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Crash simulation in Lyndonville sends message to students, community about drunken driving
Firefighters, law enforcement also stress distracted driving puts people in danger
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Pastor Dan Thurber, right, comforts Amy Burgess this morning during a DWI crash simulation at Lyndonville Central School. Burgess saw her son, Shane Ritzenthaler, be put in a body bag and be taken from the scene in a hearse.
Lyndonville firefighters and local law enforcement have teamed for the DWI simulation for about 20 years, creating a car wreck scene right before prom and graduation parties. The Lyndonville prom will be June 25.
There were also DWI simulations this morning in Holley and Albion.
Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies Jason Barnum and Ashleigh Stornelli were at the scene today. Barnum, the school resource officer at Lyndonville, urged students to be safe and not put themselves and others in danger. He said there fatal accidents every year in Orleans County often involving teen-age drivers.
Dr. Julie Woodworth, an Orleans County coroner, works with Kevin Bogan, left, and Norman Smolarek of Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home to move Shane Ritzenthaler into a body bag and then into a hearse.
Ritzenthaler said he has watched the simulation before and he said it sends a powerful message to students. He volunteered to be in the simulation and be covered in fake blood and portray a deceased person.
“It definitely paints a picture and a sense of what could happen,” he said.
Other students in the simulation who portrayed injured people were Autumn Kidney, Emma Freas and Anastasia Hess.
Firefighters staged these two vehicles to appear as if they were in an accident. Automotive Solutions donated the vehicles for today’s simulation.
Lyndonville Fire Chief Mike Heideman said he has been to numerous motor vehicles collisions in his 38 years as a volunteer firefighter, including some fatal accidents.
“It’s very difficult to tell the parents what happened, especially in the middle of the night,” Heideman said.
He was one of 11 Lyndonville Lyndonville firefighters who participated in this morning’s simulation.
“We do it for the kids and the community to show what can happen,” Heideman said.
It’s not just drunk and impaired driving that are dangerous, Heideman said. He worries about drivers being districted by their phones. They not only put themselves sin danger but their passengers and other motorists on the road, he said.
Tervel Atanassov, 23, shared about being a volunteer firefighter in Lyndonville. He joined the fire department 238 days ago, and told students he has been welcomed with open arms.
He urged students to consider joining. Last year, three students signed up after the simulation and have proven to be dedicated members, Heideman said.
Atanassov said he has responded to MVAs, lift assists, gas leaks and fire alarms. He will be taking classes to be trained as an interior firefighter, an emergency medical technician and responding to hazardous materials. He also would like to be trained for the tactical rope rescue team.
Scott Goetze, a Lyndonville fire district representative, urged the students to consider joining the fire department or pursuing a career as a police officer.
“We need young people to go into law enforcement and the fire service to meet the needs of small towns like Lyndonville,” Goetze said.
Amy Burgess said it was “surreal” to see her son lying on the ground and then put in a body bag.
“I just hope that nobody will drink and drive,” she said.
Regional next for Mustangs on Saturday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina catcher Ryleigh Culver and pitcher Brody Fry and their Mustangs teammates will face Oneonta in the Class B Regional at Frontier High School at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Having successfully cleared hurdle No. 1 in the state baseball playoffs, Section VI champion Medina will next face Section IV champion Oneonta in the Class B Regional at 2 p.m. Saturday at Frontier High School in Hamburg.
The victor advances to the state semifinals next Friday in Binghamton.
The Mustangs bring a 22-1 record into the Regional while the Yellowjackets are 19-3.
Medina, which is competing in the state playoffs for the third time in four years, bested Section V champion Wellsville 6-2 on Wednesday in the Sub Regional played at Newark.
Oneonta earned a berth in the state playoffs by nipping Lansing 2-1 for the Section IV Class B championship.
Senior Brody Fry and sophomore Preston Woodworth have shared the lions share of the pitching duties for Medina this season. When not on the mound, Fry has played in the outfield and Woodworth at second base.
The Mustangs staring infield lineup has also included senior Ryleigh Culver at catcher, senior Carter Woodworth at third base, sophomore Aidan Papaj at shortstop and freshman Cam Fike at first base with senior Tyler Koening playing second when Preston Woodworth is on the mound.
Junior Vinny Gray has manned the centerfield spot as sophomore Hadrian Batista, Kroening and senior Brady Christiaansen have also shared time in the outfield.
The Medina roster also includes senior pitcher Lukas Grimes along with junior outfielders Ryan Pegelow, Jimmy Dieter and Kolton Fletcher and sophomore infielder/outfielders Lathan McEwen-Miller and Carlos Doval.
Overall, Medina is 3-1 in four previous Far West Regional games. The Mustangs defeated Sodus 4-0 in 2003, LeRoy 10-2 in 2019, lost to Palmyra-Macedon 11-1 in 2022 and downed Wellsville 8-3 last spring.
Youth Board recognizes outstanding students, adult leaders
Photos by Tom Rivers: Karter May of Kendall accepts commendations on Thursday as one of 14 youths honored during the annual youth recognition banquet. May has dedicated over 600 hours of community service, and also is involved as a leader of several clubs at Kendall.
Clockwise starting in back right: Karter May of Kendall, Aidan Oberther of Medina, Hannah Rowland of Shelby, Kylee Dann of Holley, Grace Goodrich of Medina, Madison Davis of Lyndonville, Garrett Koch of Medina, Noah Fox of Lyndonville, MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley, Keira Zambito of Albion, Theresa Biesinger of Medina and Morgan Bidwell of Kendall. Not pictured include Christina Molina of Medina and Makenzie McGrath of Medina.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board recognized 14 students and three adults on Thursday for their service to others.
About 100 people attended the 43rd annual youth recognition banquet at the White Birch Golf Course. They received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt.
Students give many hours of community service and find ways to assist others through clubs and organizations in their schools, or outside of school through the fire department or other programs.
The following students were recognized: Morgan Bidwell, Theresa Biesinger, Kylee Dann, Madison Davis, MacKenzie Fiorito, Noah Fox, Grace Goodrich, Garrett Koch, Karter May, Makenzie McGrath, Christena Molina, Aidan Oberther, Hannah Rowland and Keira Zambito.
Father Mark Noonan, a priest with the ONE Catholic Parish in Orleans County, was the keynote speaker. He thanked the students and the adult honorees for committing themselves to service and kindness for others.
“The best things are yet to come,” Father Noonan shared in his message.
John Grillo, a Youth Borad member and Albion’s recreation director, thanked the students for setting a good example for their peers.
“You are the leaders in the community,” Grillo said. “We only hope others will follow in your footsteps.”
The Youth Board accepted nominations from the community for the awards for the youth and the adults.
“We have great hopes for them to become the best they can be and to continue to be great contributors to their communities now and into the future,” the Youth Board stated.
These adults were recognized for their service to youth and the community, from left: Pastor Al Wilson, Katherine Anderson and Saul Harrison.
Two adults received the Eileen Heye Adult Youth Volunteer Award: Katherine Anderson of Medina and Pastor Al Wilson who leads the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion.
Anderson was nominated for helping many of her neighbors mow their lawns and shovel sidewalks. She volunteers at the YMCA, helping children with pointers on shooting basketballs and kicking soccer balls.
“I just like helping others,” she said.
Anderson is a member of the Self-Advocacy All Stars through the GLOW Arc. She is a role model for every young person with her positive attitude and willingness to help others.
“She makes a huge impact on the Medina community,” said Allison Gursslin, who nominated Anderson for the award.
Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion leada a church that serves 2,000 chicken barbecues for free every year near Christmas, runs an easter Egg Hunt with about 15,000 eggs full of treats on the Courthouse lawn, donates food throughout the year, provides lunches once a week during the summer parks program in Albion, and provides lots of encouragement through words and hugs, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.
“Pastor Al has a passion for youth in our community and has been volunteering his service in Orleans County for many years, especially in the Village of Albion,” Grillo said. “His message and blessings are spoken with love and peace, all with a touch of humor,” Grillo said.
Wilson urged the group to keep loving others and sharing grace.
Saul Harrison of Albion receives the Helen R. Brinsmaid Adult Youth Worker Award. He is congratulated by Barb Flow of the Youth Board.
Harrison started as a youth care worker with the county in 2008, assisting children in foster homes.
“Saul is a gentle giant and is an inspiration in our community while spreading the message of love in his profession,” Grillo said.
Harrison does supervised visits with parents and children during the day or evening. His kindness and generosity are apparent while he works with others in challenging situations.
Harrison helps the youths work on goals, taking them to fitness gyms and also to local libraries.
He has been a long-time volunteer coach for youth football and baseball programs. Harrison is also a deacon at the Shiloh Church and cooks his barbecue fundraisers, often donating the funds to sports teams, Grillo said.
Harrison said he is thankful for his career and co-workers. He noted that many of his colleagues donating their personal and vacation time during his recent cancer treatments that kept him out of work for five months. Harrison didn’t have to collect disability because of his co-workers’ generosity.
Harrison said the cancer is treatable and his health has improved. He said the experience has been an opportunity to testify about God’s mercy and power in his life.
“I look forward to helping more youth,” he said.
Hannah Rowland, a junior who is home-schooled, was recognized for her service to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. She is a firefighter who has been an active volunteer with the fire company the past four years.
Garrett Koch, a senior at Medina, has been a trustworthy volunteer at Boxwood Cemetery, the MAAC Thrift Shop and with Medina IMPACT Day.
Strawberry Festival names royalty, winning poster
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The royalty have been named for the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 13-14. The group will be in the parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14.
From left include Alexis Neff from the middle school, Keira Zambito and Julia Button from the high school, and Mason Rotthoff from the middle school.
The winning posters for the Strawberry Festival also were recognized. From left include Alexis Hand, third place; Izzy McCoy (not pictured) in second place; and Alakai Colmenero, in first place. Colmenero’s poster will be featured on posters and brochures promoting the festival.
The Strawberry Festival is June 13-14 at the Courthouse Square and downtown Albion with entertainment and vendors from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 13 and 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 14.
The festival welcomes more parade participants especially floats that can be spaced in between marching bands. Click here to see the schedule and to sign up for the parade.
3 graduating seniors receive Albion Rotary scholarships
Photo by Matt Holland
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club today presented three scholarships to graduating seniors. Pictured from left include Tom Rivers, Albion Rotary Club president; Donovan Braley, winner of the Rotary Career Advancement Prize; David Rosario, recipient of the Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship; and Leo Bolton, winner of the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship.
The Albion Rotary Club awarded the $3,000 in scholarships today during its meeting at the tavern on the Ridge.
Leo Bolton won the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship, a $1,250 award that is given to a student committed to community service and leadership, and who displays high potential for future accomplishment.
Bolton plans to become a pharmacist and is headed to Cedarville University in Ohio. He has been a key player on the varsity soccer, swimming and tennis teams while playing the trombone in the band and marching band. He is a member of the Interact Club and works at the Medicine Shoppe in Medina and as a lifeguard. He also went on a mission trip to Malawi in southeastern Africa to help at an orphanage.
David Rosario won the $1,250 Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship, given to a senior who shares Archbald’s love of sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience.
Rosario has been on the soccer, wrestling and track teams, as well as the FFA, Honor Society and Diversity Club. He plans to study at the University at Buffalo to become a pediatric nurse.
Donovan Braley was awarded the $500 Rotary Career Advancement Prize for a senior committed to community service, school activities and work experience.
Braley has been on the soccer and tennis teams. He is an Eagle Scout who wants to be a physical therapist. He is headed to GCC this fall for the physical therapist assistant program.
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Kendall Community Band continues to make a joyful noise
Group formed in 2012 for Kendall bicentennial, draws members from Orleans and Monroe counties
Photos by Natalie Baron: John Grillo, the Village of Albion recreation director (center), is joined by recreation committee member Bernie Baldwin and Lori Cyr, director of the Kendall Community Band. They welcomed people to Wednesday’s concert at Bullard Park in Albion. The band will be back in Albion on June 13 at the Strawberry Festival, performing from 5 to 7 p.m.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
KENDALL – The Kendall Community Band performed at Bullard Park’s amphitheater on Wednesday, the kick off of Albion’s summer concert series.
The band recruits members from both Orleans and Monroe counties.
Peggy Warren
Peggy Warren, a retired chemistry teacher from Kendall, is one of the band’s flute players.
“We just love it. We go play in nursing homes, we play at the carnivals, just to share our joy of music,” she said.
David Warren, Peggy’s husband, is a retired manufacturing engineer from Kendall who plays trumpet in the band.
“I played in high school. I loved it. It saved my life,” he said. “It kept me on the straight and narrow, so music’s very important to me. I started with the band about twelve, thirteen years ago and I’ve just stuck with it. It’s grown since then.”
David and Peggy’s daughter, Tricia, is another returning member of the band, performing on bass clarinet. She works as a nurse.
The band formed for the Kendall bicentennial in 2012. It has been around ever since.
Lori Cyr, the band’s director (left), is shown with Tricia Warren, a nurse who plays bass clarinet.
Lori Cyr is the band’s director. She is a retired music teacher from Potsdam. She explained that the band gains a couple of new members each year.
“I have been involved in community music my whole life,” Cyr stated. “Starting even when I was in high school, I was involved in the community band in the summertime.”
Cyr performs in three ensembles and directs two, including a community clarinet choir in Rochester that she directs and plays in.
The band’s members give a lot of their time and energy to the band, ensuring it is the best it can be.
“I give this group a lot of credit for what they’re willing to do and the amount of commitment they make to the group,” Cyr explained. “They show up every week for rehearsals. We rehearse every week from September through June with a couple of vacations. I put music in front of them that they don’t like at first because it’s too hard, and yet they work on it and it gets better. It’s a great group of people and I absolutely love doing this.”
David Warren plays a trumpet solo during Wednesday’s concert at the amphitheater at Bullard Park.
Mr. Warren stated that the band is always looking for new members, and the offer is open to anyone who plays an instrument. The band plays for donations only.
The Kendall Community Band will next be playing at the Strawberry Festival on June 13, with future dates at The Manor House in Batavia and The Villages of the Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion.
Visit the Kendall Community Band’s Facebook page for further details about the group.
Lori Cyr introduces some of the music during Wednesday’s concert in Albion.
The Kendall Community Band welcomes more members for their performances at community events and at care facilities.
Tenney introduces the ‘Freedom to Frack Act’ which would withhold some federal grants to NY
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced the Freedom to Frack Act to withhold certain federal grants from states that issue statewide hydraulic fracturing bans.
Much of Central New York, Western New York, and the Southern Tier lie above the Marcellus Shale and the deeper Utica Shale formations. These tremendous resources alone could support the state’s energy needs for decades and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers.
Unfortunately, despite this, in 2014, New York implemented a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The ban was then officially established in 2015 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and codified in 2020 by the New York State Legislature.
New York’s statewide fracking ban directly opposes environmental science and basic economics. American natural gas is the cleanest in the world, and its exportation has been the single greatest force behind the reduction in global CO2 emissions.
The ban has also been a disaster for New York’s economy, as despite its abundant natural resources, New Yorkers pay some of the highest prices in the country for energy. While Pennsylvania has become the second largest natural gas producer in the United States, New York continues to fall behind. Albany Democrats must reverse course on their disastrous fracking ban so New Yorkers can rightfully take advantage of the liquid gold lying beneath their feet.
“President Trump has taken bold action to unleash American energy production through multiple Executive Orders, and it’s time for states like New York to follow suit. I introduced the Freedom to Frack Act to push back against Albany’s anti-science, politically motivated ban on hydraulic fracturing,” Tenney said. “States that refuse to comply with these federal energy directives should face the consequences, including the loss of federal funding. Albany’s baseless, anti-American energy policies have blocked access to valuable local resources for too long. By lifting these restrictions, we can stimulate economic growth, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and fully unlock the potential of American energy.”
Orleans/Niagara BOCES to include students on the Board of Education
Pictured from left include Gianna Rowles of Newfane, Madilynn Warren of Wilson, Emiliana Batista of Medina and Derek Hendler of North Tonawanda.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education and District Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Taweepon Farrar are proud to welcome four high school students to join its official policy-making body.
Two of the students, Derek Hendler (North Tonawanda) and Gianna Rowles (Newfane) will act as primary non-voting ex-officio trustees of the Board of Education, while Madilynn Warren (Wilson) and Emiliana Batista (Medina) have been named alternatives.
“Our BOCES is required to have two ex-officio student members because we have 13 component districts in our region,” explains Dr. Taweepon Farrar. “We are thrilled to welcome the students to the Board table. Student voices matters, and this opportunity provides an important bridge between our leadership and the learners we serve. We look forward to the students’ contributions throughout the coming year and thank them for stepping into this leadership role.”
Hendler is a student in the HVAC program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center. He says he has a passion of working with his hands and learning and enjoys his role as a SkillsUSA officer and the President of the local chapter. “These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility and community service.”
Rowles is in the Cosmetology program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center and is the Vice President of the SkillsUSA Area 1 chapter. She has an innate desire to become a leader in the field of cosmetology, where she plans to innovate and push the boundaries of this trade. She would love to own a successful business someday or possibly teach.
Warren is enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and has a goal to be a teacher. Madi enjoys interacting with people and would love to work at a daycare while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree.
Batista is in the Allied Health program at Medina Memorial Hospital and plans on pursuing a degree in General Health Studies with the goal of specializing in radiological technology. She is the Secretary of the SkillsUSA chapter and recently competed as a member of the Health Knowledge Bowl.
The historic moment for Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ is thanks to a new state law that mandates all school districts, as well as Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), appoint at least one ex-officio, non-voting student member to their boards of education beginning July 1st.
This legislation aims to empower students and to provide them with a platform to engage in educational policy discussions and to foster civic engagement among youth.
The law was sponsored by State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2024. The students serving on the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education have attended high school within their home district for at least one year prior to their term and are currently participating in one of the BOCES’ programs.
The students’ role will be to advocate for all students enrolled in a BOCES program, gain leadership experience, and collaborate with the Board by sharing their perspectives and experiences as the Orleans/Niagara BOCES continues to chart its course for the future of the students and community it serves.
Kendall set to begin state playoff competition against Gowanda in Regional on Saturday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino, shown here diving back to first place during the state qualifier win over Geneseo, and his Eagle teammates will face Gowanda in the Class C Far West Regional on Saturday morning at Dwyer Stadium.
Set to make just the school’s second appearance in the state baseball playoffs, Section V champion Kendall will face Section VI champion Gowanda in the Class C Far West Regional at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.
The victor will advance to the state semifinals next Friday in Binghamton.
Kendall, whose only previous trip to the state playoffs was in 1999, brings a 23-1 record into the Regional while Gowanda is 20-3.
Kendall advanced to the state playoffs by first defeating Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0 for the Section V Class C2 championship and then edging C1 champion Geneseo 5-4 in the Section V state qualifier.
Gowanda earned a spot in the Regional by blanking Frewsburg 3-0 in the Section VI title contest.
Senior Gavin Braun and junior Nic Cole have shared the bulk of the pitching duties for the Eagles this season with senior Colby Hughes at catcher, sophomore CJ D’Agostino at first base, junior Jonny Conte at second, junior Vinnie D’Agostino at shortstop and freshman Sammy Conte at third with juniors Jonas Rhodes and Mikey Colucci and senior Gio Rodriguez in the outfield. Eighth grader Andrew D’Agostino took over the catching chores and sophomore Jacob Abrams played right field in the state qualifier game when the Eagles three seniors were away on a senior class trip. The Eagles roster also includes junior Adrian Bucco and freshman Andrew Cole.
Kendall’s 1999 squad defeated Frewsburg 4-0 in the Far West Regional but then dropped a 9-3 decision to Greenwich in the state semifinals.
Lyndonville has 3 Scholar-Athlete teams
Three Lyndonville varsity spring sports teams have earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Team awards by compiling a composite average of at least 90.
The three teams and their averages include, Girls Softball (97.06), Girls Track and Field (95.26) and Boys Track and Field (90.36).
The team members contributing to the award winning average are as follows:
Girls Track and Field: Sarah Corser, Arietta Metty, Emily Miner, Alyssa Prine and Shelby Tackley
Boys Track and Field: Aiden Allen, Amir Huzair and Ethan Franks
Girls Softball: Addison Dillenbeck, Emma Freas, Elena Barry, Emily Dill, Isabella Groves, Barbara Jary, Brooke Robinson, Rylan Townsend, Hannah Fox, Alexa Robinson, Arnie Sturtevant and Braelynn Dillenbeck
Federal judge temporarily blocks Job Corps shutdown
Photo by Tom Rivers: A sign directs people to the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on Tibbits Road. The center is one of 99 that was ordered to go on “pause” last week by the federal Department of Labor, with students to be sent home by this Friday.
A federal judge has temporarily halted the closure of 99 Job Corps Centers, including the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby.
The Trump administration last Thursday announced the 99 centers would have to go on pause, with students to be sent home by June 6 and the contractors running the sites to be done by June 30.
The National Job Corps Association filed an injunction on Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, saying the federal Department of Labor can’t dismantle Job Corps, a program established and funded by Congress. A court hearing is scheduled for June 17 to determine whether a preliminary injunction will be issued, Reuters reported.
“Shuttering Job Corps will have disastrous, irreparable consequences, including displacing tens of thousands of vulnerable young people [and] destroying companies that have long operated Job Corps centers in reliance on the Government’s support for the program,” the plaintiffs stated in the lawsuit as reported by Reuters.
The lawsuit also states that the DOL can only close individual Job Corps centers individual after seeking public comment and notifying local members of Congress.
DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer a week ago announced 99 Job Corps would be paused with programs suspended by the end of June. She said the centers haven’t been fulfilling their mission.
The DOL said the graduation rate nationwide at the centers is at 38.6 percent, with the average cost per student a year at $80,284. The average cost per graduate is $155,600, according to the DOL.
On average, participants earn $16,695 annually on average when they leave the program, the DOL said.
But the National Job Corps countered that the DOL skewed the data, using information from 2023 when centers were still impacted by Covid restrictions.
Job Corps is currently operating at about half of its capacity because the DOL hasn’t allowed centers to do their own background checks on students. Since the DOL took over that duty in March, students haven’t been admitted.
The Job Corps graduation is historically closer to 60 percent, not the 38.6 percent from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, the association said. Job Corps said that prior to Covid restrictions in 2020, the average cost per Job Corps graduate was $57,312.
Allowing more students would drive down the per-student costs, Job Corps noted on its website in response to the DOL statements.
Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential career training and education program, serving people ages 16 to 24. The centers have a capacity for about 50,000 students but currently have about 25,000.
Job Corps students placed in positions earned an average wage of $17.13 in 2023, more than twice the minimum wage of $7.25. Graduates earned annualized wages of more than $31,000, Job Corps said.
The DOL also cited incidents of violence at the centers, noting there 14,913 serious incident reports filed in 2023 at centers across the country.
“Per DOL’s reporting requirements, these ‘serious’ incidents include power outages and inclement weather, athletic injuries that require treatment, and adult students leaving campus without prior approval,” Job Corps said.
Batavia hosting Pride parade and festival for GLOW region on June 14
Press Release, GLOW OUT!
Charlene Cameron’s painting, Together We Bloom, is the official artwork for Pride 2025.
BATAVIA – Saturday, June 14 will see the seventh annual Parade and Festival for LGBTQ+ Pride in Batavia, once again hosted by GLOW OUT!
The local celebration of LGBTQ+ love and resilience has grown each year since 2019, with support of communities and allies. June is recognized as National LGBTQ+ Pride Month in remembrance of the Stonewall riots in New York City in June of 1969, which catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
“Pride is important every year, but especially now,” said Lauren Berger, the newly appointed GLOW OUT! director. “It’s our history, it’s a celebration of survival and how much we have gained – and a moment to recognize who we are still fighting for.”
GLOW OUT! provides training, support, and events to raise awareness, build community and celebrate those in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are LGBTQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Many allies – straight and/or cisgender people who support and advocate for their loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community – also attend Pride each year.
An opening ceremony on Sunday June 1 at the First Batavia Presbyterian Church saw remarks by youth leaders and honors bestowed on the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal and Youth Marshal, two individuals who will lead the parade.
Awards were presented to HERO Individual recipient Sheri Kreher, and inaugural HERO Business recipient, Judy Hysek of Eden Cafe in Batavia. The HERO Awards recognize one individual and one business respectively, who have contributed significantly to the mission of GLOW OUT! and have demonstrated consistent solidarity with and commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in our local communities.
“We know that having fun events like Pride are empowering, especially for youth,” said GLOW OUT! President John Couri. “It’s important for people to connect and celebrate one another – especially for a young person, who might go to a small school and feel isolated.”
Those who are 21 and over are welcome at a Happy Hour hosted at GO Art! The evening preceding the festival, Friday, June 13, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Batavia’s Juneteenth celebrations are also on the 14, and the host agencies are collaboratively working for a strong showing at both.
The Batavia Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 14, will begin with a Story Hour for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. The Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, stepping off at 5 p.m. The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue and left again onto Bank Street, finishing back at Jackson Square where the Pride Festival (including vendors, food, and drag shows) will continue until 10 p.m. Those 21 and over are welcome at the after-party at TF Brown’s until 12 a.m.
“The Pride festival isn’t our only event this month,” added Berger. “We have our regular Golden GLOWs and Youth Drop-in meet ups, as well as a Karaoke event on Saturday the 21st at Go Art! From 6 – 8 p.m.”
GLOW OUT! Has added a website with events for June and ways to be involved in Batavia Pride. Find more information at linktr.ee/BataviaPride.
GLOW OUT! connects the rural LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community in times when we need it most. For more information, visit GLOWOUT.org.
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Collaborative solutions needed to address housing gaps in Orleans County
Editor:
I am writing in response to the recent letter published by Tim Elliott regarding the potential for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Village of Medina. His thoughtful proposal illustrates exactly the kind of community-driven, flexible thinking that will be required to solve the housing crisis here in Orleans County.
At the United Way of Orleans County, we have been working to elevate housing as a critical priority through collaborative, inclusive, and data-informed strategies. On May 15, we hosted the county’s first-ever Affordable Housing Summit—Building Pathways: Collaborative Solutions for Housing Development in Orleans County—bringing together over 70 stakeholders, including local officials, developers, nonprofit leaders, staff from three area charitable foundations, and interested residents.
Our keynote speaker, David A. Smith of the Affordable Housing Institute, shared some simple principles for successful development of real estate in a rural community. Starting with a slide of the old county Poor House in Albion, he encouraged the audience to think about what the community needs and has to offer, not about what the government could provide.
“What you need is: Land, Money, and Helpful Friends,” he said. “They’re the ingredients of successful real estate developments. If you have enough of any one of them, you can turn it into the other two.”
He pointed out that rural churches often have land and helpful friends (both congregants and the extended community of local elected officials). They also have a natural community of trust in each other, which can turn into effective demand, in-kind contribution of services that reduce total development cost, and access to credit that lowers the cost of capital.
We also welcomed the Assistant Commissioner at the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Leonard Skrill, who emphasized the opportunities available to “Pro-Housing Communities” through state support—opportunities Medina and other communities in Orleans County could explore with modest zoning reforms like those Mr. Elliott proposes. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact him, and he would make an appointment with them to review their project and offer suggestions for obtaining funding.
Our Housing Action Strategy, presented by former Legislator Ken DeRoller and housing consultant Nick Coulter, identified key challenges such as aging housing stock, affordability gaps, and declining population trends. Their presentation culminated in five core priority interventions that United Way and our partners see as a feasible step forward to begin to address the shortage of affordable housing in our communities:
- Launching a Landlord/Property Owner Upkeep Incentive Program
- Expanding senior and workforce housing opportunities
- Supporting housing models that address homelessness
- Promoting the development of multi-household housing
- Assisting local municipalities in achieving Pro-Housing Community certification
Mr. Elliott’s call to action aligns perfectly with these priorities. ADUs, when properly regulated, are one practical step toward building housing diversity that benefits seniors, caregivers, and young families alike.
Now is the time for all of us—government, nonprofits, developers, and citizens—to work together toward practical, community-centered solutions to meet the growing need for multiple types of housing.
We believe we can secure support from charitable foundations to assist in this effort. If you are interested in learning more, or being involved in our Housing Action Task Force, please reach out to us.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Sincerely,
Nyla Gaylord
Executive Director of United Way of Orleans County
