Editor:

As a voting member of the Town of Shelby Republican Committee, I find it deeply concerning that I was not notified by Chairman Dale Root of the committee meeting held on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall.

I have served on the Shelby Republican Committee since June 2019 and currently hold the position of treasurer. I am responsible for all financial reporting to the New York State Board of Elections, as well as oversight of the committee’s banking activities.

Despite my official position and voting status, I was neither contacted about the meeting nor given the opportunity to submit a proxy vote in advance – an option I am entitled to exercise under committee procedure.

I ultimately learned of the meeting through other means and arranged for my proxy vote to be submitted by another committee member. However, at no point did the chairman reach out to me before or after the meeting.

This lack of communication raises serious concerns. It gives the appearance of an attempt to exclude certain voices and manipulate outcomes within the committee. In my view, the current leadership has failed to operate with transparency and fairness.

It may be time for the Town of Shelby Republican Committee to consider new leadership.

Jim Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, in a pitiful attempt to show that her time in Congress is not wasteful, has proposed a series of legislative bills.

For example, in her press release she claims: “The Safeguarding Trust in our Politics Act which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit 501©(3) tax-exempt organizations from funding or administering election-related activities, putting an end to private funding schemes that undermine public confidence in our electoral process.”

According to the IRS website, all 501©(3) “organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.”  Her legislation will not affect “private funding schemes” or dark money that is undermining confidence in our elections.

Ms. Tenney is also wasting her time and our tax dollars with a frivolous bill to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. If the Constitution could be changed by legislative action, then the next Congress can do away with the 2nd Amendment. Instead of working for her constituents, Ms. Tenney’s time in office is characterized by her waste, fraud and abuse.

Willliam Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Regarding the Shelby resignations, Scott Wengewicz is a disabled veteran who served his country. He then became the head of the Air and Marine divisions of the Rochester Border Patrol – 30 years of service. This is a man of honor and integrity who loves his country and loves Shelby.

His integrity was constantly called into question by board members and newly nominated candidates through innuendo, behind-the-back activities, and flat-out falsehoods. He didn’t stand at meetings and scream and holler to defend himself because as a man of honor. He allowed his actions to speak for themselves. It’s too bad a lot of people drank the cool aid.

Steve Seitz is a man of honor and integrity. I have had years of personal and business dealings with this man and have never heard a disparaging word said about him until this Town Board came along.

He worked for the town until he retired and became a councilman because he loves Shelby. His integrity and honor were called into question constantly by the same people.

Jeff Schiffer is a close personal friend. I have never met a more honest and loyal person. If he senses a conflict or problem arising, he goes straight to that person to discuss it man to man or man to woman, whatever the case may be to straighten it out. He will listen and if he finds that he was wrong he will apologize or change his stance on a subject.

He always got the pulse of the citizens and voted that way even if his personal opinion differed. He is a man with 3 degrees and retired as the Head Counselor at Attica. His integrity was constantly called into question by the same people mentioned above.

These three men could not take the backhanded actions and lies used to run them down by people who lack the integrity that they possess. They did not resign to create turmoil as some suggest, they just couldn’t continue to be degraded by people with no honor.

Now there are rumors of several other town employees who are going to resign for the same reason. Maybe instead of finding fault with them, you should look at the real reasons for this exodus.

I am and always will be proud to call these three men my friend. I could not ever be friends with the deceitful, conniving, self serving people who brought them to make this decision for their own piece of mind.

James Rogenmoser

Shelby

Editor:

What follows is intended to be a reminder. It is not meant to lay a guilt trip on anyone.

My wife and I just saw a report regarding the spotted lantern fly, an invasive insect that can devastate trees—one of our principal allies in the fight to reduce carbon pollution. The sweeter a tree’s sap, the more likely lantern flies are to attack it.

What we heard suggested that lantern flies haven’t become a big problem in Orleans County yet but could eventually ravage some of our more desirable trees and become a major headache for fruit farmers.

Among our natural allies in dealing with spotted lantern flies are native birds. Those mentioned in the piece we heard included birds as diverse as catbirds and cardinals! The preying mantis and yellow jacket were among the insects that evidently feed on them. Healthy environments typically have an abundance of such creatures.

Providing habitat for their enemies helps control lantern flies. Avian enemies of other harmful insects—as well as rodents—include kestrels and screech owls as well as many songbirds such as orioles and bluebirds (the hawks and owls include some insects in their diets, while songbirds generally do not go after rodents).

As cardinals are mainly seed eaters, we were surprised that they take lantern flies. Presumably seed-eaters would use these insects and others primarily to feed their young.

The report we listened to provides another example of how a bird-friendly environment can be beneficial to us.

Thanks to the many people here who work to provide such habitat.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by the Village of Albion Recreation Department, drew thousands of people from all across the region for an afternoon and evening of family fun and relaxation.

People came to Bullard Park from the neighboring counties for the annual chicken barbecue, to hear the music from the three bands, to purchase food and beverages from the many vendors, to visit the artisans who set up their business, and of course for the fireworks which capped off the evening. We would like to see this celebration every July 3rd moving forward and in many years ahead. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.

I was asked by a reporter if I was shocked to see the park packed with people. I responded with NO. I knew it would be packed because Albion has been craving this for several years.

I should apologize before I start naming all those who contributed to this event. I am sure I will leave names or organizations out.

Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler who chaired the food vendors and artisans. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Jay Pahura and his Village Street Department, Village of Albion Office Staff, the Village Mayor and Board of Trustees, GACRE Committee, Village Recreation Committee, Albion Fire Department, Bernie Baldwin, Diana Grillo who assisted on a daily basis, Tom O’Hearn and his cookers consisting of Dusty DeCarlo, Gary VanWycke, David Vagg, Dean London, Andrew London, Mark Restivo, Ray Stefani, and Kevin Sheehan. They cooked the best chicken barbecue around.

To the servers consisting of Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Laurie Tully along with the members of the GACRE and Recreation Committee, Tom Brown and Mark Johnson for providing golf carts, John Bigley and Mike Beach for staying to the end, GO Art! for the grant, Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley with the Town of Albion, Village Recreation Park Staff, to all the businesses who allowed donations jars at their locations, to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks, Young Explosives for a fine fireworks show, to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, 104 Country and the Who Dats for the wonderful music, Brad London, Tom Rivers and Natalie Baron from the Orleans Hub, Ron Albertson and Keeler Construction for the lighting, and Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot.

Once again, I apologize if I failed to remember others.

We are still collecting donations for next year, 2026. Send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make checks payable to the Village of Albion with a memo of Fireworks.

This community should stand proud. Thank you for all the support.

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director

Editor:

The Oak Orchard River flows through the heart of Shelby Center where I grew up. Us kids just called it the “crick” and it was our playground. We fished, swam, built rafts, and camped out on the crick.

I think it is important to keep our water ways clean and teaming with life for other generations to enjoy like we did. Many people in Orleans County weren’t aware of STAMP (Science, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park) until last year, when it became public knowledge that they had plans to daily dump 6 million gallons of phosphorus laden waste water into Oak Orchard River which is already deemed endangered due to high phosphorus levels.

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation has been fighting to protect their land and way of life from STAMP for over 20 years. It would have been longer had STAMP consulted with the Nation  before they even got started as required by Federal Law.  But they didn’t and this has a pattern they have followed at every turn.

They try to sneak things through before anyone can respond or stop them. When the GCEDC (Genesee County Economic Development Center) is legally required to have public meetings about STAMP they publicize it as minimally as possible and schedule it during the middle of a work week to minimize the attendance.

The Environmental Impact Study they use is from 2012 and doesn’t cover their hydrogen plant or the proposed Data Center. This flagrant violation has led the Nation to join the Sierra Club in a lawsuit against STAMP, the data center and the Town Oakfield.  The EIS isn’t just law…it is common sense. Don’t we need to know the impact a such a large new business would have on the environment?

The proposed, massive data center would be the size of 17 football fields and would require extensive cooling and a massive amount of electricity. The lack of water for cooling would require them to use many loud industrial air conditioners that would certainly effect the balance of nature in the area.

While National Grid is telling us to expect a 20% increase in our electric bills and to conserve energy, they are giving the Data Center massive breaks to use an extraordinary amount of power. The jobs they promise are minimal and subsidized by us, the tax payers and would likely go to highly trained outsiders.

From its initial concept, the placing of STAMP in such an important and fragile ecosystem was dubious. It is located next to a sovereign nation, the ancient Big Woods, a national wildlife refuge and a state wildlife management center where it poses a great environmental risk to all. The terrain would force any chemical leakage or spill to drain into the Tonawanda Creek where it would directly effect the way of life of the Nation. STAMP would be required to keep thousands of gallon of fuel on site in case of and electrical failure and a fire at a data center would have to be extinguished with chemicals. The 3 tributaries on STAMP property all flow into Tonawanda Creek.

The threat to Oak Orchard River is still present. The chemical spill in the swamps last year from their attempt to drill the pipeline through the swamps has certainly slowed them down. But the plan to run a pipeline through Orleans County is only on hold.

GCEDC is trying to discharge waste water through Oakfield, using horizontal drilling where it could affect underground water tables and tributaries of the Oak Orchard River. Without an updated EIS no one knows the potential risk to the Oak Orchard Creek is or the effect it would have on the neighboring Big Woods and National Wildlife Refuge.

Anyone wanting to have a clearer understanding of the impact STAMP could have is invited to come to a public meeting presented by the Allies of The Tonawanda Seneca Nation on July 17th at the Shelby Fire Hall on Rt. 63 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The litigation against the data center and other issues will be addressed. You will hear from the Nation how this can affect their way of life from the dangers of their wells being poisoned to the negative impact on the vegetation and wildlife that that they use for food, medicine and ceremony.

The Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation will give you facts that STAMP won’t. STAMP gains much for themselves with little to offer to us the people other than risk to our land and wildlife. They are a Trojan horse.

Sincerely,

Arthur Barnes

Shelby resident and ally of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation

Editor:

I would like to address the parking signs on Ohio Street in Medina because the sign says 2-hour parking 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but the people who live next to the sign always park there longer than that.

I would to have the sign changed so it is no parking because it is a street where ambulances use often and it makes it harder for them to drive by.

Anthony Anelli

Medina

Editor:

We would like to thank everyone involved in a 10-wheeler rollover accident in Carlton on July 3.

Everyone involved can’t be thanked enough for their help and professionalism at the scene and afterwards. Town of Carlton Fire and Rescue, Town of Carlton employees, Mercy Flight , law enforcement, responding neighboring fire departments, especially our family and friends.

Words aren’t enough to show our appreciation for all of your love and support.

Thank you again,

Paul and Sue Snook

Waterport

Editor’s note: Mr. Snook is doing OK after the accident. He has cracked ribs, a possible fracture in foot along with many, many bumps and bruises, his wife said. “He definitely had an angel on his shoulder,” she said.

Editor:

Last Wednesday (July 2) my sister, Darlene Rich, and I attended the Albany Symphony and the Medina Alumni Jazz Band (MRJ Big Band).

Needless to say we both enjoyed it very much. The talent in both is just amazing! We could have listened to more! And by looking around at the crowd, they were enjoying it, too!

As we sat there we couldn’t help but think of how blessed and fortunate we are to have such a beautiful canal basin to hold special events in. And it was so relaxing watching the boaters and  kayakers.

The canal basin had something going on from noon till 9:30 whether it be the speakers or performers, and then ended with fireworks!

So with this being said…..when renovations are being done to the canal basin we really need to think of how the canal basin is going to be upgraded to not take away any area where special events can be held.

Sincerely,

Sharlene Pratt

Medina

Editor:

On July 4th, we celebrated our nation’s nearly 250th birthday. So, I have been thinking about patriotism.

Everyone I meet tells me they are patriots, and I have no reason to doubt them. Patriotism seems to be a general term everyone defines for themself.

This is what I know, when I joined the military to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic, I swore an oath to the Constitution, not to an individual or to a political party.

So, it seems to me that patriotism is aspiring to the ideals and principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. “That all men are created equal,” and that “We the people” establish the government to create a more perfect union, to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”

Therefore, patriotism is actively trying to create that more perfect union, recognizing flaws and working to remedy them. It recognizes the need for criticism and oversight. It promotes a cohesive and inclusive society where everyone is valued.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 11.8 million will lose health coverage under the legislation Republicans are proposing. The Fiscal Policy Institute issued a report on June 28, 2025, detailing how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will affect hospitals in New York.

According to hospital financial data 45 percent of hospitals receive a quarter of their net patient revenue from Medicaid and other government appropriations. The cuts in the OBBB will severely threaten hospitals throughout the State.

In Congressional District 23 (Rep. Nick Langworthy) 8 of the 12 hospitals receive more than 25 percent of revenue from Medicaid; and in District 21 (Rep. Elise Stefanik) 8 of 16 are threatened. In Claudia Tenney’s district, 5 hospitals are threatened.

Republican legislators are abandoning their responsibilities to serve their constituents and slavishly serve their party leader.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Wouldn’t it be a good idea for many of us to slow down?

Take driving as an example.  Do we really need to get to the store at 9:23 a.m.? Might it make more sense to get there at 9:26 and enjoy well-kept properties with flowers and flowering trees and shrubs that we pass along the way? We might even give nesting native birds a better chance to raise their hatchlings and get them on their way.

Of course lawyers, funeral home owners, car-makers and those who run collision shops might fret. But insurance companies would be better off if there were fewer collisions. And we might as well.

Engaging another person with whom we may have something in common can result in a happier day for more than just you. Or smile and say “hello” even if you cannot recall the person’s name but know for certain that you probably should.

This piece is along the same line as another I sent recently. Initially, thinking it through takes more time but saves us time over the long haul.

Recently I spoke with a Californian who was biking to Albany along the canal.  He turned out to be an architect interested in sandstone, brick and cobblestone buildings.  Our conversation provided me with some excellent insight into a matter our non-profit is investigating.

As my high-school students heard now and then, “Once it’s over, it’s over. We won’t get an opportunity to do it right.”

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

The Albion Betterment Committee’s founders got together with their wives on Tuesday, June 24th, to celebrate the 93rd birthday of their inspirational leader. Without his extraordinary guidance our 501 c-3 non-profit would not exist.

This short piece is an attempt to pay tribute to him. As he shuns the spotlight, we will not mention his last name. But he is not your average “Joe”.

Yes, he is involved in many worthwhile causes, including those he supports through the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a lover of history and works to keep our awareness of the accomplishments of past generations alive. Being a Korean War veteran himself certainly has better enabled him to appreciate our country’s history.

Thanks, Joe, for your patriotism. You are an outstanding role model for our young people and the many generations to come. We are honored to have worked with you on a variety of projects.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Derwick and Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I am writing to raise awareness about the significant impact our community will face if the proposed elimination of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is enacted. CSBG serves as the foundational funding source for Community Action Agencies across the nation.

At Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, our mission is to partner with individuals and families to help them achieve self-sufficiency.  While we hope you never need our services, we are committed to being here if and when you do.

Our agency offers a wide range of programs designed to support individuals facing economic hardship, personal loss, or unforeseen challenges. These include Head Start, child care assistance, case management, high school graduation support, youth development programs, weatherization services, air conditioning assistance, a low-cost thrift store, nutrition programs, and social care services. We are not about handouts—we are about helping people build a path to success.

In Orleans County, the poverty rate stands at 13%, and in Genesee County, it is 10.6%. Both counties are experiencing population decline and a shortage of medical providers, making it even more critical to address health-related social needs. Our agency meets these challenges with compassion, care, and a deep understanding of our local needs and struggles.

Poverty exists in every corner of the United States, but the needs of our rural counties differ greatly from those of urban centers like New York City. Local control is essential. Through a comprehensive community needs assessment conducted every three years, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of our residents.

This is why CSBG is so vital. It is a locally driven initiative that leverages a modest federal investment to help more than 10 million Americans work toward economic independence. In the past year alone, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee supported nearly 5,000 individuals in their pursuit of financial stability. Every federal dollar we receive is matched by an additional 15.5% from state, local, and private sources—an exceptional return on investment.

In 2022, Congress reauthorized CSBG with strong bipartisan support. Our agency is held to rigorous standards, with funders requiring detailed reporting to ensure measurable outcomes. CSBG embodies core American values: local decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity.

Eliminating CSBG will not necessarily result in significant federal savings. On the contrary, it threatens to dismantle a proven, cost-effective support system that uplifts our most vulnerable neighbors. The loss of our agency—and the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible—would be devastating to our community.

I urge our community members and policymakers to recognize what is at stake and to advocate for the preservation of CSBG before it is too late.

Renee Hungerford, CEO

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

Editor:

To the residents of Shelby who participated in voting this primary election, thank you for exercising your rights. To the candidates who participated in the election, it takes real courage to commit to a cause that affects an entire Town, you deserve to be commended for your participation.

I cannot begin to say how proud I felt as the results came in, it was life-changing. On Tuesday, a new wind came kicking around and it gives our neighbors hope that a new Shelby is on the horizon.

It has been abundantly clear that frustration loomed large in our Town for several years and now there’s a breath of fresh air, a light at the end of the tunnel. The people not only spoke on Tuesday but they made it a referendum on what direction they want our Town to move in. The time has come, the old style of leadership is behind us and a fresh perspective majority has emerged.

While the results weren’t favorable to everyone, it doesn’t mean we can’t use the next chapter before new leaders take office as a collaboration to exert the people’s voice. Our current Board has the opportunity to jumpstart a renaissance and it starts at our special meeting.

Showing a united front will strengthen our Town, not only for the immediate but for generations going forward. Shifting our focus to restoring financial security, solving problems like our water district, and governing for all of Shelby, can be the first pillar of making Shelby great again!

It is my hope that the current Board Majority can come together with Councilwoman Limina and myself to usher in a new growth for Shelby. Instead of waiting until January 1, we can have five productive months of cutting red tape, eliminating fiscal waste, and getting our house in order.

Then on January 1, 2026 when the new Board takes office, we are already hitting the ground running! Shelby can’t afford to continue down the same path or be subject to a lame duck session. All hands are on deck, that’s what the people want and that’s what they deserve. If we cannot govern for the people then step aside and let a new group of leaders grab the bull by the horns.

Thank you again neighbors for your current support! To those who won on Tuesday, congratulations and for those who continue to serve, let’s work together serving this great Town!

Respectfully,

Eddie Zelazny

Councilman

Shelby

Editor:

You, the residents and taxpayers of Shelby, have made your desires known in the June 24th Republican Primary election. By a more than 2-to -1 margin you have made a choice for a new path forward for Shelby.

While we still have a November election to go through, the Primary is when democracy really works. In this case, the people you elected did not get the endorsement of a divided Republican Committee.

The results will place me, Eddie Zelazny, and Larry Waters on both the Republican and Conservative lines, virtually assuring that we will be sworn in on January 1, 2026.  In the meantime, unless there are some resignations, Eddie and Councilwoman Linda Limina will have to hold the fort against the actions of the current 3-to-2 majority.

Thank you to all, from those early supporters who pushed me to run, to those that helped with the campaign, to the Conservative Committee who put some wind in our sails with their endorsement, to those that attended board meetings, to everyone who said they have had enough and wanted a different voice in their local government.

The campaign was draining and of course it did not help that my door-to-door activity was during those 90+ degree days. After spending another hot day taking down the signs, cooler temperatures are a relief.

But the support I have received has made it all worthwhile. Now I am going to take some time to relax, reflect on the path forward, which will include continuing to attend meetings and take any opportunity I can to better educate myself on the upcoming role of your Town of Shelby Supervisor.

Jim Heminway

Candidate for town supervisor

Shelby