By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2026 at 3:18 pm
This is first time in about 30 years an Orleans County school district hosted Area All-State
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Zone 2 Area All State Mixed Choir, featuring junior high students in the Rochester area, are conducted by Keith Ersing during a concert on Saturday at the Stroyan Auditorium in Lyndonville. In this photo they are performing, “Come and Go to That Land” by Brandon Boyd.
Zone 2 includes eight counties in western and central New York: Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne.
Lyndonville hosted the Junior High Area All-State Music Festival which included 300 student performers and over 1,300 people in attendance for two concerts. Lyndonville’s auditorium holds about 700 people so the festival had to be split into two different concerts.
The first concert featured the Area All State Symphonic Band, followed by the Area All State Treble Choir.
The second concert included the Area All State Mixed Choir, followed by the Area All State Symphony Orchestra.
Members of the Zone 2 Junior High Area All State Symphony Orchestra perform “Marriage of Figaro” on Saturday in Lyndonville. These students on the double bass, cello and other symphony orchestra instruments are all from the Rochester region.
The students in the different groups all auditioned in the spring and needed to perform for a judge to be selected for Area All State. Their district teachers also helped prepare them for the concert.
Provided photos: There were six students from Orleans County who performed on Saturday, including (Left) Madelyn Ingersoll of Lyndonville, alto in mixed choir, and Emily Kroll of Lyndonville, clarinet in the symphonic band. (Right) Lillian Olsen of Medina, left, played trumpet and Lauren Allis of Medina played the clarinet in the symphonic band.
Oscar Lopez of Medina was a bass in the mixed choir and Amber O’Kussik was a soprano in the treble choir.
The students were at Lyndonville from for rehearsals from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday and then beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The concerts were at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. This photo shows the Area All State Treble Choir led by conductor Maureen Reilly with Gary Simboli as the accompanist.
Amy Erhard conducted the Area All State Symphonic Band. Erhard leads the Buffalo Wind Symphony. She has twice been nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 November 2026 at 8:50 am
GAINES – The Cobblestone Society and Museum has announced its winners to be honored at the annual meeting Nov. 14 at the Gaines Carlton Community Church on Ridge Road.
The luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. with invocation by the Rev. Marsha Rivers, followed by a toast by Bill Lattin, retired Cobblestone Museum director.
Lunch will be served at 1 p.m., after which guests will adjourn to the sanctuary for award presentations and the business meeting.
Guest speaker will be Todd Bensley, local historian from Medina, who will discuss the changes that have taken place at Medina’s historic Boxwood Cemetery over the years.
Following the business meeting, the Cobblestone Society and Museum will present its annual awards.
Winners are NBT Bank – Business Partner of the Year; Diane Furness, president of Gaines Carlton Community Church Women’s Fellowship, Community Partner of the Year; Marty Taber, for excellence in serving the museum as a former board member; and Collin Capurso, Intern of the Year.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 November 2026 at 8:45 am
Provided photo: Members of the newly formed Medina Chorale meet for practice at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at the Grove United Methodist Church. Shown here are, from left front, director Eddie Reeb, Nancy Hausman, Patricia Worrad, Jan Toale and Gary Lawton. Second row, Karen Hoart, Diane Odle, Mary Zangerle, Brenda Lindsay and Kristina Fuller. Third row, accompanist Tom Wenhold, Hal Goodwin, Paul Goodwin and Wendy Fuller.
MEDINA – Music is in the air, and its coming from the Medina Chorale.
The Medina Chorale is a new singing group of community-minded individuals who love to sing, said Barb Brewer, pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church.
The group will be performing a concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Grove United Methodist Church, located at 11004 W Center Street Ext.
The idea for a Medina chorus evolved when Pastor Brewer was walking downtown and heard the music over the loud speakers.
“We need a singing group,” she said to herself.
Shortly after, a group of individuals who expressed an interest in singing in a new chorale group met at the Grove United Methodist Church and made plans for their first concert.
Any community member is welcome to join the Medina Chorale, which rehearses at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Grove United Methodist Church.
Nancy Hausman is a member of St. Mary’s Church, who saw information about the chorale on Facebook.
“I like to sing,” she said. “I also belong to the Middleport Community Choir. This one is closer to home.”
Hausman also remembers the original Medina Chorale which was directed by the late Jack Wheatley.
“I enjoy being with other people and getting together in a group,” Hausman said. “We were strangers when we met and now we have developed new friendships. These people give 100 percent. The chorale was Pastor Barb’s idea. She doesn’t sing, but she loves music.”
Tom Wenhold of Lyndonville, who is organist at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, is accompanist for the Medina Chorale.
“I have been playing piano since I was in eighth grade,” Wenhold said. “There is a lot of talent in this group. Eddie Reeb of Lockport is our director. We have been practicing for two months, working hard on the songs we chose. It is a well-rounded show, including contemporary music, show tunes and religious favorites. ”We are excited to do the show. No one will be disappointed with it.”
Brenda Lindsey of Medina used to sing in a choir years and years ago, and when she saw the Medina Chorale on Facebook, she was immediately intrigued.
“I love to sing and attended the first informational meeting,” she said. “It pleases my soul to be able to sing with other people.”
Director Reeb is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan Music Program. He leads the chorale in singing four-part harmony, said Pastor Barb.
“The church is thrilled to allow the group to practice and hold concerts there,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2026 at 8:53 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Downtown Albion is shown in this file photo from March 6.
ALBION – Village officials will be holding public meetings on Thursday at Hoag Library to go over two programs that could bring in state resources to the community.
One program focuses on vacant rental property and the other is an economic and community development initiative.
The first meeting at 5 p.m. focuses on a vacant property rental program. Landlords and property owners with vacant rental units are encouraged to attend the informational session.
It will detail the Vacant Property Rental Rehabilitation Program through the state. Village officials and G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing will lead the session at the library.
This state-funded program provides financial assistance to property owners to rehabilitate vacant rental units and return them to active use, helping to increase the supply of quality rental housing and support revitalization efforts in Albion, according to a press release from the village.
Attendees at the meeting will learn about program eligibility requirements, available funding, the application process, and how disbursements are handled.
“This initiative presents an excellent opportunity for property owners to invest in their buildings while contributing to Albion’s housing stability and future growth,” G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing stated in the press release. “We’re excited to help local property owners understand how to take full advantage of the program.”
For questions or additional information, contact G&G at scott@ggprocess.com or (315) 921-4008.
Albion will then have a second public information meeting at 6 p.m. with this one about a potential application for Round 5 of the NY Forward program, which could offer up to$4.5 million to boost economic development, tourism, housing and other projects. Medina was awarded this grant in 2023.
“The Village is exploring a NY Forward Round 5 application to build momentum, attract investment, and enhance our downtown and community assets including the Erie Canal, Bullard Park, the Heritage Trail and more,” according to an announcement from the Village of Albion.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 November 2026 at 8:25 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: National Honor Society senior Gaven Dahldaus clears plates from the table of veteran George Lee Brown of Albion. He said he had spent most of the day at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, where he was driven by a volunteer with the Veterans’ Van Service in Albion. He attended the dinner with his daughter Andrea.
MEDINA – A record number of veterans and their families attended the 16th annual Veterans’ Day Dinner, sponsored by the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society at Medina High School.
The 177 responses, which included 64 veterans and their families, was the largest since the dinners have taken place, said Honor Society Adviser Zach Harris. Harris is a Medina High School graduate and said he remembers the dinners sponsored by the Honor Society when he was a student.
“I’d like to see this event get as big as possible, even if we have to get a fire hall,” Harris said. “I am so grateful for these students who have worked so hard to give back to you.”
Camden Fike and Brennan Allen, both seniors and members of the National Honor Society at Medina High School, welcome veterans and their families at the annual veterans’ day dinner they sponsor.
The evening included dinner catered by Zambistro, a welcome by NHS president Madalyn Clute and invocation by Robyn Watts.
Guests enjoyed appetizers and cider before being served a spaghetti dinner catered by Zambistro.
At each place setting was a greeting card/message from students in kindergarten through third grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School. One card read, “Thank you for keeping us safe. You are so brave and strong.”
National Honor Society members Analeah Fidanza, Natalia Olsen and Aspyn Garley hand out greeting cards made by grades K-3 at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
Veterans enjoying dinner and camaraderie at the veterans’ dinner at Medina High School Friday night are Jack Miles, Guy Magliocco of Carlton and Barb and Dave Kusmierczak of Medina.
Zach Harris, standing at the podium, is adviser of the Honor Society at Medina High School. He welcomed veterans and their families to the 16th annual Veterans Day Dinner on Friday night.
The Medina Mustang Marching Band spans out across the auditorium at Medina High School, where they performed Friday night for the Veterans’ Day Dinner sponsored by the school’s Honor Society.
Veterans and their guests were then invited to walk to the auditorium, where the Mustang Marching Band performed their award-winning show under the leadership of drum major Sophia Lopez. The band this year is directed by Kyla Leno-Denise.
Also, throughout the evening local photographer Alexandra Peracciny roamed through the crowd, taking pictures. Anyone whose picture was taken may contact her to have a picture e-mailed to them.
The Mustang Band and Color Guard entertain the audience after the Veterans’ Day Dinner at Medina High School.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2026 at 9:43 pm
ALBION – The VFW Strickland Post 4635 will be at Ace Hardware on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., selling Buddy Poppies. Veterans in past were at Walmart selling the poppies but will be at Ace Hardware this time.
Veterans have been selling the poppies for over a century to support causes that assist vets.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161
MEDINA – Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161 proudly congratulates Captain Michael Young on his retirement from the Medina Fire Department following nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Captain Young transferred to Medina from the Salamanca Fire Department in April 2007 and has spent the years since serving the Medina community.
During his career, he served as Municipal Training Officer, Lieutenant and Captain of First Platoon. He also spent many years as a New York State Fire Instructor assigned to Orleans County, passing along his knowledge and experience to firefighters throughout our area.
Today, Mike and his family were surrounded by past and present Medina firefighters and friends from departments around the county for a retirement luncheon hosted by Local 2161 and the Medina Firefighters Benevolent Association.
Local 2161 Vice President Tim Miller presented Mike with a ceremonial fire axe on behalf of the membership as a token of our appreciation for his years of service. Chief Cooley also presented him with his retired badge.
Congratulations, Captain Young. Thank you for everything you have given to Local 2161, the Medina Fire Department and the community we serve. Enjoy a long and well-deserved retirement.
Tops Friendly Markets will honor those who have served our country with an 11 percent discount on groceries this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Now in its 13th year, the program has provided more than $1 million in savings to military personnel and their families.
The discount will be available at all Tops locations to U.S. veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and retired military personnel, as well as immediate family members residing in the same household. Customers should present proof of their own or their immediate family member’s military service to receive the discount on their total purchase that day.
“Behind every person who serves is a story of commitment, courage and sacrifice—and often a family making sacrifices alongside them,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “We are grateful to count so many veterans and military families among our associates, customers and neighbors. This Veterans Day, we’re honored to offer a small expression of our appreciation for all they have given to our country and continue to give to our communities.”
Tops’ appreciation for the military community extends throughout the year. The company has supported veterans’ memorials and traveling tribute walls, Honor Flight missions, and military fundraising events.
Most recently, proceeds from the Tops tents at both the Taste of Buffalo and Taste of Syracuse went to three veteran based organizations. Tops also continues to support the Stars for our Troops program, having run the program twice over the past eight years, collecting over 58,000 to present to those who have protected our freedoms.
Through participation in veteran job fairs, parades and community events, Tops continues to honor the service of military associates, customers and their families.
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops is committed to delivering sustainably sourced, premium-quality products. Beyond retail, Tops is committed to the communities it serves through initiatives focused on hunger relief, health improvement, youth education, and environmental sustainability. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.
Provided photos: Katie Oakes, facilitator of the Master Gardener training program, shows students how to conduct a soil pH test.
Press Release, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension will be offering the Master Gardener training course starting in February. Applications are being accepted now until December 1st.
The Master Gardener program is a nation-wide volunteer service program, one of the largest volunteer programs in the country. Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension by “extending” the research-based information and guidelines put forth by Cornell University to their county residents.
The Master Gardener Training Course is the required first step for those who are interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The course in 2027 will be a hybrid of online lessons along with weekly in-person classes to reinforce key topics. The online portion is self-paced, meaning students are given a time frame within which to complete each module and they can choose when to complete the coursework based on their personal schedule.
In-person classes will be held every Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Orleans County CCE “Buzz Hill” Education Center, led by CCE Horticulture Educator Katie Oakes, the coordinator of the Master Gardener volunteers and the facilitator of the Master Gardener Training Course.
There were plans to run the training in early 2026, but Orleans CCE did not receive enough applications to continue with the course. This coming year, the course will start February 4th and will run through May 6th. The in-person classes are held every Thursday evening at the ‘Buzz Hill’ Education Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
“The Master Gardener Training Course was an excellent experience; it changed the way I garden and look at my environment. The research-based educational materials were thorough, interesting, and challenged me to think differently,” explained Sue Starkweather Miller, who completed the course in 2022.
Students in the 2024 Master Gardener Training class learn about diagnosing plant problems.
Once students complete the training program, they serve 40 hours within the next year through the MG Program to become official Master Gardener volunteers. Those service hours can include attending monthly Master Gardener meetings, helping at various Master Gardener educational programs, tabling at public events like the Home and Garden Show and the Orleans County 4-H Fair, or finding answers to gardening questions that come in from county residents.
“I love the Master Gardener program,” said Elaine Clute, a graduate of the 2024 MG Training Course. “It’s a great group of gardeners who support each other and are committed to community and outreach.”
Orleans County CCE will close the application process on December 1st, after which participants for the course will be selected and notified of acceptance into the program. Preference will be given to Orleans County residents and those who are interested in becoming long-term volunteers with the Master Gardener Program.
The cost of the course is $200. If you are interested in the course, but require financial assistance, please contact Katie Oakes directly at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or by email at klo54@cornell.edu.
LYNDONVILLE – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider serving rural communities across upstate New York, is preparing to welcome patients back to its Lyndonville health center, with an official reopening date of Nov. 16.
The reopening reaffirms the organization’s commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare in underserved communities and marks an important milestone for the Lyndonville community.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Oak Orchard Health recognizes the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing essential healthcare services. Limited transportation options, geographic barriers and provider shortages can make receiving consistent, preventive care difficult for individuals and families.
Re-establishing services in Lyndonville reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to reducing these barriers and ensuring that residents have access to trusted healthcare providers close to home.
The reopening represents more than the return of a healthcare facility. It is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the Lyndonville community, support continuity of care and provide residents with a convenient, community-based option for managing their health and well-being. By bringing healthcare services closer to the individuals who need them, Oak Orchard Health continues to emphasize the importance of accessible, patient-centered care that responds to the needs of the communities it serves.
With preparations underway, Oak Orchard Health looks forward to sharing more about the providers and services that will be available at its Lyndonville location, offering residents a closer look at what they can expect when its doors reopen.
“Oak Orchard Health is proud to announce the reopening of our Lyndonville office on November 16,” said Marco Altieri, CEO. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every member of our community has access to high-quality, compassionate, and convenient healthcare services. We are excited to welcome patients back and continue serving the Lyndonville area for years to come.”
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment at the Lyndonville health center are encouraged to contact Oak Orchard Health’s Medina office at 585-765-2060.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) want your help planning future health and wellness classes. We want to know which programs interest you and what would work best for you.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program – A program for people who live with ongoing health conditions. You will learn ways to manage symptoms, improve your health, and feel more confident making health decisions.
National Diabetes Prevention Program – A program for people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. You will learn ways to eat healthier, be more active, and make healthy changes that can last.
Tobacco Cessation Program – A program that helps people quit tobacco and nicotine products. You will learn about tools and strategies to help you quit and stay tobacco-free.
We want to hear from you!
Please take our short survey to tell us what programs you are interested in and what would work best for you, including:
Where classes should be held
Which days and times work best
In-person or online classes
“Community input is an important part of planning programs that are accessible and useful to the people we serve,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want to know which programs residents are interested in and what would work best for them.”
The survey takes only a few minutes to complete. You can also provide your contact information if you would like to hear about upcoming classes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2026 at 8:18 am
CannaWave sells legal products grown locally in Waterport
Photos by Tom Rivers: Rick Stacey (third from left) is the owner of CannaWave at 162 South Main St. He is pictured with employees, from left: bud tender Brian Cunningham, co-manager Alyssa Winder and co-manager Jacob Shaw.
ALBION – A legal cannabis shop will be having its grand opening celebration in Albion today and on Saturday.
CannaWave opened in July at 162 South Main St. The business sells products grown locally in Waterport at Hydro-Grow NY. It also carries products from other legal producers.
CannaWave is Orleans County’s only licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary. It sells lab-tested flower, edibles, vape carts and beverages to local adult consumers.
Rick Stacey of Albion owns the business. A process engineer, he also owns RS Automation on Route 98 in Albion, and he owns a greenhouse in Waterport where the plants are grown for many of the products at CannaWave.
Rick Stacey, owner of CannaWave, is on the ground floor of the state’s emerging legal cannabis market. The name of the business ties into its close proximity to the waves of Lake Ontario.
Stacey said he was drawn to the cannabis business seeing it as a way to offer safe products to consumers. The products are all heavily tested and regulated. He has videos inside the store showing the cannabis plants being grown and harvested at his greenhouse, Hydro-Grow NY Inc.
He is happy to share the test results of all the products. An independent lab takes samples and the cannabis products need to pass state standards for residual solvents, microbials, heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticides. CannaWave grows its plants in an enclosed greenhouse in Waterport that is conducive to the safety standards, Stacey said.
“As a local, family-run business, we care deeply about our neighbors and the community we live in,” he said. “CannaWave is built on providing a safe, professional and transparent environment where the customers can feel confident about where their products come from and how they are grown.”
Provided photo: The cannabis plants are grown at a greenhouse in Waterport, making the operation a seed-to-sale vertically integrated business.
Stacey also owns Hydro-Grow at 4015 Oak Orchard Rd. He initially was focused on cannabinoid hemp at Hydro-Grow, which started in 2019.
The state legalized adult-use cannabis for people 21 and older in 2021, and the first adult-use dispensary opened in December 2022. There are now 1,039 licensed adult-use retailers statewide.
Stacey has a license to grow cannabis plants at the 20,000-square-foot greenhouse. He uses his expertise in advanced industrial engineering in growing the cannabis plants.
Hydro-Grow features proprietary automated environmental controls, custom software integration, specialized fertigation systems and prevision HVAC chiller.
Hydro-Grow can fine-tune lighting, humidity, airflow and plant nutrients around the clock, producing clean, contaminant-free flower without heavy chemical inputs. The flower, sold in bags by an eighth of an ounce, is the top sellers so far at CannaWave.
At Hydro-Grow, Stacey said the operation merges industrial process engineering with sustainable horticultural science.
“By controlling every parameter of the cultivation environment right here in Albion, we ensure consistent product quality, strict safety testing, and sustainable energy efficiency,” he said.
These products are packaged for sale at CannaWave and include bags of fresh flower at an eighth of an ounce which are $30 each. That includes a 13 percent tax. The state gets a 9 percent tax, with the county 1 percent and the village 3 percent.
The dispensary features CannaWave-cultivated strains alongside curated selections of state-licensed edibles, beverages, tinctures and topicals.
‘There has been a lot of positive feedback,” Stacey said about CannaWave. “People don’t have to drive to the reservation, and they feel it’s safer.”
There are six employees at CannaWave, and the staff works to educate customers. Some customers use the products for anxiety and pain relief, and others are recreational users.
Stacey said the safe, transparent and approachable atmosphere helps to destigmatize cannabis products. He said the adult customers include curious first-timers to experienced patients and those seeking wellness alternatives.
CannaWave is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information, including product menus, check cannawaveny.com or the verified listings on Weedmaps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2026 at 10:00 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce held its 28th annual awards dinner this evening at the White Birch Golf Course. About 80 people attended the event.
Pictured from left, front row: Erin Hackenberg, owner of EH Collectives in Holley, New Business of the Year; Brandon Johnson, owner of Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts in Medina, Phoenix Award; Shannon Blount, leader of Cat by Cat Inc.’s Medina Team, Community Service Award; Jennifer Thom, owner of JLThom CPA in Medina; Small Business of the Year; Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, owner of Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, Hidden Gem; and Kerry Panek of Panek Farms in Albion, Agricultural Business of the Year.
Brian Christiaansen, owner of three Mark’s Pizzeria locations and Tapped on main in Medina, Businessperson of the Year; Bill Bixler, owner of Seaway Insurance Associates and Albion Agencies as well as active in many community organizations; Lifetime Achievement Award; Rollin Hellner, owner of The Walsh in Medina, winner of People’s Choice Award at Taste of Orleans in August; Dana and Eric Watson of the Watson Construction Group, Business of the Year; Alan, Philip and their father Jim Panek of Panek Farms, the Agricultural Business of the Year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2026 at 4:01 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Martin Stirk, an Orleans County sheriff’s sergeant, accepts the Employee of the Year award today from Katie Harvey, the county’s director of personnel and self insurance.
ALBION – An Orleans County sheriff’s sergeant was recognized today as the county’s “Employee of the Year” for applying a life-saving tourniquet on a man with a severe cut to his upper legs.
Martin Stirk was working on June 1 when he heard the call on the scanner. It wasn’t a call for law enforcement. It was an emergency medical situation.
The call was at Heron Falls in Clarendon. Stirk keeps a tourniquet by the front pocket of his uniform. He wasn’t sure how quickly an ambulance crew could get there so he headed to the scene.
He encountered a man bleeding profusely after being cut with a circular saw. Stirk put on the tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
That action likely saved the life of the man, by keeping him from bleeding out, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Stirk has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. He said all the deputies are trained in CPR and first aid. He has used tourniquets before while on duty.
He was praised during the county’s employee recognition luncheon today for staying calm under pressure, and taking decisive action.
“This employee’s commitment to the community, willingness to take initiative, and professionalism reflect the high standards of public service within Orleans County,” said Katie Harvey, the county’s director of personnel and self insurance. She was also emcee at today’s luncheon.
The county also recognized employees of the month since last October. Those employees include:
Marilea Greean (Social Services) for October 2025
Seymar Roman (Sheriff’s Office) for November 2025
Donald Mack (IT Services) for December 2025
Krista Bacon (Social Services) for January 2026
Brett Sobrieski (District Attorney) for February 2026
Dana Goetze & Jeffrey Ashbery (Sheriff’s Office) for March 2026
Terra McGaffick (Social Services) for April 2026
Jennifer Hammons (Social Services) for May 2026
Pamela Boyer, Danielle Derisley, Maritza Nieves, Amber Skrip and Kasey Sprester (County Clerk-DMV) June 2026
Linda Karp (Mental Health) for July 2026
Martin Stirk (Sheriff’s Office) for August 2026
Tanner Ferris & Hayli Kuellertz (Sheriff’s Office) for September 2026
Some of the employees of the month honored today include, from left to right: Marilea Greean, Donald Mack, Brett Sobieraski, Dana Goetze, Jeff Ashbery, Linda Karp, Martin Stirk and Hayli Kuellertz.
The county also honored the following retirees: Dawn Allen in Real Property, Della Fisher in the Office for the Aging, Judy Gress in Department of Social Services, Tammy Kendrick in the Sheriff’s Office, Holli Nenni in DSS, Christine Ryan in DSS, Marty Sanders in the Sheriff’s Office, Julie Sanford in DSS, and Allen Turner in the Sheriff’s Office.
Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, thanked all of the county employees for the work they do every day.
“Across every department, you play an important role in keeping our county running, and providing the services our residents depend on,” she said. “Much of what you do happens behind the scenes, but it makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
