Photos courtesy of Orleans County master Gardeners: Master Gardener Michael Klepp shows participants the components of a handheld pruner in his 2025 Purposeful Pruning class.

Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Master Gardeners have set the schedule for 2026 for the “Master Your Garden” monthly educational classes. The classes are held on the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. in the “Buzz” Hill Education Center at the Orleans CCE office in Albion.

The series kicks off on Jan. 3 with “Smart Garden Research” taught by Master Gardener Julia Bender. In the class, she will show participants how to navigate the overwhelming world of online gardening advice with confidence, how to identify trustworthy sources, spot red flags in gardening content, and build a toolkit of reliable websites and resources.

Other topics include hydroponic growing, nature journaling, flower arranging, composting, container gardening and more! Check out the full lineup with class dates and details on the Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Facebook page here.

“We developed the Master Your Garden series to share accessible, practical gardening knowledge with our Orleans County community,” said Julia Bender, Master Gardener volunteer and chairperson of this educational series. “Whether you’re looking to gain confidence or connect with fellow gardeners, we hope you’ll join us in making 2026 your best growing season yet!”

Classes are offered at an optional $5 donation fee and are held in the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 12690 State Route 31, Albion.  Pre-registration is encouraged to properly prepare for seating and materials, however, walk-ins are always welcome, especially with the first class being so close to the holidays. To register, call (585) 798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.

Master Gardener Julia Bender teaches a class on the Fall Garden for the 2025 Master Your Garden series.

Organization states support for nuclear energy, ‘strongly opposes’ all-electric mandates

Press Release, New York Farm Bureau

ALBANY — New York Farm Bureau has announced its state legislative priorities for 2026. These priorities are based on grassroots policy development over the course of the past year, which culminated at the organization’s State Annual Meeting earlier this month. Delegates from 50 counties discussed and voted on a number of wide-ranging issues at the meeting.

NYFB public policy staff identified NYFB’s priority issues as those listed below.

• Support critical funding for current agricultural animal health, promotion, research and environmental programs in the final FY 26/27 state budget.
• Support for a significant funding investment in the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Science to forward its mission of collegiate agricultural education, research and extension.
• Extend the refundable investment tax credit and allow construction costs for farmworker housing to be eligible for the tax credit.
• Move the administration of product marketing and research orders from Empire State Development to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Remove the requirement for overtime payment on the weekly consecutive 24-hour rest period when total work hours are still below the overtime threshold.
• Support legislation that would develop a Clean Fuel Standard.
• Support funding for the NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health to do research and promote education on temperature-related working conditions before any legislation (such as the Temperature Extreme Mitigation Program Act) is passed.
• Support the exemption of agricultural businesses from Extended Producer Responsibility legislation until a cost-effective and practical agricultural recycling program is established and funded by the state.
• Support mandating that fire, rescue, library and other ad valorem taxing districts use agricultural assessment values when calculating property taxes.
• Support renewable energy policies that incorporate common-sense timeframes for adoption based upon grid capacity and support for the use of other energy sources including nuclear. Strongly oppose all-electric mandates and bans on the use of propane, wood burning, oil or natural gas appliances.

NYFB will release federal legislative priorities by early spring.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jon Rissinger and his wife Galina are shown inside Sew-It-Seams Upholstery, which they opened in October at 28 East Bank St.

ALBION – When Jon Rissinger was a kid growing up in Wyoming County, his parents were 4-H leaders. His mother taught him to sew as a kid as part of being in 4-H.

Rissinger, now 66, has turned that hobby into a busy new business in Albion. He opened Sew-It-Seams Upholstery on Oct. 1 at 28 East Bank St.

He works with leather, vinyl, cloth, cutting the materials to size and then sewing them together. Some of the projects have 40 different pieces to sew.

Rissinger likes to work with his customers to give new life to old furniture, and seats for cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles and boats. He also does hemming and zipper replacement.

“What intrigued me most about sewing is you can make whatever you want,” he said. “You connect two pieces together and you got a new product.”

Jon Rissinger creates a pattern for a new cover on a snowmobile seat. He makes new fabric for furniture, car seats, motorcycle seats, boat seat and snowmobiles. He also is skilled a chair caning.

Rissinger has previously worked as a hoof trimmer for the dairy industry for 15 years and he owned a computer repair shop in Castile. He moved to Albion 3 ½ years ago, drawn by a good deal on his house.

He has been doing upholstery projects the past decade and wanted more room for the business. The spot in downtown Albion has been a good fit.

“I’ve been self-employed for 30 years,” he said. “You get to meet a lot of people.”

Rissinger has four sewing machines, a serger, fabric cutter and other  equipment. He is considering offer classes this winter for people who want to learn the sewing craft, upholstering and chair caning.

The business is open from noon to 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday. For more information call (585) 867-1536 or check the business’s Facebook page.

Jon Rissinger opened his business, Sew-It-Seams Upholstery, in Albion on Oct. 1 and he said he has been busy.

Village Board still looking for spot to put new ladder truck with old compost facility, DPW garage and former Snappy site among options

Photos courtesy of Medina Fire Department: This photo from earlier this week shows the new ladder truck that is expected to be delivered in Medina next month. The quint truck has a 100-foot ladder and many other capabilities. Medina Fire Department officials visited the truck manufacturing site in Appleton, Wisconsin. They were there from Sunday through Wednesday.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina expects to take delivery of a new $1.7 million fire truck next month, but village officials still aren’t certain where the truck will be housed.

The quint ladder truck is too big to fit in the current fire hall on Park Avenue. The truck is taller than the current ladder truck. The current truck from 1996 has been declared surplus and will be sold by auction. The truck has been plagued by mechanical issues for several years.

The ladder is shown at extension during an inspection by Medina Fire Department officials.

That truck is 10 feet, 4 inches in height. The fire hall bay has a clear of 10 feet, 6 inches. The new truck is 13 feet high.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman favors a one-bay addition on the current fire hall to accommodate the new truck, but she has been unable to get the majority of the board to agree on that addition. That project would be just over $1 million. The village may need to borrow $1.3 million for the addition.

Sherman said Medina is a strong candidate to receive a grant for up to $1 million in federal funds through for the project through the Community Development Block Grant program. She was advised by the village’s grant writer to get additional information for the grant on buying materials made in the United States for the addition. To do that study, getting cost estimates for “Buy America and Build America,” would cost $4,600.

Sherman was unable to get enough support from the board to spend the $4,600 to get those prices on American made products.

Trustee Scott Bieliski said $1.3 million for the one-bay addition seems out of whack and far too costly.

“I would never spend $1.3 million for what we’re getting or even remotely close to that,” he said.

Sherman said municipal projects tend to be much higher due to all the regulations and extra requirements.

Trustee Debbie Padoleski said the village can’t afford the new truck and the addition. She suggested at Monday’s board meeting that Medina sell the new truck and not take on more debt. She said village taxpayers are already overburdened with property taxes.

“When the truck arrives, put a ‘for sale’ sign on it,” she said. “We can’t afford it. We can’t afford to house it.”

She said the village is bearing the costs for the truck where most of its calls will likely be outside Medina for mutual aid.

Pictured from left include Trustee Debbie Padoleski, Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Scott Bieliski.

Paying the debt on the truck in annual payments will raise the village taxes by $1 per $1,000 of assessed property, Padoleski said. The village’s tax rate is currently $13.995 per $1,000.

“The western district would love for us to get the truck and pay for it,” she said. The towns aren’t willing to cooperate in any way, shape or form.”

Trustee Bieliski said selling the truck is worth considering.

“It’s two big lifts: the truck and the addition,” he said.

Mayor Sherman said she has been trying to find places to put the new ladder truck while the board tries to find a solution for a permanent home for the truck.

The owner of the former Snappy building on Commercial Street near the Erie Canal and lift bridge offered to make the building available for the next three months at $4,500 a month plus utilities.

But other board members didn’t want to put money in someone else’s building. After some discussion, including feedback from DPW Superintendent Jason Watts, the board said it was worth looking at the former compost facility on North Gravel Road to temporarily house the truck. Because the truck carries water, it needs to be in a heated building.

Watts said a heating system could be put in the compost facility, plus a dividing wall to reduce the space needed to keep warm. He was tasked with getting cost estimates for making the compost building usable to keep the truck.

He also said the DPW garage on East Avenue could be used by shifting vehicles around.

Watts said when the new truck arrives it won’t immediately go into service. Firefighters need to train on it and the truck needs to be outfitted. He said it’s very likely it won’t be in service until after the winter.

Medina buys fire engine from Murray for $32,000

File photo courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Medina used a fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District in August.

Medina has a second truck that will be replaced. Medina 10, a fire engine from 1990, has been taken out of service and will join the ladder truck at an auction.

The Village Board approved spending $32,000 to buy a 2007 fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District.

Medina borrowed Murray’s truck in August while both the ladder truck and fire engine were out of service due to mechanical problems.

Padoleski and Trustee Mark Prawel both opposed spending the $32,000 for Murray’s truck.

Fire Chief Steve Cooley said he appreciates Murray making a reliable truck available to Medina at a fair price.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Hochul today announced an agreement with the Legislature to make medical aid in dying available to terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live.

This comes after careful reflection and deliberation with the bill’s sponsors, advocacy organizations, and most importantly, everyday New Yorkers who shared personal experiences with the Governor. The bill, with the agreed-upon amendments, will be passed and signed in January, and the law will go into effect six months later.

“New York has long been a beacon of freedom, and now it is time we extend that freedom to terminally ill New Yorkers who want the right to die comfortably and on their own terms,” said Governor Hochul. “My mother died of ALS, and I am all too familiar with the pain of seeing someone you love suffer and being powerless to stop it. Although this was an incredibly difficult decision, I ultimately determined that with the additional guardrails agreed upon with the legislature, this bill would allow New Yorkers to suffer less–to shorten not their lives, but their deaths.”

The bill, as passed by the Legislature, had a number of protections in place to ensure that no patient was coerced into utilizing medical aid in dying and no doctor or religiously affiliated health facility was forced to offer medical aid in dying.

With today’s agreement, the Governor announces a number of additional guardrails that the Legislature has agreed to enact aimed at ensuring the integrity of the patient’s decision and the preparedness of medical institutions to appropriately administer medical aid in dying. Today’s agreement memorializes a shared path forward on this bill, with additional key guardrails, including:

• A mandatory waiting period of 5 days between when a prescription is written and filled.
• An oral request by the patient for medical aid in dying must be recorded by video or audio.
• A mandatory mental health evaluation of the patient seeking medical aid in dying by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• A prohibition against anyone who may benefit financially from the death of a patient from being eligible to serve as a witness to the oral request or an interpreter for the patient.
• Limiting the availability of medical aid in dying to New York residents.
• Requiring that the initial evaluation of a patient by a physician be in person.
• Allowing religiously-oriented home hospice providers to opt out of offering medical aid in dying.
• Ensuring that a violation of the law is defined as professional misconduct under the Education Law.
• Extending the effective date of the bill to six months after signing to allow the Department of Health to put into place regulations required to implement the law while also ensuring that health care facilities can properly prepare and train staff for compliance.

Senior Campaign Director for Compassion & Choices NY/NJ Corinne Carey said, “This law will represent the culmination of more than 10 years of determined, consistent effort by hundreds, no, thousands, of New Yorkers who advocated for this law… This law is about compassion, family, love, and respect for bodily autonomy. New Yorkers deserve nothing less. I am grateful that Governor Hochul listened to the voices of people whose lives and deaths were directly affected.”

Editor’s Note: Rob Ortt, Republican leader in the State Senate, issued this statement:

“The Governor continues to make poor decisions that endanger New Yorkers. Her latest act legalizes assisted suicide, allowing some of our most vulnerable populations to end their lives under the guise of compassion, with limited oversight.

“True compassion means investing in hospice, palliative care, and mental health services so patients and families can face end-of-life challenges with dignity. New York should be strengthening care and improving the lives of New Yorkers struggling with serious health issues.”

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 40, of Medina, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in July 2020, Stack possessed a cellular phone, which contained more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In addition, Stack possessed a laptop, which contained more than 9,000 images and videos of child pornography.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A table full of veterans and their guests enjoy conversation during the Christmas dinner served Tuesday night at White Birch Golf Course. Clockwise, from left front are Dave Barhite of Lyndonville, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam; Norma Huth (not pictured), wife of veteran Peter Huth of Medina; Diana Anderson and her husband Dan, an Air Force veteran, retired, from Medina; Army veteran Kevin Sheean and his wife Carol from Albion; Peter Huth, Army veteran who served in Germany; and Debby Rodrigues of Medina, daughter of a POW in North Korea and granddaughter of a World War I soldier.

LYNDONVILLE – Seventy-five Orleans County veterans and their guests enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, conversation and good food Tuesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

Organized by the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office, the evening was sponsored through a grant from the Pfc. Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program. Named after an Army medic from New York state who enlisted after the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attack, Dwyer served in Iraq and later died after a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. The program was started in Orleans County in 2018, when the first event was a ride on a Christmas train at the Medina Railroad Museum. The program also this year provided free turkeys to 100 veterans at Thanksgiving.

Tuesday night’s event brought veterans from the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Space Force, with their guests. After a buffet dinner, Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office drew tickets for dozens of free prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses.

Mroz introduced guests who have given their time in helping with programs to support local veterans, including Wayne and Barb Hale (Wayne has been active in the Sons of the American Legion for 29 years); Phyllis Schrader, a volunteer who heads the Veterans’ Van Service; Jackie Lonnen, office assistant who was instrumental in planning Tuesday’s evening and securing prizes; Assemblyman Steve Hawley,  a member of the Army Reserves and National Guard who is an avid supporter of veterans; and Sara Hults, an Army veteran who is coordinator of Suicide Prevention for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the VA WNY Healthcare System.

Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency, welcomes veterans and their guests to a holiday meal Tuesday night at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, sponsored by the Pfc. Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Support Program.

Orleans County has a lot of veterans and they support them, Hawley said. A 1st lieutenant for 6 1/2 years, Hawley continues to support veterans, by participating in Wreaths Across America at Boxwood Cemetery and sponsoring veterans’ trips to Washington, D.C. every year.

“To our veterans, we say ‘thank you’,” Hawley said.

One of the guests Tuesday night was Jeanne Crane of Kenyonville, who brought her friend Dan Nogle of Medina, an Army veteran.

“This is a great thing they do here for veterans,” she said.

Also instrumental in planning the evening’s events was Jim Nudd of Medina, an Air Force career veteran and newly hired assistant in the Veterans’ Services office.

“He is a great asset to our office,” Mroz said. “He cares about helping vets.”

Mroz just completed his first year as director of the Veterans’ Services Office.

Chris Schicker, a four-year Marine veteran and his wife Sonya of Clarendon, share a table with Jeanne Crane and her friend, Dan Nogle of Medina, an Army veteran. Schicker served in the Persian Gulf and on an aircraft carrier.

Press Release, Mercy Flight, Inc.

BUFFALO – Mercy Flight, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of air and ground medical transport services headquartered in Buffalo, announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Finger Lakes Ambulance EMS, Inc., a long-standing and well-established emergency and interfacility transport provider serving communities across the Finger Lakes region.

The acquisition will become final pending approval by the Finger Lakes and Monroe-Livingston Regional EMS Councils, and the New York State Department of Health.

For the past five years, Mercy Flight and Finger Lakes Ambulance have worked collaboratively to strengthen emergency medical services in their respective operational, clinical, and administrative areas through improved coordination, operational alignment, and shared clinical priorities.

Throughout this partnership, both agencies – like EMS organizations nationwide – have navigated increasing challenges related to staffing shortages, rising call volume, escalating operating costs, and unstable reimbursement structures.

Through ongoing discussions, both leadership teams recognized that a unified, forward-looking model could better address these shared challenges. As a result, the organizations have agreed to pursue a plan to combine under Mercy Flight’s nonprofit EMS structure—a model believed to be the first of its kind in New York State, bringing together a nonprofit and a for-profit EMS agency under a single nonprofit system.

“This opportunity allows us to offer access to safe, reliable, and compassionate ground medical transport services through our not-for-profit ground/air integration model,” said Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight. “By integrating Finger Lakes Ambulance’s experienced teams and established operations into our nonprofit system and enhancing our existing working relationship with Mercy Flight Central (an unrelated nonprofit air ambulance provider headquartered in Canandaigua), we can ensure continuity of care while furthering our commitment to clinical excellence and community partnerships in rural communities. Because we already share such a patient-focused mission, this consolidation is a natural fit.”

Bob Woodhouse, chairman of the Board at G.W. Lisk, added: “G.W. Lisk cares deeply about the health and wellbeing of the people of Clifton Springs and surrounding communities. It is important to us that the high standard of EMS care in the region continues under a trustworthy partner that puts patients first. We believe Mercy Flight, with its nearly 45-years of service to its community, is the right organization to take on this responsibility. We look forward to seeing the combined leadership of these agencies and the accomplishments this partnership will bring.”

All of Finger Lakes Ambulance’s current employees—including EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and support staff—will be welcomed into Mercy Flight’s nonprofit mission. Operations will continue without interruption throughout the transition.

“We are proud to join an organization whose values so closely align with our own,” said Al Kalfass, executive director of Finger Lakes Ambulance. “Our teams are dedicated to caring for our communities, and we look forward to the continued growth and advancement of that work within Mercy Flight’s nonprofit framework.”

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Mercy Flight reinvests all net resources into patient care, safety, clinical excellence, and strengthened community service. The addition of Finger Lakes Ambulance’s service area will expand its regional coverage and improve coordination between air and ground EMS resources.

Mercy Flight foresees no changes to its air ambulance service in Western New York as a result of this ground ambulance service expansion, and expects to continue to collaborate closely with Mercy Flight Central, a completely separate nonprofit helicopter ambulance service that covers the Finger Lakes region.

About Mercy Flight Inc.

Mercy Flight is an independent, nonprofit provider of air and ground medical transport services, dedicated to providing rapid and cost-effective lifesaving care to communities across Western NY and beyond. Since 1981, Mercy Flight has delivered compassionate, high-quality medical transport services without regard to a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Today, the organization operates helicopter bases in Buffalo (headquarters), Olean, Springville and Batavia.

Mercy Flight’s ground ambulance division, Mercy Flight EMS, provides service for Genesee County, Niagara County, Orleans County, the Town of Hamlin, and the Town of Concord and Village of Springville. Together, the organization’s employees, now 300 strong, support the mission of being “A BEACON OF HOPE…WHEN MINUTES MATTER”. For more information, visit www.mercyflight.org.

About Finger Lakes Ambulance

Finger Lakes Ambulance began operations in 1955 under Walter’s Ambulance. It expanded significantly after merging with Geneva Town Ambulance in the 1980s and has operated under its current name since 1988. With approximately 100 staff members and a service area exceeding 1,200 square miles, Finger Lakes Ambulance plays a vital role in the regional EMS system, providing emergency and interfacility care across the Finger Lakes.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion was busy on Saturday during its annual Hometown Holiday event. There were many activities in the downtown business district, the library and other locations.

The top photo shows kids making crafts and enjoying hot chocolate at Hoag Library. They also made get well cards for 4-year-old Paisley who is struggling from complications from a small intestine transplant. Paisley, the daughter of Josh Daniels and Ashley Nenni, has been at Mount Sinai in New York City for over a year.

The kids at Hoag were all able to take home a tea cup to give to a family member for Christmas. The activity was organized by Lori Laine, Maureen Bennett, Marilyn Burgoon and Michelle Hughson.

Maureen Bennett, left, and Val Rush as Mrs. Claus greeted people at Hoag Library.

The day started with Coffee with a Cop at the Village Office. Sgt. Robert Wagner, second from left, and officer Sean McElhinny are shown with Kay Ecker, left, and Anita Finley who were leading a crafts activity where people could decorate ornaments.

Ashley Johnson brought her son and two nieces to decorate ornaments.

Hometown Holiday was capped with a parade at 6 p.m. and after-parties at Dubby’s Tailgate and 39 Problems.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Wes Tabor, a Vietnam War veteran, sets wreaths at the graves of veterans at Mount Albion Cemetery on Saturday. Tabor was a frontline medic in the war from 1969 to 1970.

Mount Albion for the second year joined in Wreaths Across America. The first year in 2024, there were 225 wreaths. On Saturday, the total was boosted to 360.

Jenn Thom leads the wreath effort at Mount Albion. She is the director of Operation Honor. She would like to see wreaths for all the veterans buried at Mount Albion – more than 2,000.

Jennifer Hughes, Girl Scout leader for Troop 82094, brought several scouts to Mount Albion to help place the wreaths, including her granddaughter, Evelyn Strickland.

Angie Wolfe and her son Caleb, 13, carry wreaths to be placed at the veterans’ section of the cemetery. Caleb volunteered with the History Club at Albion school.

Jenn Thom, director of Operation Honor, and Wes Tabor set wreaths at Mount Albion with temperatures in the low 20s.

When the volunteers set the wreaths, they were encouraged to say the veteran’s name and thank them for their service.

These Girl Scouts from Medina – Rayne Davis in front, Alaina Fry behind her, and Madison Fry at right – carry wreaths to place at veterans’ graves.

Renee Hungerford, Karen Kinter both complete 18-month program

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, left, and Karen Kinter, executive healthcare consultant and former CEO of Oak Orchard Health, posed for this picture in Hoag Library when they announced their acceptance into the Health Foundation of WNY’s Health Leadership Fellows 18-month program. They graduated from the program on Nov. 16.

ALBION – Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County, and Karen Kinter, executive healthcare consultant and former CEO of Oak Orchard Health, have graduated from the prestigious Health Foundation of WNY’s Health Leadership Fellows program.

When they were selected for the 18-month program in 2024, neither realized the other Albion businesswoman had also applied.

Graduation took place Nov. 16 at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, followed by a reception at the Strathallan in Rochester.

During the two-day graduation celebration, each team presented their projects to a team of panelists and a large audience, Hungerford said. Team members were named after characters of the Apple TV show, Ted Lasso, and Hungerford and Kinter were members of Team Nate.

During the course of 18 months, their team worked together to create the Fresh Start Care Center located at Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrift Store. In addition to creating, planning, executing and implementing the project, the team worked together on an evidenced-based paper which substantiated the need for the intervention, according to Hungerford.

The project goal, she said, was to reduce chronic student absenteeism and increase student success by removing barriers to attendance, such as lack of the ability to launder clothes, obtain personal care items or have adequate facilities for personal hygiene.

The Fresh Start Center is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County. Information supplied by Hungerford states the center is in response to alarming data showing up to 39 percent of students in Orleans County live in poverty, with many homes lacking basic plumbing.

Teachers have reported that hygiene-related stigma contributes to chronic absenteeism and social isolation, particularly among high school students. She said on a daily basis, as many as a dozen students are lined up at the door to the nurse’s office, waiting to take a shower.

Kinter likened the WNY Health Fellowship Program to Leadership Orleans. She said during their participation their team built a business plan and a pilot to operate the Fresh Start Center.

“We also got seed money from the Foundation to buy a washer and dryer,” Kinter said. “We got other money from the community and a private donation which funded supplies. Our class also donated laundry supplies and money to continue to help with operating costs.”

Kinter called the fellowship program a great networking opportunity which provided collaboration with more than 40 organizations from across the region.

“This program made them aware of Orleans County, who we are and what we are doing,” she said. “We learned what other organizations are out there in the region that can be of help to us. The president of the Foundation met us and got to hear our suggestions.”

Hungerford also praised the program.

“I felt truly honored to be selected for the 11th cohort of the Health Leadership Fellows program, as it fit well into my personal goal of doing my part to fix our broken healthcare system,” Hungerford said. “Good health outcomes start with ensuring people have resources for basic needs, such as nutritious food, shelter, access to health services and knowledge. Health literacy is paramount for people to thrive. I am thrilled that we chose a project that is focused on young people. Children and youth have little to no control over economic circumstances. All of us, as a supportive community, need to ensure they have what they need to achieve success.”

Accumulating enough money to purchase a shower for the Fresh Start Center continues to be an ongoing goal for Community Action. Hungerford’s family donated their time to install plumbing and electrical for the Center, and donations will continue to be accepted to purchase a shower. Checks may be made out to Community Action, designated for the Fresh Start Center and mailed to 409 East State St., Albion, 14411.

Hungerford said they had been quoted $16,000 for a shower, but she is confident they can acquire one cheaper than that.

Cassie Healy, manager of the Main Street Corner Thrift Store, also oversees the Fresh Start Center.

Provided photo: Karen Kinter and Renee Hungerford, fourth and fifth from left, are shown with their fellow team members after graduation in November from the WNY Health Leadership Fellows program. They are shown at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester.

Organizations accepting donations for food pantry, gloves and hats for ‘Warming Tree’

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Andrew Houseman, senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA, stands by the containers used to accept donations of non-perishable food items for The Vine’s food pantry.  Houseman has announced a lineup of new programs for the upcoming year, for all members of the family.

MEDINA – A lineup of new programs and old favorites at the Orleans County YMCA will welcome members in the New Year.

Recently hired senior program director Andrew Houseman has announced a lineup of new programs of interest to the entire family.

“You are going to see a tremendous change in programming,” Houseman said.

The first new class is a baking class, developed because of the interest in a recent cooking class, Houseman said. The baking class, which will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 30, will be led by Lockport chef Tyler Mitchell. The class will focus on how to make different holiday cookies.

A continuing program will be co-ed adult basketball on Monday nights.

Beginning Jan. 6, the Medina High School cheerleaders will lead a dance class, open to all experience and skill levels aged 4 to 12. No expensive costumes or recitals are required. The course will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. for seven Tuesdays.

Houseman said the cheerleaders practice tumbling at the Y and he suggested they do something for the public in return. They also lead a class in tumbling for 5- to 14-year-olds. The classes will be for seven weeks from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 8. The tumbling camp is designed to build strength, balance and confidence.

Peewee and youth soccer provide fun, teamwork, skill building and scrimmages, and take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The class starts Jan. 7 and runs through Feb. 25.

A very popular offering is the Youth Basketball League, which last year attracted 70 kids, Houseman said.

“We are hoping for the same interest this year,” he said.

The league begins Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 26. Practices are from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and games are from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays.

A fitness program will be new in 2026, Houseman said. “New Year Healthy Habits Guide” is an eight-week challenge beginning Jan 8 with group exercise led by a professional trainer. A personal training award will be given to those who complete the program, who will also receive a discount on exercise classes. Participants will get a workout plan and nutritional support, Houseman said. Check-in is from 3 to 4:30 and 6 to 6:30 every Thursday

Another new program is Pickup Basketball, which begins Jan. 4. Members can come into the Y and organize their own basketball games, Houseman said.

There are a number of new family events, from parents’ night to schools-out programs.

One of the group training exercises the Y is trying to promote is TRX training, Houseman said. He also said HIIT virtual classes are new for 16-year-olds and up. Members can watch classes on TV. If the trainer is absent, there will still be a class. The HIIT class is from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

Houseman said they are also trying to push Zumba. They have had a big interest, but would like to see a bigger turnout, he said.

A new community library has been set up, where members can give a book or take a book.

In an effort to support their community, Houseman said the Y has been collecting non-perishable food for The Vine church on Maple Ridge Road. They have also partnered with the Medina Police Department to create a Warming Tree, in which they are seeking donations of hats and gloves for both children and adults.

“We were looking for ways to partner our organization and giving to the community was the best idea,” Houseman said. “I am friends with police officer Brandon Brown and we came up with this idea.”

The police department will deliver the hats and mittens to strategic locations where they will be available to those who need them.

In another act of community involvement, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee and the Albion FFA donated boxes of produce from their recent food collection, and anyone who wanted or needed fresh produce was welcome to take it. As of Monday, nearly all of it was gone, except for acorn squash.

Houseman said that their Child Watch service has been extended to 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Andrew has done a great job bringing new programming to the Orleans branch,” said Dean Bellack, chief volunteer officer at the GLOW YMCA. “I know he has more planned and I hope the community is as pleased as I am with the positive change.”

One final note Houseman shared is news about the archery classes by the Society for Anachronism (archery) which the Y has been hosting in space developed by Merle Fredericks’ Christian Bowhunters. The Society is planning to put on a show for the public in early spring. It will feature archery demonstrations and medieval fighting.

Houseman also announced a special promotion for new members in January. From Jan. 1 to 17, all new members will receive a $25 program credit. They can join online at www.glowymca.org or in person at the YMCA, 306 Pearl St.

More information on programs and prices are available by contacting the Y at www.glowymca.org or calling (585) 798-2040.

It was a sensational sunset this evening in Orleans County. Several people sent in photos to the Orleans Hub, including the top one of cattle on Marshall Road in Ridgeway. Kimberly Stawicki took that photo.

Kari Hagglund took this photo of the Butts Road canal bridge in Albion. She declared, “Gorgeous sunset tonight.”

Theresa Brien took this photo of the sunset. “Everything was pink!”

Mike Zeliff took this photo of the sunset on Route 63 in Lyndonville.

After several days of a deep freeze, the temperatures will climb above freezing on Wednesday with a high of 39. Then the highs are 48 on Thursday, 39 on Friday and 37 on Saturday.