Gillibrand holds first ever Congressional hearing on menopause
Senator seeks more funds for research, care for women experiencing menopause
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rick Scott (R-FL), ranking member and chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, held the first ever congressional hearing on menopause. At the hearing, expert witnesses testified about the urgent need to improve menopause research, training, and care.
Additionally, Gillibrand and Scott made a bipartisan request to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how the federal government currently coordinates and funds menopause research and care.
“Menopause impacts over half of our population, and the fact that Congress has never held a hearing on it is absolutely disgraceful,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today’s hearing was a critical step toward getting this issue front and center so that we can find the best ways to improve research, training, and care for women experiencing menopause. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues—men and women, Democrats and Republicans—to meet the moment on menopause.”
Menopause is one of the most under-researched, undertreated, and underdiagnosed fields of medicine. Women in midlife make up about a third of the U.S. population. However, less than 1% of federal women’s health research funding is allocated to menopause. Additionally, 80% of OB-GYN residents admit to being ill-prepared to discuss menopause—meaning that women who seek medical care for symptoms of menopause are often left untreated.
The lack of treatment for menopause also has massive economic implications. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that menopause costs the U.S. economy $26.6 billion per year, including $1.8 billion in lost work time alone. One in ten women leave the workforce because of menopause, taking decades of knowledge and experience with them.
Gillibrand and Scott’s bipartisan letter to GAO requests a report on the federal government’s role in menopause care and research. This report will help us better understand remaining gaps in menopause-related research, education, and treatment, and what the federal government can do to address these gaps. The text of the letter can be found by clicking here.
Lady Eagles down rival Lady Hawks
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Ryleigh Denning and Holley’s Carsyn Mogle work to gain control of the ball during this evening’s rivalry game which saw the Lady Eagles down the host Lady Hawks.
A pair of second half goals earned Kendall a 2-0 win over rival Holley in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game at Holley this evening.
Jersie Drake and Ryleigh Denning scored the goals for the Lady Eagles as Sophia Picardo and Izzy D’Agostino earned the assists.
Both goalkeepers, Kendall’s Teagan Shaw and Holley’s Zoey Warner, made 3 saves.
Kendall is now 4-0 and Holley 4-1-1.
Boys Soccer
Wilson 4, Akron 3
Defending champion Wilson took over the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer league lead by edging Akron 4-3 this afternoon.
Hayden Fellows scored 2 goals and Trenton Kaminski and Mason Schultz each netted 1 for Wilson which improves to 2-0 in N-O action.
Sawyer Ranney scored 2 goals and Luke Piscitelli 1 for Akron which slips to 2-1.
Holley’s Jayna Burris advances the ball against Kendall’s Sophia Picardo.
Digital stethoscopes donated to Medina FD in honor of Ancel and Patricia Lyons
Photo from Medina Fire Department
MEDINA – Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley accepts a donation of four EKO digital stethoscopes from Jeff Lyons and Kim Patterson. They gave the stethoscopes in honor of their parents, Ancel and Patricia Lyons.
These stethoscopes will be placed on fire department’s four ambulances after in-service training which will greatly increase our diagnostic capabilities, Cooley said.
Ancel Lyons, the long-time owner of Lyons Collision, died at age 84 on July 26, 2026. His wife, Patricia Lyons, passed away at age 82 on May 16, 2025.
Together, they opened Lyons Collision in 1978.
Kendall spikers down rival Holley
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Rylan Clark makes a return for Kendall during this evening’s win at rival Holley.
Kendall scored a straight set 25-20, 25-18, 25-19 win over rival Holley in a Genesee Region League volleyball match at Holley this evening.
For Kendall, Emma Minster had 12 service points and 19 assists, Maya Tatar 8 points including 7 aces, Rylan Clark 6 kills and 8 digs, Irelynn Maloney 5 kills, Kayla Minster 5 kills and Makayla Bentley 15 digs.
For Holley, Brianna Pellegrino had 3 kills and 3 aces, Arene Johnson 3 kills and Kylie Allport 2 kills and 6 digs.
Holley’s Kylie Allport with a set as Madison Bonacci (14) and Ella Wilson (6) get ready for a possible play.
State approves $114K grant for Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department has been awarded a $114,000 grant from the state, part of $25 million for 65 volunteer fire departments and districts across New York to improve facilities, response capabilities and emergency preparedness.
These investments build on the $25 million previously awarded to 88 volunteer fire departments in October 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office announced.
With nearly half of New Yorkers relying on volunteer firefighters for fire protection and emergency response, this grant program helps offset the financial pressures of rising equipment and construction costs, ensuring local taxpayers do not bear the full cost of these essential safety upgrades, Hochul said in a news release.
“Our volunteer firefighters answer the call day and night, keeping New York communities across the state safe,” Hochul said. “By investing an additional $25 million in V-FIRE grant funding for volunteer firefighters, we are ensuring our local heroes are equipped with modern facilities, advanced gear and tools they need to respond quickly and safely when they get the call.”
The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, which supports volunteer fire departments by upgrading and improving facilities and response capabilities through the following objectives:
- Facility Improvements: Funding the construction of new, or renovation of existing, fire stations, classrooms, meeting spaces, or training centers to ensure they are safe, structurally sound, meet current building codes, and promote safe firefighting practices.
- Equipment Purchases: Supporting firefighter health, safety, and wellness by providing up-to-date personal protective equipment (PPE), PPE washers and dryers, decontamination equipment and supplies, and effective exhaust removal systems.
- Additionally, the V-FIRE grants support the consolidation of fire service resources through regionalization efforts, allowing departments to expand their capabilities beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries to enhance local, county, and statewide mutual aid response.
Barker golfers nip Albion
Barker nipped Albion 241-242 in a Niagara-Orleans League golf match this afternoon.
Hudson Prynn took medalist honors for Barker with a 38 as Grant Ginavan added a 47 and Lucas Nestoros a 49.
Owen Spencer led Albion with a 44 as Drew Pritchard and Gavin Boyce both carded rounds of 49.
Betterment Committee doesn’t want Santa statue moved from downtown park
Albion Village Board considers selling park, relocating statue
Photos by Tom Rivers: The statue of Santa in honor of the late Charles W. Howard is located at Waterman Park on North Main Street in Albion, where there is also a Santa-themed mural and a sleigh. About $100,000 in community donations paid for the statue and mural.
ALBION – A group that has helped raise $100,000 for a bronze statue, large mural of Santa, and other improvements to Waterman Park wants those elements to stay put.
The Village Board is talking about putting the park up for sale with the hope of having food businesses in trailers and other entertainment at the site. Mayor Tim McMurray said it could be a big draw to downtown, helping to feed other businesses.
Selling the small park also would out it back on the tax rolls, generating funds for the village and relieve the village of caring for the site.
But the Albion Betterment Committee wants to make it clear it wants the Santa to remain in the park.
Jerome Pawlak, a director on the Albion Betterment Committee, speaks during the board’s meeting Tuesday in the Hoag Library. Behind him are downtown business owner David Snell, left, and ABC director Gary Kent.
Pawlak said keeping the park with a Santa statue, mural and sleigh creates a synergy as the Betterment Committee works to develop a museum to the Santa School. The Charles W. Howard Santa School was in Albion from 1937 until Howard’s death in 1966. The school continues in his name in Midland, Mich.
Ken Bieber speaks at last week’s Village Board meeting. From left in back include Mayor Tim McMurray and village trustees Greg Bennett and Kevin Sheehan. William Gabalski and Jami Allport also are on the board.
Bieber owns the building on the north side of the Waterman Park. He said making the park available for food trailers could be a big draw. He didn’t want to get rid of the Santa-themed elements celebrating Charles Howard and Albion’s heritage with the original Santa School. He thinks the could be better positioned in Albion with the statue in the sidewalk in front of the future museum, and the mural in a more prominent part of Albion.
“It’s not getting rid of Santa by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.
Mayor Tim McMurray and Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett said village-owned land between the Presbyterian Church and a parking lot also could be a higher-profile location for the Santa statue, mural and sleigh, especially if a Santa House were part of the layout.
“This was never anti-Charles Howard or anti-Santa,” McMurray said at last week’s Village Board meeting.
He said the Santa mural and one on the opposite side of the park featuring quarrymen “fight each other” and aren’t complimentary to each other. He sees the Santa and large Santa mural as “kind of hidden” in the pocket park about a half block south of the canal.
He favors putting the land up for sale, giving the opportunity for a more dynamic asset in the downtown while also putting the site back on the tax rolls.
An Orleans Hub article on Aug. 13 about the possible sale of the park last month drew nearly 300 comments on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page with many opposing the sale, and urging the board to try to fill vacant storefronts instead.
“I think that the park is fine just as it is for now,” village resident Jason Dragon posted. “The expense is very low, and it provides a nice visual contrast for the downtown area. I can’t see how privatizing it will add value given that is has been a challenge to utilize many of the other downtown buildings for decades.”
Phil Schening said selling the park and making it available for business would be a good move.
“Clear it out and let food trucks set up there to draw people downtown, permits required with a time frame so more than one get a chance to sell,” Schening wrote.
This photo taken from a window of the Pratt theater shows Waterman Park. Besides the Santa statue and mural, there is a mural depicting quarrymen and a n interpretive panel highlighting the historic districts in the community.
Lori Laine has been active in promoting the Santa projects in Albion. She said she might try to buy the land if it is put up for sale so the statue could stay there.
McMurray said if the idea advances, with the land going for sale, he would have Bieber share his plan in detail and disclose the renderings. McMurray believes the community would rally behind Bieber’s ideas.
“Once you see a visual, I promise you you’ll say, ‘Give me a shovel and I’ll dig it up,’” McMurray said.
If the land is up for sale, McMurray said it would likely have to go to the highest bidder.
Bieber was at the Betterment Committee’s board meeting on Tuesday and heard the group’s strong opposition to relocating the Santa elements. He said he doesn’t want to push a project without community support and would be fine with the spot staying as a Santa-themed park.
Betterment Committee members said there are many unknowns about the village’s talk to sell the park. Can the village simply list it for sale and sell it, or does it need the State Legislature’s permission to sell a park? ABC members said municipalities often need the state’s OK to sell parkland.
Also, would the state Department of Transportation even allow the statue to be situated in the sidewalk? The DOT in past has allowed temporary items in the sidewalk, but not permanent things.
Albion man gets 4 years for having loaded gun, cocaine in car
ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to 4 years in state prison this morning in Orleans County Court.
Corey Wilson, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. He was charged after a traffic stop on July 21, 2025 in the town of Gaines. He allegedly had two containers of cocaine, including one with 2.17 ounces of cocaine, as well as a loaded gun.
Public Defender Joanne Best asked for less time in prison for Wilson, saying he is a young man with a family. As part of a plea agreement, he faced up to five years in prison. Best asked for 1 ½ or 2 years, plus 3 years of post-release supervision.
County Court Judge Sanford Church said Wilson was already on probation when he committed the crimes. The judge sentenced Wilson to four years in prison plus 1 ½ years of post-release supervision.
Wilson also needs to pay a $300 court surcharge, a $50 DNA fee, and $25 for a crime victims fee.
In other cases in court today:
• Christopher Bescherer, 44, of Albion was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for attempted aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Bescherer was driving without a license when he was in a car accident.
He was twice on probation where it was revoked for not following the guidelines.
He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $438 n other court surcharges and fees.
• Glenn Quintern, 67, of Rochester pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny for his role in passing a fraudulent $5,500 certified check to Orleans Ford to buy a new pickup truck.
The truck was then delivered to Quintern’s residence when he lived in Batavia, and then taken the next day to New Jersey.
The pickup truck valued at $67,995. The scheme was orchestrated by Quintern’s ex-fiance. He admitted his role in handing off the fake check and then possessing the truck for the brief time.
He could face a 1 1/3 to 4-year sentence in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18.
Quintern could have gone to trial, trying to convince a jury he didn’t realize the extent of the deception. But with second-degree grand larceny, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison if found guilty in a trial.
Quintern is being held in the county jail on $10,000 cash bail and $20,000 bond.
Black pig on the lam proves elusive in Albion
Photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – A black pig is on the loose in the Abion area, and sightings of this pig have frequently been posted on social media in the past week. This morning the pig was spotted close to the Keitel Road and Route 31 intersection.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is well aware of this pig and are trying to corral it.
“The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of a pig loose in the Town of Albion,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page. “Numerous attempts were made to contain the pig. The Sheriff’s Office and owners are aware, and are working to resolve the matter.”
Krenning is sophomore starter at WPI
Contributed Photo – Seth Krenning
Albion High graduate Seth Krenning is a sophomore starting lineman for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute football team in Worcester, Mass.
Krenning is also a starter on the line for the special teams which provided the Engineers with a dramatic 22-21 victory over the University of New England this past weekend with a 50 yard field goal as time expired.
The thrilling finish earned airtime on both the ESPH and NBC college football halftime shows.
An Engineering major, Krenning was a three year football starter during his scholastic days at Albion where he was also a multi year starter in basketball and baseball.
The Engineers are now 1-1 on the season.
1,200 students, including many from Orleans, will be at workforce event on Sept. 29
GLOW With Your Hands puts focus on careers in trades, agriculture, construction and advanced manufacturing
File photos by Tom Rivers: Abby Hunt, left, and Naeve Nothnagle of Caledonia-Mumford race to push a wheelbarrow with a cinder block through a course during GLOW With Your Hands on Sept. 24, 2024 at the Genesee County fairgrounds. The activity was set up by John Guilford Sr., in back in orange, who is a trainer with the Rochester Laborers Training & Apprentice Fund Local 435.
Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands
BATAVIA – For more than 1,200 students across the GLOW region, one hands-on experience could spark an interest, reveal a hidden talent or open the door to a future they had never imagined.
On Tuesday, September 29, students from 32 school districts will gather at the Genesee County Fairgrounds for the seventh annual GLOW With Your Hands career exploration event. Throughout the day, students will connect with more than 70 employers, industry partners, post-secondary institutions and workforce organizations representing opportunities throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
More than a traditional career fair, GLOW With Your Hands invites students to roll up their sleeves and experience the world of work for themselves. They will operate equipment, use industry tools, complete real-world activities and talk directly with the professionals who live and work in their communities.
The event highlights career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, skilled trades, construction, transportation, food processing, engineering, public service and other high-demand industries. It also helps students understand the education, training and experiences that can turn their interests into meaningful careers.
“GLOW With Your Hands allows students to experience careers instead of simply hearing about them,” said Angela Grouse, director of Education to Employment for the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce and GLOW With Your Hands co-chair. “Sometimes, all it takes is one experience for a young person to recognize a talent or imagine a future they had never considered. We want every student to leave knowing there are people, opportunities and pathways right here in our region ready to help them succeed.”
Students were able to operate an excavator at one of the stations on Sept. 24, 2024.
GLOW With Your Hands began in 2019 with a shared belief among regional education, business, workforce and economic development leaders: students deserve the opportunity to explore careers before they are asked to make important decisions about their futures.
Since its launch, the initiative has connected more than 6,000 students with local employers and career opportunities. Regional partners have also documented an increase in enrollment in related Career and Technical Education programs.
“The continued growth of this event reflects how deeply our region believes in its young people,” said Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance and GLOW With Your Hands co-chair. “Employers, educators, volunteers and community partners give their time because they want students to see what is possible. They are not only showcasing careers; they are encouraging students, answering their questions and helping them picture a future where they can thrive.”
At the heart of GLOW With Your Hands is the belief that there is no single pathway to success. A student’s future may include college, Career and Technical Education, an apprenticeship, industry credentials, military service or entering the workforce. Each pathway has value, and every student deserves the chance to find the one that is right for them.
The event also gives local employers the opportunity to invest in the next generation. By sharing their knowledge and passion with students, participating organizations help build awareness of rewarding careers available close to home while strengthening the future workforce of the entire GLOW region.
GLOW With Your Hands is made possible through the collaboration of Business Education Alliances, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies, BOCES, local school districts, employers, trade unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and hundreds of volunteers. Their collective commitment continues to show students that their communities believe in them and want them to succeed.
About GLOW With Your Hands
GLOW With Your Hands is a regional workforce development initiative serving Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Through immersive, hands-on career exploration experiences, the initiative connects students with local employers, educators, workforce organizations and post-secondary institutions. Since 2019, GLOW With Your Hands has helped more than 6,000 students explore high-demand careers, recognize their potential and discover opportunities available throughout the region.
For additional information, visit www.glowwithyourhands.com.
Pullman Memorial Universalist Church will ordain minister on Oct. 4
Press Release, Pullman Memorial Universalist Church
ALBION – Pullman Memorial Universalist Church proudly announces the upcoming ordination of Susan Dodge-Peters Daiss, MDiv, to the ministry.
The historic service will take place on Sunday, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, located at 10 East Park Street in Albion.
Congregational ordination of clergy is a time-honored tradition in the Unitarian Universalist faith community, and after more than 30 years of faithful service and pastoral care provided to the congregation at Pullman, and to the local Unitarian Universalist community, Pullman Memorial is honored to be hosting this cherished celebration in recognition of Susan’s service.
The ordination ceremony represents a sacred landmark in a minister’s journey and a celebratory milestone for the local spiritual community. A formal procession of clergy will be included as part of the service, highlighting regional interfaith solidarity and tradition. Members of the visiting clergy are invited to participate, with robes noted as optional for the procession.
The entire local community, neighboring congregations, and well-wishers are warmly invited to attend this momentous occasion. Following the conclusion of the formal ceremony, attendees are welcome to stay for refreshments and a community reception to congratulate the newly ordained minister.
Those planning to attend are requested to send their RSVP to Jessica George at jessicaamg329@gmail.com by the deadline of Sunday, September 20.
About Pullman Memorial Universalist Church:
Pullman Memorial Universalist Church is a welcoming spiritual community based in Albion, NY. Committed to fostering spiritual growth, justice, and inclusivity, the congregation provides a space for diverse theological exploration and community engagement. More information can be found at: pullmanuu.org.
Holley booters edge rival Kendall
Holley edged rival Kendall 2-1 in a Genesee Region League boys soccer game this evening at Holley.
Tarek Garrett and Chase Kempa each scored a goal for Holley. Cooper Wolf assisted on Garrett’s goal.
Brenden Eichas scored for Kendall off an assist from Andrew Coker.
Holley is now 3-0 overall and Kendall 2-1
Barker, Wilson score field hockey wins; Medina’s game is suspended by bad weather
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Isabelle Perez works to gain control of the ball against a Kenmore defender during this evening’s game at Vets Park which was suspended by stormy weather in the third period.
Kenmore held a 1-0 lead over Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game this evening at Vets Park when stormy weather caused the contest to be suspended.
Barker 8, Roy-Hart 0
Barker shutout host Roy-Hart 8-0 as Sophia Pavlock, Xyon Weese and Autumn Lewis each scored 2 goals. Elise Monaco and Brooke Weber both added 1.
Wilson 2, Newfane 1
Wilson edged rival Newfane 2-1 on goals by Trinity Kaminski and Brynn Lepsch.
Addison Reis scored the Newfane goal.
Medina, Albion and Roy-Hart spikers bow
Akron downed visiting Medina 25-20, 29-27, 23-25, 25-18 in a Niagara-Orleans League volleyball match this evening.
Cailyah St. Louis had 5 aces and 2 kills, Sam Heschke 4 aces and 2 kills, Jenna Castricone 2 aces and 2 kills and Cassidy Janas 1 ace and 1 kill for Medina.
Newfane 25-25-25, Albion 16-17-22
Newfane improved to 3-0 by downing Albion (0-2) 25-16, 25-17, 25-22.
Jillian LeBaron had 5 kills and Charlotte Pike 6 assists for Albion.
Wilson 15-15-13-25, Roy-Hart 20-29-25-16
Wilson bested Roy-Hart in 4 sets 25-20, 25-19, 13-25, 25-16.
SamiLynn Denniston had 6 kills and 3 aces and Lauren Snyder 5 kills and 2 aces for Roy-Hart.
