Photo by Tom Rivers: Tracy Chalker, Clarendon highway supervisor, said the town’s costs are up significantly for plowing and salting roads.

CLARENDON – The 10 towns in Orleans County are seeking a 30 percent increase for plowing and salting county roads.

Orleans County currently pays the towns $7,218 per mile in an agreement that ends Dec. 31. That price however isn’t nearly enough to cover the towns’ expense for plowing and salting, said Tracy Chalker, the Clarendon highway superintendent. He also is president of the Orleans County Town  Highway Superintendents Association.

Chalker said the costs of fuel, salt, labor and plow trucks have all increased dramatically since the last agreement was approved five years ago.

The towns aren’t seeking to make money by plowing the roads for the county, but they do want to cover their costs, Chalker told the Clarendon Town Board on Tuesday.

“We’re not looking to make a profit but the Town of Clarendon and the other towns shouldn’t have to eat the costs for the county,” Chalker said.

Clarendon plows 14.94 miles of county roads, for 29.88 lane miles. Those roads include Upper Holley Road, South Holley Road, Fancher Road, Hindsburg Road and section of New Guinea Road.

The highway department did 150 plow runs last winter, using 6,723 pounds of salt every time on the county roads, Chalker said.

He tallied the costs at $123,798 for the 14.94 miles for a per mile cost of $8,286. Chalker said those calculations are light on the total expense because employee benefits aren’t included.

The towns are seeking a 30 percent increase or $2,165 more per mile in 2027, for $9,383. They then want a 5 percent increase each following year in the five-year agreement.

The $7,218 rate per mile adds up to $107,836 for Clarendon, leaving a significant deficit, Chalker said.

Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, has shared a letter with the 10 towns, listing what other nearby counties pay towns for plowing and salting. Welch said Orleans County is paying slightly more than other counties. Welch reported the following: Orleans at $7,218; Monroe at $7,010; Genesee at $6,954; Wyoming at $7,000; and Ontario at $6,954.

Clarendon officials noted that most other nearby counties share far more in sales tax than Orleans County does with towns and villages. Orleans hasn’t increased the share to municipalities since 2001.

The Clarendon Town Board passed a formal resolution on Tuesday seeking the 30 percent increase for 2027 to plow and salt county roads, with 5 percent increases to follow from 2028 to 2031. Clarendon and the other towns also are seeking a 30 percent increase in mowing the sides of county roads. They are currently paid $759 per mile.

“I think that’s reasonable because the county isn’t sharing the sales tax,” Town Councilman Chris Caufield said about the 30 percent increase.

The county currently doesn’t have plow trucks or the personnel to plow and salt their own roads. Chalker said the towns just want a fair deal to cover their costs.

“We want to stay on good terms with the county,” he said. “We want to work with them. We don’t want to beat them up.”

Photo courtesy of Peter Turkow

CLARENDON – An anonymous donor has committed to paying the cost for cleaning, repairing and resetting the headstone for Clarendon’s founder, Eldredge Farwell.

Farwell is buried at Pettengill Cemetery on Hibbard Road. He was the town’s first white settler of town. Farwell built the first mills in Clarendon, with a saw mill in 1811, and then a grist mill in 1813.

His headstone is broken near the bottom. It lists his death as Oct. 15, 1843. He was born in March 6, 1770 at Charlestown, New Hampshire. Farwell initially settled around nearby Clarkson along the Ridge Road.

His brother Isaac settled nearby to the west of the Ridge Road and Lake Road intersection in the same location, according to a column by former Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard.

“As so many historians have recorded, the story of Clarendon’s foundation occurred by happenchance after the unfortunate escape of Isaac Farwell’s horse around 1810,” Ballard wrote in a column posted on Jan. 20, 2018. “Following the animal’s trail along the bank of Sandy Creek, it is said that Eldredge stumbled upon a waterfall and while recognizing its potential for power, decided that he should settle the area.

“Farwell purchased approximately 210 acres the following year and relocated his wife and five children to the area in the spring of 1811. With that acreage upon which the beautiful waterfall sat came the mill privilege, providing him with the opportunity to construct a grist mill on the site.”

Farwell would be elected Clarendon town supervisor, and he operated the first post office at the location then known as “Farwell’s Mills.” He was later selected as a judge in the court of common pleas and from that point on was known locally as Judge Farwell, Ballard wrote.

Peter Turkow, the Clarendon historian, said a donation will cover the costs of repairing and resetting the headstone. Brigden Memorials in Albion is taking on the job. Turkow said the repaired headstone could be reset in the fall.

Another headstone of a prominent early resident also is broken and Turkow said some money has been pledged to fix it, but more is needed. Benjamin Pettingill (1795-1870) is the namesake for the cemetery and served as a Clarendon town supervisor.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A kindergartner from Medina checks her stuffed animal during the Teddy Bear Clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital on April 23 when about 100 kindergartners brought in their stuffed animals. Medina Memorial welcomes the students to help them feel more comfortable if they ever need to go the hospital. The kids can bring in toys and give those dolls and stuffed animals bandages, X-rays, Band-Aids and other care.

MEDINA – An event to make children more comfortable if they have to be hospitalized has become a tradition at Medina Memorial Hospital.

On Aug. 6, Orleans Community Health will sponsor a special Teddy Bear Clinic from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for children and their families.

Designed for children of all ages, the Teddy Bear Clinic provides a fun, hands-on experience that will help young visitors become familiar with a hospital setting in a friendly, non-threatening environment, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH. The program has long been a favorite community outreach initiative and is regularly offered to Pre-K and kindergarten students throughout the school year.

Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear to serve as their “patient” during the visit. As they tour the hospital, participants will stop at several departments, where team members will explain what they do and demonstrate how they help care for patients.

Stops included in the tour are laboratory/blood draw, radiology/imaging, surgical services and pediatric care, as well as additional hospital departments and services.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore the hospital in a fun and interactive way,” Robinson said. “By allowing children to experience our hospital in a low-stress comfortable way, we hope to reduce fears they may have about future healthcare visits, while helping them understand the important role our team plays in caring for the community.”

The event is free, but registration is required to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants. Families can register by e-mailing srobinson@medinamemorial.org.

Photos courtesy of Val Czamara: First Harvest Arancini, left, and Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp Salad were both prepared by Lyndonville native Val Czamara. She has made it to the quarterfinals of the Favorite Chef competition. The First Harvest Arancini is her contest entry for the critic’s pick which she could present at the James Beard Foundation gala if she is the overall winner. The other food photos are dishes she prepared.

Val Czamara works in digital marketing. She loves to cook as a side passion. She is a well-known regular customer at Lebro’s Restaurant in Getzville, near Buffalo.

A Lyndonville native has made it to the quarterfinals of a the national Favorite Chef competition. Online voting continues until Friday. She is currently is second place and could move up to the semifinals.

Val Czamara, 45, graduated from Lyndonville in 1998 when she was Val Bergeman. She lives in Buffalo and is a passionate home chef.

The Favorite Chef competition is hosted by Carla Hall, well known for her roles on the Food Network and Top Chef. The contest seeks to find the best undiscovered chef in the country.

Czamara is a self taught cook. She isn’t a caterer or a professional cook. She instead enjoys preparing meals for family and friends. She did the online profile for the Favorite Chef competition, and submitted photos of her signature dish. She was accepted and has been steadily advancing in the online competition.

If she wins, she gets $25,000 which she said she would put into her kitchen at home. The winner also will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and get to cook with Carla Hall. If Czamara wins, her signature dish, First Harvest Arancini, also would be served at the James Beard Foundation Gala in New York City in November.

She said her grandmother, Helen Bergeman, is her culinary inspiration. She made many pies for the former Apollo Restaurant in Albion and helped bake the record-setting pie at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, a 21,210-pound apple pie in 1978 that was a record-setter.

“She taught me that food is how you take care of people, bring them together, and create memories,” Czamara writes in her profile on Favorite Chef. “She sparked the foundation, and from there my curiosity took over. I wanted to learn more, try more, and push myself further.”

Czamara said she has found incredible flavors and food from restaurants in Buffalo.

To vote for Czamara, click here to see her online profile.

Walleye Chowder, left, and Greek Style Lake Ontario Salmon Farro Bowl.

Linguine and Clams, left, and Mexican Shrimp Street Corn Bowl.

Photos courtesy of Western New York Skydiving

BARRE – Spurgeon “Butch” Carlson leaps from a plane on Sunday with Tim Allen, the owner of Western New York Skydiving. Carlson celebrated his 105^th birthday by fulfilling a dream of going skydiving.

Butch Carlson is 14,000 feet up in airplane, getting ready to jump. The plane is based at Pine Hill Airport in Barre.

Carlson lives in Stockton, Chautauqua County, about a 2-hour drive from Pine Hill. Many of his family and friends came to the airport to see the jump.

Carlson celebrated his birthday last year by achieving another goal: riding horseback. He did that with his 99-year-old brother.

This year, Carlson had a loftier goal.

Western New York Skydiving took Carlson for the tandem jump after seeing a doctor’s note giving him medical clearance, Allen said.

Butch Carlson and Tim Allen come in for a landing at Pine Hill Airport.

Carlson is elated after the jump.

Agency will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fair next week to discuss services

Press Release, Orleans Community Connects

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is helping residents gain the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world through its free Digital Skills Education program, providing friendly, local support that empowers individuals and families to confidently use technology in their everyday lives.

The program is delivered by the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and is available to all Orleans County residents.

As more essential services move online, digital literacy has become critical for accessing healthcare, employment opportunities, government resources, financial services, and staying connected with family and friends. Through free group classes and personalized one-on-one assistance, participants can learn how to safely navigate the internet, use email and video calling platforms, access telehealth services, search and apply for jobs, and protect their privacy online.

“Digital skills are no longer optional – they are essential for participating in everyday life,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “Our goal is to ensure every resident has the confidence and support needed to take advantage of the opportunities available online. Come visit us and NSN at the Orleans County Fair July 27th through Aug 1st inside the Lartz building for more information on these programs.”

In addition to digital skills education, Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is helping bridge the digital divide by connecting residents to affordable high-speed internet service through North Shore Networks, with plans starting at $25 per month, helping ensure that households have access to the connectivity needed to learn, work, and stay engaged.

The initiative is supported through ConnectALL, New York State’s historic effort to expand broadband access, affordability, and digital equity across the state. Funding for the deployment of internet service and Digital Skills Education was awarded to Orleans County through the ConnectALL program.

Residents interested in learning more about FREE Digital Skills Education or affordable internet options can visit OrleansCommunityConnects.org/Programs or call 585-283-4224.

About Orleans Community Connects

Orleans Community Connects, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening community connections and expanding access to resources that improve quality of life for Orleans County residents. Through partnerships with local organizations, the initiative works to increase digital inclusion, connectivity, and access to opportunities that support education, employment, healthcare, and community engagement.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

POINT BREEZE – For the second straight week and third time this summer the Tuesday evening concert at the Orleans County Marine Park has been cancelled due to weather.

The Who Dats were scheduled to perform this evening, but the forecast shows rain, including a severe thunderstorm.

“We are SO SORRY to postpone yet another concert!” the oak Orchard Neighborhood Association posted on its Facebook account. “But we must keep everyone safe and protect all with the forecast of rain. We will celebrate at our next concert on August 4th with The Stone Age Romeos.”

Last week’s concert was and the June 30 events were rescheduled due to heat advisories.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A contractor is expected to start next week on replacing the slate roof at Mount Albion chapel.

The Environmental Construction Group in Albion has removed asbestos from the roof.

The new roof will be a comparable Vermont slate. The Albion Village Board last September accepted a bid for $83,985 to remove the existing roof and replace all the Vermont slate. The slate is currently over by the Mount Albion garage across from the cemetery on Route 31.

The chapel is getting about $225,000 in restoration work. The building was constructed in 1875 with local Medina Sandstone.

The building is a focal point of the historic cemetery for people who enter through the main arch off Route 31.

Local mason Neal Muscarella last year completed some repointing of mortar on the building.

A drop ceiling was removed that revealed a vaulted ceiling had been covered up.

There will be other substantial work to follow including interior replaster of the north wall; electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting); heating unit for seasonal use; repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling; removal of old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor; and refurbish exterior doors and window trim.

A committee led by Village Historian Sue Starkweather Miller raised $225,000 for the chapel restoration.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Distant View performs before the Lyndonville fireworks on July 4.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lions Club extends thanks for those who made the 52nd annual Lyndonville Lions Club July 4^th Celebration a huge success. As the Lions dodged some early morning weather impediments, vehicle malfunctions and cancellations, the show went on.

The Lions Club would like to thank all who donated time, financial support and sweet equity to make this year’s event successful. It is estimated that during the daylong event over 12,000 people visited the streets of Lyndonville.

The evening Fire Cracker Concert Series saw a record crowd in no small part due to the local band Distant View” making their debut at this event. They did not disappoint as they had the crowd rocking right up until the commencement of the Lions fireworks show. The Lions would like to extend their appreciation for the band in doing double duty on July 4th.

The Lions introduced their lawn surfing contest this year at the Firecracker concert series. Surfers showed off their best surfing techniques as they did “cutbacks and top turns with snaps” to impress the crowd who shred on their efforts.

The Spalding family was honored for their contribution to the freedom of our country as the Honor Guard performed a long-awaited military ceremony recognizing the service of Mr. Nehemiah Spalding. He is the only Revolutionary War veteran buried in Lynhaven Cemetery. This event saw 4th, 5th and 6th generation family members see Mr. Spalding after 196 years receive his full military burial honors.

The Lyndonville Lions stand in appreciation to the American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 for their participation in this ceremony.

The club would like to express a special thanks to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and various law enforcement individuals for their efforts during this daylong event.

The Lyndonville Lions Club stayed true to its word by recognizing community members for their outstanding efforts during this year’s Light Up Lyndonville celebration.

A special thank you goes to the Village of Lyndonville Department of Public Works, whose hard work and preparation helped make the village shine throughout the event.

This year marked the debut of Light Up Lyndonville, a new addition to the community’s July 4^th celebration. Main Street was illuminated in patriotic red, white, and blue, the Lyndonville waterfalls glowed with colorful lighting, and residents proudly displayed some of their best Independence Day decorations.

The response from the community exceeded expectations. The Lions Club felt that every participant deserved recognition for helping create such a festive atmosphere. To celebrate their efforts, the club awarded gift certificates to the owners of the top five decorated homes.

While all of the winners were deserving of recognition, the greatest success of the event was the community itself. The enthusiasm and participation of residents helped establish Light Up Lyndonville as an exciting new tradition that the Lions Club hopes will continue to grow for years to come.

The Lions Club especially wanted to recognize the aerial ladder truck and giant American Flag draped over Lyndonville’s Main Street during the parade as the Grand Champion. So, the Lions extend a special thank you to Mr. James Panek and Panek Farms for their participation in this year’s event.

In closing, a “Community Thank You” concert and summer cook out was held at the Town of Yates Park to show appreciation to all those who have supported the Lyndonville Lions during their 2026 campaign.

A crowd favorite, Crash Cadillac, brought their special musical talents and entertained all attendees well into the evening under the cool breeze of the Lake Ontario shores. Attendees were treated to ice cold beverages and hot dogs as they enjoyed the music and some relief from the smokey air conditions more pronounced further inland.

Photos and information courtesy of Troop 28

Local scouts from Troop 28 in Medina are back home after a nine-day backpacking trek at a high adventure camp in Philmont, New Mexico.

The group is shown after summitting the Trail Peak Mountain with an elevation of 10,250 feet.

The Troop 28 crew consisted of 10 individuals: Matthew Jacobs, Joey Brueckner, Gideon Pask, Aidyn Jackson, Tony Anelli, Tyler Draper, Eli Pask, Matthew Anelli, Jay Metcalf and Todd Draper.

Philmont is a high adventure Scout camp on a functioning 140,177 acre (220 square miles) ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Philmont has been operating since 1939 as America’s largest premiere scouting destination along the original Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico.

Philmont operates 35 staffed camps and 55 trail camps, with 315 miles of trails across rugged mountain terrain. Philmont is designed to challenge participants mentally, physically and emotionally while delivering wilderness and learning adventures that last a lifetime. Approximately 22,000 scouts travel to Philmont each summer for trekking adventures.

Troop 28, who is sponsored by the Medina United Methodist Church, traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch from July 9 to July 18.  Prior to the trek, while acclimating to the elevation and climate, the crew went white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado.

While at Philmont, Troop 28’s crew hiked over 53 miles in nine days, carrying their food, water, shelter and supplies in backpacks ranging from 40-50 lbs. They summited Trail Peak Mountain at an elevation of 10,250 feet and the landmark Tooth of Time peak at 9,003 feet.

The crew had the opportunity to take part in many adventure programs including archery, low and high COPE courses (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience), fly fishing, and homesteading.

Scouts took in breathtaking views and sunrises, and even had a memorable close encounter with an adult black bear. In addition to all these adventures, participants completed a 3-hour outdoor conservation project.

Photos from City of Rochester

ROCHESTER – Firefighters stand and salute during the funeral procession on July 15 for Lieutenant John “JJ” Joseph of the Rochester Fire Department. Joseph graduated from Kendall and started as a Kendall firefighter before joining the Rochester FD 18 years ago.

Photo from Local 1071: John “JJ” Joseph joined the Rochester Fire Department when he was 19 and served 18 years with the RFD.

“JJ” Joseph was 37 years old. He died on July 7 from occupational cancer from his career as a firefighter.

His father Bart Joseph also has been active with the Kendall Fire Department and is retired from a 39-year career as a Rochester firefighter.

The Kendall Fire Department brought a contingent of personnel to the funeral and also a Kendall fire truck. Lt. Joseph was honored at his funeral at the Blue Cross Arena.

The Kendall FD posted on its Facebook page that Joseph began his journey in the fire service at Kendall.

“While his career eventually led him to the Rochester Fire Department, he never forgot where it all began, and we will always be proud to call him one of our own,” the Kendall Fire Department posted. “John’s courage, dedication, and servant’s heart will continue to inspire us. His memory will ride with us every time the tones sound, every time we climb aboard the truck, and every time we answer the call to help someone in need.”

Joseph worked at Engine 5 for most of his career and was the union secretary for Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071.

“He is a young man and friend to many, an extremely hard worker, a strong advocate for our union members and a great firefighter,” Local 1071 posted on its Facebook page. “Please keep his family and the RFD in mind.”

Joseph was laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester.

The Rochester Fire Department posted this statement following the death of Lt. Joseph:

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and every member of the Rochester Fire Department as we grieve the loss of our beloved brother.

“The bond shared by firefighters extends far beyond the walls of the firehouse. In moments like these, we are reminded that we are a family, united by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

“On behalf of the Rochester Fire Department, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning this tremendous loss. May Lieutenant Joseph’s memory be a source of strength and comfort to all who knew him, and may his example continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.”

People are welcome to make a donation to the Joseph family through an online fundraiser by The Yard Foundation, which is focused on helping firefighters and their families. Click here for more information.

A Rochester fire truck carried the turnout gear for Lt. Joseph during his funeral procession.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host three town hall meetings on Saturday, providing residents with an opportunity to receive updates on state and local issues, ask questions and share their concerns.

“Meeting with residents in our communities is one of the most important parts of serving in the Assembly,” said Hawley. “These town halls are an opportunity to discuss what’s happening in Albany, answer questions, hear concerns firsthand and learn more about the issues that matter most to local families. I encourage everyone to stop by and join the conversation.”

Residents from throughout the community are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Hawley looks forward to hearing directly from constituents and providing updates on issues affecting Genesee County and New York State.

The town hall meetings for July 25 include:

• Town and Village of Elba from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Elba Town Hall, 7133 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba
• Town of Byron from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Byron Town Hall, 7028 Byron Holley Rd., Byron.
• Town and Village of Bergen from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 S. Lake Ave., Bergen.

Provided photo: Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper, near center, join other county leaders from across New York for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Press Release, Orleans County government

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Skip Draper today joined a delegation of county leaders from across the state to represent New York at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans. Thousands of county officials from across the United States are taking part in the event.

The conference includes dozens of committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and more. Sessions will offer learning and practical insights on the full range of county responsibilities and domestic policy issues.

“The breadth of subject matter experts discussing issues that impact us locally makes this conference extremely important and worthwhile,” Johnson said.  “Just today, conference topics included accessing federal transportation dollars, using data to improve youth mental health services and new strategies for affordable housing.  These are the real nuts and bolts issues of governing and thankfully, it’s completely free of partisan politics.”

Johnson said that two sessions were of particular interest to Orleans County. The first was the Great Lakes Regional Forum, where Johnson shared information on the joint county dredging council she helps lead with Niagara County.

The second was a meeting of Justice and Public Safety Committee where officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) did a presentation on the proliferation of 3-D weapons. Johnson, who noted she and Draper both serve on the committee, said ATF officers will be coming to Albion to instruct local law enforcement on the issue.

Legislator Draper said that beyond the impressive guest speakers and presenters, the conference offers ample opportunity to talk with county leaders from different parts of the country on addressing mutual issues and challenges.

“Orleans County’s participation in the conference with other New York officials strengthens our ability to share ideas, learn what’s working in other communities, and return with proven solutions that benefit the people we serve,” said Draper.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. With a membership of thousands of county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.