LOCKPORT – Democratic congressional candidate Alissa Ellman today challenged Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to participate in four public debates across New York’s 24th Congressional District, saying voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates before casting their ballots.
“Everywhere I go, I hear the same question: ‘Where’s Claudia?’” said Ellman. “People want to know why they don’t see her in their communities, why she isn’t answering questions, and why she isn’t talking to them about the issues that matter most. Well, here’s the perfect opportunity.”
Ellman proposed four debates in communities across the district, each hosted by local media outlets, civic organizations, colleges, or community groups, ensuring voters from every corner of NY-24 have the chance to hear directly from both candidates.
“This isn’t about political theater. It’s about accountability,” Ellman said. “Families are struggling with higher grocery prices, rising utility bills, housing costs, and healthcare expenses. Farmers are worried about their future. The people of this district have questions, and they deserve answers.”
A veteran, burn pit cancer survivor, and mother, Ellman said showing up and answering tough questions comes with the job.
Ellman said her campaign is prepared to work immediately with local media and community organizations to schedule the debates.
“The people shouldn’t have to wonder where their representative is,” Ellman said. “I’m ready to debate anytime, anywhere. I’ve accepted the invitation. Now it’s Claudia Tenney’s turn to show up.”
On May 27, the GDEDC posted a 480-page “Geotechnical Report” for the North Campus of the STREAM US Data Centers facility proposed for the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama.
This report was posted (a) weeks after the end of the period of public comment, and (b) contained in a document given the misleading title “Supplemental Information.” This Report is the opposite of “supplemental”: it is fundamental to understanding what would actually be needed in order to construct the proposed facility.
The report states that the soils of the North Campus are characterized by very poor drainage and are highly “compressible”, which means that the soil is incapable of supporting the proposed structure without massive geoengineering interventions – including the installation of concrete supports up to 55’ deep and building up the soil grade by an additional 10 feet in some places.
These re-engineering feats would then be followed by weeks or months of settling. This is not the kind of site preparation anticipated in the original 2012 Environmental Impact Statement for the STAMP site. Additionally, the report shows that the stormwater permit STREAM applied for was based on faulty assumptions about stormwater management on the site.
This information leads us to wonder what CEO Mark Masse of the GDEDC meant when he said the site was “shovel ready.” Does the term “sink hole” mean anything to anyone? Who remembers what happened when GCEDC used inappropriate construction methods during its botched first attempt to build a STAMP wastewater pipeline… in exactly the same kind of soils? That effort ended in a frac-out of 500-700 gallons of hydraulic drilling fluid spilled directly into wetlands of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and, yes, sinkholes.
Dear readers, ask yourselves why the GDEDC would not have made this information easily and openly available to the public within the timeframe of open comment on this proposal. Ask yourselves why the GDEDC would only have posted the information on their website, under a less-than-clear title, in the middle of a 480-page document labeled as “supplemental information”.
Finally, ponder for yourselves the incredible amount of environmental damage and degradation such construction would bring to the Town of Alabama, all of the residents, the watershed, the wetlands, and the Wildlife Refuge. How can anyone think this is a good idea? It’s not!
Provided images: Victoria Vazquez will be at Author’s Note on July 13 to launch her new book, The Death Row Club.
MEDINA – Buffalo author V. A. Vazquez will start her international book tour for her acclaimed debut thriller, The Death Row Club, with a launch party at Author’s Note, Medina’s independent bookstore, on Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30 p.m., with a second session at 7:30 p.m. due to expected turnout.
Vazquez will discuss and sign her novel and lead an “Is Your Parent a Serial Killer?” quiz as part of the celebration, which will also include themed treats for attendees. Victoria Vazquez, a frequent customer at Author’s Note and regular fixture in its three adult book clubs, chose Author’s Note to host the kickoff celebration for her debut novel, which will not be available anywhere else in the United States until July 14th. Author’s Note anticipates a large turnout and asks attendees to reserve free tickets on their website or by calling the store.
“Victoria Vazquez is beloved at Author’s Note,” says Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note. “She’s legendary at our book clubs for her humor, her insights, and her heart. She’s truly one of our own, so we’re incredibly excited to see all this global buzz her debut is getting. We can’t wait to give The Death Row Club a world-class sendoff.”
The Death Row Club is a dark, dazzlingly original psychological thriller about a woman invited to an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers…but when one of the participants ends up dead, they begin to wonder if someone among them might be carrying on the family traditions.
V.A. Vazquez’s debut novel has already been acclaimed receiving a starred review from BookPage saying, “It roped me in from the first chapter and did not untie me until the final page… My favorite part of doing monthly book reviews for BookPage is happening upon an author’s debut novel and finding it to be unputdownable. The Death Row Club is Unputdownable with a capital-U.”
Vazquez’s book is also receiving high praise from fellow authors. New York Times and internationals #1 best selling author, Karin Slaugher says The Death Row Club is “Compelling, provocative, and absorbing. Vazquez thrills with a fresh and unforgettable premise.”
V.A. Vazquez was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where she currently teaches English. She received her BA in English from Barnard College and her MS in Teaching from Fordham University. She’s currently pursuing an MFA in Fiction from Spalding University. A former Fulbright Distinguished Teacher at the University of Glasgow, she spent five years living in Scotland, in a town inhabited by countless baby sheep.
Author’s Note anticipates a very large turnout for this special event and strongly suggests reserving a spot for the event and preordering copies of The Death Row Club at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/events. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at authorsnote.com. Contact Author’s Note for more information at (585) 798-3642.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is pleased to announce the addition of a Sensory Room at this year’s fair, made possible through a grant from Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Orleans County Health Department.
The Sensory Room will be located in the back half of the Harrington Classroom in the Education Center. This space is designed to give fairgoers a quieter, more comfortable place to take a break during the fair.
The room will include access to wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory tents, dimmable lights, small fidgets, swivel and wave chairs, and a sensory path. Some items may be used outside of the room on the fairgrounds. A deposit as well as a valid id will be required for items that leave the room, such as wagons or wheelchairs.
In addition to the Sensory Room, sensory bags will also be available for fairgoers thanks to a donation from Cobblestone Federal Credit Union. These bags include fidgets and other small sensory tools that can be used throughout the fairgrounds to help children and youth feel more comfortable while enjoying the fair.
“We want the fair to be a welcoming place for as many families as possible,” said Kayla Dengler, Community Contests Chair and Fair Committee Member. “This grant and donation help us offer extra support for children, youth, and families who may need a calmer space or helpful equipment while enjoying the fair.”
The Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through August 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the Sensory Room during fair week as needed.
For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at 585-798-4265, email orleans@cornell.edu, or visit orleans4-hfair.com.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2026 at 10:41 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lined up in their golf carts waiting for the start of the tournament are the 96 golfers who signed up to play in the Orleans Community Connects tournament at Shelridge Country Club.
Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connects’ board, presents Peter Kaiser with the year’s membership to Shelridge Country Club, which he won for the winning bid in an auction.
MEDINA – Sunny skies, warm temperatures and nearly 100 avid golfers made for a very successful fundraiser at Shelridge Country Club.
As the 96 golfers lined up in their carts, they were welcomed by Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects, and Dean Bellack, board president. Bellack said Gaylord’s talent for writing grants led to the agency formerly known as United Way of Orleans County to take on an entirely new focus.
“She has put this organization on the map,” Bellack said. “We will still continue to support nom-profits in the community. We are on a very good track.”
Bellack introduced Orleans Community Connects board members and then made a special presentation to Tim Moriarty, who served as treasurer for several years.
The first Saturday in June is the traditional date of the annual golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects, formerly United Way of Orleans County.
Started more than half a century ago as the Van Hungerford Memorial Golf Tournament, the event has become a major fundraiser for the local agency which supports charities in Orleans County.
In addition to golf, the day featured a basket raffle, dinner in the clubhouse and awarding of prizes. A highlight was auctioning off a year’s membership with cart for one at Shelridge Country Club, valued at more than $2,500. Winner was Peter Kaiser, whose successful bid was $950.
“It was a beautiful day,” Gaylord said. “One hundred percent of the net profits from today will be used to fund services and projects in Orleans County .”
“It was a great day and a great time,” Bellack said.
Bellack has chaired the event since joining the board and becoming its president in 2019.
Volunteers get their assignments as golfers begin to register for the annual golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way of Orleans County) at Shelridge Country Club. Waiting to sell mulligans at left are Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects, and Dawn Winkler, financial officer.
Bellack and Gaylord expressed their sincere thanks to sponsors, volunteers, including a large contingent from Baxter and Velocitii; board members; and donors.
“This is our first tournament as Orleans Community Connects, and it will allow us to continue the tradition of giving back to the community,” Gaylord said.
Winners announced were Men’s Champion – Lionel Rhim, Donnell Holloway, Brian Cline and Ryan Woodward; 2nd Place – Alex Bethman, Greg Pollorak, Chad Hursey and Robert Hursey; Mixed Champion – Marc Strain, Melissa Cotter, Cathy Tvenier and John Prospero; Most Honest Team (Balls) – Jodi Gaines’ team; Longest Drive #2 (men) Eric Jaszka; Longest Drive #5 (woman) – Margy Brown; Closest to Pin #3 (men) – Chad Hursey; Closest to Pin #8 (ladies) – Sam Vermeulen; Closest to Pin #12 (men) – Tim Moriarty; Closest to Pin #14 (ladies) – Sam Vermeulen.
Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connect, listens as board president Dean Bellack gives a special tribute to Tim Moriarty, who served several years as the agency’s treasurer.
White Birch downed Mr. Septic 19-9 and Jr. Wilson shutout Banes 14-0 in Medina Women’s Softball action Monday evening.
White Birch 19, Mr. Septic 9
White Birch had 23 hits including home runs from Aubrey Lewis, Ella Lewis and Morgan Ralph.
Anna Lewis went 4 for 4 at the plate with a triple and 3 singles. Other hitters included Aubrey Lewis (2 singles), Morgan Ralph (single), Maddy Boyle (2 singles), Kenzie Muck (single and double), Rebekah Hoffee (2 singles and a double), Stacy Buckland (2 singles), Brianna Paniccia ( single), Dana Cottris (2 singles) and Mallory Albone ( single).
Mr. Septic had a home run from their lead off batter, Lindsay Ward who also had a single. Randi Tower had three singles and Cathy Schmitt 2 singles and a double.
White Birch is now 4-2
Jr. Wilson 14, Banes 0
Jr Wilson’s opened the game with two runs in the first on a triple from Stormi Beach. They then scored 6 runs in the 2nd with hits coming from Jaclyn Rodriguez, Sara Flansburg, Lizzy Zacher, and Penny Roath.
Jr Wilson’s tacked on 6 more runs in the fifth, with a 3-run Home Run by Alyssa Robarge, a double from Chasity Chinn, and singles from Flansburg, Beach, Jodi Zacher, Sharon Korzelius, Rodriquez, and Roath.
Flansburg ended the night with 3 hits, while Beach, Jodi Zacher, and Roath all chipped in with two hits apiece.
Connie Heschke and Teri Scharlau had hits for Banes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2026 at 9:45 am
Union seeks mediator to help reach new labor agreement
Photo by Tom Rivers: Some members of the Albion Teachers Association are pictured this morning at the elementary school after the Board of Education went into executive session. The ATA has been working without a contract the past year.
ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association has declared an impasse with the school district after a year has gone by without a new contract in place for the ATA and its 172 members.
The union on Nov. 26, by a 2-to-1 vote, rejected a tentative agreement that was reached between the ATA and district’s negotiating teams, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
The ATA and the district have been unable to reach an agreement on a new five-year contract, said Roxanne Bieler, the ATA president and a high school English teacher.
The union last month declared an impasse, and will seek an outside mediator to help resolve the issues. Bieler said the ATA and district have been negotiating for the past 18 months.
Edwards said the district hasn’t received written notice of an impasse. He declined to comment publicly until receiving a formal notice.
The Board of Education meet this morning for its annual reorganizational meeting, when it picks the board leadership, swears in new members, appoints officials and makes other designations.
About a dozen ATA members were at the meeting, wearing black T-shirts that said: “ATA – It’s a beautiful day to demand fair pay” and “ATA – Union Strong.”
Bieler said the main issues are how to fairly compensate teachers for an additional school days and more time in the classroom.
Teachers currently work 185 days. Bieler said the district would like to add more to the schedule.
The ATA also wants to see more of school resources spent on educating children, from new textbooks in the elementary school to better compensation for teacher aides.
One ATA member, Chris Keller, noted the district has been cited by the state comptroller’s office to whittle down its reserves. A comptroller’s audit from 2022 said Albion’s fund balances were far in excess – by $17 million – of the statutory limit for a school district.
Keller said the fund balances have grown partly because the district is not properly funding the education for the children in the district.
The Board of Education sets a budget and underspends by several millions of dollars, depriving children of much-needed resources, he said.
The district’s budget for 2026-27 totals $45,615,036. Albion for the 18th time in the past 20 years did not increase property taxes. The tax levy stayed at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 July 2026 at 9:37 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – In action for Elks/Rotary during Monday’s playoff win are Remi Ebbs, left, banging out an RBI hit and Greyson Roberts making a throw from his shortstop position.
Albion Midget League 12U Division playoff action got underway Monday evening with four quarterfinal round games as top seeded Sandstone downed No. 8 Vets 12-5, No. 2 Barre topped No. 7 Hamlin 14-9, No. 3 Elks/Rotary defeated No. 6 Holley 14-2 and No. 5 Elba 1 bested No. 4 Brockport 2 8-1.
Giavanni LaMartina belted a two-run homer and a grand slam with 6 RBIs and Bryce Saxton had 3 hits to spark Sandstone.
Ryan Coots and Remi Ebbs combined to register 15 strikeouts to lead Elks/Rotary. Jayden Donnelly led the offense with two doubles, a triple and 4 RBIs.
Wednesday’s 6 p.m. semifinals will now have Elba 1 at Sandstone and Elks/Rotary at Barre.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2026 at 6:48 am
Provided photos: Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz was joined in Buffalo by associates to accept the Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Award on June 17. Pictured, from left, are Tami Condo, Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services, who earned the distinction in 2023; Shurtz; and Mary Williams, retired director of human resources at OCH.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s CEO/CIO was presented with the “Excellence in Health Care” award by Buffalo Business First during an annual celebration June 17.
The occasion recognized healthcare leaders from across Western New York who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to improving healthcare in their communities.
Orleans Community Health’s CEO/CIO Marc Shurtz and Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services pose with their awards at Medina Memorial Hospital. Shurtz was just honored by Buffalo Business First with their Excellence in Health Care award. Woody received the same honor in 2023.
Marc Shurtz has served as CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health for the past six years and has worked in healthcare for more than 11 years. Since joining Orleans Community Health in 2020, after previously serving as chief information officer and corporate compliance officer, he has guided the organization through executive transition, operational challenges and strategic growth, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to preserving access to quality healthcare close to home.
As OCH’s CEO/CIO, Shurtz provides executive leadership for the organization, while overseeing strategic technology initiatives and operational direction. He works closely with organizational leadership, staff and community partners to advance system-wide priorities and expand access to healthcare services throughout Orleans County and the surrounding region. His leadership combines strategic vision with a hands-on, community-centered approach.
Jeanie Wodo, director of IT Services at Orleans Community Health, submitted the nomination recognizing Shurtz for the award. She attended the reception to see Shurtz receive the award.
Following the ceremony, Shurtz commented on the importance of rural healthcare and the team behind the recognition.
“Rural healthcare is about more than providing medical services – it’s about caring for our neighbors, strengthening our communities and ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare close to home,” Shurtz said. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Buffalo Business First, but this award truly belongs to our entire Orleans Community Health team. Their compassion, dedication and commitment to our patients make achievements like this possible every day.”
Shurtz becomes the second Orleans Community Health leader to receive the Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Award. He joins Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services, who earned the distinction in 2023. She attended the June 17 awards ceremony alongside Shurtz as he accepted this year’s honor, marking another proud milestone for Orleans Community Health.
The Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service and commitment are helping shape the future of healthcare throughout Western New York.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 July 2026 at 9:36 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – In action for Medina during this evenings’ 15U game at Vets Park, Mason Berry, left, makes solid contact and at right Viktor Snyder takes a throw to try and get an out at first base on a pickoff attempt..
Scoring in five of the six innings, the Grand Island Vikings posted a 15-3 win over the Medina Mustangs 15U baseball team at Vets Park this evening.
Four run scoring bursts in the third, fifth and sixth innings keyed the win for the Vikings.
Medina scored once in the second on an RBI double by Shawn Robertson, once in the fifth as Jacob Duffina doubled and came in on a steal of home and once in the sixth on a passed ball.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 7:10 pm
MEDINA – Families looking for ways to give their kids an academic boost over the summer have an option at the Orleans County Christian School.
Administrator Ayesha Kreutz has released information on Summer Day Sessions or Academic Boost/Tutoring.
“The program are built for busy summer, growing minds and fun with a purpose,” Kreutz said.
The school will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 28. Families may choose their days and times. Cost starts at $15 a day and scholarships and financial aid are available.
“Do not let the price stop you,” Kreutz said. “We work with families.”
Kreutz said the Christian School is a great place for kids to go, and not just a place to drop them off. They can build, chase things, dig for dino eggs and crack the code on fractions before they even know they’re doing math, she said.
Every week will have a theme, such as “From Under the Sea,” “God’s Creation,” “Stars and Space,” “Farm and Food,” “Heroes of the Bible” and “Serving Others.”
The school offers all-day enrichment and full-day options; hands-on, project-based outdoor learning blocks; and is kinesthetic, not just cognitive.
More information is available by calling (585) 798-2992 or e-mailing occs.office1@gmail.com.
Photos by Natalie Baron: The Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is a staple of Medina’s community. The library’s has a new entrance with an overhang. Lee-Whedon on Aug. 22, 2025 celebrated the start of the construction project. Today it marked its near completion.
By Natalie Baron, correspondent
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library today celebrated its grand reopening with the near-completion of a 4,785-square-foot addition on the library.
The library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for donors and other supporters of the $5.2 million project at noon today. There were speeches by the library’s director, Kristine Mostyn, and the construction manager, Chris Ladas of Christa Construction.
The construction project is renovating the existing library as well as the new addition, providing more rooms and space for the public. There will also be expanded WiFi access and more LED lighting.
From left include Assistant Director Sam Covis, Director Kristine Mostyn, and Construction Manager Chris Ladas. They stand just outside the new kitchen area. There will be more tables for use once the space is complete.
The library’s Director, Kristine Mostyn, expressed in her speech, “We’re very excited, but we absolutely want to make sure that we thank everyone in the community who has supported this project from its inception. We wouldn’t have been able to do this if the community didn’t want this and show their support for it, so we’re very grateful.”
In his speech, Ladas stated, “The library board, the library staff, and the library director deserve a lot of credit because it takes a lot of planning, a lot of initiative, and a lot of donations. They went above and beyond to get this job done for this community. This is my fifth library. I’ve done four already, in the Rochester area. Every library, I believe, serves a purpose to help generations to come. This one here will help all future generations come together, come to learn, and come to grow. You can’t ask for more than that.”
“We’re really grateful to our community for supporting us on this project, and we’re hoping it’s going to be wrapped up by the end of this month,” shared the library’s Assistant Director, Sam Covis. She looks forward to bringing these new expansions and renovations to the community, and community support has always helped to keep the construction in motion.
Electricians work on the new addition today.
The construction is on a good trajectory toward completion by the end of the month. Ladas explained further, “We’ve had a couple of material delays, but other than that, the construction itself is moving according to plan. We have a great team of prime contracts with the library. They are working in tandem and getting it done.”
This sneak peek into the developing kitchen space showcases the new cabinets lining the wall and the open windows letting in plenty of light.
Through this process, the library is gaining a rotating art display. Within the room add-ons to the library, an area will be available for bigger programs, such as the library’s movie nights and concerts. There is a room for crafts and science projects. A kitchen space will consist of a refrigerator, stoves, multiple cabinets and tables, and a TV.
There are both a small meeting room and a small room for Friends of the Library, selling used books. A quiet room will contain newspapers and local history in cabinets. Two small study spaces will be available for tutoring and reservation for an area to have meetings between a couple of individuals. Outside of opening hours, one may enter via the back door to use a big meeting room with a TV, where fold-up tables or chairs can be set up, as well as two bathrooms. Outside, there will be a fenced-in garden, and a new parking lot with 14 spaces is also underway.
A new rotating art display presents its first masterpieces.
A quiet room will be part of the library’s expansion. It enables adults to get away from the busy state of the rest of the building. Newspapers and local history will be available in cabinets there.
File photo: Here is how the entrance of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library looked before the construction project. The original 11,100-square-foot building was constructed in 1966.
File photo: Here is how the entrance of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library looked before the construction project. The original 11,100-square-foot building was constructed in 1966.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 10:02 am
Center in response to students with limited access to shower, laundry facilities
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Mark Hungerford, Cassie Healy, program director of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action and Mark’s wife. They stand by the new shower installed in the Fresh Start Care Center, due to open soon for disadvantaged youth in the area who have limited access to shower and laundry facilities.
ALBION – A new service developed out of the Health Leadership Fellows Program is about to be launched at Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store at 131 South Main St.
Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford took part in the Health Leadership Fellows Program last fall, during which their team was required to execute a health-enhancing project.
The result was developing a program, which Hungerford described as “a groundbreaking initiative,” designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Mark Hungerford and Cassie Healy demonstrate the new washer/dryer installed in the Fresh Start Care Center at Community Action’s Main Street store. Youths can come in and wash their clothes and/or shower.
After months of planning and facing cuts in program financing, Hungerford has announced the Fresh Start Care Center will be up and running by the time school starts this fall.
The Fresh Start Care Center is in response to alarming data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, and Hungerford said some places lack basic plumbing. Cassie Healy, program manager at the Main Street store, is also manager of the Credit Recovery program which COAG runs in the store. During their sessions, Healy learned that children were standing in line to shower in the nurse’s office at Albion school. She also learned there were many homeless children living in the Albion area.
Since acquiring the former American Legion building, Community Action has continued to add programs and services for the community, including the main attraction, a thrift store; a free prom giveaway, which has spread to include more than half a dozen schools in the area; the credit recovery program, in which as many as 30 teens at a session have participated; a private booth for veterans to use the internet; and now the Fresh Start Care Center, located in what was once the men’s restroom.
The first phase of the Care Center project was completed with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the work and dedication of volunteers, including Mark Hungerford and Dan and Cassie Healy, who spent weekends installing plumbing, electrical wiring and setting up the space. Jim Babcock was contacted to install the shower.
At lunch one day, Hungerford was talking to Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, about how their agencies could partner. She mentioned the need for a shower, and shortly after, Shurtz announced he and his wife were excited to help, however, they could. One thing led to another and they agreed to purchase the shower.
“We are grateful we could be a part of something so much needed,” Shurtz said.
Also, Ryan and Blake Halstead donated a hot water tank.
Students from Brockport State College came and painted the wall to the Care Center.
Hungerford also offered thanks to Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” Hungerford said. “Our community has once again shown what is possible when people come together to support a meaningful project.
“Although we had applied for grant funding to complete Phase 2 and were disappointed when we did not receive it, that setback quickly became an opportunity for local generosity to shine. We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners for their generosity, commitment and continued support.”
She added Community Action was proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens could take care of their basic needs without shame or judgement.
“We need these programs,” Hungerford said. “The community needs these programs. We have services for adults, but nothing for students. That’s where Cassie and the Fresh Start Care Center come in.”
“This instills in students that somebody cares,” Healy said.
The Fresh Start Care Center will continue to need towels, personal hygiene items and laundry supplies. Any donations may be made by messaging Healy on Facebook, calling (585) 640-1329 or stopping at the Main Street store.
Cassie Healy stands by the wall to the Fresh Start Care Center, which was painted by students at Brockport State College.
