orleans County Tourism Department, and as a very active volunteer with the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Association and Medina Sandstone Society.
Menz helped her father, the late Bill Menz, make a bronze statue of a soldier a reality outside the YMCA in Medina, which formerly was used as the Medina Armory to train soldiers.
GO Art! has named Bill Schutt of Basom, Genesee County as its “Individual Artist of the Year.” One of his projects was creating a lamppost in Albion that was made from old discarded steel from the Main Street lift bridge. He makes art from recycled metal.
The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Inc., a not-for-profit organization, will be honored by GO Art! as its “Organization of the Year.”
G-ACRE runs the annual Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival, featuring about a dozen bands and performers over two days in August. G-ACRE also has been a fundraising arm for recent improvements at the park, including new basketball and pickleball courts.
The Genean Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. on March 28 at GO Art!, 201 East Main St., Batavia.
The awards include:
Lifetime Achievement in Orleans County: Lynne Menz
Lifetime Achievement in Genesee County: Maryanne Arena
Supporter (of the Cultural Sector) of the Year: Raeann Engler
Individual Artist of the Year: Bill Schutt
Honorable Mention: Lily Renz
Organization of the Year: Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE)
Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Hofmaster
Basketball players try out the new courts in Albion on Oct. 26, 2023, the day the courts opened. The Greater Albion Recreation Committee and Events Inc. secured the funding for the project.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2026 at 3:09 pm
Images submitted to Village of Medina Planning Board: The Medina Triennial will affix artwork on the Medina Theater as part of the upcoming Medina Triennial art initiative. The Planning Board approved the sign during its meeting on Tuesday.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board has approved a temporary sign for the Medina Triennial and also a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 339 North Main St.
The sign will be 20 by 22 feet and will be a temporary display of artwork. It will be attached on the side of the Medina Theater at 601 Main St., near the back of the building facing Proile Alley.
Medina Triennial organizers expect to put the sign up in late May before the start of the Triennial on June 6. The arts initiative brings 35 works of art from artists around the world. The triennial runs until Sept. 7.
The Planning Board approved the sign until the end of September. The sign will be printed on a vinyl material and fastened on the building “in the least invasive way possible,” said Matt Hollenback, head producer for the Triennial.
Mark and Michael Zambito are seeking to put in new, larger windows at 339 North Main St., a site that was recently used by Patriot Guns and Mystic Dragon’s Lair.
The smaller windows will be replaced with bigger ones that will be either vinyl or aluminum that will have black frames.
The white coverings above the windows will be painted black. The Zambitos said there is missing and deteriorating bricks near the doors that they would like to wrap in a matte finish to prevent further damage to the bricks.
They said repointing the bricks and matching them with the existing ones could be difficult. Planning Board members said there may be usable bricks that match once the smaller windows are replaced with larger.
They encouraged the Zambito brothers to try to repair the brick work as part of the project.
The Zambitos said the work on the building in phase one of what they plan to be bigger improvements at the site.
Democrats asked to repeal legislation that GOP says could increase gas prices by $2 a gallon
These receipts were created and shared by the New York State Republican Conference.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Wednesday highlighted an explosive new memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) regarding the shockingly high costs of New York’s so-called “green energy” mandates on New Yorkers.
They also called on Democrats to repeal the statute requiring the state to implement a Cap-and-Invest program, a program the state now acknowledges could increase gasoline prices by as much as $2.23 per gallon and raise annual utility bills by up to $4,100 for upstate residents and $2,300 for residents in New York City.
Since Democrats passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019, Republicans have demanded answers about its cost, expressed concerns about its mandates and questioned if its goals were realistic or achievable.
Last week, it was disclosed that NYSERDA has issued findings that fundamentally agree with much of what Republicans have been saying for the past 7 years – that the Democrat’s Climate Law is unaffordable and failing to meet its own benchmarks.
“This conference has called for transparency and accounting of the true costs of the CLCPA for years. Now, thanks to a memo from NYSERDA, we finally know what we’ve been saying all along – New Yorkers simply cannot afford the Democrats’ green energy mandates,” said Rob Ortt, the Senate Republican leader.
Cap and Invest is part of the Democrats’ CLCPA, a scam known for its so-called “green” mandates on ratepayers. Democrats’ ideological approach to energy issues in this state has caused the highest utility bills New Yorkers have ever seen. Republicans in both the Senate and Assembly are taking action now to provide relief by pushing to scrap the most damaging parts of the CLCPA, especially Cap and Invest.
Governor Hochul’s New York State Energy Research and Development Authority released a memo outlining “likely costs of CLCPA compliance.” In the memo it reads, “The primary driver of these projected cost increases is the Cap-and-Invest program — “the greenhouse gas accounting approach incorporated in statute and regulation, in combination with current emission reduction targets, mean that current law attributes higher emissions to New York than other leading jurisdictions do for the same activity.”
According to NYSERDA Memo, absent changes, within five years:
Gasoline prices could increase by $2.23 per gallon — on top of whatever market prices are at that time. At today’s prices, that would mean roughly $5.25 per gallon.
Natural gas costs could increase by $16.96 per MMBtu.
Upstate households using oil or natural gas could see energy costs increase by more than $4,100 per year.
New York City households using natural gas could see annual gross costs rise by approximately $2,300.
Utility costs for small and medium commercial businesses increase by up to 45% – these costs would be passed down to consumers
Costs for operating a delivery truck would increase by over 60%.
In addition to the disastrous Cap and Invest program, the Senate Republican Conference has unanimously opposed other new energy costs and mandates within the CLCPA that have increased costs and decreased choices being forced under an extreme climate agenda that is unaffordable, unrealistic, and unattainable.
“They continue to champion policies that they unequivocally know are driving up costs and making life less affordable,” Ortt said. “You can’t just say affordability and wish it into existence when your policies are going to add $4,100 to people’s bills and drive gas costs up to $5 or more at the pump. Democrats want to be California-we are on our way. New Yorkers need to understand-to get different policies they need different policy makers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2026 at 8:45 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Village of Medina Planning Board Chairman John Dieter, center, looks over a draft of an ordinance for regulating short-term rentals in the village. Planning Board members Chris Goyette, left, and Kathy Blackburn also review the document. Other members at the meeting included Dick Moss, Mary Lewis and David Flynn.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina is working on an ordinance for regulating short-term rentals – the Airbnbs, Vrbos and others locations where people stay up to 30 days.
The Planning Board has been tasked with coming up with a draft ordinance that will go to the Village Board.
“We want to get ahead of this,” code enforcement officer Dan Gardner said about the short-term rentals. “But I know it’s already happening. Currently we have nothing to regulate short-term rentals.”
The STR operators will likely need a special use permit and could be subject to inspections, perhaps every year to three years.
The village currently charges $150 for a special use permit which includes $100 to the village and $50 for the public hearing. That is a one-time fee.
Some communities charge an annual licensing fee. In Kendall, it’s $250. Medina isn’t considering an annual fee to have a short-term rental so far in the discussions by the Planning Board.
One issue is whether Medina will require the operators to have insurance. Kendall requires a $1 million liability insurance for STR owners.
John Dieter, Planning Board chairman, said the board still has a lot of research and homework to do in the draft ordinance for STRs.
John Dieter, the Planning Board chairman, said the board is in discussion stage with the draft ordinance.
A big talking point during the board meeting on Tuesday was whether the STRs should be allowed in the downtown business district. There already is at least one.
Gardner, the code enforcement officer, doesn’t think STRs should be in the downtown, where there are already options for hotel rooms. He said “flooding” the downtown with STRs would hurt the hotel operators.
But board member Mary Lewis said STRs are “a great use” of the upper levels in the central business district. Board member Kathy Blackburn favors allowing them in the downtown with regulations.
The STRs could provide a much-needed source of revenue for the building owners, Blackburn said.
“There might be some cases where we’d want some Airbnbs in the general business district,” Dieter said.
The board will continue to discuss the issue, and could decide to limit the short-term rentals to certain zoning districts.
In some communities there are STRs in garages and secondary buildings on a lot. But in Medina, only one habitable building is allowed on a lot so having STRs in a garage wouldn’t be an option.
Planning Board members and the code enforcement officer said they don’t know how many short-term rentals are currently in the village. Medina started collected a “bed tax” last June and that would provide a list of many of the STRs. In addition to the 8 percent sales tax, there is a 4 percent occupancy tax that goes to Orleans County and the new 2 percent tax to Medina.
Gardner wants all STRs to be registered in the village. Airbnb lists about 20 sites in Medina, and that includes a boat in the canal basin and a tent for “glamping.”
Dieter said the Planning Board will work to finalize recommendations on the STR ordinance that will then be referred to the Village Board, which would need to have a public hearing before it’s adopted.
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) is reminding families, even those without earned income, to file a New York State income tax return so they can take full advantage of the Empire State Child Credit.
New this year (for Tax Year 2025), households with the lowest income, or even no income, can receive the maximum for this credit.
Families can receive up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and up to $330 per child ages 4 to 16. They may also be eligible for other federal and state tax credits. These funds can be used to pay taxes owed, if any, and provide additional cash back to families.
“This program is specifically targeted to families with children, regardless of income, but in order to receive the benefit, you have to file a tax return,” said Orleans County DSS Commissioner Holli Nenni. “It is important that families understand they can receive this cash back even if they don’t normally file taxes or haven’t filed taxes in a while.”
Nenni stressed that filing a tax return for the Empire State Child Credit and receiving cash back will not impact Medicaid, SNAP, Cash Assistance, SSI, or Housing Assistance benefits.
For more information on the program, including how to get assistance in preparing a tax return, visit www.otda.ny.gov/childcredit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2026 at 3:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – East Bank Street reopened to traffic today around noon after the fencing was removed that was put up 15 days ago on Feb. 17.
The fencing was added after a roof collapsed at 20 East Bank Street. Those debris have been removed from the third floor of that building, and the site has been deemed structurally sound, said Chris Kinter, the Village of Albion code enforcement officer.
The owner of the building, Frank Corso, is determining whether to put a temporary roof on the building or a permanent one. Once a roof is back on that will stop water from coming into the building, the second-floor apartments should soon after be available again to tenants, Kinter said.
The building at the end of street at 28 East Bank has reopened its apartments and the first floor storefront also can be used again, Kinter said.
The sidewalk near 20 East Bank St. remains off limits to pedestrians.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2026 at 11:48 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A pedestrian bridge is planned to be built across the Oak Orchard Creek along Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A) in Medina. This area also will get about 2,000 feet of new sidewalks.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board hasn’t approved the bid for a pedestrian bridge and sidewalks along Maple Ridge Road because it is awaiting a recommendation from the engineer on the project.
Four construction companies submitted bids for the project. The apparent low bidder, however, isn’t on the state registry for contractors. That is requiring more background work and research from the engineering firm, Barton & Loguidice. The registry verifies that contractors and subcontractors are in compliance with labor laws, including prevailing wage requirements.
Four bids for the project were opened on Feb. 18 and include: $837,448 by RJT Construction Services in Rochester, $943,088 by Keeler Construction in Barre, $977,000 by Rochester Earth Inc. in Churchville, and $1,058,485 by C.P. Ward in Scottsville.
The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.
That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent will be paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500). The money comes from a revolving loan fund that was administered by the Orleans Economic Development Agency. The state in 2019 required funds be ended with the money staying in the community for projects if they are for handicapped accessible initiatives or if they assist a neighborhood that is predominantly low-income.
The section of Maple Ridge Road by the creek has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center. There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2026 at 10:46 am
Photo courtesy of Erin Townsend Photography: Some of the Roy-Hart cast members in the upcoming production of The Addams Family include back row: Jaycie Heck as Grandma, Willow Clarke as Lurch, Collin Nicosia as Uncle Fester, and Fawn Elko as Wednesday Addams. Front row: Mailynn Dick as Morticia Addams, John Brigham as Gomez Addams and Isaac Schultz as Pugsley Addams.
It’s almost showtime for the local school districts with their annual musical productions.
Here are the upcoming shows:
Kendall Junior-Senior High School – Mary Poppins. The shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 13; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, in the JSHS Auditorium. Tickets are $7, and can be purchased at the main office. “We can’t wait for you to see this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious production!” the school district stated.
Albion Middle School Theater Department – School House Rock, Live. The shows are Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 14 at 12 and 7 p.m. in the MS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door. “Thanks in advance for your support! Students cannot wait to see you in the audience,” the district stated.
Holley Middle/High School – Shrek the Musical. Shows will be at Holley Junior Senior High School Auditorium on March 13 at 7 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online (click here) or at the Guidance Office. “Come see Holley High School’s talented student performers bring this magical show to life,” the district stated.
Roy-Hart Central School – The Addams Family. Shows are at the Roy-Hart HS Auditorium on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Barker Jr.-Sr. High School – The Wizard of Oz. Shows will be at the Herbert F. Ludwig Fine Arts Hall on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. To order tickets online, click here.
Lyndonville High School – Peter Pan. Shows are Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $5. They can be purchased online (click here). “The production features students in grades 7-12. Join us at Lyndonville’s Stroyan Auditorium in March for this fantastic production!” the district stated.
Medina Junior-Senior High School – High School Musical. Shows are in the school auditorium on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12. They can be purchased online. Click here for more information.
Albion High School Drama Department – Annie. Shows will be in the MS Auditorium on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 28 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 presale or at the door.
