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GO Health warns of increased local bat encounters
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you are unable to safely capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”
In certain situations, a bat bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you wake up and find a bat in your room, discover a bat in a child’s bedroom, or see one near someone who is under the influence or otherwise impaired, it’s important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested for rabies.
To safely capture a bat:
- Turn on all the lights and close all the windows.
- Close the room and closet doors.
- Wait for the bat to land.
- While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
- Carefully slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
- Hold the cardboard firmly against the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
To watch a short video on how to safely capture a bat, check out this GO Health Minute.
If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your local health department during regular business hours.
- Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 x5555
- Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
If it is after regular business hours, contact your county dispatch.
- Genesee County: (585) 343-5000
- Orleans County: (585) 589-5527
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McKenna says he has served Barre well on Town Board by asking questions, seeking answers
Editor:
I have decided to continue to run for a second term in office; to be a voice of reason, fairness, and integrity.
In my 4 years I have voted against raising the tax cap, questioned expenditures, and voiced concerns about needless spending. I have found extra revenue in exploring our previous exceedingly low interest revenues, resulting in a shift from approximately $3,000 a year, to now over $60,000 a year in additional interest revenue.
As a successful business owner of a Barre business for over 35 years, I bring a different look at spending and our budget. I have worked to get Water District 10 installed, but only if the majority of residents show interest and are able to afford it. I plan to speak against proceeding until then, while pushing for grant money to help make it more affordable.
I desire to hear from the residents of Barre and give them a voice. When I ran 4 years ago updating the comprehensive plan was a main task I ran on. I had requested and pushed for this while serving as an alternate on the planning board, as the survey (where we hear from Barre residents) was over 10 years old. Despite opposition to updating the comprehensive plan, I have represented the board and chaired the committee, and the survey was completed to hear from the residents of Barre.
I will continue to put forth the time and energy to review and actively participate in all parts of serving on the Town Board. I have continued fighting for the health and safety of our residents in dealing with New York State and Heritage Wind. I still have concerns about infrasound, shadow flicker, continuously blinking lights, decreasing property values, and visual blight that will have a negative effect on our residents.
These concerns are supposed to be offset by money coming into the town from the project. Unfortunately, the 60-million-dollar campaign over 30 years’ promise of a few years ago now stands at less than 20-million-dollars for over 20 years because of past boards who were in favor of the project or didn’t mind either way.
Additionally, the decommission costs could sit at well over 20 million dollars in 20 years. Where is the benefit? Yes, the project has been approved but with the right voices on council questions that should be and need to be answered can be demanded to be answered by New York State and not just look the other way so lease holders and residents being paid by Heritage Wind can continue to collect their money while the rest of their neighbors suffer the consequences. Questioning and ensuring that companies do what they say they will, and looking to the future can and will benefit all residents of Barre, including leaseholders.
It is probably because of these views that the Republican Committee of Barre, which is composed of three lease holders, did not endorse me. They would not provide me with a reason even after requesting one multiple times.
I am aware of the costs to the town when holding a primary and I had said that I wouldn’t force one if I were the only one running alone. Thankfully I am not running alone. Scott Burnside agreed to make the commitment of running to serve as our Town Supervisor and he truly cares about all residents of Barre.
My wife, Iva, as a strong business person, specifically in human resources, and well versed in what is currently facing the Town of Barre stepped up to run. She has attended most meetings with me for the past four years.
Iva is dedicated, understanding, empathetic and a strong leader. She also knows what it takes to serve our community as she served on the Albion School Board for 8 years. We did seek and request others to run for town council; but everyone who we asked had legitimate reasons for not seeking election.
We took the necessary steps to ensure that this is legal. No, we will most definitely not agree on everything, but we have been a good team for over 40 years, and we do have a combined residency in Barre of over a hundred years. There is no question that she will be attentive to your concerns and protect your rights. You can rest assured knowing that she will be a strong voice for you.
We request that you vote Scott Burnside for Supervisor, George McKenna and Iva McKenna for Town of Barre Councilmembers in the primary on June 24.
Thank you for your vote for a better Barre.
Dr. George McKenna
Current Town Councilman for Barre
Ortt and other GOP leaders say Hochul leads state to ‘record spending, radical mandates’
Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and other Republican state legislators, as well as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, speak in ALabany today about the high cost of living in the state.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today were joined by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik at the State Capitol blasting Democrats for failing New Yorkers by ending this legislative session with more spending, more mandates, and more excuses.
“Albany Democrats are wrapping up another session with record spending, radical mandates, and zero results for struggling New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “Governor Hochul’s $254 billion budget does nothing to lower costs, but everything to drive up energy bills, grocery prices, and the cost of doing business.
“While families are getting crushed, Democrats created a $10 million legal slush fund to protect their political allies,” Ortt said. “They doubled down on pro-criminal policies and turned a blind eye to rising antisemitism, illegal immigration, and collapsing public safety. The message from Albany is clear: if you’re a criminal or a bureaucrat, you’re protected; if you’re a hardworking taxpayer, you’re on your own. Senate Republicans are fighting for a better path, one that puts law-abiding New Yorkers first, restores public safety, and makes this state affordable again.”
Top Five Takeaways this 2025 Legislative Session:
1. Affordability Crisis in New York Worsens:
New York remains one of the most unaffordable states in America. Instead of cutting taxes or easing the cost of living, Governor Hochul and the Democrats passed a $254 billion budget, a $11 billion increase from last year.
Governor Hochul and the Democrats fought to keep in place congestion pricing.
New York Democrats, led by Governor Hochul, continue full steam ahead with their reckless energy policies that have led to sky high utility bills and construction costs, such as a prohibition on natural gas and propane equipment in new buildings beginning next year.
They raised spending and pushed new regulations that make it harder to live and do business in New York.
The so-called Packaging Reduction Act is a hidden tax on everyday goods that will make groceries, household items and essentials more expensive and will cost New York households upwards of $700 per year.
The HEAT Act threatens to eliminate affordable natural gas, spike utility bills, and kill good-paying energy jobs — all while delivering no measurable climate benefit.
2. Choosing Criminals Over Victims:
Meanwhile, the Democrats’ pro-criminal agenda continues to make New Yorkers less safe. The Democrats have pushed radical legislation such as:
The Earned Time Act, which would allow inmates, even violent felons, to drastically reduce their prison sentence by up to three-fourths.
Elder Parole, which would automatically grant a parole hearing to the worst offenders in New York State’s prisons, including murderers and rapists.
Fair and Timely Parole, which would dramatically change the parole process by presuming an inmate should be released unless the Board of Parole can prove the individual is currently an unreasonable risk to public safety. This shift in presumption would lead to more violent felons being granted parole, even if they still pose a risk to the community.
Second Look Act, which would allow a prisoner to seek a sentence reduction.
These measures put violent offenders ahead of victims. That’s not justice. That’s a disgrace.
3. Antisemitism and Campus Chaos:
In the face of rising antisemitism and hate on college campuses, Democrats refused to pass legislation that provides real consequences for campus agitators who spew hate and threaten Jewish students.
4. Illegal Migrants and Public Safety:
Democrats refused to repeal dangerous sanctuary policies that protect illegal migrant criminals over law-abiding citizens.
5. Albany Democrats’ Corruption:
Democrats created a $10 million taxpayer-funded legal defense slush fund… for our corrupt Attorney General.
At a time when working people can’t afford groceries, Albany insiders made sure they are protected. That’s not leadership — that’s corruption.
“I am honored to join Leader Ortt and Leader Barclay to meet with the Republican Senate and Assembly Conferences for the last week of legislative session,” Stefanik said. “Another year, another failed, radical, reckless agenda and legislative session in New York State passed by single Party Democrat rule led by the worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul.
“Kathy Hochul and Far Left NY Democrats have once again put New York last with a massive, bloated $254 billion budget that is anti-worker, anti-family, anti-farm, anti-small business, and anti-law enforcement,” Stefanik said. “From job-killing regulations proposed like the insane 700-cow farm cap to pro-criminal policies that make our streets, communities, and campuses less safe, this legislative session continues New York down the path to catastrophe further exacerbating the affordability crisis and crime crisis.”
Senior Center of Western Orleans honors director Kelly Shaw on 20th anniversary
Photos by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple: The board of Medina Senior Center gathered around Kelly Shaw as she was presented with a cake for her 20 years as director. With her, from left are Sandy Thaine, secretary; Lynn Creasey, president; Jean Wetherbee, treasurer/membership secretary; Lee Smith, vice president; Ginny Kropf; Larry Morgott; Donna Frey; Jim Sipple; and Dave Lindsay.
MEDINA – The June dinner meeting of the Senior Center of Western Orleans was a special occasion Monday, with celebration of Kelly Shaw’s 20th year as director.
After a potluck meal, the seniors enjoyed a delicious cake made by Hans’s Bakery.
Shaw was pleasantly surprised and shared her love for the job and seniors. She answered the ad she saw in the Pennysaver, and with only two hours of training for running a senior center from former director Chris Capurso, Shaw jumped in wholeheartedly to maintain membership, add programming and create new fundraisers.
Kelly Shaw was honored Monday at the June meeting of the Western Orleans Senior Center in Medina for 20 years as director of the organization.
She had previously worked for a bank in Albion until her department shut down.
“I had also worked for 10 years in a nursing home, so I knew I would get along very well with seniors,” Shaw said.
She said what she did was just “common sense” stuff.
With small (and much appreciated) donations from the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, the village of Medina and United Way, it was necessary for the Senior Center to have fundraisers to keep going.
Shaw introduced two basket raffles a year (which net several thousand dollars), cash drawings, rummage sales, a monthly drawing for donated prizes (which brings in $700 to $800 a year) and in recent years, a very successful chicken barbecue.
“I couldn’t do any of these things with the support and cooperation of my volunteers,” Shaw said.
Once a month, craft classes are held, and every Wednesday morning the Office for the Aging holds exercise classes at the Center.
Card games have become increasingly popular, with euchre every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day. Shaw has also provided leftover baked goods to the homeless.
Membership runs from 275, to 400 at its peak, and new members are always welcome. It costs only $10 a year to join.
The monthly luncheon meeting is a prepared meal three times a month, and potluck one week. Catered meals are provided on major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. An annual picnic takes place every summer.
Shaw said the best part of her job is spending the day with all her friends.
“Never once in 20 years did I consider this a job,” she said.
Giant 13-foot salmon gets new name, ‘Charlie the Chinook’
Photos courtesy of Ron Bierstine
CARLTON – A familiar monster fish was featured in the Carlton parade on Saturday, but this time the fish had a name, “Charlie the Chinook.”
The 13-foot-long salmon also had new eyes and was cleaned after being covered in dust from being in storage.
The fish has been around for about 40 years. It was created in the early 1980s to promote the Rotary fishing derby. It was made by Jack Elam and Bob McGaffick, said Ron Bierstine, sportsfishing coordinator for Orleans County.
For about 25 years it was on a trailer on Route 279 in Gaines next to the Bait Barn run by the late Al Capurso. Students in the Medina FFA about a decade ago worked to bring the fish back to its original luster.
Students painted the fish a shiny silver, refurbished the fiberglass and put in a new mount. The county’s sportsfishing promotion department has taken the fish to many events since then.
Bierstine said the cleaned up fish with a name is intended to “catch” people’s attention. A banner on a trailer carrying the fish declares that Charlie is “King of Orleans County.”
Medina’s Curtis Foss has huge series with two 300’s and two 279’s in Albion league
Contributed Photo – Curtis Foss
Contributed story by Mike Pettinella
Curtis Foss of Medina came within one strike of bowling series perfection on June 6 when he rolled 300-300-279–879 in the Friday Match Play League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The short season “summer” league is certified through the United States Bowling Congress.
The high-revving right-hander tacked on another 279 in the fourth game on lanes 5-6 for an 1,158 four-game series which, according to USBC records, may be the second-best ever in New York State — behind Jay Diamond of Schenectady’s 1,177 in April 2005.
Bowlers in the nine-week league roll four games each night.
Foss, 37, a seven-time Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament champion, fired 29 strikes in a row before leaving a 2-pin in the sixth frame of the third game. He converted the spare and then struck out for the 279.
In game four, he converted two 10-pins — switched bowling balls from the Roto-Grip Loco that belonged to his late father, Robert Foss Jr., to the Storm HyRoad 40 — and then strung 10 consecutive strikes for another 279.
The huge effort raised his average in the league to 247. He averaged 235 in a full season league on Monday nights this season at the Albion facility.
Foss said that bowling on the same pair with his friends Melissa Metcalf, Shelby Hollenbeck and Ashlee Salisbury “kept it fun” and helped him to relax throughout the four games.
“Bowling with them helped keep me from getting as nervous as I thought I would be,” he said. “It was more of an excited nerves than the hot sweaty nerves. I just kept telling myself to take my time, take deep breaths and only bowl when I felt ready. I think most of the time they were all more nervous than me.”
Foss, who has a remarkable 77 perfect games and 57 800 series, said he knew he got the ball to the right a bit too much on lane 6 as he went for 30 strikes in a row.
“I got out to the right with too much speed and was just hoping to catch a miracle break, which it sort of was by only leaving the 2-pin,” he said, noting that he was laying the ball down between the third and fourth arrows and sending it out to around the sixth board.
He said the pressure of recording a 900 series was off at that point. He just kept putting the ball in the 1-3 pocket and finished with six more strikes for the 879 series.
“I really felt great the whole night. The ball was reading (the lanes) so well and the pins were just falling all night. It was an incredible feeling,” he added. “Drilling my own equipment now gives me an extra confidence and motivation to do the best I can.”
Foss runs the pro shop at Oak Orchard Lanes when not bowling in leagues at Oak Orchard Bowl and Transit Lanes in Williamsville.
The 879 series is the best ever at Oak Orchard Bowl – topping Robbie Hanks’ 848 in January 2023 — and the second highest ever in the GRUSBC, behind Rich Wagner’s 899 series at Mancuso Bowling Center on Feb. 11, 2021.
Foss previously rolled a 300 game in the Friday league on May 23 and a 299 on May 30.
Medina will host the N-O League vs. G-R League Senior baseball game on Tuesday
The curtain will come down on the local high school baseball season Tuesday as Medina will host the Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior game at 7 p.m. at Vets Park.
The roster for the N-O squad (listed by school) is as follows:
Medina – Brody Fry, Tyler Kroening, Brady Christiaansen, Ryleigh Culver, Carter Woodworth and Lukas Grimes.
Albion – Andrew Boyce, Aaron Woodroe.
Akron – Vince Consiglio, Tony Consiglio, Ryan Owen.
Wilson – Tyler Johnston, Tyler Woolson, Austin Woodward.
The roster for the G-R team is as follows:
Lyndonville – Cole Moyle, Jacob Pitcher.
Kendall – Gavin Braun, Colby Hughes, Gio Rodriquez.
Alexander – Carson Leer.
Attica – Nate Killian,
Byron-Bergen – Martin McConnell, Jeremiah Romero.
Notre Dame – Chase Cummings, Liam Berger, Owen Bentley, Carson Daniels.
Oakfield-Alabama – Avery Watterson, David Schnaufer, Jack Cianfrini, Wesley Durham, Urian Perez, Aedyn Groth.
Pembroke – Jayden Bridge, Hayden Williams, Trey Newton, Kylan Ball, Landon Santini.
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Albion man wrote patriotic song, ‘Keep on Flying,’ during World War II
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, Number 21
Cover of sheet music for this Chapman/Melville composition
ALBION – We continue our survey of musicians in Orleans County with an introduction to Archie Chapman who composed stirring lyrics of encouragement in 1942 for members of the US Army Air Forces serving in World War II with his composition, “Keep on Flying.”
Archibald Samuel Chapman was born in 1893 in the village of St. Faith’s, Norfolk County, in England. He served as a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Forces, in World War 1 and was awarded a British War Medal and a Victory Medal.
He was one of the many immigrants from Norfolk who settled in Orleans County. His sister Emma and her husband Ernest Mayes had been living in Gaines since 1912. Archie came to the US in January 1920. Eliza Ann Spark joined him in August of that year and they were married in Albion on August 31, 1920.
They operated a farm on Allen Road for twenty years. Archie later worked at the Grower’s Cold Storage in Waterport, at Hunt’s Foods Inc. and retired in 1957.
“KEEP ON FLYING”
(We’ll build the ships for you)
Dawn, a new day is breaking, war is now fought in the sky
Caissons now will go a-rolling, guarded by the ships that fly.
We have the men to build them, we have the money too,
So, keep ‘em flying soldier, we’ll roll ‘em out to you.
Chorus
Keep on flying, Keep on flying, up there in the sky
Keep on flying, keep on flying, soldiers keep ‘em high
You do the flying, we’ll do the rest
We’ll build the planes and give you the best.
War, that was forced upon us by an unworthy foe,
Band us all as one together, onward to fight we go.
Danger and death before us, peace and victory too
Just keep ‘em flying soldier, we’ll roll them out to you.
A naturalized citizen, Archie was very invested in his community. He was an Albion village trustee, a member of the Albion Masonic Lodge, the Chamber of Commerce, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Orleans County Democratic Committee and was involved in scouting. He was a past president of the Active Hose Company of the Albion Fire Dept. and of the Orleans County Fair Assn.
He also played in the Albion Sheret Post American Legion Band. Band director, W.J. Melville
composed the music for “Keep on Flying.” The two collaborated on several other compositions: “There’s an Angel Watching Buddy” and “The Sheret Post March.”
In addition to composing verse and lyrics, Archie painted watercolors.
Following their active lives in Albion, Archie and Eliza chose to return to the village of St. Faith’s in Norfolk. According to a Democrat & Chronicle article, they sold their home, furniture and car and set sail to England from Hoboken on July 13, 1962, having visited their daughter and son-in-law in New Jersey. Archie died in Norfolk in 1977 at the age of 83.
The sheet music for “Keep on Flying” is the only Chapman composition in the Orleans County Dept. of History collection. We would welcome any of the others, especially “The Sheret Post March.”
Medina Mustangs FC romps to go to 5-0
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Casey Winiecki had two goals for Medina in tonight’s win.
Five players contributed goals as the Medina Mustangs FC romped to a 9-0 victory over the Niagara FC in a Buffalo District Soccer League 1st Division game at Vets Park this evening.
Improving to 5-0, the division leading Mustangs scored two quick goals in the first 10 minutes and enjoyed a 5-0 lead at halftime.
Nate Dillenbeck scored 3 goals to lead the Medina attack as Casey Winiecki and Cole Callard both netted 2 and Peter Martillotta and Elian Gonzalez 1 each.
David Gonzalez and Callard also both had 2 assists as Ethan Leonard, Dillenbeck, Steven Anderson, Aiden Prince and Aaron Feltz each had 1.
The Mustangs will next host the Honey Badgers at 6 p.m. next Sunday at Vets Park to begin the second half of the regular season.
Medina wins 5 major awards at Sherburne Pageant of the Bands
Press Release, Sherburne-Earlville Central School District
Provided photo from Sherburne-Earlville Central School District: Medina won the Albert Whitney Award for the overall championship at the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands on Saturday at Sherburne-Earlville. Accepting the award on behalf of the Medina Marching Band include Medina seniors Ryder Jones, Riley Tompkins and drum major Mackenzie McGrath.
Congratulations to Medina High School on winning five major awards during the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands, which ran June 5-7.
As the host school, Sherburne-Earlville’s Marching Band and Color Guard started the annual parade with an exhibition march down Main Street to the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District stadium. Twenty-five other schools and a number of clubs and organizations followed the same route to S-E’s new turf field for the 2025 Awards Ceremony.
Medina earned the coveted Albert Whitney (overall), Frank Miller (outstanding band director), Ernie Marano (best overall color guard), Drum Major, and Best in Class AA awards.
Pulaski won the Norman Palmiter Jr. Percussion Award for best overall drumline and was named Best in Class A. Other Best In Class awards went to Bloomfield (B), Marion (C), and Worcester (D), and Mexico Middle School won the Junior High Award for overall achievement.
Award-winners from all three days of the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands are below.
Major Awards
- Albert Whitney Award (Overall): Medina.
- Frank Miller Award (Outstanding Band Director): Medina.
- Ernie Marano Award (Best Overall Color Guard): Medina.
- Norman Palmiter Jr. Percussion Award (Best Overall Drumline): Pulaski.
- Drum Major Award: 1, Medina; 2, Naples.
- Junior High Award (Overall Achievement): Mexico Middle School.
- Best In Class: Medina (AA); Pulaski (A); Bloomfield (B); Marion (C); Worcester (D).
Concert Band Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 90.5; 2, Norwich 86.5; 3, Waterloo 83.5.
- Class B: 1, Dolgeville 90.5; 2, West Canada Valley 87; 3, Bloomfield 84.
- Class C: 1, Marion 92.5; 2, Cherry Valley-Springfield 85.75; 3, Richfield Springs 81.75.
- Class D: 1, Worcester 95; 2, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 91.5; 3, South Kortright 87.5.
- Junior High/Middle School: 1, Mexico 97; 2, Waterloo 96; 3, West Canada Valley 92.5.
Jazz Ensemble Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 98.75; 2, Fonda-Fultonville 95; 3, Norwich 89.25.
- Class B: 1, Bloomfield 97.25; 2, Bainbridge-Guilford 93.75; 3, West Canada Valley 88.25.
- Class C: 1, Cherry Valley-Springfield 87.75; 2, Marion 82; 3, Oxford 73.75.
- Class D: 1, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 89.5; 2, Worcester 84; 3, Schenevus/Charlotte Valley 77.5.
- Junior High/Middle School: 1, Fonda-Fultonville MS 91.25; 2, Mexico MS 86; 3, Medina MS 85.
Small Ensemble Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 92.5; 2, Mexico 90; 3, Fonda-Fultonville 87.5.
- Class B: 1, Bloomfield 93; 2, Bainbridge-Guilford 91.5; 3, West Canada Valley 90.
- Class C: 1, Marion 92.5; 2, Cherry Valley-Springfield 89; 3, Oxford 81.5.
- Class D: 1, Worcester 86; 2, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 83; 3, Laurens 80.5.
- Junior High/Middle School: 1, Medina MS 91.5; 2, Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville 88.5; 3, Mexico 87.
Cadence (Drumline) Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 81; 2, Mexico 79; 3, Norwich 76.
- Class A: 1, Pulaski 94; 2, Holley-Kendall 67; 3, Moravia 58.
- Class B: 1, Bainbridge-Guilford 87; 2, Bloomfield 75; 3, West Canada Valley 71.
- Class C: 1, Marion 72; 2, Cherry Valley-Springfield 68; 3, Richfield Springs 67.
- Class D: 1, Worcester 86; 2, Schenevus/Charlotte Valley 85; 3, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 74.
- Junior High/Middle School: 1, Mexico 73.
Parade Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 95.25; 2, Mexico 83.75; 3, Norwich 82.75.
- Class A: 1, Pulaski 92.25; 2, Holley-Kendall 87.75; 3, Moravia 87.25.
- Class B: 1, Bloomfield 92.125; 2, West Canada Valley 91.75; 3, Dolgeville 90.5.
- Class C: 1, Naples 91; 2, Marion 87.75; 3, Cherry Valley-Springfield 75.25.
- Class D: 1, Worcester 89.25; 2, Laurens 86.5; 3, South Kortright 80.
- Junior High/Middle School: 1, Mexico 71.
Color Guard Awards
- Class AA: 1, Medina 96; 2, Norwich 81; 3, Mexico 73.
- Class A: 1, Pulaski 95; 2, Moravia 92; 3, Holley-Kendall 87.
- Class B: 1, Dolgeville 93; 2, West Canada Valley 92; 3, Bainbridge-Guilford 91.
- Class C: 1, Naples 91; 2, Richfield Springs 74; 3, Marion 72.
- Class D: 1, Laurens 95; 2, Worcester 85; 3, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 84.
$30K grant from Spectrum will support county’s digital literacy efforts
Photo by Ginny Kropf: County Legislator John Fitzak, left, and United Way director Nyla Gaylord accept a check for $30,000 from Loren Kelly with Spectrum, prior to Friday’s golf tournament at Shelridge Country Club. The check is a grant to support the county’s Digital Literacy Initiative, in which United Way has been deeply involved.
MEDINA – In spite of a wet, dreary start, the annual golf tournament at Shelridge Country Club on Friday morning to benefit United Way of Orleans County went off without a hitch. The event is a major fundraiser for United Way and helps the agency’s efforts to support nearly a dozen and a half non-profit agencies in Orleans County.
In all the years of the tournament’s history, it has never been canceled due to rain, said Dean Bellack, who has chaired the event for the past six years.
Club manager Brett Decker pointed out a row of new golf carts and told golfers the course is ready and the rain is gone. He said 116 golfers were signed up to golf.
A highlight of the welcoming ceremonies was presentation of a check from Spectrum for Orleans County’s Digital Literacy Initiative, in which United Way has been deeply involved. The check, presented by Loren Kelly, director of government affairs for Spectrum, was one of the largest awarded by the company. It was accepted by Gaylord and Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak.
“We are grateful to Spectrum for this donation,” Fitzak announced on behalf of the county legislators.
The digital literacy efforts include free tech help and computer classes where participants can develop new and refresh on old skills. There is help available for using a computer, cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and how to use the internet safely. Click here for more information.
Bellack added a massive thank-you to everyone who participated, donated raffle baskets and sponsored the event.
“The annual golf tournament was another huge success, thanks to the incredible support from our community,” Bellack said. “It’s always a great feeling knowing we’re raising money for such worthwhile charities in Orleans County.”
Holley-Kendall Marching Band brings back 3 trophies from Sherburne
Photos courtesy of Holley-Kendall Marching Band
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band competed in the Class A competition on Saturday at the Sherburne Pageant of Bands in central New York.
Sherburne-Earlville High School is the host school for the oldest pageant of bands in New York state, now in its 76th year.
Holley-Kendall performed their 2025 Spring Show titled “Nightmare on Main Street,” which features music from Beetlejuice, Halloween and Ghostbusters.
The band took home the following awards: Marching Band – 2nd place; Color Guard – 3rd place; Drumline Cadence – 2nd place.
This is the second year Holley-Kendall competed at Sherburne. Holley-Kendall was one of five bands in the Class A division. There were 25 marching bands in all at the competition.
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band will close out their season with two final performances at the Holley-Kendall marching Band Showcase on June 12 at Hawk Stadium and the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 14.
Pictured from left include Isla Schultz and Kylee Dann – Color Guard captains; Isabella Emery – Drum Major; Madison Hults and Owen Schultz – Assistant Drum Majors.
Blue Thursdays announces lineup of 8 concerts in Medina
Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group – Blue Thursdays
MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the incredibly popular summer music series in Medina, is back for another run in 2025 with eight of the most outstanding blues bands in WNY.
The free summer blues concerts take place Thursday evenings, June 19 through Aug. 7 at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. The event attracts several hundred to Medina each week.
The Print Shop of Medina is the sole underwriter of the event, partnering with the ORG/Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking and coordinating top regional blues talent from the Buffalo/Niagara area.
Headlining the much-anticipated opening night of the series is local favorite, the Dave Viterna Group. Viterna, a Medina native, has been performing across WNY for decades. That performance is set for June 19 at 6 p.m.
The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo/Niagara area.
“We continue to book top-tier, sensational talent that people may not have had a chance to see locally,” said Chris Busch of ORG. “Many of these artists are hall-of-famers, nationally renowned and award-winning musicians, songwriters and recording artists. They have been performing for decades with some of the greatest names in the business and we’re excited to bring bands of this caliber to Medina.”
The 2025 Blue Thursdays big line-up includes:
- June 19 – legendary guitarist and recording artist Dave Viterna with the Dave Viterna Group.
- June 26 – Jony James, a Buffalo-born, Chicago raised guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, who is often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn and a true Buffalo icon!
- July 3 – Growlers Blues Band, one of the top bands in Buffalo, awarded “best traditional blues band.”
- July 10 – Grosh, featuring the phenomenal award-winning guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, Grace Lougen.
- July 17 – Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train.
- July 24 – High Horse, recording artists and legendary classic rock/blues from Buffalo.
- July 31 – Rusty Fisher Band – high energy blues with a dose of Jimi from legendary guitarist Rusty Fisher.
- August 7 – The Thurman Brothers Band from Niagara Falls, presenting “an evening with” featuring the timeless music of the Allman Brothers.
New this year, all shows will feature professional sound provided by Sal Licata of Sound Factor.
“We’re very excited at add Sal’s services to BT this year. Every show is going to sound incredible. It’s really going to elevate the experience.”
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
A wide variety of food and beverages will be available on site, including Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Greenlief’s On The Go, Oakley’s Ice Cream, Stone Hollow Bakery, NOLA Concessions, Blue Groove Coffee. Beverages are provided by Northridge Distillery and Schulze Vineyard & Winery. Additional vendors may be added at a later date.
“The public should start arriving at 5:30 or before, get a great spot on the lawn and grab a bite to eat,” said Mike Fuller of the Print Shop. “These gigs are a fantastic summer evening of food, drink and the best blues music in WNY – an excellent way to start the weekend.”
Event updates, any cancellations and venue information will be posted at “Blue Thursdays Medina” Facebook page. The Print Shop, in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com produces the series.
