Photos by Natalie Baron: From left include Pat Harrington, Owen Eichensehr, special guest Hayden Fogle and Paul L. Yates. Harrington expressed gratitude to the audience for their attendance during an evening with an air quality alert.
By Natalie Baron, correspondent
MEDINA – Blue Thursdays kicked off its first concert at State Street Park on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. following three cancellations in the weeks before.
The Pat Harrington Trio, which plays around WNY, was joined by award-winning guitarist Hayden Fogle. Along with performing in The Pat Harrington Trio and the Pat & Own Duo, Harrington tours both nationally and internationally and is the lead guitarist for the award-winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. Special guest Fogle is the grand prize victor in the 2018 Lee Ritenour/Yamaha Music International Guitar Contest for the Blues Category against contestants from 50 countries.
Hayden Fogle feels the groove. Paul L. Yates is all smiles.
The audience braved the hazy, campfire-like weather for an evening filled with music. This follows cancellations due to other unfortunate weather that would have featured the bands the Dave Viterna Group, the Growlers Blues Band, and Miller and the Other Sinners.
Blue Thursdays usually brings by 600-800 people per concert. The turnout was excellent considering the weather. This is a testament to the joy these concerts bring the community.
Blue Thursdays run from 6 to 8 p.m. and are free of charge. As always, there were many food and beverage vendors at the concert, and there was even a vendor selling crocheted goods. The concerts are organized by The Print Shop and Orleans Renaissance Group, showing off blues talents from the Rochester and Buffalo regions. The sound that evening was done by Curly Pfalzer of Pro Sound and Lighting.
The music combined with the bounce house and the playground made this a great evening out for families.
Other performances from the Pat Harrington Trio, The Pat & Own Duo, or additional groups featuring Harrington include July 18 at Heron Hill Winery at 3 p.m., July 19 at 42 North Brewing Company at 4 p.m., and August 14 at Top of the Bay Tex Mex Bar and Bistro at 6 p.m.
Blue Thursdays will continue on July 23 with the Eric Weinholtz Band and wrap on August 6 with Grosh. There are no rain dates.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2026 at 10:40 am
District makes $266,495 in cuts after budget was rejected twice
Photo by Tom Rivers: Dan Dragula, the Lyndonville school business administrator, goes over a contingency budget during Tuesday’s Lyndonville Board of Education meeting.
LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education has approved $266,495 in cuts needed for the district to adopt a contingency budget.
Lyndonville adopted the $18,927,505 in a unanimous board vote on Tuesday. The district twice presented a $19,194,000 budget to the public. It was rejected on May 19 by a 172-129 vote, and then again on June 16 with a 327-292 vote.
The district worked to whittle down expenses that aren’t legally required or necessary to maintain the educational program, and not needed to protect the health and safety of students and staff. These contingency expenses could be equipment purchases, optional program enhancements, subsidized community use of school facilities and other discretionary expenditures.
The budget preserves all educational programs for students, and keeps all of the extracurricular programs and sports, including at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels.
Lyndonville made the cuts from the following areas: $57,000 from administrative expenses; $52,000 from general instruction; $40,000 from operations; $21,118 from special education; $20,600 from library, media and technology; $20,000 from pupil services; $17,746 from Board of Education; $11,000 from Athletics; $8,200 from Central Administration; $7,331 from Instructional Administration/Staff Development; $7,000 from Finance; $3,500 from Community Services; and $1,000 from Transportation.
No new equipment purchases are allowed. Lyndonville zapped $108,600 in equipment purchases with $10,000 from elementary school, $20,000 from high school, $6,000 from music program, $40,000 from building maintenance and upkeep, $600 from library/AV equipment, $20,000 in computer equipment, $11,000 in athletics equipment, and $1,000 from garage equipment.
The board cut conferences and training programs, including for the Board of Education. The budget cuts $20,000 for part-time psychologist intern, and $27,000 in public information services. The Applegram newsletter may not be in print, and instead be online.
Lyndonville Board of Education members Patrick Whipple, left, and Vern Fonda are shown at the recent board meeting. Whipple said he was concerned about the budget cuts for curriculum development and teacher training.
“Not only does this hamper the coming year, but it reverberates from here on out,” Whipple said.
The main focus of the district is education and the contingency budget does weaken the district’s educational program due to the continuing education cuts for teachers.
“That compounds,” Whipple said. “It effects this year’s kids and next year’s. Teachers won’t be honing their craft.”
Whipple also said he was concerned by a reduction of $32,000 in the district line item for legal expenses from $72,000 to $40,000. He said “an increasingly litigious society” could warrant more legal costs for Lyndonville.
“We’re crossing our fingers we won’t need them as much,” Dragula said about the legal costs. If Lyndonville needs to spend more, Dragula said the district would need to find the money in another part of the budget.
Board member James Houseman said any outside groups using Lyndonville facilities should be responsible for any damaged equipment. The baseball and soccer leagues already do that, but the it should be spelled out for all outside groups, board members said.
The contingency budget continues all current community use programs except a $3,500 non-subsidized use of the fitness center. The other programs don’t have a line item cost to the district.
Houseman and board members said Lyndonville should consider fees for use of ball fields, the gym and other facilities. The Lyndonville Facility and Finance Committees will consider if there should be a charge in the future.
District Superintedent Dr. Heather Lyon goes over the district’s code of conduct. She addressed the contingency budget challenges. She said it will be “an ongoing conversation through the school year. She wants serving students and their needs to remain the focus.
“Our students didn’t get to vote but they are impacted by the vote,” she said.
Dr. Lyon has secured some assistance to help with student and teacher supplies in the coming year. The continency budget allows for some teacher supplies, but can’t cover students supplies, such as crayons, pencils, paper and erasers.
Hope Resales in Lyndonville has donated $500 to the district to help with needs due to the budget cutbacks. The ladies of Charity gave $1,600 for student supplies.
The Teachers’ Desk in Buffalo is welcoming Lyndonville teachers this school year to come to the site and pick up needed supplies for free.
Lyndonville was accepted after qualifying for assistance partly due to its high free and reduced lunch rate of 56 percent, Lyon said.
Isabella Brevet, the student representative on board, spoke during Tuesday’s meeting and urged the Board to keep as many programs and services for students as possible.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 July 2026 at 8:57 am
Provided photos: These inflatable bounce houses are away the items in the carnival zone on Saturday at Bullard Park.
ALBION – A fundraiser sponsored by Christina Nenni and Michelle Wiseman from Best of Tymes Party Rentals will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Bullard Park for Hospice of Orleans.
The event also is in memory of Gertie Montulli, who passed away at age 61 on Nov. 9, 2025. She was Wiseman’s best friend and Gertie sold her flavored popcorn at many community events.
A $5 wrist band will admit entrants for the day to play in the carnival zone. More than 30 vendors will be there, along with a food truck and Best of Tymes Party Rentals, who will have all their new inflatable games set up with Rowdy Rentalz bounce houses for all ages.
Kz Characters will be there with Ninja Turtle for photos and meet and greet. Monster Energy Drinks team will also be there to hand out free monster drinks and swag. A petting zoo will have llamas and other animals. In addition, balloon artists will do air-raising events, and there will be face painting. The Kitchen will be there with soul food.
Other features will be free haircuts, tattoos and face painting.
“There will be something for everyone,” Nenni said.
For the older crowd, there will be a basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.
Key Bank is going to match what they raised up to $2,000.
“Hospice is such an amazing organization and is near and dear to my heart and Michelle’s,” Nenni said.
Nenni said her grandmother was served by Hospice in the residence on Route 31. The family is very grateful for the care of her grandmother by Hospice.
“I wouldn’t have survived without them,” Nenni said.
Wiseman said Hospice cared for her mother, with nurses coming to her home and providing exceptional care.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2026 at 8:30 am
Kim Stawicki sent in this photo from this morning at Glenwood Lake in Medina.
An air quality alert has been issued for the third straight day for Orleans County due to the wildfire smoke.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 150 for fine particulates.
The air quality alert is in effect until midnight and includes Western New York.
“When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,” the DOH said. “People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.”
The high temperature today in Orleans County is forecast to be 83 with an overnight low of 68.
The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration again drew thousands to Bullard Park for an afternoon and evening of free family fun.
The park was packed with people who came from all around the surrounding counties. The celebration started with the delicious chicken barbecue from 4 to 6 p.m. with another sellout.
The celebration continued into the evening with food and beverage vendors, artisans, and ended with a spectacular fireworks display. This celebration will be every July 3rd moving forward. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.
Several people commented that this year’s celebration drew more than last year. There were many free activities for the adults and especially the children. The weather was hot with threatening storms, but we were lucky that it went to the south and north of us. The Splash Pad was filled with people of all ages. For the next two years, this celebration will start at 11 a.m. and conclude at the end of the fireworks. It will be an all-day affair.
I should apologize before I start naming all those who contributed to this event. I am sure I will leave out some names or organizations.
Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler, who chaired the food vendors and artisans. They did a super job of making sure this celebration had everything for the people.
A huge thank you goes out to our Diamond Sponsor ARG Disposal. The fireworks were dedicated to ARG Disposal for their generous contribution and thoughtfulness. We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and generosity.
Thanks to the Village of Albion Mayor, Tim McMurray, who was there from start to finish assisting in many ways. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Chris Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Jay Pahura and his DPW staff, Aric Albright, Chris Kinter, Jeremy Graham and the Albion Fire Department, Village of Albion Office Staff and the Albion Village Board of Trustees.
Thanks to the GACRE and Recreation Committees who helped sponsor the event, to Bernie Baldwin and Diana Grillo for their support, energy, and effortless time assisting me. Also to John Bigley who took care of a lot behind the scenes.
Thanks to Master Chicken Barbecuer Tom O’Hearn and his cookers Dusty DeCarlo, John Sacco, Gary VanWycke, Gary Moore, Dan Conrad, Ray Stefani and Kevin Sheehan. This group volunteered and cooked the best chicken barbecue around. Thank you to the servers Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Kim Remly, Holli Nenni, Mike Beach, John Kurtz and Brian Quinn.
Thank you to Tom Brown who donated golf carts for the evening. Thanks to GoArt and NY 250 for their grants and George Bidleman for sponsoring all the advertising. Thank you to Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley from the Town of Albion and to the Village Recreation Staff and Counselors.
Thank you to all the businesses who allowed donation jars at their locations and to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks. Thanks to Young Explosives for a spectacular display of fireworks and to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, Feedback/Side Doors/The Road Less Traveled, and the Who Dats for the wonderful music.
Thanks to Tom Rivers from the Orleans Hub and to Brad London from Lake Country Pennysaver, to Mark Restivo and Ron Albertson for overall assistance, and to Keeler Construction for the lighting. Thank you to Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot who made it easy for us to get items from the store.
Once again, I apologize if I failed to mention others, so many worked together to make this happen.
We will continue to collect donations for July 3rd, 2027. If you would like to donate, send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make payable to the Village of Albion with a memo of Fireworks.
This community should stand proud. Thank you for all the support.
It is exhausting to read the regular contributions from William Fine, which have devolved from political disagreement into outright hostility toward his neighbors. Whenever someone in our community raises valid, common-sense concerns about the strain on our local infrastructure, crime, or public safety, Mr. Fine’s immediate response is to throw around labels attacking them.
This isn’t debate it’s an attempt to silence people. Disagreeing with New York’s bail reform or worrying about the logistical and financial strain of unfettered immigration does not make someone a bad person—it makes them a concerned citizen.
Mr. Fine loves to cite ivory-tower studies from New York City think tanks to tell us that everything is fine. But those academic statistics don’t line up with the reality facing upstate communities. Our local law enforcement, judges, and small-town budgets are dealing with real-time pressures and repeat offenders that these studies completely ignore.
We live in a community where people look out for one another, regardless of politics. It is deeply disappointing that a United States veteran uses his platform not to bridge gaps, but to express unfettered hatred for anyone who doesn’t subscribe to his specific progressive ideology. Orleans County deserves a conversation grounded in mutual respect and local reality, not partisan vitriol from Brockport.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 2:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – These kids enjoy the Bubble Foam Pit on Wednesday during the Countywide Rec Day at Bullard Park in Albion. The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern brought the foam pit and made it available for free.
There were about 350 kids at the Rec day on Wednesday. The park program is closed today due the air quality alert.
Rosie Friedl, back right, operates the foam pit. This is the third event the Ministry of Concern has brought it to this year, making it available for free. Friedl is the youth coordinator for GOMOC.
These kids enjoy the bounce houses at the park. Kids could play in the b9unce houses for free.
The Genesee Orleans County Ministry of Concern, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus No.1330 and Village of Albion Recreation Department teamed up to put on the event, which also the Albion masonic Lodge serving more than 500 hot dogs for free as well as French fries.
These kids are in the spray park waiting for the big bucket to dump water on them.
The park offered many games and activities, including tug of war.
These children play Gaga Ball.
John Grillo, the Albion recreation director for over 50 years, was the main organizer of the the Rec Day which was open to kids throughout Orleans County and also the rec programs at Elba and Byron Bergen.
Some of the kids took a break from the fast-paced action and opted to paint rocks under the pavilion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 11:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – LCM Contracting, owned by Lucas Silversmith in Medina, works on a new concessions stand at Bullard Park in Albion. These photos are from Wednesday, the second day LCM was on the job.
The new concessions stand will be 15 by 20 feet and 16 feet tall with a second floor press box. The building will have tan-colored walls and a brown roof.
The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program has been doing fundraisers and collecting donations for the project, which will cost about $25,000 to $30,000.
The concessions stand will be available for other organizations, not just the youth football program, village officials said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 11:14 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Roland J. Martin is recognized during Tuesday’s Shelby Town Board meeting for his upcoming 100th birthday on Aug. 9. His daughter Margaret is at right.
SHELBY – The Shelby Town Board has issued a proclamation recognized Roland J. Martin for his 100th birthday on August. 9 and for his 50 years of service to his community.
Martin joined the U.S. Army in 1945 during his senior year in high school. At the end of World War II, he stayed in the Army as part of the Occupation of Japan, Shelby officials stated in a proclamation.
He married Alice Knights in 1956 and they moved to Martin Road, raising their children, William and Margaret.
“Roland has been a life-long resident of the Town of Shelby and is the fourth generation to farm his family’s land,” the proclamation states.
He served as a trustee on the session of the Medina First Presbyterian Church.
“He has lived his life as a man of integrity, kindness and continues to inspire his family and all who are lucky enough to know him,” Town Supervisor Jim Hemingway stated while reading the proclamation.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 July 2026 at 9:14 am
Contributed Photo – Capping off an undefeated (14-0) season, Sandstone nipped Barre 2-1 this past Saturday to capture the Albion Midget League 9U Division playoff championship. Trailing 1-0, Sandstone rallied to score twice in the bottom of the sixth inning on hits by Cash Setter, Kole Reding and Asher Dix to earn the walk off championship victory. Barre had grabbed the lead by scoring once in the top of the sixth on hits by Sawyer Baird, Ben Allen and Jackson Bartel. Sandstone advanced to the playoff finals by defeating Holley and Hamlin while Barre downed Elba 2 and Elba 1. Sandstone players and coaches are shown here celebrating the championship victory. In front are Drake Neri, Owen Pelzer, Asher Dix, Lexington Pridgen and Xavier Weis. In the second row are Kole Reding, Ezra Pore, Hudson Palmer, Cash Setter, Eligah Cornick, Pat Westland and Jaxson Stefaniak. In back are coaches Tim Westland, Brian Stefaniak, Dan Bartlett, Josh Trapiss, Scott DeSmit and Nick Setter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 7:35 am
Robyn Ottaviano sent in this photo she took of people out enjoying Glenwood Lake in Medina on Wednesday despite the hazy sky. “Very eerie yellowish sky and it smells like smoke,” she said.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued another Air Quality Health Advisory today due to fine particulates. The advisory include Orleans County and all of New York State. The advisory lasts until midnight and follows an air quality alert from Wednesday.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 200 for fine particulates, the DEC said.
When pollution levels are elevated, the NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
“People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease,” the DEC said.
In Orleans County, today is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high of 82.
Robyn Ottaviano also took this sunrise photo on Wednesday morning. The wildfire smoke affected the sky in the morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2026 at 9:26 pm
Local runners, walkers welcome to join Brett Sobieraski at local high school tracks
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brett Sobieraski is shown this morning at the Albion High School track where he plans to run 55 miles or 220 laps on Saturday. He is joined by Renee Hungerford, left, and Jackie Dunham, two leaders of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Sobieraski will conclude an 8-day fundraiser the following Saturday with 15 more miles around the Albion track.
ALBION – Brett Sobieraski has swum across Lake Ontario, completed 50 marathons every day for 50 days, and run 175 miles along the Erie Canal.
The Carlton resident has a new endurance challenge: running 400 miles over eight days – 55 miles each of the first seven days with a final 15 miles on day 8.
That new challenge starts on Saturday morning at the Albion High School track. Sobieraski will be running at local high school tracks over the eight days. His goal is to raise $20,000 for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, and to hopefully unite local residents during what he said is a time of divisiveness.
“I wanted to do an event to bring the community together,” Sobieraski said this morning at the Albion track. “Instead of condemnation, let’s celebrate.”
He welcomes people to join him on the track, even if it’s one lap – walking or jogging.
Sobieraski expects he will be running 220 laps for about 12 hours each of the first seven days, while the final day of 15 miles should be about 3 hours of running.
Each day he will start at 7 a.m., except the final day on July 25 that begins at 8 a.m.
The schedule includes:
Saturday, July 18 – Albion High School for 55 miles
Sunday, July 19 – Lyndonville HS for 55 miles
Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles
Community Action representatives will be there each day to share about the agency’s mission, and also to collect donations. Sobieraski has raised $3,366 online so far from 51 donors. Click here for more on donating online, or to register to join on the track. People don’t need to register to walk or run with him at the track. They can simply show up.
Renee Hungerford, the Community Action chief executive officer, said she appreciates Sobieraski willingness to highlight the work of the agency, and to raise money at a time when Community Action faces funding cuts.
“Our agency has helped individuals and families build stronger futures,” Hungerford said. “Every day, our dedicated team provides services that touch lives across our region – from Head Start and early childhood education programs to food assistance, transportation services, weatherization and energy programs, housing support, workforce development, youth services, and much more.”
Brett Sobieraski has been training for months for the 400-mile run over eight days from July 18 to July 25.
Sobieraski said Community Action offers a “hand up” and not a handout in assisting people in overcoming some barriers and hardships.
“They stand out for all the great things they do,” he said about the agency.
Jackie Dunham, the director of operations for Community Action, has helped coordinate the Community Action 400 event with Sobieraski. The two have been friends for several years.
The agency will have copies of the two books by Sobieraski for sale, and well as T-shirts about the Community Action 400. There also will be items up for raffle, including a cleat from new Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb.
Sobrieski, a retired Rochester Police sergeant, currently works as an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force. He also is a member of this year’s Leadership Orleans class.
He has completed endurance challenges before. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.
In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.
That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him in Rochester.
Sobieraski turned 60 yesterday. He said the distance will take a toll on his body. If people join him on the track, it will help him to keep moving.
“Having anyone, even strangers, come out will be a giant pick-me-up,” he said.
