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Schumer will ‘vehemently oppose’ push to shut down Job Corps
Trump administration wants to close 99 centers, including Iroquois, by end of June
Photo by Tom Rivers: A sign near Route 63 in Shelby directs people to the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby, one of 99 in the country slated to shut down by June 30.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer called on local elected officials in communities with Job Corps to press their Congressional representatives in the House to keep the Job Corps program.
Schumer urged a legal and public campaign to keep the job-training sites open for at-risk youths. The centers have a capacity to serve about 50,000 students nationwide but have only been about half full, with the Job Corps faulting the Department of Labor for not doing needed background checks to allow new students since March.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer speaks with reporters today through Zoom video conference.
“Across Upstate NY the Trump administration’s cruel order to shut down Job Corps centers has caused students and teachers to scramble, and if this goes through, it will be our small businesses and local economies paying the price,” Schumer said in a video conferencing call with reporters today. “We must save Job Corps across Upstate NY. We want to help young people get jobs, to get the training they need for successful careers, and eliminating these centers will hurt those students as well as local employers like small businesses and hospitals in getting the skilled workers they need.”
The National Job Corps Association has filed an injunction in federal court in Manhattan, saying the federal Department of Labor can’t dismantle Job Corps, a program established and funded by Congress. A court hearing is scheduled for June 17 to determine whether a preliminary injunction will be issued, Reuters reported.
Schumer referenced that lawsuit in his comments with reporters today. He believes putting pressure on members of Congress, especially Republicans, can ensure the program continues.
“The courts have already put a pause on Trump’s initial attempts to kill Job Corps, and I will vehemently oppose his attempts to defund this program in the Senate because the people are on our side in saving Job Corps,” he said today.
There are five Job Corps centers in the state, including one in Orleans County in Shelby. The Iroquois Job Corps has a capacity for 225, but was down to 125 when the DOL announced the program was on pause. The site has about 100 employees. The center has an $8.9 million annual budget. Iroquois officials estimate the local center has a $17 million annual impact on the local economy.
Schumer said Job Corps is a much-needed job training program that launches people into careers in healthcare, construction, and other in-demand fields.
“For 60 years, the Iroquois Job Corps Center has trained hundreds of young adults annually to become the electricians, carpenters, medical assistants and more that our community needs,” Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said in a statement released by Schumer’s office. “The Center is also a vital employer, with 104 local workers, and has infused over 8.9 million dollars in federal funding into our region’s economy. Stopping student enrollments and threatening to close the Iroquois Job Corps Center not only risks the futures of over 12,000 students but also the workforce that drives our region’s economic growth. I’m proud to stand with Senator Schumer in calling for Job Corps student enrollments to resume immediately and keeping the Iroquois Job Corps Center open, so we can continue building a stronger, more prosperous community.”
On May 29, Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced that 99 centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective.
“Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training and community,” DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement. “However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve.”
Schumer said the Job Corps have proven to do “great work” in empowering young people and preparing them for careers in the work force. The DOL skewed the statistics by using data from Covid when the centers faced restrictions in operating their programs, the National Job Corps Association said.
The move by the DOL would hurt every region of the state, Schumer said, highlighting Job Corps centers in Brooklyn, Glenmont near Albany, Iroquois in Medina, Cassadaga in Chautauqua County and Oneonta.
The DOL announcement, providing such short notice for students to leave, “created pure chaos” for those students, their families and the centers, Schumer said.
“It’s outrageous, and it’s probably illegal,” he said. “We will fight it every step of the way.”
Getting a few Republicans in the House to oppose the closing could keep Job Corps funded. The Iroquois center is in Claudia Tenney’s district while Cassadaga is in a distict served by Nick Langworthy.
“If we get 3 or 4 Republican congressman who say don’t cut the job corps, then they can’t cut it because they need those votes,” Schumer said.
A salute and thanks to our umpires, referees
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Now that the local high school baseball and softball season is over the time seems perfect to thank and salute the umpires and referees who officiate our games. They are most certainly a very valuable and important part of the game. You can’t play a game without them at the high school, college or professional level. At a recent sectional softball game at Albion the contest was officiated by two veteran umpires Bernie Froman, left, and Billy Luff. Froman has been officiating softball for some 35 years while Luff, who is a Hall of Fame umpire, has been officiating softball and baseball games for 40 years. We post this to not only salute these two veteran umpires for their dedication to the sport, but also to take note of the shortage of umpires and referees that exists in all of our high school sports today.
Holley students make Gaga Ball pits for park at Firemen’s Field
Photos and information from Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Students in the Holley High School Geometry in Construction class tackled a project that is a bit different from the sheds, barns and tiny homes built by the class in previous years.
This year, they partnered with the Village of Holley to build two Gaga Ball pits for the Holley Fireman’s Field.
Gaga Ball is a variation of dodgeball where players stand inside a hexagonal pit and try hitting each other with a ball. If a player gets hit below the waist or knees, they’re out of the game and the last person standing wins.
The class is co-taught by geometry teacher Russ Albright, who retires at the end of this school year, and technology teacher Dylan Sharpe.
“I really wanted to do something for the Holley community, so I reached out to Holley Mayor Mark Bower,” Albright said. “He asked if Gaga Ball pits were something we could do. Once I figured out what they were and saw the direct connection to geometry, I realized this would be a perfect project for my final year.”
Geometry teacher Russ Albright assists students in making a Gaga Ball pit.
The Village and Holley Joint Youth Recreation purchased the materials for the class to build the two pits. Students worked on the project outside of their classroom at the high school. They will be installed by the Village at a later date.
“It has been a really fun build,” Albright said. “I have built houses, additions, replaced windows and doors and all other aspects of building and remodeling, but I have never done anything like this. Students really got into it when Mr. Sharpe and I told them what this year’s project was going to be.”
Holley was the first in the region to offer this class in the 2016-17 school year and laid the groundwork for many surrounding schools to implement programs of their own. Throughout the years, the classes have built two 16 X 20 tiny homes for Second Wind Cottages, a non-profit in Newfane, and four barns and two sheds for Homesteads for Hope, a non-profit in Spencerport.
Technology teacher Dylan Sharpe, left, worked with students on the project at the Firemen’s Field.
GLOW YMCA announces new chief executive officer
Press release, GLOW YMCA
Erik Fix
BATAVIA – The GLOW YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Erik Fix as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 7.
A seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, civic administration and community development, Fix also brings a longstanding personal and professional connection to the YMCA mission.
A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Fix most recently served as assistant city manager for the City of Batavia, where he oversaw key municipal departments including Human Resources, IT and Grant Administration. He also played a critical role in managing the city’s $33 million budget and advancing long-term strategic planning initiatives.
Fix’s career includes impactful leadership roles such as president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and regional director of the United Way of Genesee County. His connection to the YMCA spans 16 years in a variety of roles earlier in his career with the GLOW YMCA. The GLOW Y has sites in Medina, Batavia and Warsaw.
“The YMCA shaped who I am—as a leader and as a person,” Fix said. “Returning to the GLOW Y feels like coming home. I look forward to collaborating with staff, the board, and our partners to lead with purpose, grow our reach, and serve every corner of our four-county region.”
Dean Bellack of Medina, chairman of the GLOW YMCA Board of Directors, praised Fix’s appointment:
“We were looking for a leader with vision, heart, and a deep understanding of our communities. Erik brings those qualities and more.”
Jocelyn Sikorski, chairwoman of the CEO Search Committee, added:
“From his first day of interviews, Erik stood out as someone with the leadership mindset, YMCA knowledge, and local commitment to build on our momentum and take the Y to new heights.”
As CEO, Fix will begin his tenure by conducting listening sessions across the GLOW region, engaging directly with staff, board members, and community stakeholders. He will also focus on key strategic initiatives, including the GLOW Healthy Living Campus, the ongoing capital campaign, and strategies for membership growth and program expansion.
Post season diamond awards at SUNY Niagara for two local players
Contributed Photos – Aidan Paul and Gavyn Boyle.
Two local players – Medina graduate Aidan Paul and Roy-Hart’s Gavyn Boyle – who helped the SUNY Niagara baseball team to a school record 52-2 season and a fourth place finish at the national championships, have earned a number of postseason honors.
Boyle, a sophomore outfielder, has received SUNY Niagara’s President’s Cup, the schools’ most distinguished intercollegiate athletics award. Boyle, had a 3.97 grade point average and has earned an Associates degree in Business Administration.
Boyle, who hit .379 and had 18 doubles, 7 triples and 11 home runs and drove in 56 runs for the Thunderwolves has earned both first team All Western New York Athletic Conference and All Region III. He was also named the MVP of the Region III Tournament.
Paul, a sophomore pitcher has also earned first team All-Region III honors and was a second team All WNYAC selection.
He posted a 7-1 record on the mound with 62 strikeouts and a 1.21 earned run average.
Forecast shows partly sunny and high 60s, 70s in coming days
LYNDONVILLE – Cheyenne Button sent in this photo of the sunset last evening looking out at Lake Ontario from the Shadigee. There was also a full Strawberry Moon last night.
The forecast for the coming days includes mostly sunny with a high of 78 today, followed by a partly sunny and high of 72 on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Friday is forecast to be partly sunny with a high near 68, followed by showers on Saturday with a high near 68.
It will be partly sunny with a high near 70 on Sunday, and a mostly cloudy Monday with a high near 76, according to the Weather Service.
400-plus NY Army National Guardsmen will march in June 14 military parade in DC
Press Release, New York Army National Guard
Photo from National Guard: Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division Band march in the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band will be part of the Army Birthday Parade on June 14.
The New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division will have 436 soldiers among the 6,700 troops taking part in the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
The division is responsible for soldiers across the northeast but is headquartered in Troy. The soldiers left for Washington D.C. this morning and will return June 15.
The contingent will be led by Major General Jack James, the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, and a color guard.
Eleven of the Army’s 19 divisions will be represented by marching contingents. The 42nd Infantry Division is the only one of the eight Army National Guard divisions sending a contingent to the parade.
The marchers are coming from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a part of the 42nd Infantry Division, with elements located across the state. The soldiers come from units based in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Thirty Soldiers from the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, which is assigned to the 27th Brigade, are also part of the contingent.
Another 30 soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division Band, which is headquartered at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill, are also marching.
The headquarters elements of the 42nd Infantry Division are currently training for a deployment to the Middle East at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.
The marching units will be divided up to represent different periods of the Army’s history. The 42nd Infantry Division contingent, along with marchers from the active Army’s 4th Infantry Division, will represent World War I.
Soldiers in World War I uniforms will march in front of the two division contingents.
“The 42nd Infantry Division is honored to represent the entire U.S. Army in WW I at the Army’s 250th birthday parade,” James said. “The legacy forged by Rainbow Division Soldiers on battlefields across France marked the 42d ID as one of the premier Divisions of the American Expeditionary Force. We are honored to represent our predecessors, and all brave Americans who fought in that conflict 100 years ago.”
The 42nd was created during World War I by taking National Guard units from 26 states and creating a special division which could go quickly to France in the fall of 1917. The division was organized in Garden City, Long Island and nicknamed “The Rainbow Division.”
The division’s first chief of staff, Douglas MacArthur-who later commanded American forces in World War II-said the division would “stretch across the country like a rainbow.”
The Army traces its birthday back to June 14, 1775. On that day the Continental Congress voted to enlist soldiers into a force serving all the colonies. Previously, each colony had raised its own troops when required.
The soldiers moved from locations across New York and Massachusetts to Washington. They are being housed in an empty Department of Agriculture office building and an unused General Services Administration warehouse.
The 500 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who helped at the Presidential Inauguration in January stayed in these buildings then.
The cost for the New York National Guard to send soldiers to the parade is being covered by the Army.
The soldiers will receive MREs for breakfast and lunch and a hot meal for dinner along with per-diem of about $69.
The parade will include 28 M1A2 Abrams tanks, 28 M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting vehicles, 28 Stryker wheeled infantry vehicles, and four M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers.
The parade will march on Constitution Avenue along the Mall past the White House. Flyovers from historic aircraft and Army helicopters will be part of the event.
Roy-Hart Middle School embraces Ag in Classroom efforts
Photos from Roy-Hart Central School: Roy-Hart Middle School students learn about agriculture in multiple ways, including hands-on learning and agriculturally themed literature.
Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School
MIDDLEPORT – Royalton-Hartland Middle School is thriving—thanks in large part to the support of Cornell University’s New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC).
With the help of this statewide initiative, students are not only learning about agriculture—they’re living it.
This year, science teacher and Middle School Green Team Club Advisor Susan McLaughlin was selected to present her student-led project – “We Need Farms: You Get an Acre!” – at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Minnesota. While McLaughlin is not an agriculture teacher by title, she has become a powerful advocate for agricultural literacy through the many programs and resources NYAITC offers.
“NYAITC has transformed how we teach agriculture at our school,” McLaughlin said. “It’s not just an add-on. It’s part of our curriculum, our cafeteria, and our community.”
Among the school’s achievements this year:
- Second place in the statewide Schoolyard Sugaring Maple Contest in the Middle School Division, where students collected over 45 gallons of sap from their backyard and boiled it into a gallon of maple syrup for the cafeteria. NYAITC provided the supplies at no cost.
- Participation in classroom competitions like the Mac and Cheese Challenge and Ice Cream Challenge, with creative student-made entries including: “What Up Mac?” — a carrot-based macaroni and cheese; “Maple Swirl” — made with maple sugar, RH maple syrup, and RH maple caramel; and “Deep Dirt” — chocolate custard ice cream with brownie chunks, green sprinkles, and a gummy worm on top.
In addition to contests, Royalton-Hartland Middle School secured two NYAITC grants and a scholarship:
- The Grow with Us Grant funded the cultivation of Swiss chard and romaine lettuce, harvested for school lunches via three aeroponic grow towers. It also provided supplies for the Trout in the Classroom project, where students raised and released 100 brook trout while learning about ecosystems and the fish industry.
- The Agricultural Literacy Grant supported a place-based learning experience tied to agriculturally themed literature. Students visited Season of Alpacas, a hobby farm in Lockport, and participated in a reading of Lincoln Clears a Path by local children’s author Peggy Thomas—held in a real Lincoln Log Cabin. Each student received a signed hardcover copy of Thomas’s book.
McLaughlin also received a scholarship to attend and present at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, inspired by lesson plans from the National Agriculture Literacy Curriculum Matrix, a free online resource filled with ready-to-use agricultural lessons.
“These opportunities are available to every school in New York State,” McLaughlin emphasized. “All you need is a plan and a willingness to try.”
With global food needs expected to rise dramatically by 2050, agricultural education is more important than ever. Thanks to NYAITC, Royalton-Hartland Middle School is not just preparing students for the future—they’re helping them grow it.
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VFW in Albion presents scholarships to 2 Albion graduating seniors
Provided photos
ALBION – The VFW Strickland Post 4635 Albion recognized recipients of $500 scholarships on Tuesday evening.
In photo at left, Kelli Dingle was accompanied by her parents Michael and Brenda. She is a $500 recipient for her essay on what the United States Flag means.
Oliver Beach was accompanied by his parents, Michael and Jamie Beach. Oliver received the $500 Industrial Arts scholarship.
Joining them are Post Commander Mike Donahue, far left, and member Joe Marvin, far right.
The Post raised funds from a recent raffle to increase its support of Albion High School from one $200 scholarship to two $500 scholarships.
N-O blanks G-R in Senior diamond contest
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Ryleigh Culver makes a foul ball catch for the Niagara-Orleans League near the Genesee Region League dugout during the N-O’s Senior game win at Vets Park this evening.
Scoring two quick runs in the first inning, the Niagara-Orleans League went on to shutout the Genesee Region League 7-0 in the Senior baseball game at Vets Park this evening.
An RBI double by Brody Fry (Medina) and a sacrifice fly by Carter Woodworth (Medina) put the N-O on top to stay in the opening inning.
The N-O went on to add one run in the fourth on an RBI single by Vinny Consiglio (Akron), two in the fifth on an RBI single by Ryleigh Culver (Medina) and a double steal play, one in the sixth on a ground out and one in the seventh on a wild pitch.
Six pitchers combined to hurl a 2 hit shutout with a total of 11 strikeouts for the N-O including Fry, Woodworth, Lukas Grimes (Medina), Ryan Owen (Akron), Anthony Consiglio (Akron) and Tyler Johnston (Wilson).
The N-O also turned a double play in the fourth inning by the Medina trio of Tyler Kroening at shortstop, Fry at second and Grimes at first.
Avery Watterson (Oakfield-Alabama) had a triple for the G-R in the seventh inning.
Akron’s Anthony Consiglio gets the out at second base on Lyndonville’s Jacob Pitcher.
Medina’s Lukas Grimes follows through. The catcher is Kendall’s Colby Hughes.
‘OK Kitchen’ serves 100,000th meal, marks third anniversary in Albion
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mike Smith and his wife Faith pose by the bulletin board listing the menu for the Koinonia Kitchen’s third anniversary at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion on Thursday.
ALBION – Feeding a community might be a daunting task for most people, but for Mike and Faith Smith of Albion, it is a way of life.
The Smiths have been running a soup kitchen for 17 years, the first 14 at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, where they served 100 or more every Friday night. Often they cooked the meals themselves, with organizations and churches also preparing and serving the meals on many of the Fridays. Often the Smiths used their own money to buy food so that no one would go hungry.
When circumstances forced them to step back at Christ Episcopal, they were lucky enough to be invited to use the kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on East Avenue in Albion.
Last Thursday they celebrated the third anniversary serving meals at the kitchen they call Koinonia Kitchen. During that time, they have served 100,240 meals and expanded their ministry to delivering meals to every town and village in Orleans County – 53 per week in all.
“We are not just a kitchen that offers free food,” Faith said. “We are a ministry that cares about you and your needs. We offer fellowship and compassion, along with love of Jesus for each and every person who crosses our path. We couldn’t have done any of this without God and the help and support of the entire community, the businesses and the many, many volunteers. We have helped thousands over the years and will continue to help those in need.”
(Left) Kevin Howard from Albion Lions Club and Ann McElwee from Medina Lions serve dinners Thursday on the third anniversary of Koinonia Kitchen’s location at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion. (Center) Barb Navarra brings her friend Ace Caldwell to Koinonia Kitchen for a meal every Thursday. They not only do they like the food, but look forward to seeing people in the community. (Right) A.J. Scheuerman of Albion is one of eight people who deliver meals from Koinonia Kitchen to 53 individuals in Orleans County every week.
During Thursday’s meal which celebrated Koinonia Kitchen’s third anniversary at the church, the Smiths announced they had finally qualified to receive food from Foodlink, allowing them to start Orleans Koinonia Pantry, which will be up and running in July.
The pantry will open as a “choice” pantry, with a Koinonia board member on hand to do intake on everyone who comes for food, to verify household size, residency in Orleans County and food items needed. The pantry will be located on the east side of Harvest church’s office. Opening dates and times will be announced soon.
Koinonia Kitchen continues to solicit volunteers, groups and organizations to come in and cook and serve a meal on a Thursday. They already have the Lions clubs in Medina and Albion, who provide the food and cook it one Thursday a month.
Jovannie Canales and his wife Melisa are lead pastors at the church, who praise the ministry.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s so gratifying,” Jovannie said.
“It’s not an easy job, but you have to love what you’re doing,” Melisa said.
“There are a lot of hungry people,” Jovannie said. “We’re not only feeding them, but we’re bringing the community together. We’re fulfilling a multiple purpose as we serve.”
One person who looks forward to coming to Koinonia Kitchen every week is Ace Caldwell, whose friend Barb Navarra brings him for a meal since his wife passed away. He not only likes the food, but the opportunity to get together with other people once a week.
Delivering meals to people who can’t get to the kitchen is a service provided by eight delivery people. One is A.J. Scheuerman, who said there is something rewarding about giving back to his community. He said most of the meals go to seniors.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating food or preparing a meal can e-mail Faith at okkitchen2022@gmail.com for details.
“Koinonia Kitchen is what I live for,” Faith said. “I’m all about helping people who need a little extra.”
Republicans should stand up for clean energy initiatives being gutted by Trump
Editor:
The Inflation Reduction Act is under attack! This policy serves to spur private investment, clean our electric grid and reduce costs for consumers. Our district benefited from this when Plug Power invested $387 million for their facility in the STAMP industrial park.
Sadly, the budget bill passed out of the House shackles NY energy, increases costs for consumers, jeopardizes the economy and our energy security and puts us at a dis-advantage on the world stage due to the fact that it guts the clean energy provisions of the IRA.
These cuts will stall innovation in advanced energy technologies like nuclear, geothermal, and long-duration storage, increase our climate pollution and put $500 billion in investments in our energy supply at risk. Gutting the IRA would be a de-facto tax on energy.
I hope that Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will follow in the footsteps of Republican environmental giants of the 20th century like Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon and support solutions to address environmental problems by restoring the clean energy provisions of the IRA.
As a lifelong Republican and a member of Citizen’s Climate Lobby, I know that Conservation is Conservative!
Rob Johnson
Medina
Albion elementary students, staff donate $1K to Knights Kaderli Fund
Students also decorated comfort bags for people battling cancer
Photo and press release from Albion Central School
ALBION – Students and staff at Albion Elementary School spent this spring collecting money and creating comfort bags for the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund.
Members of the Student Leadership Council recently presented Melissa Knights Bertrand a check for $1,000 on behalf of Albion Elementary. The donated funds will help cancer patients and their families, residing in Orleans County, with the costs of medical bills, food, transportation and living expenses.
Additionally, the students also donated comfort bags that patients will receive when they go for their cancer treatments. The group purchased the small tote bags and the members decorated them with positive messages and/or drawings before filling them with “goodies” including travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer and lotion, fuzzy socks, lap blankets, lip balm, tissues and decks of cards/ puzzles just to name a few.
During this annual initiative, students diligently collect spare change from family, friends, and staff to not only help local cancer patients but also learn the importance of empathy, teamwork and community service.
“We are continually impressed by our students’ determination and dedication to this campaign,” said Angela Conway, Elementary School Principal. “They are excellent examples of what it means to S.O.A.R and we are so proud of all they have accomplished.”
