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Holley’s Class of 2025 urged to chase dreams, never stop learning
‘Dreams require action. They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.’
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Neeko Caterisano pops confetti at the end of the Holley’s commencement on Saturday in the school auditorium.
Holley’s Class of 2025 includes 67 graduates.
The class gathered on the football field to toss their caps after the graduation ceremony.
Isabella Emery and Jose-Angel Modesto Valentin, co-vice presidents for the Class of 2025, announce the class gift – $1,300 to both the Holley Community Center and Foodlink. The class wants to help the community center with “their outstanding service and outreach,” Valentin said.
Foodlink also is an important resource in the region and community for fighting food insecurity, Emery said.
“We have been taught here in Holley to not only be good citizens but to also reach out to the bigger community,” she said. “Thank you to the faculty and staff for showing us how important it is to give back.”
The Salutatory address was given by Natalie Foose, left, and the Valedictory address was delivered by Allison Merle.
Both thanked their families, friends and teachers for their support during their time as a Holley student.
“There are so many more opportunities out there waiting for us. Don’t waste them,” Merle said. “Take the opportunities that come your way and make them the best you can because you may never get the chance to do certain things again.”
Foose said commencement “is the peak of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and it is proof to the strength and resilience of each and every one of us.”
She said some of her classmates have clear plans on what’s next in their lives, while others aren’t so sure.
“I do not know why 17- and 18-year-olds must have their lives planned,” Foose said. “But as we embark on this new journey, let’s remember to embrace the chaos and hold on to your dreams and pursue them with passion and purpose.”
Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.
Penny Cole delivers the keynote address on Saturday. She was picked by the class to be the speaker.
Penny Cole is a member of Holley’s Class of 1975, the last class to graduate from the old Holley High School. Every time she goes by the old school, the memories come flooding back of friendships and she feels pride being a Holley hawk, she told the class.
Cole worked at school district for 35 years as administrative assistant. She was the cheerleading coach for 35 years and won 3 sectional titles and 19 Genesee Region championships.
She is a mom to three children and a grandma to four. In the school building she served as “everyone’s mom” who was always ready with a hug, said Board of Education member Anne Winkley.
Cole recalled sitting at commencement 50 years earlier, wondering what her future would hold.
“I want to tell you a little secret: that girl sitting in the chair 50 years ago, full of excitement and wonder about the future, she made it,” Cole said. “And she didn’t make it alone. She made it with the help of lessons she learned, the friends she made, the teachers who cared, and the community that supported her. Every time she passes the old school, all those memories come rushing back. She loves that school. And she hopes you’ll feel the same about your time here – that you’ll always look back with pride on the friendships, the experiences, and the growth that you’ve achieved.”
Cole shared advice with the graduates: “Life isn’t easy. But here’s the thing: If you work hard, if you give it your absolute best, and if you never stop learning, you will find that the lessons along the way will serve as your most valuable guide.”
She told the students they are now Holley alumni, and will carry that connection for the rest of their lives.
“Now is the time to turn that energy into action,” she said. “Here’s where your lives begin to change in ways you may not even realize yet. When you walk out of this auditorium today, you will be alumni, representing this community, carrying its legacy wherever you go.”
Their journeys and the pursuit of their goals won’t happen without some challenges and hard work.
“Dreams require action,” Cole said. “They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.”
Owen Schultz and Maggie Skehan, co-presidents for the Class of 2025, welcome everyone to the commencement program.
Donovan Hendrick-Hayes is excited to be getting his diploma.
Thomas Brozek stands to be recognized as one of the award winners from the VFW for displaying the qualities of good citizenship and patriotism.
Frances Caraballo-Vazquez is recognized as one of the winners of an award in memory of Keith and Jean Kernan, which goes to a graduating senior “who freely and consistently offers a hug to the hurting, word of encouragement to the discouraged, and who readily welcomes all into their unconditional circle of friendship.”
Tracy Van Ameron, a Board of Education member, hugs Kylee Dann. The BOE members greeted all of the graduates.
Vincent Golisano is congratulated by board member Stephanie Merkley.
MacKenzie Fiorito smiles as she moves her tassel to signify her graduation. She is next to Kaiden Feis, left.
Rebecca Scharping receives her diploma and smiles for a photo with Principal Matt Feldman.
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Green advances to Epson Tourney final round
Posting a 3 under par round today, Medina’s Melanie Green has made the cut and advanced to Sunday’s final round of the Epson Pro Golf Tour’s Otter Creek Championship at Columbus, Indiana.
Green, who earned her milestone first Epson Tour tournament victory last weekend, opened with an even par round of 72 on Friday as 3 birdies offset a bogey and a double bogey.
She improved today with a 3 under par round of 69 for a two day today of 141 good for a share of 17th place and just one shot out of a share of 10th place. She had 4 birdies on holes 2, 9, 11 and 14 and one bogey on No. 12.
Orleans Community Health welcomes family nurse practitioner
Michelle Smith joins healthcare center within Medina Memorial
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, chats with Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, and the newest addition to the Medina Healthcare Center.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced a third professional has joined the recently opened Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital
Effective Monday, family nurse practitioner Michelle Smith of Lockport will start seeing patients. She joins certified pediatric nurse practitioner Leah Brenner and board-certified nurse practitioner Pamela Eaton. All are accepting new patients.
Taking Eaton’s place at the Albion Healthcare Center several days a week is Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, who will divide his time between Brockport and Albion.
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, stands in the hallway of the Medina Healthcare Center at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she will begin seeing patients on Monday.
Smith brings a background of widespread education and more than 20 years’ experience in emergency and critical care.
Growing up, Smith and her family moved continuously with her father, who was in the military. She graduated from high school in Cheektowaga, where one of her assignments for graduation was to do an internship in any facility.
“I was very shy, but I needed to get my hours in, so they took me to a nursing home across the street,” Smith said. “I helped feed the people, and I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I knew then I wanted a career in which I could help people. I just didn’t know then how I was going to do it.”
She attended Erie I BOCES and graduated as a licensed practical nurse in 1988. Her first job was at ECMC in the trauma step-down unit.
She married and had two children when she decided to continue her education as a registered nurse, and she enrolled at D’Youville College. During that time, she had two more children. In 2000, she went to work at Children’s Hospital, where her specialty was the Emergency Room, Pre-natal Intensive Care Unit and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.
In 2010 she returned to Buffalo to be where her parents were and again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2016, she completed her master’s degree in nursing education. Next came a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., working in the Women’s Care Unit for 10 years.
Feeling the need to come back to Buffalo to be where her parents were, Smith again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2018, she went back to D’Youville to get her family nurse practitioner degree. Next followed a job at the Community Health Care Center of Buffalo, where she did chronic disease management and refugee re-settlement program.
From there, in 2023, Smith went to Urgent Care at a Fellowship Program at WellNow. Graduating from that, she went to Rochester as a visiting nurse for several years.
Searching for a job as a nurse practitioner at a smaller and more personal environment led to her applying at Orleans Community Health.
“Being a nurse practitioner was a way for me to care for the entire family as a whole, not just a toe or one part that needed attention,” Smith said. “I went to an employment agency that deals with the medical field late last winter, and they initiated contact here.”
Smith’s hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments may be made by calling (585) 798-2550.
Smith and her husband Josh each had four children when they met and now have 2-year-old twins together.
Along the way, she discovered a saying by Maya Angelou which sums up Smith’s reason for choosing to become a family nurse practitioner.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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Justin Cecchini of Medina throws out first pitch at Bisons game
Honorary pitch goes to leader of the 136th Attack Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
Provided photo
BUFFALO – Justin Cecchini was picked to throw out the honorary first pitch before the Buffalo Bisons game. He threw a fastball for the first pitch on Friday, a strike right down the middle.
Pictured from left include Joseph Cecchini (son), Olivia Henning, Buster Bison, Julie (wife), Jenna (daughter), Justin and Jack Cecchini (son).
Lt. Col. Cecchini has been the squadron commander of the 136th Attack Squadron since Jan. 20, 2024. The 136th Attack Squadron (Air National Guard) is based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. In this role Cecchini plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of all training and combat flying operations.
He is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness and leading 97 personnel while providing strategic guidance to the 136th Squadron and 107th Operations Group Commanders that ensures the alignment of operational activities with the Combatant Commanders’ objectives.
Lt. Col. Cecchini began his journey with the 107th Attack Wing back in March 2001 as an aircraft mechanic. His career progressed through significant roles within the 107th Operations Group, holding key positions such as Flight Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Tactics and Assistant Director of Operations.
Dr. Obear of Oak Orchard Health gets praise and proclamations at retirement celebration
Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Oak Orchard Health team congratulates with Dr. Mary Obear on her career in local health care.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
CORFU – Patients, community members and legislators came out to honor Dr. Mary Obear on June 14 at her retirement celebration.
After 27 years of bringing medical care to Genesee County, she has retired. She was greeted by many people at the Pembroke Community Center who came to wish her well and share a few words about her numerous contributions.
Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health (OOH) due to their shared mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, OOH dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.
One of Dr. Obear’s proudest accomplishments is mentoring young medical professionals throughout the years. Dr. Matthew Fernaays met Dr. Obear when he was a third-year medical student. He was inspired by her compassion for care of her patients in Genesee County.
Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borello, presents a proclamation to Dr. Obear.
Dr. Fernaays is proud to call Dr. Obear a mentor and friend. He continues to mentor medical professionals throughout Oak Orchard Health. Dr. Obear highly recommends that all her patients see Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. She is confident that they will continue on in her legacy.
“Dr. Obear is an inspiration to all. Her path to medicine was anything but ordinary,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She moved to Western NY from Los Angeles. And we’re so glad she did. That academic curiosity never faded—Dr. Obear earned two master’s degrees before ultimately entering medical school in her 40s, proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. She joined Oak Orchard Health in the middle of the pandemic and helped us and the community during that very trying time. Dr. Obear will be missed. Her impact on patients is immeasurable. Each one is more than a chart or a diagnosis. She has always poured her heart, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of connection to help people.”
Dr. Obear has also been a key supporter of hospice and palliative care. She earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in this field and has spent years helping patients and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Sara Brunner, director Gateway Home, and Doug Domes, Board President for Gateway Home, present a plaque and appreciation to Dr. Obear.
Her work continues today through her involvement with local comfort homes, such as Crossroads House and Gateway Home, as well as her role with Genesee and Orleans County’s Board of Health. Sara Brunner, director, and Doug Domes, Board President of Gateway Home, came to the retirement party to talk about the impact Dr. Obear has had on their organization.
Also in attendance was representative for NYS Senator George Borello, who presented her with a special proclamation. Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislature Chair, talked about the contributions Dr. Obear has made to the county.
It’s clear that Mary Obear, MD, PhD, is leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment.
“It is with mixed feelings that I retire, but it’s time to travel and see my family,” she said. “As I begin the next chapter of my life, I reflect on my years of caring for patients in Genesee County over the past two and a half decades. It has been very important to me.”
Oak Orchard Health
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw. We also have two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.
Albion’s Class of 2025 gets sendoff at commencement
Photos by Natalie Baron: (Left) Ella Trupo smiles as she exits the stage with her diploma on Friday during commencement inside the high school gym. A downpour in late afternoon prompted the ceremony to shift from outside on the football field to the gym. (Center) Jordan Simmons shakes hands with Superintendent Mickey Edwards. (Right) Principal Jennifer Ashbery hugs her daughter, Madalyn, after she received her diploma.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
ALBION – The Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement Friday evening in the Albion High School gymnasium with 139 students receiving their diplomas.
The students entered the gym during the processional which was led by bagpipers, which has long been a tradition at Albion for graduation.
Kenadie Patten, the class president, spoke passionately as she delivered a speech to the Class of 2025. Kenadie plans to attend SUNY Oswego to study finance. Kenadie expressed that you have to be knocked down during the journey. “Things may not work out exactly as you planned them, and that’s okay,” she said.
Kenadie told the crowd to focus on opportunities rather than getting everything right immediately. “Allow yourself to be embarrassed, because embarrassment means you’re stepping outside of the comfort zone,” she said.
“The world is not only happening to you, but you are happening to the world.”
Zackary Baron gave the salutatory speech. Zack will be attending The University at Buffalo to major in mechanical engineering. He impressed upon the group the importance of making connections and upkeeping old ones. “I know that if we really just try to connect with people in a positive, open way, that we truly can change not just our community, but the world.”
He expressed that engaging with another human being may lead to growth. “So, I challenge you to please, just go and find someone who you want to be closer to, and talk with them. Ask them a few things about themself and truly listen to what they have to say.”
Tye Talbot, who will be attending Harvard University in the fall for medical studies, delivered the valedictory address. Tye reassured his classmates that change is going to happen, as “Change is the only constant.”
He said, “Change is the scariest thing in the world, and yet the only thing that is absolutely guaranteed.”
Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, urged students to embrace that the journey is not a straight line and expressed that “Your story is yours alone. No one else can write it. No one else can live it.”
Garrett Miller, shown accepting his diplomas from Board of Education President Linda Weller, overcame adversity during his time in high school, having lost his eye after an accident in gym class during his sophomore year.
Garrett said that choosing to embrace a positive outlook helped him to move forward after his injury.
“I was really sad at first, but I decided that there’s nothing I could do to change it, so I decided to just not be morose or depressed about it at all,” he said.
Garrett dreams of starting a family one day. Presently, Garrett hopes to work at the local shop Navarra’s Farm Market & Greenhouses.
Matthew Kania poses BOE President Linda Weller. Matthew owns and operates his own landscaping business, Legendary Lawn Services.
James Ruiz enthusiastically smiles as he receives his diploma. His future plan is to become a train conductor.
The Class of 2025, including Anna Zaczek and Natalie Soule, celebrate at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.
7 take part in recent Signing Day at Albion
Seven Albion High seniors recently took part in Signing Day to announce their scholastic and athletic plans for college.
Seth Krenning will attend Wooster Polytechnic Institute to play football and major in Engineering.
Luke Bell will attend Alfred State University to play football and major in Criminal Justice.
Alana Irvine will attend Monroe Community College to play softball and major in Health Science and Physical Wellness.
Cami London wil attend SUNY Oswego to play hockey and major in Childhood Education.
Julia Knight will attend Genesee Community College to play basketball. She has not decided on a major.
Willow Gaines will attend SUNY Oswego t oswim and major in Wellness and Health.
Adrian Figueroa-Fuentes will be attending college overseas as he will be playing soccer at Rome City Institute along with his brother.
All State softball honors for local trio
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville catcher Addison Dillenbeck and pitcher Arnie Sturtevant have both been named to the Class D All State softball squad,
Barker pitcher Madyson Flint has been named to the All-State Class C softball squad.
A trio of local players have earned spots on the All State softball squad.
Lyndonville’s battery of senior catcher Addison Dillenbeck and freshman pitcher Arnie Sturtevant have both been named to the Class D third team.
Barker freshman pitcher Madyson Flint has been named to the Class C fourth team.
Dillenbeck hit .586 with 5 doubles 11 triples, 2 home runs and 23 RBIs.
Sturtevant registered 104 strikeouts in the circle and had a 1.19 earned run average. At the plate she hit .469 with 12 doubles, 4 triples, 2 home runs and 25 RBIs.
Flint had 170 strikeouts and a 1.19 earned run average. At the plate, she hit .514 with 9 doubles, 1 triple and 26 RBIs.
In addition, both Flint and Roy-Hart junior pitcher Abby Fox have both been named to the All Western New York small schools first team while Akron sophomore pitcher Kenadee Jonathan has been named to the second team.
Albion senior pitcher Alana Irvine has been named to the All-WNY large schools second team. She had 105 strikeouts and a 2.37 era. At the plate she hit .515 with 6 doubles, 4 triples ,4 home runs and 16 RBIs.
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Medina grads dodge downpour and celebrate commencement outdoors
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Taylor Schrader, president of the senior class at Medina, leads her excited classmates on Friday evening in moving their tassels from the right side to the left to signify their graduation.
There are 93 grads in the Class of 2025. The ceremony was held outside at Vets Park just after a downpour.
The graduates toss their caps and celebrate near the end of the ceremony on Friday.
Medina used to have graduation in the auditorium but moved it outdoors in the Covid pandemic in 2020. That location has been the preference for the district and the senior class since then. The bleachers at Vets Park can accommodate more people than the auditorium.
Medina school officials kept a close eye on the weather and could see the rain would stop at about 6:30 p.m. That gave the district about a half hour to set up for the ceremony and try to get the bleachers dry.
Kevin Czaja, director of facilities for the district, wipes down some of the bleachers after a heavy rain. Czaja said Friday wasn’t the first time rain hit right before the outdoor commencement.
Medina school employees Steve Miller, front, and Dylan Weese, up high on bleachers, used leaf blowers to dry the bleachers.
Sofia Gagliardi accepts her diploma and is congratulated by Mollie Mark, junior-senior high school assistant principal, and Michael Cavanagh, the school principal.
Makenzie McGrath, center, and her classmates received their diplomas on the field at Vets Park.
Matthew Kennedy Jr. shows his joy after getting his diploma.
Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian at left in front, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian, both gave prerecorded speeches to their classmates.
DeVera and Kenward both thanked their families, friends and teachers for all the love and support during their 13 years in school.
DeVera said he has already changed his career plans several times since he was a little kid, from initially wanting to be a doctor to then shifting to aspiring to be a writer. Now he is focused on studying computer science at the University at Buffalo. He said he may ultimately pick a different career path.
“Things will change in the future,” he said. “The real question is can you, too, and by how much?”
DeVera was in the school’s marching band and he referenced a line from “New York, New York,” which was part of the band’s fall show. “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.” DeVera said the graduates have made it through Medina, and are ready for their next challenge.
“This is not the end because we are not done,” he said.
Kenward shared about three famous people – basketball star Michael Jordan, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and entertainment mogul Walt Disney – who didn’t let initial rejection derail their dreams.
“Failure is not the end, hut a step,” Kenward said. “Will you learn from it, and strive and succeed?”
He said he appreciates people helping him through his failures and mistakes. He urged his classmates to follow that example of offering kindness and mentorship to others.
“Whatever path you pursue there is one thing we will all encounter – failure,” Kenward said. “These failures don’t make us unsuccessful or losers.” They opportunities to learn and grow, he said.
Roberta Culver, a retiring kindergarten teacher, also gave a keynote address, “Big and Small, We’ll Celebrate Them All.”
Culver had several of the graduates as kindergartners about a 12 years ago. She recalled their exuberance in celebrating holidays, even in making their hand=print turkeys around Thanksgiving and helping to plant trees at Arbor Day.
The class celebrating birthdays, losing a tooth, coloring contests, reaching reading milestones, and remembering their take-home folders.
Culver urged them to celebrate achievements in life – getting their first apartment, bringing home a pet for the first time as an adult, and reaching other goals.
“Life is full of the joy of the little things,” she said. “Celebrate with the joy of a kindergartner.”
Honesty Hill smiles after getting her diploma.
Konner Smith is pleased to celebrate commencement.
The daisy chain tradition continued on Friday. The top 16 girls in the junior class and the top 2 boys made the chain of daisies, which has been part of Medina’s graduation since 1922.
Daisy chain members include Emiliana Batista, Darlene Beach, Ava Blount, Lilah Class, Molly Cook, Madison Farley, Allie Frentz, Bellaflor Gomez-Hernandez, Mahri Harmer-Owen, Natalie Herbert, Caden Kingsbury, Maggie Lonnen, Rhoswyn Oakes, Aleeyah Martinez, Paisley Pasnik, Penelope Schalck, Allie Smith and Hunter Walczak.
Brady Christiaansen walks in the processional at the start of the program.
Mason Eick, left, helps Brennan Hinckley look spiffy just after a deluge of rain fell.
These five graduates include, from left: Brooke Stewart, Josephene Pollock, Makenzie Alvarez, Evelyn Phillips and Cameron Davis.
Class Vice President Kylee Howard, in front at right, and Addison Paul, the class secretary at left, lead the group in walking off the field at Vets Park following the ceremony.
Lyndonville graduates 30 in 85th ceremony
In a ceremony dedicated to former teacher, coach and senior class advisor Mark Hughes, Lyndonville graduated 30 students this evening.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman- Lyndonville seniors toss their caps into the air after this evening’s graduation ceremony.
Salutatorian, Madison Davis, adjusts the cap of Valedictorian, Addison Dillenbeck, before the ceremony begins.
Shane Price, Lyndonville Teachers Association President (left picture), leads the procession of faculty and graduates while Juniors Emily Miner(L) and Elena Barry(R) are the Honor Escorts for the graduating seniors.
The Lyndonville High School Band, led by Kelly Folman, play Pomp & Circumstance as the grads entered the stage.
Performing the Senior Song “Home”, are these members of the Senior Select Choir: Aidan Allen, Andrew Austin, Olivia Belgiorno, Auston Bentley, Noah Fox, Amir Huzair, Elisabeth Ingersoll, Kendyll Kidney, Hannah Marker, Jacob Pitcher, and Alyssa Prine.
The Class of 2025 on stage awaiting to receive their diplomas
Several grads decorated the top of their caps. Here, Olivia Belgiorno has hers stating that graduation is the “End Of Act One”
Hawley announces registrations being accepting for Patriot Trip in September
Photo by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, tosses candy during Thursday’s parade for the Kendall Carnival. Behind him is his chief of staff Jayleen Carney, and Kendall highway superintendent Eric Maxon.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from Sept. 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families.
Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”
Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. While the deadline to attend a White House visit has passed, the rest of the trip is still open to local veterans and their families. To register, contact Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.
For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.
NY offering free fishing this weekend with no license required
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo by Tom Rivers: Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall goes fishing on Aug. 13, 2022 at the Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby. Logan was one of 63 kids in the derby at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state.
During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State.
“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”
No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Whether anglers are spending time with family and friends outside in nature or experiencing the thrill of catching a fish, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy fishing. I encourage participating anglers to share their love of fishing by introducing someone new to the sport during New York’s Free Fishing Weekend.”
