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Job Corps says DOL presents misleading data in push to shut down centers
Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign on Route 63 in Shelby notes the Iroquois Job Corps, a center with space for up to 225 students served by 104 full-time equivalent employees.
The data presented by the federal Department of Labor to justify “pausing” Job Corps centers around the country is deeply flawed, the National Job Corps Association said.
On Thursday, DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced 99 Job Corps would be paused with programs suspended by the end of June, including at the local Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina.
The DOL said the graduation rate nationwide at the centers is at 38.6 percent, with the average cost per student a year at $80,284. The average cost per graduate is $155,600, according to the DOL.
The program also doesn’t tend to be a pathway to a career. On average, participants earn $16,695 annually on average when they leave the program, the DOL said.
But the National Job Corps said the DOL skewed the data, using information from 2023 when centers were still impacted by Covid restrictions.
“Job Corps has transformed the lives of millions of Americans,” Donna Hay, president & CEO of the National Job Corps Association, said in response to the DOL decision. “We agree with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins that Job Corps saves lives. This decision, based on a deeply flawed report, needlessly endangers the futures and the lives of thousands and potentially millions more young Americans.”
Job Corps is currently operating at about half of its capacity because the DOL hasn’t allowed centers to do their own background checks on students. Since the DOL took over that duty in March, students haven’t been admitted.
Allowing more students would drive down the per-student costs, Job Corps noted on its website in response to the DOL statements.
Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential career training and education program, serving people ages 16 to 24. The centers have a capacity for about 50,000 students but currently have about 25,000.
The students at the 99 centers need to be gone no later than the end of the month. Hay said more than 4,500 of those students were homeless before joining Job Corps and potentially face a perilous future. That figure amounts to 20 percent of current students but is as high as 50 percent at some campuses, she said.
Job Corps responded to many of what it said were false or misleading statements presented by the Department of Labor and widely reported in the media.
Graduation rate: The Job Corps graduation is historically closer to 60 percent, not the 38.6 percent from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
“Like other schools and colleges, enrollment and graduates rates were depressed by Covid-19 policies,” Job Corps said. “Historically, Job Corps graduation rates have been above 60%.”
Job Corps said many students left the program because they were pushed to “college-ready” classes that did not align with their career goals.
Cost per student: The DOL said the cost per student for the program is less than $50,000. A report from the first Trump Administration put the cost at $34,301 per enrollee.
“The increase is due almost entirely to Covid-19 restrictions on the number of students Job Corps is allowed to serve, some of which are still in place,” Job Corps said.
The DOL said in its more recent report the Job Corps cost per student is more than what t costs to send a student to a four-year college. But Job Corps said a four-degree program can top $300,000 and only 49 percent of students in a four-year college program complete the degree on time.
Job Corps said that prior to Covid restrictions in 2020, the average cost per Job Corps graduate was $57,312.
Program failing to meet its mission: The DOL said Job Corps students are largely hired in minimum-wage positions, earning $16,695.
But Job Corps students placed in positions earned an average wage of $17.13 in 2023, more than twice the minimum wage of $7.25. Graduates earned annualized wages of more than $31,000, Job Corps said.
Incidents of violence: The DOL said there were 14,913 serious incident reports filed in 2023 at centers across the country.
“Per DOL’s reporting requirements, these ‘serious’ incidents include power outages and inclement weather, athletic injuries that require treatment, and adult students leaving campus without prior approval,” Job Corps said.
The National Job Corps Association urged people to contact their Congressional reps to help preserve the program before students are sent off campus in the next few days.
“ Job Corps plays a vital role in our economy,” the association said. “It strengthens local communities by preparing young people for the workforce, supplying local businesses with skilled, ready workers, and driving economic growth.
“Across the country, Job Corps graduates fill essential roles in healthcare, construction, IT, and more – industries where talent is urgently needed. Eliminating Job Corps would not only hurt individuals, it would undermine businesses and communities that rely on a pipeline of trained workers to thrive. For many reasons, Job Corps is needed now more than ever.”
Albion kicks off new season of concerts on Wednesday at Bullard Park
Kendall Community Band leads off series of 15 concerts
File photos by Tom Rivers: Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park last July 31. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians. Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
ALBION – The Village of Albion kicks off a new summer concert series this Wednesday at Bullard Park.
The Kendall Community Band will begin the concert series, with the Albion Jazz Band and Carson and Sam playing the following Wednesday, June 11.
The concerts will take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., except for the Independence Day Celebration Festival on July 3rd, which is on a Thursday. The bands will play at the park’s amphitheater.
In order to organize the concert series, John Grillo, the village’s recreation director and concert organizer, stated that he reaches out to bands around New York. He aims to include many local bands. He also varies which bands play each year, with just a couple of returners. He features a wide array of genres in the concerts, such as soul, country, rock and acoustic.
There is plenty for children and adults alike to do around Bullard Park. Grillo detailed how the park contains a children’s playground, a Splash Pad, two beautiful basketball courts, a picnic area with three pavilions, a walking trail, disc golf course, updated restrooms, and soccer, football and baseball fields.
The concerts will feature food vendors, the Albion Masons and Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, as well as a vendor that sells snow cones, Grillo said. The Albion Masons will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and drinks, and Wild Flour will be selling sweet treats, sandwiches and various pastries.
Those who are interested in being a vendor at the concerts can contact the Village Office at (585) 589-9176.
Other summer concert series tend to begin during late June or early July. On starting earlier, Grillo explained that he hopes to provide community members with the opportunity to get up and out of the house and enjoy themselves before then.
“As the director, I am very excited about this year’s lineup, and we hope that the community will take advantage of this free opportunity,” Grillo said. “I would like to thank the Village of Albion for their support. I would like to thank GO ART! for the grant received, and I would also like to thank George Bidleman of Orleans Ford Car Dealership for sponsoring the advertising.”
The concert lineup includes:
- June 4 – Kendall Community Band
- June 11 – Albion Jazz Band from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- June 11 – Carson and Sam 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- June 18 – Salvatore
- June 25 – Feedback
- July 2 – Soul Street
- July 3 – (Thursday) Ryan and Company from 4 to 6 p.m.
- July 3 – (Thursday) 104 Country from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
- July 3 – (Thursday) The Who Dats from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m.
- July 9 – Side Doors
- July 16 – Savage Cabbage
- July 23 – Groove
- July 30 – The Dave Viterna Band
- August 6 – Sky Cats
- August 13 – Highway 31
- August 20 – Rain Date
- August 27 – Rain Date
Highway 31 performed at the amphitheater of Bullard Park of Aug. 21 last year. The band played ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. The band members include Rich Nolan of Gasport as lead singer, and the guitar trio of Aaron Clark of Holley, Clinton LaPorte of Le Roy, and Clinton’s dad Tim LaPorte Sr. of Batavia. Timmy LaPorte of Elba, Tim’s son and Clinton’s brother, is the drummer for the band.
State qualifier is next for Kendall on Tuesday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Gio Rodriguez and his Eagles teammates will face Geneseo in the Section V Class C state qualifier on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium.
A berth in the state playoffs will be on the line when Kendall takes on Geneseo in the Section V Class C state qualifier baseball game on Tuesday evening at 6 at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.
Top seeded Kendall advanced to the state qualifier by downing No. 2 Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0 in the Class C2 championship game earning the Eagles their first sectional title since 1999.
No. 3 seed Geneseo advanced by besting top seeded Sodus 12-3 in the Class C1 title contest.
The victor will advance to the Far West Regional on Saturday against Section VI champion Gowanda.
Kendall last played in the state qualifier in 1999 when the Eagles downed Red Jacket 7-1 to advance to the state playoffs.
That season Kendall blanked Section VI champion Frewsburg 4-0 in the Far West Regional to advance to the state semifinals.
Kendall brings a 22-1 record into the state qualifier while Geneseo is 19-4.
Holley senior to wrestle at SUNY Brockport
Contributed Photo – Holley High School senior Hunter Jewell-Smith has signed his letter of intent to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level. He will attend SUNY Brockport where he plans to study Criminal Justice. He is shown here at the signing with, from left, Assistant Holley-Kendall Wrestling Coach and former Holley wrestler Kacee Sauer, Hunter’s mother Denise Jewell and his sister Hatley Rowley and Holley-Kendall Wrestling Coach James Mapes. A three-time Genesee Region All-Star, he wrestled in the 285 lb. weight class where he achieved 99 career wins over the course of three seasons. He captured the Section V Class D2 Sectional Championship title in 2024 and competed in the state tournament in 2024.
Trump Administration cancels $15 million grant for decarbonization project in Medina
Skyven Technologies planned first-of-its-kind system at Western New York Energy
Photo by Tom Rivers: Western New York Energy has operated an ethanol plant at the corner of Bates Road and Maple Ridge Road in Medina since 2007. This photo was taken on Sunday.
MEDINA – A federal grant for $15 million would have helped build the first-of-its-kind industrial decarbonization system at Western New York Energy.
But that project, and 23 other clean energy and manufacturing innovation projects across the country, were cancelled last week by the Trump Administration.
Skyven Technologies was looking to build the industrial decarbonization system at the ethanol plant. The company said the nationally significant project uses electrified high-temperature steam production, calling it a critical need for decarbonizing U.S. manufacturing.
Skyven said its system would have reduced annual operating costs at the ethanol plant, cut carbon local emissions, and served as a replicable model for food, beverage and chemical manufacturers across the country.
“This groundbreaking project is a major step forward in reducing carbon emissions in the industrial space,” Skyven, a Texas-based company, announced in September. “Arcturus will cut 20,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year from WNYE’s facility, which is equivalent to removing 4,300 cars from the road annually. And this is just the beginning of what our cutting-edge technology can achieve.”
The project had already attracted major private investment and was expected to drive an additional $150 million to the Medina site, the company said. Skyven in September announced it had been approved for a federal grant for the project.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday announced that $3.7 billion in project grants were being cancelled by the Department of Energy.
After a thorough and individualized financial review of each award, the DOW found the projects “failed to advance the energy needs of the American people, were not economically viable and would not generate a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” according to a press release from the DOE.
The grants were primarily targeted for carbon capture and sequestration, and decarbonization initiatives.
“While the previous administration failed to conduct a thorough financial review before signing away billions of taxpayer dollars, the Trump administration is doing our due diligence to ensure we are utilizing taxpayer dollars to strengthen our national security, bolster affordable, reliable energy sources and advance projects that generate the highest possible return on investment,” Wright said in a statement. “Today, we are acting in the best interest of the American people by cancelling these 24 awards.”
Gertie Montulli feels the love from community at benefit after her cancer diagnosis
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group put on a benefit on Sunday at Dubby’s Tailgate for Gertie Montulli of Waterport. From left include Jodi Anstey, Bryan Dimon, Tyler Nunnery, Amy Gow, Gertie Montulli, Casey Horan (Montulli’s daughter), Tauhna Mickek and Byron Gow.
ALBION – Gertie Montulli has always been eager to give towards fundraisers in the community, and even organized benefits to support organizations and people in Albion and Orleans County.
On Sunday, she was on the receiving end, and she said it was overwhelming to see about 300 people turn out for a benefit to help her.
Gertie Montulli has gone through radiation and chemotherapy for stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She said the cancer has shrunk and she has a positive outlook on life.
Montulli, 60, has stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She completed radiation and now is in chemotherapy. The cancer isn’t operable because it’s close to her pulmonary artery.
Montulli is well known in the community. She ran a business, Sweet Treats by Gertie’s, where she sells popcorn in many different flavors. She also ran Gertie’s Groovy Garments, offering dresses, blouses, shirts, pants and other clothes for girls and younger women.
She also spearheaded an effort with monthly craft sales and basket raffles to raise money for charities and non-profit organizations in the county.
Montulli said the cancer diagnosis in march was very unexpected. She didn’t feel sick at all except for complications from hip surgery on Jan. 13. That hip surgery didn’t work out and she had to do it again on Feb. 27. On march 20, she fainted and was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with cancer.
“I cried all day the first day,” she said about the diagnosis.
But the next day she was determined to stay upbeat, and face the disease.
“I’m a happy person,” she said.
Montulli said she is very appreciative of the effort with the benefit on Sunday, with people and businesses donating 200 baskets and 75 gift certificates. About 300 people attended the benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate.
“I’m just overwhelmed by the amount of people,” she said.
Jodi Anstey was one of the main organizers for the event. She met Montulli at a craft show. Anstey was selling wreaths and Montulli had her popcorn for sale.
“She is a very giving person,” Anstey said. “She gives so much back to the community.”
Gertie Montulli is shown on July 19, 2024 at State Street Park in Medina where she was among the food vendors at Blue Thursdays. Sweet Treats by Gertie sells popcorn in 10 different flavors. Montulli said caramel is her top seller. She said she won’t be back selling popcorn at events this year.
Anstey said she expected people would show up for Gertie during the event o Sunday.
“She is very overwhelmed by all the love,” Anstey said.
Bryan Dimon of Medina also knows Montulli from craft shows. He sells Tupperware. He went to local businesses seeking donations. When people so the flyer with Montulli’s photo, they wanted to donate to the benefit and help her with her medical bills.
“She is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Dimon said. “There are so many people she’s helped.”
Jack Burris, director of the Hands 4 Hope ministry, attended the benefit. Hands 4 Hope received funds from one of the fundraisers run by Montulli a few years ago.
“She’s done a lot of good for a lot of people,” Burris said.
Bryan Dimon calls out the winning ticket numbers from a basket raffle on Sunday. There were about 200 gift baskets and 75 gift certificates up for raffle.
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Medina Mustangs FC wins home opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Nate Dillenbeck drives to the goal for the Medina Mustangs FC during this evening’s win over the Great White Buffalo at Vets Park.
Keeping the momentum from a season opening run oft three straight road victories, the Medina Mustangs FC enjoyed a successful home opener by defeating the Great White Buffalo 2-1 in a Buffalo District Soccer League 1st Division game this evening at Vets Park.
The Medina goals were scored by Peter Martillotta, off an assist from Colm Cooper, and by Nate Dillenbeck on a header off a corner kick by Martillotta.
Improving to 4-0 with the victory, Medina will next host Niagara FC next Sunday evening at 6 at Vets Park.
Cole Callard advances the ball up field for the Medina Mustangs FC.
Missionaries from Mississippi return to help Albion church with projects
Photos by Tom Rivers: A group from Mississippi was in Albion this past week working on projects at the Canalside Community Church, the former United Methodist site at the corner of Platt and East State streets. The group is shown here in the fellowship hall next to a kitchen. The volunteers put a new hood on the stove, and installed a new partition at a wall at the kitchen and put in new lighting for the dining room.
ALBION – A group of missionaries from Liberty Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Mississippi made an 1,100-mile trek to Albion this past week to work on several projects at Canalside Community Church.
Canalside is in a historic building in need of repairs. It was originally used by the United Methodist Church. North Point Chapel became owner of the site and the name was changed to Canalside Community Church on Jan. 1 to better reflect its proximity to the Erie Canal. Church leaders also wanted “community” in the church name to reflect the mission that it is open and ready to serve everyone, not matter their backgrounds, in the Albion area.
Phillip Gandy, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Mississippi, led a group for the third straight year to the Albion church. Gandy sees progress in the building and also in the ministry. He wants to the see more people drawn to Canalside, the only church in Orleans County affiliated with the South Baptist Convention.
“We’ve tried to help get the church on better footing,” Gandy said.
The church brought a team of 17 people, from ages 15 to 79, to work on projects inside and outside of the church. They put in a new ceiling in one of the rooms, new lighting, new carpet, painted, installed a new hood on a stove in the kitchen, put in a new shower at the parsonage and did other landscaping and cleaning.
Eli McNeil, 15, sorts out microphones and other equipment for the sound system at Canalside Community Church on Saturday.
The group brought a church bus and traveled over two days to get to Albion. They stayed in two Airbnbs. They raised over $12,000 from the Liberty congregation to make the trip and pay for materials and expenses for the work.
Gandy said the church is a small town with fewer people than Albion. Liberty Baptist also took on projects last year in Knoxville, Tenn. and in the country of Chile. Gandy speaks Spanish as well as English.
“It’s just the satisfaction of helping people,” Gandy said.
Liberty has talented people for building repairs and others with a willingness to be of service, Gandy said.
Eli McNeil, 15, was back in Albion with Liberty. He was on the first trip two years ago. He said he loved being able to visit Niagara Falls with the group, and help around the church in Albion.
“I like going to the different states, and seeing all the different landscapes,” he said.
Sierra Stewart, 16, vacuums the stage area at Canalside Community Church. She has been on all three of the Liberty Baptist mission trips to Albion.
She did a lot of painting and yard work this week. She appreciated the chance to go to Niagara Falls and also try chicken wings at the famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo.
Ben Curfman, pastor of the church, appreciates the efforts from the mission groups. Another team from Georgia will be up in Albion during the Starwberry Festival on June 13-14 for outreach programs.
Curfman said Liberty Baptist has speeded up the work in the church, and made the site more accessible for ministry programs. He looks forward to making the fellowship hall available for community functions and meals for the Canalside congregation.
“They have been able to accomplish a lot of things that would have taken us years,” Curfman said.
Ben Curfman, pastor of Canalside Community Church, stands in a room by the fellowship hall that received a new floor, including joists, last year. This year Liberty Baptist put in a new ceiling and lighting.
The group from Mississippi also shares an optimistic attitude about Albion. Curfman said there is often too much pessimism in the community.
“They bring in a hopeful mindset,” she said. “We want to perpetuate that mindset.”
Liberty Baptist attended this morning’s service eat 10:30 a.m. before heading back home.
Gandy said the group may be back next year.
“We got to pray about it,” he said.
2 families, Donatelli and Coppa, performed in popular local bands about a century ago
Front row, from left: Charles D’Amico, Mike Donatelli, Isodore DiLodovico, Casper Pilato, Pete Johnson, missing name, Sam DeLuca and Allen Briggs. Back row: Fortunato Sidari, Frank N. Monacelli, Joe Donatelli, Tony Acri, Horace Monacelli, Ralph DiGiiulio and Victor Penasack.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 20
Two bands, both of Italian descent, provided musical entertainment locally through the 1940s.
Brothers Mike and Joe Donatelli of Albion organized the Donatelli Band (or Donatelli’s Band) in 1912. Mike directed the band for over 25 years. The brothers operated a barber shop over what was then Landauer’s Store. The band played at weddings, local events and concerts, at the annual County Fair in Albion and on July 4th at Lakeside Park.
In the 1920s and 1930s, they entertained many music lovers who attended concerts hosted by the Sheret Post and the American Legion Post in Albion. Baritone, Fortunato Sidari was especially popular with audiences.
In Medina, the popular Coppa Family Band and Orchestra was formed in the late 1920s.
Joseph Coppa, the father, operated a shoe repair business on Main Street in Medina, but music was his true passion. He sold musical instruments at the store and also taught music.
He also provided musical instruction to his children and was an exacting taskmaster, as his son, Andy, recalled in an Oral History interview. Each of the Coppa children played in the family band: Andy, drums; Christine, piano; Mary, saxophone; Margaret, violin. Victoria, who played the trumpet, sadly died of tuberculosis at the age of 23 in 1943.
The Coppa Family Band played at carnivals and social events, old-time dances and square dances for which they were paid $5 to $7 per night. Andy recalled playing at Leo Foss’ Chicken Coop and Robinson’s Barn, where the dance was held in the hay loft, above the cow house. But the rustic venues did not seem to detract from the enjoyment, Andy recalled:
“Oh! Everybody had a grand time there. People brought box lunches and mixed them up, Whoever you danced with, you sat with and mingled and everybody had a grand time.”
Kendall had same soccer, baseball title foe
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Colby Hughes heads the ball during the Eagles Section V Class C2 championship game win over Genesee Valley-Belfast last fall.
It has been a banner school year for the Kendall High boys varsity soccer and baseball teams which both ended 25 year plus long sectional title droughts ironically accomplishing the feat against the same opponent.
Last fall Kendall claimed its first boys soccer postseason title since 1998 by defeating Genesee Valley-Belfast 3-1 for the Section V Class C2 championship. The Eagles went on to also win the Section V Class C state qualifier game by besting East Rochester 3-0.
The Eagles baseball team duplicated that feat by earning their first postseason title since 1999 by also downing Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0 for the Section V Class C2 championship on Saturday at Livonia. The Eagles will next play in the Section V Class C state qualifier game on Tuesday against Geneseo.
Interesting no less that six players – Colby Hughes, Mikey Colucci, Vinnie D’Agostino, Jonas Rhodes, Jonny Conte and Andrew Cole – have been members of both the sectional champion soccer and baseball teams.
Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino takes the throw at first base during the Eagles Section V Class C2 championship win over Genesee Valley-Belfast.
Sandstone, Elks/Rotary score Midget wins
Sandstone edged Holley ‘B’ 4-2 and Elba ‘B’ 3-1 and Elks/Rotary downed Holley ‘B’ 11-8 in Albion Midget League 12U Division games this past week.
Sandstone scored 4 times in the fourth inning on 3 walks and two-run single by Jayce Torres to edge Holley ‘B’. Giovanni LaMartina registered 11 strikeouts in five and two-thirds innings of work on the mound.
Torres also had a two-run double and an RBI single to lead Sandstone past Elba ‘B’. Liam Skowneski also had 2 hits and Aiden Kelly 16 strikeouts.
Elks/Rotary broke away from an 8-8 tie in the final inning to earn the win on a three-run triple by Jackson Frasier. Kayden Donnelly and Frasier both had 2 hits and Gavin O’Brocta registered 6 outs in the last two innings.
Kendall has Section V track champion
Contributed Photo – Kendall’s Brandon Barrett won the Long Jump (20-10 1/2) at the Section V Class C3 track championship meet on Friday. Kendall also had Caleb Schumacher place second in the Shotput and Leann Clay third in the 100 Hurdles. In the Class C2, meet Holley had Alivia Wolf place third in the Pentathlon and Vinny Golisano third in the High Jump.
Farmers’ Market in Medina to kick off 10th anniversary summer season on June 7
Provided photos: (Left) Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza sets up for business last summer at Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market. The market opens in its summer location at West Avenue and West Center Street on Saturday. (Right) The kids’ tent at Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market had lots of fun activities at last year’s Faery Festival.
MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will kick off the 10th season with opening day at 9 a.m. Saturday (June 7) at their summer location on the corner of West Avenue and West Center Street.
“It’s always exciting to open the summer season, and with 2025 being our 10-year anniversary, we have a few special things planned to celebrate, which we will announce later,” said Gail Miller, manager of the market. “As always, we’ll have regular and rotating vendors, food trucks, kids’ scavenger hunts, crafters, community groups and some new vendors this year, too.”
In addition to the weekly anchor food truck El Gran Burrito, other food trucks will be rotating in and out throughout the season, including crowd favorites, Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza and NOLA “New Orleans Style” Snocones.
Miller said the market is planning a big year for kids’ activities, too.
“Lots of fun activities are planned for kids,” Miller said. “In addition to the weekly market Scavenger Hunt and Prizes, we’ll have other fun games and crafts each week, along with our free book cart. And we’re excited to bring back the Zucchini races – bigger and better than ever – on July 19, 26 and Aug. 2.”
Another spectacular day is planned as the market participates in Medina’s Enchanted Faery Festival June 21. Participating kids will be able to make a faery wand and other crafts, and there will be a faery backdrop for photo ops, Miller said. In addition, every participant will receive a very cool light-up faery lantern (while supplies last).
“Later this summer, our favorite market pup, Winston the Labradoodle therapy dog, will also be visiting,” Miller said.
Products and activities for each Saturday are listed every week on the market’s Facebook page and, new this year, on Instragram=Canal Village Farmers Market. Customers are encouraged to follow the market on Instagram and like/follow their Facebook page for up-to-date information on vendors, food trucks and general activities.
The market will again have multiple options for making sales transactions, including cash, credit via Square, PayPal and Venmo; and also senior coupons, WIC, SNAP and Fresh Connect Checks. Double Up Food Bucks to SNAP recipients will soon be available.
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market is operated by the Orleans Renaissance Group, a 501©3 arts, culture and preservation organization in Medina. This year’s market sponsors include Takeform (general operations) and Medina Lumber and Hardware (live music).
“We are so incredibly grateful for our sponsorship support from Takeform and Medina Lumber and Hardware,” Miller said. “Their support is huge and makes an enormous difference in our ability to operate a great market for the community. Sponsorships make live music possible, and we have a full slate of great local musicians this year, starting with Steve Novak, who will be playing from 10 a.m. to noon on opening day.”
Other scheduled musicians include local music legend Rob Robinson, Dave Stockton, Barry DiGregorio and Zach Busch, Holley Band director and son of ORG’s president Chris Busch.
Located in downtown Medina, across from the Post Office, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. Market manager Gail Miller can be reached at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or via Facebook Messenger with questions or vendor/food truck inquiries.
Bentley Brothers basks in 100 years as family-owned business
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Laura Bentley, center, chats with a Bentley Brothers customer during today’s 100th anniversary celebration for the business.
The annual customer appreciation day was turned into a bigger event with live music, food at the Fairhaven Inn & Events center, and a chance to win many prizes, including $25,000 off a Kubota tractor.
Bill Pileggi and Jimmy Aina performed in the morning, followed by Savage Cabbage in the afternoon.
Laura is the fourth generation to own the business, which has sites in Albion and Brockport. It was started in 1925 in Barre by her great-grandfather, Allen Bentley.
About 400 people attended the event today, where Bentley Brothers had many of its products and equipment on sale.
A lineup of Kubota tractors, zero-turn lawn mowers and other equipment were available for people to see at today’s celebration.
Bentley Brothers have been selling Kubota equipment since 1980.
Bentley also carries the following brands: Land Pride, Ariens, Gravely, Scag, Stihl, Echo, Terrain King, Brillion, Kubota Generators, Bush Hog, Stinger and Wallenstein.
The big party and event today was held at Fairhaven Inn & Events, which is also owned by Laura Bentley.
She joined her family at Bentley Brothers 20 years ago and also runs other local businesses in the community.
She said she is grateful for the customers, employees and her family members who have put so much into Bentley Brothers the past century.
