Lyndonville, Medina also recognized for theatrical performances

Photos by Tom Rivers: Neveya Barnes starred as Annie in Albion’s performance of the Annie musical in March and Gideon Pask is Oliver Warbucks at right. They were both recognized for “achievement in a lead role” by the Stars of Tomorrow on Friday. Brayden Whittier, left, performed the role of Bert Healy, a charismatic and goofy radio announcer. Annie and Warbucks went on the show in a search for her biological parents.

ROCHESTER – Three school musicals in Orleans County were well represented at the annual Stars of Tomorrow program that highlights outstanding achievement in local high school theater.

There are 50 schools in the Stars program in the Rochester region.

Albion was a big winner in the small schools division, one of 10 musicals named a “Showstopper” for its production of Annie.

The orphans, including Rianne Hand on table, sing the opening number form Annie, “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”

In addition to being a “Showstopper,” Albion won the following awards and recognitions:

• Achievement in theatrical storytelling
• Achievement in acting ensemble
• Achievement in vocal ensemble
• Achievement in dance ensemble
• Achievement in production crew
• Achievement in production design
• Achievement in student orchestra
• Achievement in a leading role – Neveya Barnes as Annie and Gideon Pask as Oliver Warbucks

Lily Brigham received a “Tip of the Hat” for her solo in the song, “N.Y.C.” Brigham played the role of a “Star to Be.”

Tip of the Hat:

• Kaitlin Basinait as the deck manager
• Hannah Kumalac as the stage manager
• Lily Brigham, “Star to Be”
• Julia Button, “Lily St. Regis”

Lyndonville’s Gavyn Draper performed the lead role of Peter Pan and was recognized for “Achievement in a Leading Role.”

Lyndonville’s production of Peter Pan received several honors:

• Achievement in theatrical storytelling
• Achievement in acting ensemble
• Achievement in production crew
• Achievement in production design
• Achievement in a leading role – Gavyn Draper as Peter Pan

Lily Botsford received a “Tip of the Hat” as the Crocodile and also as the Ostrich. Her the Crocodile pursues Captain Hook, played by Austin Fonda.

Tip of the Hat:

• Lily Botsford as the Ostrich/Crocodile
• Sarah Corser as Tiger Lily
• Sierra Frasier and Melanie Jay, percussion

Medina performed High School Musical. Ava Blount played Gabriella and was recognized for “achievement in a lead role.”

Other laurels for Medina include:

• Achievement in theatrical storytelling
• Achievement in acting ensemble
• Achievement in dance ensemble
• Achievement in production crew
• Achievement in production design
• Achievement in a lead role – Arabella White as “Sharpay Evans” and Ava Blount as “Gabriella Montez”

Tip of the Hat

• Madelyn Elliot as “Taylor”
• Adam James Horton as “Jack Scott”

Arabella White starred as Sharpay Evans in Medina’s production of High School Musical.

Provided photos

ALBION – A group of church leaders and Christians in Orleans County gathered at noon outside the Orleans County Courthouse on Thursday for the National Day of Prayer.

There were about 35 people at the gathering. Orleans and all 62 counties in the state were part of the observances.

“This was the 75th annual National Day of Prayer and it coincides with America 250, so there was some additional effort to have prayer gatherings throughout the country on that day,” said the Rev. Tim Lindsay, the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, leads the group in a time of worship.

There were about 35 in attendance, including some of the students from the Orleans County Christian School.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issuing a proclamation declaring May 7 as the “Day of Prayer.”

“New York honors and acknowledges that collective reflection strengthens social fabric; praying for friends, family, neighbors, and newcomers is an act of love and respect, not done in the interest of self, but in service to others,” the proclamation states.

“New York State welcomes and values the autonomy of those seeking peace and belonging by way of deep reflection when in need of divine support.”

The first call to prayer was in 1775, when the Continental Congress sought wisdom for a new nation,” the proclamation states.

 In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for a day of “humiliation, fasting and prayer,” and in 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution establishing a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan officially designated it as an annual tradition on the first Thursday in May.

Bob Chaplin took this photo of a sunrise recently at Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.

The forecast for today shows showers and thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon and evening between 5 and 9 p.m., some of which could produce strong gusty winds and hail, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The high should reach 66 today in Orleans County on a party sunny day.

The forecast then calls for sunny and high of 58 on Sunday, sunny and a high of 54 on Monday, sunny and a high of 56 on Tuesday, mostly cloudy and a high near 59 on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the forecast calls for a chance of showers and high near 60, with a partly sunny Friday and a high near 65.

Robyn Ottaviano took a photo of this striking sunrise this morning at the Medina Canal Port to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Ashleigh Stornelli, Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy and Albion School Resource Officer, holds the torch with Dejeanna Conner, an Albion senior, during today’s Law Enforcement Torch Run.

This is the 40^th anniversary of the Torch Run and the fourth time law enforcement agencies in Orleans County have been part of the effort, which raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics NY.

Law enforcement officers and Albion students in Shari Berg’s middle school life skills class and Kathy Winan’s high school life skills class join for a photo before they headed from Dubby’s Tailgate down East Avenue to the school.

The law enforcement officers went on a longer route – 2.7 miles.

Law enforcement from the following agencies were part of the Torch Run: Village of Albion Police Department , Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, NYS  Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and Orleans County Probation.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district will be presenting a $19,194,000 budget to the public on may 19. The budget increases spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670  from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26.

The tax levy will increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.

There will be a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Stroyan Auditorium, with the vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.

“Because of these rising costs, maintaining the same level of programs and opportunities requires an increase in the budget, said Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent. “If the budget were to remain the same, we would need to reduce what we currently provide for students.”

Lyon wrote a letter to the community in the district newsletter. Click here to see the budget newsletter.

“Our goal is to continue building on the progress we’ve made while staying true to our shared values,” she said. “The proposed budget reflects that commitment.”

The budget includes an increase in state aid from $12,113,808 to $13,375,309. The district also plans to use more reserve funds – from $495,220 to $746,032.

There are other propositions on the ballot:

• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000

• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722)

• Board of Education – Jerod Thurber’s spot is up for election. Dana Goetze is the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year term.

Canal Village Farmers’ Market uses former NAPA site during cold weather months

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Kusmierczak, left, buys a cabbage from Ron Human of Human Farms in Appleton. Human has been a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market since shortly after it opened more than 10 years ago.

MEDINA – On Saturday, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will open at its summer location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, featuring new vendors, activities for children and special focus on events of interest to adults. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly.

A handful of dedicated vendors have kept the market going since 2015, but to thrive, more vendors are needed and, most importantly, regular shoppers.

“Canal Village Farmers’ Market wants to grow both its vendor base and dedicated customer base,” said market manager Gail Miller. “Vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety. The market has a great selection at this time, and will be adding some new vendors this season – another vegetable farm, flowers and crafts. Mushrooms will be back, as Baker Farms will begin selling Hartland Organics mushrooms. We are looking for a soap vendor, wineries and other unique items.”

Rose Baker of Baker Farms talks with market manager Gail Miller, right, while a customer looks on. Baker Farms on Beals Road raises and sells its own beef, pork and eggs.

Miller recommends watching the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all of the products available each week.

Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, sponsor of the market, urged community support of the venture.

“The market has been around for more than 10 years now,” Busch said. “In those earlier years we had more than 500 customers every Saturday, with many of the same vendors and products we have now. We really need our customers to recommit to supporting our community farmers’ market. It’s good for our farmers and producers, and good for the community. Our market isn’t the glitziest, but it has a lot to offer – great products, kids’ activities, live music – and this year we’re adding even more.”

This year’s vendors include Baker Farms (garlic, eggs, beef, pork and scapes); Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jams); Hazel & Honey Bakes (scones, cookies and sourdough); Human Farms and Greenhouse (vegetables, fruit, eggs and plants); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); Kimbriel Farm (vegetables); Rosario Farm (fruit and vegetables); Flower Fields Forever (flowers); and crafts (MGERH, Metal Neurosis, EBS Luxuries and two others starting in mid-June.

This list does not show all products available.

A customer buys microgreens from Leonard Bower at Bower Family Farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina.

Special events planned for kids include, on opening day, a Kids’ Tent where they will show how to do a little art on a cup and plant several seeds in it. In June, the market will participate in Medina Area Partnership’s Faery Festival, and on July 3 the annual Zucchini 500 till take place. All ages are invited to attend this fun event.

Just for adults, on June 6 the market will have a limited number of spots available for folks who need an area to sell items during the Medina Community Yard Sale. Almost any type of merchandise can be sold at the market. In addition, adults will enjoy food demos throughout the season, given by chef Caitlyn from Shelridge County Club. Another event will be “Dog Days of Summer,” where people will vote for the best dog in certain categories. Additional events will be added later in the season, Miller said.

The market also offers free space to non-profits to promote their organization or cause.

For more information or to request a vendor spot, contact canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

Sue Payne of Medina crochets doilies at her booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at its winter site in the former NAPA Building.

Orleans County EMO hosting class that includes free kits with basic survival essentials

Information from Orleans County Emergency Management Office

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office is hosting a class Citizens Preparedness Corps Training Class on Saturday, May 23rd beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Trolley Building.

The class is taught by the National Guard with the intention of teaching the average person how to prepare for disaster or emergency situations, Orleans County EMO officials said.

The course includes information about the types of risks and hazards people face, how to develop individual/household plans for risks and hazards, and what emergency supplies should be considered, and learn how helping yourself (and others) in advance will help you react faster when in a crisis.

Additionally, this is a bag-event – meaning every household registered will receive a basic starter kit. These are backpacks (easy for grab and go in an emergency) stocked with some basic survival essentials to help you in a disaster event.

The kits are created for the individual, but during class people are instructed how to expand their kits for additional needs to better prepare themselves. Just like the training, these kits are completely free. People need to register so the National Guard can bring enough kits for those attending.  Training should take no more than 90-minutes.

 This is a great class for everyone, all ages, and circumstances, the EMO said.

 To register online, click here.

Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Elementary School

ALBION – Students from Kendall Elementary’s Safety and Responsibility Squad took their learning beyond the classroom this week with a hands‑on visit to the Orleans County Public Safety Building in Albion. They are shown in the above photo on top of the Orleans County Jail on Platt Street in Albion.

The group was welcomed by Sheriff Chris Bourke and members of the Sheriff’s Office for an inside look at how local law enforcement keeps the community safe.

During the visit, students toured the Dispatch Center, observed how emergency calls are managed, and learned how drone technology is used to support investigations and public safety operations. Squad members also engaged in thoughtful conversations with deputies about responsibility, decision‑making, and the many roles within modern law enforcement.

Sheriff Chris Bourke welcomes the students and school resource officer George Barton, a Sheriff’s deputy, to Bourke’s office at the Orleans County Public Safety Building on Route 31.

The Public Safety Building tour is one of four experiences the Safety and Responsibility Squad participates in each year. Students also visit the Marine Patrol at Point Breeze, tour the Orleans County Jail, and—new this year— SRS will take their first trip to the Orleans County Animal Control Center in Albion.

Kendall Elementary values its strong partnership with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the daily support provided by the district’s School Resource Officer. These experiences help students build leadership skills, understand community systems, and see firsthand the importance of service to others.

The students met with some of the Marine Patrol unit at Point Breeze.

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The Albion school district on Wednesday held its 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony and recognized the following: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Thomas Kovaleski, a 2012 Albion graduate, spoke at the event. He is an 11-year United States Army veteran.

ALBION – Twenty members of Albion’s Class of 2026 were recognized for their academic achievements on May 6 during the 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony.

Thomas Kovaleski, ‘12, was the guest speaker for the evening. Kovaleski is an 11-year United States Army veteran. He previously served as a combat engineer, and now as a local recruiter and station commander.

He shared about his journey following graduation and how he resonated with the feeling of uncertainty, but reassured students that with perseverance, they will find their place.

“Excellence isn’t a moment you reach; it’s a habit you build,” said Kovaleski. “Keep showing up, keep challenging yourself, and let your success be the starting line, not the finish.”

The honorees were called to the stage individually to receive their certificates. They were adorned with their honors cords from their parents/guardians.

The 2026 academic honors students include: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.

Albion’s Class of 2026 is set to graduate on Friday, June 26.

Tiffany and Steven Crawford congratulate their daughter Lindsay for being one of the honor grads.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion students in Sheri Berg’s life skills class carried the torch and were part of a law enforcement torch run on May 31, 2024 in a benefit for the Special Olympics. Here they head up the main driveway leading the high school after being on East Avenue. The fourth annual torch run will be Friday.

ALBION – Local law enforcement officers will have their fourth annual torch run on Friday in a benefit for the Special Olympics.

Law enforcement officers will cover about 2.7 miles while some students will go from Dubby’s Tailgate down East Avenue to the school.

The event starts at 11 a.m. Law enforcement will leave Dubby’s and go north on S. Platt, then West on Chamberlain, then south on Main Street, and then east on East Ave. The officers will cover distance on the school campus before coming back to East Avenue, heading south on McKinstry Street, then west on Chamberlain Street, then south on Platt to Dubby’s.

In the past, law enforcement from the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police and DEC joined students on the run.

Jeff Wilson, a retired Border Patrol officer, carries the torch on May 31, 2024. Wilson has served as the Western New York director of the law enforcement torch run.

Reforms include lower auto insurance premiums, $1 billion energy rebate and path to universal child care

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Photo from Governor’s Office: Governor Kathy Hochul is shown speaking in March at the Long Island Builders Expo.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement has been reached with legislative leaders on key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2027 New York State Budget.

With a conceptual agreement in place, the legislative houses are expected to pass bills that will fully enact these priorities in the coming days. Based on a preliminary assessment of the negotiated changes to the Executive proposal, the total Budget for FY 2027 is currently estimated at $268 billion.

The FY 2027 Budget does not raise income or statewide business taxes and maintains the Governor’s powers to make future adjustments if actions by the federal government require.

“I promised a Budget that works for working people and expands opportunities for all New Yorkers and I was not going to back down from that fight,” Governor Hochul said. “Alongside my partners in the Legislature, today we are delivering on that promise. This Budget includes sweeping changes to lower costs, enhance public safety, protect our communities from federal overreach and invest in the future of New York families.”

Providing Universal Child Care

In this State Budget, Governor Hochul is putting New York State on a concrete path to universal, affordable child care, beginning with committing to investments that will support the delivery of affordable child care to up to 100,000 additional children.

The Governor’s landmark investment will increase funding by $1.7 billion bringing the total FY27 investment to $4.5 billion for child care and pre-kindergarten services statewide.

These investments will:

• Make Pre-K truly universal statewide with funding to make high-quality Pre-K seats available for all four-year-olds in New York by the start of the 2028-29 school year and increasing State grants to existing programs to ensure high-quality care.
• Partner with New York City to launch the new 2-Care program and finally realize the promise of universal 3K access in New York City.
• Enhance the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help defray childcare expenses for 230,000 New York families by providing an average benefit of $576.
• Support the development of New York’s ‘First 3’ program, which will partner with counties to offer high-quality, affordable child care to children 0-3 regardless of income.
• Make historic investments in the Child Care Assistance Program, delivering high-quality, affordable child care to tens of thousands of additional young New Yorkers that is capped at $15 a week for most families.
• Support the child care workforce through early childhood educator preparation.

Alongside these commitments, the Governor will launch an Office of Child Care and Early Education to steer the implementation of high-quality, universal child care for New York families, and will work to enhance awareness of the Empire State Child Credit to ensure as many families as possible benefit from the Governor’s historic expansion of New York’s child tax credit, which increased the credit from $330 per child to $1,000 per child for children under four and $500 per child for children ages four through 16.

Lowering Auto Insurance Rates for Everyday New Yorkers

New Yorkers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, totaling just over $4,000 annually on average — nearly $1,500 above the national average. Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflating everyone’s premiums by as much as $300 per year on average according to some estimates.

The final Budget will put money back in New Yorkers pockets via a series of common-sense legislative reforms that will ensure bad actors and fraudsters cannot exploit the system and will hold insurers accountable to ensure that their savings are passed on to consumers.

The final State Budget will:

• Cap payouts for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of the incident, including uninsured motorists, drunk drivers, and drivers in the act of committing a felony.
• Better define what actually constitutes a ‘serious injury’ so that damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress are reserved for those able to objectively demonstrate that they have suffered a serious injury.
• Ensure that if a driver is found to be mostly at fault for causing an accident, they cannot claim outsized payments for damages.
• Prevent insurance companies from exorbitantly raising rates by setting a legal threshold that prevents excess profits and returns savings to consumers.
• Create new regulatory safeguards to prevent insurance companies from raising rates without seeking express approval from the Department of Financial Services.
• Protect consumers by prohibiting insurance companies from setting rates based on extraneous, personal factors like homeownership status, occupation, education level or zip code.
• These measures come in addition to the Governor’s whole-of-government approach to combatting fraud by tasking DFS, DMV, DCJS and NYSP with a more proactive and coordinated approach to enforcement.

Tackling Utility Costs

New Yorkers deserve reliable energy at a price they can afford, which is why the final State Budget includes a comprehensive energy affordability package designed to put money back into New Yorkers’ pockets and protect against future drivers of rate increases.

The final State Budget will include a one-time, $1 billion energy rebate to provide relief to New Yorkers dealing with rising energy costs.

The Budget also includes a Ratepayer Protection Plan comprised of a sweeping set of reforms to modernize the Public Service Law, demand strict fiscal discipline from utilities and empower the State to fight more effectively for lower bills. The Budget will:

• Tie executive pay directly to customer affordability.
• Require utilities to present a Budget constrained option that keeps their operating and capital costs below the rate of inflation when requesting a rate increase to ensure efficiency and affordability are prioritized.
• Ensure customers do not foot the bill for hidden costs like lobbying, political contributions and unnecessary executive travel.

 The final State Budget also includes measures to:

• Invest millions more into the EmPower+ program, which has helped nearly 42,000 low- and moderate-income households across the state finance energy improvements, saving families about $600 per year on their utility bills.
• Modernize the way utility rate cases are reviewed to help keep prices manageable.
• Incentivize the use of smart technology to help reduce energy usage and bills.

In addition, the final State Budget will enact common-sense changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that continues the state’s nation-leading commitment to clean energy and climate goals while at the same time prioritizing affordability.

Comprehensive Immigration Protections

Amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement by ICE, the final State Budget will include a comprehensive plan that will expand protections for New Yorkers, safeguard basic rights, and hold federal immigration officials accountable. The plan will:

• Prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE for federal civil immigration enforcement by eliminating 287(g) agreements, barring state and local police from acting as civil immigration agents, or using taxpayer-funded resources or personnel to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement and detention.
• Establish a state right to sue federal, state, and local officials, including ICE officers, for constitutional violations.
• Deny ICE permission from entering sensitive locations – including schools, libraries, health care facilities, polling locations, and homes – without a judicial warrant.
• Ban federal, state, and local law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty.
• Strictly prohibit the use of state, local or school civil resources—including employee time—for civil immigration enforcement activities.
• Ensure all students can access education without fear of ICE interference, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status.

Let Them Build

The final State Budget will include landmark reforms to cut red tape and speed up the building of critically needed housing and infrastructure projects that often face extensive delays and raise costs for New Yorkers. The Budget will include a series of common sense changes to modernize the fifty-year old State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to expedite critical projects that have been consistently found not to have any significant environmental impacts. By allowing projects that localities want to move forward that will not harm the environment to do so faster, these actions will make it easier and more affordable to deliver the new housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need while we continue to preserve our environment and conserve New York’s natural resources.

The Budget will:

• Provide exemptions from duplicative environmental review for new housing that is desperately needed and does not result in significant environmental impacts. These exemptions will cut costs and speed construction. In New York City, qualifying housing in medium and high-density areas up to 500 units will be exempted, with projects up to 250 units exempted in the rest of the city. Outside of New York City, the exemptions would apply to qualifying housing of up to 300 units in urbanized areas, up to 100 units in non-urban areas, and up to 20 units in areas that have no zoning. Housing must be on previously disturbed land and connected to water and sewer systems upon occupancy.
• Add further SEQRA exemptions for categories of beneficial projects including clean water infrastructure, public parks and trails, green infrastructure, and public schools within New York City.
• Establish a clear, two-year timeline to complete an environmental impact statement, creating accountability and ensuring faster decisions for communities.
• Overhaul overcomplicated bureaucratic processes to make it easier for communities to build without impacting or impairing local laws and processes related to local zoning and other environmental permitting.

Safe By Design

Building on New York State’s work to protect our children from digital harms such as addictive algorithmic feeds on social media and the distractions of cell phones within schools, the Budget includes nation-leading legislation designed to protect children from online predators, scammers and harmful AI chatbots integrated on online platforms.

The Budget will enact substantial protections for children across a variety of online spaces and gaming platforms, including:

• Mandating platforms automatically apply privacy-protective settings for children by default, meaning non-connections cannot message kids, view their profile, or tag them in content.
• Requiring children’s location settings to be inaccessible by default to people they are not connected with.
• Requiring children under 13 receive parental approval for new connections on online gaming platforms.
• Disabling integrated AI chatbots for children.
• Instituting new financial protections relating to children’s expenditures on gaming websites, including parental limits on a child’s financial transactions.

Additional highlights of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget include:

Investing in Public Safety

• Enacts a first-in-the-nation legislation requiring the development of regulations to ensure that every 3D printer sold in the State of New York includes technology that blocks it from printing a firearm, and strengthens criminal penalties for manufacturing ghost guns.
• Requires firearm manufacturers to design guns in a way that prevents quick and easy conversion into DIY illegal machine guns.
• Invests $352 million in gun violence prevention programs to continue successful efforts to drive down gun violence to their lowest levels in decades.
• Establishes buffer zones to protect places of worship so New Yorkers can practice religion, a guaranteed right, free of harassment.
• Prohibits nefarious drones near sensitive locations, including schools, and authorizing law enforcement to mitigate credible aerial threats, while creating additional pathways for the research and development of drone and counter-drone technology.

Reducing Costs and Putting Money in Your Pocket

• Eliminates New York State income tax on tipped wages up to $25,000 per year, ensuring more money stays in people’s pockets.
• Provides $395 million to ensure free breakfast and lunch for every K-12 student in New York, the second consecutive year for the highly successful Universal School Meals program.
• Makes a college degree more affordable and accessible by investing more than $65 million in the Opportunity Promise Scholarship to not only make community college free for adult students pursuing associate degrees in high-demand industries, but expand it to four-year public institutions that offer associates degrees in high-demand fields.
• An additional $250 million in capital funding to accelerate the construction of thousands of new affordable homes.
• Provides $30 million in direct “tariff relief” for New York farmers to offset increased costs for equipment, fertilizer and supplies caused by federal tariffs.

Investing in Infrastructure and Local Communities

• Create the state’s first Pied-a-terre tax program, a targeted surcharge on high value second homes and investor-owned apartments worth $5 million and up in New York City, which will generate at least $500 million in tax revenue annually.
• Provide an additional $1 billion investment in climate priorities through the state’s Sustainable Futures Fund, with an emphasis on Environmental Justice programs.
• A record level five-year, $3.75 billion funding commitment to clean water infrastructure, spurring housing growth and economic development projects across the state.
• Nearly $40 billion in total school aid, a total increase of $10 billion since Governor Hochul took office, to continue to build on New York’s nation leading commitment to educating the next generation.
• Provides $1 billion in new funding for existing Safety Net Hospitals to carry out transformative capital projects that promote financial sustainability.
• Invests $500 million in additional support for distressed hospitals.
• Historic $1 billion in total aid to support municipalities outside of New York City, mitigating the need to increase local taxes.
• Continues the Governor’s “war on potholes” with $1.4 billion for maintaining and repairing New York State’s local roads and bridges.
• $6 million for NY Kicks to capitalize on the momentum from the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament by building soccer pitches and other lasting infrastructure for youth recreation in disadvantaged communities across the state.
• $10 million for the Saving Performing Arts and Cultural Experiences (NY SPACE) initiative which will provide grants to help nonprofit performing arts organizations acquire their venues.
• $75 million to advance major transit projects reimagining Jamaica Station and expanding the Second Avenue Subway tunnel westward across 125 St.
• $17.5 million to make Teen Mental Health First Aid training available to all 10th graders across New York State, a first-in-the-nation action.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Posing for their pictures are, from left, Kerry Miller, Emergency Room nurse manager; Carol Martucci, a nursing supervisor; hospital CEO/CIO Marc Shurtz; and Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing in the North Wing.

North Wing residents Audrey Bieliski (a retired nurse) and Grace Boyer, 100, smile for the camera amid an arch of balloons. The occasion was the annual Nurses’ Appreciation Brunch at Medina Memorial Hospital on Wednesday.

MEDINA – Recognizing nurses, both active and retired, has been a long-time tradition at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Annually, for many years the hospital has recognized its nurses during Nurses’ Appreciate Week, and in recent years further honored them at a brunch.

Semi-retired nurse Charlie Smith said the first Nurses’ Appreciation Day was celebrated in 1998.

“We’ve celebrated Nurses’ Week for a long time, but this is the fourth annual Nurses’ Day Brunch,” said Lori Condo, assistant controller.

Between 40 and 50 nurses annually attend the event, said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services.

Nurses enjoyed an impressive brunch with punch, assorted pastries, fruit and hors d’oeuvres.

New this year was a giant balloon arch in the hallway for photo ops.

“As we gather for our Fourth Annual Nurses’ Day Brunch, there is a feeling in the room that is hard to put into words,” Gray said. “But we all recognize it – it is gratitude. It is pride.

“To our past nurses here today, your presence is a gift,” Gray continued. “You are the foundation of everything this hospital represents. You cared for this community through decades of change, often with fewer resources, but never with less heart. You didn’t just do the job – you lived it.”

To the current nurses of today, Gray said they carry that legacy forward in ways that matter more than they may ever fully realize.

“In a small rural hospital, nursing is deeply personal,” Gray said. “You care for neighbors, friends and sometimes your own family. The care you give today is rooted in the examples set by those who came before you, and together, you create something truly special – a continuous thread of dedication that spans generations.”

Gray paid tribute to three extraordinary nurses who were lost during the past year – Marcia Clark, Darlene Zeliff and Marian Miano.

“They were more than colleagues,” Gray said. “They were part of the fabric of this hospital and this community. Their hands cared, their voices comforted and their presence made a lasting difference in countless lives. Their legacy lives on through all of you.”

(Left) Corporate educator Christine Kropf, left, and Cindy Denniston, surgical nurse, share a laugh at the buffet table during the Nurses’ Day Brunch. (Center) Registered nurse Joseph Pietrzykowski, left, and semi-retired nurse Charlie Smith find plenty to talk about at the Nurses’ Day Brunch. Smith attended his first Nurses’ Appreciation Day in 1998. (Right) Karen Irwin, a registered nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, looks over the shoulder of Dorothy Casey, left, and Joanne Bracey, both retired nurses. Irwin retired last week.

Gray concluded by saying the day was more than just a brunch. It was a moment to reflect, to reconnect and to recognize something truly rare – the bond between past and present, the shared purpose and the enduring heart of nursing in a place that means so much to so many.

“Thank you for the lives you’ve touched, the compassion you’ve given and the legacy you continue to build every single day,” Gray added. “It is truly an honor to stand among you and celebrate you.”

Medina Memorial Hospital paid tribute to its nurses – both current and retired – at a brunch Wednesday. Audrey Bieliski, left, a retired nurse and resident of the North Wing, relaxes while retired nurses Jeanne Crane and Rosemary Pegelow share conversation. At the next table, Mary Lou Tuohey, former mayor Mike Sidari and his wife Brenda enjoy brunch and conversation.

Kim Gray at rear, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services at Medina Memorial Hospital, praises the nurses – both current and retired – during the annual Nurses’ Day Brunch on Wednesday.

Teacher has raised nearly $50K for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office

Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt honors Tara Pfohl as a 2026 Woman of Distinction.

ALBANY – Last night, the New York State Senate inducted Tara Pfohl into its 2026 “Woman of Distinction” class. She is the nominee for the honor by State Senator Rob Ortt.

Pfohl is an educator at Starpoint Central School District, a fighter of breast cancer, and was recognized by the American Cancer Society as the 2025 Strider of the Year for her fundraising and advocacy efforts with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo.

Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is recognized for their contributions to their communities, and this year, Tara was Senator Ortt’s nominee from the 62nd Senate District.

“It is an honor and a privilege to nominate and induct such a dedicated, inspirational, and selfless woman to this esteemed program,” Ortt said. “Despite battling Stage 4 breast cancer, Tara refuses to surrender, and is instead out educating not only her students, but women throughout the community on the importance of how screenings and early detection can save lives. Tara’s dedication and advocacy sets her apart, and I’m proud to highlight her remarkable achievements through this program.”

Described by friends as generous, loyal, fierce, brave, courageous, and a force to be reckoned with, Pfohl has been battling breast cancer since 2013, but she hasn’t let it slow her down.

Since 2021, Tara has raised more than $48,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo, earning the distinction of top individual fundraiser for three consecutive years. She has used her platform to promote, educate, inspire, and remind others that research, early detection and community support is proven to save lives.

In a release from the American Cancer Society highlighting Tara’s contributions, they said:

“Even while undergoing weekly chemotherapy, Tara continues to advocate for others, share ACS resources, and ensure no one facing breast cancer feels alone. Tara Pfohl embodies what Making Strides is all about—turning her story into action and inspiring hundreds of others to join the fight to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

Tara’s battle with cancer has been a long one, and although she did go into remission following surgery and treatment early on, it did return as stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she is still a highly dedicated first grade teacher at the Fricano Primary School in the Starpoint Central School District, and her colleagues say that even if she has to be out for a day to receive chemotherapy or other treatments, she’s back the next day giving 110% to her students.

Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Tara’s family and friends are the support network she has relied on. Her sister Christa has been a huge partner – consoling her and taking her to many appointments and treatments.

Pfohl grew up in Pendleton, graduating from Starpoint High School and going on to attend college at the University at Buffalo then Niagara University. In her free time, Tara enjoys traveling with friends, listening to music (where her favorite quote “No dress rehearsal. This is our life” by The Tragically Hip comes from), watching the Buffalo Bills, and getting lost in a good book. She lives in Lockport with her dog, Willa.