By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 June 2026 at 11:54 am
Couple committed to sustainability taking small boat from Buffalo to New York City
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Richard Scotten explains to Cora Goyette of Medina what “GENNY-DELIGHT” means on his collapsible solar-powered boat. His wife Jennifer graduated from Geneseo State College. They later learned the area was also the home of “Genny” beer. By logging on to the site, viewers can watch a video of their progress.
MEDINA – Cora Goyette of Medina was out for a walk Monday afternoon when she spotted an unusual watercraft docked in the canal basin.
Walking over, she met Richard and Jennifer Scotten of New York City, who are spending the next four weeks traveling the canal from Buffalo to New York City in a collapsible solar-powered boat he built.
After welcoming the couple to Medina, Goyette learned how their trip came about.
Richard, owner of a software company, and Jennifer, a classical singer, had been living in an apartment in New York City when their lease ran out, and they decided to move into their fifth wheel. Recently, after two and one-half years of living in their fifth-wheel, they learned it had to have warranty work, which would take six weeks.
“We had to decide what to do for six weeks,” Richard said. “We had two options. First, was to go to England. Second, we could build a collapsible solar-powered boat and travel the Erie Canal.”
Cora Goyette of Medina, left, was out for a walk Monday afternoon when she spotted this unique craft docked in the canal. Here, she welcomes Richard and Jennifer Scotten of New York City to Medina. The couple is making a four-week trip down the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York City.
The couple loves to travel, combining work with pleasure. They have traveled across the United States and Canada, seeing the sights, while pitching their software to new clients and visiting old ones.
“New York is our favorite state,” said Richard, who comes from California. “Last year we spent all summer and fall in New York and loved the Erie Canal. We visited the Canal Museum in Syracuse.”
Richard said they had been interested in boating and he had already done a complete solar re-build of their RV for off-grid camping.
“We call it ‘boondocking,’” he said.
Richard and Jennifer Scotten of New York City are traveling the Erie Canal and living on this small collapsible solar-powered boat he built. Here, it is docked in Medina for the night, covered with the camping tent he retro-fitted to provide privacy.
Richard started building their boat in January, complete with electric motor.
“There is a lot of interest now in electric vehicles, with gas prices rising,” he said. “I thought it would be interesting to build an electric solar-powered boat. I had seen a guy at an RV show selling inflatable boats you could pack up and take with you.”
He already had solar panels from his RV and acquired a bimini (collapsible tubing with attached covering) used as boat canopies.
“I bought two from Amazon and cut them down so I could fit solar panels on top,” Richard explained. “I built all the electronics which tied it all together.”
He also had to construct a steering wheel and throttle, as there is no tail rudder for steering. This also had to collapse at night, like the rear seats in a car, which then becomes the base for the pump-up air bed, Richard told Goyette.
To cover the boat at night, they bought a camping tent, in which Richard cut out the bottom and tailored the tent to fit the boat. An inflatable mattress, non-perishable food and minimal clothing are their luxuries for the next few weeks.
Richard Scotten of New York City kneels by the collapsible solar-powered boat in which he and his wife Jennifer are calling home as they travel the Erie Canal for the next four weeks.
Jennifer said she had wanted to go to London, but Richard convinced her to experience the Erie Canal.
“London would have been easier and more comfortable,” he said. “This trip is much more difficult, complicated and uncomfortable. People had told us the Erie Canal was a death trap.”
Regardless, the Scottens wanted to experience the legendary Erie Canal.
They had dropped their RV off in Indiana for repairs and drove to Buffalo, where they spent five days at a marina, preparing for their trip down the Erie Canal.
They started their journey where Lake Erie funnels into the Niagara River, and the currents and eddies are strong.
“We were told not to do it, but we had no problem,” Richard said.
Jennifer said they plan their “necessary” stops to places along the canal, like Medina, where there are showers and bathroom facilities.
Goyette, who has joined the Medina Triennial as a guide, wasted no time in informing the Scottens where to visit while they were spending the afternoon and evening in Medina.
“Their’s is a great story, given their commitment to a lifestyle of sustainability,” Goyette said. “It’s a great tie-in to our Triennial.”
The Triennial theme for its arts exhibition: “All That Sustains Us.”
Liam Castricone from Medina and assigned to Bravo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, received a promotion May 27 to the rank of private first class.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion.
Army National Guard citizen soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.
ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union, which operates 33 branches in the Rochester area including one in Medina, is pleased to announce that for the ninth time, Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine named the locally-owned financial institution one of 2026’s Best Workplaces in New York State.
ESL ranked 8 on the list of 60 small and medium-sized companies, along with 40 large companies. The financial institution is included among several other respected New York-based large, medium, and small employers, including First American Equipment Finance, Doyle Security Systems, and QuickFi by Innovation in the small and medium category, and Wegmans, Labella Associates, and The Bonadio Group in the large category.
“We are grateful to once again be named to this list, as it’s a wonderful testament to the dedication of our team at ESL. Our employees consistently live our core values, laying the foundation for a positive workplace culture,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president, chief administrative officer. “We recognize that a superior member experience begins with an exceptional employee experience. By regularly collaborating with and listening to our team, we can continue to grow as an organization and help uplift the communities we serve.”
To determine the Best Workplaces in New York, Great Place to Work® provides an opportunity for every employee at every GPTW-certified company in New York State to complete a survey. The company’s “For All Methodology” builds on the Trust Model by ensuring that very single employee, no matter who they are or what they do for their company, is having a consistently positive experience at work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2026 at 10:07 am
Fee for whole season includes dedicated dock space and utilities
Photo by Tom Rivers: This 34-foot-long yacht was in Medina’s Canal Basin over the weekend. Brian Hellner and his son Rollin want to make it available as an Airbnb for short-term overnight rentals.
MEDINA – The Village Board, after months of discussion and research, on Monday evening approved a fee for leasing dock space in the Canal Basin. Medina will be charging $35 per foot for boats to have exclusive access to a dock for the entire canal season.
That $35 a foot also includes utilities – water, electricity and a dump station to pump out sewage.
Medina has two requests to have boats utilized as Airbnbs or short-term overnight rentals for the canal season, which runs until Oct. 14.
Brian Hellner and his son Rollin want to make a 34-foot-long yacht available for rent. At $35 a foot, the fee for dedicated dock space will be $1,190 for the season.
The Erie Floatel, LLC also is seeking a lease for its house boat. That 24-foot-long boat will have to pay $840. The Erie Floatel is operated by Andrew Meier and Svein Lilleby
The Erie Floatel debuted last year as the first short-term rental to be stationed at Medina in the Erie Canal. Last year, the lease agreement was $220 for dedicated space at the south end of the canal, plus $100 for electric and water consumption for the season.
The two boats will be on the eastern end of Medina’s docking area to free up space along the basin wall for transient users. Village Trustee Jeff Wagner said transient users who are visiting Medina can continue to use the docks for free.
Wagner said he was in frequent discussions with the State Canal Corp. about a lease fee and dedicated dock space for long-term users. The Canal Corp. told him there has been a surge in requests to have boats used as short-term rentals on the canal.
The boat owners who want to use them as Airbnbs also need to get a permit from the Canal Corp.
Brian Hellner, owner of the North Star II boat, asked the Village Board to prorate the charge and knock a third off the cost because the canal season started on May 15.
But Wagner said the season is still in the early stages with the whole summer ahead. The board declined Hellner’s request.
Hellner operated a boat ride business from a 20-foot-long pontoon boat in the basin from 2023 to 2025 but is taking a break from that this year. With that business, in 2023 he was charged $125 a month or $625 for the season to have exclusive access to one of the docks.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2026 at 5:01 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Stacey Bancker, right, senior vice president of operations at the North Division of Healogics, presents a plaque to Lisa Albanese Klein, program director at Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center, while medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, left, and hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, left, look on. The presentation celebrates the Wound Care Center’s honor of being designated a “Wound Care Center of Distinction” by Healogics.
MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center continues to earn praise for its excellent record of curing wounds.
For the second time, the Wound Care Center has been designated a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care. The honor was earned for having achieved 82% wound mix adjusted CHR with a patient satisfaction rating of 96%.
“This is outstanding,” said Lisa Albanese Klein, program director at the Wound Care Center.
The honor was celebrated at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon, in which Stacey Bancker, senior vice president of operations at Healogics North Division, presented a plaque to Klein.
Hospital CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests and shared his praise for the team at the Wound Care Center. The team includes program director Lisa Albanese Klein; medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri; nurses Kristen Warriner, Melissa Neuman, Amanda Jakubec and Becky Flynn; and front office coordinator Budena Hess.
Next was Mayor Debbie Padoleski who read a proclamation honoring the Wound Care Center, followed by the Center’s program director Lisa Albanese Klein.
“Achieving Center of Distinction status is a reflection of the commitment, compassion, expertise and heart this team brings to our patients every single day,” Klein said. “When I look at what our wound care center has accomplished, I see far more than statistics and outcomes. I see a team that has built something extraordinary together.”
Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski, left, reads a proclamation honoring Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center on Wednesday. At right are medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, hospital CEO Marc Shurtz and Wound Care Center program director Lisa Albanese Klein.
The Wound Care Center has grown from a small program operating just two days a week into a four-day-a-week center serving more patients than ever before.
“That growth did not happen by accident,” Klein said. “It happened because this team believed in what we could become. It happened because Kirsten and Missy, Amanda and Becky and Budena showed up day after day, determined to make a difference for our patients.”
Patients who once had to travel out of Medina to get this kind of care can now get it right here, Klein said.
“What makes me most proud is not how much we have grown, but how we have grown,” she said. “We have grown without losing the personal touch that defines this center. We have grown while maintaining exceptional healing outcomes and outstanding patient satisfaction. Center of Distinction status is not earned by one individual. It cannot be achieved by leadership alone. It is earned through teamwork, through consistency, through trust, through people stepping up for one another, supporting one another and always keeping the patient at the center of everything we do.”
Wound care is not always easy, Klein continued. The work requires patience, persistence and compassion. Every healed wound represents more than a clinical success.
“It means someone can walk again without pain or can return to work,” Klein said. “It means avoiding hospitalization or amputation. It means giving people back their quality of life.”
Dr. Canzoneri echoed Klein’s praise of the Wound Care Center.
“What makes this accomplishment so meaningful is what it means for our community,” Canzoneri said. For many years, patients in rural areas had to travel to larger cities to receive advanced wound care services. Today, because of the work this team has done, patients can receive exceptional care close to home, surrounded by their families, neighbors and support systems.
“This designation as a Center of Distinction is backed by outstanding outcomes,” Canzoneri said. “Our healing results demonstrate the high standard of care being delivered every day and our patient satisfaction score speaks volumes about the experience patients are having when they walk through our doors. As medical director, I could not be more proud of what has been accomplished by our team. This recognition reflects not only where we are today, but also where we are heading as a program and as an organization. We are proving that outstanding specialty care can thrive in a community setting, and that our patients do not need to lee home to receive exceptional treatment.”
David Kusmierczak of Medina shares his story of how the Wound Care Center at Medina Memorial Hospital determined how to cure a sore on his foot. From left are hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, Wound Care medical director Joseph Canzoneri, Kusmierczak and Lisa Albanese Klein, program director. The group was gathered for an award ceremony on Wednesday celebrating the Wound Care Center’s recent designation as a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care.
In addition, David Kusmierczak, whose foot sore was healed at Medina after months of treatment by other medical professionals, shared his story of praise and approval for the diagnosis and care he got at Medina’s Wound Care Center.
“I am diabetic and had an open wound on the bottom of my foot,” Kusmierczak said. “After months of treatment by other doctors, my primary care doctor in Batavia said I should go to wound care. He said there was one in Batavia and Medina, and I said I would go to Medina, because I lived there.”
At Medina’s Wound Care Center, Kusmierczak said he was prepped by Melissa Newman, Kristin Warriner and Budina Hess. Nurse Practitioner Amanda Jakubec began his treatment.
“They really took care of it,” Kusmierczak said. “I had a cast for three weeks, when Amanda said she thought I had a bone spur and they sent me to a surgeon at Highland Hospital. He ground down the spur, trimmed a tendon a little bit, and the wound healed. Now I can walk naturally and pain free.”
Kusmierczak said he had been dealing with the sore for five years, and his foot doctor had tried everything to try and heal it.
“I can’t say enough about this group,” Kusmierczak said. “They figured out what was causing the wound not to heal. I’m so glad this organization is here.”
Bancker added her praise for the Wound Care Center’s honor, saying this award is a “quality excellence award.”
“This award embodies quality of care, she said. “Orleans Community Health had an amazing year of growth by their team.”
She added there are seven million patients with chronic wounds in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Those to attended a presentation last week by Healogics recognizing Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center as a “Center of Distinction” are, from left, Medina mayor Debbie Padoleski, Hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, front office coordinator Budena Hess, nurses Rebecca Flynn and Kristen Warriner, medical director Dr. Joe Canzoneri, program director Lisa Albanese Klein, healed patient David Kusmierczak and nurses Amanda McDonald and Meliss Neuman.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 3:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The royalty for this weekend’s Albion Strawberry Festival were recognized during the Albion Rotary Club meeting on Thursday.
From left include princess Kinzie Healy, king Will Plummer, queen Julia Graham and princess Hazel Bringenberg.
They will be part of Saturday’s parade at 10 a.m. and will serve as festival ambassadors.
This year’s festival theme, “Gather and Celebrate: A Big Berry 250th in honor of our Nation’s 250th.” The royalty candidates were asked to write a 250-word reflection on the theme.
Plummer, a senior, wrote in his essay, “Albion’s rich history and small-town character make it an ideal place to honor America’s past while looking forward to the future. Community events such as parades, historical exhibits, concerts and patriotic ceremonies can bring residents together in a spirit of gratitude and remembrance.”
Graham, a sophomore, said Albion students have helped preserve historical sites and highlight other important local history, while also beautifying the town with murals and other projects. She praised festival organizers for putting on the 38th Strawberry Festival this weekend.
Kinzie Healy, an eighth-grader, said the festival is an opportunity to celebrate shared values of democracy, community and hope for the future. “When gathering on these historic streets we aren’t just eating strawberry desserts, we are honoring 250 years of a ‘berry’ big American journey,” she wrote.
Hazel Bringenberg, a fifth-grader, said the local parades, chicken barbecues and fireworks are all a great way to celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary.
Katelyn Viza, a sophomore at Albion, holds her first place poster that will be used on Strawberry Festival brochures and posters.
The second place winner is senior Rosalee McCormick, left, while freshman Bonnie Ward won third place.
Click here to see the festival schedule for June 12-13.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 12:14 pm
Peters House considered outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture
Photos courtesy of Christopher Schmidt: This Queen Anne-style residence on Salt Works Road has been recommended by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation to be included on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
MEDINA – A Medina home in the Queen Anne architectural style has been recommended for inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The NYS Board of Historic Preservation met on June 4 and recommended the approval of the Peters House at 4018 Salt Works Rd. in Medina. The Board for Historic Preservation also recommended 19 other properties and districts for State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Constructed circa-1910 by George G. and Anna Peters, the two-story wood-frame residence is considered one of the finest and most intact examples of Queen Anne architecture in Western New York, said Christopher Schmidt, the current owner of the home.
More than a century after its construction, the houses continues to retain an exceptional degree of historic integrity, preserving many of the character-defining features that make the style so recognizable, he said.
“The Peters House is a fine example of the quality and craftsmanship that characterized residential construction during Medina’s period of growth and prosperity in the early twentieth century,” Schmidt said. “Its preservation allows future generations to appreciate both the architectural heritage and community history that helped shape Medina.”
Among the home’s most notable architectural elements are its asymmetrical façade, steeply pitched box gable roof, turret, bay windows, wrap-around porch, second-story porch alcove, overhanging eaves, classical columns, and decorative mix of clapboard siding and patterned shingles.
The residence is about 1 mile from Medina’s urban core. The house retains much of its original interior craftsmanship, including pine floors, wood trim, pocket doors, staircase, four-panel doors with original hardware, and extensive parlor woodwork, he said.
The property was recognized under National Register Criterion C for Architecture, reflecting its significance as a well-preserved example of the Queen Anne style. Despite modest updates over the years, including kitchen and bathroom renovations and porch modifications, the home continues to convey its historic appearance, materials, workmanship, and sense of place.
This photo from 1955 shows the horse racing oval by the property.
Beyond its architectural significance, the property occupies a site connected to an important chapter in Medina’s history. Prior to construction of the residence, portions of the property were part of the Medina Driving Park, a popular horse-racing and recreational venue established in 1871, Schmidt said. The Driving Park served as a social and entertainment center for the community, hosting horse races, bicycle competitions, football games, and other public events that drew visitors from throughout the region.
The listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places recognizes the Peters House as an important cultural and architectural resource. Today, the Peters House stands as an enduring reminder of the village’s rich architectural legacy and the craftsmanship of a bygone era, ensuring that one of Medina’s historic treasures will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.
State and National Register listing can assist owners in revitalizing properties, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits.
“I encourage other owners of historic properties to explore historic designation and celebrate the unique history of their buildings,” Schmidt said. “There are many remarkable properties that deserve similar recognition.”
Once recommendations are approved by Kathy Moser, the commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the sites will be listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed by the National Park Service. If approved they will be entered in the National Register.
Some other nearby sites that were recommended on June 4 for the State and National Registers of Historic Places include:
Cobb’s Hill Historic District in Rochester, Monroe County
Dunkirk Macaroni and Supply Company Building in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County
Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank in Lockport, Niagara County
RIDGEWAY – On Saturday at approximately 5:51 p.m., an Orleans County Sheriff’s Lieutenant James White initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Ridge Road in the Town of Ridgeway.
During the stop, the operator, identified as Dean E. Smith, 62, of Lockport allegedly displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation revealed that two children, ages 6 and 10, were in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered. Smith was subsequently taken into custody. Following a Drug Influence Evaluation, Smith was charged with the following:
Aggravated DWI with a Child Passenger Less than 16 (Leandra’s Law) – Class E Felony
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs – Unclassified Misdemeanor
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 Counts) – Class A Misdemeanor
Move From Lane Unsafely – Traffic Infraction
Smith was transported to the Orleans County Jail for Centralized Arraignment (CAP) Court. Lt. White was assisted by Deputy Michael Borrell.
Sheriff Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to impaired driving enforcement, striving to prevent tragedies and make our roadways safer for all those that live in, work in and visit Orleans County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2026 at 9:53 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association get a close look at the ox Carol Culhane painted for them in her basement. From left are John Richmond, OONA president Ken Martin, Culhane, Martin’s wife Anne, Sally Leonard and Cheryl Giacherio. The ox is expected to go to the Orleans County marine park on Route 98.
POINT BREEZE – In her illustrious career as an artist, Carol Culhane has painted wildlife, landscapes, airplanes, horses, murals, portraits and vehicles. Now she has turned her talent into painting oxen, chosen last year as the mascot for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.
A request from the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association to paint an ox sent her on a historical journey to trace the area’s landmarks from its early years to now.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The ox was on display on Saturday at Carlton’s Hometown Days festival outside the Carlton Rec Hall.
Her hand-painted work of art chronicles the story of the Oak Orchard River from Lake Alice to Lake Ontario back centuries to the current time.
On the left side of the animal, the river is depicted as it may have appeared long ago, before the construction of Waterport Dam and creation of Lake Alice, then known as the “Waterport Pond.”
There is also the Waterport Trestle, Point Breeze Hotel (originally known as the Orleans House) on the east side of the river, the Oak Orchard Inn on the west side and the original lighthouse at the end of the pier on the west side of the harbor.
On the right side of the ox are the “today” features – boating, fishing and kayaking; the hydroelectric site; charter boats and marine activity; breakwalls; the modern lighthouse; and wildlife.
Culhane incorporated wildlife into the design on both sides, to create interest by children. A great blue heron, turtles, lily pads, wetland vegetation and more represent the wildlife which has long depended on the Oak Orchard River ecosystem.
To be sure she was historically correct, Culhane visited Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and read several publications, including Arad Thomas’s Pioneer History of Orleans County and Dee Robinson’s Historical Amnesia.
Members of OONA recently visited Culhane’s basement to see their finished ox. This included OONA president Ken Martin and his wife Anne; Cheryl Giacheriz; Penny Miller, president of Orleans County Marine Park, through whom the Go Art! grant was received to fund oxen for OONA and Orleans County Legislature; John Richmond; and Sally Leonard, both Point Breeze residents.
“The ox has a lot of interesting historic details,” Martin said of the OONA ox. “It came out well.”
In addition to dedication of the OONA ox, several visitors came to view the work, including the builder of the fiberglass oxen, Patrick Keough and his wife Gaye from Nebraska. They deliver the oxen throughout the country, in addition to other animals they build. He was going to deliver an ox to Kendall that day, also.
Culhane said the oxen took many hours of work, but she is honored she was asked to do them.
Patrick Keough of Nebraska, with his wife Gaye, is the builder of the fiberglass oxen painted by Culhane. They stand next to one for OONA. This is the side of the animal depicts the Point Breeze area as it appears now, with fishermen, boaters and kayakers. She has also painted one for the county historian’s office and is working on one for the County Legislature.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane shows an ox with portraits of pioneers to Isabella Zasa, digital content creator and tourism assistant for the Orleans County Tourism Department, and Catherine Cooper, the county historian. This ox is expected to go in the historian’s office in Albion.
Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper, left, and artist Carol Culhane hold historical reference books Culhane referred to when painting bicentennial oxen for the county and Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 8:33 am
Students urged to pursue kindness, service in their lives, careers
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nisi Beltran Roblero receives a blessing and prayer from Father Mark Noonan, priest of the Holy Family Parish. The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, and Elder John Kubiniec of the First Presbyterian also offered a blessing to graduates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Holy Family Parish.
The service and blessings were optional for seniors, and 30 chose to attend the service at Holy Family which was organized by the Albion Ministerium.
Father Noonan urged the graduates to choose meekness over anger.
“The world is so much in need of people who will look out for others,” he said. “Never be afraid of the adventure of following God with your full heart.”
Julia Button lights a candle at the altar. Students were encouraged to strive to be a light in the world.
“The candle is a symbol of the light in you, of the light that God placed in you and that you carry with you into the world,” said the Rev. Marsha Rivers, who is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and the Gaines Carlton Community Church.
Albion High School Select Choir members sang “Lakeside Lullaby.” In front from left include Lily Brigham, Kailee Anstey and Rosalie McCormick. In back are Adelaide Pettit, Gideon Pask, Yo’Hanel Harris and Julia Graham.
The Clarinet Choir, directed by Matthew Confer, played Variations & Fugue on the Theme by Mozart.
The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was the keynote speaker. She delivered a message, “Overcome Evil with Good.” Thaine said the students are at “one of those threshold moments in life” at an area where the land meets the water. It is a moment of possibility. She urged them to orient their life towards a relationship with God, and strive to not let the world mold their thoughts, actions and sense of value.
Social media can give a warped view of what’s right and wrong, she said.
“Turn this world upside everywhere you go with the good manifested in your life,” Thaine said.
Kaitlynn Basinait reads a scripture, Ephesians 4: 21-25.
Other students who spoke at the service, sharing scriptures or a blessing, include Nisi Beltran Roblero, Gideon Pask and Abigail Kincaid.
Sister Dolores O’Dowd leads the group in a unison prayer.
“We look forward with hope, knowing your work is not yet accomplished. Our futures are not yet written, but our paths are secure, for you are our shepherd, and you guide us into life and love.”
The Rev. Marsha Rivers prays over Lindsay Crawford during the service at Holy Family Parish.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 June 2026 at 6:20 pm
File photo: Ed Shorey of Albion has been a frequent vendor at the Cobblestone Museum’s annual flea market. He sells fishing lures, which have been popular with the crowd. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum’s annual flea market is scheduled this year from 9 .m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at the Cobblestone Church. Ample parking is available on the grounds of the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center across the street from the 1834 cobblestone church.
Vendors will be set up on the lawn around the church and nearby Ward House, according to Sue Bonafini, assistant museum director.
Small businesses, groups, organizations and individuals are still welcome to request a vendor’s application.
“We’re expecting sellers with household and holiday goods, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, a variety of merchandise hand-crafted from deer antlers, garden art, diamond art, wood and yarn crafts, baby items, workshop items, glassware, clothing and loads of books,” Bonafini said.
The Cobblestone’s Used Book Building has received two significant donations of books from an estate sale and an adult literacy organization. These items will be placed on display during the flea market for bibliophiles, bookworms or casual readers to purchase. There are titles from a wide array of genres, fiction and nonfiction, Bonafini said.
Many books are available for young readers, and Christmas books can be found in the Holiday Shoppe, which Bonafini said it bursting with Christmas-themed merchandise at highly affordable prices.
Collectors of Santas, angels or snowman and Dept. 56 Snowbabies are encouraged to stop and check out the selection. They will also find replacement lights, wrapping paper, holiday cards, ornaments and holiday décor of all kinds. Tabletop trees, Christmas mugs, holiday pillows, stockings and stocking stuffers are in good supply, Bonafini said. Merchandise is either brand new or gently used and all donated by members and friends of the Museum.
Also, assorted merchandise will be sold at White Elephant tables to benefit the Cobblestone Museum.
A food tent will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or sold out, featuring Red Osier beef-on-weck with choice of roll, potato salad, baked beans and a pickle. A meal is $12 pre-sale or $14 that day.
Special docent-led tours will be available by donation during the Flea Market at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Museum’s Holiday Shoppe and Gift Shop are open during regular Museum hours throughout the open season, which is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Holiday-themed donations are accepted throughout the year from local citizens.
To reserve a beef-on-weck meal, request a vendor’s application or donate goods to the Holiday Shoppe or White Elephant sale, call (585) 589-9013.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2026 at 4:20 pm
McQuaid Jesuit rowers passing through Orleans County today on day 1 of week-long trek
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The McQuaid Jesuit crew team was out this afternoon rowing along the Erie Canal. They are shown in a photo taken from the Presbyterian Road canal bridge.
The group left Buffalo in the morning and is headed to Brockport on day 1 of an eight-day “Row for Hope” to Albany. The team is raising money for Rochester’s House of Mercy that serves people experiencing homelessness.
The journey will cover 368 miles over the eight days. The group left Buffalo in the morning and stopped in Medina just after noon for lunch. They will stay overnight in Brockport tonight.
There are 11 boys on the team making the trek across the canal. They plan to put in about eight hours a day of rowing. The schedule also includes camping at Palmyra, Weedsport, Brewerton, Rome and Glenville.
Provided photos: The Holley-Kendall Marching Band is shown today outside the Sherburne-Earlville Elementary School.
Press Release, Holley-Kendall Marching Band
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band’s had strong showings in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands and the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands.
58th Gorham Pageant of Bands
The Gorham Pageant of Bands has returned after a several-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling participation. The Pageant, hosted by the Marcus Whitman Band and Guard Boosters, has been a long-time tradition for many band programs in both Orleans County and Western NY.
The Holley HS Jazz Ensemble competed in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest on Friday, May 29. Enrolled in the Small School Class (total K-12 enrollment less than 3,000 students), Holley HS competed against Perry HS and Mexico HS.
Waterloo Middle School was the only band in the Middle School category and Baldwinsville High School was the only band in the Large School Category. The evening was capped with a performance by a local professional jazz group: Bill Tiberio & the Canandaigua Jazz Project.
The Holley High School Jazz Ensemble won several awards at 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest.
Holley performed a varied repertoire including “Can I Be Honest With You?” by Dave Mills, “Prayer Meetin'” by Matt Harris, and “Tiger of San Pedro” by John LaBarbera.
Small School Jazz Results: 3rd Waterloo HS; 2nd Perry HS; Best Rhythm Section; 1st Holley HS; Best Saxophone Section, Best Brass Section, Best Soloist (Jax Richards-Dyson, Piano).
Saturday, May 30th
On Saturday, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band took to the streets for the first time in Small School Parade Competition at the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands. There were a total of 9 bands in the parade, 5 of which were competing in the Small School Class. In the parade, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band performed their 2026 Show titled “OZ”, which features song selections from the Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked.
Junior Class: 1st – The Pride of Rochester, 77.5
Small School Class: 5th – Dundee, 76.5; 4th – Waterloo, 80; 3rd – Mexico, 90; 2nd – Holley-Kendall, 90.5; and 1st – Naples, 96.5.
Best Overall Drumline/Cadence – Naples
Best Drum Major(s) – Holley-Kendall
Best Color Guard – Naples
Exhibition: White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps
The Holley-Kendall Drum Majors won first place at the Gorham pageant. From left include Riley Passer, Madison Hults and Layla Jones.
77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands
On Saturday, June 6th, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band competed in Class AA for the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands. A total of 25 Bands competed in the Parade ranging from Jr. High Bands, the High School Class D all the way up to AA.
Class AA Color Guard: 3rd (Tie) Holley-Kendall & Norwich, 83.00; 2nd – Mexico, 85.00; and 1st – Fonda-Fultonville, 87.00.
Class AA Parade: 5th – Sidney, 73.75; 4th – Fonda-Fultonville 82.375; 3rd – Mexico, 84.75; 2nd – Norwich, 88.75; and 1st – Holley-Kendall, 90.75.
