New events and popular mainstays kept fairgrounds busy

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – A group of inflatable costumed characters walks to the starting line for a race on July 30 at the horse arena. There were 17 participants in the race which was won by the French Bulldog, Rachel Livingston of Albion. It was one of several popular new events at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The attendance for the six-day fair totaled 23,379, which is down just slightly from a typical year. The biggest attendance in recent years was in 2021, when the fair recorded 27,700 visitors.

Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, said he is pleased with the turnout from the community for the fair.

He said some rain plus cloudy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday likely deterred some people from coming for those days.

“Generally we all thought it was a great fair,” Batt said.

He praised a team of about 130 volunteers who donate their time to make the fair a success.

Orleans is one of only four youth fairs in the state. Niagara also has a youth fair, which is this week.

Bert Mathes, the assistant fair manager, gets drenched on Saturday with a big bucket of water from Marty Zwifka, the fair manager. Mathes was among the volunteers who were willing to be part of a dunk bucket fundraiser.

There were 14 people in the fundraiser throughout the fair. Kristin McAdoo, the Ridgeway deputy fire chief, raised the most money at $198, which was $2 more than Robert Batt, the Cornell Cooperative Extension executive director.

The dunk bucket raised about $800 for the Orleans County Jr. Fair Committee. It was one of several new events at the fair.

Ruth Kuipers, 16, of Byron leads her steer named “Dude” towards the show ring during the 4-H Market Auction last Friday. The auction set a new record at the Orleans County 4-H Fair with 98 lots totaling $213,031.

That is a big jump from last year’s $139,852, which also set a new record. Before that the high was $64,128 in 2024. The total has now more than tripled in two years.

Five years ago, when Ruth had a steer in the auction, the total for all of the lots in the auction was about $20,000, just a tenth of the sales from Friday’s auction.

The fair for the first time included professional wrestlers from the Empire State Wrestling. There were nine matches at the Curtis Pavilion, including the opening bout with Jay Blast against Anthony Musso. In this photo, Musso has Blast up high and gets ready to slam him to the mat.

These kids are excited to have a front row seat to watch professional wrestlers at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Aug. 1. In this match, Anthony Musso defeated Jay Blast.

Karaoke was popular from Monday through Thursday at the fair, with the finals on Thursday. The top five singers from left included Asher Dix, first place, with “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5; Gideon Pask, second place, with “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash; Tiana Mortensen, third place, with “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims; Brittany Dix, fourth place, with “Looking Out” by Brandi Carlile; Olivia Manfredi, fifth place, with “(If You’re Not in It For Love) I’m Outta Here” by Shania Twain.

The fair made a big change on Friday night by trying a laser show instead of the traditional fireworks. Batt, the CCE executive director, said there was good feedback about the laser show, but many people missed seeing the fireworks.

The Fair Board made the change because the fireworks, with the loud booms and explosions, were hard on many of the animals at the fair, especially the horses. Fireworks also can be very stressful for people with PTSD, Batt said.

“We are gauging the response to it,” he said about the change to the laser show and whether fireworks will be back next year.

Erica Wanecski of Medina tosses a rubber chicken 35 feet, 10 inches in a contest at the fair that was back for the second year. Austin Seefeldt had the farthest throw at 102 feet.

Firefighters from several departments in Orleans County helped at the Senior Council Stand on Friday, grilling and serving food. Some of the volunteers included Fred Piano, right and Robert Toman from the Albion Fire Department. At left is Emmanuel Cornell of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company, who is also a 4-Her. Next to him is Nick Boyle from the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is shown on Aug. 14, 2025 during a light show. The 32-foot-high lighthouse was built in 2010.

POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum’s annual fundraising event will feature an evening of music, along with the usual extraordinary dessert buffet.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Carlton United Methodist Church, the Lighthouse Museum will sponsor “Lyrics and the Lighthouse,” featuring performances by local musicians, Lily Brigham, Hannah Brewer, Shannon Vanderlaan and Andy & Mindy.

There will also be raffles, in addition to desserts and live music.

While raising money to build the lighthouse was an enormous community effort, it is also necessary to raise funds to maintain it, according to board president Chris Manaseri. He added the Lighthouse has an annual budget of $5,500, of which more than half goes to insurance and tax reporting. He said their revenue comes from fundraisers, donations and gift shop sales.

In the past the museum has sponsored dinners, raffles and talks centered around Lake Ontario, including several presentations by shipwreck hunter Jim Kennard.

For the past three years, the fundraiser has taken place at the Carlton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Archibald Road and Route 18, where Larry Grimes is not only a member, but an incredible pastry chef. His array of delectable desserts has become a popular addition to Lighthouse fundraisers.

Tickets for the evening are $25 at the door or $20 presale and can be purchased at OONA summer concerts at the Marine Park, or by calling (585) 230-7829

The history of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse goes back to 1871 when there were two piers in the harbor at Point Breeze and a lighthouse was built on west pier. It was in service from 1871 to 1916, when a violent storm took it into the lake.

Fast forward to 2002 when Peg and Richard Wiley moved to a marina on Route 98, just south of the Orleans County Marine Park. Peg was interested in the area which had become her new home and started researching its history.

When she discovered there used to be a lighthouse at Point Breeze, she realized the potential for tourism, and thought why hasn’t anyone ever attempted to rebuild one?

She contacted Dick Anderson, who lived in the former lighthouse keeper’s home at the end of Archibald Road. In the summer of 2003, they and several other interested citizens met under the bridge in the Marine Park to discuss a new lighthouse.

The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum was chartered in 2004 to raise funds to rebuild the lighthouse. The first public meeting took place at the Carlton Recreation Hall, where a model of a lighthouse built by Anderson was on display.

Original members of the board, besides Wiley, Anderson and Diane Blanchard (who are still board), Cheryl Staines, Dan and Marietta Schuth, Diana Jeffords and Jamie Kowalski. Other supporters who soon joined in were Joan Higley, Kim Remley and Ginny Kropf.

The lighthouse was completed with donations by individuals, families and businesses, fundraising events, grants and a member item from former State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

A memorial walkway composed of hundreds of bricks sponsored by donors, was installed and sponsors were sought for the compass rose and benches crafted from Medina Sandstone. The benches were created by internationally known stone craftsman, George Graham of Oakfield. A Children’s Peace Garden was installed with plantings beneficial to migratory bird populations that pass through the area. Volunteers maintain it.

Most importantly, according to their website, a building will be acquired or constructed near Point Breeze to serve as the physical Museum, housing documents, photos, exhibits and memorabilia related to the general and maritime history of Point Breeze, Oak Orchard Harbor, and the surrounding region.

MEDINA – Walking down Main Street, Pastor Barb Brewer from The Grove United Methodist Church couldn’t help hearing the music playing and thinking how nice it would be to have a community choir.

“Then I was driving home through the swamp when God spoke to my heart. ‘Put this choir together.’”

The pastor went home and started thinking about forming a singing group similar to those showcased in other communities, such as Lockport and Middleport. She took her idea to her friend, Edward “Eddie” Reeb, a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College’s music program and director of the Lockport Chorale.

Brewer is planning an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the sanctuary of The Grove United Methodist Church, 11004 West Center St., for anyone who is interested in forming a Medina Community Choir.

“I already have a director and an accompanist,” Brewer said. “Mr. Reeb has agreed to direct a newly-formed choral group here in Medina.”

She also reached out to Tom Wenhold of Lyndonville, organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Lyndonville, who has agreed to join the effort as accompanist.

Plans are to present three community concerts a year – in spring, fall and at Christmas.

“So come one, come all and sing your hearts out for your community and beyond,” Brewer urges.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation last week where the County Legislature proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month in Orleans County.

From left from the Department of Social Services include Commissioner Shirley Mazourek, Child Support Specialist Corina DeFilipps, and Senior Child Support Specialist Danielle Kickbush.

In the proclamation, legislators state that the county is committed to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of children.

“Parents have the most critical role in the development of their children, and an obligation to provide safe, loving and secure environments in which their children can grow and flourish,” the proclamation states.

Parents have an obligation to support their children, financially and emotionally, legislators said.

The county’s Child Support Enforcement Program and child support professionals play a vital role in assisting parents in achieving and maintaining economic security for their children, the proclamation states.

Provided photos: Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy Angel Cruz Cruz, an Albion graduate, has graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Training Academy. He is shown at right with Chief Deputy Torry Tooley and Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is pleased to announce that Deputy Angel Cruz Cruz graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Training Academy on July 31.

Deputy Cruz Cruz will continue the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s comprehensive Field Training Program, where he will work alongside experienced Field Training Officers as he continues his transition into patrol operations.

Sheriff Bourke extends his appreciation to Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, and the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy for their continued partnership in training and preparing the next generation of Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs.

Reception planned for Saturday to celebrate Betty Sue Miller and welcome Haibach

File photos by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library staff met two young patrons by an ox statue on March 17, 2025 when the library celebrated its 125th anniversary in the community. Brothers Mikey Madison, 11, in blue shirt and Timmy Madison, 8, were happy to try some of the cookies given out for the library birthday. The staff pictured include, from left: Michael Magnuson, Adult Services librarian; Betty Sue Miller, director; and Elizabeth Haibach, assistant director.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – The Board of Trustees of Hoag Library of Albion announce the retirement of Director Betty Sue Miller, effective August 7, after more than a decade of distinguished service.

Miller will be succeeded by Elizabeth Archer Haibach, who is being promoted from her role as assistant director.

Since joining Hoag Library as an interim director in February 2015, then becoming director, Miller has been instrumental in strengthening the library’s role as a vital community resource. Her dedication to public library service has earned recognition across the region: in May 2025, Miller received the Outstanding Service Award from the Nioga Library System, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to public library service across Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. In 2021, she was honored with a Genean Award from GO ART!, further testament to her commitment to the community.

A 1970 graduate of Albion High School, Miller brought both deep community roots and professional expertise to the role. She holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and has a rich background in library service, including teaching in Albion schools and serving as a librarian at Holley High School. A lifelong Albion resident, Miller and her husband, Fred—a county legislator and former owner of Family Hardware—have two adult children and have been integral members of the community.

Betty Sue Miller gives blood on Dec. 17, 2022 during a blood drive at the library. Miller has welcomed blood drives and many other programs into the library.

After taking a few weeks to rest and recharge, Miller will return to Hoag Library in a part-time capacity, focusing on special projects that will help shape the library’s future. This transition allows the library to benefit from her continued expertise while giving her the opportunity to step back from daily operations.

Elizabeth Archer Haibach brings enthusiasm and a passion for public service to her new role as Director. Born in Albion, Elizabeth spent part of her childhood living in Mexico and Central America before returning to Orleans County. A proud graduate of Albion Central School’s Class of 2006, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo.

Elizabeth’s family has deep roots in the community, including her grandparents’ longtime businesses, Archer Lumber and Barre Animal Hospital. Before beginning her library career, she worked as a Program Assistant for Agri-Business Child Development at Batavia.

She joined Hoag Library as the Reference Librarian and was later promoted to Assistant Director. Outside of the library, Elizabeth enjoys reading historical nonfiction, exploring local history, and is an active member of the Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. On sunny days, she can often be found behind the wheel of her ’68 Dodge Super Bee. She is honored to serve the community she has always called home and looks forward to building on Hoag Library’s tradition of exceptional service, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

Hoag Library director Betty Sue Miller, back left, and assistant director Elizabeth Haibach meet with the board of trustees following the annual meeting at the library on May 6, 2024. They shared data from 2023 that showed total circulation for books and non-books was 42,898 – with 32,323 books and 10,575 non-books.

“Betty Sue Miller’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era of leadership at Hoag Library,” said Linda Weller, Board President of Hoag Library of Albion. “Her vision, dedication, and deep commitment to our community have transformed the library into a thriving hub for learning, growth, and connection. We are deeply grateful for her service. At the same time, we are excited about the future under Elizabeth’s leadership. Elizabeth brings fresh energy, community ties, and a genuine passion for library service. We are confident that she will honor Betty Sue’s legacy while bringing her own innovative ideas and talents to the role.”

Haibach officially assumes the role of director on Aug. 8. The transition represents both continuity of the library’s mission and an exciting new chapter for Hoag Library of Albion.

The community is invited to celebrate Betty Sue Miller’s remarkable career and welcome Elizabeth Haibach as the new director at a reception on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library. Light refreshments will be served. No RSVP is required—everyone is welcome to stop by.

ALBION – A Medina man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court this morning to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Milton Hinckley IV, 32, admitted to having cocaine on Jan. 23 when he was stopped in a vehicle in Medina by the Medina Police Department. The cocaine weighed 1.07 ounces.

Hinckley faced other drug and traffic charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. His plea in County Court today satisfies all charges against him.

He could face up to 2 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 30.

In another case today in County Court, a Newfane man facing several charges, including first-degree arson, appeared on a bail hearing.

Marquis Harrell, 22, allegedly went to the mother of his children’s residence in Albion early Saturday and threw a Molotov cocktail at the home, causing charring and siding damage, said Daniel Punch, assistant district attorney.

Harrell also faces charges of criminal mischief in the first degree, four counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree, two counts of endangering the welfare, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and two counts of criminal contempt.

Harrell is represented by public defender Joanne Best. She said Harrell may likely have been “overcharged” in the case with first-degree arson.

“Is there sufficient evidence to charge him with what is alleged?” Best said in court today.

Punch said there are threatening text messages from Harrell to the victim and photos showing the damage to the residence.

Even if the charge was attempted arson, Punch said that is a serious enough charge to hold Harrell on bail.

Best asked that Harrell be released on his own recognizance without being held on bail.

Punch acknowledged Harrell has a limited criminal history but also faces a pending criminal mischief charge in Royalton. Punch asked the judge to set bail at $10,000 cash. Judge Sanford Church agreed to that amount of cash bail, or $20,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured bond.

The judge also is continuing orders of protection for the victims of the alleged crime.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina firefighters Brian Bates (left), a paramedic/firefighter, and Lt. Jake Crooks hand out plastic firefighter helmets to kids at the National Night Out on Tuesday outside the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. Medina firefighters also gave bags with fire prevention tips for kids.

Medina hosted the National Night Out for the fifth time on Tuesday, and drew several hundred people. First responders and agencies from throughout the county were there to run activities and answer questions from residents.

Paul Urquart, a Medina firefighter, helps Jace Boyle, 10, of Medina aim a fire hose at a target.

Mila McAdoo, 4, of Medina throws a ball at the dunk tank target. She was able to get Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo Company, to plunge into the water.

Christy Gross, who works at a salon at the Walmart in Albion, gives Blair, age 5, a haircut. Gross offered free haircuts during National Night Out.

Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy Jeff Cole and Odin, the department’s K9, did demonstrations during NNO. Odin has been trained and is certified for drug detection, tracking and searches.

Sherrie Bensley, public health educator for GO Health, serves pizza that was donated by Mark’s Pizzeria. Mark’s donated 20 sheet pizzas for the event.

Bensley was co-chair of the NNO Committee with Diana Fulcomer of UConnectCare. Other committee members include Alishia Foss and Taryn Moyle of Community Action, Jess Marciano of the Village of Medina, and Danielle Figura of the Orleans County Mental Health Department.

Bensley said National Night Out builds connections in the community.

“I think it’s very important for our youth to see our first responders in action and form a relationship,” she said. “They see they are the good guys.”

Taryn Moyle, Alishia Foss and Danielle Figura were busy serving pizza donated by Mark’s. The pizza was a change from previous years when hot dogs were given out for free.

This kid fires a fastball at the dunk tank target, trying to get Shawn Ramsey wet.

Fire departments and law enforcement agencies gave people a chance to see equipment up close.

UB professors to turn former concrete plant into site with focus on state’s history, biodiversity and agriculture

Photos by Douglas Levere/University at Buffalo – The public greenspace initiative in Medina will be located along the Erie Canal, north of the Glenwood Avenue bridge and the Big Apple sculpture.

By Laurie Kaiser, News Content Director at University at Buffalo

MEDINA – Two University at Buffalo professors are leading a public ecological project in Medina, which will honor the agricultural, cultural and economic history of Western New York.

Joyce Hwang, FAIA, professor of architecture in the School of Architecture and Planning, and Mishuana Goeman, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Indigenous Studies, have received a $195,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to plan a public space on land owned by New York State.

It will involve a cultural and biological history of the site, particularly connected to apples and other native fruits, and will feature public art in the form of hybrid trees, created by renowned artist Sam Van Aken, MFA, associate professor of art at Syracuse University.

“The project aims to create a public landscape and living archive that focuses on the crucial role that apples have played in New York’s transformation through a long engagement in Haudenosaunee history, colonization, immigration and commerce,” Hwang says. “As one of the most diverse fruit-growing states, New York has historically become the home to hundreds of apple varieties, many of which have been lost due to industrialization, monoculture farming and changing market demands.”

The project highlights the state’s agricultural history, notes Hwang, who has been developing a series of projects that incorporate wildlife habitats into constructed environments over the past two decades.

“When we began our initial discussion,” Hwang says, “I was thinking that if we’re going to be talking about the state’s agricultural history, we have to include the Department of Indigenous Studies.”

The public landscape will be built on two acres located along the Erie Canal that is close to the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Nation. Once home to a concrete plant, the space is adjacent to a larger capital project that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is undertaking to renovate the Empire State Trail, adding accessible walkways and bike paths along the canal.

This summer Goeman and Hwang are meeting with community shareholders in Medina, as well as NYPA and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC). Other UB collaborators include Christopher Romano, AIA, assistant professor of architecture, Alissa Ujie Diamond, PhD, assistant professor of urban and regional planning, and Jason Corwin, PhD, clinical assistant professor of indigenous studies.

Goeman, who has connections through patrilineal descent with Tonawanda Band of Seneca, says this location has so much potential as an important intersection between Medina, which is the widest spot on the Erie Canal, and the reservation.

“I really believe in a project of land solidarity and creating more solidarity practices within Medina by incorporating local Indigenous voices and histories that often are not told in this particular area,” Goeman explains.

In 1779, a military campaign led by Gen. John Sullivan during the American Revolutionary War, burned down all the orchards and corn fields that were attached to the villages of the Haudenosaunee (also known as Iroquois).

As European agricultural practice took root in the following decades, apples became a cornerstone of New York’s economy, with hundreds of apple varieties available by the early 20th century. Industrial practices in more recent years have reduced the number of commercially available varieties to only a few dozen.

The project seeks to address these challenges by serving as a living archive of the state’s rich apple heritage, reintroducing heirloom and antique varieties that once flourished across the region and tracing patterns of migration, settlement, colonialism and  biodiversity. One of the project’s goals is to use multigrafting techniques explored by Van Aken, who created the Tree of 40 Fruits. This is a horticultural technique where multiple varieties of fruit are grafted onto a single root system.

“Through conversations and archival research, we aim to compile a historical narrative for the site that can serve as a guiding document for the design of the park’s interpretive elements, such as signage, and selection of plantings and tree species going forward,” Hwang says.

For additional information, the UB team is meeting with representatives from the Buffalo History Museum, the Erie Canal Museum, the Medina Historical Society, the village of Medina and the Tonawanda Reservation Historical Society and preparing an archival narrative to present during a meeting with all the shareholders in the fall.

An enormous part of the work this summer, Hwang says, is analyzing the site itself. When the time comes, the team intends to co-design the space in collaboration with the shareholders in Medina.

“Ultimately, we’re interested in creating a place where everyone can feel welcome,”  Hwang says. “I think it’s important that it reflect not just the history of the Erie Canal that most of us know, but also the hidden histories that need to be included.”

Press Release,  Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced increased grants through New York’s Clean Vessel Assistance Program. This additional funding will help marinas and municipalities affordably install and upgrade boat sewage pump-outs that reduce pollution and protect the water quality that supports recreation, tourism, fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has awarded $14 million to projects across New York since the program’s inception, supporting one of the nation’s most extensive recreational boating pump-out networks. Boaters can locate facilities using EFC’s online map, making it easy to find nearby services and responsibly dispose of onboard waste.

The map lists three pump-out stations in Orleans County: Medina Canal Basin, Holley at East Avenue along the canal, and the Bald Eagle Marina in Kendall at Lakeland Beach Road.

“New York’s waterways are among some of our greatest assets, and protecting them requires investment and partnerships,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will help marinas strengthen the waterfront infrastructure that keeps sewage out of our bays, protects marine habitats, and preserves the clean water that communities depend on.”

Available funding has increased to as much as $80,000 for pump-out boats and $40,000 for stationary facilities and upgrades, along with continued support for facility operations, maintenance and public education. The increased funding reflects Governor Hochul’s goal of making clean water infrastructure improvements more affordable.

Pump-out stations may be small pieces of infrastructure, but they have an outsized impact on water quality by giving boaters a simple, convenient way to dispose of onboard sewage. Most of New York State’s coastal waters and connecting waterways are No Discharge Zones, where it is illegal to discharge treated or untreated sewage from boats.

Increased awards will help marinas continue to install new pump-out stations, modernize aging equipment, purchase pump-out boats and maintain existing facilities.

Marina owners, municipalities and eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Go to EFC’s website for eligibility requirements, application materials and the Statewide facility map.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is supported by purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels.

Press Release, Village of Albion

ALBION – The Village of Albion is inviting residents to participate in an upcoming Comprehensive Planning Workshop on August 19th from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Hoag Library (Kirby Room), 134 S. Main St.

Representatives from the village will be there from 5 to 8 p.m. to answer questions before and after the meeting.

This workshop is an important opportunity for Albion’s residents to share ideas, concerns, and priorities that will help shape the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive

Plan serves as a long-term roadmap guiding decisions about economic development, infrastructure, land use, and community growth.

Village officials are specifically seeking feedback from residents about:

• Public safety
• Parks and recreation
• Opportunities for revitalization and economic development
• Public infrastructure and code/zoning
• Ideas to strengthen Albion’s downtown and commercial areas

Input gathered during this session will directly inform the goals and strategies included in the Comprehensive Plan. The Village encourages all residents, including homeowners and renters, to attend and help shape Albion’s future.

“This is a valuable chance for residents to have a voice in planning for the future of Albion,” said Jay Grasso, president of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, which is assisting Albion with the updated plan. “Your insight is critical to creating a plan that supports the needs of village residents.”

No registration is required. For more information, contact Jay Grasso at contact@ggprocess.com.

Assemblyman says Orleans ‘has played a vital role in shaping the economic, agricultural, and civic life of New York State and the nation’

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley last week presented a formal proclamation to the Orleans County legislature in honor of the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America. Pictured form left include Assemblyman Hawley, County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, County Historian Catherine Cooper and Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson.

Orleans County was established in 1825 and is situated along the historic corridor of the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario, the proclamation notes.

The county “has played a vital role in agricultural and civic life in New York State and the nation,” Hawley states in the proclamation. “Generations of residents of Orleans County have answered the call of service, contributing to the defense of our freedoms in every major conflict in American history and continuing to uphold the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and duty that define our nation.”

He also praises the Orleans County’s “rich agricultural heritage that has helped feed New York State and beyond, strengthening local economies while preserving the traditions of hard work, stewardship of the land, and community resilience that remain central to the American identity.”

Orleans County’s towns and villages also have long embodied the spirit of American self-government through strong local leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, and a commitment to preserving history while preparing future generations for success, Hawley said.

“As the nation reflects on 250 years of progress, challenges, and shared achievement, Orleans County stands as a testament to the strength of small communities in shaping the broader story of New York State and the United States of America,” Hawley states in the proclamation.

He also presented a 250^th anniversary proclamation to the Genesee County Legislature and will be presenting one to Monroe County officials on Aug. 14 at the Town of Clarkson’s Good Neighbor Day.