Top 10 grads from 5 districts in Orleans honored for academic achievement

Posted 23 June 2026 at 1:54 pm

Photos by Natalie Baron: Madison Farley of Medina smiles as she shakes hands with Susan Starkweather Miller, the keynote speaker. She handed out Michael Josephson’s poem, “What Will Matter.”

By Natalie Baron, correspondent

LYNDONVILLE – On Monday evening, the Top 10 graduates in the Class of 2026 in Orleans County’s five school districts were celebrated with the annual banquet at White Birch Golf Course. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event.

The graduates spoke with humility and gratitude, while their parents could not have been prouder.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of Medina’s Top Ten, to be here,” Darlene Beach of Medina said.

Parent Roxanne Ham of Holley shared, “This is such a great accomplishment, for all of these seniors to put in all of this hard work and to see it pay off. I’m proud of my daughter and each and every student here. They each deserve the recognition.”

Susan Starkweather Miller was the 2026 keynote speaker. She is known for her commitments to community and service. She is retired from the Albion school district and now serves as the Village of Albion historian.

The 2026 keynote speaker was Susan Starkweather Miller. The Albion graduate went on to serve as Albion’s Public Information Officer, Service-Learning Coordinator, Internship Program Coordinator, Grants Manager, and Community Liaison.

She has been on the Albion High School Alumni Foundation for 35 years, as a board member and, presently, as vice-president. The board is behind developing and bestowing scholarships. Last year, the board gave nearly $200,000 to graduates. Starkweather Miller has always loved shining a spotlight on members of ACS.

In her retirement, Starkweather Miller has become the Village of Albion historian. She is one of the leaders behind the “Save Our Chapel” movement for the Mount Albion Cemetery. She has also become a Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver. Starkweather Miller loves to learn, garden, take photographs, travel with her husband, be spontaneous, interact with her friends, explore Mount Albion and the Erie Canal, and volunteer in her community and at her church.

Miller has received the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Award due to her work in the preservation of local history, the Albion Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Award, which has the theme of “Service Above Self”, the Golden Empire Award from the NY School Public Relations Association for her efforts as the district’s Public Relations Officer, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Albion High School National Honor Society.

The Lyndonville Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Savannah Spoth, Emily Miner, Rylan Townsend, Isabella Groves, Brooke Robinson and Elena Barry. Top Row: Barbara Jary, McKinley Price, Benjamin Doolan and Colton Smith. Included in the photo are Superintendent Heather Lyon, Principal Aaron Slack and BOE President Patrick Whipple.

Before the dinner, Starkweather Miller had the opportunity to walk around and talk to some of the students present that night about what she has noticed they have done in the community, noting that they are “quite an amazing group of young adults.”

As such, she felt very honored to be speaking to them that night. Additionally, she felt a sense of “déjà vu” as she used to coordinate this very event, and she would even chat with past keynote speakers.

Starkweather Miller laid out the characteristics she believes these graduates possess or can develop that will help them to lead not only a Top 10 high school experience, but a 10 life, rich in success and fulfillment. Her broad themes were community, willingness, service, leadership, sportsmanship, helping people, volunteering and connection.

She began with human connection, describing how she read about the graduates’ accomplishments on their school websites, in the papers, and on social media and recognized their efforts to connect with others. She said how, in that room, there were Eagle Scouts, FFA members, Student Council members, Class Officers, National Honor Society members, Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Program members, crash simulation volunteers, Scholar Athletes, Lions Club Leos, Rotary Interact community service volunteers, and more.

“Thank you for learning to be leaders to your peers and teaching others new skills,” she stated, taking the time and effort to thank the students for their hard work for these various groups.

The Kendall Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Adrianna Schiavone, Brooke Jurek, Marlie Clark, Madison Hults, Brooke Rodas and Stella Kwiatek. Top Row: Brandon Barrett, Jonathan Conte, Joseph Fagan and Jonathan Esposito. Missing from the photo: Wyatt Anderson. Included in the photo are Superintendent Nicholas Picardo, BOE President Rachel Fisken, BOE Vice-President Lisa Levett and Principal Melissa Strelick.

She stressed the importance of perseverance and how much these students have persevered already by simply making it into the Top 10.

“Remember that life doesn’t happen to you. You make things in your life happen for you,” she expressed. “Let’s face it, it’s easier to give up than to persevere, but the sense of accomplishment by following through is immeasurable.”

She described the need for emotional intelligence. “Being academically intelligent isn’t everything. I think having high emotional intelligence is even more important. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if you don’t care about others, show empathy, or have self-awareness on how your actions affect others, then you probably won’t be as successful as you can be.”

She discussed citizenship, focusing on contributing, responding to needs, being informed, and voting. “We each have a role to play in improving our society.”

Jax Richards-Dyson of Holley receives his copy of “What Will Matter.” The poem describes living a life focused on giving.

Starkweather Miller also talked about kindness and connection by seeing people, being happy for others’ successes, and recognizing them. She described service and getting involved even after high school, communication skills, problem-solving, creativity and innovation, teamwork, time management, active listening and responding, adaptability, and soft skills like being dependable, responsible, positive, and prideful without being overconfident.

“It’s okay. I give you permission if you change your mind on what and who you want to be. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure,” Miller said. “Don’t be afraid to fail, because often, the best learning about who you really are comes in the face of failure.”

“Think of people who have had the biggest impact on your life. Chances are they aren’t the richest or most famous, but they were the ones who showed up, the ones who listened the ones who encouraged you and helped you, even when they didn’t have to, the ones who saw you and cared.” Miller closed with a passage from Michael Josephson’s poem What Will Matter about this very idea.

“‘Choose to live a life that matters.’” As the Top 10 graduates walked the stage to receive their medallions, she handed them the poem.

The Medina Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Madison Farley, Bellaflor Gomez-Hernandez, Darlene Beach, Lilah Class, Allie Frentz and Mahri Harmer-Owen. Top Row: Brennan Woodruff, Alexander Wilson, Hunter Walczak and Caden Kingsbury. Included in the photo are Superintendent Mark Kruzynski, Principal Michael Cavanagh, BOE President Alissa Mitchell and Assistant Principal Mollie Mark.

The Albion Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Hanna Kumalac, Lindsay Crawford, Aubrey Gannon, Neveya Barnes, Kaitlin Bennett and Julia Button. Top Row: Joshua Zayac, Bradley Pierce, Nathaniel Miesner and Gideon Pask. Included in the photo are BOE President Linda Weller, Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Jennifer Ashbery.

The Holley Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Mia Thom, Alexis VanAmeron, Nora Lindsay, Annalee Ham, Carissa Klossner and Payton Preston. Top Row: Jax Richards-Dyson, Hunter Pachla, Landyn Burch and Kohle Pachla. Included in the photo are Principal Matthew Feldman, Superintendent Karri Schiavone and BOE Vice-President Jessica Sniatecki.

Gideon Pask shakes hands with Albion Superintendent Mickey Edwards as he is given his award. Another year of the Academic Excellence Awards Dinner wrapped successfully.

N-O League honors coaches

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 June 2026 at 1:00 pm

Contributed Photos – Long time former Akron Field Hockey Coach Mary Borden and longtime former Medina Basketball Coach Eric Hellwig were presented with the Niagara-Orleans League’s Foundation Awards at the league’s annual coaches banquet Monday.

Newfane basketball Coach Kevin Klumpp and Barker Softball Coach Aileen Gilbert received the Sportsmanship Awards at the N-O coaches banquet.

Lyndonville home will welcome public to see expansive garden, artwork on July 9

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 June 2026 at 11:28 am

Garden soiree annual event planned by Cobblestone Museum

Photos courtesy of Beth Carpenter Dorf: Joyce Chizick, left, and Shirley Bright Neeper, co-chairs of the Cobblestone’s garden soiree, look at vegetable and flower plants started in containers in back of the Dorf’s house. At right, Georgia Thomas of Medina checks out the vegetable plantings. Thomas will serve iced tea and dessert at the soiree.

LYNDONVILLE – The Cobblestone Museum’s annual garden soiree this summer will feature not only an abundance of flowers and plants, but an artistic touch, as well.

Scheduled from 4 p.m. until dark on July 9, soiree will take place at the home of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf at 10436 Lakeshore Rd., Lyndonville. The flower gardens, kitchen garden and Very “She” She Shed explode with color, texture and creativity, interspersed with Beth’s artwork. Beth, however, insists she is not an “artist,” but examples of her paintings can be spotted on the barn, a shed, garage and in the She Shed.

Beth Carpenter Dorf, right, chats with Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville, who provides a variety of desserts for the garden tour. They stand in the container garden, under a painting Beth did. She tried to plant flowers which brought out all the colors in the painting, she said.

She shares her artwork with greeting cards she designs and sells under the label of “O, My Soul” at a shed Rick built for produce and at Herbalty Cottage in Medina. She also painted a barn quilt on their barn and a painting on her She Shed, which copies Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, in which she used rhinestones to create sparkle.

“Everything has a theme,” Beth said of their gardens.

There is a container garden, meadow garden, gnome garden, picking garden and a patriotic corner.

Flowering shrubs and bushes flood the front of the home of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf at 10436 Lakeshore Rd, Lyndonville. The couple will host the Cobblestone Museum’s ninth annual garden soiree, “Flowers, Friends and Fantasies,” on July 9.

Beth has always loved gardening. After her first husband was killed in a motorcycle accident and she bought the house on Lowerlake Road, the first thing she did was renovate the house. Then she threw herself into gardening. When she met Rick she discovered he also liked to garden and was a handyman, as well. That resulted in his building Beth a She Shed and a selling shed in front, from which they sell strawberries from Rick’s field, his potatoes and her artwork.

Rick also built a sidewalk alongside the She Shed, in which he placed colored chips of changing colors in the cement to resemble walking into the sun. Beth’s Very “She” She Shed houses stuffed furniture, a table and walls covered in artwork – some hers and some of other artists.

Tulips bloom in the spring garden of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf. Their yard boasts a garden for every season.

“Beth will be able to advise people on planting, starting seeds in January and February, what blooms at what time of year to ensure color all the time, and how to thwart predators from the bluebird feeder,” said Shirley Bright Neeper of Medina, who co-chairs the event with Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville.

Beth said their typical day is to get up, have their coffee and then head outdoors. Often she doesn’t come back in until dark, she said.

The Cobblestone Society also wants to express their thankfulness to the family of Beverly Winters of Medina, who died recently and requested memorials to the Cobblestone Society Garden Soiree. Beverly was a member of the Garden Gals Garden Club and a gardener extraordinaire. She was also an accomplished floral designer. The Cobblestone Museum is honored to dedicate this year’s garden soiree in her memory, said Cobblestone director Doug Farley.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Beth Carpenter Dorf sits in the selling shed her husband Rick built to sell their garden produce and her line of greeting cards.

Guests at the Garden Soiree will enjoy fabulous delicacies prepared by Chizick and Georgia Thomas of Medina. Wine and iced tea will also be served and music will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine.

This will be the ninth year the event has been co-chaired by Shirley Bright Neeper and Chizick.

Tickets for the garden soiree may be purchased at the door for $10, however, reservations would be appreciated by contacting the museum online at CobblestoneMuseum.org or by phone at (585) 589-9013. Parking is available onsite and a golf cart will be available for anyone needing assistance.

Beth Carpenter Dorf points out the measures she has taken to make her bluebird feeder safe from predators, such as sparrows.

Medina DPW removing concrete from donated lot on Pearl Street

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2026 at 9:39 am

Village plans to use the site for parking

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – This photo from last Wednesday shows a donated lot that the Village of Medina DPW is working to make available for parking.

The DPW is removing concrete from the lot this week and will then cover the site with asphalt millings. Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, told the Village Board during last evening’s board meeting that he then wants to allow those millings to settle for a year before determining what to do with the site permanently.

The village was given the 100-by-132 foot vacant lot at 115 Pearl St. It was donated by 415 West Avenue LLC, which is owned by Dr. Syed Shah, a cardiologist.

Dr. Shah initially offered the land for the Medina Fire Department but that lot isn’t a good fit for the fire department. The village instead can use it as a municipal lot.

The lot is between the Hometown Wellness Center at 119 Pearl St. and MDS Consultants at 105 Pearl St.

Annual sports awards banquet honors Lyndonville High’s student-athletes

Contributed Story Posted 23 June 2026 at 9:28 am

Contributed Photos – Exceptional Athlete and Milestone Awards Front (L-R) – Lilly Raduns, Brooke Robinson, Arnie Sturtevant, Isabella Groves, Elena Barry Back (L-R) – Austin Fonda, Quincey McClinsey, Lane Woodworth, Greyson Romano, Brody Hazel, Colton Smith, Ben Doolan.

Lyndonville High held its annual Athletic Banquet this past Thursday at White Birch Golf Course highlighted by the presentation of over 75 total awards to culminate the varsity sports year.

The Coaches Award was presented to Colton Smith and Isabella Groves.

Ben Doolan and Elena Barry received the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award.

The “Doc” Layer Award was presented to Colton Smith.

Brooke Robinson received the “Bub” Meland Award.

The Alfred Schmitt Memorial Award was presented to Brooke Robinson and Colton Smith.

Braedynn Dillenbeck and Jesus Reyes Rosario received the Harold Dix Jr. Memorial Soccer Award.

The Mike Fuller Memorial Wrestling Award was presented to Ben Doolan.

Lane Woodworth (289 points and 151 rebounds) and Isabella Groves (238 points and 136 rebounds) received the Paul Howell Memorial Basketball Award.

Arnie Sturtevant (.509) and Austin Fonda (.424) received the Ted Hettig Batting Award.

The Trevor T. Cook “Unsung Hero” Award was presented to Emily Dill and Austin Fonda.

The Tri-Athlete Award was presented to Colton Smith (Soccer, Basketball, Baseball), Isabella Groves (Soccer, Basketball, Softball), Emily Dill (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball) and Rylan Townsend (Soccer, Basketball, Softball).

Genesee Region League Scholar-Athlete Awards were presented to Isabella Groves, Brooke Robinson and Colton Smith.

Lilly Raduns and Greyson Romano received the U.S. Marine Corps Award.

The U.S. Air Force Award was presented to Ben Doolan and Rylan Townsend.

Several Milestone Awards were presented including to Softball Coach Joe Moore (200 game wins). Arnie Sturtevant (200 strikeouts), Kate Draper (Positive Athlete, Coach Award), Varsity Wrestling Team (Frank Marotta Sportsmanship Award), Boys Basketball Team (Thomas Emmanuel Sportsmanship Award), Colton Smith (Harvey E. Anderson Scholarship) and Brody Hazel (100 career wrestling wins).

Team Awards – Front (L-R) – Greyson Romano, Lilly Raduns, Braelynn Dillenbeck, Leah Costello, Natalie Rath, Arnie Sturtevant, Brooke Robinson, Rylan Townsend, Elena Barry, Shyann Little. Back (L-R) – Lane Woodworth, Shannon Withey, Colton Smith, Quincey McClinsey, Austin Fonda, Isabella Groves, Alexa Robinson, Kyle Hutchings, Brody Hazel.

The following varsity Team Awards were presented:

Girls Soccer – Most Improved Offensive Player – Rylan Townsend; Most Improved Defensive Player – Arnie Sturtevant; Most Valuable Player – Alexa Robinson; Heart and Hustle Award – Abigail Alexander.

Girls Volleyball – Most Improved Player – Shyann Little; Most Valuable Player – Hannah Fox; Queen of the Court – Emily Dill; Coaches Award – Elena Barry.

Boys Soccer – Most Valuable Player – Colton Smith; Most improved Player – Shannon Withey; Coaches Award – Austin Fonda.

Boys Basketball – Most Valuable Player – Lane Woodworth; Most Improved Player – Devon Babcock; Coaches Award – Colton Smith.

Girls Basketball – Most Valuable Player – Isabella Groves; Most Improved Player – Leah Kenyon; Outstanding Defensive Player – Lilly Raduns; Heart and Hustle Award – Alexa Robinson; Coaches Award – Braelynn Dillenbeck.

Wrestling – Most Outstanding Wrestler – Shannon Withey; Most Improved Wrestler – Greyson Romano; Coaches Award – Brody Hazel; Tiger Award – Michael Alexander; Most Outstanding Wrestler (female) – Abby Alexander; Coaches Award (female) – Ainsley Vann.

Baseball – Most Valuable Player – Quincey McClinsey; Most Improved Player – Shannon Withey; Coaches Award – Colton Smith.

Softball – Most Valuable Player – Arnie Sturtevant; Coaches Award – Brooke Robinson; Bandaid Award – Braelynn Dillenbeck; Most Improved Player – Natalie Rath; Nitty Gritty Award – Isabella Groves.

Girls Track and Field – Most Improved – Robin Botsford; Coaches Award – Leah Costello.

Boys Track and Field – Most Improved – Joshua Wittcop; Coaches Award – Kyle Hutchings.

YMCA will again offer free use of hydro-bikes, kayaks in canal

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2026 at 9:04 am

Photo by Isabella Zasa, Orleans County Tourism Department: Orly the Ox rides a hydro-bike on the Erie Canal in Medina on July 18, 2025.

MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA will again be allowing people to use hydro-bikes and kayaks in the Erie Canal this summer.

The Y has offered the program for several years. People can rent a hydro-bike or kayak for free. Bent’s Opera House is covering the cost for the YMCA to have staff managing the program.

Last year 1,300 people used the equipment. The Y will have four hydro-bikes and 10 kayaks available. Two of those kayaks are tandem.

Andrew Houseman, senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, told the Medina Village Board he expects the program to start next week, with online reservations available later this week. People soon can sign up on Event Brite and rent them for free. (Go to eventbrite.com and search for kayaks and hydro-bikes to make a reservation.)

The program will run from Thursdays to Saturdays, from noon to 9 p.m. and will continue until Aug. 17.

Most of the equipment will be kept in a trailer in the Canal Basin behind Captain Kidz restaurant at 143 East Center St. The Village Board is allowing the Y to use one dock slip as well.

The Y received the kayaks and hydro-bikes in 2020 through grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and the Erie Canalway Corridor’s Consolidated Fund.

2 Dem candidates in primary for NY-24 Congressional District

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 10:44 pm

Winner will challenge Tenney in general election

Photos by Tom Rivers: Alissa Ellman of Lockport, left, and Diana Kastenbaum of Batavia both are on the ballot in Tuesday’s Democratic Party Primary for the 24th Congressional District. They are shown speaking at a candidate forum at Hoag Library in Albion on June 4.

Registered Democrats in the sprawling 24^th Congressional District will go to the polls on Tuesday (June 23) to determine the party’s candidate in the general election against Republican incumbent Claudia Tenney. The district covers 14 counties including Orleans, and stretches from Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes and North Country.

Diana Kastenbaum of Batavia and Alissa Ellman of Lockport are both seeking the Democratic Party line. Kastenbaum previously ran for Congress in 2016 against then Congressman Chris Collins in the former 27^thCongressional District for New York.

The two Democratic candidates shared their views during a candidate forum on June 4 at Hoag Library in Albion. About 75 people attended the forum.

Kastenbaum, 75, previously served as CEO and owner of Pinnacle manufacturing Company in Batavia. She was one of the few women running a tool and die company.

She is a trustee for Genesee Community College. She was married to the late Hiram Kasten, a noted stand-up comedian and actor. Kastenbaum’s daughter Millie is an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.

Alissa Ellman, 42, is married with two grown daughters in Lockport. She grew up in rural Allegany County. She joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and deployed at age 19 to Afghanistan from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist.

She later returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2018, Ellman was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. She was working at the Buffalo VA when her job was eliminated as part of DOGE cuts early last year.

“I’ve never aspired to be a politician, but I enjoy public service,” Ellman said during the candidate forum.

She showed off a small tattoo on her arm that says “NY-24.”

“That is to remind me of where my priorities are,” she said.

Diana Kastenbaum speaks during a candidate forum on June 4 in Albion. She said lowering the cost of healthcare and expanding coverage would be her top priority if elected to Congress. She is standing next to forum moderator Jim Renfrew with Alissa Ellman on the other side of Renfrew.

Kastenbaum said the country “is at a very dangerous point in time” with military conflicts, frayed alliances and growing inequality at home in the U.S. She said the rural 24^th Congressional District is suffering under Trump with cuts in healthcare, growing food desserts and rising costs on families.

“Healthcare is the number one issue,” she said.

She would make agriculture another top priority, calling it an economic force for the 24^th District. Trump policies and actions have threatened farming with higher fuel and fertilizer costs, vanished markets from his tariff wars, and a shortage of workers due to aggressive immigration enforcement.

She would support expanded guest-worker programs for foreign workers on farms, including allowing the seasonal workers to stay up to three years.

Kastenbaum said the Republican-controlled Congress has provided no oversight to Trump and abdicated its checks and balances.

“I want to see us get back to the rule of law and have people be held accountable,” she said. “We need to get Congress back in the game, stand up for our NATO allies, protect national security, and pitch in and help in the war in Ukraine.”

Alissa Ellman said she wants Trump impeached and to be held accountable for his “anti-American” actions, including going to war in Iran without Congressional approval.

Ellman said lowering healthcare costs “would be my utmost priority.”

She would also support impeaching Donald Trump. “He needs to be held accountable for his actions,” she said. “He needs to be held civilly and financially liable for his anti-American decisions.”

Ellman said better public transportation, especially in the rural communities also would be a top priority.

“Public transportation isn’t sexy but it’s critical,” she said. In many rural areas, senior citizens have a long drive for care.”

Both candidates say they oppose the war in Iran, and said Trump hastily took the country to war without exhausting diplomatic measures.

They are concerned about the rising costs of living and would make affordability a priority. They faulted Tenney for providing no pushback to President Trump, no matter how his actions or policies raise costs on Americans, threaten long-standing alliances or pull the country into military conflicts.

The 24^th Congressional District is gerrymandered in a way that is solidly Republican with Republicans at a 219,522 registered voter advantage over 120,959 Democrats. There are also 12,527 registered Conservatives.

Diana Kastenbaum chats with Albion resident Betty Garcia Mathewson after the forum in Albion.

Ellman and Kastenbaum both believe they can get Republican support and the majority of the unaffiliated voters or “blanks” that total 132,763 in the district, making it possible to pull off an upset against Tenney in the Republican-stacked district.

Kastenbaum said she would seek to emulate the example of the Barber Conable, the esteemed late local Republican Congressman from Alexander in Genesee County. Conable connected with Democrats and Republicans, and served as president of the World Bank.

Conable showed an effective congressman respects all members and can build bridges with the other political party, Kastenbaum said.

“Barber Conable, that is the type of representative you need,” Kastenbaum said during the candidate forum. “He could talk with Republicans and Democrats and everyone. We won’t get anywhere without compromise. I know that from my business.”

Kastenbaum said she would want to serve in Congress for a maximum of six years – three 2-year terms. She favors campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of big donors on both Republicans and Democrats.

Ellman said the “blanks” would be a focus if she wins the Democratic primary and moves on to the general election against Tenney. Those unaffiliated voters are the key to the election, Ellman said, and she plans to seek out their support, even if it means knocking on the door of every “blank” in the district.

Ellman, the military veteran, said too many people profit when the country goes to war.

“We need to stop treating the military as an industrial complex,” she said.

She favors abolishing ICE due to its tactics that she said have created fear in communities around the country.

“I favor law enforcement that gets the criminals out,” she said. “With ICE, there is very little vetting or training.”

Kastenbaum doesn’t think it’s likely that ICE will be abolished. She said citizens need to continue being activists “to protect our neighbors’ rights,” she said.

Both candidates said they are concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce as well as the growing push for massive datacenters, including one proposed for the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama, near the Orleans County line.

Kastenbaum wants a moratorium on new data centers, putting new ones off until more research can be done on the ramifications of the centers and AI’s impact on the workforce.

“You need active people who know what they’re doing and will work on it,” she said about challenging issues. “I’m one of those people.”

Alissa Ellman meets some of the people gathered for the candidate forum held at Hoag Library in Albion.

Ellman said AI could further disrupt the workforce, making it even more challenging for people to make a living and buy a home. She said she would support a universal basic income “so people are not working three jobs.”

With AI and its impact on workers: “We have to band together,” she said. “We have to work together.”

Ellman said she sees a struggling NY 24^th, including in Orleans County. She would like to see more job opportunities for people. She is encouraged by an active citizenry in the district.

“I see a lot of people out here who want to do the right thing,” she said.

Kastenbaum calls NY-24, “the Lake District” due to its proximity to Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes.

Medina in particular has a lot to offer, she said, with a bustling downtown with many independent businesses.

“I’ve seen the beauty of this district,” Kastenbaum said. “You have a lot to be proud of. You have a lovely community.”

Gas price falls below $4 nationally, but $4.23 in NYS and $4.40 in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 4:01 pm

The average gas price for regular unleaded has fallen below $4 nationally for the first time in about three months, down 14 cents in the past week to $3.93, AAA reported today. A year ago the price was $3.22.

In New York State, the average price is $4.23, which is down 13 cents in the past week. The average price in Orleans County is at $4.396 today. A week ago it was $4.503, according to AAA.

“Drivers are getting a break at the pump as summer arrives and the travel season heats up,” AAA said. “Last week, for the first time since March 30, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped below $4 and has continued to drop to $3.93 this morning.”

“Unfortunately, New York prices remain over $4 per gallon with the state ranking 9th for the highest prices in the country,” AAA said. “Crude oil prices are down as the U.S. and Iran reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This morning, oil prices are down to $75 to $79 per barrel.”

Diesel prices are down this week, with the national average at $5.01, down 19 cents from last week, but up from $3.68 a year ago.

Here are the average prices at counties around Western New York:

Orleans, $4.396
Genesee, $4.300
Monroe, $4.302
Niagara, $4.363
Erie, $4.350
Wyoming, $4.422
Livingston, $4.423
Chautauqua, $4.299
Cattaraugus, $4.213
Allegany, $4.360

Yates County has the highest price in state at $4.549, while the lowest price of $4.028 a gallon is in Nassau County.

78 cast ballots over 9 days of early voting in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 3:07 pm

Primary will be Tuesday with polling sites throughout county

ALBION – The nine days of early voting, from June 13 to June 21, resulted in 78 votes for primaries in Orleans County.

There is one early voting polling site in the county – at the Board of Elections in the County Administration Building.

There will be polling sites throughout the county on Tuesday and they will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The primaries include:

NYS Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli, Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle (Democrats countywide)
U.S. Rep. NY 24: Alissa Ellman and Diana Kastenbaum (Democrats countywide)
Clarendon Town Supervisor: Marc Major and Frederick Seeman (Republicans in Clarendon)
Shelby Republican Committee District 1 – two positions: Dale Root, Steve Seitz and John Parada (Republicans in Shelby for District 1 only)

Here is a list of the polling sites for Tuesday:

Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Town Hall/Highway Garage, 3840 Fancher Rd.
Ridgeway – Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
Ridgeway – Districts 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Iroquois refuge eaglet named, takes flight for first time

Posted 22 June 2026 at 2:49 pm

Photo from Pixcams, Inc.: The eaglet featured on a nest cam at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has been named Skanon. The eaglet took flight for the first time on Sunday.

By Dick Moss, president of Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – The eaglet that has been the focus of attention at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge took flight for the first time Sunday morning.

The fledging occurred just a day after Amy Merritt of Corfu, a member of Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR) and one of the lead eagle camera moderators, announced the eaglet’s new name.

The name is Skanon (pronounced Skä•noñh), a name with deep Seneca roots meaning peace and wellness. It was suggested by FINWR board member Marvin Jacobs of Cheektowaga, an elder of the Seneca Wolf Clan, and was one of three names that interested observers chose among.

Skanon has many meanings and also expresses: Continuance — the idea that life, culture, and responsibility carry forward; as well as journey — walking a path guided by the Great Law of Peace.

Skanon spread her wings and took off from the nest at 7:31 a.m. Sunday, aged 79 days, and swooped down toward the marsh. She returned later in the morning after her adventure, and settled for a time on a branch near the bald eagle camera operated by FINWR before returning to the nest.

“Skanon had what we call an intentional fledge,” Merritt said. “She wanted to fly! You look for a poop shoot first, she will extend her neck out looking for a target, judging distance, wings extended. Then a spring from the legs, as if you were jumping off a diving board!”

The name was chosen from among three possibilities by FINWR members, participants in the eagle cam chat and followers of FINWR’s web pages who made a small donation to the nonprofit to participate in the voting. The other two options were Oneida and Casey.

FINWR’s eagle camera committee also named Skanon’s parents Cayuga and Seneca, in tribute to the Haudenosaunee legacy of the land the refuge sits on.

The mother bald eagle, previously designated IF1, will now be known as Cayuga — a name rooted in the People of the Great Swamp, reflecting strength, resilience, and deep connection to the waters and wetlands that cradle this nest.

The father, previously IM1, will now be known as Seneca — honoring the Keepers of the Western Door, a name that carries the spirit of guardianship, wisdom, and watchful protection.

Merritt said that in the post-fledge period, expect Cayuga and Seneca to continue to bring food to the nest, or wherever Skanon happens to be.

“She will explore, as she did today,” Merritt said.

“She seems to be a strong flyer,” said FINWR Vice President Emma DeLeon of Williamsville, who has shared the main moderator duties with Merritt and is one of the people most responsible for the eagle camera and its setup. “Over the next 4-6 weeks, the parents will continue feeding her as she learns to hunt and scavenge. Gradually she will spend more time independently and more time outside of the parents’ territory. She will be fully independent and have left the territory by this fall.”

The eagle camera idea was born mostly from comments and feedback from visitors to the refuge Visitor Center asking if the original eagle cam was still working. It had stopped working over 20 years ago, said FINWR past president and current board member Garner Light of Gasport.

“The inquiries happened often enough that it seemed like a good idea to propose installing a new camera,” he said. “The camera was installed on a beautiful warm day in October of 2024. This was the culmination of a year’s worth of research, consultations, permissions, discussions and a lot of logistics.”

Many people were involved in making the camera a reality, among them the state Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Iroquois NWR management, Bill Powers of Pixcams Inc. of Export, PA, Treeman Tom LLC of Wilson, DeLeon and Light.

Dick Moss of Medina is president of Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a 501(3)c nonprofit, all-volunteer corporation that helps support and maintain the refuge for future generations.

Collegiate sports next for Roy-Hart seniors

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 June 2026 at 12:43 pm

Contributed Photo – A total of nine Roy-Hart seniors will be continuing their education and their athletic careers at the collegiate level this fall. They include, from left, Gavin Heideman (SUNY Niagara for Baseball), Brooke Zglinicki (SUNY Morrisville for Field Hockey), Tysen McCaa (Alfred University for Football), Anthony Adinolfe (Erie Community College for Football), Evan Poeller (Finger Lakes Community College for Baseball), Millie Owens (Genesee Community College for Basketball), Joe Reiter III (Alfred University for Football), Sean Mettler (Finger Lakes Community College for Baseball) and Isaac Smith (Clark University for Baseball).

Replica of famed canal boat will be back in Orleans this week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 11:54 am

Seneca Chief will be open for tours on Wednesday in Holley, Thursday in Medina

Photos by Tom Rivers: This group gets a ride on the Seneca Chief replica boat last year as part of the commemorative bicentennial journey of the original Seneca Chief that took Gov. DeWitt Clinton across the entire newly constructed Erie canal in 1825. The photo shows the replica boat headed east as it passes though Eagle Harbor under the lift bridge on Sept. 26, 2025.

The Seneca Chief will be back in Orleans County this week with the public welcome to take free tours of the boat when it’s in Holley on Wednesday and then in Medina on Thursday.

The vessel is a replica of the boat that took Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the maiden voyage across the newly built Erie Canal in 1825, going from Buffalo to New York City.

Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center worked for four years to recreate the Seneca Chief. The 73-foot-long replica received great fanfare last year as part of the 200^th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal.

The Seneca Chief is on a three-week “Back to Buffalo” journey. The boat left Waterford on June 6 and will reach Buffalo on June 27. It will be in Rochester today and Tuesday before heading west. It is scheduled to reach Holley and be open for tours at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Holley will have food vendors – Red Osier Lands & Lobsters, Dottie’s Lemonade, and Red, White and Moo. People are encouraged to park at the former Save-A-Lot store’s parking lot and then head to Holley’s Canal Park. A band comprised of Holley students – PSA-Public Service Announcement – also will be performing.

Holley elementary students – Robbie Weit, Vivian Applegate and Timothy Hendrickson – have been selected to board the boat in Brockport and ride the canal to Holley, Mayor Mark Bower said. They will be joined by their parents, Murray-Holley Historical Society President Dan Mawn and Village Historian Raymond Santoro.

The schedule in Holley includes:

3 p.m. – Seneca Chief arrives at Holley Canal Park
3:30 p.m. – Welcome ceremony
4 p.m. – Visitor experience that is open to the public. Music starts and food vendors open.
7 p.m. – Visitor experience public hours end

The Seneca Chief will depart Holley at noon on Thursday and head to Medina.

The event schedule for Medina includes:

3:30 p.m. – Seneca Chief arrives at Medina Canal Basin
4 p.m. – Welcome ceremony
4:30 p.m. – Visitor experience that is open to the public
7 p.m. – Visitor experience public hours end

Visitors checked out the inside of the Seneca Chief on Aug. 12, 2024 when it made a test run of its bicentennial journey. In August in 2024, the boat went from Buffalo to Rochester and back.

The Buffalo Maritime Center said the boat’s keel, frames, and other structural timbers were made of white oak. The keelson was a single 60-foot-long piece of reclaimed Douglas Fir.

The center says this about the wood in the boat:

“The planking consisted of two layers of 1-inch-thick cypress with a waterproof dynel cloth set in epoxy between the layers. The outer layer of planking was caulked with cotton in the traditional manner. This combination of modern and traditional planking methods was designed to help the boat stay watertight even if it spent winters out of the water.

“All of the bolts used in the backbone structure were forged in the BMC’s own machine shop by a crew of volunteers. This crew also produced several specialized tools and hardware needed to build the boat.”

The Seneca Chief is shown passing under the Main Street lift bridge in Albion last year on Sept. 26.

Holley United BU15 captures the Greece United Soccer Tournament Championship

Contributed Story Posted 22 June 2026 at 11:19 am

Contributed Photo – Holley United’s BU15 soccer team captured the championship at Greece Tournament over the weekend.

Holley United’s BU15 team delivered a statement performance this weekend, capturing the BU15 Elite Championship at the 36th Annual Greece United Futbol Club Soccer Tournament.

The squad opened the tournament with a convincing 6-1 victory over Penfield Fusion before defeating host Greece United 4-0 in the tournament’s deciding match. By weekend’s end, Holley United had compiled a perfect 2-0 record while outscoring opponents 10-1.

However, Coach Joshua Ebbs noted that this championship was about more than wins and losses.

“The roster that lifted the title was built from athletes representing Holley, Albion, Kendall, Brockport, and Barker—five communities united by a shared passion for the game,” said Ebbs.

The championship squad included Colson Brayley, Stryker Brayley, Jax Gotte, and Michael McElwain (Albion); Delaney Lefever (Barker); Gabriel Dixon and Rocco Gubiotti (Brockport); Kallan Babcock, Colton Foeller, Cameron Kelley, Logan Lane, Mason McGuire, Jackson Taylor, Angel Vazquez-Mendoza, Trent Walker, and Evan West (Holley); and Matthew Heberle, Jackson Robinson, Landon Schiavone, and Garrett Smith (Kendall).

“The weekend’s results highlighted the talent on the roster, but they also showcased the power of a club culture built on bringing communities together,” said Ebbs. “Soccer has a unique ability to connect people, create lasting friendships, and unite families around a common goal. Holley United’s success this weekend was a reflection of what can happen when talent, opportunity, and culture align.”

“For Holley United, the championship was more than a tournament title—it was another example of the club’s guiding belief: Community Builds Culture,” concluded Ebbs.

20 from Holley elementary complete Girls on the Run 5K at UB

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 10:20 am

Provided photos

HOLLEY – For the 15^th year, a group from Holley Elementary School participated in the Girls on the Run 5K at the University of Buffalo campus. The top photo shows some of the Holley runners and their running buddies.

The Holley students joined about 1,000 girls from grades 3 to 5 from Western New York in the event on June 8.

Natalie Young, a fifth-grader, runs the 5K with her running buddy, teacher Kristina Rich.

(Left) Lillian Bedard gets help pinning on her bib from her father Brenden Bedard, who was also her running buddy. (Right) Carlee Dale shows the medal she received for completing the Girls on the Run 5K.

The runners from Holley pose for a photo outside the Holley Elementary School. The 8-week program combines physical activities with social-emotional skills, team work and self esteem.

The coaches for the Girls on the Run at Holley include, from left: Lynn Vendetti, Shannon Brett, Hannah Bushen and Julie Boss.

Lillian Passarell, a fourth-grader, was speedy, running the course in 26 minutes, 29 seconds.