Provided photos: The Holley-Kendall Marching Band is shown today outside the Sherburne-Earlville Elementary School.
Press Release, Holley-Kendall Marching Band
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band’s had strong showings in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands and the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands.
58th Gorham Pageant of Bands
The Gorham Pageant of Bands has returned after a several-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling participation. The Pageant, hosted by the Marcus Whitman Band and Guard Boosters, has been a long-time tradition for many band programs in both Orleans County and Western NY.
The Holley HS Jazz Ensemble competed in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest on Friday, May 29. Enrolled in the Small School Class (total K-12 enrollment less than 3,000 students), Holley HS competed against Perry HS and Mexico HS.
Waterloo Middle School was the only band in the Middle School category and Baldwinsville High School was the only band in the Large School Category. The evening was capped with a performance by a local professional jazz group: Bill Tiberio & the Canandaigua Jazz Project.
The Holley High School Jazz Ensemble won several awards at 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest.
Holley performed a varied repertoire including “Can I Be Honest With You?” by Dave Mills, “Prayer Meetin'” by Matt Harris, and “Tiger of San Pedro” by John LaBarbera.
Small School Jazz Results: 3rd Waterloo HS; 2nd Perry HS; Best Rhythm Section; 1st Holley HS; Best Saxophone Section, Best Brass Section, Best Soloist (Jax Richards-Dyson, Piano).
Saturday, May 30th
On Saturday, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band took to the streets for the first time in Small School Parade Competition at the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands. There were a total of 9 bands in the parade, 5 of which were competing in the Small School Class. In the parade, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band performed their 2026 Show titled “OZ”, which features song selections from the Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked.
Junior Class: 1st – The Pride of Rochester, 77.5
Small School Class: 5th – Dundee, 76.5; 4th – Waterloo, 80; 3rd – Mexico, 90; 2nd – Holley-Kendall, 90.5; and 1st – Naples, 96.5.
Best Overall Drumline/Cadence – Naples
Best Drum Major(s) – Holley-Kendall
Best Color Guard – Naples
Exhibition: White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps
The Holley-Kendall Drum Majors won first place at the Gorham pageant. From left include Riley Passer, Madison Hults and Layla Jones.
77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands
On Saturday, June 6th, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band competed in Class AA for the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands. A total of 25 Bands competed in the Parade ranging from Jr. High Bands, the High School Class D all the way up to AA.
Class AA Color Guard: 3rd (Tie) Holley-Kendall & Norwich, 83.00; 2nd – Mexico, 85.00; and 1st – Fonda-Fultonville, 87.00.
Class AA Parade: 5th – Sidney, 73.75; 4th – Fonda-Fultonville 82.375; 3rd – Mexico, 84.75; 2nd – Norwich, 88.75; and 1st – Holley-Kendall, 90.75.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 8:06 pm
LPGA Photo – Melanie Green
Slowed by three bogeys on the back nine, Medina’s Melanie Green posted a 2 over par 73 today on the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open being played at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Green, who started the day at 1 over, improved to even for the tourney with a birdie on 4.
However, bogeys on 11, 14 and 17 caused her to finish the day at 2 over par and 3 over par for the tournament with a 216 total.
She opened the tourney with a 1 over par 72 on Thursday and followed that up with an even par round of 71 on Friday.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 7:51 pm
The Niagara-Orleans League had several winners at today’s Section VI track and field championships held at Alden.
Wilson’s Ryan Hough was a quadruple winner in the Class C competition as he captured the 110 Hurdles (:15.48), Long Jump (23-2), High Jump (6-4) and Triple Jump (45-3.25).
Akron’s Quinn O’Malley won the Class C Pentathlon (4:44.11).
Albion’s Sophia Wendt won the Class B Triple Jump (35-3).
HOLLEY – Previous columns have highlighted Orleans County ladies who braved the conditions of war to serve as teachers or nurses:
Civil War nurse Lydia S. Johnson of Lyndonville, Minnie Goodnow of Albion, a surgical nurse in France during World War I and Irene Gibson of Holley whose fluency in French qualified her to instruct French cadets in navigation during World War II.
Yet another candidate may be added to that list: Sara Shaw of Holley who served as a nurse in two wars and later had a distinguished career in the efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. Born on April 30, 1871, Sara was the daughter of Dennis and Ella (White) Shaw. She trained as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital in New York, a program established in 1873 which adhered to the principles of Florence Nightingale’s and emphasized strict hygienic standards.
In 1898, Sara joined the American Red Cross and was one of early volunteers for service in the Spanish-American War. She was one of nine nurses dispatched to a US Army camp in Tampa, Fla. to treat an outbreak of typhoid fever.
During the Spanish-American War, Nurse Shaw was stationed in Puerto Rico and Cuba. Conditions were far from ideal. Nurses worked 14-hour shifts and diligently tried to maintain sanitary conditions. They operated in makeshift tents, overcrowded buildings and finally, on board the S.S. Lampasas which became a hospital ship. She recalled the many deaths.
Sara Shaw of Holley responded to the American Red Cross appeal for nurses.
“It was necessary to bury the soldiers at sea, and one of our young doctors read the burial service, and the sisters held the Flag over the bodies.”
None of the nurses in that campaign were killed in combat, but 153 died of disease. Sara contracted typhoid fever and returned home to Holley to recuperate. While on leave, she was presented with a diamond ring by the Red Cross for her service in Puerto Rico and Cuba.
The American Red Cross was not officially recognized by the U.S. Army before the Spanish-American War, but the organization’s efficiency during that campaign made it clear to the Army that trained nurses were a necessity in war. Accordingly, each of the nurses who had served were recognized as members of the Army.
In March 1899, Nurse Shaw was one of a contingent of nurses serving officially with the U.S. 7th Army Corps who left for Manila in the Philippines, a journey of over forty days through the Suez Canal. Arriving in the middle of the Insurrection, the nurses set up a hospital in a convent in Manila where they dealt with epidemics of typhoid fever and malaria.
Following her return to the U.S., Sara worked as a private nurse for several years, then later accepted a position at Bellevue Hospital in 1909. Active again in World War I, she was appointed Chief Nurse of the Italian Commission of the American Red Cross in 1917. Shaw established a nursing center in Milan and supervised nurses in six Red Cross hospitals that served American servicemen in Italy and Sicily.
Sara returned to work at Bellevue in June 1919 and was Director of Nursing in the Tuberculosis Clinic until her retirement in June 1940. Over the years, she maintained her connection with Holley and frequently returned to holiday with family members. Her death on Feb. 5, 1948 was the subject of a New York Times obituary. She is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 7:08 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Andew Cole celebrates as he scores the game winning run for the Eagles in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Showing plenty of flare for the dramatic, Kendall pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to nip Beaver River (Section III) 1-0 in a state baseball tournament Class C Regional contest this afternoon at Frontier High School.
Mikey Colucci came through with a dramatic RBI single to give the Eagles the thrilling victory after singles by Andrew Cole and Sammy Conte and an intentional walk to Nic Cole had loaded the bases.
“I just tried to stay calm and focused,” said Colucci. “Getting that hit was a real adrenaline rush.”
“You couldn’t have drawn it up like that,” said Kendall Head Coach Tige Noni. “It’s awesome. It’s amazing.
Mikey Colucci bangs out the dramatic game winning RBI single for the Eagles.
“I knew we had it in us,” said Kendall’s winning pitcher Vinnie D’Agostino who allowed only 2 hits and struck out 10.
D’Agostino and Jacob Abrams both had doubles for Kendall’s other hits.
Beaver River did get two runners aboard in the third inning but D’Agostino registered a clutch strikeout to end the threat.
The Beavers also got a pair of runners aboard in the fifth frame but Sammy Conte at shortstop and Jonny Conte at second came up with a key inning ending out. On the key play, Sammy went to the ground to get the ball which he flipped to Jonny to get the out at second base,
The victory propels Kendall into this coming Friday’s state semifinal for just the second time in school history. The Eagles only other appearance in the state semi was in 1999.
Kendall improves to 23-2 on the season.
Note – More pictures will be posted on the HUB’s Facebook pages later today.
Kendall pitcher Vinnie D’Agostino celebrates after getting the final out in the top of the seventh inning.
HOLLEY – Festival visitor Evie is all smiles as she braves the Ultimate Ninja Warrior obstacle course. It was a popular attraction at this year’s JuneFest, which also featured craft and food vendors.
JuneFest took place on June 6 along Holley’s canal park path. The festival was made possible by funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program and was administered by GO ART!
Wendy Cruz, manager of Project Salus, a program of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee hands out free flowers. Young Carlee Dale happily experiences the booth. The pots came in four rim colors that each represented a different kind of person. For example, the red rim represented playfulness and a loving and nurturing spirit. The group also handed out free make-your-own flowers out of pipe cleaners that came in both daisy and sunflower varieties. Running with the tagline “Youth Voices Driving Change – Define Your Impact”, the project promotes positivity and finds resources for adolescents. It has afterschool programs in Lyndonville and Holley. Moving forward, Project Salus wants to do more community outreach focused on youths.
Alex excitedly receives a face painting of a rocketship, with glittery flames. Mary Jo Whitman of Far Out Faces WNY Face Painting creates the masterpiece.
Kevin Johnson of Clarendon Lions Club serves up grilled goodies. There were several food vendors at the festival. They were hard at work crafting great food and tasty beverages.
Christina Kelley and Stephanie Ridder of CK Designs sold keychains that could be custom-made with a large number of selections, as well as ready-made keychains.
Samantha and Mike were in charge of the Oak & Flora Shop booth. They had an array of nicknacks to purchase.
Lorraine of LD Designs poses with her selection of crocheted goods. There were many vendors selling delightful crocheted critters.
Dennis Lusk shows off the Lusk Tree Service booth. It included a large bucket lift.
Arianna gets a rainbow butterfly wing done by Mary Jo Whitman. Families had a wonderful time looking at all the sights and goods.
JuneFest featured several more booths. One of the vendors sold rocks ranging from blue calcite from the Adirondacks to geodes from Kentucky. Penna’s Crafts and Things provided samples of maple products from Carney Farms in Hornell and also sold crafts from Donald Penna’s shop.
Candy Mosholder’s Pink Zebra had wax melters that, when burned, produce a pleasant aroma. Author Debbie Patt was selling her book, Aurora’s Sweet Dream, about her dog. Esipova Youth Ballet Theater had a recruitment booth. It has a focus on Classic Ballet Rendezvous Style and accepts children ages three-plus, and it also offers adult classes.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 3:30 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina pitcher Preston Woodworth celebrates after registering the final strikeout of the Mustangs regional win over Oneonta this afternoon.
One lone late inning run proved to be just enough as Medina avenged a one run (2-1) loss in last year’s regional by nipping Oneonra 1-0 in tn the Class B Regional at Frontier High this afternoon.
Cam Fike drove in the game’s lone run for Medina with a two out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning which drove home Vinny Gray who had reached on a walk.
“He had been throwing fastballs so I knew he would be around the zone,” said Fike. “That was big.”
Preston Woodworth did the rest on the mound for the Mustangs allowing only 1 hit and striking out 13. His only trouble came in the top of the seventh as the Yellowjackets got two runners aboard via a single and a walk. However, he bore down to register the final victory clinching strikeout.
“It feels great,” said Woodworth of the win. “It was a nice day out there and I kept throwing strikes and kept them on their feet.”
Aidan Papaj, who made several outs defensively at shortstop, had the Mustangs only other hit with a third inning single.
Improving to 21-2, Medina now advances to the state Class B semifinals in Binghamton this coming Friday.
Note – More pictures will be on the Hub’s Facebook pages later today.
Medina’s Vinny Gray slides home with the game’s only run.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2026 at 8:36 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Visitors of the Medina Triennial on Friday walk in “Reflection,” a piece created by artist Asad Raza of Buffalo. Raza made the 70-foot water channel in the former NAPA Auto Parts building at 345 Main St., which is the Hub for the Medina Triennial. Raza sought to mimic the Erie Canal and urges people to remove their shoes and walk on Reflection and feel the slow current. This is one of 39 works created by artists and featured in the Triennial, which opens today and runs through Sept. 7.
MEDINA – A major arts initiative will open today in Medina and the public is welcome to visit 39 arts installations around the village.
The Medina Triennial is free to visit, and organizers are anticipating 50,000 people will come to Medina during the Triennial’s three-month run. The project’s main sponsors include the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation. Many other sponsors also are supporting the initiative.
It will be a busy weekend of exhibitions, performances, talks, tours, and gatherings with artists, organizers and the Medina community.
Today’s schedule
• 11:30 a.m. – Ribbon-cutting ceremony with public officials, the Medina Triennial team, and artists at the front lawn of the historic Medina High School, 324 Catherine St.
• Noon to 8 p.m. – Exhibitions open at all sites with extended hours
• 1 p.m. – Guidebook launch with designers Other Means, editor Sarah Demeuse, and writer Laura Marris at Medina Triennial Hub, 345 Main St.
• 2 p.m. – Live Work: Faithfully Recording by Lina Lapelytė at Medina Railroad Museum Grounds, 530 West Ave. Faithfully Recording unfolds through a small team of people coming together to sing while constructing a sculpture from fragments of reclaimed Medina sandstone.
• 3:30 p.m. – Curatorial Tour with Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo, co-artistic directors of Medina Triennial. The tour will be at the historic Medina High School, 324 Catherine St.
• 6 p.m. – Undigging with Futurefarmers starts at the Medina Triennial Hub, 345 Main St. The Futurefarmers will start from the the exhibition space of their artwork, 48 Encounters, and then move with props in a dérive: an un-digging of the Erie Canal.
• 8 p.m. – Opening Party at Mile 303 Cantina at 416 Main Street. Celebrate the opening of the Medina Triennial with artists, organizers, and the community. RSVP is required here.
Sunday, June 7
• Noon to 6 p.m. – Exhibitions Open
• 12 p.m. – Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens talk and birdwatching at Rotary Park, 507 Main S. Ibghy and Lemmens will lead an artist talk and birdwatching session in collaboration with Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the New York State Bluebird Society. Beginning in front of their installation, Community Toolshed for the Birds, the artists will discuss their research into how birds use tools and transmit knowledge across generations, challenging human-centered ideas of intelligence. Afterwards, participants are invited to join the artists and local experts for guided birdwatching in nearby habitats. Binoculars will be provided to participants.
• 2 p.m. – Artist AKI INOMATA and writer Lilia Rocio Taboada will have a conversation at Medina Triennial Hub, 345 Main St., about the artist’s ongoing interest in forms of collaboration across species and environments. The artist’s ongoing project How to Carve a Sculpture, a collaboration with beavers, is on view at the Historic Medina High School.
The “Reflection” piece created by Asad Raza was popular during a preview of the Medina Triennial on Friday. He created a pebbled bottom on the 70-foot-channel that uses water from the Erie Canal. The water will be pumped out and replaced each week.
“There is something intimate and real about walking in flowing water,” Raza said.
Raza, a Buffalo resident, has been in other biennials or triennials in New York City, Cleveland and Pakistan.
He urges local residents to go see all the arts installations and they will discover a deeper appreciation for Medina.
“The Triennial gives people in an area a reason to explore their own community and see it from the eyes of an artist,” he said.
Mary Mattingly greets people who are ready to explore the “Floating Garden.” She repurposed a 30-by-80-foot industrial barge into a vessel with plants, fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. The public is welcome to forage from the plants throughout the summer.
People explore the old barge that Mattingly has repurposed into one filled with plants. Mattingly said she wants people to think about the canal as a potential food way where more fruits and vegetables could be grown for the local community. Some of the plants on the barge were shared by residents of Medina, who dug them out of their yards.
Mattingly started working on site last September and spent three months in Medina. She is one of five artists working on projects in residency as part of the Triennial.
Kari Conte, left, and Karin Laansoo are co-curators of the Medina Triennial, which has a theme, “All That Sustains Us.” They are shown inside the Triennial Hub building, greeting about 50 visitors who attended a preview tour.
Laansoo said she thinks Medina is the first smaller village to host a triennial arts project. The events are typically in large cities.
Medina was picked to host the Triennial of contemporary art partly due to its location between Rochester and Buffalo, and mainly because Medina is viewed as a model community that embraces its historic resources while welcoming offering a vibrant downtown and strong agricultural and manufacturing resources.
Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo welcome the visitors – media members and many arts professionals and partners in the Triennial.
Conte writes in a guidebook about the Triennial that Medina is the perfect place for the initiative.
“The Triennial was an ambitious idea from the start: an international contemporary art triennial in a rural, post-industrial canal village between Buffalo and Rochester, with a population of 6,000, a limited art infrastructure, and no regional precedent at this scale,” Conte writes. “However, Medina offered something more important. It had a historic Main Street with preserved sandstone buildings, a working canal, orchards and farms, and a hundred-year-old, light-filled former high school that seemed built for an exhibition. Above all, it had a community—good neighbors—that had been quietly tending these places for generations.”
Jean Shin, an artist who works out of New York City and the Hudson Valley, has given a new purpose to more than 400 trophies on display in the gymnasium of the old Medina High School. Instead of celebrating athletic achievements, Shin now has the trophies paying homage to everyday professions: caregivers, food service employees, postal carriers, sanitary workers and others whose labor is often unappreciated.
Shin’s trophy collection was first presented in 2009. Her installations use discarded materials – pill bottles, bottle caps, old shoes, worn garments, outdated phones and broken records – which are then used for new material explorations.
Shin is one of about 30 artists with work on display in the old high school.
Selva Aparicio, a native of Spain, created this piece called “Maintenance” that features a sculpture carved from anthracite coal, steel rail fragments and a railway sleeper.
This broom was inspired when Aparicio visited the Medina Railroad Museum and learned about a set of four brooms from more than a century ago that were found between the walls of the museum, a former freight house. The brooms were discarded when they were no longer usable.
Aparicio created the broom out of coal to recognize the workers who used them. The broom is at the railroad museum.
Erica Wanecski of Medina is a tour guide for the Triennial and she showed people the broom on Friday. Wanecski said she has enjoyed meeting many of the artists at the Triennial.
“The people who come up with this kind of art are deep thinkers,” she said. “She was able to use an everyday broom to highlight the labor. The artists are trying to integrate the history of our community. It’s so cool.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 June 2026 at 7:52 am
MEDINA – Today is shaping up to be a banner day at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Taking place in its summer home at the corner of West Center and West Avenue, the market today will have several special features, according to market manger Gail Miller.
For the first time, there will be a food demo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring Chef Caitlin from Shelridge Country Club. She will be making a dish from local seasonal vegetables and fruit. She has previously appeared in “Chopped” on the Food Network on TV.
A new crafter who does watercolor cards will debut at the market, and Greenlief’s on the Go will be on site with a food truck
“We are very excited to have Oakfield Artisanal Cheese at the market for the first time,” Miller said. “It is very nice cheese.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 June 2026 at 4:48 pm
U.S. Women’s Open Photo – Melanie Green
Rebounding strongly from a disastrous start, Medina’s Melanie Green posted an even par round of 72 today to make the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open being held at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Starting on the back 9, Green, who posted a 1 over par 72 on Thursday’s opening round, quickly saw her score soar to 4 over after a double bogey on 10 and a bogey on 11.
However, she came battling back with a clutch run of three birdies, on 12, 14 and 16, to get back to 1 over.
Green then pared the final 11 holes to finish the day at even par 71 for a two-day total of 1 over 143.
When she finished her round she was only 5 shots back of the leader.
The tournament will continue on Saturday and conclude on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2026 at 1:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Neveya Barnes, an Albion High School senior, reacts after seeing her friend Nisi Beltran Roblero badly injured on a car. It was a scene from a drunk driving simulation this morning outside Albion High School. Albion police officer Chris Glogowski was among many first responders as part of the simulation.
The school district and local first responders wanted to send a message about being safe during prom and the upcoming graduation parties. Albion’s prom is this evening at the White Birch in Lyndonville.
Holley also had a DWI crash simulation this morning.
Aubrey Gannon is led by stretcher to a Mercy Flight EMS ambulance. Albion firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate her from the car. Another student, Kaitlynn Basinait, also was put on a stretcher and into an ambulance as part of the simulation.
Ashleigh Stornelli, an Orleans County sheriff’s deputy and the school resource officer at Albion, gave students a simple message: “Have fun and be safe.”
The young drivers were urged to be extra careful with opportunities for late nights and drinking.
The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically. AAA used that phrase after examining troubling data regarding fatal crashes among teen drivers.
Nationwide, 6,697 people died in teen driver-related summertime crashes over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. That is nearly half of the total number of those killed in teen-driver crashes for the entire rest of the year in that span.
The parents of Nisi Beltran Roblero, Eladio and Loyda, are shaken after being told their daughter has been pronounced dead by County Coroner Julie Woodworth. Even though it was role playing, Nisi’s parents said they were overwhelmed by the scene.
Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home brought a hearse to take Nisi from the scene.
There was also a mock sentencing where Gideon Pask, the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, was sentenced to state prison, a $5,000 fine, five years of probation, and a one-year revocation of his driver’s license. Once he starts driving again, he’ll have to use an interlock ignition device that tests his BAC.
Pask is led out of the LGI in the high school by Lt. Adam hazel of the Sheriff’s Department. He was sentenced by Albion Town Justice Gary Moore.
Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, left, prosecuted Pask for first-degree vehicular manslaughter, aggravated driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment in the first degree.
She pushed away a call for leniency and probation only for the Pask’s lawyer.
“This is about Nisi and her family,” Howard said. “It’s not about revenge or retribution. It’s about justice.”
Diana Fulcomer, a senior prevention educator for UConnectCare, urged students to watch over each other, especially if they see others engaging in toxic drinking where their lives could be at risk from toxic alcohol poisoning.
She told them about the Red Watch challenge where they can wear a red band to remind them to watch out for one another.
Students were urged to call for help immediately if they see someone who is vomiting from alcohol, or if they don’t respond when shouted at, if they have very slow breathing, can’t stand up, have pale/bluish skin or an irregular/slow pulse.
“Be a band of students and watch over one another, and actually care,” she said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 June 2026 at 12:17 pm
Event honors the late Darlene Zeliff, long-time nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health, introduces expert panelists at For Women Only Tuesday evening. From left are Danielle Figura with Orleans County Department of Mental Health; Pastor Lisa Myers of River Church; Lorene Barulich with Independent Health; Vianiliz Echevarria Rivera, coordinator of the Cancer Services Program of GOWN and Healthy Living of UMMC/Rochester Regional Health; Dr. Ermelinda Bonaccio, with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Heather Miles with Orleans Community Health.
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s annual For Women Only on June 2 at the White Birch Golf Course was an evening to celebrate cancer survivors and pay tribute to those who lost their battle.
The event this year was dedicated to Darlene Zeliff, a nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital from 1979 to 2025, as well as a nurse at Brockport College from 2008 to 2021. Zeliff was diagnosed with uterine cancer in March 2021 and died Feb. 15, 2026. Much of the evening Tuesday was spent paying tribute to Zeliff by co-workers and her family.
(Left) Rebecca Mannella reads a tribute to the late Darlene Zeliff on behalf of Kim Gray, director of surgical services and chief nursing officer. (Right) Lori Condo welcomes a full house to the annual For Women Only on Tuesday evening.
After a welcome by assistant controller Lori Condo, director of marketing Scott Robinson introduced the panel of experts who took questions from the audience regarding cancer, diagnosis and treatment.
The panel included Danielle Figura, director of community services and director of Orleans County Department of Mental Health; Pastor Lisa Myers of River Church; Lorene Barulich, manager of clinical programs and strategy at Independent Health; Vianiliz “Vee” Echevarria Rivera, coordinator of Cancer Services Program of GOWN, Healthy Living at UMMC/RRH; Dr. Ermelinda Bonaccio, chair of diagnostic and interventional radiology and director of breast imaging at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Heather Miles, radiology technologist at Orleans Community Health.
Questions asked were “When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, what is the first step a person should take?” “What resources or support services are available?” and “What are some signs someone may need additional support?”
Foremost in their answers was “Take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Pray. Find a person to talk to and share your diagnosis.”
Next was a tribute to all the cancer survivors in the room, followed by a special tribute to Zeliff, read by Rebecca Mannella, on behalf of Kim Gray, director of surgical services and chief nursing officer.
A panel of survivors/caregivers who shared their cancer journey included Pat Vader, Ryin Moriarity, Marissa Levine and Darlene Zeliff’s children, Katie Zimmerman and Joe Zeliff.
Vader is a former employee and owner of the former Newell Shirt Factory and current employee of OCH. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and then doctors discovered a mass on her left lung. She had surgery to remove that, which turned out not to be cancer, and finally had a lumpectomy with reconstruction. She urged women to get a mammogram, saying she was fortunate her cancer was caught in stage one.
Moriarity shared the story of her mother’s journey with Glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. When doctors said her mother had 14 months to live, Moriarity said she felt like the wind had been knocked out of her.
“I walked down the street and screamed, then went back and hugged her,” Moriarity said.
Telling their cancer stories are, from left, Pat Vader, Marissa Levine and the children of the late Darlene Zeliff, Katie Zimmerman and Joe Zeliff.
Levine was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 29. She underwent eight surgeries and six months of therapy.
“I wanted to live,” she said. “It’s been 18 years now and most days I don’t give a thought to it. Nobody is never not touched by cancer.”
Kate Zimmerman and her brother Joe Zeliff, children of Darlene Zeliff, each shared their memories of their mother.
“Medina Hospital meant a lot to my mom,” Zimmerman said. “Her father was in the North Wing until he died.”
Joe said their mom was a force to be reckoned with.
“She was kind, compassionate and put your needs over her own. She approached all aspects of life with a witty sense of humor,” he said. “She raised six children, and anyone who knew her knew she could stretch a dollar. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had a lot. She always made sure we felt special. She had more patience than anyone I ever met.
Zimmerman said her mom was always her first call when she needed something.
“She was always determined to have a life well lived,” she said. “She played piano and loved dancing, singing and baking. She learned in 2021 her cancer had metastasized to her lungs, but she wouldn’t let it slow her down. She continued to work at Medina Hospital and traveled. Even after she made the decision to stop her treatment, she went on a cruise.”
In February the family gathered around their mom.
“She looked around and took her last breath,” Zimmerman said.
The For Women Only evening also included a buffet, basket raffle and vendors in the health care field.
At the conclusion of events, Condo announced they had raised $5,500 for cancer support services.
HOLLEY – Previous columns have highlighted Orleans County ladies who braved the conditions of war to serve as teachers or nurses:
