By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2026 at 3:18 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A deer stands in the original loop of the Erie canal in Holley on Wednesday. This is a rare section of the canal remaining from when the original was complete. Most of the original was widened several times. In Holley, the original loop was near the Public Square, but was later straightened out from 1854 to1861 to create a shorter, more navigable waterway. A new section of the canal was built over a very high and long embankment.
The temperature will be much hotter next week, with the forecast showing three days with highs in the 90s.
Today is forecast to reach 75, followed by a high of 78 on Saturday and then 81 on Sunday.
Then it will get hotter with a high of 87 on Monday, 93 on Tuesday, and 91 on both Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 June 2026 at 1:07 pm
Contributed Photos – Recipients of the Pony Awards at this week’s annual Medina High Block ‘M’ sports banquet included, in front, Penelope Schalck, Lillian Maynard, Allie Frentz, Karlee Cau, Aurora Owczarczak and Aleeyah Martinez. In back are Hunter Walczak, Miles Arbegast, Cole Hughes, Luke Duffina, Preston Woodworth and Hadrian Batista.
The presentation of a number of special awards highlighted this week’s annual Medina High Block ‘M’ Athletic banquet.
Senior Luke Duffina received the Babe Ruth Award while freshmen Jude Lacy and Caliyah St. Louis received the Russell Houserman Awards.
The Larry Decker Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Mahri Harmer-Owen, Madison Farley, Kolton Fletcher, Vinny Gray, Penelope Schalck and Aurora Oczwarczak.
Luke Duffina received the Gary Gross Memorial Scholarship.
The Sargent Memorial Scholarship was presented to Vinny Gray.
Emiliana Batista and Lilah Class received the Boice/Ossont Scholarship.
The Barna Scholarship was awarded to Frankie Stephens and Luke Duffina.
Vinny Gray and Maggie Lonnen received the Mustang Heart Award.
The Niagara Orleans Scholarship was presented to Lilah Class and Luke Duffina.
The Pony Awards were presented to the following varsity student-athletes:
Field Hockey – Penelope Schalck; Football – Preston Woodworth; Cross-Country – Cole Hughes (Boys), Faith Baker-Austin (Girls); Fall Cheerleading – Aleeyah Martinez; Golf – Tyler Draper; Volleyball – Allie Frentz; Boys Soccer – Luke Duffina; Girls Soccer – Lillian Maynard.
Boys Swimming – Hunter Walczak; Girls Swimming – Madeline Mark; Wrestling – Luke Duffina (Boys) and Penelope Schalck (Girls); Boys Basketball – Preston Woodworth; Girls Basketball – Tatianna Maxon and Rhoswyn Oakes; Unified Bowling – Gunner Pitcher; Winter Cheerleading – Mahri Harmer-Owen.
Two new members were inducted into the Mustangs Hall of Fame – former Medina coaches Sue O’Dea and Sue Holland. O’Dea coached the first Medina varsity Field Hockey and Softball teams while Holland coached Volleyball and Cheerleading.
Two new members were inducted into the Mustangs Athletic Hall of Fame former coaches Sue O’Dea, left, and Sue Holland.
Jude Lacy, left, received the Russell Houserman Award and Luke Duffina the Babe Ruth Award. Also receiving the Houserman award was Caliyah St. Louis.
Maggie Lonnen and Vinny Gray received the Mustang Heart Award.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2026 at 11:54 am
Holley’s Class of 2026 celebrates commencement on Saturday
Photo by Tom Rivers: Aubrey Gannon, a senior at Albion, lights a candle during a baccalaureate service on June 7 at the Holy Family Parish.
Today and Saturday will culminate 13 years in the public school system for about 400 students in Orleans County.
The five public schools in the county all will celebrate graduation with ceremonies today for Albion, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina, while Holley has its commencement on Saturday. There are 380 grads total in the five districts.
Here is a snapshot from each district’s ceremony:
• ALBION is graduating 114 students this year during a 7 p.m. service today outside on the football field. The ceremony speakers are Neveya Barnes (Class of 2026 President), Nathaniel Miesner (Salutatorian) and Gideon Pask (Valedictorian) as well as Linda Weller (Board of Education President) and Mickey Edwards (Superintendent).
• HOLLEY has 72 students graduating on Saturday during commencement at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.
Spanish teacher Jane DelGudico was picked by the Class of 2026 to give the commencement address. The Salutatory address will be given by Kohle Pachla and the Valedictory address will be delivered by Mia Thom.
• KENDALL – The Class of 2026 includes 53 graduates. The ceremony will be 7 p.m. today in the school auditorium.
Maggie Allocco, a Kendall science teacher, has been picked by the class to be the commencement speaker.
The top two students academically also will give speeches, including Valedictorian Marlie Clark and Salutatorian Madison Hults.
• LYNDONVILLE has 42 students graduating today during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium. Valedictorian Elena Barry and Salutatorian Brooke Robinson will each give an address.
• MEDINA has 99 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. today at Vets Park.
The Class of 2026 Valedictorian is Bellaflor Gomez-Hernandez, who will deliver an address titled “From Google Meets to Senior Seats.” The Salutatorian is Lilah Class, whose speech is titled “Our Next Step.”
This year’s commencement speaker is Dr. Julie Webber, who will present an address titled “Your Destiny Awaits.” Webber is Medina’s Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and AVID District Director.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2026 at 10:27 am
Former Clarendon official avoids jail in plea agreement, must pay restitution
File photo: Melissa Ierlan
ALBION – Melissa Ierlan pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree today in Orleans County Court, admitting to taking $62,000 without authorization from the Clarendon Historical Society when she was the group’s president.
Ierlan won’t have to go to jail, but will need to pay full restitution and will be on probation for five years as part of a plea agreement. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26 by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
The amount of funds missing from the Clarendon Historical Society was down from the $102,752 initially determined by the state comptroller’s office. The comptroller’s office then lowered the amount to $70,000.
Ierlan was able to show how some of the funds were spent for the Historcial Society, said Susan Howard, the county’s district attorney.
Ierlan’s attorney George Muscato said the $62,000 “was a fair and reasonable number.”
Judge Church asked Ierlan, who was under oath this morning, if she stole money from the Clarendon Historical Society from Dec. 16, 2020 to Sept. 27, 2025. She replied yes.
She acknowledged she took actions to take the money out of the bank without authority. The Historical Society allowed her to be the sole signer for writing checks.
Ierlan worked many years as the Clarendon code enforcement officer and cemetery administrator. She also has been president of the Clarendon Historical Society. In the Historical Society role she is alleged to have falsified records to steal $102,752.
The grand larceny charge as an E felony would carry a maximum of 4 years in state prison. The charge was reduced from a C felony where more than $50,000 is stolen and the maximum would be 15 years.
One issue during the plea deal this morning was whether the Historical Society agrees to the $62,000 in restitution. Howard said the Historical Society is currently reorganizing and doesn’t have people in place yet.
“I want to know whoever gets the restitution agrees to the amount,” the judge said.
Howard said the Historical Society “was pretty much just her,” she said referring to Ierlan.
Howard said the community is working to add members to the Historical Society and get the organization functioning.
“By sentencing I hope there will be a Historical Society properly in place,” she said.
The plea agreement today also included an order of protection for a witness who helped inform authorities of the missing funds.
The judge continued to let Ierlan be free without bail. She was joined at the court appearance today by her family, including husband Fred Seeman, who likely won the Republican primary for town supervisor on Tuesday. He has a 15-vote lead over Marc Major with 16 potential absentee ballots that could come in.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 June 2026 at 9:07 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall G-R All-Stars Nic Cole, left, and Vinnie D’Agostino.
A quartet of Kendall players have earned Genesee Region League baseball All-Star honors.
The Eagles honorees include senior third baseman/pitcher Vinnie D’Agostino, senior pitcher/first baseman Nic Cole, senior second baseman Jonny Conte and junior first baseman/pitcher CJ D’Agostino.
Cole and Vinnie D’Agostino are repeat honorees.
Eagles sophomore shortstop Sammy Conte also earned Honorable Mention.
Kendall mentor Tige Noni was named G-R Coach of the Year.
Vinnie D’Agostino, who was named G-R Player of the Year, hit .505 wirh 12 double, 4 triples, 3 home runs and 36 RBIs. On the mound he pitched 51.1 innings and had 80 strikeouts and a 0.955 earned run average.
Cole pitched 62.2 innings, registered 95 strikeouts and had a 0.894 ERA. At the plate, he had 4 doubles and drove in 22 runs.
CJ D’Agostino hit .452 and had 9 doubles, 5 triples, 2 home runs and 24 RBIs. He also pitched 34 innings and had 56 strikeouts and a 1.835 ERA.
Jonny Conte hit .419 and had 8 doubles and 22 RBIs.
Kendall G-R All-Stars Jonny Conte, left, and CJ D’Agostino.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2026 at 8:27 am
Seneca Chief makes 20-mile trek through Orleans, part of 3-week journey on the canal
Photos by Tom Rivers
The Seneca Chief heads west on the Erie Canal on Thursday. The replica of the famed boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton across the newly constructed Erie Canal in 1825, is shown in Albion in a photo taken from the Presbyterian Road Canal Bridge.
The Seneca Chief travelled from Holley to Medina on Thursday. The boat carries a crew from the Buffalo Maritime Center. Each stop it also gives a ride to about a dozen people. This group, including Orleans County mascots Orly the Ox and his brother Scout, were able to ride the boat from Albion to Medina.
Because the replica has no engine, the 33-foot historic wooden tugboat C.L. Churchill is used to push and maneuver the vessel along the Erie Canal.
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center worked for four years to recreate the Seneca Chief. The 73-foot-long replica received great fanfare last year as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal. It went from Buffalo to New York City and spent the winter in Waterford near Albany.
The Seneca Chief is doing a “Back to Buffalo” tour this month. It leaves Medina today for North Tonawanda, and then on Saturday will reach its destination in Buffalo.
It was raining pretty hard when the Seneca Chief passed under the Main Street lift bridge in Albion around 2:30.
Two brothers from Oakfield, Titus (right) and Jed Dart, pour water from the Erie Canal in Medina into a barrel. The Buffalo Maritime Center did a similar “Gathering of the Waters” ceremony last year on the 200th anniversary voyage of the Seneca Chief, collecting water at each stop and then using it to water an Eastern White Pine tree in New York City.
This time the water collected along the journey will be used to water an Eastern White Pine in Buffalo.
Last year, the Maritime Center had a tree planted at each stop, including one in Medina that is at State Street Park close to the canal.
Paul Winnie watches the two brothers pour the water into the barrel. Winnie is a member of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. He noted the Eastern White Pine symbolize peace and represent a chance to bury quarrels among people.
Brian Trzeciak, executive director of the Buffalo Maritime Center, said the journey across the canal last year and this year has been a goodwill mission, helping to bring the communities together.
“This is a tour of hope and optimism,” he said.
Debbie Padoleski, the mayor of Medina, thanked the Buffalo Maritime Center for their effort sin creating the Seneca Chief replica and for bringing it to Medina the past three years. Medina was included in the boat’s test run in 2024 before the big journey last year from Buffalo all the way to New York City.
The “Back to Buffalo” journey went from near Albany to Buffalo.
The Seneca Chief pulls up along the canal wall in Medina’s Canal Basin at the end of Thursday’s trip that started in Holley.
Largest fireworks show in Lyndonville history to cap 250th anniversary celebration for USA
Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks lit up the sky in Lyndonville last year on the Fourth of July to cap the 50th annual July 4th celebration organized by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – At its final planning meeting on Wednesday, June 24, the Lyndonville Lions Club finalized preparations for what is expected to be the largest Fourth of July Celebration in the history of the Town of Yates.
The Lions Club anticipates no changes from the traditions that have made this event a community favorite for the past 51 years. The annual celebration will once again take place throughout the streets of Lyndonville and on the grounds of Lyndonville Central School.
The celebration will begin with the “Light Up Lyndonville” initiative, encouraging residents throughout the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville to illuminate their homes in red, white and blue from July 1 through July 5.
In partnership with the Village of Lyndonville Department of Public Works, the Lyndonville Lions Club will also be lighting Main Street with a variety of patriotic displays and decorations.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville during last year’s parade on July 4, 2025. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about 11:55 a.m.
The Lions encourage residents to showcase their community spirit and patriotic pride by decorating their homes with flags, banners, lights, wreaths and inflatables. Following the holiday weekend, awards will be presented to recognize the most outstanding residential displays.
A military fly over is anticipated on July 4th at 11:55 a.m. which will honor our past, present veterans and active military personnel. Please remember the military fly over is dependent on present world events and weather conditions. Further details may be forthcoming, so stay tuned.
This year’s chicken barbecue will feature chicken from Chiavetta’s along with all the traditional sides. Tickets may be purchased at the Hojack Ice Cream Shack and the Yates Town Hall during regular business hours. Tickets may also be reserved through any Lyndonville Lions Club member on a will-call basis and will be held at the door for pickup on the day of the event. In addition, tickets will be available for purchase at the door, subject to availability.
The Lyndonville Lions Club is also setting an ambitious goal this year—to sell 1,000 hot dogs during the Fourth of July Celebration. To help reach this milestone, the Lions are inviting everyone to join their “A Bad Day to Be a Hot Dog” campaign. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Lions hot dog stand, enjoy a delicious hot dog, and support the many community service projects sponsored by the Club throughout the year.
After the parade there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Nehemiah Spalding, a Revolutionary War soldier.
The parade will kick off at noon and is expected to have all the usual participants along with some new additions. The Lyndonville Lions will be sponsoring their “Salute to America’s Forefathers” float.
The Grand Marshal cars will carry the 4th generation relatives of one of Lyndonville’s “Home Town Hero’s” Mr. Nehemiah Spalding. Mr. Peter Wybron and his sister Mrs. Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren and are his descendants living here in Western New York. Mr. Spalding was a Revolutionary War Volunteer who served in the Albany area militias.
Records from the War Department and research through the Daughters of the American Revolution corroborate Mr. Spalding’s participation in multiple local British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions. Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War Battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle for Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga. This last battle has been considered by historians to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War in favor of the Continental Army.
A wreath laying ceremony will follow the parade at the grave marker of Mr. Nehemiah Spalding in Lynhaven Cemetery. The event is expected to include a wreath being placed by local dignitaries, a full honor guard with a flag folding presentation, gun salute and the playing of taps. This will be carried out by the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Honor Guard. The Lions are in gratitude to The Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 and Mr. Scott Goetze for their efforts in seeing this come to fruition. The retired pastor from the Yates Baptist Church Reverend Lyle Drake will offer a few words along with a closing prayer.
At the culmination of the service the Gates Pipe and Drum Band will perform ” Amazing Grace. All are welcome to attend this brief memorial service that will honor and remember those who made this day possible.
The evening entertainment will feature an encore performance by one of Lyndonville’s favorite bands, the Bleeding Hearts. The band is expected to perform many of their popular crowd-pleasers, along with a special tribute set featuring classic hits from one of America’s most beloved summer bands, the Beach Boys.
Provided photo: The Bleeding Hearts will perform a special tribute set to the Beach Boys before the fireworks.
During the Beach Boys tribute set, the Lyndonville Lions Club will sponsor its inaugural Lawn Surfing Contest. Aspiring surfers from Lyndonville and across Western New York will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as they showcase their best lawn surfing skills. So break out your “baggies” and your “Huarache sandals,” practice your best surf moves, and join the fun.
The evening will close with the much-anticipated Salute to America 250 fireworks extravaganza. Patriotic songs will accompany the first part of the fireworks display expected to commence at 10 p.m.
The Lions would like to thank all those who have sponsored this event. The Lions would ask that all take a moment to remember those who have passed and bequeathed funds to the Lyndonville Lions to be used for this year’s fireworks display.
In further business the Lyndonville Lions selected the Scholarship winners for the Dr. Julius Layer “Doc Layer Award” and the Mr. Donald Fraiser Memorial Scholarship Award. These two scholarships are the oldest scholarships awarded at the Lyndonville High School Graduation Ceremony dating back to their inception in 1968 and 1970. Each scholarship is a $1,000 award to a graduating senior who encompasses the scholarship, compassion, civic responsibility and sportsmanship.
The Lions Club will continue its annual tradition of recognizing the top ten graduating seniors with a $100 cash gift at graduation. The club will recognize the work of the Senior Class Leo Club members with a Lions Club International Gold Pin Award. The awards will be announced by a Lyndonville Lions Club member at graduation.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends a warm invitation to residents, former residents, neighbors, and visitors to join us for this historic Fourth of July Celebration as we commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. May God continue to bless our men and women in harm’s way around the world as they continue to protect our rights and freedoms.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 June 2026 at 7:09 pm
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green
Medina’s Melanie Green fired a 1 over par 73 today on the opening round of thr Women’s PGA Championship being held at the Hazeltine Country Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
Green got off to a rough start with a bogey on the first hole and a double bogey on the third to quickly soar to 3 over par.
However, she rebounded strongly with birdies on 8, 9 and 11 to get back to even par.
A bogey on 13 interrupted that rally and left her with a 1 over par round for the day.
When she finished her round she was 10 shots back of the leader at 9 under.
The tournament will continue on Friday after which the field will be cut setting the stage for the championship deciding rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Photos courtesy of Hoag Library: Wildlife Rockstars are shown during their presentation last summer at Hoag Library.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library is pleased to announce that the Wildlife Rockstars will visit the library on Monday at 11:30 a.m. to kick off the 2026 Summer Reading Program.
The Wildlife Rockstars program is part of Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc., a nonprofit that raises awareness of traumatic brain injury and disability while promoting prevention and support. The program is a wildlife and conservation education initiative led by staff and day program members rebuilding their lives after brain injuries, who develop hands-on skills in the care and handling of live animals, including birds, reptiles and other animal ambassadors.
Last year’s program drew a large and enthusiastic turnout, offering attendees the chance to see and learn about a wide variety of animals. At this year’s kickoff, participants can pick up the full Summer Reading schedule for adults, teens, and children, and learn more about the Nioga Library System Passport Program, which encourages visits to libraries throughout the system.
Hoag Library also invites the community to enjoy two upcoming free concerts. The Kendall Community Band will perform tonight, June 25 at 6:30 p.m., and classical guitarist Matthew Ardizzone will perform this Saturday at noon. Both free performances are open to the public and offer great opportunities to enjoy live music at the library.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 June 2026 at 11:17 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville junior pitcher/third baseman Quincey McClinsey has been honored by being named to the Section V Class D baseball team. He made 13 starts on the mound for the Tigers pitched 60.1 innings and struck out 94 batters. At the plate he hit . 319 with 1 double, 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored. He was also a Genesee Region League All-Star.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 June 2026 at 9:45 am
Barre has scored a pair of Albion Midget Baseball League victories this week downing Carlton 12-2 and Elks/Rotary 6-0.
Undefeated (12-0) Sandstone has also scored a 17-2 win over Vets.
Barre 12, Carlton 2
Finley Baird had 3 hits including a single, double and triple with 5 RBIs to lead the offense for Barre. He also earned the win on the mound striking out 7 in 4 innings of work.
Hits by Easton Neri, Chase Armer and Hudson Armer also keyed a 3 run third inning.
Barre 6, Elks/Rotary 0
Hudson Armer pitched the shutout for Barre .Home runs by Neri and Hudson Armer highlighted the offense.
Sandstone 17, Vets 2
Nikko Russo had 4 hits and 5 RBIs, Giavonni LaMartina 2 hits with a home run and 5 RBIs, Matt Colmenero a triple and 2 RBIs and Jace Torres 2 hits and 3 RBIs to lead the offense for Sandstone.
LaMartina also registered 8 strikeouts in 3 innings of work on the mound.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 June 2026 at 9:42 am
The Albion 14U baseball team defeated LeRoy 10-4 Wednesday to improve to 3-0 as Brody Furness and Evan Coots combined for a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.
A two-run single in the first inning by Brycen Potter ignited the offense for Albion which added 3 runs in the third inning on an RBI single by Robert Hickman, a passed ball and a wild pitch and 4 more in the third on singles by Furness and Jackson Frasier, two errors and a groundout.
The Medina 15U team evened its record at 3-3 by downing the Central Amherst Orange 7-6.
A two-run homer by Mason Berry in the sixth inning provided the margin of victory. He also pitched four and one-third innings allowing 2 hits and striking out 9.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2026 at 9:17 am
Replica of famed boat headed to Medina today
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Seneca Chief carries of a contingent along the Erie Canal on Wednesday afternoon. Most of this group includes Brockport and Holley residents. They were guests on the Seneca Chief, a 73-foot-long replica of the famed boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the Erie Canal in 1825 when it opened following eight years of construction.
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center worked for four years to recreate the Seneca Chief. The 73-foot-long replica received great fanfare last year as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal. It went from Buffalo to New York City and spent the winter in Waterford near Albany.
The Seneca Chief is doing a “Back to Buffalo” tour this month. The boat was open for tours on Wednesday in Holley.
Because the replica has no engine, the 33-foot historic wooden tugboat C.L. Churchill is used to push and maneuver the vessel along the Erie Canal.
The Seneca Chief will be in Medina today. The schedule includes:
3:30 p.m. – Seneca Chief arrives at Medina Canal Basin
4 p.m. – Welcome ceremony
4:30 p.m. – Visitor experience that is open to the public
7 p.m. – Visitor experience public hours end
As part of the welcome ceremony in Holley, some water from the Erie Canal was scooped out of the canal and out in a barrel that will be used to water a white pine tree in Buffalo. Robbie Weit, a Holley elementary student in the red hat, scoops out the water from the canal in Holley.
This Holley group adds the water from the canal in Holley to the barrel. In back are Dan Man, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society and Mayor Mark Bower. He is assisting Holley students Robbie Weit, Timothy Hendrickson and Vivian Applegate.
The Buffalo Maritime Center did a “Gathering of the Waters” ceremony at each stop last year and then used it to water a white pine tree in New York City.
This year the group is collecting water from each stop and it will be used to water a white pine in Buffalo. The white pine trees were planted as a symbolic tribute to the Haudenosaunee and a commitment to a sustainable future.
Dr. John Montague, president emeritus of the Buffalo Maritime Center, thanks the Holley community for welcoming the Seneca Chief on Wednesday.
Montague said hundreds of volunteers worked over four years to build the replica boat, which he said has helped unite communities along the canal.
“It’s worked out far beyond our dreams,” he said. “It astonishes me that we pulled this off.”
Members of a band, PSA, from Holley Central School performed while people toured the Seneca Chief.
The band members include lead singer Isla Schultz, Brody Williams on drums, Aidan Kelley on guitar and Kallan Babcock on bass.
Former Holley Mayor John Kenney, a retired Holley teacher, steps off the boat after a riding from Brockport to Holley. He has lived in Holley for more than 60 years and said it was his first time riding a boat on the canal.
“You don’t realize how a gorgeous a ride it is with the homes are along the canal and all the wildlife,” Kenney said. “It was very relaxing.”
People line up to tour the boat which was docked at Holley’s Canal Park.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower holds up a souvenir button showing the Seneca Chief. Those buttons were given to crew members as a gift from Holley. They were made by Robbie Weit and his mother, Jessica Weit.
The boat heads west on the Erie Canal, getting close to the Holley Canal Park. This photo was taken from the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge.
The Seneca Chief reaches the Holley Canal Park, where it was open for tours and docked for the night. The boat was given an escort by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Patrol.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2026 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – The Dave Viterna Group performed Tuesday evening at the Orleans County Marine Park to kick off the summer concert series.
There were several hundred people at the concert. The band members include from left: Marty Hobbs, “Scooter” Scott Felice on drums and Dave Viterna.
Dave Viterna and his band have been sought after performers in Western New York for many years.
“Scooter” Scott Felice pounded the skins for about two hours during the concert on Tuesday.
The park is located on Route 98 in Point Breeze along the Oak Orchard River.
The schedule for the rest of the season includes:
June 30 – Something Else, playing pop covers
July 7 – SkyCats, playing classic rock, southern rock, country, blues, soul
July 14 – Feedback, playing Motown to country
July 21 – The Who Dats, playing dance rock
July 28 – No Concert due to Orleans County 4-H Fair
Aug. 4 – Stone Age Romeos playing Classic 70’s Vinyl and more
Aug. 11 – rain date
Aug. 18 – rain date
The concerts go from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There is a $2 admission charge.
The Clarendon Lions Club are back serving grilled items, including burgers, hot dogs and sausage. Clarendon Lions members Don Knapp, left, and Roger Boynton were assisted by Philip Molino, age 12.
There are other food vendors at the park for the concerts.
