Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – The Board of Trustees of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina has scheduled its annual meeting for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the library. It will be preceded by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

The Board will present the Library’s Annual Report to the community as well as the proposed 2026-27 budget. Also on the annual meeting agenda will be the election of one member to the Board of Trustees. Stephen O’Dea is running for a new term.

The Board is proposing a total budget of $963,266 for 2026-27. This includes the first bond payment of $253,222 and an operating budget of $710,044.

The proposed increase to the tax levy is $20,456. The proposed increase is within the state-imposed tax cap allowance; the library has never exceeded the tax cap. The proposed tax levy of $622,795 comprises the majority of the library’s funding and is charged to all property owners in the Medina Central School District.

“Our goal is to provide a high level of service to the community at the lowest tax rate possible,” said Cynthia Kiebala, Board President. “We strive to keep the tax levy in check. This budget provides 2,760 hours of access, staffing, materials and programming.”

The proposed tax increase will primarily be used to offset increased costs for staffing, health insurance and utilities. This is also the first year for the bond repayment of $253,222. This will appear on your school taxes as a separate line from the Operating Budget levied for the library’s normal expenses.

The results of the budget vote will not change the bond levy amount.

Copies of the proposed budget and annual report to the community are available at the library.

Voting on the budget will take place at the library on Tuesday, May 12th from 12 noon until 8 p.m.

Residents of the Medina Central School District over the age of 18 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting and on the budget. Identification and proof of residence are required.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connects’ board, takes a picture of volunteers from Baxter Healthcare before they left for their volunteer jobs during Community Connects Day.

KNOWLESVILLE – Volunteers from throughout the county joined together on Friday for Community Connects Day, sponsored by Orleans Community Connects.

Formerly known as Day of Caring, nearly 50 individuals arrived for breakfast at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, before embarking on their volunteer opportunities at a handful of sites.

Orleans Community Connects’ director Nyla Gaylord sits with volunteers Grace Ryan and Todd Schrauger, Baxter employees who volunteered for Community Connects Day on Friday.

Community Connects Day is a dedicated initiative that brings together volunteers and local nonprofits to complete meaningful projects which directly benefit the Orleans County Community.

More than a dozen volunteers came from Baxter on Friday, while others were from Velociti, Takeform, Western New York Energy and Orleans County Mental Health. Sites where they volunteered included Camp Rainbow, the YMCA, Cooperative Extension, Go Art! at Cooperative Extension, Hospice, P‘raising Kids and Arc GLOW.

Volunteers perform such duties as painting, lawn work, filing, cleaning, assembling bookcases and small maintenance jobs.

Orleans Community Connects’ director Nyla Gaylord welcomed volunteers and explained the organization’s name change and the successes achieved in recent years. This included grants and support for expanded broadband in Orleans County, including classes on how to use the modern technology.

“Our new name and new focus are to bring the community together, solve its problems and make it attractive for people to live here,” Gaylord said.

She also shared her appreciation to North Shore Network, who sponsored the day by providing funds for goodie bags for all volunteers. NSN, the company doing broadband installation in the county, is owned by Duston Ellis of Medina.

Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connect’s board, addressed volunteers, saying the agency has made tremendous strides in recent years, having applied for and received more than $2 million in grants, which have funded a grant writer, broadband expansion, respite for caregivers and nutrition programs.

“Our next step is building finances to help towns and villages get state grants and to bring in housing and development,” Bellack said. “We are a housing development agency with a charitable component.”

Orleans Community Connects’ board president Dean Bellack chats with Rahema Quedue and Megan Davenport from Takeform on Friday before they leave for their volunteer opportunities for the day.

Gaylord and Bellack emphasized Orleans Community Connects will continue to give financial aid to its charitable partners throughout the county.

Among Friday’s volunteers were Grace Ryan from Baxter Healthcare. This is her third year of volunteering for the day.

“I have been a big supporter of everything Baxter does involving volunteers,” Ryan said. “I love doing it. Two years ago, I helped clean up the playground at Towne School, and last year I cleaned the storage at the YMCA. I’m going there this year.  It’s for sure I’ll be back again next year,” she said, giving a ‘thumbs up.’

Terry Kingdollar, a family support specialist with Arc GLOW, was with a group from the Arc’s Self Advocacy All Stars. Kingdollar said this was her third time volunteering.

“I like helping people,” she said.

Dawn Winkler, financial manager at Orleans Community Connects, checks in three volunteers at Community Connects Day – Cari Matusak and Larah Rotali from Baxter and Terry Kingdollar from Arc GLOW’s Self Advocacy All Stars.

Matt Luker came with co-workers from Western New York Energy.

“This is my first time here, but I’m a big community person,” he said. “I help in my community a lot, doing anything I can. I’m that kind of person.”

This was Megan Townsend’s first year to volunteer.

“I wanted to last year, but I was too busy at work,” she said. “So this year I made sure I had time this year.”

An employee of Takeform, Townsend headed to Camp Rainbow for the day.

Melinda Rhim, an employee of Orleans County Mental Health, has been an avid participant in the day for many years, going back to when she was on the board of United Way. She comes every year with a team of co-workers to volunteer.

A team from Western New York Energy wait to start out for their volunteer assignments at Community Connects Day on Friday, sponsored by Orleans Community Connects.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Officers of the Food Pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church are, from left, Michelle Capstick, president; Sally Grimm, volunteer coordinator; Kari Root, new board member and secretary; and Robin Dubai, food pantry coordinator. Absent is board member Marian Fry.

MEDINA – Behind the scenes at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church’s Food Pantry is a dedicated team of volunteers who give of their time and energy to make sure the food pantry is there for those who need it.

Pastor Sohail Akhtar of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church welcomes guests and gives the blessing at the annual luncheon Thursday honoring volunteers of the Food Pantry.

On Thursday, those volunteers were recognized at a luncheon sponsored by St. Peter’s Church.

Robin Dubai has overseen the food pantry for 32 years, with help from her husband Denny and Bob Maryjanowski, who do the heavy work and unload the Foodlink truck. Dubai’s sister Diane Mazur is also a volunteer.

Dubai said the community is generous and they have been very good to the food pantry. She also acknowledged Kathy Iorio’s contribution to the food pantry by doing the double bagging.

President Michelle Capstick has also taken over the treasurer’s duties formerly handled by Jim Hancock, until he retired in 2025 after 45 years. He continues to help by picking up food once a month which has been donated to Lee-Whedon Memorial Library for the pantry.

Dubai said the food pantry serves 60-65 families a month. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday. Days it is not open, those in need of food can go The Vine on Maple Ridge Road.

St. Peter’s food pantry was originally started by Joe and Mary Jane Sczechowiak and Ginny Krownski, and was located in the kitchen and basement of the church parsonage, Dubai said. Dubai first became involved with stocking the shelves. She likes to recall one story of a mother and her children who came regularly to the food pantry.

“One day the oldest son took a big box of cereal out of the bag and said, ‘I’m going to put this under my bed, so when I get hungry at night, I’ll have something to eat.’ I never forgot that, and I’ve hoped some day a successful man would walk in and say that was him. I’d love to know where the family is and that they are doing well.”

Provided photo: Cleaning up Lions Park has been a tradition of Medina Lions for decades. Here Matt Kreutz, Lions Club chairman of the park cleanup (in the plaid shirt at right), poses with Boy Scouts from Troop 28 and Girl Scouts from Troop 82096, after finishing their work Saturday morning.

MEDINA – Medina Lions completed their cleanup of Lions Park on Saturday, with help from Boy Scout Troop 28 and Girl Scout Troop 82096.

The Lions thanked Tim Winters and the village of Medina, who brought mulch.

The Lions have been taking care of Lions Park for decades, said Lion Dean Bellack. He said they received a thank-you call from Mayor Deb Padoleski.

The cleanup was originally scheduled two weeks ago on April 25, but had to be postponed due to heavy rain.

A brilliant double rainbow stretched out in the sky after a severe thunderstorm this evening. The top photo was taken on Keitel Road in Albion by Ken Verhagen.

This photo was taken by Troy McGaffick, age 13, at the Eagle Harbor Road bridge.

Jeff Mitchell of Waterport took this photo of the rainbow over Main Street in Albion.

Christian Borgal captured this image of the double rainbow over South Main Street in Lyndonville.

Jodi Rowland found the double rainbow on Route 104 in Ridgeway.

Dana Miller sent in this photo of the double rainbow over North Main Street in Albion with the Lake Country Pennysaver building at right.

Dana Miller also got the rainbow in this photo from downtown Albion.

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.