Provided photos: Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is joined by his wife Suzanne in accepting an award on April 28 in Albany.
ALBANY – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New York, STOP–DWI and The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee hosted their Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Event on April 28 at the Albany Capital Center.
The Maureen McCormick Lifetime Achievement award was created in honor of Suffolk County Special Assistant District Attorney Maureen McCormick in 2022. These awards recognize the contribution for the lifetime commitment to keeping the roads of New York safe and for protecting our communities from the 100% preventable crimes of drunk and impaired driving.
The 2026 Maureen McCormick Leader of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke.
Sheriff Bourke has committed over 40 years of service to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant, and Undersheriff before being elected Sheriff of Orleans County.
During his time as a Deputy Sheriff and Lieutenant, Sheriff Bourke was known and respected as being proactive in impaired driving enforcement, routinely making DWI arrests.
During his time as Undersheriff from 2016 to 2020, Sheriff Bourke led efforts within the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to implement and expand drunk and impaired driving community outreach. Some examples include Sheriff Bourke obtaining the agency’s first DWI simulator, expanding community outreach into local schools, increased sheriff’s office participation in prom season DWI simulations, and more.
Chris Bourke accepts the Maureen McCormick Lifetime Achievement award for his 40-plus year career in law enforcement and drunk driving enforcement.
Since being elected Sheriff, Sheriff Bourke has continued his commitment to drunk and impaired driving enforcement—the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with DRE Instructors and hosted an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving class. In addition to numerous sheriff’s office personnel attending this course, it was also made available to other agencies within Orleans County. This training was the direct result of Sheriff Bourke’s personal mission to expand impaired driving enforcement training within Orleans County.
The Sheriff’s Office recently acquired the most updated DWI Simulator on the market, to more effectively educate young people about the consequences of drunk and impaired driving. Additionally, Sheriff Bourke made a commitment to re-establishing the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Drug Recognition Expert Program.
For many years, the sheriff’s office did not have any certified Drug Recognition Experts. Since re-establishing the program, the sheriff’s office has added two certified Drug Recognition Experts in the past two years. Under Sheriff Bourke’s leadership, there has been a 150 percent increase in DWI arrest by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office over the past four years.
Throughout his 40-plus year career with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Bourke’s rank has changed, his roles have changed, but what has not changed is his commitment to drunk and impaired driving enforcement.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 May 2026 at 9:23 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Thaddeus Nauden receives congratulations from Melissa Blanar and a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley after being selected by the OFA office staff as “Volunteer of the Year.”
KNOWLESVILLE – Seniors from across Orleans County filled the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Friday to celebrate the annual Senior Jubilee and recognize three outstanding volunteers.
The morning began with introduction of Orleans County Office for the Aging staff by director Melissa Blanar. They are Meghan Bevins, assistant director; Samantha Koons, Becky Karls, Kathleen Bates, Cierra Tiede, Jacklyn Taylor, Lisa Boyle and Eileen Ryan.
OFA Advisory Council members present were Diane Daum, David Gaudioso and Leanne Donovan. Also introduced were Kelly Anstey from the Arc GLOW Nutrition Program; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Skip Draper on behalf of Senator Rob Ortt; Legislator John Fitzak, who shared a proclamation for Older Americans Month; and the county’s chief administrative officer, Jack Welch.
Next, entertainment was presented by the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir, directed by Kelly Marzano and accompanied by senior Jax Dyson. Soloist was Isla Schultz, a junior. Dyson was also featured with electric guitarist Aidan Kelley, a junior.
(Left) Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, smiles as Outstanding Older Adult of the Year nominee Annette Grillo-Finch gets a kiss from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley during the annual Senior Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Friday. (Right) Jean Wetherbee, center, of Medina is congratulated by Melissa Blanar and presented with a proclamation from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley as the OFA’s nomination for Outstanding Older Adult of the Year.
Each year the State Office for the Aging requests nominations for a representative for the Outstanding Older Adult Award to represent each county in Albany, said Orleans County Office for the Aging director Melissa Blanar.
Two individuals were nominated for the award – Jean Wetherbee of Medina and Annette Grillo-Finch of Albion.
Wetherbee was nominated by Jeanne Crane, who said Wetherbee has volunteered for 33 years at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she helps with filing. She volunteers at the Senior Center in Medina, where she is treasurer, helps run euchre games and assists with preparing meals for their monthly luncheon. She was a TWIG volunteer for many years and provides transportation to help individuals get to medical appointments. Married to husband David for 67 years and the mother of three children, she has traveled the world and enjoys playing euchre and Liverpool.
She is always the first to offer help in her community, Crane wrote. Wetherbee is dedicated to her church, supporting all its function. She said volunteering keeps her active.
“I was speechless when they called to tell me I had been nominated,” Wetherbee said. “It is a joy to help and assist other people.”
Jax Dyson played the keyboard, while Kelly Marzano, right, directed the Holley Junior-Senior Select Choir during the Senior Jubilee Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair’s Trolley Building.
Annette Grillo-Finch is the second nominee, who took the microphone and declared, “I am battling two kinds of cancer, but it will not stop me. I will continue to volunteer.”
Grillo-Finch retired as director of community services at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee after more than 40 years of service. During that time she was honored as The Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year, the Rosemary Fleming Memorial Award presented by the New York Community Action Association, Orleans Chamber of Commerce Award for Community Service, Local American Legion Award for Continued Service and the New York Senate’s “Woman of Distinction” in Albany in 2017.
Organizations which she has dedicated her time to for more than 50 years to the Village of Albion Recreation Committee also has served on the Albion Grievance Committee, Social Justice Committee, Hospice board, Albion Woman’s Prison board, treasurer of The Salvation Army for more than 40 years, the Bereavement committee for Holy Family Church, Job Corps and the Albion Hometown Christmas Parade.
“What I do is not for recognition or awards,” Grillo-Finch said. “I do it from my heart to better families, children and older adults and individuals with disabilities. You feel the satisfaction of helping others, by even doing the smallest act of kindness. The world can use some kindness, so do what you can, where you can and with what you have.”
Aidan Kelly on the electric guitar and Jax Dyson on keyboard play a special duet for seniors at the Senior Jubilee Friday.
One other senior was chosen by OFA office staff as their Volunteer of the Year. That was Thaddeus Nauden, who dedicates his time to the OFA Advisory Council. The council meets bi-monthly and advises on activities, planning, budgeting, outreach for seniors and services for older adults in Orleans County. Terms are for three years, with the ability to seek another three-year term.
Nauden has served the two terms, took a year off and recently completed another two terms, for a total of 12 years. He has served as vice chair and chair of the Council over the years. He has a passion for assisting older adults in the community, Blanar said.
Wetherbee and Grillo-Finch will travel to Albany later this month, where one senior will be announced as the NYS Adult Volunteer of the Year.
Friday’s celebration concluded with lunch by Nutrifair, under the leadership of Nutrition Program coordinator Vicki Havholm.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2026 at 10:17 am
Lyndonville, Medina also recognized for theatrical performances
Photos by Tom Rivers: Neveya Barnes starred as Annie in Albion’s performance of the Annie musical in March and Gideon Pask is Oliver Warbucks at right. They were both recognized for “achievement in a lead role” by the Stars of Tomorrow on Friday. Brayden Whittier, left, performed the role of Bert Healy, a charismatic and goofy radio announcer. Annie and Warbucks went on the show in a search for her biological parents.
ROCHESTER – Three school musicals in Orleans County were well represented at the annual Stars of Tomorrow program that highlights outstanding achievement in local high school theater.
There are 50 schools in the Stars program in the Rochester region.
Albion was a big winner in the small schools division, one of 10 musicals named a “Showstopper” for its production of Annie.
The orphans, including Rianne Hand on table, sing the opening number from Annie, “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
In addition to being a “Showstopper,” Albion won the following awards and recognitions:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in vocal ensemble
Achievement in dance ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in student orchestra
Achievement in a leading role – Neveya Barnes as Annie and Gideon Pask as Oliver Warbucks
Lily Brigham received a “Tip of the Hat” for her solo in the song, “N.Y.C.” Brigham played the role of a “Star to Be.”
Tip of the Hat:
Kaitlin Basinait as the deck manager
Hannah Kumalac as the stage manager
Lily Brigham, “Star to Be”
Julia Button, “Lily St. Regis”
Lyndonville’s Gavyn Draper performed the lead role of Peter Pan and was recognized for “Achievement in a Leading Role.”
Lyndonville’s production of Peter Pan received several honors:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in a leading role – Gavyn Draper as Peter Pan
Lily Botsford received a “Tip of the Hat” as the Crocodile and also as the Ostrich. Her the Crocodile pursues Captain Hook, played by Austin Fonda.
Tip of the Hat:
Lily Botsford as the Ostrich/Crocodile
Sarah Corser as Tiger Lily
Sierra Frasier and Melanie Jay, percussion
Medina performed High School Musical. Ava Blount played Gabriella and was recognized for “achievement in a lead role.”
Other laurels for Medina include:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in dance ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in a lead role – Arabella White as “Sharpay Evans” and Ava Blount as “Gabriella Montez”
Tip of the Hat
Madelyn Elliot as “Taylor”
Adam James Horton as “Jack Scott”
Arabella White starred as Sharpay Evans in Medina’s production of High School Musical.
Teacher has raised nearly $50K for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo
Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office
Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt honors Tara Pfohl as a 2026 Woman of Distinction.
ALBANY – Last night, the New York State Senate inducted Tara Pfohl into its 2026 “Woman of Distinction” class. She is the nominee for the honor by State Senator Rob Ortt.
Pfohl is an educator at Starpoint Central School District, a fighter of breast cancer, and was recognized by the American Cancer Society as the 2025 Strider of the Year for her fundraising and advocacy efforts with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo.
Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is recognized for their contributions to their communities, and this year, Tara was Senator Ortt’s nominee from the 62nd Senate District.
“It is an honor and a privilege to nominate and induct such a dedicated, inspirational, and selfless woman to this esteemed program,” Ortt said. “Despite battling Stage 4 breast cancer, Tara refuses to surrender, and is instead out educating not only her students, but women throughout the community on the importance of how screenings and early detection can save lives. Tara’s dedication and advocacy sets her apart, and I’m proud to highlight her remarkable achievements through this program.”
Described by friends as generous, loyal, fierce, brave, courageous, and a force to be reckoned with, Pfohl has been battling breast cancer since 2013, but she hasn’t let it slow her down.
Since 2021, Tara has raised more than $48,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Buffalo, earning the distinction of top individual fundraiser for three consecutive years. She has used her platform to promote, educate, inspire, and remind others that research, early detection and community support is proven to save lives.
In a release from the American Cancer Society highlighting Tara’s contributions, they said:
“Even while undergoing weekly chemotherapy, Tara continues to advocate for others, share ACS resources, and ensure no one facing breast cancer feels alone. Tara Pfohl embodies what Making Strides is all about—turning her story into action and inspiring hundreds of others to join the fight to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
Tara’s battle with cancer has been a long one, and although she did go into remission following surgery and treatment early on, it did return as stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she is still a highly dedicated first grade teacher at the Fricano Primary School in the Starpoint Central School District, and her colleagues say that even if she has to be out for a day to receive chemotherapy or other treatments, she’s back the next day giving 110% to her students.
Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Tara’s family and friends are the support network she has relied on. Her sister Christa has been a huge partner – consoling her and taking her to many appointments and treatments.
Pfohl grew up in Pendleton, graduating from Starpoint High School and going on to attend college at the University at Buffalo then Niagara University. In her free time, Tara enjoys traveling with friends, listening to music (where her favorite quote “No dress rehearsal. This is our life” by The Tragically Hip comes from), watching the Buffalo Bills, and getting lost in a good book. She lives in Lockport with her dog, Willa.
Provided photos: The teams in that competed in the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon are shown at the Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Press Release, Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District
LEWISTON – Eighteen teams of high school students from across Niagara and Orleans counties competed on Thursday at the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon held at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Five schools participated along with teams from both Niagara and Orleans Career and Technical Education Centers. Teams of four to six students in grades 9-12 were tested on wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils/land use, and the current environmental issue topic.
This year’s current issue is “Non-Point Source Pollution: It Begins at Home!” Students learned about NPS pollution and how to identify its origins in both urban and rural settings.
They learned how to conduct their own NPS survey in their community and watershed. Additionally, they learned NPS mitigation strategies, which encompass actions at both the individual level – such as conservation, recycling, and responsible consumption – and the community level, including watershed planning, best management practices, nature-based solutions, water quality testing, and litter prevention initiatives. Students had to present their plan and also take an exam on the topic.
The overall winner and the top team from Niagara County included students from the Niagara/Orleans Career and Technical Center. The team is in Mr. Kapiewicz’s class and students include Nathan Couturier, David Gurski, Jordyn Kinne, Andre Williams and Adam Yanicki.
Congratulations to the team from Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center for winning from Niagara County and being the Over-All Envirothon Winners! The team was from Mr. Kapiewicz’s class, students included Nathan Couturier, David Gurski, Jordyn Kinne, Andre Williams, and Adam Yanicki. This team also was the highest scoring team on the Forestry, Soils and Current Issue exams.
Congratulations to the winners from the Orleans Niagara Career and Technical Center for winning Orleans County from Ms. Kiefer’s class, students included Kennedy Clapp, Mackenzie Diamond, Fawn Elko, Autumn McIntyre, Lauren Nagel and Jill Utley.
Both winners will move on to represent their county at the NYS Envirothon later this month. Good Luck to both teams!
The top team from Orleans County was a group from Orleans/Niagara Career and Technical Center in Ms. Kiefer’s class. Students include Kennedy Clapp, Mackenzie Diamond, Fawn Elko, Autumn McIntyre, Lauren Nagel and Jill Utley.
The Maple Walnuts from Niagara CTEC included Alexandria Ledger, Carter Kennedy, Bella Muck, Trent Pope and Kayla Terry were awarded first place for their oral presentation on the current issue.
The NCTEC Sigmas won the Wildlife portion of the event. Students included Sophia Brice, Conner Lalewicz, Rowen Patterson, Aaron Willis and Lucas Wiseman.
The Aquatics portion was awarded to a team from Royalton-Hartland. Purple Power students were Jaycie Heck, Gabriella Mastromatte. Emma Micel and Delilah Morris.
A special thank you to this year’s event sponsors NewRoyal Orchards, Poverty Hill Farm, and the Environmental Education Foundation of Soil and Water Conservation for providing breakfast, lunch, goodie bags, awards, and Envirothon shirts for the students.
This year schools were each given a Biltmore stick, a forestry tool used to estimate tree diameters and heights. Exams and proctoring were provided by the Aquarium of Niagara, Mr. Paul Dewey, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and both Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Vic DiGiacomo of the NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Ronny Raindrop of the NYS Conservation District Employees Association came to hand out awards to the winners. Shout out to the Niagara County Parks crew out at Bond Lake who are always wonderful on the setup and tear-down of our Envirothon.
The Niagara-Orleans Envirothon is a yearly event for county high school students presented by Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District. Envirothon is an environmental competition on different aspects of natural resources. It gives students hands-on experience and knowledge of the environment to understand how to protect and manage the natural resources around them.
For more information about Envirothon visit www.envirothon.org or www.nysenvirothon.org. To participate next year please reach out to our offices by calling 716-434-4949 ext. 4 or emailing Katherine.pfeifer@ny.nacdnet.net or the Orleans SWCD at 585-589-5959 or email Guinevere.dillhoff@ny.nacdnet.net.
Provided photos: (Left) – Elliot Beyrle of Albion took first in the CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer competition while Abigail Kincaid of Albion (right) won the Basic Health Care Skills competition at SkillsUSA.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES would like to congratulate all our SkillsUSA students from the Orleans (OCTEC) and Niagara (NCTEC) Career and Technical Education Centers.
They competed April 22-24 at the 2026 NYS SkillsUSA Leadership Conference and Competition. Dozens of competitions were held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse and the students brought home 28 medals in total and two ONBOCES students were elected to be New York State SkillsUSA officers.
Congratulations to Brooke Dunkelberger (Barker) who will be an officer and Mia Kujawa (Medina) who will be a Voting Delegate.
Lockport senior Amelia Mussachio, who is in the Cosmetology program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the Competition and blew everyone away with her performance.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student to excel and empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
Many of the students winning gold medals have the opportunity to move on to the National competition in Atlanta, Georgia June 1-6. Orleans/Niagara BOCES Director of Career and Technical Education and Adult Education, Dr. Michael Weyrauch, said he is grateful to all staff who volunteer their time to support the SkillsUSA students.
“Thank you for recognizing our students’ potential and accepting the challenge to fight for their individual success, I am deeply appreciative and extremely proud of you,” Dr. Weyrauch said. “Each and every one of us play a significant role in molding our CTE students for what is next in their lives. We celebrate not only our students, but the role our teachers and support staff have in their accomplishments.”
Orleans Career and Tech Education students who placed in the top three include:
1st Place in Basic Health Care Skills – Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Allied Health II program
1st Place in CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer – Elliot Beyrle of Albion, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering program
1st Place in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio – Emiliana Batista of Medina, Allied Health II program
1st Place in Barbering – Lavani Myles of Lockport, Cosmetology II program
2nd Place in Advertising Design – Emily Case of Lockport, Graphic Communications II
2nd Place in Customer Service – Violette Streckewald of Roy-Hart, Cosmetology II
2nd Place in Esthetics – Alexandria Kempton of Newfane, Cosmetology I
3rd Place in Cosmetology, Sr. – Savannah Spoth of Lyndonville, Cosmetology II program
3rd Place in Computer Programming – Camden VandenBosch of Roy-Hart, Computer Technology II program
Lake Plains Players is honored to announce the 2026 recipient of the Lance Anderson Memorial Scholarship, Jenna Hunt.
Jenna is a Starpoint High School senior who plans to attend SUNY Fredonia in the fall for a Bachelor’s of Theater Production & Design. Jenna grew up attending theater productions with her parents and now has a deep passion for the arts.
She has been helping to design costumes for many years and now plans to become a professional costume designer. Her goal is to inspire other children through the arts in the same way that she was inspired as a child.
The scholarship is a $1,000 award established in honor of the late Lance Anderson. Lance was the President of Lake Plains Players for over 10 years, and had a passion for education as well as theatre.
He was always a vocal supporter of students and a leader and one of the founders of the group’s Summer Theatre Program. He affected the lives and futures of countless young people who are now making their own contributions in the arts fields. Through this scholarship, the Lake Plains Players hope to continue to honor his legacy.
Find more information about the Lake Plains Players at their website (click here) or on Facebook @Lake Plains Players.
Provided photos: Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist for Hospice of Orleans, presents awards to Ike Burr, left, and Linda Chrzan.
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County
LYNDONVILLE – Every year during National Volunteer Week , Hospice of Orleans honors volunteers by hosting a luncheon. This year’s event was held Thursday, April 23 at White Birch in Lyndonville.
The event provides an opportunity to extend gratitude and appreciation to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents in various ways to move the organization’s mission forward in the community.
Volunteers were recognized for their years of service with Hospice of Orleans, including Linda Chrzan, who was honored for an incredible 30-year commitment. Linda’s dedication to the mission of Hospice of Orleans – especially her hard work supporting the hospice’s golf tournament – has been truly invaluable.
Another golf committee member and volunteer, Ike Burr, was honored prior to the event with an “Above Par” Award. After many years of dedicated service, Ike has stepped down from tournament planning and wished continued success to the organization’s event.
Brittany Dix presents “Volunteer of the Year” awards to Jim Pratt, left, and Kathy Babbitt, right.
Jim Pratt and Kathy Babbitt received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Whether this ‘dynamic duo’ is representing Hospice of Orleans at a table in the community or in conversation with potential donors, their advocacy in these interactions is enthusiastic and heartfelt,” shared Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist.
Upon receiving their awards, both recipients echoed that there must have been other, more deserving candidates. The humility of this sentiment is a truly valuable characteristic in anyone, but especially a volunteer.
“We are so happy to have them working alongside our hospice family, and together they complement each other and our organization in the best way,” Dix said.
Hospice of Orleans is currently welcoming new volunteers in all areas of service, and is especially seeking direct-care volunteers as the number of patients cared for in Orleans County continues to grow.
Provided photo: Pictured form left include Zachery Freas (Lyndonville), welding teacher Verenice Bragg and Renzo Tomasi (Albion).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Two Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) welding students brought how two of the top three medals from the 2026 AWS (American Welding Society) Weld Off competition.
Their teacher, Verenice Bragg, is proud to announce that seniors Zachery Freas (Lyndonville) took first place and Renzo Tomasi (Albion) placed third. Renzo also received a $1,000 scholarship that he will use when he attends Alfred State College this fall.
The competition was held on March 28th at the Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo. It was free to all participants and each BOCES and/or technology school is allowed to send two seniors and two juniors. First place winners receive a $200, second place $150 and third place is a $100 prize. They also receive a prize pack from the American Welding Society.
Zachery’s first place win and Renzo’s third place win qualify them to attend the Thruway Cup in Albany in May.
Provided photo: From left include Hunter Zambito (Albion), Bradyn Whittier (Albion) and Carina Hartigan (Royalton-Hartland) with their teacher Chef James Atzrott.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s (OCTEC) Culinary Arts team of Carina Hartigan (Royalton-Hartland), Bradyn Whittier (Albion) and Hunter Zambito (Albion) took home first place at the New York State Restaurant Association’s (NYSRA) ProStart Invitational.
The competition was held at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and was sponsored by the United States Coast Guard.
ProStart is a two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students. The students, under the guidance of their teacher Chef James Atzrott, blew the judges away with their menu of daikon scallops with a fennel cream sauce and smoked paprika oil, sirloin steak with mashed potatoes with caramelized shallots and Brussel sprouts and a red wine reduction and a dessert of pistachio Frasier with a raspberry and chocolate sauce.
Joshua Klotzbach from Medina, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to staff sergeant. He is assigned to Bravo Company, 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced Klotzbach’s promotion.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
The New York National Guard is the state’s executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jax Richards-Dyson of Holley, a member of the senior high all-county band, raises a cymbal after he was announced on Saturday as the winner of Scholar Artist Award among senior music students in Orleans County.
Press Release, Orleans County Music Educators’ Association
MEDINA – Jax Richards-Dyson, a senior from Holley, was the recipient of the Scholar Artist Award at last Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Medina.
The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association (OCMEA) wanted to recognize and celebrate their graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.
County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: maintain a GPA of 90.0 or above, actively participate in their school’s music department, and demonstrate leadership in their school district and/ or community. Jax, who was nominated by Mr. Zach Busch (Holley junior-senior high band director), was selected by the OCMEA executive board.
Jax has a GPA of 97 and is a leader in his music department. He plays percussion in the HS concert band, piano in the jazz band, serves as Holley’s Concert Choir accompanist, and marches on the drumline of the Holley-Kendall Marching Band.
Jax has also been a regular in his school’s theater productions, taking on roles both on stage and in the pit. He also plays piano and performs in a variety of groups around the Rochester area. He plans on attending college next year and hopes to major in pre-med.
“Jax has always been a lead by example type of student,” Mr. Busch wrote in his nomination. “He is always a musician I can count on to know his music and positively contribute to any ensemble he is playing in through his preparation. He is also the musician who spends the most time practicing of all the musicians at Holley HS – and it shows in his skill and ability. Jax’s actions in practice set an example for other students who wish to work up to the level of musicianship he has achieved. Jax can often be observed helping younger students with their music during rehearsals for the many groups he performs in.”
Jax was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Madison Hults from Kendall, nominated by Miss Chalmers; Gideon Pask from Albion, nominated by Mr. Michki & Mr. Confer; and Emily Miner from Lyndonville, nominated by Mrs. Trupo.
Mrs. Andrea Busch, Co Vice-President of OCMEA, created the award last year and said, “I am so proud of Jax and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education. All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”
Provided photo: These students were recognized on Wednesday for committing to paid co-ops. From left include Joshua Zayac (Albion), Tyler Rothwell (Royalton-Hartland), Elliot Beyrle (Albion), Miles Arbegast (Medina), Deven Byrne (Medina), Carson Schwab (Barker) and Aaden Munn (Barker).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – There was a celebration on Wednesday evening at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students in teacher Bill Rakonczay’s program had their annual Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program signing event. The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program bridges the gap between youth and manufacturing careers through apprenticeships, job shadows and paid co-ops. Students gain skills and experience while connecting to future career opportunities.
“Students get recognized for signing on to play college sports, correct? Why not recognize students signing on to the workforce?” Mr. Rakonczay said.
The students were recognized for officially signing on to their paid co-op program. Each student received a swag bag from the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship that included a caliper and micrometer set.
“Thank you to all the parents that showed up to support their loved one,” said Mr. Rakonczay. “A huge thank you to our local employers that support my program and students. Without them none of this would be possible. I am so proud of these students!”
Group came to aid of French special operations forces in northern Iraq
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon: U.S. soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, stand in formation during an award ceremony in Rochester on Sunday. Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who came to the aid of French special operations forces during an Aug. 28–29, 2023, mission in northern Iraq were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star by Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general for Army. Pictured from left include Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott of Rochester, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor of Blasdell, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg of Rochester, Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco of Lockport, and Sgt. Jedediah Estrada of Horseheads. Missing from photo is Sgt. Zachary Albright of Elba, who is an Albion graduate.
Press Release, New York National Guard
ROCHESTER – Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who helped rescue 34 French special forces during an August 2023 firefight in Iraq, received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star, during ceremony on Sunday at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester.
The soldiers, assigned to Bravo Company of the 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, were presented with the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star.
Sgt. Zachary Albright
The aviation soldiers were honored for providing rapid aerial support to French special operations forces who pinned down under enemy fire near Hawija, Iraq, on the night of Aug. 28 and 29, 2023. The French unit was conducting a mission against ISIS terrorists.
Major General Michel Natali, the New York National Guard’s assistant adjutant general, Army, who presented the French medals, praised the Soldiers for their quick response in loading up and moving a French quick reaction force of 30 troops into the fight.
“We’re very proud of what they’ve done as aviators, but I’d say more importantly, I’m very proud of them being New York National Guard Soldiers,” Natali said after the ceremony.
“The operation they were involved in happened in the dark of night,” he told reporters.
“The French government did not have to recognize our soldiers, but they went that extra mile to identify our soldiers who were working that evening to keep their soldiers safe. We’re very appreciative of what the French government has done in recognizing our troops,” Natali said.
The medals were authorized by French General Thierry Burkhard, then France’s Chief of National Defense Staff, in March of 2024.
At the time of the mission, the New York Army National Guard aviation crews were on standby at Erbil Air Base as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to counter Islamic State terrorist operations in the region.
When the approximately 35 French Special Forces troops took casualties and requested reinforcement and extraction, two CH-47F Chinook helicopters crewed by the Rochester-based Bravo Company launched in support.
Within 30 minutes, the aircrews loaded approximately 30 French commandos to relieve them and flew nearly 70 miles to the objective area then stayed nearby, ready to provide follow-on support.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, who served as air mission commander during the operation, said uncertainty upon arrival created immediate challenges.
“The biggest challenge was not knowing the situation on the ground or what support we had until we got on station,” said Scott, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002.
He added that once they made radio contact and confirmed their location, they adjusted the grid, coordinated with the other aircraft and their crews, and identified the support available to them.
Scott said that the crew’s preparation and cohesion were critical to executing the mission successfully.
“I’m most proud of the way the crew came together,” he said. “They had the aircraft ready to go. While I was receiving the mission, the crew was already preparing the aircraft.”
Once Scott briefed them, they conducted a short planning session on the way and were ready to execute.
Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident who served as a door gunner during the mission, said the recognition carries lasting personal meaning.
“Afterward, I read the French press release about the death of Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, [the] paratrooper with the French commandos who was killed in combat,” Estrada said. “I’ve remembered him ever since.”
“Being honored by the French government is a way for me to continue honoring his legacy – not just what our unit was able to do, but what we accomplished together with our partner force,” Estrada said.
“It really brings together why we were there and what we were working to defeat,” he added.
Recognized during the ceremony were:
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident, is a 42-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2009. He is a recipient of the Air Medal W/C Device, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, a Blasdell resident, is a 35-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2009. He was commissioned as an Aviation Warrant Officer in 2015. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, a Rochester resident, is a 38-year-old CH-47F helicopter pilot who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2007. He was previously a flight engineer with the unit until he commissions as a pilot in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal
Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, a Lockport resident, is a 40-year- old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2004 and served until 2012. He reenlisted in 2019, again as an aircraft mechanic. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal W/C Device.
Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident, is 36-years-old. He enlisted as a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist and went through flight progression as a door gunner with the unit. He entered the New York Army National Guard in 2019. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Sgt. Zachary Albright, an Elba resident, is a 22-year-old helicopter maintainer and crew chief who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2022. He has since been warranted commission as a WO1 in 2025 and is currently in flight school to become an Aviation Warrant Officer. He is a recipient of the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal W/C Device and Army Achievement Medal.
The French National Defense Medal, known as the Medaille de la Defense nationale, was established April 21, 1982, by then French Minister of Defense Charles Hernu to recognize honorable and meritorious service in support of France’s national defense.
The medal is awarded in three grades, bronze, silver and gold, reflecting increasing levels of distinguished service. The gold grade recognizes particularly distinguished contributions to national defense.
When accompanied by a bronze star device, the medal signifies the recipient was officially recognized at the regimental or brigade level for notable operational service during multinational missions.
The decoration may be awarded to both French service members and allied military personnel and serves as a symbol of professional excellence and international military cooperation.
Detachment 1 of Bravo Company operates seven CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
The unit falls under the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade’s 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and has conducted numerous deployments overseas and disaster response operations here at home.
SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland have recognized Orleans County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and Deans’ List for the fall 2025 semester.
At Oswego, President’s List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:
Jordan Wright, Albion, criminal justice
Isabella R. Zasa, Knowlesville, public relations (online)
Deans’ List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the Deans’ List include:
Jack Cecchini, Medina, adolescence education
Willow E. Gaines, Albion, health promotion and wellness
Tracy Garrett, Eagle Harbor, studio art
Kenadie J. Patten, Albion, finance
Alex E. Stahl, Medina, operations management and information systems
Charlotte R. Symons, Albion, creative writing
At SUNY Cortland, students from Orleans County on the Dean’s List include:
Cole Callard of Medina, with a major in Sport Management
Nathan Sherman of Medina, with a major in Business Economics (also named to President’s List)
