Sponsored Post
Early voting begins today for Republican primaries in Barre, Shelby and Yates
ALBION – Today is the first day of early voting for Republican primaries in three towns: Barre, Shelby and Yates.
Early voting continues each day until Sunday, June 22. The polling location is at the Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
The primaries include:
Barre: Two candidates for the town supervisor position – Scott Burnside and Stephen Coville II. Four candidates for two positions as town council member: George McKenna Jr., Wesley Miller, David Allen and Iva McKenna.
Shelby: Two candidates for town supervisor: James Heminway and Scott Wengewicz. Four candidates for two spots as town council member: Vassilios Bitsas, Lawrence Waters Sr., Edward Zelazny and Michael Moriarty.
Yates: Three candidates for two Town Board seats: Harold Suhr, William Jurinich and Terry Chaffee Jr.
Early voting dates and hours include:
- Saturday, June 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 15 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, June 16 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 17 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 18 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, June 19 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, June 20 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, June 21 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 22 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Primary voting will also be June 24 with polling locations at the three towns.
Lady Tigers have G-R All-Star quartet
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Genesee Regon League All-Star quartet includes, from left, Addie Dillenbeck, Hannah Fox, Brooke Robinson and Arnie Sturtevant.
Division 2 co-champion Lyndonville has placed four players on the Genesee Region League All-Star softball team.
The Lady Tigers honored quartet includes senior catcher Addie Dillenbeck, junior infielder Brooke Robinson, sophomore infielder Hannah Fox and freshman pitcher Arnie Sturtevant.
Dillenbeck has also been named G-R Player of the Year.
In addition, Lyndonville Coach Joe Moore has been named G-R Coach of the Year. His Lady Tigers shared the G-R Division 2 title with Oakfield-Alabama at 11-1 and finished with an overall record of 19-3.
Dillenbeck hit .586 with 5 doubles, 11 triples, 2 home runs and 23 RBIs overall on the season.
Robinson hit .368 with 7 doubles, 1 home run and 17 RBIs.
Fox hit .362 with3 doubles and 18 RBIs.
Sturtevant went 14-0 in the circle with 104 strikeouts and a 1.19 earned run average. At the plate, she hit .469 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs and 25 RBIs.
Lyndonville Coach Joe Moore, shown here meeting with his infield, has been named G-R League Coach of the Year,
Sponsored Post
Community Coalition hosting speaker June 18 about the war in Ukraine
Press Release, Community Coalition for Justice
ALBION – As part of its ongoing discussion about significant matters that face us as Americans, the Community Coalition for Justice brings you a presentation entitled the “Russian War In Ukraine.”
It will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church at 10 East Park Street (corner of Main and Park Streets) in Albion. The presentation begins at 6 p.m.
The main speaker is Dr. Steven J. Jurek, chairman of SUNY Brockport’s Political Science and International Studies Department.
About the war in Ukraine, Dr. Jurek has said:
“The democratization process is heavily influenced by both domestic and international factors. Ukraine is no exception; history, economic, politics, culture and religion are all relevant in how Ukraine has struggled to consolidate democracy in the post-Soviet era and subsequently, the Russian war in Ukraine. Putin’s perception that any westward turn by Ukrainians exposes the fragility of Russian regional hegemony and in turn, threatens his own stranglehold on power in Russia helps us explain events for the last several decades in Eastern Europe and in particular the war of aggression against Ukraine.”
There will be a Question & Answer period and light refreshments. This a free event and all are welcome. There is easy disabled access.
The Community Coalition for Justice is a collaboration of people from the Albion Betterment Committee, the Social Justice Committee, People Embracing Diversity and the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church.
Holley’s Flag Day tradition continues with patriotic parade
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Elementary students at Holley Central School enjoyed their parade this morning from the school down North Main Street, down Route 31 through the Pubic Square and ending at the Murray-Holley Historical Society depot museum.
The parade has been an annual tradition in Holley since 1957.
Holley Police Chief Robert Barton joined the students in the parade. “Good Citizens” from each grade level also were recognized at the Flag Day celebration.
A student gives a high-five to Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot.
The procession included about 500 students, and many of them were joined by their parents for the walk in the village to the celebration at the museum.
The Safety Pup rode with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Safety Pup is a nationally recognized mascot of National Child Safety Council. Many police and sheriff departments around the country embrace the Safety Pup as a mascot to promote safety.
After the parade, Orly the Ox met Safety Pup. They are joined by Chief Deputy Jim DeFilipps, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Lots of red, white and blue were on display as students walked from school to museum.
Heminway would be a proven leader as Shelby town supervisor
Editor:
When I first learned that Jim Heminway was seeking an elected office, my immediate reaction was, “Why?” He’s retired, go fishing!
But before that thought had fully formed in my brain, the answer was right there. The why is simple; he’s looking to make a difference in his community — a genuine, if not noble, chance to give back to an area and people that he truly respects.
It’s that last word, “respect,” that carries the most gravitas. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for over 16 years. I can say without exception that he is the consummate manager, one who earned my trust and respect by always acting with the utmost professionalism regardless of the individual or the situation. Whether he was dealing with the vice-president of a multi-billion-dollar corporation or a tiny little radio station, each was treated the same way – with respect.
Beyond his personal actions and self-accountability, he recognizes that success isn’t built by one person — that a team is what breeds ultimate success. To this end, Jim possesses an uncanny ability to understand how the right talent can be leveraged to achieve results.
Through his enviable management style, he creates an environment that fosters the best in each individual and provides the right words of direction or encouragement to keep even the strongest personality types on the right track and avoid unnecessary and detrimental conflict.
Jim provides the perfect mix for a town supervisor. Someone with years of top-level management over million-dollar budgets, hundreds of people, and dozens of disciplines. His proven track record of successes is further testament to a leader who asks for and gets results, as well as a person who can be trusted to say what they will do and do what they say. When you combine those attributes with someone who wants to do the job, you’re poised for the best possible outcome.
I sincerely hope the voters in your community take this unique opportunity to elect Jim as Town of Shelby Supervisor. He has, and always will have, my full endorsement regardless of whatever role he seeks. I encourage your voters to elect Jim Heminway and watch things get done!
Respectfully submitted,
William G. Robertson
VP Business Development
Digital Alert Systems in Lyndonville
Lots of activities and food at Strawberry Festival
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Strawberry Festival kicked off today for the 37th time offering many options for food and fun, including these people on a trackless train ride.
Bands today include Sky Cats from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at food court west; the Kendall Community Band from 5 to 7 p.m. at the courthouse; Salvatore Rocks from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at food court east; and Steve Novak, an acoustic soloist from 7 to 9 p.m. at Martin’s on Main.
Saturday will be a full day of events starting with a 5k/8k at 8 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., turtle race at 2 p.m., and other live music and entertainment until 8:30 p.m.
Click here to see the schedule of events.
There are about 30 food vendors at the festival. It is the big turnout out for food vendors in the festival’s history, and some needed to be located on Main Street, north of Bank Street.
Chad Pike of the Tavern on the Ridge is among about 30 food vendors. He is shown at the grill with marinated chicken and kielbasa kabobs and beef on weck wraps. This is Pike’s first time as food vendor at the Strawberry Festival.
He said he wanted to be part of the festival that means so much to Albion and the Orleans County community.
Buffie Edick of Kent is one of 70 arts and crafts vendors. She makes crocheted stuffies with her business, Buffie’s Loveys.
“I love the festival,” she said. “The whole town comes out and the other vendors are so friendly.”
Edick said she expects her turtle stuffies will be her best sellers, as well as the crocheted strawberries.
She praised the festival committee for putting on a well-organized event.
Jeff Andrews, left, and Dave Allen are making strawberry sundaes and shortcake in the Music Boosters booth by the Presbyterian Church.
Doug Farley, left, and Dick Remley are selling turtle tickets for the big race at 2 p.m. on Saturday on the Erie Canal. About 1,000 turtles will race. The turtles are numbered and the ticket holders of the five winning turtles will win money.
The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion brought 10 residents to the festival and they were joined by family and staff. The residents made their own Strawberry Festival shirts to wear at the event.
Sponsored Post
Oak Orchard Health CEO receives ‘Women of Excellence’ award
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of Rochester Business Journal; Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health; and Ben Jacobs, editor of RBJ.
BROCKPORT – The Women of Excellence awards recognize high-achieving women for their career accomplishments, including professional experience, community involvement, leadership, and sustained commitment to mentoring.
Karen Kinter of Albion, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, is among this year’s class, which features 50 women from a variety of industries. The Women of Excellence were honored at an awards celebration on May 8 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The honorees were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous years’ Circle of Excellence and Women of Excellence honorees and the Rochester Business Journal’s editorial team.
“The 2025 Women of Excellence are outstanding leaders who inspire innovation, celebrate success and support the next generation of leaders. They open doors and create positive change, sharing their success with their professional network and the community around them,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “The Circle of Excellence honorees are trailblazers and change makers who aren’t afraid to face adversity and stand up for their beliefs. They know the value of helping other women see something special in themselves, something they might not have known was there. We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor these transformational leaders.”
Under Kinter’s leadership, Oak Orchard Health has undertaken several major initiatives to improve care delivery for patients.
“I’m honored to be selected among this group of leaders for the Women of Excellence award,” Kinter said. “Leading an organization that positively impacts numerous lives across a vast geographic area is incredibly fulfilling. We provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone.”
Oak Orchard Health is a non-profit federally qualified health center with 34,000 patients at nine locations.
With more than 20 years of health care experience, Kinter previously served as vice president of specialty revenue program and CEO of Regional Health Services for Rochester Regional Health. She holds an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.
Medina celebrates grads with parade outside the school
Photos by Natalie Baron: High School Principal Michael Cavanagh leads the seniors in the parade. Sophia Gayette is attending the University of Hawaii to become an engineer. Kylee Howard is planning to be a fourth grade teacher, and Taylor Schrader is planning to be a paramedic.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
MEDINA – The Class of 2025 was celebrated with a senior walk this morning. The kindergarten class and community members cheered them on.
A little under 100 members of the Class of 2025 paraded outside, beginning at the Junior-Senior High School and past the Wise Middle School and Oak Orchard Elementary School. Kindergarten students as well as family and community members lined up on either side of the path to congratulate them. The seniors held signs announcing what their plans are post-graduation, including career and college goals.
After the walk, both the senior and kindergarten classes lined up on the field at Vet’s Park Stadium for a special ceremony. The older students gifted words of wisdom to the children on posters. In writing, they answered the question “What does it mean to be a Mustang?” which was printed on the posters. Also passed down from senior to kindergartener were necklaces in their school colors.
Brooke Stewart, who aspires to be an astrologist, and Lexey Cornelius, aspiring to be a law enforcement officer, wrote the advice “Mustangs are brave, kind and make good choices” on their posters. Sophia Goyette wrote to Skylar Houseknecht, “Being a Mustang means having a family, no matter where you go!” Madison Kennedy received the message “Mustangs always show up and try, try, succeed!”
Raquel Russell and Adrianna McMurray, among other students, participate in the parade of graduates. Raquel dreams of being a kindergarten teacher, and Adrianna hopes to be a therapist.
Josephine Pollock aspires to be a diagnostic medical sonographer. Evelyn Phillips wants to work in postal service while Maddie Lewis will study sports studies and physical therapy at D’Youville University.
During the parade, some students posed for the camera. Aubrey Jackson wants to be a restaurant worker and Zoey Weese, a teacher.
Seniors enthusiastically pose so bystanders can take photographs. The energy during the parade is electric.
The parade turns toward Vet’s Park. Garrett Koch aims to be an environmental scientist.
Konner Smith, Gary Sherman, and others approach Vet’s Park. Konner plans to go into filmmaking and Gary into customer service.
Harper Hamilton, along with other family members of the seniors, was among the lineup celebrating the Class of 2025. She happily poses for a picture.
The seniors approach the lined-up kindergarteners. The seniors hand over necklaces and provide them with words of wisdom.
Seniors stoop to speak with the children face-to-face. They would like to meet them on their level.
Some seniors meet kindergarteners they know. They warmly greeted the kids.
Graduation will take place Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at Vet’s Park Stadium.
Kendall has quartet of G-R All-Stars
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s G-R All-Stars include, from left, Nic Cole, Gavin Braun, Colby Hughes and Vinnie D’Agostino.
Undefeated (12-0) champion Kendall has placed four players on the Genesee Region League All-Star baseball team.
The Eagles quartet includes senior catcher Colby Hughes, senior pitcher Gavin Braun, junior pitcher Nic Cole and junior shortstop Vinnie D’Agostino.
Kendall junior second baseman Jonny Conte has received Honorable Mention.
Hughes hit .559 with 11 doubles. Defensively he threw out 31 percent of the runners trying to steal.
Braun registered 61 strikeouts and had a 1.24 earned run average in 56.2 innings of work on the mound.
Cole notched 81 strikeouts and had a 1.90 earned run average in 55.1 innings of work.
D’Agostino hit .446 with 8 doubles and 31 runs scored.
Conte hit .341 with 16 RBIs and 32 runs scored.
Lyndonville has G-R diamond All-Star
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville junior shortstop Colton Smith has been named to the Genesee Region League All-Star team. He hit .375 on the season with 3 doubles. The Tigers also had sophomore third baseman/pitcher Quincy McClinsey receive Honorable Mention.
Boat as guest rental for overnight stays proposed for Medina
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A boat that is proposed for a guest rental for overnight stays is tied up in Medina’s Canal Basin. Andrew Meier would like to make the boat available to stay in through Airbnb and Vrbo as a short-term rental.
Meier said the boat would stay stationary in the basin with access to village electric and water. The Village Board is determining a fee for a designated spot at its docks and also for access to the utilities.
“This year is the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal,” Meier told the board during its meeting on Monday. “I think it would put Medina on the map.”
Meier works as an attorney and also owns the Hart House Hotel with nine rooms at 113 West Ave. He also developed the Bunkhaus Hostel with three bedrooms at 511 West Ave., two blocks from the Erie Canal.
The boat could draw visitors to Medina which should be a boost to local restaurants, and those with travel boats, he said.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said a portion of the fee for using the dock gets shared with the NYS Canal Corp. She said she supports having the boat available for overnight stays.
Meier would need to have $2 million liability insurance as part of an agreement with the village, Sherman said.
Brian Hellner, owner of North Star Cruises, has been offering boat rides in the canal at Medina since 2023. He urged villages officials and Meier to make sure the boat is property inspected to ensure the safety of people on board. Meier’s boat is 24 feet long.
Hellner leases dock space from Medina. He said he would appreciate access to water as well to clean his boat. The board said it would agree to that and will discuss a fee for water at the basin.
Sherman told Hellner and Meier she appreciates their efforts to bring services to the canal basin.
“We’re all in this together and want to make Medina a better place,” she said.
Meier said this year is more of a trial with the boat, but so far “the feedback has been very positive.”
Sponsored Post
Albion 18U wins diamond season opener
Albion’s Purple Eagles 18U baseball team downed Tri Town 12-1 in the season opener this evening.
Elliott Trapiss led the Albion attack with 3 hits including a double and triple and 6 RBIs.
Drew Pritchard earned the win on the mound allowing only 1 hit and striking out 4 in four innings.
Albion wasted no time in taking charge by erupting four 4 runs in the first inning on a two-run triple by Nate Gibson and RBI singles by Trapiss and Kaiden Froman.
The Purple Eagles also scored 5 runs in the third inning as Trapiss had a three-run triple and Rocco Sidari an RBI single and three times in the fifth as Trapiss had a two-run double.
Albion will next visit Pavilion on Tuesday.
