Linda Sue Park and Gordon Korman also giving presentations at nearby schools

Press Release, Author’s Note

MEDINA – Two  #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning middle grade authors with nearly 135 published works between them, Linda Sue Park and Gordon Korman, will visit Author’s Note, Medina’s independent bookstore, for a special double-hitter event in conversation together at Author’s Note to discuss and sign their newest books, Just One Gift and Hypergifted, on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m.

Linda Sue Park, the acclaimed author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water, which has sold 3 million copies worldwide, constructed her newest title, Just One Gift, in a special format.

Using linked poems written in accessible verse that highlights transformative moments of connection, the new middle grade novel celebrates the ways, large and small, obvious and unanticipated, in which our lives are enriched by the people we encounter. Robert Sae-Heng contributes black-and-white art to this eloquent stand-alone read that is also a welcome companion to the author’s popular book, The One Thing You’d Save. Booklist, in a starred review, said the book “bursts with so much heart and community,” while Kirkus Reviews called it “charming, poignant, and thoughtfully woven.”

A #1 New York Times bestselling author of scores of novels, Gordon Korman, will share his newest book, Hypergifted. The novel is the third book about Noah Youkilis, a super-genius robot who graduates from middle school straight to college.

Friendship, education, and a robotic fish-out-of-water lend theme and charm to this heartwarming sequel to Ungifted (2012) and Supergifted (2018), in which Noah Youkilis attempts to learn how to fit into the wild world of a college campus while being bombarded with hilarious mishaps. Kirkus Reviews says, “Told from multiple points of view, the story is laugh-out-loud funny, and readers will be entertained as Noah and Donovan try to make sense of college life,” call the work “a hilarious romp.”

Ms. Park and Mr. Korman will present and read from their new works, sign books purchased at the event, and answer questions during their visit to Author’s Note on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 pm.

Linda Sue Park, a renowned author of numerous picture books and novels for young readers, won the 2002 Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard. In addition to writing essays for numerous publications, Linda Sue has served as a panelist for the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize, the PEN Naylor grant, and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. She will visit Merton Williams Middle School in Hilton earlier that day.

Gordon Korman is the #1 NY Times bestselling author of more than 100 books for kids and young adults, most recently HYPERGIFTED and SNOOP. His writing career began at the age of twelve when his seventh grade English assignment became his first published novel. Now, nearly fifty years later, he is a full-time writer and speaker, with over forty million copies of his novels in print in thirty-three languages. A native of Ontario, Canada, he lives with his family on Long Island. He will visit Avon Central School earlier that day, and York Central School the day following and Geneseo Central School the day prior.

Author’s Note anticipates a large turnout for this special event and strongly suggests preordering copies of both authors’ works at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/events.

Due to both authors’ extensive bodies of work, signing books purchased elsewhere is not permitted at this event. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at authorsnote.com. Contact Author’s Note for more information at (585) 798-3642.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Brett Decker, club manager at Shelridge Country Club, explains the rules to 112 golfers in their carts, waiting to tee off during a golf tournament to benefit the United Way of Orleans County. The organization is now known as Orleans Community Connects. This year’s tournament is June 5.

MEDINA – The annual charity golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way of Orleans County) is scheduled for June 5 at Shelridge Country Club, 10994 Telegraph Rd. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and tee-off is at 9 a.m.

“To community members, sponsors and golfers of all skill levels – you are invited to ‘Hit the greens and help the community’ at this major fundraising event,” said Dawn Winkler, financial manager for Orleans Community Connects.

This annual tournament plays a crucial role in supporting Orleans Community Connects’ efforts to give back to local organizations. One-hundred percent of all profits will benefit non-profits within Orleans County, helping fund vital programs that make a difference in the lives of residents.

“We are excited to see our friends and supporters at our first golf tournament as Orleans Community Connects,” said board president and golf chairman Dean Bellack. “The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to the most deserving non-profits in Orleans County. If you have played before, please join us again, and if you have not had the opportunity yet, we are looking forward to meeting you. Let’s all Connect.”

Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, contests, prizes and community engagement. Each registration includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, beverages and dinner.

“Our golf tournament is absolutely essential to the success of our 2026 fundraising campaign,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “By joining us on the course, participants are directly helping other non-profits in Orleans County that are doing incredible work on behalf of us all.”

Golfers may register online or print registration form to mail in by visiting www.OrleansCommunityConnects.org/events.

 For the first time, the basket raffle will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on the lower level of Shelridge. Drawings will start at 3 p.m.

For more information, e-mail Events@OrleansCommunityConnects.org.

Photo by Kim Remley: Green Orleans sponsored a discussion last week at Hoag Library about a proposed data center at the STAMP site in Alabama, NY.  From left to right, David Giacherio (Green Orleans and Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association), Sarah Howard (Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation), and Grandell “Bird” Logan (Tonawanda Seneca Nation).

Press Release, Green Orleans

ALBION – Approximately 50 Orleans County residents recently gathered at the Hoag Library for a Green Orleans sponsored presentation on the mega data center proposed for the STAMP site in Alabama, NY.

The evening was kicked-off by Dave Giacherio, a retired scientist and professor, representing Green Orleans and the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. Giacherio posted a quote that set the tone for the evening’s presentation. It read: “Nothing that is vast enters the life of mortals without a curse” (Sophocles, circa 480 BCE).

Giacherio gave a broad-brush overview of artificial intelligence (AI), because the rush to build data centers around the nation is closely linked to AI. Data centers function as the “brains” for AI, carrying out the incredibly large number of calculations needed to answer AI queries.

He noted AI offers both great promise and great risks. The promise includes massive increases in efficiency and productivity across all of society, a revolution in healthcare, and large advances in science and technology. He gave an example where AI readily solved the extraordinarily difficult bio-science problem of protein folding.

The risks of AI include massive economic and social disruption (including huge job losses), societal risks from people using AI for criminal purposes, and the risks from AI itself acting against the best interests of humanity.

Giacherio gave examples where AI urged a young man to commit suicide, where AI provided instructions for preparation and dispersal of toxic pathogens, and where AI helped plan a school shooting.

The current rush to develop AI and build data centers does not include appropriate measures to ensure human safety. Giacherio claimed that what is needed is a pause in the manic rush to develop AI and data centers, and a reimagining and redirection of AI so that humans and their concerns are “in the loop.”

Sarah Howard of the Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation focused on health and environmental concerns. Low-frequency noise, which is emitted by such hyperscale data centers can travel several miles and would be heard by some Orleans County residents.

Persistent exposure to noise, especially low frequency noise, causes physical health problems such as hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as emotional distress. This noise will also impact wildlife in the surrounding public-protected areas.  Also, the 24/7 lighting will affect birds, including migratory birds (light pollution affects migratory fly-path navigation).

Wastewater discharge from the proposed data center will flow into a tributary of the Oak Orchard Creek via the Village of Oakfield wastewater treatment facility – inevitably impacting the $28 million/year sportfishing industry. The Orleans County coordinator of Sportfishing and the Seth Green Chapter of Trout Unlimited have expressed opposition and concerns.

Next up was Grandell “Bird” Logan of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation (TSN). Logan did a short review of the history of the Tonawanda Seneca people, noting that their territory has shrunk dramatically over the last centuries. He talked about the “Big Woods”, a section of old-growth forest on the reservation that is rich in plant and animal life, and which is culturally central both to the TSN and to other tribes around the country.

The STAMP site is adjacent to the TSN and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Logan explained that there is only a 400-foot buffer between it and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s federally recognized reservation territory.

He noted the risks of noise pollution, air pollution, and groundwater pollution from a gigantic data center so close to their homeland. Logan stressed that humans are not the only creatures that can be affected – the rich animal and plant life of the reservation could also be at risk.

The evening’s presentation ended with a vigorous discussion with the audience.

Green Orleans is a small grassroots organization committed to the preservation of our environment. The organization holds its meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Hoag Library. All are welcome.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on Wednesday held a virtual press conference slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years.

She called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking Americans.

“Every commute to work, every ride to a doctor’s appointment, and every carpool to school costs 50 percent more today than it did just a year ago due to skyrocketing gas prices. That is a direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The American people do not want this war; they want lower costs. President Trump must end the war once and for all and provide relief to Americans struggling with higher costs in his economy.”

The average cost of gas in New York state today is $4.59 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago. In some parts of New York, gas is over $5.00 per gallon.

This is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a quarter of the world’s oil passes.

In a press conference, Senator Gillibrand reiterated her call for President Trump to end the war to provide relief to American consumers.

Senator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.