VFW Auxiliary donates patriotic children’s books to Lee-Whedon
Photos and information courtesy of VFW Auxiliary in Medina
MEDINA – David Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina, presents two children’s books to Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.
The Auxiliary participates in a youth program to promote patriotism through literacy.
The donated books include “Let Liberty Rise!” and “The Eternal Soldier.” “Let Liberty Rise!” tells how America’s schoolchildren helped save the Statute of Liberty. Th book was written by Chana Stiefel. “The Eternal Solider, by Allison Crotzer Kimmel, tells a true story of how a dog became a Civil War hero.
Retired DPW superintendent praises Padoleski’s knowledge, commitment to Medina
Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Debbie Padoleski for mayor of the Village of Medina. I have known Debbie for over 45 years and worked with her on a day-to-day basis for 25 of those years. She has been totally committed to her work and spent 41 years in service to Medina.
Debbie has a complete understanding of the functions and management of Medina. She has spent much time on research before making decisions and recommendations. I don’t know anyone that would have a better understanding for the best outcome for Medina. Debbie also has the best knowledge of the finances and taxes in Medina.
I encourage your support in electing the best-qualified candidate: Debbie Padoleski.
Thank you,
Edward Houseknecht
Retired DPW superintendent for Medina
Stream Data Centers hosting information session this evening at Alabama fire hall
ALABAMA – Stream Data Centers is hosting an information session this evening to discuss its planned state-of-the-art data center campus at Western New York’s Science, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Genesee County.
Several company representatives will be on hand to discuss the economic, energy, environmental and communal benefits and impacts of the project, Stream said in a news advisory.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to share their concerns about specific site and project attributes and share their knowledge and insights of the nearby landscape.
Company representatives will also be available for one-on-one interviews.
The meeting will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Alabama Fire Hall, 2230 Judge Road, in Basom. For more information, visit: https://streamwny.com.
National Guard soldier in Medina promoted to staff sergeant
Joshua Klotzbach from Medina, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to staff sergeant. He is assigned to Bravo Company, 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced Klotzbach’s promotion.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
The New York National Guard is the state’s executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
Medina election comes at crossroads for overburdened village taxpayers
Editor:
On March 18th, Medina residents will elect a mayor and two village trustees. Medina is at a crossroads. Taxpayers are overburdened by increasing costs spread across a shrinking tax base.
As a village taxpayer and Shelby town board member, I am glad there are choices in this election. The range of candidates this year gives voters the chance to consider the different strengths each person would bring to the village.
Serving on Shelby’s town board, I know how important it is to have people with different opinions and skill sets in public service. We need people with knowledge of infrastructure and technical systems. We need people with finance experience who can understand municipal budgeting practices, interpret the numbers correctly, and make disciplined decisions that control costs and protect taxpayers over the long term.
We also need people who understand professional workplace standards and have a proven ability to lead, train, and manage staff. Those elected next week must be ready to step in at once and make budget and operational decisions that safeguard the village’s financial future.
Social media has been loud during this election. Much of it has not been helpful or productive. Differences in perspective are part of any strong board. They force a closer look at the facts, the costs, and the long-term impact of each decision.
Public service will always involve differences of opinion. Moving forward, I hope officials and residents alike can publicly exchange ideas respectfully, even when we disagree.
If you have been unable to attend or watch the village meetings online, I hope you research the candidates. Learn what each person brings to the table.
This election is critical. It calls for voters to look past personal likes and dislikes and focus on who is prepared to make sound decisions that will impact residents for the next 5-10 years.
Please vote on March 18th from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Make your voice heard. Medina’s future depends on it.
Sincerely,
Linda Limina
Medina
Holley hears from residents about high electric bills, taxes
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Vendetti tells the Holley Village Board on Tuesday that a spike in electric bills plus high village taxes is hard on everybody in the village, including landlords who can’t easily pass on the bigger costs to tenants.
HOLLEY – Cheap electricity has long been one of the big pluses of the Village of Holley, which has its own department offering municipal electricity.
But those bills have skyrocketed since last month and many residents have expressed their concern to the Village Board and village office.
“No doubt, each one of us who opened our recent bill, got quite the shock,” Mayor Mark Bower said in a message to village residents last month. “To say that the office has received calls from angry, upset, confused electric customers is an understatement.”
He expects the rates will be high until the winter weather eases, with higher bills expected in March and April.
Bower said Holley gets additional electricity during intense usage from three sources – New York Power Authority, New York Municipal Power Authority and National Grid, and that comes at higher costs than the municipal rates.
During times of high electric usage, such as the recent bitter cold temperatures, the purchase power agreement rates have soared, and not only in Holley. Bower said his February bill was nearly $500 with $311.55 due to the purchase power agreement charges.
One local landlord, Mike Vendetti, attended Tuesday’s Village Board to share his concerns about the rising costs of living in Holley. In addition to the big jump in electric bills, Holley village taxes increased 10 percent in the 2025-26 budget.
Vendetti said the landlords can’t simply pass the higher costs on to tenants.
“We can’t just raise rents or we’re going to chase people right ut of this village,” he said.
The tax levy went from $1,078,527 in 2024-25 to $1,186,380 in the current budget, a $107,853 increase. The village’s tax rate is currently $19.54 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The Village Board needs to adopt a new budget for 2026-27 by April 30.
Bower said he is sympathetic to the higher costs on village taxpayers and residents.
“I hear your message,” he said to Vendetti.
Bower said the village has been able to secure grants for a new playground, and also for upgrades to a pavilion and the canal trail without burdening local taxpayers.
Hawks and Tigers have G-R All-Star honorees
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Avante Walker, left, and Lyndonville’s Lane Woodworth have been named to the Genesee Region League All Star team.
Holley junior Avante Walker and Lyndonville sophomore Lane Woodworth have both been named to the Genesee Region League boys basketball All Star team.
Walker averaged 15.5 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Hawks.
Woodworth averaged 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for the Tigers.
In addition, Holley senior Josh Silpoch and Lyndonville senior Colton Smith have both earned Honorable Mention.
Silpoch averaged 14.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Smith averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game.
40 & 8 organizations, including in Orleans, represented honor society of veterans
Group served as fun-loving arm of the American Legion to promote patriotic bonding
This photo published in The Buffalo News on Jan. 15, 1957, shows Miss Ola Burns of Holley, chapeau of the Orleans Petite Salon of the Eight & Forty, getting some tips on her new duties from a chapeau passe, Mrs. Francis Postle of Lyndonville. The group met once a month in the Albion Legion Building in Albion.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 7
ALBION – Naturally, we were intrigued by the above photograph since it references the “Albion Legion Building.” The Sheret Post #35 American Legion was located at 34 East Park St. in Albion from 1935 until 1980 when it was purchased by Orleans County for use as office space. The building currently houses the Orleans County Dept. of History.
The Orleans Petite Salon of the Eight and Forty (Eight and Forty) was the sister organization of the Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses (Forty and Eight) who also met at the Albion Legion Building.
The Forty & Eight was organized by Joseph W. Breen in Philadelphia in 1920 as La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men & Eight Horses) as an independent, invitation only, honor society of American veterans.
This name was a reference to the French railroad boxcars which had been used to transport soldiers to the Front during World War 1. The cargo capacity sign on each boxcar was Quarante Hommes/Huit Chevaux – Forty Men or Eight Horses. The French theme carried through humorously – members were referred to as Voyageurs Militaires (military travelers) and prospective members as Prisonnieres de Guerre (prisoners of war), the local unit was referred to as the “voiture” (car), while the initiation ritual was referred to as a “wreck.” The Society was intended to be the fun-loving arm of the American Legion, its goal was to promote fun, patriotic bonding and to support charitable causes, specifically child welfare and nurses’ training.
The railroad theme was featured in the terminology and visual images used by the Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses.
The Orleans County branch of the organization was instituted in Holley on July 16, 1927, and was designated Charter No. 971. An initiation was held at the James P. Clark Post on East Center St. in Medina on September 7, 1927.
It appears to have been a fun event, in keeping with the society’s goals. A drum corps led a parade of candidates who exploded red flares as they marched. The costumes, make-up and antics of the Prisonniers de Guerre provided the onlookers with much entertainment. As reported in the Medina Daily Journal on the following day, the “wreck” began at 9:30 p.m. and lasted until 4 a.m., at which time the “prisonniers” were kneeling in front of the Monument Works, too tired to rise, but feebly saying prayers for the dead.” Initiations rotated to the other Legion Posts throughout the county in subsequent years.
La Boutique des Huit Chapeaux et Quarante Femmes (The Society of Eight Hats and Forty Women) was organized in Indianapolis, IN in 1922 as the sister organization to the Forty & Eight. It also supported child welfare and nurses training and added “preventive tuberculosis” to its goals in 1932.
Logo of the Eight and Forty
The installation dinner for the newly chartered Orleans County Petite Salon of the Eight and Forty was held at the Sheret Post American Legion Building in Albion on February 27, 1951.Women who had been members in good standing of the American Legion Auxiliary for thirty-six consecutive months were eligible for membership.
Officers installed on that occasion included:
Chapeau: Mrs. Helen Van Stone, Albion, Demi-Chapeau: Mrs. Florence Bayne, Medina, Demi-Chapeau Premiere: Mrs. Arlene Tibbits, Albion, L’Secretaire and L’Caissiere: Mrs. Virginia De Palma, Fancher, L’Aumoniar: Mrs. Rowena Philllips, Albion, L’Concierge: Mrs. Alett Padaman, Holley.
A group of Orleans County members attended the Annual Convention held in Syracuse on July 23, 1959. Originally a subsidiary organization of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Eight and Forty became an independent veterans organization in 1960. It is still active nationally, as is the Forty and Eight, though their membership numbers have declined.
Governor announces new cybersecurity regs and grants for water systems in NYS
$2.5 million available to protect drinking water and sewer systems
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul announced nation-leading cybersecurity regulations and $2.5 million in grants to help communities affordably protect their drinking water and wastewater systems.
This comprehensive, unified approach equips drinking water and wastewater operators with the framework and tools to bolster their cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated and dangerous cyber threats while strengthening services that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day.
“Cyber attacks on our water infrastructure can disrupt services and threaten public health and safety,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is protecting New Yorkers by modernizing regulations and providing resources to adopt these important safeguards. There is nothing more important than keeping New Yorkers safe.”
Water infrastructure is essential to public health, safety, economic stability and national security, making it an attractive target for cyber attacks. As systems increasingly rely on digital and internet-connected technologies, the need for cybersecurity safeguards continues to grow.
The Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) developed minimum standards for wastewater and drinking water systems that are threat-informed, risk-centric, and cost-balanced. At the same time, the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) created grants and no-cost technical assistance to support local implementation. Close coordination helped streamline oversight, eliminate duplication and align with federal cybersecurity guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The new threat-informed, risk-centric, and cost-balanced minimum standards developed by DEC and DOH include:
- Mandatory cybersecurity training for certified operators
- Cybersecurity incident reporting requirements
- Risk-based tiered standards to protect critical operations and sensitive information
- Designation of a cybersecurity lead role at larger drinking water systems
To support implementation, Governor Hochul is launching the new $2.5 million Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) grant program, administered by EFC. Applications open today. Funding includes:
- Up to $50,000 for cybersecurity assessments
- Up to $100,000 to implement cybersecurity upgrades
EFC’s Community Assistance Teams are available to provide no-cost guidance and tools to help water and wastewater systems implement cybersecurity best practices. Communities can request one-on-one consultations, apply for the SECURE grant, and access centralized training and best practice resources on EFC’s Cybersecurity Hub.
Guidance and additional implementation resources are available on DEC’s Wastewater Cybersecurity Resources and DOH’s Cybersecurity for Public Water Systems webpages.
Village of Albion approves permits for several upcoming special events
Photo by Tom Rivers: These younger kids hunt for eggs during last year’s Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 at the Courthouse lawn. Part of East State Street was closed to traffic for the event. The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries had 15,000 eggs on the Courthouse lawn. The event returns on April 4 with the hunt starting at noon.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board has approved special event permits for a range of activities.
The board on Wednesday approved permits for the following events:
- March 21 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness race with part of the course in Mount Albion Cemetery. The race starts at 10 a.m. from Clarendon Road near elementary school.
- April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Easter Egg Hunt with East State Street closed to traffic from South Main Street to Platt Street. The egg hunt starts at noon.
- June 14 (all day) – Bounce for Bullard Youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Bullard Park, run by the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE).
- July 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. and July 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Carnival Days for Hospice at Bullard Park, with event run by Best of Tymes Party Rentals.
- Aug. 1 (all day) – Albion Summer Music Festival at Bullard Park, with event run by G-ACRE.
- Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Family Fun Day at Bullard Park. Event is run by Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
The board also set a public hearing for 6 p.m. on March 25 to change the zoning for two parcels from R-1 to light industrial. These parcels are by Penasack, a sheet fabrication business, on Sanford Street off Moore Street.
David Warren also was appointed chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, effective immediately.
Quick response by crews removing fallen tree was impressive, much appreciated
Photo courtesy of Heather Colella: Firefighters remove a tree from a road in Clarendon.
Editor:
I wanted to share a quick community shout-out after an incident tonight that really impressed me.
With the high winds we have been having, I was at home cooking dinner when I heard a tree come crashing down. At first I did not think much of it, but after a minute I realized it sounded like it may have fallen across the road. Our driveway is several hundred feet long, so I drove down to check, and sure enough, a tree had fallen and was blocking the roadway.
I immediately called 911. By the time I got back to the house, grabbed our truck with the emergency light, and headed back with cones, police were already on scene. The fire department arrived right after, and the entire area was cleared in about 22 minutes from the time I first contacted the 911 center.
It was honestly impressive to watch. Everyone moved with purpose, worked together seamlessly, and had the road reopened in no time. It looked like a pit crew in action—everyone had a job, and they handled it quickly, safely, and professionally.
In a time when people often only hear complaints, I thought this deserved recognition. I just want to publicly acknowledge the excellent response and teamwork from the local emergency crews.
Thank you,
Heather Colella
Clarendon
Albion trustee candidate insists on fairness, respectful dialogue with residents
Editor:
I am writing to share why I have decided to run for Village of Albion Trustee.
Albion is more than just the place I live it is the community that helped shape who I am. I graduated from Albion High School, I work in the village, I coach and volunteer in the village, and most importantly, I am raising my family here. Like many residents, I care deeply about the future of our village and the people who call it home.
I chose to run because I believe our community deserves leadership that is present, engaged, and respectful to everyone. Local government should be approachable, transparent, and focused on listening to the people it serves. Everyone in our village deserves to feel heard and valued, regardless of their background, opinions, or circumstances.
Through my work as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that assists individuals and families in need, I am acutely aware of many of the systemic challenges that people in our community face. That experience has shaped my perspective and reinforced the importance of approaching decisions with compassion, understanding, and a focus on the real lives affected by those decisions. I believe bringing a person-centered viewpoint to the board is essential in ensuring that policies and decisions reflect the needs of the people we serve.
I also strongly believe that elected officials work for the residents of the community, and that input from those residents should be welcomed and encouraged. Some of the best ideas and solutions come directly from the people who live, work, and raise their families here. Creating space for respectful dialogue and community engagement is something I view as a key responsibility of local leadership.
If elected, I will do my best to represent all residents with fairness and integrity. I will show up, listen thoughtfully, and work collaboratively with fellow board members, village staff, and community partners. While we may not always agree on every issue, we can still treat one another with respect and work together toward solutions that benefit the entire community.
Albion has always been a place where people care about their neighbors and take pride in where they live. I believe that by working together, we can continue building a village that residents feel proud to call home and that future generations will want to be part of.
I am not asking for support simply because people know me. I am asking for the opportunity to serve because I believe in this community and in the importance of thoughtful, respectful leadership.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my perspective.
Sincerely,
Jami Allport
Candidate for Village of Albion Trustee
Orleans County DSS introduces new virtual phone assistant, EVA
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) will be launching a new AI-powered virtual phone assistant named EVA to better help residents who call Temporary Assistance.
EVA will be available during business to answer questions. DSS believes that having EVA handle calls for basic information will allow staff to spend more time directly helping families in need. The new system will operational this Monday, March 16.
“We have been testing this system as a way to better support and respond to residents attempting to reach Temporary Assistance,” said Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS. “EVA can quickly provide the necessary information to callers looking for things like office locations, hours, phone numbers and much more, without the caller having to navigate through multiple layers.”
Diane Kephart, director of Temporary Assistance in DSS, said one of the big advantages of the new system is that those who call can speak their native language and EVA will adapt accordingly.
“By automatically adapting to each caller’s native language, our new AI system ensures that Temporary Assistance services are easily accessible , removing language barriers, reducing misunderstandings, and empowering families to get the support they need,” said Kephart.
To reach EVA, call 585-589-7000, then press 4. EVA will then ask how she can help.
Rochester man charged for allegedly selling cocaine in Albion
Tamage Faison
ALBION – A Rochester man was charged on March 4 for allegedly selling cocaine in the Village of Albion, the Orleans County major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.
Tamage Lavell Faison, 19, of Beach Avenue in Rochester has been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (a Class B felony) and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree (a Class C felony).
The Task Force and the Albion Police Department on March 4 stopped a vehicle on West State Street in Albion. The Task Force had a warrant to search the vehicle and the driver.
Police seized a quantity of crack cocaine packaged for sale, the Task Force said, which resulted in the Faison being arrested on drug charges.
Faison was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court by Gaines Town Justice Charles Prentice. Faison was released on his own recognizance and is due to appear in Albion Town Court on March 24.
The Task Force and Albion PD were assisted in the investigation by Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The Task Force said further arrests and charges are pending.
Lyndonville man, 55, charged with first-degree sex abuse
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
Stanley Jenks
LYNDONVILLE – Stanley J. Jenks, 55, of Lyndonville, was arrested on March 10 following an investigation into allegations of sexual contact with a child under the age of 11.
The arrest was made after members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Jenks’ residence in Lyndonville.
As a result of the investigation, Jenks was charged with the following offenses:
- Sex Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Felony
- Forcible Touching, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
Jenks was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Orleans County Jail on $2,500 cash bail, $25,000 bond, pending his next court appearance in the Town of Ridgeway Court on April 20.
