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Richard Moy retires after 24 years as Clarendon town supervisor
Photo by Tom Rivers: Richard Moy is shown with State Sen. Robert Ortt after the Kendall carnival on June 26.
CLARENDON – Richard Moy, the dean of the town supervisors in Orleans County, has retired after 24 years of leading the Clarendon town government.
Moy stepped back from the position on May 31. Marc Major, a Clarendon town councilman, is serving as acting town supervisor for the rest of Moy’s term through Dec. 31. Frederick Seeman III was appointed to fill Major’s spot as councilman with the term to expire Dec. 31.
Moy led the town is adding several new water districts, with public water extended into the town through districts 6 through 13.
“Only a small part of town that isn’t covered with public water,” Moy said. “It’s in the works, we just haven’t got the grant money. That’s a lot of work, let me tell you.”
Moy said he tried hard to keep town taxes in check. When he started the town tax rate was $.519 per $1,000 of assessed property. In 2025, the rate is $4.29.
Before becoming town supervisor, Moy was one of three assessors for Clarendon. He did that for six years. He also worked for Kodak for 34 years as a manager.
Moy said his experience at Kodak helped him as the town chief financial officer and with managing the town employees.
Moy said Clarendon has very dedicated employees, and he will miss the camaraderie at the town hall.
Richard Moy
“The staff at our town is just outstanding, every one of them,” he said. “That’s what I’ll miss the most – working with those people. They are the best of the best.”
Moy, 82, said he has been working steady for more than seven decades. It started with a paper route when was 10 and had 125 customers.
“It’s been 72 years of work,” Moy said. “It’s time to quit.”
Moy is proud of his Clarendon roots, which go all the way back to the town’s founder, Eldridge Farwell. Moy’s uncle, Jake May, was the town supervisor when Moy was a child.
“I’ve been going to town board meetings since I was a young kid,” he said.
Many people don’t relish board meetings, but Moy enjoyed the process, and helping to move Clarendon forward.
“I like to know what’s going on,” he said. “In that job you get to know what’s going on and see how government works. Very few people know it and all the rules and what people can do.”
Moy sees an engaged community that turns out for events, including the lighted Christmas parade. Moy and his wife Sady decorated a golf cart in lights and rode in that parade from the Clarendon fire hall to the town museum next to the town hall.
That route goes by the old stone store from the 1840s, a building in disrepair that the town purchased in 2018, and is now better maintained for the town historian’s records and collection.
Moy said the town is in good hands with Major as town supervisor.
“He is very detail oriented,” Moy said. “He does his research. I think he’ll do very well.”
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Medina bookstore will host author of new book about Erie Canal
Press Release, Author’s Note
Provided photo: Mark Ferrara will be at Author’s Note at 4 p.m. on Saturday to discuss his new book, The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal.
MEDINA – On Saturday, July 12th at 4 p.m., Mark Ferrara, professor of English at the State University of New York, will visit Author’s Note in Medina to discuss and sign his book, The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal.
In this groundbreaking book, Ferrara tells the stories of the ordinary people who lived, worked, and died along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class in its construction. He chronicles the fates of the Native Americans whose land was appropriated for the canal, the European immigrants who bored its route through the wilderness, and the orphan children who drove draft animals that pulled boats around the clock.
Ferrara shows how the canal served as a conduit for the movement of new ideas and religions, a corridor for enslaved people seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad, and a spur for social reform movements that emerged in response to the poverty and suffering along its path.
Brimming with vivid characters drawn from the underbelly of antebellum life, The Raging Erie explores the social dislocation and untold hardships at the heart of a major engineering feat, shedding light on the lives of the canallers who toiled on behalf of American expansion.
Currently a professor at SUNY Oneonta, Mark Ferrara is the author of two previous books, American Community: Radical Experiments in Intentional Living (2020) and Living the Food Allergic Life (2023).
Ferrara will sign copies of his book and answer questions during his visit to the bookstore on July 12. Copies of The Raging Erie are available at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/Events.
For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at the store’s website. Contact Author’s Note for more information at (585) 798-3642.
Lyndonville Lions thankful for big turnout on July Fourth celebration
Photo by Tom Rivers: A crowd watches the fireworks to cap the July 4th Independence Day celebration in Lyndonville.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this year’s 51st Annual Independence Day Celebration.
Red, white, and blue proudly filled the streets of Lyndonville as we came together to honor the 249th birthday of our great nation. From the very start of the parade, patriotism was in the air.
Provided photo: Panek Farms brought a ladder truck with a large American flag to the start of the Lyndonville parade on Friday for the Fourth of July.
A special thank you goes to Mr. James Panek and Panek Farms for their incredible contribution – an impressive ladder truck and towering American flag that welcomed all parade participants as they arrived at the staging area.
It is through the generous support of the public and the fundraising efforts of the Lions that celebrations like this are possible. We would be remiss not to recognize Batavia Downs and Gaming as our platinum sponsor for this event.
Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home served as a gold sponsor, and our silver sponsors include Burger King, Harold Suhr and the White Birch Restaurant, Mr. Steven Vann, the Johnson/Fiegl Family, and Orleans Community Health. We are especially grateful to the Lyndonville Area Foundation, who led the way in corporate support for this event.
We want to thank the Parsons family for the honor and privilege in allowing us to remember and salute one of Lyndonville’s finest, Colonel Rick N. Parsons. The Lions wish to thank all serving and retired men and women of the United States Military for their service to this great nation.
As we turn the page on July 4, 2025, the Lions are already hard at work planning what we’re proudly calling the “Grand Daddy of Them All”— the Lyndonville Lions’ 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration. As you know, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and we’re committed to making this celebration one for the history books.
To help bring this vision to life, the Lions will be collaborating with a dedicated group of community volunteers. A chairperson for this planning committee will be announced in the near future. Anyone interested in getting involved or sharing ideas will be encouraged to reach out to that individual directly.
In the spirit of unity and celebration, the Lions will also invite surrounding Lions Clubs to participate next year—whether through float entries or other creative contributions.
We want to let people know about our Community Appreciation Concert at Yates Town Park on Thursday, July 10th starting at 5 p.m. A free concert by Crash Cadillac with complimentary hot dogs for all attendees are just a few of the events planned to say thank you for the support.
The Lions would like everyone to save the date Saturday, October 18, as the second annual Lyndonville Lions Club Octoberfest will be returning to Lyndonville. Signage, ticket sales and information on this event will be forthcoming.
Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and this great nation.
Boxwood Cemetery hosting headstone cleaning seminar on Saturday
Photos from Friends of Boxwood Cemetery: These photos show the before and after of the Rastrick headstone after a cleaning.
Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will be conducting a Headstone Cleaning Seminar at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Boxwood Cemetery on North Gravel Road in Medina.
Participants are asked to park at the back of the cemetery. A sign-in table will be set up near the location of the seminar.
“This event is always well-attended,” according to Robby Klino, the president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery. “People will enjoy hearing a bit of the history of Boxwood Cemetery as well.”
Todd Bensley, who will be leading the seminar, said, “We hope that participants will use the information to properly clean the headstones of family members, whether they are in Boxwood or another cemetery.”
Those interested may simply observe the seminar, or be active participants in cleaning headstones. If you plan to observe you can bring a lawn chair. The demonstration should last about thirty minutes.
If you are going to actively participate, tools and safety equipment will be provided.
There is no fee for the seminar, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
Members who attend the event, and those signing up to be members of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery on that day, will receive a spray bottle of the proper cleaner used in the seminar. Individual memberships are $25.
Canal Basin provided great venue for symphony, fireworks
Editor:
Last Wednesday (July 2) my sister, Darlene Rich, and I attended the Albany Symphony and the Medina Alumni Jazz Band (MRJ Big Band).
Needless to say we both enjoyed it very much. The talent in both is just amazing! We could have listened to more! And by looking around at the crowd, they were enjoying it, too!
As we sat there we couldn’t help but think of how blessed and fortunate we are to have such a beautiful canal basin to hold special events in. And it was so relaxing watching the boaters and kayakers.
The canal basin had something going on from noon till 9:30 whether it be the speakers or performers, and then ended with fireworks!
So with this being said…..when renovations are being done to the canal basin we really need to think of how the canal basin is going to be upgraded to not take away any area where special events can be held.
Sincerely,
Sharlene Pratt
Medina
3 Arc GLOW agency and staff honored at Self-Advocacy Conference
Photo courtesy of Arc GLOW – Arc GLOW Trotters Self-Advocacy group are shown at the 2025 Western Region Self-Advocacy Conference in Niagara Falls.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
NIAGARA FALLS – During the 2025 Western Region Self-Advocacy Conference on June 20 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, three Arc GLOW staff were honored.
During the Awards Luncheon, Arc GLOW received Agency of the Year. Director of Community Pre-vocation Erika Forbes, Self-Determination Assistant Sarah Campbell and Self-Advocate and staff Hannah Brown also all won awards; Forbes was named the Self-Advocacy Advisor of the Year, Campbell received Direct Support Professional of the Year, and Brown won Volunteer of the Year.
Arc GLOW also had workshops led by staff and featuring Arc GLOW self-advocates during the conference.
The Batavia GLOW Trotters Self-Advocacy group led “Living a Healthy Lifestyle,” and Nathan Johnidas, Arc GLOW self-advocate, worked with Erin McGuinness, a staff attorney with Disability New York, to present “All About Guardianship.” Andrew Johnston, an Arc GLOW self-advocate, was featured with Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Grassroots Field Assistant Allen Fontaine and Independent Support Broker Renee Christian on a panel about “Self-Direction.”
“The SANYS (Self Advocacy Association of New York State) conference is one of my favorite events. There are so many great presentations to select from, our group has a hard time choosing,” Forbes said. “The Niagara Falls Convention Center is a beautiful venue. They are so accommodating for our groups and the staff are always so nice. The SANYS team that puts on these events always do a great job of selecting keynote speakers, presentations and activities that are both inspirational and fun. The GLOW Trotters group can’t wait to go again next year.”
SANYS was founded in 1986. This peer-led nonprofit has upheld the principle “Nothing about us, without us,” empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through training and community-building. SANYS offers support to over 150 local groups and six regional offices statewide, continuing to spark positive change.
Arc GLOW is a public nonprofit providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.
Gas prices dip an average of 5 cents nationally, 2 cents in NYS
Gas prices have decreased an average of 5 cents nationally to $3.14 and 2 cents state-wide to $3.19 compared to a week ago, AAA is reporting today.
The national average price for regular unleaded is down 37 cents compared to the $3.51 a year, and down 43 cents in NYS compared to $3.62 a year ago, AAA said.
“Despite record travel for the Independence Day weekend, gas prices are lower this morning coming off the holiday,” AAA said in a statement today. “That’s great news for the 61.6 million road trippers who drove to their destinations to celebrate the 4th of July. Oil prices have retreated back into the $66 to $68 per barrel range.”
Diesel prices have fluctuated recently and this morning are down by a penny to $3.68 compared to last week. The New York average is $3.92, down one cent from last week.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
- Orleans, $3.278
- Genesee, $3.216
- Niagara, $3.181
- Monroe, $3.181
- Livingston, $3.194
- Wyoming, $3.212
- Erie, $3.195
- Chautauqua, $3.279
- Cattaraugus, $3.175
- Allegany, $3.232
Holley is returning to 11 man football
The landscape of area high school football has certainly changed especially when it comes to 8 Man football.
Four or five years ago 8 Man football seemed to be the answer and the future for schools struggling with low numbers of players.
However, that situation has changed rapidly as now all the 8 Man schools are either going back to play 11 Man football or are merging with another school leaving no 8 Man teams in either Section V or Section VI for this coming season.
One of those schools is Holley which after playing seven years of 8 Man is now returning to 11 Man football for this fall playing an independent schedule.
“I’m excited and the boys are excited. I think we’ll be competitive,” said new Hawks Coach Wyatt Wink. “It is going to be interesting for sure.”
Wink is looking for the Hawks to have a squad numbering 22 to 25 players. Again this year the Hawks varsity squad will also have players from Lyndonville.
“Going back to 11 Man means a bigger field, a lot more space, a couple of more linemen and another skill position player so more depth is needed,” added Wink.
The Hawks independent schedule includes games against some familiar foes including Notre Dame, Attica, CG Finney and Canisteo-Greenwood along with a couple of new foes in Cardinal O’Hara from Tonawanda and St. Mary’s of Lancaster.
The tentative schedule has Holley opening the season at O’Hara on September 6. The Hawks are also scheduled to host O’Hara on September 27.
Practice will begin on August 18 with a scrimmage against Red Jacket slated for August 30.
Community Action celebrates successes at annual in-service, but worries about possible federal funding cuts
Photo by Ginny Kropf: CAOG’s board president Barb Shine spoke during Community Action’s in-service day and praised staff for the work they have done in the community.
ALBION – The annual In-service Day for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was again held this year at Albion Elks Lodge, with a theme of “Beacon of Hope: Illuminating Paths to Possibility.”
The day began with breakfast catered by the Coffee Pot Café and welcome by CAOG’s executive director Renee Hungerford, who announced the agency was incorporated Sept. 13, 1965, making it 60 years old this year. To celebrate, she declared June 20 an agency holiday, following Juneteenth and giving staff a long weekend off.
Board president Barb Shine introduced board members in attendance, welcomed guests and praised the staff for their accomplishments.
Hungerford next read the government impact of legislation proposed by President Trump in his budget, in which both the Community Services Block Grant, the foundational funding of a Community Action agency, and LIHEAP, a source that partially funds their weatherization program, are eliminated.
She also read a passage from Project 2025 which proposed the elimination of Head Start. She elaborated on the importance of raising awareness of these developments so people can voice their concerns before final decisions are made.
Hungerford stated she had responded to the president, but never got a reply.
Photo courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Ryan Lasal, director of Family Program Innovation/Chief Innovation Officer, and Tina Schleede, director of Finance and Administration/CFO, hand out awards during Community Action’s In-service Day. (Photo by Ginny Kropf – right) – Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, welcomes staff and guests to the annual In-service Day at Albion Elks Club.
Hungerford also urges everyone to read her letter to the editor on Orleans Hub, in which she stresses the importance of the Community Services Block Grant and how devastating it would be if the funding were lost.
A recap of Community Action showed the agency served nearly 5,000 individuals during the 2023-24 program year, an increase of more than 101% over the year ending in 2021. That equates to 2,628 households served.
Approximately 2,600 individuals benefitted nutritionally from food panties, food distribution, surplus food and prepared meals at the Holley Center, while 687 households received holiday meal kits.
Community Action provided assistance to 141 individuals to avoid eviction and 78 individuals were aided in avoiding utility shut-off.
School supplies were provided to 206 children, and five individuals received employment support, including job searching assistance, on-the-job training and work appropriate clothing.
The Main Street store continues to serve the community, with 92 prom dresses provided to students across eight counties; 182 individuals in need received hats, gloves and scarves; and the Wishing Tree in the store inspired 76 community donations of gifts, warm coats, socks and clothing.
The Head Start program continued to provide vital services to 201 enrolled children and 66 children enrolled in Early Head Start.
ACT – Helping Youth ACT Responsibly had 522 youth participate in the evidence-based, comprehensive pregnancy/STD prevention curriculum, and the Credit Recovery program had 22 students who attended, of which 11 demonstrated basic grade level achievement and eight obtained a high school diploma.
Motivational speaker Joe Roberts of Vancouver was keynote speaker for CAOG’s annual In-service day and shared his inspirational story of rising from a homeless addict to CEO of a multi-million company. His life story can be read on his website.
Community Action provides seniors and people with disabilities safe transportation for medical visits and personal needs. During the program year, 159 individuals received 4,052 one-way transportation trips.
Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership had 100 children enrolled and brought up to date on age-appropriate immunizations. The Child Resource Center provided referrals to 64 individuals to licensed child care providers.
The Weatherization program provided services to 123 homes, making them more efficient. Through a partnership with the Department of Social Services, 99 households received air conditioner installation.
In addition to that, Community Action had many other highlights throughout the past year. These included adding a mural on the Main Street store, being selected by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce to receive their Community Service Award, full reorganization of the agency was completed, a successful Stone Soup program was also completed and three teams expanded to the Arnold Gregory facility.
A number of community needs were identified, such as helping people become self-sufficient, advocating for working parents to have access to safe and affordable childcare, expanding health-related programs, explore avenues to meet increasing demand for food, partner in programs to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness, expanding the Credit Recovery program to more Orleans County schools to increase graduation rates, help prevent death from overdose and become a distribution site for fentanyl and xylazine test kits, naloxone and educational materials and increase marketing, success stories, community involvement, etc. to increase brand awareness and public impact of the important role of Community Action.
Looking ahead, Community Action has identified priorities as addressing the 1115 Medicaid Waiver, developing the 2026 Community Needs Assessment and updated Strategic Plan, developing a Mental Health satellite at Holley, updating Mission and Vision statements, creating expanded transportation opportunities and exploring housing opportunities and partnerships.
One exciting new initiative is creating a Fresh Start Center at the Main Street Store, where students can launder clothes, shower, receive personal hygiene items and get connected with other needed social care services. A private grant will fund the shower, which won’t be added until next year.
Photos courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Veronica Barhite, a board member for Community Action, enjoys an ice cream sundae during the annual In-service Day at Albion Elk’s Club. (Right) CAOG director Renee Hungerford, right, and Cassie Healy, head of the Main Street Store, have an ice cream sundae during lunch break at the annual In-Service Day.
Hungerford stated, “The progress we’ve made in the last five years is incredible.” However, she sees the need for food going up and the number of homeless increasing.
Lunch for the day was catered by Zambistro and an ice cream truck was on site after lunch.
Following lunch and several games, Naloxone training was presented by Kaitlin Pettine, a public health educator with the Genesee Orleans County Health Departments.
Awards were presented, including 11 years-of-service awards for employees from five to 25 years with the agency. Eight employees received Achievement Awards for furthering their education, and nine Employee Recognition awards were given, with the top employee being Margi Davies, chosen by her peers and awarded a certificate for her strong upholding of the agency’s values. She also received an Achievement Award for making the Dean’s List and graduating from Empire State University with an associate’s degree in science, with a study of Early Childhood.
In her closing statement, Hungerford thanked everyone who made the day fun and successful. This included staff, the Elks Club for providing an affordable venue, Kaitlin Pettine for showing them how to save a life with Naloxone, Orleans Mental Health for making the Joe Roberts presentation possible, and the board of directors.
Red Star Foundation to host suicide prevention workshop in Medina on July 12
Event is open to veterans, first responders and their families
MEDINA – In partnership with the Orleans County Veteran Services, the Red Star Foundation will host a free Suicide Prevention Workshop on July 12th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vine Church, located at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd, Medina, NY 14103.
This important event is open to veterans and their families, first responders and their families, and Red Star Families (families of those lost to veteran or first responder suicide), with the goal of uniting the Orleans County community to combat the growing crisis of suicide among our nation’s heroes.
The workshop will feature educational presentations, peer-to-peer support resources, and a discussion of practical tools to help prevent suicide and identify warning signs. Lunch will be provided free of charge, and attendees will have the chance to win door prizes as part of the community-building experience.
“Our veterans and first responders put their lives on the line for us,” said Jerry Shaffer, CEO of the Red Star Foundation and a native of Medina. “We owe it to them and their families to be there in their time of need. Suicide isn’t just a veteran issue, it’s a community issue. We want to break the silence, raise awareness, and remind people they are not alone.”
The statistics underscore the urgency:
- More than 8,000 veterans die by suicide each year in the United States.
- First responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
- The emotional toll on families left behind is immeasurable and often unrecognized.
“I was born and raised here. These are our neighbors, our friends, our brothers and sisters,” said Rich McAdoo, a Medina native and Navy veteran. “We’re doing this workshop in our hometown because we believe change starts locally. If we can save even one life, it’s worth every effort.”
This workshop is part of the Red Star Foundation’s nationwide mission to support those affected by military, veteran and first responder suicide, and to build stronger, more resilient communities through awareness, education, and connection.
Come stand in solidarity with those who have served and those who continue to serve.
To RSVP or learn more, please visit www.redstarfoundation.org/orleans or email rich@redstarfoundation.org.
About the Red Star Foundation
The Red Star Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to suicide prevention among veterans, first responders, and their families. Through education, peer support, and community programs, Red Star brings people together to heal, remember, and take action to save lives.
Group of kids from Orleans attending Sheriffs’ Summer Camp
Photos courtesy of Sheriff Chris Bouke: Sheriff Chris Bourke on Sunday gave kids a sendoff for a week of camp at Keuka Lake.
Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Each summer, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Jeannine Larkin at O.C. Child and Family Services identify children from across Orleans County to attend the NYS Sheriffs’ Summer Camp.
Orleans County kids will join excited kids from across New York State when they arrive at Keuka Lake for a full week of adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories. They’ll stay until the following Saturday, experiencing 7 days of camp life—many for the very first time.
Campers are boys and girls aged 9–12, selected by their local Sheriff’s Office from families who might not otherwise be able to afford this opportunity. It’s more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to grow, lead and connect.
During the week, they’ll:
- Swim, fish, kayak, and canoe on beautiful Keuka Lake
- Try archery, sports, and team challenges
- Participate in K-9 demos, safety programs, and campfire nights
- Earn certificates for positive achievements—from mastering new skills to keeping their cabins clean and showing kindness to others
The camp is completely free for families, thanks to the generosity of those who support the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute. Every county in New York sends campers—and by summer’s end, hundreds of young people will have gained new confidence, new friends, and a lasting connection to their community.
Sheriff Christopher Bourke would like to thank everyone for their generosity throughout the year. Donations play an important part in facilitating the operation of NYS Sheriff’s Institute Summer Camp.
To contribute to the camp, click here.
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1,200-mile odyssey by paddleboard, including Erie Canal, now detailed in book
Author says connecting with ‘blue space’ is good for physical, mental health
File photo by Tom Rivers: Dan Rubinstein of Ottawa is shown on Aug. 1, 2023 on the Erie Canal in Albion headed west. The canal was part of a 1,200-mile adventure two years ago. His book Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage has just been released and is available from several sources, including Author’s Note Bookstore in Medina, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
In June 2023, writer Dan Rubinstein of Ottawa lashed camping gear to his stand-up paddleboard and embarked on an improbable solo voyage which would take him more than 1,200 miles on rivers, lakes and canals of a landlocked region.
During the 10-week journey, he explored the healing potential of “blue space,” the aquatic equivalent of green space, and sought out others drawn to their local waters.
The cover of Dan Rubenstein’s book shows him on a paddle board. The 336-page book was published last month by ECW Press, an independent book publisher in Canada.
Rubinstein has announced his book, Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage, has been published and is available from several sources, including Author’s Note Bookstore in Medina, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Click here for more information.
Rubenstein turned 50 on the trip, on which he traveled the waters to Montreal and New York City, then took a Greyhound bus to Albany, where he entered the Erie Canal, which took him to Buffalo and the Niagara River above the Falls. Here, friends took him to Lake Ontario, and he spent two days getting around the western tip of the lake to Kingston and the Rideau Canal.
Rubinstein said the farther he paddled, the more he realized that being in, on or around water does more than boost mental and physical health and prompt stewardship toward the natural world. He discovered that blue spaces are also a way to connect with the kaleidoscopic cross-section of people he met and the diverse geographies and communities he passed through.
His love of paddleboarding stems from the fact he can jump in and swim if he wants to; he can see down in the water; and he can see all around.
“Everyone knows what green space is,” Rubinstein said in a phone call from his Ottawa home. “But blue space is good for your physical and mental health. It makes us want to take better care of our planet.”
During his journey, Rubinstein said he arranged interviews with people along his route whose whole lives revolve around water.
“I met so many strangers who were kind, welcoming and generous,” he said. “They gave me food, cold water, let me stay in their spaces (most of the time camping), but some let me stay in their houses and hotels. It’s really about community and people when we meet by the water. The Erie Canal might be the most beautiful and where I met the most amazing people.”
He described Tomtuga campground at Gasport, where he spent a night, and the canal basin in Medina where two men he met on a boat sent him up the hill to the Captain Kidz restaurant.
Paddling down the canal, he was enchanted with the towpath, where he could look over and see beautiful farm country. He said the locks in Lockport were fun to go through, but he was also taken in by the culvert.
Rubinstein said he took a year off from his job as a writer for a university to write his book. He has one explanation for what he did:
“I love stand-up paddleboarding,” he said.
Albion Alumni Foundation awards nearly $175K in scholarships to Class of 2025
Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: Alumni Foundation board member Mollie Radzinski congratulates Emily Richardson as she receives the Jonathan Doherty Memorial Scholarship.
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $174,325 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2025 graduates during their Class Night ceremony on June 20. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals after high school graduation.
The Foundations’ scholarship committee chose recipients for 56 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.
Three new annual scholarships were awarded for the first time this year:
Raymond Lissow Jr. Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in 2024 by the Family of Raymond M Lissow. Ray graduated from Albion in 2006 and benefited greatly from Albion’s special education personnel. Ray was very active in his community and thoroughly enjoyed his years at ACS. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 at the age of 34 but left a lasting impression on everyone he met and hopefully he always put a smile on their faces. This $2,000 scholarship, administered by the Albion Alumni Association, is awarded to a graduating senior attending college to pursue a degree in Special Education.
Ray and Fran Lissow congratulate Nicholas Baxter as the first recipient of the Raymond Lissow Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
Paganelli Family Scholarship – This scholarship has been established by the Paganelli family to support the pursuit of higher education, whether academic or vocational. It will be awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates financial need and actively participates in extracurricular activities, whether related to work or academics. This scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
Coach Robert Ord Scholarship – This scholarship was established in honor of Coach Ord who dedicated many years of service to the Albion School District and the Athletic program. This scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, Inc.
Our scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our Albion alumni members and the local community. We are grateful to them for their willingness to support so many Albion graduates through our scholarship program.
If you are interested in starting a scholarship or want to learn more about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please contact Steve Hicks, Albion Alumni Foundation President at steve@albionalumni.org or go to albionalumni.org.
Congratulations to all 2025 scholarship recipients!
- Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship – Willow Gaines, Krystalin Taylor, Taylor LeFrois, Adysyn Stirk
- Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Leo Bolton
- Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Madison LeBaron
- Golden Performance Scholarship – Alexis Hand
- Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Alana Irvine
- Minier Family Scholarship – Jayden Lewis
- Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Mallory Kozody
- Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Camryn London
- Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Tye Talbot
- A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Leo Bolton
- Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Madison LeBaron
(Left) Jayden Lewis accepts the Minier Family Scholarship from Marissa (Minier) Olles and her daughter Hannah. (Right) Zachary Baron receives the Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship from Erin and Jackson Moody.
- Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Madalyn Ashbery
- Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Tye Talbot, Zachary Baron, Seth Krenning
- Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Oliver Beach
- Horton Scholarship – Donavan Braley
- Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Kelli Dingle, Keira Zambito
- Glassner Family Scholarship – Nathan Garrett, Tracy Garrett
- John Panek Memorial Scholarship – James Harris
- Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Mallory Ashbery
- Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Katherine Hollenbeck
- Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – David Rosario
- Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Oliver Beach
- D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Cassandra Brown
- Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Kelli Dingle
- Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Mallory Ashbery, Rori Higgins
- Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Ella Trupo (College), James Harris (Trade School)
- Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Mallory Kozody
- Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Donovan Braley
- Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Kenadie Patten
Sawyer Brigham and Donovan Braley receive the Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship from Ben’s friends. Lucas Martin also received this scholarship.
- Sherman Awards – Keira Zambito (Moses Sherman Award) & Dillon Digulio (Margaret Sherman Award)
- Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship – Donovan Braley, Sawyer Brigham, Lucas Martin
- Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship – Camryn London, Jayden Lewis
- Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship – Keira Zambito
- Babbitt Family Scholarship – David Rosario
- Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship – MacKenzie Snook
- Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship – Mallory Kozody
- Craig Anderson Scholarship – Kyle Radder
- Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Ella Trupo, Zachary Baron
- Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Rori Higgins
- Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Rori Higgins
- Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Aaron Flanagan
- Lamont Family Scholarship – Kelli Dingle
- Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Willow Gaines
- Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Lefrois
- Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Oliver Beach
- Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship –James Harris, Roselan Steffan
- Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Alexis Hand
- Stewart New Scholarship – Alexis Hand
- Dick Tower Scholarship – James Harris
- Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Paige Newton
- Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Ella Trupo, MacKenzie Snook
- Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Xavier Hess
- Johnathan Doherty Scholarship – Zachary Abel, Emily Richardson, Zachary Yankevich
- Raymond M. Lissow Scholarship – Nicholas Baxter
- Paganelli Family Scholarship – Kenadie Patten
- Coach Robert Ord Scholarship – Isaiah Riley
