Provided photos: Pat Harrington, left, will be joined on Thursday at a concert in Medina by award-winning guitarist Hayden Fogle.

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

MEDINA – With the ’26 Blue Thursdays summer concert series in Medina suffering three gig cancelations due to weather, the July 16 might be the one to break the cycle.

It also comes with a special announcement.

“We’ve just been notified that this week’s artist, Pat Harrington, will be bringing along a special guest – Award winning guitarist Hayden Fogle will be joining the Pat Harrington Trio on stage. We couldn’t be more pumped to have this incredible talent at BT in Medina,” said Chris Busch of medinaalive.com, one of the co-organizers of the event.

When he’s not touring nationally and internationally, Pat Harrington performs around his native WNY with the Pat Harrington Trio and the Pat & Owen Duo.

Harrington is best known for his blistering lead work with Grammy-nominated and multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. Pat blends rock, jazz, and blues with “smoke-soaked solos” with improvisational fluency and high-octane blues. He has performed with artists including Bobby Whitlock and Gary Clark Jr. among others.

The Trio features Owen Eichensehr (drums) and Paul L. Yates (bass).

Hayden Fogle has surprised and entertained audiences across the world with his electrifying guitar playing abilities. He has been invited to perform with many nationally well-known musicians including Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Grammy® winning producer Tom Hambridge, Lee Ritenour, Robert Randolph, Davy Knowles, Donald Kinsey & Kinsey Report, Bob Margolin and several others.

Fogle was the Grand Prize winner in the 2018 Lee Ritenour/Yamaha Music International Guitar Contest (Blues Category).  The contest included contestants from over 50 countries, and the judges included some of the world’s greatest guitarists including Lee Ritenour, Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Pat Martino, Joe Satriani, and Vince Gill.

“This is going to be a high-octane gig featuring some of the best international guitar talent to be seen anywhere, right here in State Street Park,” said Busch.

The show will feature professional sound provided by Curly Pfalzer of Pro Sound and Lighting.

The concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.

A wide variety of food vendors and beverages will be available on site.

Event updates, any cancellations and venue information will be posted at ‘blue thursdays medina’ Facebook page.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefits from theft and that new, more secure chip-based cards will be issued beginning early in 2027.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently finalized a contract with a vendor to provide the cards, which are expected to greatly limit theft of benefits by criminals using illegal “skimming” devices.

“We are committed to protecting New Yorkers from benefit theft and modernizing our EBT system is the most effective tool we have to prevent heartless criminals from preying on some of our most vulnerable residents,” Governor Hochul said. “As the federal administration continues to undermine efforts to address food insecurity and hunger, New York remains focused on uplifting families and ensuring they have the help they need to put food on the table.”

Fidelity Information Services, LLC (FIS) will provide the new cards, which utilize chip technology that is standard with commercial debit and credit cards. The Federal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which is used nationally to distribute and use SNAP benefits, only recently gained the ability to accept chip cards. The new cards will begin being issued to recipients in the first quarter of 2027.

The Governor directed OTDA earlier this year to implement this priority as quickly as possible. OTDA proactively issued a request for proposals for a new EBT card vendor capable of providing cards with chips that are more secure than the existing cards – to be prepared to transition once funding was secured.

New York is one of just a handful of states transitioning to secure, chip-based EBT card technology. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, five states have already issued chip cards and five more states, including New York, are in progress.

The funding to support the transition was included by the Governor and the Legislature in the FY 2027 Budget. About two million new cards are expected to be issued.

OTDA recently began outreach to retailers and financial institutions encouraging them to make sure their systems and equipment are updated to accept the new EBT chip cards before the end of the year, so that they can continue accepting SNAP benefits as payment when the new cards are issued.

EBT cardholders will be notified before their new card is issued.

There has been increased awareness in recent years of the use of skimming devices to capture recipients’ card information and PIN, with criminals using skimmed information to access accounts and steal the recipients’ benefits before recipients have a chance to spend them. However, the federal government stopped funding replacement benefits at the end of 2024 for SNAP recipients who had their benefits stolen and the Trump Administration has refused to consider reauthorizing such replacement.

The new EBT cards, which are also used by Public Assistance recipients to access their benefits, will be virtually impervious to skimming, helping safeguard the dollars that New Yorkers depend on to feed their families.

OTDA has worked steadily toward transitioning to the use of EBT chip cards to help protect recipients’ benefits from electronic theft, while taking steps to raise awareness and encouraging recipients to do what they can to protect their benefits. EBT cardholders can help protect their benefits by using the freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE mobile app or online cardholder portal. They can also choose to block online and out-of-state purchases.

OTDA, local departments of social services, or the EBT card provider will never contact clients asking for EBT information. EBT cardholders should never give their EBT card information in response to emails, text messages, or phone calls. Thieves can use this information to access your account and spend your SNAP and cash benefits.

Resources to assist the public with information about EBT scams and how to protect their benefits can be found at otda.ny.gov/ebtscam.

NYS Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “County social services departments across New York strongly support the transition to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This upgrade is a practical and necessary step to strengthen program integrity, reduce fraud, and ensure that benefits reach the individuals and families who truly need them. As local administrators of SNAP, we see firsthand the importance of modernizing our systems to keep pace with evolving threats while maintaining efficient access for recipients. Governor Hochul’s leadership in launching this initiative reflects a commitment to good government—one that balances accountability with service. At a time when recent changes to federal funding formulas have increased fiscal challenges for localities, investments like this help safeguard public resources and reinforce confidence in the program.”

American Legion in Lyndonville making its trolley available for fair

Photo by Tom Rivers: The American Legion in Lyndonville gives veterans a ride on a trolley during the July 4th parade.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Visitors attending the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will have a new and convenient way to travel between the general parking area and the fairgrounds.

Thanks to the generosity of American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603, a tram will be available to transport fairgoers to and from the Taylor Hill Road parking lot and the main fairgrounds. The new service is intended to make arrival and departure easier and more comfortable for families, older adults, and anyone who may need a little extra help getting between their vehicle and the fair.

GO ART! will staff the tram daily from 4 to 8 p.m., with trips approximately every 15 minutes. During other fair hours, tram service will be available upon request.

All general visitor parking will be located in the Taylor Hill Road parking lot. The tram will travel through the lot and pick up and drop off passengers along every other parking row. On the fairgrounds, passengers will be picked up and dropped off near the green bathroom.

Parking on Wood Road will be limited to exhibitors and their families. General fair visitors should plan to enter and park using the Taylor Hill Road lot and follow the directions of parking attendants and posted signs.

A limited number of wheelchairs, wagons and strollers will also be available to sign out free of charge from the Sensory Room located in the Education Center. Transportation assistance devices will be available on a first come, first served basis and should be returned after use so they remain available for other fairgoers.

The Orleans County 4-H Fair is grateful to American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 for providing the tram and to GO ART! for helping staff this new service. Their support will help make the fairgrounds more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through Aug. 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stawicki – Some ducks were out enjoying the sunrise on Glenwood Lake in Medina this morning while the sun came up.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Orleans County and Western New York on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Orleans County, the high temperature is forecast to reach 94 degrees with heat index values as high as 105.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

Today is forecast to reach 90 degrees, followed by highs of 94 on Tuesday, 90 on Wednesday, 88 on Thursday, 84 on Friday and 85 on Saturday.

Communities welcome riders in annual trek along canal towpath

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A group of cyclists are reflected in the Erie Canal in Albion this morning. About 600 cyclists left Medina this morning and are headed east, going 62 miles to Fairport.

Today is day 2 of an 8-day journey from Buffalo to Albany.

This is the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. There are riders ages 8 to 86, and they hail from 37 states and Canada. The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York.

The cyclists met Santa, portrayed by Joe Martillotta, a member of the Albion Betterment Committee. The committee is working to open a Santa School museum on Main Street to highlight Albion’s home to the Charles W. Howard Santa School from 1937 to 1966.

This rider wanted a photo with Santa. Many of the cyclists make frequent stops to get photos of local landmarks.

Kay Ecker was up early to welcome the cyclists. Ecker, Anita Finley and Natasha Wasuck were up early and had orange slices, bananas, granola bars and water for the riders. Albion isn’t an official rest stop for the waters, but the Albion trio wants to welcome the cyclists. Holley is an official rest stop with snacks 10 miles farther in the journey today.

“It’s fun,” Ecker said about greeting the cyclists. “You meet a lot of nice people.”

Natsha Wasuck, second from right, and Anita Finley, right, chat with some of the cyclists. Wasuck owns Tinsel next door while Finley owns Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak.

“We want to introduce them to Albion and Santa,” Wasuck said.

Finley said the cyclists appreciate the unofficial rest stop in Albion.

Wasuck’s daughter Ephy served complimentary ice cream from Tinsel for the cyclists.

A rider checks traffic on the Main Street lift bridge before crossing Route 98/Main Street.

These cyclists approach the tugboat tied up in Albion.

Cyclists will pedal 400 miles from Buffalo to Albany

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Cyclists head down Main Street in Medina this afternoon. They left Buffalo this morning and headed 49 miles east to Medina.

This is the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. There are riders ages 8 to 86. More than 600 cyclists from 37 states and Canada on the journey, which is Parks & Trails New York.

A cyclist signals he will be turning right from main Street to Park Avenue. The cyclists were headed to “tent city” at the Medina Central School campus.

A cyclist from Pittsburgh, Pa. visits the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame inside City Hall. Craig Lacy, right, from the Medina Sandstone Society gave tours of the Hall of Fame, which includes 46 sites.

The Medina school campus has been turned into “Tent City.” The cyclists will camp in tents overnight while having access to the Clifford Wise Intermediate School for showers.

Barb and Jim Hancock from the medina Tourism Committee welcomed cyclists and shared points of interest they might want to check out. A shuttle bus took the riders into the downtown.

The Medina Tourism Committee has welcomed the cyclists all 28 of the event.

“We couldn’t do it without the school,” Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman, said about Medina serving as a host site. “They are incredible opening up the school and the grounds.”

Dave Stockton and the band Pocket Change also performed an evening concert for the cyclists.

Zambistro also will be catering breakfasts for the riders in the morning, and they give rave reviews about the food.

The cyclists will head east 62 miles on Monday to Fairport, and will be greeted with refreshments in Albion and Holley as they head across Orleans County, and then more welcome centers in Monroe County.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Fireworks burst in the sky at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Saturday night next to the Gondola Wheel, one of 12 rides at the carnival from Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville.

The fireworks show was bigger than in recent years with the Town of Kendall raising money for the show as part of a 250^th anniversary celebration for the United States of America.

Henry Tomasino and Kourtney Marion both volunteered selling waffles for the Kendall Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday night. They did it as part of the 15-hour community service requirement needed to graduate from Kendall.

The food vendors for the fire department said they were busy all three nights, and ran out of some of the items.

The band Tryst closed out the carnival on Saturday, performing in front of several hundred people in and outside the beer tent. Here the band sings, “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith.

The game “I Got It”  was busy on Saturday night.

This goose figurine was dressed up in patriotic red, white and blue near the waffle booth.

here are more photos from the fireworks:

By Natalie Baron, correspondent

KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival included a Kiddie Parade today at 11:30 a.m., a procession in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

It started at the Methodist Church and concluded at the carnival grounds, which is celebrating the country’s anniversary. The Kiddie Parade was sponsored by The Tree House School of Play at Albion.

Chase Kludt trails a wagon in full costume. William Hardenbrook was Uncle Sam and enthusiastically showed off his sign.

After the parade, the children who appeared most patriotic were announced as winners. The competition was separated into age brackets, with one boy and girl victor per age group. The brackets were toddler, pre-k-kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, and grades 3-6. Winners received ride bands for free entry onto carnival rides. The other parade participants retrieved ice cream coupons. All of the children were given freeze pops.

The winners of the toddler age bracket were Callie Burch and Caleb Partyka. The pre-k to kindergarten group’s were Jacob Mathes and Makenna Partyka. For 1st-2nd grade, the winners were Evelyn Robinson and William Hardenbrook. 3rd-6th grade victors were Chase Kludt and Travis Manners.

Makenna Partyka, right, and another girl pose for their photo. Caleb Partyka rides on the John Deere tractor in the background.

Before the parade kicked off, Katie Spohr of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee stated, “We’re hoping to have a great day. Looks like we’re starting to have a good turnout. I love it! This parade is just part of the fun. Our theme is patriotic, and we see a lot of red, white, and blue here today, so it’s great.”

Orly the Ox, the bicentennial mascot for Orleans County, made an appearance in the parade. The trailer features signs stating that there will be fireworks at 10 p.m. today at the carnival.

The path of the parade went from the Methodist Church to the 250th Birthday America booth. The booth featured multiple fun and patriotic stations.

Dave Bentley, part of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee, worked a raffle for a quilt. The Victorian Thimble & Petals was present, wearing historical reenactment garb. Black’s Mercantile showed off Civil War Weapons from 1861-1865, also in reenactment costumes. Jeff Kinne, one of the sponsors of the Happy 250th Anniversary America carnival, provided entertainment, singing patriotic country songs at the booth after the winners were announced.

The children had fun in the parade. Here, a boy celebrates.

Daughters of the American Revolution had multiple items to pick up when passing by. Its station had educational and fun activity bags, crayon packs, heart stickers, America 250 bracelets, and coloring books containing primarily Revolutionary War pages as well as a 4th of July page. Additionally, it contained four pamphlets for adults, each explaining a different facet of American history. One told the tale of the Pledge of Allegiance, and another provided fun facts about the Constitution.

Maggie Culmone of The ROC MUA paints a burger on Peytyn Green’s face. Peytyn is from Henrietta and participated in the parade.

Peytyn’s sister, Ophelia Martinez, posed for a photograph. She was also in the parade.

Robin Schepler, aka Gramma Robin, made balloon animals and figures. The options were many including a puppy, penguin, donkey, elephant, mosquito, daisy with a stem, flower, rainbow headband, jester hat, wand in superhero or heart variety, sword in two varieties, flag on a heart, historical gun, and patriotic hat. Maggie Culmone, a makeup artist for The ROC MUA, did face painting.

Tanner Rinas of Kendall is all smiles as he awaits his patriotic balloon sword. Gramma Robin is hard at work tying its pieces together.

The children were very excited to show off their patriotic spirit. Some even made custom signs.

Eden Lamay, one of the judges for the Kiddie Parade, said, “This is the first year we’ve done it in a long time.” Melissa Shultz, another judge, voiced to those who attended, “Thank you for coming out.” She added to those who couldn’t make it, “Make sure to check for next year’s kiddie parade. We’d love to see more.”

Korra Palumbo from Kendall, a carnival attendee, was all dressed up as Abigail Adams. Here, she carries an America 250 flag as she poses in front of the Victorian Thimble & Petals station.

Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: Ingrid Lamont congratulates Nisi Beltran Roblero as she receives the Lamont Family Scholarship. It is awarded to a student who demonstrates high academic enthusiasm, involvement in their community and a strong sense of personal integrity.

Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation

ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $208,350 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2026 graduates during their annual Class Night ceremony. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals after high school graduation.

The Foundation’s scholarship committee and some donors chose recipients for 59 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The donors and scholarship committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.

Two new annual scholarships were awarded for the first time this year in the areas of art and theater. Established by her family and friends, both of these scholarships are in memory of Kim Marie Nesbitt, a beloved high school art teacher who passed away in October, 2025.

Kim had a passion for art and she loved teaching.  She could always bring out the best in her students and helped them to build confidence and find their artistic talent. She also played a role in the drama department shows as the set design coordinator.  For many years she worked with students to design and construct sets for the fall and spring shows.  It is our hope that these scholarships will help Albion graduates dream big and succeed in their endeavors.

Roger Hungerford meets with Albion High School Alumni Foundation board member Charles Nesbitt and President Steve Hicks before Class Night. Hungerford funded the Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship and was on hand for the inaugural presentation.

The new scholarships are:

The Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – This annual award and scholarship was established in 2026 and presented to a high school student who has had an outstanding high school art career. It consists of a $500 Excellence in Art award and a $4,500 scholarship, which is renewable in the amount of $5,000 for up to three additional years.This scholarship is funded by Roger Hungerford, a dear friend of the Nesbitt family.

Hanna Kumalac accepts the inaugural Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship from Charles Nesbitt.

The Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – This annual scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment and outstanding achievement in high school theater arts. It consists of a $5,000 scholarship. This scholarship is funded by the Nesbitt family and friends.

Charles Nesbitt congratulates Julia Button on receiving the Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship.

The Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our Albion Alumni members and the local community.  We are grateful to them for their willingness to support so many Albion graduates through our scholarship program.

If you are interested in starting a scholarship or want to learn more about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please contact Steve Hicks, Albion Alumni Foundation President, at steve@albionalumni.org.

Congratulations to all 2026 scholarship recipients!

2026 scholarship recipients:

• Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship – Julia Button, Alondra Santana Gonzalez, Juliana Newbould, Lindsay Crawford
• Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
• Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
• Golden Performance Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
• Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
• Minier Family Scholarship – Xzavier Gerow
• Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Gideon Pask
• Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Kaiden Froman
• Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Alondra Santana Gonzales
• A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
• Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Gideon Pask
• Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, Nathaniel Miesner
• Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Hailey Lonnen
• Horton Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
• Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Gideon Pask, Kailee Anstey
• Glassner Family Scholarship- Xzavier Gerow
• John Panek Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
• Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
• Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Alondra Santana Gonzales
• Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
• Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Abigail Ferris
• D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Julia Button
• Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Lindsay Crawford
• Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett, Lindsay Crawford
• Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Hanna Kumalac (College), Rosalie McCormick (Trade School)
• Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Kailee Anstey
• Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Neveya Barnes
• Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Aubrey Gannon
• Sherman Awards- Aubrey Gannon (Moses Sherman Award), Hunter Zambito (Margaret Sherman Award)
• Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship- Gideon Pask, Hannah Kumalac, Juan Gomez-Roblero
• Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship – Myles Beach, Neveya Barnes
• Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship- Aubrey Gannon
• Babbitt Family Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
• Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship- Kaiden Froman
• Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship- Nathan Gibson
• Craig Anderson Scholarship – Wesley Olles
• Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero
• Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Aubrey Gannon
• Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Gideon Pask
• Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Renzo Tomasi
• Lamont Family Scholarship – Nisi Beltran Roblero
• Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Justin Kania
• Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Tristian Tilbe
• Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlynn Basinait
• Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship- Nathan Gibson, William Plummer
• Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Kailee Anstey
• Stewart New Scholarship – Abigail Ferris
• Dick Tower Scholarship – Kaitlin Bennett
• Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
• Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac, Logan Poupore
• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Ava Ludwick
• Bradley James Shelp Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Abigail Kincaid
• Jonathan Doherty Scholarship – Dejeanna Conner
• Raymond M. Lissow Scholarship – Julia Button
• Paganelli Family Scholarship – Madison Muckle
• Coach Robert Ord “Power of Perseverance” Award – Tristian Tilbe
• Sacco Family Memorial Musical Scholarship – Gideon Pask
• Kim Marie Nesbitt Excellence in Art Award and Scholarship – Hanna Kumalac
• Kim Marie Nesbitt and Gary Simboli Excellence in Theater Scholarship – Julia Button

(Left) Aubrey Gannon accepts the Moore Family Scholarship from board member Mollie Radzinski. Established by Ann R. Moore and Robert H. Moore, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement, school and community activities and potential for future accomplishment. (Right) Christine Fancher congratulates Gideon Pask on receiving the Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship. Ed was a very active Alumni Foundation board member and exemplified a life of service to his community. This award recognizes a student who exhibits traits of exceptional service and involvement in his community.

Cycle the Erie Canal heads east through Orleans on Monday

Photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists cross the lift bridge in Holley on July 14, 2025 as part of a 62-mile ride that day from Medina to Fairport. The Cycle the Erie Canal journey starts in Buffalo and the cyclists then go about 400 miles over eight days, ending in Albany.

MEDINA – More than 600 cyclists will leave Buffalo on Sunday and will be headed to Medina for the first day of the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal adventure.

There will be participants from 37 states and Canada on the ride, which will stretch about 400 miles over eight days on the way to Albany.

Orleans County communities welcome the cyclists with refreshments in Medina on Sunday, and then in Albion and Holley on Monday. The cyclists stay overnight in a tent city in Medina at the school district.

The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York. It is the state’s largest multi-day bike tour.  The cyclists will go 40 to 60 miles a day, visiting historic canal communities, local businesses and landmarks at the canal communities.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jose Corte of Long Island, left, and Yang Chen of Queens pose with their bikes in front of their tent, set up for the night in Medina at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. This photo was taken on July 13, 2025, the end of the first day of last year’s Cycling the Erie Canal.

File photo: Saamir Rahman, materials manager and director of continuous improvement for Brunner, shows some of the brake components made by Brunner during a public tour in December 2024.

Press Release, Brunner

MEDINA – Brunner, a Hendrickson company, will host an open house and job fair on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility located at 3959 Bates Road in Medina.

The event will invite local community members to tour the operation, learn about Brunner’s continued growth in Medina and explore career opportunities with the company.

The announcement is intended to help local media and community audiences learn more about the investments being made at Brunner, including new manufacturing equipment that delivers automation capabilities and supports Hendrickson’s broader manufacturing strategy across its footprint. Brunner’s Medina facility is now adding capacity for a new product line, bringing an existing Hendrickson product into local production.

Brunner became part of Hendrickson in October 2023 and operates as a division of Hendrickson Brake and Wheel-End, supporting the commercial vehicle, bus and trailer markets with premium brake shoes and S-cams that complement Hendrickson’s broader portfolio. As part of Hendrickson’s reliable portfolio, Brunner’s growth in Medina reflects the company’s ongoing focus on manufacturing excellence, product expansion and long-term investment.

What attendees will see:

• New manufacturing equipment delivering greater automation capabilities at the Medina facility.
• How Brunner supports Hendrickson’s Brake and Wheel-End business and growing product portfolio.
• Information on current job openings in manufacturing, plant operations and automation-focused roles.
• A facility tour and the chance to connect directly with the Brunner team in Medina.

Brunner is seeking local talent to support its next phase of growth in Medina, including positions in manufacturing, plant operations and jobs specifically focused on automation. Local residents interested in long-term careers in manufacturing are encouraged to attend the open house and job fair to learn more about available opportunities, meet team members and get a firsthand look at the facility.

The July 18 event gives the Medina community an opportunity to see Brunner’s investments firsthand, learn how automation is shaping the facility’s future and explore new career opportunities with a Hendrickson-owned business that continues to grow locally. By opening its doors to the community, Brunner is putting its Medina growth story, product expansion and hiring needs front and center to support both awareness and recruitment.

ABOUT BRUNNER

Brunner, a Hendrickson company, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium heavy-duty brake components for the global commercial vehicle industry. Because every stop matters, Brunner has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and reliability, producing S-cams and brake shoes trusted by major OEMs and fleets.

Based in Medina, NY, USA, with manufacturing operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Brunner has served the transportation industry for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.brunnerbrakes-intl.com.

ABOUT HENDRICKSON

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy‑duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions; integrated and non‑integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi‑leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and other components for the global commercial transportation industry. Based in Woodridge, IL, USA, Hendrickson has served the transportation industry for more than 100 years. Visit www.hendrickson-intl.com.

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge that carries Transit Road over the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, has been temporarily closed to traffic to facilitate bridge work.

Motorists should use the Densmore Road bridge to the west. Signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure and NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the bridge.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – George  Mann, a 97-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Navy, waves to people along the Kendall Road parade route on Thursday evening during the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade. He was joined in the car by veterans Pat Condo and Fred Conrad.

Many in the crowd clapped and showed their appreciation for Mann, Condo and Conrad, the three veterans in the car.

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 51^st anniversary this year.

Max Equipment Rentals brought a foam cannon to the parade to the delight of many kids.

Rich Harpole, owner of Foam Hippo, was happy to spread joy with the foam cannon.

Mattison Maxon is covered in foam while riding the float for Max Equipment Rentals.

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

Scouts in Pack and Troop 94 created a float with a Statue of Liberty.

Adele Mathes, a member of Troop 94, waves to a friend along the parade route.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer promoted activities on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, including fireworks at 10 p.m.

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

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley tosses frisbees to the crowd.

State Sen. Rob Ortt hustles to get a reload of candy.

The Safety Pup waves to people from the top of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s new armored vehicle, a Bearcat.

Some older John Deere tractors were part of the parade procession.

A woman signals for Kendall highway trucks to honk their horns.

A young dancer from Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin shows her moves.

Head Over Heels Dance & Acrobatics in Holley brought a big contingent for the parade.

A passenger in a Kendall fire truck tosses candy to kids.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – These kids are delighted to be on the “Little Wheel” at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Thursday. From left include Sylas Herring, 4, of Holley and Brody Buschang, 3, of Hilton.

This is one of 12 rides brought to the carnival by Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville. The carnival continues today and on Saturday.

Chris Casale sings “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the main stage of the carnival. There are bands performing each night.

Brynn Hardenbrook, 15, joins volunteers serving up hamburgers, sausage, fries and lots of other food. Carol D’Agostino, a long-time volunteer, is next to her.

The “Rock O Plane” ride flips people upside down.

Mackenzie Cooper, 12, tosses a ring during a game of Ring A Knife. She was on target and won a pocket knife. Her sister, 10-year-old Kayla, is next to her. Mackenzie had just played a soccer game for Kendall against Albion.

Elmora Arena, 2, of Greece rides the Merry Go Round and looks back at her mother.

Kendall firefighters are busy in the food pavilion. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis work the hot grill on Thursday evening. The hamburgers were served with peppers and onions.

The Gondola Wheel is a new ride at the carnival this year.

An open field has been transformed into a midway for the carnival.

Kids get on the Go Gator at the carnival. Kendall is the last community doing a firemen’s carnival in Orleans County.

These kids have fun on the Dizzy Dragon ride.

A hay bale by the Kendall Town Hall is decorated for the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America.