MEDINA – A trio of scholar podcasters will present a new book on the History of Spiritualism in Lily Dale at Author’s Note in Medina and Woodward Memorial Library in Leroy.

Sarah Handley-Cousins, Elizabeth Garner Masarik and Marissa C. Rhodes visited Woodward Memorial Library at 6 p.m. July 6 and will be at Author’s Note today at 6:30 p.m. They will join in conversation to discuss and sign their most recent title, Spiritualism’s Place: Reformers, Seekers and Seances in Lily Dale. The book showcases their research on the world’s oldest and largest center for spiritualism.

Coming together from three separate states, the authors will delve into the intimate history of Lily Dale, located in Western New York and the birthplace of Spiritualism. It was also a hub in the development of women’s suffrage and temperance movements. Lily Dale is still the world’s largest community devoted to Spiritualism, the belief that existence continues after death, and that interaction with these spirits is possible.

The authors use those sites and themes to approach Lily Dale, not as debunkers, but as inquisitive researchers and storytellers, according to Julie Berry, a New York Times Best-selling author and owner of Author’s Note. At the same time, they also reflect on their own relationships, contending that it’s never quite possible to separate grief, hope, faith and friendship from understandings of the past.

The book is co-authored by Handley-Cousins, Masarik, Rhodes and another scholar and fellow podcaster, Averill Earls, who could not be at the event. The three who will be present will discuss their work, answer questions and sign books. The event today at Author’s Note is free and open to the public.

Averill Earls is associate professor of history at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She is author of Love in the Lav and executive producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

Sarah Handley-Cousins is associate teaching professor of history at the University of Buffalo, and author of Bodies in Blue, executive editor of Nursing Clio and producer of ”Dig: A History Podcast.”

Elizabeth Garner-Masanik is associate professor of history at Brockport State College, author of The Sentimental State and producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

Marissa C. Rhodes is assistant professor of history at Saint Leo University in Florida. She is former managing director of A Journal of the Plague Year and producer of “Dig: A History Podcast.”

For more information, contact Author’s Note at (585) 798-3642.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has introduced the Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies (CANADA) Act, legislation directing the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages through provincial liquor boards.

The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the investigation within 30 days of enactment to determine whether the Canadian provinces’ actions are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have prohibited or restricted the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, harming U.S. producers and limiting their access to an important export market.

The CANADA Act builds on comments from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who stated that resolving the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory treatment of American alcohol producers would likely require an enforcement action.

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Ambassador Greer noted that only two countries had retaliated economically against the United States over the past year: the People’s Republic of China and Canada. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with affected manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and federal agencies throughout the investigation while providing regular reports to Congress on the status of the enforcement effort.

“Canadian provinces cannot be allowed to hold American wineries, breweries, and distilleries hostage and attempt to ransom them,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “American wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other beverage producers deserve fair access to Canadian markets, not discriminatory treatment from one of our closest trading partners. Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have unfairly targeted U.S. producers and harmed hardworking American businesses due to unrelated policy issues. Beyond the harm they’ve caused to American businesses, these prohibitions are an active impediment to a productive and smooth USMCA renegotiation process. Given that the Canadian provinces have refused to act in a constructive manner, I introduced the CANADA Act to ensure the United States takes the necessary steps to hold Canada accountable until the provinces decide to drop their unjustifiable import bans. America must always stand up for our producers, our workers, and fair trade.”

This legislation is also supported by the Wine Institute, American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), and Wine America.

“For too long, America’s craft distillers have been caught in the middle of a trade dispute that has nothing to do with them. We appreciate Congresswoman Tenney’s leadership in bringing renewed attention to the discriminatory treatment of U.S. craft spirits in Canada and hope this legislation encourages serious negotiations that restore fair market access for American producers.” – ACSA CEO Emily Pennington

“WineAmerica greatly appreciates Congresswoman Tenney’s steadfast support of the American wine industry,” said Executive Director Michael Kaiser. “Losing the Canadian market for our products has hurt wineries from Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Finger Lakes in New York. The CANADA Act is a good step to re-opening that market to American wines.”

Press Release, Ellman for Congress

LOCKPORT – Democratic congressional candidate Alissa Ellman today challenged Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to participate in four public debates across New York’s 24th Congressional District, saying voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates before casting their ballots.

“Everywhere I go, I hear the same question: ‘Where’s Claudia?’” said Ellman. “People want to know why they don’t see her in their communities, why she isn’t answering questions, and why she isn’t talking to them about the issues that matter most. Well, here’s the perfect opportunity.”

Ellman proposed four debates in communities across the district, each hosted by local media outlets, civic organizations, colleges, or community groups, ensuring voters from every corner of NY-24 have the chance to hear directly from both candidates.

“This isn’t about political theater. It’s about accountability,” Ellman said. “Families are struggling with higher grocery prices, rising utility bills, housing costs, and healthcare expenses. Farmers are worried about their future. The people of this district have questions, and they deserve answers.”

A veteran, burn pit cancer survivor, and mother, Ellman said showing up and answering tough questions comes with the job.

Ellman said her campaign is prepared to work immediately with local media and community organizations to schedule the debates.

“The people shouldn’t have to wonder where their representative is,” Ellman said. “I’m ready to debate anytime, anywhere. I’ve accepted the invitation. Now it’s Claudia Tenney’s turn to show up.”

Press Release, Author’s Note

Provided images: Victoria Vazquez will be at Author’s Note on July 13 to launch her new book, The Death Row Club.

MEDINA – Buffalo author V. A. Vazquez will start her international book tour for her acclaimed debut thriller, The Death Row Club, with a launch party at Author’s Note, Medina’s independent bookstore, on Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30 p.m., with a second session at 7:30 p.m. due to expected turnout.

Vazquez will discuss and sign her novel and lead an “Is Your Parent a Serial Killer?” quiz as part of the celebration, which will also include themed treats for attendees. Victoria Vazquez, a frequent customer at Author’s Note and regular fixture in its three adult book clubs, chose Author’s Note to host the kickoff celebration for her debut novel, which will not be available anywhere else in the United States until July 14th. Author’s Note anticipates a large turnout and asks attendees to reserve free tickets on their website or by calling the store.

“Victoria Vazquez is beloved at Author’s Note,” says Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note. “She’s legendary at our book clubs for her humor, her insights, and her heart. She’s truly one of our own, so we’re incredibly excited to see all this global buzz her debut is getting. We can’t wait to give The Death Row Club a world-class sendoff.”

The Death Row Club is a dark, dazzlingly original psychological thriller about a woman invited to an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers…but when one of the participants ends up dead, they begin to wonder if someone among them might be carrying on the family traditions.

V.A. Vazquez’s debut novel has already been acclaimed receiving a starred review from BookPage saying, “It roped me in from the first chapter and did not untie me until the final page… My favorite part of doing monthly book reviews for BookPage is happening upon an author’s debut novel and finding it to be unputdownable. The Death Row Club is Unputdownable with a capital-U.”

Vazquez’s book is also receiving high praise from fellow authors. New York Times and internationals #1 best selling author, Karin Slaugher says The Death Row Club is “Compelling, provocative, and absorbing. Vazquez thrills with a fresh and unforgettable premise.”

V.A. Vazquez was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where she currently teaches English. She received her BA in English from Barnard College and her MS in Teaching from Fordham University. She’s currently pursuing an MFA in Fiction from Spalding University. A former Fulbright Distinguished Teacher at the University of Glasgow, she spent five years living in Scotland, in a town inhabited by countless baby sheep.

Author’s Note anticipates a very large turnout for this special event and strongly suggests reserving a spot for the event and preordering copies of The Death Row Club at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/events. 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.

Press Release, Orleans County 4-H Fair

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is pleased to announce the addition of a Sensory Room at this year’s fair, made possible through a grant from Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Orleans County Health Department.

The Sensory Room will be located in the back half of the Harrington Classroom in the Education Center. This space is designed to give fairgoers a quieter, more comfortable place to take a break during the fair.

The room will include access to wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory tents, dimmable lights, small fidgets, swivel and wave chairs, and a sensory path. Some items may be used outside of the room on the fairgrounds. A deposit as well as a valid id will be required for items that leave the room, such as wagons or wheelchairs.

In addition to the Sensory Room, sensory bags will also be available for fairgoers thanks to a donation from Cobblestone Federal Credit Union. These bags include fidgets and other small sensory tools that can be used throughout the fairgrounds to help children and youth feel more comfortable while enjoying the fair.

“We want the fair to be a welcoming place for as many families as possible,” said Kayla Dengler, Community Contests Chair and Fair Committee Member. “This grant and donation help us offer extra support for children, youth, and families who may need a calmer space or helpful equipment while enjoying the fair.”

The Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through August 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the Sensory Room during fair week as needed.

For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at 585-798-4265, email orleans@cornell.edu, or visit orleans4-hfair.com.