Photo from Medina Fire Department

MEDINA – Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley accepts a donation of four EKO digital stethoscopes from Jeff Lyons and Kim Patterson. They gave the stethoscopes in honor of their parents, Ancel and Patricia Lyons.

These stethoscopes will be placed on fire department’s four ambulances after in-service training which will greatly increase our diagnostic capabilities, Cooley said.

Ancel Lyons, the long-time owner of Lyons Collision, died at age 84 on July 26, 2026. His wife, Patricia Lyons, passed away at age 82 on May 16, 2025.

Together, they opened Lyons Collision in 1978.

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department has been awarded a $114,000 grant from the state, part of $25 million for 65 volunteer fire departments and districts across New York to improve facilities, response capabilities and emergency preparedness.

These investments build on the $25 million previously awarded to 88 volunteer fire departments in October 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office announced.

With nearly half of New Yorkers relying on volunteer firefighters for fire protection and emergency response, this grant program helps offset the financial pressures of rising equipment and construction costs, ensuring local taxpayers do not bear the full cost of these essential safety upgrades, Hochul said in a news release.

“Our volunteer firefighters answer the call day and night, keeping New York communities across the state safe,” Hochul said. “By investing an additional $25 million in V-FIRE grant funding for volunteer firefighters, we are ensuring our local heroes are equipped with modern facilities, advanced gear and tools they need to respond quickly and safely when they get the call.”

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, which supports volunteer fire departments by upgrading and improving facilities and response capabilities through the following objectives:

• Facility Improvements: Funding the construction of new, or renovation of existing, fire stations, classrooms, meeting spaces, or training centers to ensure they are safe, structurally sound, meet current building codes, and promote safe firefighting practices.
• Equipment Purchases: Supporting firefighter health, safety, and wellness by providing up-to-date personal protective equipment (PPE), PPE washers and dryers, decontamination equipment and supplies, and effective exhaust removal systems.
• Additionally, the V-FIRE grants support the consolidation of fire service resources through regionalization efforts, allowing departments to expand their capabilities beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries to enhance local, county, and statewide mutual aid response.

Albion Village Board considers selling park, relocating statue

Photos by Tom Rivers: The statue of Santa in honor of the late Charles W. Howard is located at Waterman Park on North Main Street in Albion, where there is also a Santa-themed mural and a sleigh. About $100,000 in community donations paid for the statue and mural.

ALBION – A group that has helped raise $100,000 for a bronze statue, large mural of Santa, and other improvements to Waterman Park wants those elements to stay put.

The Village Board is talking about putting the park up for sale with the hope of having food businesses in trailers and other entertainment at the site. Mayor Tim McMurray said it could be a big draw to downtown, helping to feed other businesses.

Selling the small park also would out it back on the tax rolls, generating funds for the village and relieve the village of caring for the site.

But the Albion Betterment Committee wants to make it clear it wants the Santa to remain in the park.

Jerome Pawlak, a director on the Albion Betterment Committee, speaks during the board’s meeting Tuesday in the Hoag Library. Behind him are downtown business owner David Snell, left, and ABC director Gary Kent.

Pawlak said keeping the park with a Santa statue, mural and sleigh creates a synergy as the Betterment Committee works to develop a museum to the Santa School. The Charles W. Howard Santa School was in Albion from 1937 until Howard’s death in 1966. The school continues in his name in Midland, Mich.

Ken Bieber speaks at last week’s Village Board meeting. From left in back include Mayor Tim McMurray and village trustees Greg Bennett and Kevin Sheehan. William Gabalski and Jami Allport also are on the board.

Bieber owns the building on the north side of the Waterman Park. He said making the park available for food trailers could be a big draw. He didn’t want to get rid of the Santa-themed elements celebrating Charles Howard and Albion’s heritage with the original Santa School. He thinks the could be better positioned in Albion with the statue in the sidewalk in front of the future museum, and the mural in a more prominent part of Albion.

“It’s not getting rid of Santa by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.

Mayor Tim McMurray and Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett said village-owned land between the Presbyterian Church and a parking lot also could be a higher-profile location for the Santa statue, mural and sleigh, especially if a Santa House were part of the layout.

“This was never anti-Charles Howard or anti-Santa,” McMurray said at last week’s Village Board meeting.

He said the Santa mural and one on the opposite side of the park featuring quarrymen “fight each other” and aren’t complimentary to each other. He sees the Santa and large Santa mural as “kind of hidden” in the pocket park about a half block south of the canal.

He favors putting the land up for sale, giving the opportunity for a more dynamic asset in the downtown while also putting the site back on the tax rolls.

An Orleans Hub article on Aug. 13 about the possible sale of the park last month drew nearly 300 comments on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page with many opposing the sale, and urging the board to try to fill vacant storefronts instead.

“I think that the park is fine just as it is for now,” village resident Jason Dragon posted. “The expense is very low, and it provides a nice visual contrast for the downtown area. I can’t see how privatizing it will add value given that is has been a challenge to utilize many of the other downtown buildings for decades.”

Phil Schening said selling the park and making it available for business would be a good move.

“Clear it out and let food trucks set up there to draw people downtown, permits required with a time frame so more than one get a chance to sell,” Schening wrote.

This photo taken from a window of the Pratt theater shows Waterman Park. Besides the Santa statue and mural, there is a mural depicting quarrymen and a n interpretive panel highlighting the historic districts in the community.

Lori Laine has been active in promoting the Santa projects in Albion. She said she might try to buy the land if it is put up for sale so the statue could stay there.

McMurray said if the idea advances, with the land going for sale, he would have Bieber share his plan in detail and disclose the renderings. McMurray believes the community would rally behind Bieber’s ideas.

“Once you see a visual, I promise you you’ll say, ‘Give me a shovel and I’ll dig it up,’” McMurray said.

If the land is up for sale, McMurray said it would likely have to go to the highest bidder.

Bieber was at the Betterment Committee’s board meeting on Tuesday and heard the group’s strong opposition to relocating the Santa elements. He said he doesn’t want to push a project without community support and would be fine with the spot staying as a Santa-themed park.

Betterment Committee members said there are many unknowns about the village’s talk to sell the park. Can the village simply list it for sale and sell it, or does it need the State Legislature’s permission to sell a park? ABC members said municipalities often need the state’s OK to sell parkland.

Also, would the state Department of Transportation even allow the statue to be situated in the sidewalk? The DOT in past has allowed temporary items in the sidewalk, but not permanent things.

ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to 4 years in state prison this morning in Orleans County Court.

Corey Wilson, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. He was charged after a traffic stop on July 21, 2025 in the town of Gaines. He allegedly had two containers of cocaine, including one with 2.17 ounces of cocaine, as well as a loaded gun.

Public Defender Joanne Best asked for less time in prison for Wilson, saying he is a young man with a family. As part of a plea agreement, he faced up to five years in prison. Best asked for 1 ½ or 2 years, plus 3 years of post-release supervision.

County Court Judge Sanford Church said Wilson was already on probation when he committed the crimes. The judge sentenced Wilson to four years in prison plus 1 ½ years of post-release supervision.

Wilson also needs to pay a $300 court surcharge, a $50 DNA fee, and $25 for a crime victims fee.

In other cases in court today:

• Christopher Bescherer, 44, of Albion was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for attempted aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Bescherer was driving without a license when he was in a car accident.

He was twice on probation where it was revoked for not following the guidelines.

He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $438 n other court surcharges and fees.

• Glenn Quintern, 67, of Rochester pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny for his role in passing a fraudulent $5,500 certified check to Orleans Ford to buy a new pickup truck.

The truck was then delivered to Quintern’s residence when he lived in Batavia, and then taken the next day to New Jersey.

The pickup truck valued at $67,995. The scheme was orchestrated by Quintern’s ex-fiance. He admitted his role in handing off the fake check and then possessing the truck for the brief time.

He could face a 1 1/3 to 4-year sentence in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18.

Quintern could have gone to trial, trying to convince a jury he didn’t realize the extent of the deception. But with second-degree grand larceny, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison if found guilty in a trial.

Quintern is being held in the county jail on $10,000 cash bail and $20,000 bond.

Photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – A black pig is on the loose in the Abion area, and sightings of this pig have frequently been posted on social media in the past week. This morning the pig was spotted close to the Keitel Road and Route 31 intersection.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is well aware of this pig and are trying to corral it.

“The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of a pig loose in the Town of Albion,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page. “Numerous attempts were made to contain the pig. The Sheriff’s Office and owners are aware, and are working to resolve the matter.”

GLOW With Your Hands puts focus on careers in trades, agriculture, construction and advanced manufacturing

File photos by Tom Rivers: Abby Hunt, left, and Naeve Nothnagle of Caledonia-Mumford race to push a wheelbarrow with a cinder block through a course during GLOW With Your Hands on Sept. 24, 2024 at the Genesee County fairgrounds. The activity was set up by John Guilford Sr., in back in orange, who is a trainer with the Rochester Laborers Training & Apprentice Fund Local 435.

Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands

BATAVIA – For more than 1,200 students across the GLOW region, one hands-on experience could spark an interest, reveal a hidden talent or open the door to a future they had never imagined.

On Tuesday, September 29, students from 32 school districts will gather at the Genesee County Fairgrounds for the seventh annual GLOW With Your Hands career exploration event. Throughout the day, students will connect with more than 70 employers, industry partners, post-secondary institutions and workforce organizations representing opportunities throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

More than a traditional career fair, GLOW With Your Hands invites students to roll up their sleeves and experience the world of work for themselves. They will operate equipment, use industry tools, complete real-world activities and talk directly with the professionals who live and work in their communities.

The event highlights career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, skilled trades, construction, transportation, food processing, engineering, public service and other high-demand industries. It also helps students understand the education, training and experiences that can turn their interests into meaningful careers.

“GLOW With Your Hands allows students to experience careers instead of simply hearing about them,” said Angela Grouse, director of Education to Employment for the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce and GLOW With Your Hands co-chair. “Sometimes, all it takes is one experience for a young person to recognize a talent or imagine a future they had never considered. We want every student to leave knowing there are people, opportunities and pathways right here in our region ready to help them succeed.”

Students were able to operate an excavator at one of the stations on Sept. 24, 2024.

GLOW With Your Hands began in 2019 with a shared belief among regional education, business, workforce and economic development leaders: students deserve the opportunity to explore careers before they are asked to make important decisions about their futures.

Since its launch, the initiative has connected more than 6,000 students with local employers and career opportunities. Regional partners have also documented an increase in enrollment in related Career and Technical Education programs.

“The continued growth of this event reflects how deeply our region believes in its young people,” said Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance and GLOW With Your Hands co-chair. “Employers, educators, volunteers and community partners give their time because they want students to see what is possible. They are not only showcasing careers; they are encouraging students, answering their questions and helping them picture a future where they can thrive.”

At the heart of GLOW With Your Hands is the belief that there is no single pathway to success. A student’s future may include college, Career and Technical Education, an apprenticeship, industry credentials, military service or entering the workforce. Each pathway has value, and every student deserves the chance to find the one that is right for them.

The event also gives local employers the opportunity to invest in the next generation. By sharing their knowledge and passion with students, participating organizations help build awareness of rewarding careers available close to home while strengthening the future workforce of the entire GLOW region.

GLOW With Your Hands is made possible through the collaboration of Business Education Alliances, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies, BOCES, local school districts, employers, trade unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and hundreds of volunteers. Their collective commitment continues to show students that their communities believe in them and want them to succeed.

About GLOW With Your Hands

GLOW With Your Hands is a regional workforce development initiative serving Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Through immersive, hands-on career exploration experiences, the initiative connects students with local employers, educators, workforce organizations and post-secondary institutions. Since 2019, GLOW With Your Hands has helped more than 6,000 students explore high-demand careers, recognize their potential and discover opportunities available throughout the region.

For additional information, visit www.glowwithyourhands.com.

Press Release, Pullman Memorial Universalist Church

ALBION – Pullman Memorial Universalist Church proudly announces the upcoming ordination of Susan Dodge-Peters Daiss, MDiv, to the ministry.

The historic service will take place on Sunday, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, located at 10 East Park Street in Albion.

Congregational ordination of clergy is a time-honored tradition in the Unitarian Universalist faith community, and after more than 30 years of faithful service and pastoral care provided to the congregation at Pullman, and to the local Unitarian Universalist community, Pullman Memorial is honored to be hosting this cherished celebration in recognition of Susan’s service.

The ordination ceremony represents a sacred landmark in a minister’s journey and a celebratory milestone for the local spiritual community. A formal procession of clergy will be included as part of the service, highlighting regional interfaith solidarity and tradition. Members of the visiting clergy are invited to participate, with robes noted as optional for the procession.

The entire local community, neighboring congregations, and well-wishers are warmly invited to attend this momentous occasion. Following the conclusion of the formal ceremony, attendees are welcome to stay for refreshments and a community reception to congratulate the newly ordained minister.

Those planning to attend are requested to send their RSVP to Jessica George at jessicaamg329@gmail.com by the deadline of Sunday, September 20.

About Pullman Memorial Universalist Church:

Pullman Memorial Universalist Church is a welcoming spiritual community based in Albion, NY. Committed to fostering spiritual growth, justice, and inclusivity, the congregation provides a space for diverse theological exploration and community engagement. More information can be found at: pullmanuu.org.

Ginny Kropf at 7 or 8 years of age is standing in the road with the Roberts Homestead on the left, with her home down the road on the right and the East Shelby Methodist Church (now East Shelby Community Bible Church) up the hill on the left.

SHELBY – It was with great interest I read about the cemetery tours being offered by the Orleans County Historical Association this past summer.

The tour for Aug. 2 featured Maple Ridge Cemetery, which just happens to be on the property where I grew up. I lived with my uncle and aunt, Murray and Helen Baker, and the cemetery was a favorite place to play for my friend Barbara Boyle (now Schreiber) who lived across the road.

The cemetery was unkept, and weeds were knee-high. There were woodchuck holes which we had to be careful not to step in. We looked at the names on the gravestones, but none of them made any difference to us, other than we did note there was a Revolutionary War soldier buried there. We tried to climb the taller gravestones, and never did any damage. A favorite thing was eating the black caps which grew wild there.

So it was with great joy when nearly two years ago I was able to cover an event in the cemetery honoring a Revolutionary War soldier buried there. How or who discovered the grave I don’t remember. It may have been when his great-great-great-great-grandson James Walker from Pontiac, Michigan discovered the burial location after years of searching for information on his ancestor.

Walker contacted the Sons of the American Legion in Rochester and they secured a marker which was placed on the grave of Benjamin Darling in a ceremony which included members of the Sons from Buffalo and Rochester, a reading by Walker and a firing squad.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) An American and Revolutionary War flag fly in the breeze as a member of the Rochester Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution plays Taps during a ceremony on Oct. 27, 2024 at the grave of Revolutionary War soldier Benjamin Darling in Maple Ridge Cemetery. (Right) A firing squad from the Rochester Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution fire a musket salute over the grave of Revolutionary War soldier Benjamin Darling in Maple Ridge Cemetery.

During the ceremony it occurred to me that Benjamin had to have lived in the town of Shelby and I asked Walker if he knew where. He said after spending years trying to locate his Revolutionary War relative, he knew nothing else of him, other than the company he served with and where he fought.

I realized that Benjamin belonged to the same company and served in the same battle as my great-great-great grandfather Daniel Roberts. Then I became obsessed to learn where Benjamin had lived. I contacted Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian. The only thing she could find is that he lived in the sixth house on the east side of East Shelby Road and he had a son who was a master builder and was credited with building many fine structures in the town.

That really piqued my interest, because the Roberts homestead (which was the first house south of East Shelby Community Bible Church and since burned down by vandals) was indeed a very fine structure. It was large and square with an upper balcony and center staircase leading to a sitting room at the top of the stairs.

As a young child growing up in the next house northeast of the mansion, we used to visit our great-aunts who lived there almost every day. A huge woodshed was attached at the back of the house, and an indoor outhouse was attached to that. I can remember clearly going in there in the winter and the wind would be blowing right up through the holes. A Montgomery Ward catalog hooked over a nail was our toilet paper.

They had “running water” in the form of a pump in a sink in the dining room, adjacent to the kitchen. A formal living room on the northeast corner was large and had a Victrola/Gramophone) there. The room was never used as I remember.

Now I am obsessed to learn if Benjamin’s son might have been the builder of that house.

Ginny Kropf, Larry Boyle and Barbara Boyle (Schreiber) in the driveway where I grew up on Maple Ridge Road. The peach orchard is behind us and the Maple Ridge Cemetery is behind the peach orchard.

My oldest son Randy has taken an interest in genealogy, and some months after the cemetery ceremony, I got an e-mail from him with a map from the 1800s showing the four corners in Millville, with location of homes and owners. It shows a Darling lived the last house on the south side of 31A , which begins just past the “Y” in the road where County House Road and 31A begin. Another Darling (which we know was Benjamin) lived six houses south on East Shelby Road, which I assume to be where Meyers lived when I was young and where Mr. Gardner lives now.

But I know of no way to document who built the Roberts Homestead. What a coincidence it would be if it were Benjamin Darling’s son!

I am happy, however, to have been able to provide James Walker with a little more information than he previously knew about his Revolutionary War ancestor.

It should also be noted that a marker designating the name of the cemetery was placed on Maple Ridge Road a few years ago and the town of Shelby has taken over its care. Old bushes and trees have been removed and the grass is kept mowed.

Barbara and I have been planning to go there and walk around.

Provided photos

CLARENDON – The Clarendon Historical Society has a new sign on the group’s property on Route 31A at 16426 Fourth Section Rd.

Tyler Moore, wearing yellow shirt, led the effort for the new sign, which was installed on Saturday.

Materials for the sign were donated by Stockham Lumber in Holley and Ken and Katie Spohr of Troop 94. The Clarendon Lions Club also donated funds towards the sign.

The sign was cut and routed by Ken Shaw of Troop 94 and Jeremy Neal of Albion.

Volunteers included the Troop 94 leaders of Ken and Katie Spohr, and Randy Moore; Nicole Jurzysta, Mark Laitenberger, Jesse Smith, Bert Mathes and Merri Mathes as well as the scouts in Troop 94.

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – The school district gathered on Friday for a group photo to celebrate 150 years of the school district. This year there are 1,649 students and 278 staff members.

The district did a similar photo 25 years ago, gathering on the football field, for a group photo. That time it was for the 125^th anniversary.

The district will be celebrating the milestone anniversary throughout the year, especially during homecoming on Oct. 5 through Oct. 10, the 150^th day of the school year and with other activities.

One of the teachers, Tim Archer, is working with students on a 150^th anniversary booklet about the district that was established in 1876.

Photos courtesy of Mike Thaine

ROCHESTER – The choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion sang the national anthem just before the Rochester Red Wings game on labor day, Sept. 7.

The Red Wings would go on to defeat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 3-1.

The choir received an enthusiastic response from the standing-room only crowd, with one long-time usher remarking that it was one of the top anthem renditions of the season, one of the church members said.

Pictured from left in row one: Anna Symons, Martha Batt, Annette Mannella, Pastor & Choir Director Sue Thaine, Amanda Krenning-Muoio and Jeanine Baron.  Second row: Donna Eisermann, Maggie Martin, Kevin Gardner, Tod Symons, Erin Moody, Alec Sherman and Shirley Mazourek-Murray. (Missing from photo: Sharon Anderson and Marietta Schuth)

The choir’s performance was projected on the ESL Ballpark’s Jumbotron scoreboard.

Iroquois Job Corps in Medina employs over 100, with space for 225 students

Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer was in Medina on Aug. 5, 2025 outside Brunner to show his support for the Iroquois Job Corps Center, one of 99 that was targeted for closure by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

A new federal settlement agreement between Job Corps and the Trump administration includes protections against the closing of Job Corps campuses and stopping of operations, among other provisions.

Schumer explained that the Job Corps centers and programming help train tens of thousands of students across America each year, including thousands in New York, providing them with the skills they need to enter in-demand fields.

“When the Trump administration announced that Job Corps was going to be eliminated, I got to work to protect it—traveling across Upstate New York to stand shoulder to shoulder with students, staff, and small businesses that have seen firsthand the benefits of this program,” Schumer said ina  news release.

This sign on Route 63 in Shelby notes the Iroquois Job Corps, a center with space for up to 225 students served by 104 full-time equivalent employees.

“Today, I’m proud to announce that the administration has officially backed off its ill-conceived plan to close one of America’s largest workforce training programs,” he said. “Saving Job Corps is a win-win-win because students get the skills they need to get a good job, small businesses get the trained workforce they need to grow, and Upstate communities get a boost to their economies. Job Corps is about more than training. It’s about giving people across Upstate New York a pathway to a good-paying career, strengthening local communities, and building the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing workforce that will keep our state strong. And I’ll always fight to protect it.”

After hearing about Trump’s proposed cuts, Schumer traveled to Job Corps centers across Upstate New York, from the Iroquois Job Corps center in Orleans County to the Cassadaga Job Corps center in Chautauqua County and the Oneonta Job Corps Center in Otsego County, to stand with students, staff, and small business owners and demand we protect this vital pipeline for skilled workers to fill jobs. Earlier this year, the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill rejected Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion in federal funding to keep them open. Schumer also secured language that blocks the closure of Job Corps centers unless such closures meet specific requirements.

In May 2025, Trump paused operations at Job Corps centers nationwide. Afterward, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump from shutting down Job Corps centers, and another federal judge said operations must resume until the previous case is resolved. Schumer explained that the Trump administration not only attempted to shut down Job Corps centers, but in his budget request, Trump said he wanted to totally zero out funding for the program, effectively killing the program without needing the approval of federal courts.

In addition to fighting back on Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for Job Corps in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, Schumer led efforts in the Senate to oppose the Trump administration’s destructive and potentially illegal actions like pausing existing funds for the Job Corps centers.

Schumer called on U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to protect Job Corps and demanded answers on these destructive efforts. Due to Schumer’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill rejected Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion in federal funding—consistent with the previous year—to keep them open and includes language to protect against efforts to illegally shut down specific centers.

Schumer said Job Corps centers have helped millions of young people ages 16 to 24 finish high school, learn technical skills, and get jobs in in-demand fields such as healthcare and construction.

Low-income and at-risk young people have received stable housing and healthcare while developing the skills they need to get good-paying jobs after graduation. Across Upstate NY, centers in Albany, Sullivan, Orleans, Otsego and Chautauqua counties serve thousands of young New Yorkers and employ over 500 staff.

To learn more about Job Corps, visit www.jobcorps.gov, or to apply, visit https://enroll.jobcorps.gov.

Long-time residents celebrated for ‘countless contributions’ to community

Photos by Tom Rivers: Margaret Roggow waves after being recognized for reaching 90 years. She was among nine residents and former residents honored during a celebration on Friday in Holley for people in the community who have turned 90 since the last celebration two years ago.

HOLLEY – The Holley community wants to send a message to its oldest residents: you are appreciated and valued for your long-term commitment to the area.

The Village of Holley and Towns of Murray and Clarendon on Friday honored nine residents who have turned 90 since the last celebration for nonagenarians (people in their 90s).

On Friday, the honorees included Margaret Roggow of Holley, Betty Knight of Murray, Dorothy Freestone of Murray, Joseph Salvatore of Murray, Orrin VanOrden of Clarendon, Roy Kenyon of Murray, Betty Rex of Murray, Mary Brocksopp of Murray and Marion Myers of Clarendon.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower greets Dorothy Freestone of Murray and her son Scott Morgan. Freestone is 93 years old. She attended a celebration at the American Legion on Friday.

Clarendon Town Supervisor Marc Major, left, and Murray Town Supervisor Gerald Rightmyer commended the long-term residents.

The two towns plus the Village of Holley issued a joint proclamation for residents who have reached 90 since September 2024:

“We have all been so enriched by the countless contributions these individuals and their families have made to our communities,” the proclamation states.

“We do also encourage all of our residents to recognize, appreciate, respect and honor each of these women and men in as many ways as they possibly can.”

Roy Kenyon waves after being acknowledged during Friday’s celebration.

There are about 2 million Americans are 90 or older among the U.S. population of 340 million, which is about .06 percent of the overall population. The 90-and-older are a fast-growing demographic, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.

“You are part of a select group who possess the history of the places you have lived,” Clarendon Town Supervisor Marc Major stated. “It means that through your own life’s ups and downs, you have gained so much insight. It also means you great insight to share with the rest of us.”

Holley mayor Mark Bower shared that he was eating at Sam’s Diner with his wife Karen in 2022, when he first became mayor. In a booth near theirs, was Bower’s aunt Betty Passarell and Jane Petty. Jane was already over age 90.

Bower and his wife reflected on people in Holley they knew who were over 90.

“It struck us both that many times, communities forget about us as we get older,” Bower said. “I wanted to change that by doing something that put the focus solely on our 90 and older residents.”

There have been celebrations for the nonagenarians in 2022, 2024 and now in 2026.

Previous honorees include Dorothy Barringer, Rose Gifaldi, Jane Perra, Isabelle Wager, Virginia DeFilipps, Lorraine Pera, Pauline Stazie, Clark Knapp, William Billotti, Duane Prince, Theodore Foote, Susan Hurd Machamer, Vivian Ward, Rose Caley, Connie Gaines, Phyllis Keyes, Beverly McKinney, Ethel Robinson, Norma Thom, Roy Bubb, Arlene Mawn, Edna Ruggeri, Rhoda Broekhuizen, Louise Lusk, Fred Roeck, Norman Wheeler, Helen Heath, Lydia Fallato, Louis Sevor, Theodore Jenney, Mary Ann Spychalski, Amy Zazzara, Margaret Dobrowsky, Jack Kemp, Maxwell Maclean, Gene Pickett, Lawrence Snider and Henry Lehning.

Father Mark Noonan, priest for the ONE Catholic parishes in Orleans and eastern Niagara, shared a reflection about the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, where “ordinary Americans” going on an airplane or to work were victims of the terrorists attacks. The group observed a moment of silence for the nearly 3,000 who were killed.

Father Noonan then reflected how the residents 90 and older have been living “ordinary” lives for decades, quietly contributing to their families and community. He marveled at their longevity and their example for others.

“These ordinary Americans have been doing the little things to make our town, homes and community better,” Father Noonan said.

After the outdoor service, the group was treated to refreshments inside the American Legion.

Fourth annual event ‘supports the fighters, admires the survivors and honors the taken’

Photo by Ginny Kropf: There were more than 200 baskets donated for the Fuller 155 basket raffle/walk  to benefit suicide prevention last September at the Shelby Fire Hall.

SHELBY CENTER – The fourth annual fundraiser for suicide awareness this Sunday will again include more than 155 baskets up for raffle. The event for the first time includes a 5K run/walk.

Provided photos: Ike and Jason Watts show some of the baskets donated for the Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle on Sunday at Shelby Firemen’s Recreation Hall.

The Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle and 5K Fun Run/Walk is in honor of the late Erin Fuller, a former deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Fuller was 45 when he died by suicide on Sept. 12, 2015.

The message for the fundraising event is simple, but powerful, said Ike Watts, Fuller’s cousin and coordinator of the event: “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope.”

Watts continued to say, “We honor the memory of many family members, friends and community members who have died by suicide and offer support to those affected by it. Our goal is to raise enough funds to offer support and training to first responders and others in our community who may not know where to turn or what to do next after tragedy strikes. We want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay, that you matter and you are not alone.”

The event on Sunday will be at the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. with a $10 registration fee. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and pre-registration is open now. Information on how to pre-register can be found on the Fuller 155 Facebook page or you can Venmo $10 along with your full name and email address to @Fuller155. The 5K is organized by Watt’s sister, Debbie Fuller of Florida.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m., organizers will meet at Shelby Recreation Hall to stuff 100 gift bags which will be given to the first 100 entrants for the 5K. Anyone needing more information can call Fuller at (716) 481-1474.

The basket raffle will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So far 155 baskets have been donated, including a Dolly Parton basket. Donations are still being accepted by contacting Watts at (585) 590-0291.

Watts said support for their annual event has been overwhelming. They have received donations from businesses, individuals – the entire community, including Lockport, Albion and even from Fuller’s home town in Florida.

“This is not just about Erin,” Watts said. “It’s about any family touched by suicide.”

(Left) Organizer Ike Watts said support for their annual Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Raffle has been overwhelming. Here is an insulated bag with $500 gift certificate from Wegmans. (Right) An elaborate fall centerpiece is one of the baskets which will be raffled off Sunday at a fundraiser to benefit suicide awareness.

Watts said she is grateful to Shelby Fire Company for allowing them to host this event there every year.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise,” she said.

Refreshments will be provided by the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, located at 4677 S. Gravel Rd., Medina.

Informational booths will be set up by the Orleans County Mental Health, Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and Alzheimer’s Awareness. There will also be a special Suicide Awareness photo op station, generously donated by Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events.