By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2025 at 10:51 am
Boxwood will host noon ceremony before volunteers place wreaths there and at other cemeteries
Photo courtesy of Jacob Hebdon: Lance Corporal Nick Fitzak carries one of the wreaths during a ceremony at Wreaths Across America on Dec. 14, 2024. Medina has participated in the event each year since 2013.
MEDINA – The Medina community will be placing about 1,200 wreaths at veterans’ graves on Saturday for the Wreaths Across America observance.
Wreaths Across America has grown in Orleans County since Medina was the first to do it at Boxwood Cemetery in 2013. Lyndonville, Albion and Holley also have joined the effort.
Medina started with seven wreaths in 2013 at Boxwood. On Saturday the wreaths will be placed at vets’ graves at Boxwood, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sacred Heart Cemetery and Bates Road Cemetery. If there are enough wreaths, some will also be placed at Tanner Cemetery on Telegraph Road and perhaps other local cemeteries.
There will be a ceremony at noon at Boxwood before the volunteers set out on the task of setting the wreaths at gravesites for veterans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2025 at 10:11 am
Taxes increase 2.6 percent, but that’s within county’s allowable limit
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Legislature last week held a public hearing on the county’s $100,261,320 budget for 2026. From left include Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and budget officer; Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the County Legislature; and Lisa Stenshorn, clerk of the legislature.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has unanimously approved the 2026 budget, a $100,261,320 spending plan that increases taxes by 2.6 percent.
That is under the county’s allowable tax levy limit. The levy will increase by $500,000 in 2026 – from $19,639,000 to $20,139,000. The county’s allowable limit is an increase of $623,787. The tax rate will go up 14 cents from $7.91 to $8.05 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The budget tops $100 million for the first time. Spending is up 1.18 percent from the $99,092,747 in 2025 to $100,261,320.
County officials said the budget faced pressure from two significant increases: retirement contributions and the costs of a mental health program for people deemed unfit to stand trial.
Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, thanked Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch and County Treasurer Kim DeFrank for their work on the budget.
Jack Welch, the chief administrative officer, said two big expenses, pension contributions and a mental health law 730.30, strained the budget for 2026.
“This has been a particularly challenging year and the fact that we continued to stay under the property tax cap is a testament to the hard work and creativity of Jack, Kim and all of our department heads,” Johnson said during a budget hearing on Dec. 3.
The budget also faces a 20.8 percent increase in New York State retirement costs due to a lower stock market evaluation on March 31, 2025, as well as some employees earning more money from longer work weeks – 35 to 40 hours, Welch said.
The county’s bill for retirement costs will be up $786,267 in 2026. The retirement costs are one of the nine state mandated programs which now account of 115 percent of the tax levy, Welch said.
The other big increase for the county: Mental Health Law Expense 730.30, where people deemed unfit to stand trial are committed to a facility. That can cost $30,000 to $50,000 a month per person.
The “730” expense went from $57,000 in 2023 to $367,000 in 2024 (with $50,000 budgeted). This year the budget was increased to $550,000 but the county has already spent over $1.8 million. The budgeted amount for 2026 is $1.5 million.
The cost used to be a 50-50 split with the state, but the state made it a 100 percent county expense.
“Orleans County and its taxpayers have no more capacity left to continue with these drastic increases. New York State must address this and do it now,” Johnson said.
The county was able to stay under the tax cap despite the big increases in retirement contributions and the “730” costs through other cost savings and revenue growth.
The county is moving its health insurance and medical coverage from Highmark to NYSHIP’s Empire Plan, which will reduce those costs by 6 percent.
The county also is projecting a $1.6 million increase in the local sales tax revenue. This year the sales tax receipts have been strong, nearly 9 percent ahead of 2024.
Welch said the budget maintains core county services and programs “in the most cost-effective manner possible, complies with the New York State property tax cap and provides funding for prioritized projects and programs while avoiding fiscal stress.”
Welch and Johnson both said the county budget remains driven by state-mandated programs.
The nine mandated programs used to account for 90 percent of the overall tax levy. With the 12026 budget, those mandates now account for $23,196,803 or 115.2 percent of the tax levy, Welch said.
9 state-mandated programs:
Medicaid – $8,810,237 (down 0.3 percent)
Public assistance/Safety Net – $3,169,135 (up 6.5 percent)
Mental Health law expense 730.30 – $1.5 million (up 272.7 percent)
Early intervention – $360,258 (up 13.0 percent)
Pension – $4,557,190 (up 20.8 percent)
Total: $23,196,803 (up 10.1 percent)
Welch said the budget also maintains funding to local municipalities (sales tax sharing, community college local expense, animal control, vehicle and traffic prosecution) at $3,819,691 in 2026, up from $3,810,445. That accounts for 19.0 percent of tax levy or $1.53 of the overall rate.
The budget keeps funding at the same levels for organizations providing services in the county including:
Cornell Cooperative Extension at $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency at $200,000; Soil & Water at $100,500, four public libraries to share $10,000; Mercy Flight at $5,000; Council of the Arts at $4,000; Cobblestone Museum, $3,000.
The budget includes $8,566,052 for capital projects:
Highway – $7,446,143 ($7,060,509 from state and federal governments)
Local bridge and culvert repairs, $50,000
Patch and seal county roads, $150,000
Highway reconstruction, $2,668,458
Eagle Harbor Knowlesville culvert, $865,000
Bridge Project #2, $2,375,500
Groth Road bridge replacement, $1,337,185
Buildings and grounds – $610,000 (all county cost)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2025 at 8:50 am
MURRAY – Voters in the Murray Joint Fire District elected three fire commissioners on Tuesday: Scott Harrington, Jenna Amering and Shawn O’Mara.
The district also announced the fire operations officers for 2026. They were elected on Dec. 4.
Fire Chief: Rick Cary
Deputy Fire Chief: Pete Hendrickson
Assistant Fire Chief: Kevin Dann
Captains: Jeff Elsenheimer and Allan Smith
Lieutenant: Chris Middleton
Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
Fire Police Lieutenant: Jerry Wagner
“These dedicated leaders will guide us through another year of service, safety and community commitment,” the fire district announced on Tuesday night.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2025 at 9:56 pm
Charlie Monacelli
ALBION – A long-time volunteer firefighter has been elected fire commissioner in the Albion Joint Fire District.
Charlie Monacelli was elected to a five-year term today. He received 77 votes to the 58 for Derek Howes.
Monacelli will take the place of Chris Kinter on the board of commissioners. This was the second election for the Albion Joint Fire District. A year ago, the five commissioners were elected for the first time. Kinter didn’t seek re-election to the unpaid position. Monacelli’s term starts on Jan. 1.
The turnout was steady for the election which lasted three hours from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hoag Library.
Monacelli has been a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. He said he is running to bring more transparency in the joint fire district.
Howes is an Albion native who recently moved back to the community after being very involved with the Town of Niagara Active Hose fire company. He served on the Executive Board and as a lieutenant with that fire company. He works full-time as a project manager/estimator for a fire protection company.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2025 at 8:34 pm
Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced that arts and cultural organizations in the 139th Assembly District have received more than $600,000 in state funding.
That includes $25,000 for both the Cobblestone Museum in Gaines and the Genesee Country Village in Mumford. Those funds from the New York State Council on the Arts are in the category of “NYSCA support for organizations.”
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) also received a similar $25,000 grant, plus $35,000 in rehearsal space for performing arts. GO Art! also received $385,000 in statewide community regrants to support arts and cultural programs in Genesee and Orleans counties.
GO Art! also was approved for funding in Statewide Community Regrant administrative fees, including $35,875 SCR administrative fees from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2025; $49,500 in fees from April 1 to June 30; and $30,125 in administrative fees from July 1 to Dec. 31.
“As your assemblyman, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is securing funding that will go toward strengthening local organizations and bettering our community,” Hawley said. “These vital grant awards will not only help boost current conditions and initiatives for these organizations, but they will also set them up for future success with targeted support and improvements. I’m proud to be able to announce this funding for our community, and I will continue to work in Albany to make sure our local institutions have the funding and resources they need to succeed.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2025 at 6:56 pm
Claudia Tenney
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is seeking re-election to the 24th Congressional District which covers 14 counties, including Orleans County.
Today, she announced that the Republican Party chairs in all 14 counties have endorsed her for another two-year term, including Skip Draper, the Republican Party chairman in Orleans County.
“Claudia has delivered real results for our communities by leading the fight to cut taxes through President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and championing strong border security policies to end the chaos created under the Biden administration,” according to a joint statement from many of the Republican leaders in the district. “Her proven conservative leadership, tireless advocacy for families, farmers, and small businesses, and her close partnership with President Trump, who has already issued his full endorsement, make her the clear choice to continue representing NY-24. We are united in our support and confident she will keep fighting for our values in Washington.
This statement was attributed to Genesee County Republican Chairman Scott German, Orleans County Republican Chairman Skip Draper, Wyoming County Republican Chairwoman Cheryl Mayer, Wayne County Republican Chairwoman Amy Schreiber, Yates County Republican Chairman Jack Prendergast, Cayuga County Republican Chairman Nate VeVone, Oswego County Republican Chairman Terry Wilbur, Seneca County Republican Chairman Tom Fox, Jefferson County Republican Chairman Donald Coon, Schuyler County Republican Chairwoman Maryann Friebis, Genesee County Conservative Chairwoman Julie Carasone, Wayne County Conservative Chairman Michael Garlock, Jefferson County Conservative Chairman Ken Parks, Oswego County Conservative Chairman Ronald Greenleaf and Cayuga County Conservative Chairman David Pappert.
Tenney’s press release today also included statements of support from Ontario County Republican Chairwoman and Finger Lakes Regional Chairwoman Trisha Turner, Niagara County Republican Chairman Richard Andres, Steuben County Republican Chairman Joseph Sempolinski and Livingston County Republican Chairwoman Andrea Bailey.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2025 at 6:44 pm
Orleans could get 2 to 5 inches of snow
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County beginning at 7 this evening until 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The advisory includes Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties, with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected.
“Lake effect snow this evening will produce 1 to 3 inches across the Buffalo Northtowns and Niagara County,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread snow will then produce a few more inches of snow late tonight through Wednesday morning for the entire region.”
The overnight low for tonight is forecast for 27, followed by a high of 38 on Wednesday with an overnight low around 19.
Thursday snow showers are likely with a high of 27 and overnight low of 20, followed by more snow showers likely on Friday with a high of 32 and overnight low of 19.
2025 guide put special emphasis on bicentennial of Orleans County and Erie Canal
Press Release, Orleans County Tourism Department
The cover of the 2025 Orleans County Travel Guide features a vintage black-and-white image of downtown Medina from the 1906 Old Home Days, accompanied by three photos showcasing agriculture, the Erie Canal and world-class fishing on Lake Ontario.
ALBION – Orleans County Tourism is proud to announce that its 2025 travel guide “Celebrate Orleans County’s Bicentennial” has received the Excellence in Print Marketing: Large Format Print Publications for Destination Marketing Associations award at the inaugural ANDIES Awards, held during the Campground Owners Expo in Branson, Missouri on December 3.
The 2025 travel guide, designed by Orleans County Tourism Creative Director Lynne Menz, commemorates the bicentennials of Orleans County and the Erie Canal. Designed as a collectible, coffee-table-style publication, it features a vintage black-and-white background image from the 1906 Old Home Days in Medina, along with three cover photos showcasing the county’s signature attractions: agriculture, the Erie Canal and world-class fishing on Lake Ontario.
“I am deeply humbled by the unexpected accolades as I complete my tenure with Orleans County Tourism and transition into my retirement,” Menz said. “It has been an honor to highlight the many assets that Orleans County has to offer as a destination. I am especially grateful for the partnerships with those who contributed to the content, including photographers, historians and colleagues.”
“We’re thrilled to be recognized by our peers with this ANDIES Award for the Orleans County travel guide,” adds Dawn Borchert, Orleans County Tourism director. “We wanted to make this a special travel guide this year, and my staff worked hard to achieve this for our bicentennial celebration of Orleans County.”
Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service, a division of Merchantry Tourism LLC, has been serving the outdoor hospitality and tourism industries for more than 40 years and is widely respected for its expertise.
Owned and operated by Lisa and Don Bennett Jr., the company developed the ANDIES Awards to recognize excellence in print marketing for businesses and associations in these industries. The awards honor creativity, design and effectiveness in engaging audiences, with winners selected by a panel of industry professionals with expertise in tourism, outdoor hospitality and marketing.
The 2025 travel guide is available at the Orleans County Tourism Office in the Orleans County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31 W, Albion, N.Y., at local libraries or online (click here) for viewing or to request a copy.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 December 2025 at 10:44 am
Nine Medina High fall varsity sports teams have earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete awards by compiling a composite average of at least 90.
Those teams and their averages include Volleyball (96.75), Field Hockey (95.945), Boys Soccer (94.43), Boys Cross-Country (93.94), Golf (96.64), Girls Cross-Country (96.64), Football (92.64), Football Cheerleading (91.29) and Girls Soccer (95.29).
Contributed Photos – VOLLEYBALL: Bottom Row – Alyssa Johnston, Cassidy Janas, Teagan Balaban, Karlee Cau, Madison Watts, Caliyah St. Louis, Madison Sanders and Natalie Herbert. Top Row – Allie Frentz, Raelyn Baker, Grace Goodrich, Maya Anderson, Samantha Heschke and Payton Denniston.
FIELD HOCKEY: Bottom Row – Elaina Bruce, Savannah Jo Thompson, Adelynne Lacy, Lilah Class, Maggie Lonnen, Ava Blount and Morgan Zeiner. Top Row: Jenelle Stalker, Sophia Cherry, Isabelle Perez, Madison Farley, Malloree Rinker, Tatianna Lopez, Emiliana Batista and Sophia Castricone. Missing – Penelope Schalck.
BOYS SOCCER: Bottom Row: Bryson Ford, Camden Fike, Israel Delgado, Aleksandr Seefeldt, Owen Sargent, Lathan McEwen Miller and Caden Kingsbury. Top Row: Gavin Dahlhaus, Vinny Gray, Jimmy Dieter, Austin Guido, Aidan Papaj, Ryan Pegelow, Colvin Poole and River Jones. Missing – Luke Duffina.
BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY: Bottom Row – Cole Hughes, Brandon Brueckner and Hunter Walczak. Top Row – Brennan Allen, Jonathan Dix and Roman Maksimchuk.
GOLF: Bottom Row – Brennan Allen, Camden Fike and Max Pilon. Top Row – Tyler Draper, Chasen Bouter and Emily Smith-Flatley. Missing – Jameson Pilon, Gunner Pitcher, Jackson Reese and Nic Weatherbee.
GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY: Bottom Row – Rachel Herbert and Britton Brady. Top Row – Talia Rupp. Missing – Isabella Anelli and Faith Baker Austin.
FOOTBALL: Bottom Row – Matt Jacobs, Cole Herman, Christian Moss, Frankie Stephens, Kolton Fletcher, Avion Johnson, Preston Woodworth, Nate Surdel and Ben Klino. Top Row – Jackson McGrath, Jude Lacy, Hadrian Batista, Vinny Gray, Davi Mucoucah, Ryan Frentz, Tyler Raduns, Harrison Ribbeck-Farley and Tim Zeiner. Missing – TJ Champney.
FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING: Bottom Row – Ava Satkowski, Aleeyah Martinez, Mahri Harmer Owen and Michelle De La Torre. Top Row – Ivyonna Lopez, Peyton Allen, Peyton Morgott, Paisley Pasnik and Chloe Luxon. Missing – Aubrey Rizzo.
GIRLS SOCCER: Bottom Row – Asialynn Neuhaus, Lyla Page, Rhoswyn Oakes, Molly Cook, Saniyyaha Wilson and Madeline Mark. Top Row – Tessa Costich, Sofia Lopez, Lillian Maynard, Arabella White, Gabriella Velez and Lucia Dicureia.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 December 2025 at 10:14 am
Surgical Associates will keep Lockport office but will be doing all surgeries at Medina hospital
Dr. Jeffrey Schratz, left, and Dr. Robert Hodge are surgeons with the Great Lakes Surgical Associates, which has become part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Great Lakes Surgical Associates has officially become part of the Orleans Community Health System, strengthening the hospital’s shared commitment to accessible, high-quality surgical care throughout the region.
This partnership, effective Dec. 1, represents a significant expansion for Orleans Community Health, while ensuring continuity and stability for patients and providers, the hospital said in a recent announcement.
As part of this integration, the Great Lakes Surgical Associates’ name will remain unchanged, and patients will continue to seeing the same trusted providers they rely on today, the announcement said.
Locations and office hours will remain the same, insurance relationships are unchanged and day-to-day operations will continue without disruption.
Great Lakes Surgical Associations is already home to two highly respected surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey Schratz and Dr. Robert Hodge, both of whom are part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic and are well-known, trusted names across the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.
Their continued presence further strengthens the alignment between the organizations and reinforces a seamless experience for patients.
“This partnership allows us to enhance care while keeping the experience familiar and seamless for patients,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “We look forward to integrating our systems and aligning our clinical teams to deliver even better care for our community.”
This acquisition moves procedures to Medina Memorial Hospital, increasing surgical procedures occurring at Medina. Both surgeons, however, will continue to see patients at both the Lockport location and Medina.
The collaboration will bring additional resources, coordinated services and expanded support for both patients and staff, while preserving the personalized, community-focused care Great Lakes Surgical Associates is known for, Robinson said.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined state and local officials to encourage New Yorkers to reduce the overuse of rock salt when possible, and “Don’t Be Salty, New York.”
Although applying rock salt on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks helps to ensure the safety of those traveling by vehicle or foot, overuse of salt can be costly for consumers, degrade infrastructure, contaminate runoff that enters streams and waterbodies, and impact drinking water.
“It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water,” Commissioner Lefton said. “We’re asking all New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions before using too much rock salt on their sidewalks, driveways, and other places around their homes and businesses to help prevent unknowingly harming our environment. ‘Don’t Be Salty’ and help save your money, remain safe, and protect our waterbodies.”
To help protect water quality while maintaining public safety, DEC launched the “Don’t Be Salty, New York” public awareness campaign to help educate property owners, managers, communities, and snow and ice removal professionals about the impacts of rock salt and the various strategies that can be implemented to reduce salt use.
In August 2025, NYSDOT announced a statewide expansion of its road salt management pilot program for the 2025-26 snow and ice season. NYSDOT takes the issue of road salt management very seriously and for more than a decade has been a national leader in the effort to reduce the use of salt while still maintaining a safe and reliable transportation system.
These efforts include but are not limited to enhanced training for snowplow operators, direct liquid applications in place of road salt, continuous evaluation of innovative equipment, and utilization of best management practices for reducing road salt.
As a result, the statewide average application rate for granular salt was reduced to 172 pounds per lane-mile during the 2024-25 snow and ice season, down from the seven-year statewide average application rate of 194 pounds per-lane-mile.
DEC encourages all New Yorkers to use these “Don’t Be Salty, New York” best practices to save money, reduce rock salt pollution, and stay safe:
Use Rock Salt Sparingly
Shovel first, if possible, to clear snow and ice before applying rock salt. The less snow and ice there is to melt, the less rock salt is needed;
Apply rock salt strategically. A 12-ounce cup full of rock salt is enough to treat 250 square feet, a 20-foot single car driveway, or approximately 10 standard sidewalk squares;
Apply rock salt only where it is needed most, such as walkways, driveways, and steps;
Use a spreader to evenly distribute salt. Avoid piling it in one area, as this can lead to more salt runoff.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Rock salt loses effectiveness below 15°F. Sand can be used for traction on ice during a cold snap (and can be swept up in the spring for reusing) or switch to a deicer made for colder temperatures.
If a snow or ice storm is predicted, consider pre-treating surfaces with rock salt to prevent ice from forming.
Consider Using Alternative Products
Consider making your own brine solution at home by combining 3.5 cups of rock salt per gallon of hot tap water and stirring until all salt is dissolved. Let any gravel settle to the bottom. Pour the brine into a regular garden sprayer and spray in a zig-zag pattern over desired area. Save extra brine to use later.
Use products from the GreenNY specifications listed on the DEC website.
Among the many impacts of rock salt overuse:
Rock salt can run off into surface waters through snow melt and stormwater or leach into groundwater.
Excessive rock salt in surface water can cause stress to, or kill, fish and other aquatic organisms.
Rock salt washed off surfaces will accumulate in soils, which can kill vegetation or deplete plants of nutrients. Eventually, non-native salt-tolerant vegetation could move in and disrupt ecosystems.
Salty roads attract animals like deer and moose (who love licking up the salt), increasing the probability of accidents and roadkill.
The presence of sodium in drinking water is problematic for individuals with low-salt or limited-salt dietary restrictions. People on a sodium-restricted diet can experience health risks when exposed to elevated levels of sodium in their drinking water.
Rock salt has corrosive properties that can corrode metals, including lead, copper, iron, and steel, from pipes and other infrastructure.
These corrosive effects also impact cars, trucks, bridges, and roads resulting in approximately $5 billion dollars in annual repairs in the U.S. alone (USEPA)
Households using private wells and small unregulated water systems are at the greatest risk of negative impacts from corrosion. Regulated public water systems sample for lead and copper and reduce corrosion if required.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 December 2025 at 9:40 am
Photos courtesy of Dana Jessmer: (Left) Nearly two dozen individuals and their caregivers attended a Christmas party in their honor on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society. Here, they listen to Ryan Klatt on vocals and guitar. (Right) Beulah and Pam Jenks enjoy each other’s company during a Christmas party Dec. 2 to celebrate the Caregivers Revitalize program.
CLARENDON – More than 50 attendees attended a festive Christmas party on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society to celebrate the Caregivers’ Revitalize program. The evening offered a much-needed evening of relaxation and connection for Orleans County caregivers and their loved ones.
The event from 4 to 7 p.m. featured a dinner provided by 58 Main BBQ & Brew, along with cookies and pies for dessert. Guests were also treated to live music by Ryan Klatt, whose performance was so well received, that he continued playing until 9 p.m., way beyond his scheduled end time.
The event, funded by United Way of Orleans County with a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Caregiver Support Initiative, provided an evening of food, music and camaraderie.
“We want to get the word out to Orleans County caregivers that we are here to help support them,” said Samantha Koons, site coordinator of Clarendon Caregivers Revitalize. “Sometimes you need time away from caring for your loved one – to run errands, attend a doctor’s appointment or simply take a much-needed break. Social gatherings like this help to reduce stress and foster connections among caregivers for ongoing support. I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this event a success.”
The Caregivers Revitalize program provides a welcoming environment, where caregivers and their loved ones can receive support and re-establish social ties within their community. A caregiver is anyone who assists a spouse, parent, family member, friend or neighbor with tasks, such as medication management, medical appointments, mobility, personal care, housework shopping or meal preparation.
“Tuesday’s party was truly a great event,” said caregiver Pam Jenks. “To have a small gathering like that with others who have been caregivers or are current caregivers is truly heartwarming. This organization is unselfish and willing to take time to help others so caregivers can take a break. My life is dedicated to my mom, helping her every day. Unfortunately, she has Alzheimer’s, but her spirit is still here with us. Especially when special events like this include songs from her time. As in her picture here with me, mom is singing ‘Take Me Home, Country Road.’ It truly warms my heart that the little things like this bring her back.”
Respite sites are located at the Clarendon Historical Society, 16426 Fourth Section Rd., (Route 31A), Clarendon, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; and at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (Park Street entrance only) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Both sites are closed on holidays.
For more information about respite sites or volunteer opportunities, call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999; or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com. They can also be followed on Facebook at Caregivers Revitalize – Orleans County, NY.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2025 at 8:52 am
Charlie Monacelli, left, and Derek Howes are both seeking a five-year term as fire commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.
ALBION – Two people are running for fire commissioner today in an election for the Albion Joint Fire District.
Charlie Monacelli and Derek Howes both are seeking the five-year term. One of them will take the spot of Chris Kinter, who isn’t seeking re-election.
The election is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion) can vote.
The Albion Joint Fire District is concluding its first year after the joint fire district was formed to serve the towns of Albion and Gaines. Before, fire protection was under the oversight of the Albion Village Board with the two towns in a fire protection contract with the village.
Monacelli has been a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. He said he is running to bring more transparency in the joint fire district.
“Every resident deserves clear, honest communication and open decision-making,” he said.
Howes is an Albion native who recently moved back to the community after being very involved with the Town of Niagara Active Hose fire company. He served on the Executive Board and as a lieutenant with that fire company. He works full-time as a project manager/estimator for a fire protection company.
He said those experiences will would make him an asset to the board of commissioners at the Albion Joint Fire District.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined state and local officials to encourage New Yorkers to reduce the overuse of rock salt when possible, and “Don’t Be Salty, New York.”
