Michelle Smith joins healthcare center within Medina Memorial

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, chats with Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, and the newest addition to the Medina Healthcare Center.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced a third professional has joined the recently opened Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital

Effective Monday, family nurse practitioner Michelle Smith of Lockport will start seeing patients. She joins certified pediatric nurse practitioner Leah Brenner and board-certified nurse practitioner Pamela Eaton. All are accepting new patients.

Taking Eaton’s place at the Albion Healthcare Center several days a week is Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, who will divide his time between Brockport and Albion.

Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, stands in the hallway of the Medina Healthcare Center at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she will begin seeing patients on Monday.

Smith brings a background of widespread education and more than 20 years’ experience in emergency and critical care.

Growing up, Smith and her family moved continuously with her father, who was in the military. She graduated from high school in Cheektowaga, where one of her assignments for graduation was to do an internship in any facility.

“I was very shy, but I needed to get my hours in, so they took me to a nursing home across the street,” Smith said. “I helped feed the people, and I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I knew then I wanted a career in which I could help people. I just didn’t know then how I was going to do it.”

She attended Erie I BOCES and graduated as a licensed practical nurse in 1988. Her first job was at ECMC in the trauma step-down unit.

She married and had two children when she decided to continue her education as a registered nurse, and she enrolled at D’Youville College. During that time, she had two more children. In 2000, she went to work at Children’s Hospital, where her specialty was the Emergency Room, Pre-natal Intensive Care Unit and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.

In 2010 she returned to Buffalo to be where her parents were and again went to work at Children’s Hospital.  In 2016, she completed her master’s degree in nursing education. Next came a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., working in the Women’s Care Unit for 10 years.

Feeling the need to come back to Buffalo to be where her parents were, Smith again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2018, she went back to D’Youville to get her family nurse practitioner degree. Next followed a job at the Community Health Care Center of Buffalo, where she did chronic disease management and refugee re-settlement program.

From there, in 2023, Smith went to Urgent Care at a Fellowship Program at WellNow. Graduating from that, she went to Rochester as a visiting nurse for several years.

Searching for a job as a nurse practitioner at a smaller and more personal environment led to her applying at Orleans Community Health.

“Being a nurse practitioner was a way for me to care for the entire family as a whole, not just a toe or one part that needed attention,” Smith said. “I went to an employment agency that deals with the medical field late last winter, and they initiated contact here.”

Smith’s hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments may be made by calling (585) 798-2550.

Smith and her husband Josh each had four children when they met and now have 2-year-old twins together.

Along the way, she discovered a saying by Maya Angelou which sums up Smith’s reason for choosing to become a family nurse practitioner.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Honorary pitch goes to leader of the 136th Attack Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

Provided photo

BUFFALO – Justin Cecchini was picked to throw out the honorary first pitch before the Buffalo Bisons game. He threw a fastball for the first pitch on Friday, a strike right down the middle.

Pictured from left include Joseph Cecchini (son), Olivia Henning, Buster Bison, Julie (wife), Jenna (daughter), Justin and Jack Cecchini (son).

Lt. Col. Cecchini has been the squadron commander of the 136^th Attack Squadron since Jan. 20, 2024. The 136th Attack Squadron (Air National Guard) is based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. In this role Cecchini plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of all training and combat flying operations.

He is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness and leading 97 personnel while providing strategic guidance to the 136th Squadron and 107th Operations Group Commanders that ensures the alignment of operational activities with the Combatant Commanders’ objectives.

Lt. Col. Cecchini began his journey with the 107th Attack Wing back in March 2001 as an aircraft mechanic. His career progressed through significant roles within the 107th Operations Group, holding key positions such as Flight Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Tactics and Assistant Director of  Operations.

Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Oak Orchard Health team congratulates with Dr. Mary Obear on her career in local health care.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

CORFU – Patients, community members and legislators came out to honor Dr. Mary Obear on June 14 at her retirement celebration.

After 27 years of bringing medical care to Genesee County, she has retired. She was greeted by many people at the Pembroke Community Center who came to wish her well and share a few words about her numerous contributions.

Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health (OOH) due to their shared mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, OOH dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.

One of Dr. Obear’s proudest accomplishments is mentoring young medical professionals throughout the years. Dr. Matthew Fernaays met Dr. Obear when he was a third-year medical student. He was inspired by her compassion for care of her patients in Genesee County.

Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borello, presents a proclamation to Dr. Obear.

Dr. Fernaays is proud to call Dr. Obear a mentor and friend. He continues to mentor medical professionals throughout Oak Orchard Health. Dr. Obear highly recommends that all her patients see Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. She is confident that they will continue on in her legacy.

“Dr. Obear is an inspiration to all. Her path to medicine was anything but ordinary,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She moved to Western NY from Los Angeles. And we’re so glad she did. That academic curiosity never faded—Dr. Obear earned two master’s degrees before ultimately entering medical school in her 40s, proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. She joined Oak Orchard Health in the middle of the pandemic and helped us and the community during that very trying time. Dr. Obear will be missed. Her impact on patients is immeasurable. Each one is more than a chart or a diagnosis. She has always poured her heart, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of connection to help people.”

Dr. Obear has also been a key supporter of hospice and palliative care. She earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in this field and has spent years helping patients and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Sara Brunner, director Gateway Home, and Doug Domes, Board President for Gateway Home, present a plaque and appreciation to Dr. Obear.

Her work continues today through her involvement with local comfort homes, such as Crossroads House and Gateway Home, as well as her role with Genesee and Orleans County’s Board of Health. Sara Brunner, director, and Doug Domes, Board President of Gateway Home, came to the retirement party to talk about the impact Dr. Obear has had on their organization.

Also in attendance was representative for NYS Senator George Borello, who presented her with a special proclamation. Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislature Chair, talked about the contributions Dr. Obear has made to the county.

It’s clear that Mary Obear, MD, PhD, is leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment.

“It is with mixed feelings that I retire, but it’s time to travel and see my family,” she said. “As I begin the next chapter of my life, I reflect on my years of caring for patients in Genesee County over the past two and a half decades. It has been very important to me.”

Oak Orchard Health

Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw. We also have two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.

Photos by Natalie Baron: (Left) Ella Trupo smiles as she exits the stage with her diploma on Friday during commencement inside the high school gym. A downpour in late afternoon prompted the ceremony to shift from outside on the football field to the gym. (Center) Jordan Simmons shakes hands with Superintendent Mickey Edwards. (Right) Principal Jennifer Ashbery hugs her daughter, Madalyn, after she received her diploma.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION – The Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement Friday evening in the Albion High School gymnasium with 139 students receiving their diplomas.

The students entered the gym during the processional which was led by bagpipers, which has long been a tradition at Albion for graduation.

Kenadie Patten, the class president, spoke passionately as she delivered a speech to the Class of 2025. Kenadie plans to attend SUNY Oswego to study finance. Kenadie expressed that you have to be knocked down during the journey. “Things may not work out exactly as you planned them, and that’s okay,” she said.

Kenadie told the crowd to focus on opportunities rather than getting everything right immediately. “Allow yourself to be embarrassed, because embarrassment means you’re stepping outside of the comfort zone,” she said.

“The world is not only happening to you, but you are happening to the world.”

Zackary Baron gave the salutatory speech. Zack will be attending The University at Buffalo to major in mechanical engineering. He impressed upon the group the importance of making connections and upkeeping old ones. “I know that if we really just try to connect with people in a positive, open way, that we truly can change not just our community, but the world.”

He expressed that engaging with another human being may lead to growth. “So, I challenge you to please, just go and find someone who you want to be closer to, and talk with them. Ask them a few things about themself and truly listen to what they have to say.”

Tye Talbot, who will be attending Harvard University in the fall for medical studies, delivered the valedictory address. Tye reassured his classmates that change is going to happen, as “Change is the only constant.”

He said, “Change is the scariest thing in the world, and yet the only thing that is absolutely guaranteed.”

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, urged students to embrace that the journey is not a straight line and expressed that “Your story is yours alone. No one else can write it. No one else can live it.”

Garrett Miller, shown accepting his diplomas from Board of Education President Linda Weller, overcame adversity during his time in high school, having lost his eye after an accident in gym class during his sophomore year.

Garrett said that choosing to embrace a positive outlook helped him to move forward after his injury.

“I was really sad at first, but I decided that there’s nothing I could do to change it, so I decided to just not be morose or depressed about it at all,” he said.

Garrett dreams of starting a family one day. Presently, Garrett hopes to work at the local shop Navarra’s Farm Market & Greenhouses.

Matthew Kania poses BOE President Linda Weller. Matthew owns and operates his own landscaping business, Legendary Lawn Services.

James Ruiz enthusiastically smiles as he receives his diploma. His future plan is to become a train conductor.

The Class of 2025, including Anna Zaczek and Natalie Soule, celebrate at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Taylor Schrader, president of the senior class at Medina, leads her excited classmates on Friday evening in moving their tassels from the right side to the left to signify their graduation.

There are 93 grads in the Class of 2025. The ceremony was held outside at Vets Park just after a downpour.

The graduates toss their caps and celebrate near the end of the ceremony on Friday.

Medina used to have graduation in the auditorium but moved it outdoors in the Covid pandemic in 2020. That location has been the preference for the district and the senior class since then. The bleachers at Vets Park can accommodate more people than the auditorium.

Medina school officials kept a close eye on the weather and could see the rain would stop at about 6:30 p.m. That gave the district about a half hour to set up for the ceremony and try to get the bleachers dry.

Kevin Czaja, director of facilities for the district, wipes down some of the bleachers after a heavy rain. Czaja said Friday wasn’t the first time rain hit right before the outdoor commencement.

Medina school employees Steve Miller, front, and Dylan Weese, up high on bleachers, used leaf blowers to dry the bleachers.

Sofia Gagliardi accepts her diploma and is congratulated by Mollie Mark, junior-senior high school assistant principal, and Michael Cavanagh, the school principal.

Makenzie McGrath, center, and her classmates received their diplomas on the field at Vets Park.

Matthew Kennedy Jr. shows his joy after getting his diploma.

Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian at left in front, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian, both gave prerecorded speeches to their classmates.

DeVera and Kenward both thanked their families, friends and teachers for all the love and support during their 13 years in school.

DeVera said he has already changed his career plans several times since he was a little kid, from initially wanting to be a doctor to then shifting to aspiring to be a writer. Now he is focused on studying computer science at the University at Buffalo. He said he may ultimately pick a different career path.

“Things will change in the future,” he said. “The real question is can you, too, and by how much?”

DeVera was in the school’s marching band and he referenced a line from “New York, New York,” which was part of the band’s fall show. “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.” DeVera said the graduates have made it through Medina, and are ready for their next challenge.

“This is not the end because we are not done,” he said.

Kenward shared about three famous people – basketball star Michael Jordan, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and entertainment mogul Walt Disney – who didn’t let initial rejection derail their dreams.

“Failure is not the end, hut a step,” Kenward said. “Will you learn from it, and strive and succeed?”

He said he appreciates people helping him through his failures and mistakes. He urged his classmates to follow that example of offering kindness and mentorship to others.

“Whatever path you pursue there is one thing we will all encounter – failure,” Kenward said. “These failures don’t make us unsuccessful or losers.” They opportunities to learn and grow, he said.

Roberta Culver, a retiring kindergarten teacher, also gave a keynote address, “Big and Small, We’ll Celebrate Them All.”

Culver had several of the graduates as kindergartners about a 12 years ago. She recalled their exuberance in celebrating holidays, even in making their hand=print turkeys around Thanksgiving and helping to plant trees at Arbor Day.

The class celebrating birthdays, losing a tooth, coloring contests, reaching reading milestones, and remembering their take-home folders.

Culver urged them to celebrate achievements in life – getting their first apartment, bringing home a pet for the first time as an adult, and reaching other goals.

“Life is full of the joy of the little things,” she said. “Celebrate with the joy of a kindergartner.”

Honesty Hill smiles after getting her diploma.

Konner Smith is pleased to celebrate commencement.

The daisy chain tradition continued on Friday. The top 16 girls in the junior class and the top 2 boys made the chain of daisies, which has been part of Medina’s graduation since 1922.

Daisy chain members include Emiliana Batista, Darlene Beach, Ava Blount, Lilah Class, Molly Cook, Madison Farley, Allie Frentz, Bellaflor Gomez-Hernandez, Mahri Harmer-Owen, Natalie Herbert, Caden Kingsbury, Maggie Lonnen, Rhoswyn Oakes, Aleeyah Martinez, Paisley Pasnik, Penelope Schalck, Allie Smith and Hunter Walczak.

Brady Christiaansen walks in the processional at the start of the program.

Mason Eick, left, helps Brennan Hinckley look spiffy just after a deluge of rain fell.

These five graduates include, from left: Brooke Stewart, Josephene Pollock, Makenzie Alvarez, Evelyn Phillips and Cameron Davis.

Class Vice President Kylee Howard, in front at right, and Addison Paul, the class secretary at left, lead the group in walking off the field at Vets Park following the ceremony.

In a ceremony dedicated to former teacher, coach and senior class advisor Mark Hughes, Lyndonville graduated 30 students this evening.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman- Lyndonville seniors toss their caps into the air after this evening’s graduation ceremony.

Salutatorian, Madison Davis, adjusts the cap of Valedictorian, Addison Dillenbeck, before the ceremony begins.

Shane Price, Lyndonville Teachers Association President (left picture), leads the procession of faculty and graduates while Juniors Emily Miner(L) and Elena Barry(R) are the Honor Escorts for the graduating seniors.

The Lyndonville High School Band, led by Kelly Folman, play Pomp & Circumstance as the grads entered the stage.

Performing the Senior Song “Home”, are these members of the Senior Select Choir: Aidan Allen, Andrew Austin, Olivia Belgiorno, Auston Bentley, Noah Fox, Amir Huzair, Elisabeth Ingersoll, Kendyll Kidney, Hannah Marker, Jacob Pitcher, and Alyssa Prine.

The Class of 2025 on stage awaiting to receive their diplomas

Several grads decorated the top of their caps. Here, Olivia Belgiorno has hers stating that graduation is the “End Of Act One”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, tosses candy during Thursday’s parade for the Kendall Carnival. Behind him is his chief of staff Jayleen Carney, and Kendall highway superintendent Eric Maxon.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from Sept. 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families.

Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. While the deadline to attend a White House visit has passed, the rest of the trip is still open to local veterans and their families. To register, contact Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Photo by Tom Rivers: Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall goes fishing on Aug. 13, 2022 at the Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby. Logan was one of 63 kids in the derby at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state.

During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State.

“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”

No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Whether anglers are spending time with family and friends outside in nature or experiencing the thrill of catching a fish, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy fishing. I encourage participating anglers to share their love of fishing by introducing someone new to the sport during New York’s Free Fishing Weekend.”

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Bourke

Sgt. Torry Tooley is commander of the Special Response Team at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The SRT includes members from the Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department.

ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce the appointment of Sergeant Torry Tooley as Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT).

The SRT is a specialized unit comprised of members from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Police Department, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.

Sergeant Tooley brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to this leadership role. He is a certified NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Advanced Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and is also certified as a SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader through DCJS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.

Over the years, Sergeant Tooley has served as an SRT Team Leader, earning the respect of his peers and a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled and dependable leader. His extensive training, practical experience, and dedication to excellence make him well-suited for this critical position.

As SRT Commander, Sergeant Tooley will oversee all aspects of team training, support grant management and equipment procurement efforts, and lead the planning and execution of tactical operations. Given that SRT deployments typically occur during high-risk, high-pressure situations, strong and capable leadership is essential. Sergeant Tooley embodies the professionalism and expertise necessary to ensure the safety of both team members and the community.

Sheriff Bourke expresses his confidence in Sergeant Tooley and appreciates his commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Orleans County. Sheriff Bourke remains dedicated to protecting those who live in, work in, and travel through Orleans County by maintaining highly trained, well-led specialized units such as the SRT.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival returned Thursday for a three-day run of fun in Kendall. The top photo shows kids on a Caterpillar coaster ride.

Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville has 12 different rides at the carnival. There wasn’t a carnival last year in Kendall, with the event downsized to field days over two days.

The department wasn’t going to do field days or a carnival this year, but jumped at the chance when Knox’s called in May to say it had 12 rides available this week.

Emelia Schildt, 3, of Kendall heads down the giant slide.

Kids in the Kendall Rec Program toss candy while riding on a wagon pulled by Partyka Farms.

The parade was held on Thursday, instead of the usual Friday during the carnival. The schedule was adjusted because this evening is Kendall’s graduation ceremony. The carnival is usually held in the second week of July. Kendall is the last fire department in Orleans County that puts on a carnival.

Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.

Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 50^thanniversary this year.

Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.

Girl Scouts were among many community organizations in the parade down Kendall Road.

Lloyd Christ of Holley brought his tractor, “It’s Only Money,” in the parade to promote the Murray Tractor Pull on July 19. The tractors will compete at a track developed by Christ on Groth Road. He competes in the heavy super stock class.

Cindy Tinkous, who is retiring as a Kendall school bus driver after 20 years, waves to many friends along the parade route. She was driven in a cart decorated as Bus 141. Karen Jones, director of transportation, drives the cart. The district’s transportation department also had a school bus in the parade and advertised its need for more bus drivers.

The Cosgrove Middle School Drum Line from Spencerport pounded the skins in the parade.

John Becker once again served as emcee of the parade and was joined by local officials on the review stand near the fire hall.

Students in Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin tossed candy.

Max Equipment Rentals was one of several local businesses in the parade.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer with hay that also was promoting a big event next year in Kendall: a 250th  anniversary celebration of the United States on July 3rd. The event will include a parade, fireworks and other activities.

The Mark Time Marchers have been perennial performers in the Kendall parade.

A costumed scarecrow promotes the Kendall Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 4.

Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.

Scouts from Troop 94 were more than willing to share candy with kids along the parade route.

State Sen. Rob Ortt greeted many in the crowd and was happy to toss candy to children.

Chris Hughes taking different job in district as the director of wellness and community engagement

Provided photos

MEDINA – Wednesday was a special last day of the school year at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School.

Many of the teachers dressed up as inflatable characters, and the students and staff signed a giant card for principal Chris Hughes.

He is taking a different job in administration with the school district. Hughes will be Medina’s director of district wellness and community engagement.

He will succeed Dan Doctor, who is retiring from the position.

Many of the students spoke on the school announcements thanking the principal for greeting them every morning  regardless of the weather, his frequent high fives, encouragement, empathy and his joy in celebrating their milestones and achievements.

On Wednesday, the students from each grade level held up signs, saying “Thank You Mr. Hughes” for being such an outstanding leader at Wise.

Hughes is shown with his wife Anita, who is a school nurse.

Orleans County Legislature passes resolution in support of program

Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical  medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.

June 30 won’t be the day that Job Corps centers shut down. A federal judge on Wednesday said the centers don’t have to close while a lawsuit is in federal court.

Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced on May 29 that 99 privately run centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective. She set June 30 as the date for the centers to close, with students to be sent home earlier on June 6.

But U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said the Department of Labor can’t dismantle a program that Congress established and set aside funding to run. A preliminary injunction nationally will allow the centers to stay open while litigation continues.

The Job Corps program was founded in 1964 to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.

“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling, according to the Associated Press.

Carter directed the DOL to stop removing Job Corps students from housing, terminating jobs or otherwise suspending the nationwide program without congressional approval, the AP reported.

The DOL said it was pausing the Job Corps, not shutting it down. But the judge disputed that.

“The way that the DOL is shuttering operations and the context in which the shuttering is taking place make it clear that the DOL is actually attempting to close the centers,” Carter wrote.

The judge said closing the centers harms students. They lose the progress they’ve made towards their education and certifications, with some plunged into homelessness. That is a big contrast from the “minor upheaval” described by government lawyers, he said.

County Legislature calls Job Corps ‘a vital resource’

The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of keeping the Job Corps program open and at full capacity. The center has room for 225 students. The center assists students in earning their high school diplomas and learn skills in various fields – certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.

County legislators said the Job Corps program for more than 60 years “has been a staple in assisting young adults obtain life skills, earn high school diplomas, receive on the job training in healthcare, construction and other in-demand fields.”

The Iroquois Job Corps has a $17 million impact annual economic impact locally, legislators said. Students also have completed many projects in the community at municipal buildings and parks in Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties, “thus saving the cost burden having been put upon the local property taxes.”

“Orleans County Legislators view the Iroquois Job Corps Center as a vital resource to the county by means of assisting up to 225 young adults at a time, employing 100 local residents, and providing an estimated $17 million annual economic impact on our local economy,” the resolution states. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby oppose a ‘phased pause’ and closure of the Iroquois Job Corps Center in our County.”

Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, has been a member of the community council at the Job Corps.

She said many of the students come from difficult circumstances and Job Corps helps them to learn skills and get jobs.

“They are contributing members of our society,” Johnson said.

The Medina Village Board also considered a resolution in support of Job Corps on Monday, but it failed to get three votes to pass. Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano wanted to state Medina’s support of the program.

“I think there is a lot of value to that program,” Marciano said.

Trustee Scott Bielski said he had to abstain because his company works with the Job Corps and he didn’t think it was proper for him to vote on an issue where he has financial gain.

“I support the Job Corps 100 percent,” he said.

Trustee Deb Padoleski said she was uncomfortable with the village weighing in on the issue.

“It feels like political activism to me,” she said.

Trustee Mark Prawel wasn’t at the meeting.

Mayor Sherman said Job Corps students were planning to do projects at City Hall and the Village Office this year to gain work experience. Students in recent years built the pavilion at State Street Park and made several Buddy Benches at Medina parks.

Press Release, GO Art!

KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to present two art camps this summer at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County!

GO Art!’s Summer Creative Arts Camps are tailored to students in grades K-6. Grade school students will create and maintain positive connections while enjoying hands-on exploration of various disciplines including culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.

Participants will build upon problem solving and critical thinking skills, while increasing their knowledge about different mediums and forms of art in a safe, inclusive and structured environment.

In the past we have done visual arts projects while learning about famous artists and art movements, created puppets and put on plays, played in the musical garden, learned about different styles of dance, as well as various arts and crafts projects.

The cost for a week-long camp is $150 per child. There is a 10 percent discount for 4-H youths, for a family with multiple enrolled siblings or for GO Art! members. Full and partial scholarships are also available.

The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15. They will be held at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Route 31, Albion.

For more information, contact Go Art! at (585) 343-9313, by email at info@goart.org or through the website: www.goart.org.