Riley family invites public to see extensive garden in benefit for Cobblestone Museum

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 July 2025 at 9:26 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Not even a hot day can keep Jeanette Riley from spending time in her garden. She will host the Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration there on July 17.

ALBION – The Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration on July 17 this year is titled “On the Bank of the Erie Canal,” and will take place at the extensive and elaborate gardens of Jeanette Riley.

Co-chaired by Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina and Joyce Chiczek of Lyndonville, the event will feature music by the E-Yah-Pah-Hah Quintet, wine and light refreshments provided by Chiczek.

The gardens are located at 1960 Riley Place, off Moore Street, next to the Erie Canal.

Elaborate statuary, opulent blooms and winding paths will greet visitors to the Riley Family garden on the Cobblestone Society’s mid-summer celebration July 17. Here, Jeanette Riley and Shirley Bright-Neeper are partially hidden in the shade as they take a break while touring the garden.

Cobblestone director Doug Farley says no one will want to miss this tour.

“In recognition of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, this magnificent garden is the perfect choice, as it is on the north bank of the Erie Canal,” Farley said.

Parking is limited near the garden, so it is recommended passengers be dropped off at the driveway to the Riley home and drivers can park at Light of Victory Church (formerly St. Mary’s Church) at 47 Brown St., where they will be shuttled to the Riley home.

The event will start at 4 p.m. and continue until dark. This is an ongoing, informal event, with activities scattered throughout the garden. It is a large garden and there are many places for visitors to sit as they wander at their own pace. Guests may also bring their own lawn chair.

Lush plants welcome visitors to the elaborate garden where Jeanette Riley will host the annual garden tour July 17 to benefit the Cobblestone Museum.

E-Yah-Pah-Hah, a quintet of music educators, will present their featured musical performance beginning at 5 p.m.

The history of the Riley gardens goes back to 1960 when Jeanette’s parents, Henry and Alma, lived there as renters. The original home, owned by an uncle, had five rooms with an outhouse. The family paid $35 to $40 a month to live there, Jeanette said. Her parents later bought the property for $2,000 around 1980, then bought three lots from Curtis Lyman to extend their property.

“Dad was a brick mason by trade, and he started fixing things up,” Jeanette said. “The house now has five bedrooms and two baths.”

Jeanette moved home with her mother when her father got sick in 1995. He died in 1997, and Jeanette said her mother started planting flowers to keep busy. She had hedges pulled out and began planting flowers, hit and miss, Jeanette said.

Shirley Bright-Neeper, left, and Jeanette Riley enjoy conversation on a hot day in the shade of a giant maple at the entrance to the Riley family garden, which will be the site for the Cobblestone Society’s annual garden tour on July 17. The elaborate garden is located at 1960 Riley Place, on the bank of the Erie Canal.

Jeanette, 74, worked at the Probation Department, and after work her mom would tell her what she had done that day.

“Every day mom was out here, and I helped on Saturdays and Sundays,” Jeanette said. “We would talk about plants and flowers we wanted. She was very creative.”

When another house burned, the Riley’s took the bricks and made a patio. They had truckloads of sandy loam brought it for flower beds, and planted a lot of bulbs. Then a harsh winter hit and the weight of the snow killed all their bulbs.

“We called it ‘Death Valley Days,’” Jeanette said.

Their second big project was getting a second load of loam and framing off a patio.

“We learned we had to fluff the soil,” Jeanette said. “We called it our ‘shovel garden.’ My brother and his son had to do a lot of shoveling.”

A row of unique planters line a walkway through the Riley family garden on the bank of the Erie Canal in Albion.

Alma, who is in her 90s, still tries to help with the gardens, as does Jeanette’s brother. Jeanette does the majority of gardening, but her brother does the heavy lifting and digging. His son and fiancée help with planting. Sister Wanda helps on weekends.

Jeanette said when the buy new things to plant, she always gets two. She has had the Amish build several outbuildings on the property.

“I try to plant things so I don’t have a lot of weeds,” she said.

The garden is opulent with plants and bushes, some rare, like the yellow wood magnolia. One of Jeanette’s favorite places in the garden is what they call the “Gray area,” an area dedicated to Henry and Alma, with angels and a wrought iron sign with their names on it.

This section of the Riley family garden pays tribute to Henry and Anna Riley, who first bought the property.

A grape arbor, numerous statuary and wrought iron decorations create a magical place to stroll or sit in one of the many areas provided along the way.

A donation of $10 is suggested, and reservations are strongly recommended by logging on to CobblestoneMuseum.org or calling (585) 589-9013. The event will take place rain or shine.

This event may be canceled on the day it is scheduled due to rain or other weather conditions that could interfere with the performance.

Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Sierra Club sue to stop massive data center at STAMP

Posted 1 July 2025 at 8:34 pm

They allege environmental reviews not properly followed by GCEDC

Press Release, Allies of Tonawanda Seneca Nation

BATAVIA – The Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club filed suit today in State Supreme Court in Genesee County, challenging two resolutions issued by the Genesee County Economic Development Center for the development of a massive data center at the WNY Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the Twon of Alabama.

The petition states that GCEDC violated both procedural and substantive requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) when it issued decisions that awarded subsidies of $472 million to Stream U.S. Data Centers for the development of the data center and concluded environmental review without project specifics or site plan review. The litigation names GCEDC, Stream U.S. Data Centers LLC and the Town of Alabama as defendants.

The data center would be built within 300 feet of the nearest residence and roughly one half mile from the Reservation Territory of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, which has strongly opposed the siting of a data center at STAMP. According to Chief Kenith Dale Jonathan, “Our reservation Territory is protected by federal treaty and it is our duty to protect our Territory – the land, plants, animals, waters – for future generations… The Territory and its natural resources is all that the Nation’s citizens have – if the Territory is damaged, we will have no place to go.”

The petition shows that GCEDC failed to follow the requirement that its review of environmental impacts be based on actual plans, not mere concepts. In addition, GCEDC failed to ensure that its SEQRA review was coordinated with the Town of Alabama site plan review as required by the FGEIS it issued for STAMP. Moreover, the petition shows that GCEDC made mistakes in its review and failed to provide the careful analysis of environmental impacts required by SEQRA.

The suit aims to invalidate GCEDC’s decisions and force it to carry out a new environmental review that complies with SEQRA’s requirements. The Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club have also sought a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent the defendants from taking further action to advance the data center project. To date, Stream U.S. Data Centers has not completed a purchase and sale agreement for the land and the Town of Alabama Planning Board has not conducted site plan review.

If ultimately built, Stream’s data center would cover 900,000 square feet – the size of 15 football fields – and would use 250 megawatts of power per year, store and burn 60,000 gallons of diesel per year, and guzzle 10,000 gallons of water per day. Taxpayers would subsidize Stream at a cost of $472 million dollars, equivalent to $3.9 million per job.

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation, a federally recognized Indigenous Nation and part of the Haudenosaunee, has raised concerns about the STAMP mega industrial site since its inception. STAMP poses an existential threat to the people and culture of the Nation, as well as to birds, fish, deer, water, and medicinal plants in the Nation’s Big Woods, which are located adjacent to the proposed data parcel site.

In an affidavit, Chief Jonathan addressed likely impacts of the data center on the Nation’s way of life: “The construction and operation of the Project will diminish the Big Woods as a pristine hunting ground and forever change the character of the area with the additional noise, lights, pollution, and surrounding human development… Any spill or pollution event at the Project site that results in contamination to either ground or surface waters threatens the drinking water resources for the Nation and its Citizens.”

The 1,263-acre STAMP site is being constructed in the middle of a rural, agricultural area and is surrounded by a network of public protected lands that are visited each year by thousands of nature enthusiasts, who are drawn to the area by ecologically rich wetlands and forests that provide critical habitat for a diversity of birds, plants, and animals, including threatened and endangered species such as the Short Eared Owl.

The Sierra Club stands with the Tonawanda Seneca Nation to oppose GCEDC’s plans to turn this pristine and ecologically sensitive area into an ill-conceived and recklessly planned industrial mega-site. The data center industry is notorious around the world for its excessive noise, air pollution, excessive water use and the consumption of massive amounts of energy.

If GCEDC’s plans are effected, the diversion of 250 megawatts of renewable electricity to the data center will undermine New York’s ability to meet our climate change goals and add massive amounts of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants to the atmosphere. This environmentally precious area needs to be protected and expanded under New York’s 30 by 30 Initiative, not degraded by environmentally damaging industries.

Despite nearly twenty years of effort and more than $410 million in taxpayer subsidies, GCEDC has struggled to attract viable advanced manufacturing tenants or to construct basic infrastructure at the rural site proposed to become a “mega industrial park.”

Currently, Edwards Vacuum is the only tenant under construction at STAMP. Plug Power paused construction on its green hydrogen manufacturing facility in 2023, leaving a gap in financing for the onsite electrical substation; Stream U.S. Data Centers committed to covering $50 million of this gap as part of their data center proposal. According to the petition, “To fast track the development of a data center and jump start the stalled STAMP Site, the GCEDC resorted to taking shortcuts around the very environmental review standards and procedures” put in place under SEQRA.

Major Felony Crime Task Force honored for work keeping community safe, often behind the scenes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 5:46 pm

Task Force to receive ‘2025 Achievement Award’ from National Association of Counties

Photo by Tom Rivers: District Attorney Susan Howard speaks during last week’s County Legislature meeting about a National Association of Counties award for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Legislator Skip Draper is at right.

ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force will receive a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.

The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, said District Attorney Susan Howard. The Task Force operates under supervision of the District Attorney in Orleans County.

“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.

 The National Association of Counties will present Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Howard praised the task force, led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco, for its work with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“They kind of work in the dark but they need to be recognized,” Howard said. “They work so hard behind the scenes keeping on community safe.”

The Task Force also includes investigators Corey Black and Brett Sobieraski. Black has just retired from the Task Force after several years.

“Members are experienced investigators that have worked in law enforcement an average of 20 to 30 years prior to joining, thus bringing with them a high level of experience,” Howard said. “The Task Force focuses on the war against drugs, but also handles homicides, assaults and any other type of criminal investigation.”

County leader thanks law enforcement, county employees for response to bomb threat

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 1:33 pm

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson is thanking county employees and law enforcement for a peaceful resolution to a bomb threat on Monday at the Orleans County Mental Health Building.

Daniel T. Morehead, 30, of Holley has been charged with making a terrorist threat, placing a false bomb in the 1stdegree, menacing 2nd degree, attempted assault on a police officer and harassment 2nd degree.

Johnson issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s bomb threat and subduing of the suspect at the Orleans County Department of Mental Health thankfully ended without incident and I want to thank our Sheriff’s Office and all the other agencies that aided, including the New York State Police, the Albion Police, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, NYS D.E.C Police and our Emergency Management and Probation departments, for their tremendous efforts.

“Sheriff Bourke and his leadership team were extraordinary in controlling the situation and their use of technology, especially the drone, was amazing.

“This event shows we live at a time when incidents can seemingly happen at any time and any place.  We are fortunate that our public safety professionals have the training, skills and determination to protect the health and well-being of our community.

“I also want to acknowledge our County Administrator Jack Welch and the Department of Mental Health for being prepared for such a situation and implementing proper protocols to ensure employee safety. Our Mental Health staff have a very difficult job and these types of threats are always a concern. Know we appreciate all that you do.”

Motorcyclist from Holley killed in Oakfield after hitting a deer

Posted 1 July 2025 at 1:23 pm

Press Release, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

OAKFIELD – The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that occurred on Lockport Road in the Town of Oakfield.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received the 9-1-1 call reporting the fatal accident at 4:11 a.m.

Upon arrival, patrols identified the operator of the motorcycle as Michael L. Wilson, age 36, of Holley, who was operating a red 2013 Yamaha motorcycle westbound on Lockport Road.

As Wilson was traveling westbound on Lockport Road a deer entered the roadway. Wilson struck the deer, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle resulting in him being ejected off the motorcycle before coming to rest.

Oakfield and Alabama Fire Departments, and Mercy EMS responded to the scene to administer life-saving measures. Tragically, Wilson succumbed to his injuries roadside and was pronounced deceased by the Genesee County Coroner’s Office at the scene.

The accident is still under investigation at this time by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Assisting at the scene were members of Oakfield and Alabama Fire Departments along with Mercy EMS.

Medina will celebrate Erie Canal’s 200th in a big way on Wednesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 11:19 am

Concerts, including Albany Symphony, with day capped by fireworks over the water

File photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks are reflected in the Erie Canal on November 25, 2023 just before the Parade of Lights in Medina. On July 2, there will be fireworks again and they will be directed closer to the canal.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina is teaming with the State Canal Corp. for a big party on Wednesday to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

The big highlights include a concert by the Albany Symphony in the Canal Basin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. with fireworks to follow at about 9:35.

There will be many vendors throughout the day and other concerts and presentations.

The fireworks will be shot in the air towards the canal. It gives a rare chance to see them reflected in the water during the summer.

“We have a nice variety of activities for adults and kids,” said Jim Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Tourism Committee.

The lineup of events includes:

  • Noon to 2 p.m. – McHenry & Baz perform at the Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. – Medina Sandstone & Erie Canal Talk by Tom Rivers at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Albany Symphony Open Rehearsal at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 5:50 to 6:20 p.m. – Orleans Bicentennial Presentation and Meet the Pioneers/settlers skit Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 6:35 to 7:10 p.m. – Medina Alumni Jazz Band at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 8 to 9:30 p.m. – Albany Symphony Orchestra Concert at Medina Harbor Mainstage with Fireworks Finale at 9:35 p.m.

The events are all free to attend. There are also other free daytime activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. including Barbara’s Bags and Bonnets, Between the Vines: Wooden Crafts, County Tourism Booth, Downtown Merchants Discounts / Specials, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library: Kids Activity Center, Medina Area Partnership, Medina Historical Society, Orleans Bluebird Trails, Orly the Ox Meet and Greet: County’s Bicentennial Mascot, Village Tourism Booth, Visual Arts show in open galleries on Main Street, and Walking Tours of Downtown Historic Panels.

There will also be several food and beverage vendors: Polish Korner, Dubby’s Pizza, The Coffee Pot, Wild Flour Deli and Bakery and Hans’s Bakery.

Albion Rotary honors Amy Sidari for community service, career running dance studio

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 10:12 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Don Bishop, Foundation director at the Albion Rotary Club, presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Amy Sidari during the Rotary meeting last Thursday at the Tavern on the Ridge.

Photos courtesy of Marlene Seielstad: Amy Sidari stands with Albion Rotary Club President Tom Rivers.

The Paul Harris award is named for the founder of Rotary and is the club’s highest honor.

Sidari recently retired after 28 years as owner of the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio on West Bank Street. She has been a dance instructor in Albion for 38 years.

Rotary commended her for being a “dynamic force for good in Albion for the past four decades.” Gotta Dance has been a welcoming studio for people of all ages and abilities.

Sidari has used the dance studio to host many community fundraisers and events, including an annual Nicholas Kovaleski Hometown Christmas to support a scholarship in memory of Nicholas, who passed away from leukemia at age 15 in 2011. The Hometown Christmas shows raised more than $25,000 in scholarships which are given to Albion seniors who follow Nicholas’s mission of “Live with Purpose.”

Amy also puts on many shows with musicians and comedians at the Cabaret at Studio B. Those shows bring in many buses of people to Albion, providing entertainment and a needed spark for the downtown.

Sidari and her husband David have five children: Jillian, Kristin, Keith, Kyle and Gina. Amy and David also have three grandchildren: James, Jonah and Charlotte.

The Rotary Club also had the “changing of the guard” last week with a new president and officers sworn in for the 2025-26 year. Tom Rivers hands the gavel over to Dick Remley who will lead the organization the next year.

The club was busy the past year with community efforts, including the Albion Strawberry Festival, a golf tournament (with proceeds going to a transportation program at the Office for the Aging and clothing and readiness fund for the Job Development Agency). A St. Patrick’s ham dinner supported school supplies in a rural part of Honduras that were delivered by Tim Archer, advisor of the Interact Club in the school district.

The Rotary Club also completed a memorial for the 15 people who died in the Sept. 28, 1859 bridge collapse in Albion. That monument, completed by Brigden Memorials, is in Albion’s Canal Park.

The Rotary Club also welcomed many speakers throughout the year and the club contributed to other projects in the community.

Rotary last week also welcomed Michael Schmackpfeffer as a new member.

White Birch sweeps twin bill; Banes wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 July 2025 at 10:10 am

White Birch swept to a doubleheader victory Monday evening downing Jr. Wilson 15-9 and Dubby’s 6-5 to improve to 6-1 in Medina Women’s Softball League ‘A’ Division action.

In the other game, Banes regained the .500 mark at 3-3 with a 15-11 win over Parkitect.

White Birch 15, Jr. Wilson 9
Aubrey Lewis, Ella Lewis and Anna Lewis each had a double and two singles and Kenzi Muck and Bekah Hoffee a double and single to highlight the White Birch offense. Maddy Boyle added 3 singles as Stacy Buckland, Dana Cotriss, Mallory Albone, Lily Kompe and Brynn Howell each had 1.

Stormi Beach had 4 singles and Sara Flansburg 3 singles for Jr. Wilson.

White Birch 6. Dubby’s 5
Ella Lewis and Buckland both had a double and a single, Cotriss 3 singles, Boyle, Albone and Howell 2 singles and Aubrey Lewis, Anna Lewis, and Hoffee 1 single for White Birch in the narrow win.

Jayden Townsend and Kelsee Soule both had 2 doubles for Dubby’s.

Banes 15, Parkitect 11
Morgan Allis and Connie Heschke both had 4 hits including a double and triple to lead the Banes attack. Krissy Scharlau, Rileigh McCabe and Teri Scharlau each added 3 hits. Krissy Scharlau’s included a double.

Breaking away from a 6-6 tie, Banes regained the lead for good by scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning on a double by Heschke, a home run by Lindsay Chatt and singles by Allis and Teri Scharlau.

Banes upped the advantage to 14-7 by scoring 4 runs in the sixth on singles by Krissy Scharlau, McCabe, Teri Scharlau, Patti Page, Sophia Goyette and Heschke.

NY launches free community college program for in-demand fields

Posted 1 July 2025 at 9:38 am

‘SUNY and CUNY Reconnect’ covers tuition, books and fees for New Yorkers ages 25-55

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched New York’s free community college program for SUNY and CUNY students as part of her fight to lower costs for New Yorkers and make education more affordable.

Starting this fall through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, New York State will cover tuition, fees, books and supplies for community college students ages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations.

“The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers — that’s why we’re opening the doors of opportunity at SUNY and CUNY so that students can achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m fighting to make education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program will continue to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State’s future workforce.”

As part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, free community college for adults in high-demand fields builds on her legacy of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a world-class and affordable education.

For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at SUNY and CUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid. In addition, eligible students will have access to advising and support.

New York State has stepped up as a national leader in many emerging industries such as semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and AI. As a result of these investments, many of the new jobs available in New York will require workers with a degree or credential to fill these specialized positions. The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs will help connect eligible New Yorkers to these job opportunities.

In order to be eligible for the program, students will enroll in high-demand fields including:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Nursing and allied health fields
  • Green and renewable energy
  • Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

 In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wrap-around supports such as academic advising and student success coaching. In addition, it also includes funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program.

SUNY Reconnect, launching in fall 2025, will help empower New Yorkers and serve as a powerful engine of upward mobility for hard-working adults. Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist all who are interested in eligible degree programs. Information can also be found by clicking here.

Holley romps in girls U15 soccer contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 July 2025 at 9:35 am

Improving to 4-0-1, Holley bested Greece United 6-1 in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U15 Division game Monday evening.

Addie Crosier scored 3 goals to lead the Holley offense as Carsyn Mogle, Audrianna Lana and Veronica Flow each netted 1.

GCC won’t increase tuition and fees for 2025-2026 academic year

Posted 1 July 2025 at 8:47 am

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is proud to announce that tuition and fees will remain flat for the 2025-2026 academic year, reinforcing the college’s deep commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education to students and families across the region.

The decision, approved by the Genesee County Legislature, ensures that students can continue pursuing their educational and career goals without the burden of increased costs.

“Access to education should never be out of reach because of cost,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of Genesee Community College. “By holding tuition and fees steady, we’re giving our students and their families peace of mind, and a clear path forward. This is about empowering individuals, strengthening communities and changing lives.”

The tuition freeze is especially significant in today’s economic climate, where many families are struggling to balance rising expenses. With no increase in tuition or fees for the upcoming academic year, GCC remains one of the most cost-effective college options in Western New York, making it a smart choice for recent high school graduates, adult learners and career-changers alike.

In addition to its affordable pricing, GCC offers a wide range of scholarships, financial aid resources, transfer agreements with four-year institutions and innovative academic programs designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce.

With the 2025-2026 budget now approved, GCC is actively enrolling students for the fall semester. Prospective students are encouraged to visit www.genesee.edu/apply to learn more about applying, financial aid and the many ways GCC helps students succeed.

In Albion, ‘Joe’ has made a difference through decades of service

Posted 1 July 2025 at 8:38 am

Editor:

The Albion Betterment Committee’s founders got together with their wives on Tuesday, June 24th, to celebrate the 93rd birthday of their inspirational leader. Without his extraordinary guidance our 501 c-3 non-profit would not exist.

This short piece is an attempt to pay tribute to him. As he shuns the spotlight, we will not mention his last name. But he is not your average “Joe”.

Yes, he is involved in many worthwhile causes, including those he supports through the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a lover of history and works to keep our awareness of the accomplishments of past generations alive. Being a Korean War veteran himself certainly has better enabled him to appreciate our country’s history.

Thanks, Joe, for your patriotism. You are an outstanding role model for our young people and the many generations to come. We are honored to have worked with you on a variety of projects.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Derwick and Gary Kent

Albion

Tenney seeks federal grant program to help pay for memorials honoring veterans, first responders

Posted 1 July 2025 at 8:33 am

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), reintroduced the Remembering Our Local Heroes Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to provide funding for memorials honoring veterans, law enforcement officers, and firefighters.

“Our veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers embody the very best of our nation, and we must honor their courage and selflessness,” Congresswoman Tenney said. “This includes preserving local memorials, which serve as powerful reminders of these heroes’ legacies and sacrifices. The Remembering Our Local Heroes Act ensures that communities in New York and across the country have the resources needed to maintain and restore these tributes for future generations.”

“First responders, members of the military, and all those who have served our nation deserve to be honored and remembered for their service and sacrifice. This bipartisan legislation will help communities in New Hampshire and across the country build, maintain, and restore memorials honoring our heroes, ensuring that they will never be forgotten,” said Congressman Pappas.