$1.65 million ask by county among funding requests for Tenney
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2026 at 1:00 pm

Orleans wants to upgrade former GCC site in Albion, which is now used by Probation Department

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Probation Department now utilizes the former GCC building in Albion at 13925 Route 31, West Suite 200. The County Legislature approved paying $975,000 to Herring Enterprises of Holley for the building in October 2023. The county also bought 25.7 acres of vacant land from James Herring Sr., adjacent to the site for $500,000.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has released a list of funding requests for the 24th Congressional District in New York, and noted a $1.65 million request from Orleans County to upgrade the former GCC site in Albion, which is now used by the Probation Department.

The Orleans County Legislature approved spending $975,000 for the GCC site on Route 31 in October 2023. It is now used by the Probation Department, which moved out of the Public Safety Building.

Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, said she and county officials met with Tenney and her staff in February to make the case for the funding and need to upgrade the county’s public safety facilities.

“Congresswoman Tenney promises us she would fight hard for our project and we are so grateful she has delivered,” Johnson said in a statement released by Tenney’s office.

Skip Draper, a county legislator on the Public Safety Committee, added, “These funds will help with the continued realignment of our public safety services, including the modernization  of the former Genesee County Community College building in Albion for the Probation Department. This is an investment to help keep our community safe and we thank Congresswoman Tenney for her tremendous efforts.”

Tenney on Wednesday announced she has submitted 20 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration through the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding process. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can submit requests for federal funding for high-priority projects with strong local support. Each submission is reviewed to ensure transparency, accountability, and that taxpayer dollars are directed toward projects that deliver measurable benefits to communities across NY-24, Tenney said.

This year’s submissions focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing public safety, investing in clean water and drinking water systems, and supporting workforce development across Upstate New York, she said.

“Bureaucrats in Washington do not know our communities better than the people who actually live and work here,” Tenney said. “These projects reflect the priorities of local leaders across NY-24 and focus on delivering real results. From upgrading water systems and supporting first responders to investing in workforce development and economic growth, these submissions put our communities first. I will continue fighting to ensure these projects are funded and that every federal dollar sent back to our district is spent responsibly and effectively.”

The list of submitted projects in Tenney’s district include:

  • $1,000,000 for Town of Brutus – Joint Sanitary Sewer System Improvements
  • $5,000,000 for Genesee County / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Project
  • $1,803,820 for SUNY Genesee Community College – Welding Workforce Development Initiative
  • $2,000,000 for Town of Cape Vincent – Water District No. 7
  • $1,000,000 for Town of Pamelia – Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements and Expansion
  • $1,250,000 for Livingston County Sheriff’s Office – Mobile Command Vehicle Acquisition
  • $750,000 for Oak Orchard Community Health Center – Rural CARE (Community Access, Realignment and Expansion) Initiative
  • $1,000,000 for Niagara County Sheriff’s Office – In-Car Mobile Radio Replacement Project
  • $2,000,000 for Town of Porter – Waterline Improvement Project
  • $1,000,000 for Ontario County – Animal Care Facility Improvements
  • $7,000,000 for USDA Agricultural Research Service – National Grape Improvement Center
  • $1,000,000 for Ontario County – Wastewater Pump Station Modernization Project
  • $1,650,000 for Orleans County – Facility Rehabilitation for Seniors and Probation Services
  • $2,000,000 for Town of Volney – Sewer Project
  • $2,000,000 for Town of Reading – Water System Expansion
  • $1,000,000 for Town of Hastings – Wastewater System Expansion
  • $4,500,000 for New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes – Infrastructure Improvements
  • $2,500,000 for Village of Newark – North Main Street Reconstruction
  • $1,429,600 for Village of Arcade – Waterline Replacement
  • $2,393,000 Village of Dresden – Water System Improvements
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Albion students reset 3 newly painted historic markers
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2026 at 9:35 am

Students also place a dozen new Revolutionary War bronze flag markers

Photos courtesy of Tim Archer

MEDINA – These Albion students, Blake Doty (left) and Jeffrey Echevarria, put a refurbished historic marker back on Wednesday. This marker is at the Millville Cemetery in the town of Shelby.

Albion students repainted four historic markers, a process that started in the fall.

This marker is on North Gravel Road (Route 63) just north of the lift bridge and Erie Canal. It notes the location of the first commercial quarry for Medina Sandstone. It was established by John Ryan.

Students on Wednesday also put a refurbished historic marker in Ridgeway on Route 104 where a tavern opened in 1811. The road was the first Indian Trail route then a stagecoach route.

A fourth historic marker for the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse was finished last fall. That schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the region.

The students also placed a dozen new Revolutionary War bronze flag markers on graves that didn’t have the markers. Jeffrey Echevarria is shown at the Gaines Cemetery placing a marker for John Percival. The markers were donated by the Orleans Chapter DAR.

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Albion FD appreciates support with Subway fundraiser, sets April 18 for open house
Posted 9 April 2026 at 8:38 am

Press Release, Albion Fire Department

ALBION – The Albion Fire Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the members of our community who came out to support our Subway fundraiser on April 2.

Events like these play an important role in helping us continue to serve and protect the residents of Albion and Gaines.

We would also like to thank the staff at Subway for their partnership and hospitality.

The continued support from our community means more than words can express. It is an honor to serve such a dedicated and caring community.

Thank you again for standing with the Albion Fire Department.

We would also like to invite you on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Recruit NY event at the  Albion Fire Department, 108 N. Platt St. We will have information and demonstrations throughout the day.

If you’re not sure if you want to join, you are still welcome to stop down and chat with us.

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Third bald eagle baby hatches at Iroquois refuge
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2026 at 9:26 pm

Image taken from Pixcams: This picture shows a bald eagle feeding two chicks today. Three eaglets have recently hatched in this nest. One of the eaglets died on Monday after getting displaced in the nest.

BASOM – The third eaglet has hatched in a bald eagle nest at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 39 days after its mother laid the egg.

Many people have been following the progress through a nest cam. Click here to see a livestream made available by the Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The third chick hatched late Tuesday night around midnight. For a while, the nest cam showed a broken shell with the chick nearly out. By early this morning there was an empty shell and with the fluffy eaglet next to its sibling.

The arrival of the eaglet was welcome news for the people following along through the nest cam. The first eaglet to hatch on April 1 sadly died on Monday when it was displaced in the nest by the mother’s foot.

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Barker Community Band announces summer concert schedule
Posted 8 April 2026 at 7:27 pm

Press Release, Barker Community Band

BARKER – The Barker Community Band continues its 42nd season entertaining the Barker/Somerset community as well as those of several surrounding areas of western New York.

Founded in 1984 by Barker Central School instrumental music teacher Amrom Chodos, and currently under the conductorship of Kevin Hauser, the band has steadily grown and currently is comprised of members from Barker and others from Niagara, Orleans, Erie and Monroe counties.

Always seeking new musicians of varying abilities with a love for music and a willingness to practice toward improvement, current members range from high school age to senior citizens.

The band is part of Barker Central School’s Adult Education Program, and (except for January and February), rehearses year-round at the school on Mondays beginning at 7 p.m.  For more information contact Marcia at (716) 946-1371.

The Barker Community Band’s 2026 summer schedule:

  • June 29 (Monday) at 6:30 p.m. – Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St. Lyndonville
  • July 6 (Monday) at 7 p.m. – Hartland Church, 8019 Ridge Rd. Gasport
  • July 14 (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. – Wilson Historical Society, 641 Lake St. (Rt. 425) Wilson
  • July 25 (Saturday) at 4:30 p.m. – Barker Cornfest, Barker village park gazebo
  • July 27 (Monday) at 7 p.m. – Exley UMC; 7 pm; 338 Lake Str. (Rt. 425) Wilson
  • Aug. 9 (Sunday) at 2 p.m. – Olcott Gazebo, 5979 E. Main St. Olcott
  • Aug. 17 (Monday) at 6 p.m. – Faith UMC, 1449 Quaker Rd. Barker
  • Sept. 20 (Sunday) at 2 p.m. – Cobblestone Farm Festival, 7449 Lake Rd. Appleton
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Call me cranky, but don’t give up prime parking spaces at the grocery store for online shoppers
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2026 at 6:14 pm

I think I might be getting cranky in my old age. Eighty-seven does qualify as “old,” doesn’t it?

What is making me cranky right now are grocery stores. Stores you are familiar with and love shopping at – until one day you walk in and nothing is where it used to be.

I know what their theory is – if you can’t find what you want, you walk around and pick up a cart full of things you had no intention of buying and probably don’t need or even have a use for. But you’ve put more money in their pocket.

That happened to me recently and I was being particularly cranky that day, so I told the lady stocking a shelf that I couldn’t find what I wanted and I was not going to play their games looking for it. I told her one of the things I wanted was corned beef, so I was heading for the meat aisle, which they hadn’t moved, and getting my corned beef and leaving. Then I got in my car and drove to the discount grocery in Albion – where everything is in the same place and there is always a place to park near the door.

Oh yeah. Parking is another issue. Our local discount store some time ago decided to take three prime parking spaces closest to the door and devote them solely to online shoppers. Boy, does that irk me. So they have three spaces for online shoppers, who may or may not be elderly or handicapped, and two parking spaces reserved for “handicapped.” I call that discrimination.

When they first made that designation, I didn’t shop there for a year. Instead I drove 10 miles to the other store, which still has all their handicap parking close to the door. And people who elect to drive to the store and do their own shopping are not penalized.

The way I see it, if for whatever reason, you elect to have someone else do your shopping for you, you have priority. I realize some people find it impossible to physically go to the store, but in the instance of this local store, the online shopper could easily pull up next to the building while the clerk brings his or her groceries to the car. No parking spaces would be occupied.

I go by that store nearly every day, and sometimes several times a day. And rarely do I ever see a car parked in those three “reserved for online shoppers” parking spaces. Yet, the manager of the store told me they are often full. I haven’t seen more than one car there in the nearly two years. And most of the time, they are all empty.

For that matter, online parking spaces could be reserved farther from the door. The store employee who brings the groceries to the car is not handicapped and would have no trouble pushing a grocery cart to the second row or even the back of the parking lot. And leave those spaces closest to the door for those who make the extra effort to come to the store and do their own shopping.

When a shopper, like me, who is elderly and maybe finds walking a little difficult, can’t find a space close to the store, they have to walk all the way to the back of the parking lot, unload their groceries, walk all the way back to return the cart and then make the trip back to the car.

I have even defiantly parked in an online space on occasion, but then decided why should I park illegally to shop at a store that doesn’t consider me a priority.

I tried to shop at that store again, and not only were the two handicap spaces filled, but the entire parking lot was full, except for the very back row, farthest from the door. While the three online shopping spaces were all empty. So you know what I did.

I drove to Albion and spent my $100 there. And I had a parking space closest to the door.

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Albion wants to hear from business owners in April 22 meeting about comprehensive plan
Posted 8 April 2026 at 5:09 pm

File photo by Eliott Neidert: This photo from February 2017 was taken by a drone and shows part of downtown Albion with the Orleans County Courthouse in the background.

Press Release, Village of Albion

ALBION – The Village of Albion is inviting local business owners to participate in an upcoming Comprehensive Planning Workshop on April 22 at 5 p.m., to be held prior to the Village Board meeting at the Village Office, 35 E. Bank St.

This workshop is an important opportunity for Albion’s business community to share ideas, concerns, and priorities that will help shape the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-term roadmap guiding decisions about economic development, infrastructure, land use and community growth.

Village officials are specifically seeking feedback from business owners about:

  • Current business conditions in the Village
  • Barriers to growth and investment
  • Opportunities for revitalization and economic development
  • Infrastructure and parking needs
  • Ideas to strengthen Albion’s downtown and commercial areas

Input gathered during this session will directly inform the goals and strategies included in the Comprehensive Plan. The Village encourages all business owners, whether long-established or newly opened, to attend and help shape Albion’s future.

“This is a valuable chance for the business community to have a voice in planning for the future of Albion,” said Nichola Ostrander. “Your insight is critical to creating a plan that supports local businesses and promotes sustainable growth.”

No registration is required. For more information, contact Nichola Ostrander at info@cmdgroup-usa.com.

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Depression Glass Club presenting program for Cobblestone Museum on April 9
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2026 at 4:27 pm

Photo courtesy of Cobblestone Museum: The Cobblestone Museum will present a virtual Zoom event about Depression Era glass April 9. Here, a table is set with Depression Era glass for a luncheon at the Vagg House. The blue pieces are Moderntone Cobalt Depression glass. The Zoom program will begin at 7 p.m.

GAINES – The latest Zoom event by the Cobblestone Museum will be on Depression Era glass, presented by members of the Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester.

At 7 p.m. April 9, Kathy McCarney and Mary Czech, with assistance from Patti Drumright, will provide information on the history of glass made during the Depression Era, including popular patterns, the variety of items found in a typical Depression Era kitchen, how to spot reproductions and the relevance of this this collectible glass today.

McCarney and Czech have each been a member of the Depression Glass Club of Rochester for more than 30 years. McCarney holds the position of vice president and Czech is recording secretary.

“Kathy is nationally known for her knowledge of glass and as being one of the founding members and administrators of the Elegant and Everyday Glass Gallery,” said Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum. “Mary belongs to multiple glass company organizations and loves the hunt for glass.”

The location of the Vagg house at the corner of routes 98 and 104 dates back to 1818. Joseph and his wife Nellie moved there in 1909. Joseph was a blacksmith who later repaired farm machinery. His shop closed in 1956.

After Joseph’s death in 1956, Nellie bequeathed the blacksmith shop and his tools to the Cobblestone Society to preserve as a museum in his memory.  Years later, the Vagg house and its contents were acquired by the Cobblestone Society and Museum, who purchased the property after the death of owner Rene’ Schasel in 2019.

In the kitchen cupboards was a collection of Depression glass in pink and cobalt blue Moderntone. American Pattern Glass and pink Depression glass were available in the early 1930s.

For information and reservations for the April 9 Zoom event, go to www.CobblestoneMuseum.org to book online or call (585) 589-9013. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants.

Admission is a sliding scale donation starting at $5.

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Meat raffle on April 25 will back Medina Rotary programs
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2026 at 3:30 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The committee heading a meat raffle to benefit Medina Rotary discuss plans at a meeting at The Walsh. Clockwise from left are Liz Landis, Dawn Meland, Skip Helfrich, Carl Tuohey, Cindy Hewitt and Barb Jantzi. The event is scheduled April 25 at Ridgeway Fire Hall.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club will sponsor its third annual meat raffle April 25 at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd.

Founded in 1923, Medina Rotary continues to serve the community with a handful of members. The group is currently seeking sponsorships from local businesses to support their latest venture, which they call “a fun, community-based event,”  according to Cindy Hewitt, who co-chairs the fundraiser with Barb Jantzi and Liz Landis. Other committee members are Dawn Meland, Carl Tuohey and Skip Helfrich.

Sponsorship benefits will include recognition as an official event sponsor, the business name and logo displayed on a printed banner at the event, exposure to more than 150 local attendees and support of the Medina Rotary Club’s mission.

Funds raised through sponsorships will be used to cover four larger door prizes and themed gift baskets for the basket raffle, helping Rotary to create an exciting and memorable experience for attendees, Hewitt said.

“The Medina Rotary Club is proud to support local community organizations and respond to calls of need within Medina,” Hewitt said.

The Medina Rotary Club’s community involvement includes volunteering at the food pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church,  scholarships for local high school seniors, financial support for local non-profit organizations, assistance for local families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas and installation of benches in town parks and sports fields. They also provide mattresses for people in need.

Medina Rotary’s main objective is service – in the community, the workplace and around the globe, according to information provided by Hewitt. It is part of Rotary International, a non-political and non-religious group open to all.

The April 25 meat raffle will also include a 50/50 drawing. Doors will open at 6 p.m., followed by the event from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sponsorships of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Anyone wishing to support the meat raffle or looking for more information can contact Medina Rotary Club by e-mail at medinanyrotary@gmail.org.

New members are always welcome at Medina Rotary. Anyone interested will find more information by logging on the group’s website (click here).

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Gas prices take another big jump in Orleans
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2026 at 10:10 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded was at $4.17 on Tuesday at the Crosby’s in Albion at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The store gives a 5-cent discount for customers with the rewards card, which made the price $4.12. The cease fire with Iran dropped oil prices but the gas price didn’t go down as of this morning in Albion.

The average price for regular unleaded gas in Orleans County is at $4.12 today, according to AAA. That is up 11 cents from Monday when the average price was $4.01 a gallon.

The average price nationally is also up four cents in two days to $4.164 while the average state-wide is at $4.131, up six cents since Monday and nearly 15 cents from $3.985 a week ago.

The gas price could be coming down after Iran and the United States reached a two week ceasefire last night. That news sent oil prices down 18 percent to about $90 a barrel, the lowest price in about a month.

Today’s average diesel price in NYS was $5.957, up about 15 cents from a  week ago when it was $5.806.

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GCC hosting business pitch competition on April 23
Posted 8 April 2026 at 9:10 am

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Every successful business begins with a strong idea, but it’s the pitch that brings that idea to life. Whether you’re trying to win over customers or secure funding, your pitch needs to be clear, compelling, and memorable. That’s where GCC can help.

If you have a business concept you’re excited about but aren’t sure how it will resonate with others, consider taking part in GCC’s 8th annual “Business Idea Pitch Competition” on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus.

This free, public event invites aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas in a supportive, real-world setting. Participants will compete for prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place, with awards recognizing both the “most likely to succeed” and “most creative” concepts. A panel of local business professionals will evaluate each pitch.

“A well-crafted pitch is a critical step in turning an idea into a viable business,” said Dr. Lina LaMattina, director of Business Programs at GCC. “This competition gives participants the chance to develop their ideas, strengthen their presentation skills, and gain valuable feedback from experienced professionals.”

Those interested in participating or learning more must register by emailing Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu by Friday, April 10.

Many startups struggle due to limited business knowledge and experience. Rather than risking costly missteps, aspiring entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation through education.

Genesee Community College offers a range of degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship designed to help future business owners and investors succeed. Learn more by clicking here.

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Sacred Heart Club crowns Dyngus Day king and queen, continues Polish celebration
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2026 at 8:56 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The king and queen of Dyngus Day were crowned Monday night at Sacred Heart Club in Medina. The new royal couple, Patty Jones and Chris Kozody, were crowned by last year’s royalty, Eileen Pettit and Eli Howard.

MEDINA – Dyngus Day couldn’t come and go without a celebration at the Sacred Heart Club.

Although the club on North Gravel Road doesn’t throw the big party they used to for the community, they still observe the traditional holiday for their dedicated members.

J.T. Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, and member Chris Kozody spent the weekend cooking the traditional Polish dishes for their Dyngus Day feast Monday night, which also included crowning of a king and queen.

Georgia Thomas, wearing a traditional red outfit for Dyngus Day, fills a plate with authentic Polish food at the buffet Monday at Sacred Heart Club.

Last year’s royalty, Eileen Pettit and Eli Howard, crowned the new king and queen, Chris Kozody and Patty Jones.

Kozody and Jones were both surprised, even shocked, to have been chosen, they said.

Kozody is a dedicated volunteer at Sacred Heart Club, where he cooks for fish fries and Dyngus Day, Thomas said. He also does the inventory and ordering.

 Jones volunteers her time at almost every event, Thomas said.

“Whether it’s decorating or working the door or raffles, she is always there,” he said.

During the evening, members enjoyed the feast prepared by Thomas and Kozody, both of whom said they learned to cook from their family – Thomas from his father Ron, who was a butcher; and Kozody from his mom and grandma.

Kozody prepared sweet and sour cabbage and golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), while Thomas made lazy pierogis, smoked Polish sausage with kraut and fresh Polish sausage. An array of Polish sweets was provided by Hans’s Bakery.

There were also pussy willow branches for guests to take home, another tradition on Dyngus Day.

Thomas said Sacred Heart stopped running a big Dyngus Day celebration for the public several years ago when it became impossible to find a polka band.

Dyngus Day is steeped in tradition. It celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of Lent and the joy of Easter. Information provided by Thomas says many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian, Slavic practices. The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification and fertility. The same is true of the complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches.

Dyngus Day is associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I and his court on Easter Monday in 966 AD. In more modern times, the tradition continued when on Easter Monday farm boys in Poland wanted to attract girls of their choice by throwing water on them and hitting them on the legs with twigs or pussy willows. On Easter Tuesday, the women would return the favor.

Chris Kozody, left, and J.T. Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, pose in front of the array of Polish dishes they cooked for Dyngus Day.

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Medina seventh, eighth graders spice up March with Rock-Paper-Scissors challenge
Posted 7 April 2026 at 6:31 pm

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Ethan Mulcahy defeats Daniel Diaz to win the 8th grade bracket of Medina’s rock paper scissors tournament.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Seventh and eighth grade classes competed in a rock-paper scissors-bracket competition, creating a fun and spirited atmosphere among fellow students.

Students cheered each other throughout the rounds, adding to the excitement of the game.

The winners were announced in an assembly at the auditorium, where 7th grader Heather Daniels was named grand champion.

“It’s been a great way to make March, which can sometimes feel long, a little more enjoyable for students,” said Joe Byrne, president of the Medina Teachers Association.

Seventh-graders Jacob Lepkyj and Heather Daniels compete in the championship match of the 7th grade rock paper scissors bracket.

Seventh-grader Heather Daniels is crowned the Grand Champion of the Medina, junior high school rock paper scissors tournament.

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GO Health marks National Public Health Week from April 6-12
Posted 7 April 2026 at 6:13 pm

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are joining communities across the country to celebrate National Public Health Week from April 6-12. This week is a time to celebrate public health successes and learn how GO Health protects and supports the community.

This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, highlights the work GO Health does every day to keep our community healthy. Community members are encouraged to learn about our programs and services, including:

  • Children with Special Needs Program: Helps children with developmental, physical, or special health care needs get the resources they need to grow and succeed.
  • Community Health Services: Tracks diseases, collects health data, cares for mothers and children, and runs immunization clinics. Learn more: Immunization Clinics.
  • Environmental Health: Ensures safe drinking water, inspects food establishments, investigates rabies cases, and runs rabies clinics. Learn more: Rabies Clinics.
  • Lead Poisoning Prevention: Educates community members on lead hazards and manages grant programs to address lead-based paint and other home health risks. Learn more: Lead Grants.
  • Public Health Education: Provides health education and resources so community members can make informed choices for their wellbeing. The PHE team helps to lead the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), using resident feedback to guide programs. The 2025–2030 CHA/CHIP identified the following priority areas: Poverty, Anxiety and Stress, and Preventive Services for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. Residents can review the full CHA/CHIP here: CHA/CHIP.
  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Builds a community ready for emergencies through training and education. Learn more: Emergency Preparedness.
  • Weights and Measures: Tests devices and fuel quality to ensure accuracy in commerce and fairness for everyone in our community.

In addition to learning about our programs, we encourage residents to explore CredibleMind, a confidential digital platform providing mental health tools and resources for community members. Check it out to get personalized guidance and resources to help you and your family thrive: CredibleMind.

“National Public Health Week is a great time to recognize the work our team does to keep the community healthy,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “I encourage community members to celebrate public health and learn more about programs that promote the health and wellbeing of youth, families, and the community. I also thank our staff, volunteers, community partners, the Board of Health, and County Legislatures. Working together, we make our community stronger and healthier.”

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

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Medina Triennial seeking engagement guides for upcoming 3-month arts initiative
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2026 at 4:41 pm

MEDINA – A three-month major arts initiative, featuring 35 artists from around the world in Medina, needs “engagement guides” to welcome people to the arts attractions.

The Medina Triennial will run from June 6 to Sept. 7. The project has received funding from the New York Power Authority and other sponsors. The Triennial is expected to bring about 50,000 people to Medina over the three months.

The Triennial is hiring 10 engagement guides who will work Thursdays through Sundays and will be paid $19 an hour.

“In this role, Engagement Guides foster positive, meaningful relationships between the Village of Medina and the artists, artworks, ideas, and visitors that make up the Medina Triennial 2026,” the Triennial stated in a job posting.

The guides will receive thorough training and will be working in a dynamic, community-centered environment.

The guides will welcome village residents, community partners and all visitors to the Triennial. They will need to be familiar with the artists, artworks, exhibition sites, and Village of Medina attractions in order to help visitors connect to programs that match their interests, the Triennial stated.

For more information about the position, click here.

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