Kendall

Kendall tells story of Beauty and the Beast in spring musical

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 3:18 pm

Performance dedicated to teacher who passed away on March 8

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Adrianna Schiavone plays the role of Belle in Kendall’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which had shows on Friday and Saturday evening. Belle is an intelligent and vibrant girl who loves libraries and is eager to experience life.

The performances were pushed back a week following the unexpected death of elementary special education teacher Courtney Fannon on March 8.

The Kendall cast was in costume and makeup when the performance was cancelled on March 8 at 5:15 p.m., less than two hours before the show was scheduled to start.

The Kendall cast, crew and teachers in the production dedicated the performances on Friday and Saturday to Fannon, who was 29 and eight months pregnant. Her unborn daughter, who was to be named Hadley Jaye, also didn’t survive. Kendall observed a moment of silence for Fannon and her daughter before the performances this weekend.

Lucas Jones plays the Beast, a prince who is transformed into a terrifying beast for his lack of compassion. He is turned into a beast after turning away an older woman who was begging.

The Beast is hot-tempered and commanding, but does have a loving heart under his gruff exterior.

The only way for the Beast to become human again is if he learns to love and be loved in return.

Jimmie Swift stars as Gaston, an ultra-masculine villain who is determined to marry Belle. He carries his bumbling sidekick LeFou, who is played Mike Hallowell.

Karter May is Lumiere, an enchanted candelabra and a loyal and steadfast servant for the Beast.

In back are Riley Passer as Cogsworth (left), an enchanted mantle clock, an Madison Hults as Chip, an enchanted teacup.

The servants in the Beast’s castle are very hopeful as Belle and the Beast begin to befriend one another. If the spell is broken, the characters under spell will become human again.

Seth Pray plays Maurice, Belle’s father and an eccentric inventor. He gets lost in the woods and is taken prisoner in the Beast’s castle.

Aubrey Hamm is Madame De LA Grande Bouche, a wardrobe that was an opera singer. She brings a larger-than-life personality to the story.

No amusements rides for Kendall carnival in July, but the show will go on

Photo by Tom Rivers: Max Martin, 5, and his sister Alice, 8, of Kendall zoom on the swing ride during the Kendall carnival on July 14, 2023.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2024 at 1:13 pm

KENDALL – The Kendall carnival will be back in July, but the event won’t have amusement rides.

Organizers of the event announced that a ride company wouldn’t commit to the carnival this year. The Kendall Fire Department is reducing the event from three days to two days, and this year it will be advertised as field days.

“Our Carnival will look different this year,” the department announced on Facebook. “Unfortunately due to circumstances out of our control as of right now we will not have rides at our carnival. We will be changing the name to field days and going to a two day event July 12th and 13th.”

Kendall is the last fire department in Orleans County that does a carnival. Fire department officials said they contacted several ride companies but none were able to commit to the event in Kendall.

Many of the other events will be back including a firemen’s parade on July 12 at 7 p.m. and beer tent that night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

There will be a tractor pull, cornhole tournament, chicken barbecue, cruise-in and fireworks on July 13.

The department also announced the bands for the event:

  • Highway 31 on Friday, July 12, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Begging Angels on Saturday, July 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Shotgun Pauly on Saturday, July 13 from 9 p.m. to 1a.m.

Kendall student finishes 4th in state at Legion oratorical contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2024 at 2:00 pm

Provided photo

ALBANY – Hannah Brundage of Kendall finished fourth in the state in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. The competition was March 2 at the Crown Plaza in Albany.

Brundage advanced to the state contest after winning the zone competition in Mount Morris. She also won the Orleans County and the 8th District Level contests.

She advanced to the state competition after giving an 8-10 minute speech on the Constitution and then a 3-5 minute additional speech on a chosen piece of the Constitution decided that day.

Brundage entitled her main speech, “Understanding the Government.” She began by asking how many in the audience ever leave home, wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again, not knowing if they would make it back alive?

Her father, Daniel Brundage, experienced that as an Army veteran with the 10th Mountain Division. He served a tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq. As a firefinder radar technician, his job was to locate incoming artillery and their trajectories and determine the enemy’s position.

“Putting his life on the line, he was able to save countless other soldiers from a gruesome death,” Hannah Brundage said. “Just like him, thousands of men and women in the military are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect us. Many do not return.”

Brundage urges citizens to educate themselves on the Constitution and the role of government.

“As James Madison said, ‘Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives,’” she said.

Kendall mourns loss of special education teacher

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2024 at 1:13 pm

Courtney Fannon

KENDALL – The school district is mourning the loss of a special education teacher.

Courtney Fannon, 29, passed away on Friday with her infant daughter, Hadley Jaye.

“Courtney was a special education teacher who served her students with passion and joy each day,” District Superintendent Nick Picardo said in a message to the community. “When she wasn’t in her classroom sharing her love and gift for teaching with her students, she could be found walking our halls with a smile and a friendly hello.”

School is closed today. Counselors will be available at the elementary school for students and staff on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Fannon’s family.

Holley, Kendall teachers play basketball in fundraiser for Amy Laureano Fund

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2024 at 9:08 pm

Cross-town rivals unite for beloved first grade teacher who passed away July 30

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Laureano family is introduced at the Kendall-Holley faculty basketball game this evening in Kendall.

The game, besides a friendly competition between the two schools, also was a fundraiser for the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund.

Amy was a much-loved first grade teacher at Kendall. She passed away on July 30.

She and her husband Justin have three children: Easton, 21; Kaeden, 18; and Janelle, 15.

Mr. Laureano is an elementary school physical education teacher.

“She was magnificent,” Laureano said about his wife, a well-regarded mentor to younger teachers in the elementary school. “She was a spitfire woman who touched a lot of people.”

Justin Laureano, right, and Nick Picardo, the Kendall school superintendent, embrace on court. Picardo joined Laureano and his children in the starting lineup. Picardo has been a long-time friend of the family.

Laureano said he appreciated the community support since his wife’s unexpected passing. Many people have contributed to a memorial scholarship in his wife’s name, and also for a fund to help some students and their families. Laureano said his wife would privately pay for a few students’ Christmas presents or if they needed clothes.

The fund will cover expenses for a few students each year for clothes, Christmas presents or to participate with a sports team.

The Kendall Lions Club presented Laureano and the school leaders with a donation to the memorial fund. Those are the proceeds from a chicken barbecue on Feb. 10 when the club served 672 dinners.

The Holley faculty and staff team gathers before the start of the game. Mackenzie Fiorito (center in red shirt), a high school junior, served as the student coach. She gave the team a quick pep talk. Logan Gillespie also was a student coach for Holley.

Macey Harrell, a Kendall physical education teacher, is introduced along with the other Kendall teachers and staff.

Kendall won the game, 53-36.

Kevin Parmele, Amy Laureano’s brother, said his sister “let her light shine.” Her family appreciates all the love and support from the community.

Brian Bartalo, the Holley superintendent, and Nick Picardo, Kendall’s district superintendent, met on the court before the game.

The two districts have had several faculty basketball games in recent years, playing to a packed house.

There were baskets up for raffle as a fundraiser for the scholarship.

Kendall teachers including fifth grade teacher Lisa Smith served up food from Jimmy Z’s. Smith is adding hot sauce from her spot in the food service line.

Smith and Amy Laureano were colleagues and friends for about two decades.

“Amy had a great heart,” Smith said. “She was very caring with the children. She made sure all the kids and staff were comfortable in any situation they were in.”

Kaeden Laureano smiles after making a 3-point shot early in the game.

Lucien Price, left, congratulates Derek Edick after making a basket for the Kendall team.

The Holley team gathers for a photo before the game.

The Kendall squad gathers for a team picture.

200-plus students from 5 districts perform at All-County Music Fest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2024 at 9:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Elementary students sing “Solfege Symphony” by Cristi Cary Miller. The song is a mashup with classical music including Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Surprise Symphony, Peer Gynt, Beethoven’s 5th and 9th Symphonies and the Hallelujah Chorus.

The sing during this afternoon’s All-County Music Festival at Kendall. The students were directed by guest conductor Dr. Sara Massey, a professor and music education coordinator at Houghton University.

There were 75 students in the elementary chorus from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

The elementary students also sang “Look At The World” by John Rutter, “Ching A Ring Chaw” arranged by Linda Spevacek-Avery, and “Can You hear Me?” by Bob Chilcott.

Andrew Bodemer, a Clarence music teacher, served as guest conductor of the junior high band.

The 77 students in the band performed “Flourish and Festivity” by Douglas Akey, “Chasing Sunlight” by Cait Nishimura, “The Road Less Traveled” by Mat Campbell, and “Heart of Gold” by Brian Balmages.

Liam Leader of Albion was one of the trombonists in the junior high band.

Cassie Brown, front center, of Albion is among the 64 members of the senior high chorus. They started by singing “Três Cantos Nativos” by Marcos Leite.

The senior high chorus also sang “O Love” by Elaine Hagenberg, “Sisi Ni Moja” by Jacob Narverud, and “The Awakening” by Joseph M. Martin.

Dr. Kevin Dibble served as guest conductor for the senior high chorus. He is the associate director of the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University, where he is also associate director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.

The students sing “Sisi Ni Moja,” a Swahili title that means “We are one” and shares how human beings have much in common.

Good Samaritan helps prevent bad fire in Kendall garage

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2024 at 2:57 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Ron Lasal, second from right, looks over a tractor that caught on fire today when it was inside Lasal’s garage.

A Good Samaritan helped prevent the fire from spreading in the garage.

Firefighters were dispatched to 1556 Kendall Rd. at 12:22 p.m. for a structure fire in a garage.

Lasal had been out snowblowing with a John Deere tractor. When he was done he put the tractor back in the garage.

When he was inside he smelled smoke and thought something might be burning in the kitchen. But the smoke was coming from the garage.

A driver who was out snowplowing noticed the dark smoke coming from the garage. Nate Loescher pulled into the driveway and met Lasal in the driveway. Lasal asked if Loescher if he had a chain on the truck. Loescher did, and they were able to hook it to the tractor that was on fire and pull it out before the flames spread to the garage, said Jeff Cole, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Cole said the fire was likely caused by an electrical or mechanical malfunction with the tractor.

Lasal said he is thankful Loescher stopped to help him. There was no damage to Lasal’s car, and only some smoke damage inside.

Kendall firefighters ventilated the house and garage. Lasal and his wife will be able to stay because the damage was minimized.

Kendall Lions serve 672 chicken barbecue dinners for Amy Laureano Memorial Fund

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2024 at 7:31 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Rob Fagan, left, and Steve Barrett flip chickens today in the fire pits behind the Kendall Methodist Church.

The Kendall Lions Club with help the Kendall Leos and other volunteers served 672 chicken barbecue dinners today in annual tradition the Saturday before the Super Bowl. The Lion Club has been organizing the dinner for nearly 20 years and picks a different recipient of the proceeds each year.

The money from today’s dinner will go towards the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund, which has been started for a much-loved Kendall first grade teacher. Amy Laureano passed away on July 30.

Lucas Jones of the Kendall Leos Club scoops cole slaw in a take-out container in the fellowship hall of the church. Ken DeRoller, a Kendall Lions Club member for 40 years, assists in the line of volunteers.

Debbie Ryan of the Lions Club gets a takeout dinner ready to go. Many of the Leos at the Kendall school served as runners, taking the meals out to a lineup of cars.

Elizabeth Pratt, left, puts cole slaw in a take-out container held by Destiny Blosenhauer. The Kendall students volunteered in serving today’s meal. The students liked the fast pace of the operation.

Lions Club members Douglas Urquhart, left, and Cary Wright keep a close eye on the chickens, taking the temperature. The chickens took a little longer to cook today than usual. The Lions Club worked on the cole slaw on Friday and cooked the chickens and potatoes this morning right up until the meals were served after noon.

The club expects the benefit raised about $5,000 for the memorial fund.

There will also be a faculty basketball game on March 7, with teachers from Holley playing Kendall, to raise money for the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund to assist students at Kendall.

Kendall native releases her first jazz CD

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2024 at 12:51 pm

Wilma Lemcke aka Ann Mitchell has been a mainstay at jazz clubs in Rochester and Buffalo for many years

Photo by Jack Zuff: Ann Mitchell performs in a Buffalo jazz club.

SPENCERPORT – A Kendall native has just released her first jazz CD, “Again … for the first time” and it features timeless classics spanning the jazz era from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Wilma Lemcke graduated from Kendall in 1976, and has been performing as a jazz singer for many years in the Rochester and Buffalo. She performs under the name Ann Mitchell.

The Spencerport resident has been singing professionally for many years in a very competitive market.

The cover art for the album was designed by Karl Slominski, Ann Mitchell’s son.

“I’ve always followed my heart and passion with music,” she said during an interview by phone today.

Mitchell is a frequent guest on Jazz 90.1, and she performs in jazz clubs, restaurants, and at weddings and funerals in the Rochester and Buffalo region.

She has juggled her professional singing career with raising a family and working as a substitute music teacher. She pushed to get a CD done, and will have it available at her events for $15, and expects it will be in music stores.

“It’s a humbling feeling,” she said today about holding her CD. “You put your heart and soul into it. It’s been quite a journey.”

Lemcke grew up on Carr Road in Kendall. She graduated in 1976 when the country and local community were celebrating the bicentennial of the USA. That commemoration included a trip by Kendall music students to Philadelphia. It was a great year for the Kendall music program, she recalled.

Mitchell earned a degree in theater from SUNY Brockport. She then found her niche in jazz performance as the vocalist for the former bands, Brass Menagerie Big Band and Bob Ames & Co.

Mitchell then formed her own combo to focus her performance on the rich vocals of the jazz era’s timeless classics. Her focus has been to preserve and share music recorded by artists such as Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London and Judy Garland.

Mitchell’s new album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Andy Calabrese. The songs recorded were written by Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Coleman and Leigh, Warren, Bacharach.

The album include collaborations with musicians Michael Van Allen, John Gabriele, Kyle Vock, Christos Dembeyiotis and Ralph DeBergalis. Mitchell said they have a real understanding of her vocal style and song interpretation.

She will be performing this Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Flight Wine Bar, 262 Exchange St., Rochester. The Ann Mitchell Jazz Trio will be featured in the Jazz 90.1 Greece Baptist Church Concert Series on at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 1230 Long Pond Rd., Rochester.

Mitchell said she would welcome the chance to perform in Orleans County at a concert series. For more information, check her website www.annsings.com or send her an email at annmitchelljazz@gmail.com.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Wilma Lemcke sings “God Bless America” in Kendall on Sept. 29, 2019 when a new war memorial was dedicated at Kendall’s community park.

Holley, Kendall teachers will play charity basketball game for Amy Laureano fund

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2024 at 3:59 pm

Amy Laureano

KENDALL – A faculty basketball game on March 7, with teachers from Holley playing Kendall, will raise money for a scholarship fund in a memory of a beloved Kendall first-grade teacher.

Amy Laureano passed away on July 30. A memorial fund in her honor goes to help students in different ways.

“She was a teacher in Kendall for over 20 years and had an immense impact on not only our students, but our community as well,” said Kendall teacher Taylor Kingsbury. “She is missed by all who knew her.”

Kendall vs. Holley faculty basketball game starts at 6 p.m. on March 7 at the Kendall High School Gym. Cost is $2 per person or $8 per family. There will be contests, prizes and basket raffles. Concessions will be available from Jimmy Z’s.

The Kendall Lions Club also will be having a chicken barbecue from noon to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 with proceeds going to the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund. The barbecue will be at the Kendall United Methodist Church. Tickets can be purchased at the main offices for the elementary school or junior-senior high school.

Kendall town officials take the oath and start their terms

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2024 at 6:20 pm

Provided photos

KENDALL – Kendall town officials took the oath and were sworn in on Jan. 4. The top photo shows Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata and Town Board member Barb Flow reciting the oath of office from Town Justice Debra Kluth.

David Bentley is a new Town Board member and he takes his oath of office.

Eric Maxon is sworn in as new highway superintendent. His granddaughter Maddison holds the bible.

Eric Maxon is joined in this photo by, from left: his son Mike, girlfriend Phyllis Winters, granddaughter Maddison, daughter-in-law Deserae, grandson Michael Jr. and Town Justice Debra Kluth.

Kendall student wins county and district oratorical contests

Provided photos: pictured from left include Inez Stangler of Kendall, Zackary Baron of Albion, and Hannah Brundage of Kendall.

Staff Reports Posted 8 January 2024 at 8:48 pm

KENDALL – Hannah Brundage, a Kendall High School senior, earned first place in the American Legion’s Oratorical Competition at the 8th District Level, which was hosted in Kenmore on Sunday.

She will be moving on to the next level of the competition on Mt. Morris on Feb. 2. Zackary Baron of Albion was second, and Inez Stangler of Kendall was third. Brundage and Baron will advance to the zone level competition on Feb. 2 in Mount Morris.

The purpose of the oratorical contest is to provide high school students with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship, said Katie Driesel, a Kendall social studies teacher.

“It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of people to deliver a speech on the Constitution with the grace and eloquence,” Driesel said.

Kendall hosted the county competition on Dec. 21 with Medina, Albion and Kendall students delivered an 8 to 10 minute speech on the Constitution. Throughout the competition students researched, wrote, and practiced their speeches. At the county level competition, Brundage also was first, with Baron in second, and Stangler in third. Abigayle Wright of Medina also competed.

At the district competition on Sunday in Kenmore, the students needed to prepare their oration and also give a short speech on a chosen amendment.

This photo shows the students at the county oratorical contest with members of the American Legion and some of the judges.

Kendall voters approve $12.7 million capital project at school district

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2023 at 9:59 pm

Courtesy of Kendall Central School – Most of the capital project includes upgrades to the elementary school.

KENDALL – School district residents approved a proposed $12,680,000 capital today with a vote of 102 in favor and 41 against.

Kendall’s recent capital projects have focused on the junior-senior high school. This proposed project is primarily at the elementary school.

The work at the school is an estimated $11,122,076 and includes site improvements with new paving, a new playground with age-appropriate equipment.

Inside the elementary school, projects include safety and security upgrades to interior doors, entryways, and alarm systems, as well as energy- efficient classroom lighting, corridor enhancements and auditorium upgrades, according to the district.

The project includes $153,089 in work at the junior-senior high school for common area improvements with new flooring and lighting.

In the transportation building, two bus lifts would be replaced at a cost of $1,065,278.

A roof would also be replaced for the Buildings & Grounds facility at a cost of $339,557.

District officials say the project won’t result in a tax increase. The state is covering 74 percent of the costs. Kendall has 15 percent of the expense already in a capital reserve fund. The other 11 percent is money Kendall has been paying in debt from prior projects that will be retired.

The project will go into the design phase to be submitted to the State Education Department in the summer 2024. After SED review/approval, construction is expected to start in the spring 2025 and be complete the end of 2026.

Dave Hofer, long-time scout leader in Kendall, honored by council

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2023 at 11:39 am

Hofer, currently battling pancreatic cancer, has been scouting volunteer for 30 years

Provided photos

KENDALL – Dave Hofer is presented with the Silver Beaver Award and also the District Award of Merit from Jess Merkel, a representative of the Western New York Scout Council.

The awards were presented on Friday at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where Hofer had been for five weeks receiving care for stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Hofer is now home in Kendall.

He has volunteered with scouts for 30 years, including as scoutmaster for Troop 94 in Kendall. He has helped the former Iroquois Trail Council for many years with its camps at Camp Dittmer in Phelps and Camp Sam Wood in Portageville.

The Silver Beaver Award is a top award from a council given to a scouter who has made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.

Hofer’s experience in scouts helped him learn the discipline and kindness that are hallmarks of his life, his wife Judy said.

Hofer was working at Kodak and running a machine shop on the side before he fully committed to the machine shop. Since 1993, he has owned and operated DMD Machining Technology in Kendall.

He has made time available to help teach and lead scouts. He has served as director of the Webelos Conservation Camp and a member of the Council Camping Committee, in addition to an active role with Troop 94.

He attended the Philmont Scout Ranch with his son Matt. Philmont, in the Rocky Mountains, is a high-adventure base of rugged mountain wilderness in northeastern New Mexico.

“Everything he’s learned from Boy Scouts he has used along the way,” Judy said. “Even on family camps we have to make sure everything is picked up better than when we arrived.”

The honors for Hofer were already in the works before his illness. Judy said the recognition is appreciated.

“He is an overall an amazing person,” she said. “He has such a great mindset.”

Dave Hofer is pictured with his son Matt and daughter Jessica. Matt and Jessica are both currently running the machine shop.

Hofer, 60, is a person who seldom has been sick and always persevered. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early November. He is now home on hospice care.

His wife Judy said the family appreciates the recognition from the scouting council, even though Hofer has always been glad to help scouts with no accolades expected.

Ken Spohr in 2007 joined the troop as a leader. At the time Hofer was the scoutmaster. Spohr said Hofer has always been willing to step up and help the troop, especially with camping.

“He was always the one to take all the gear in his truck with a group of boys and away we would go,” Spohr wrote in a letter to the Western New York Scout Council, nominating Hofer for the District Award of Merit. “Camp is where I saw Dave shine, he loved to do projects at camp and would often supply the materials himself. Over the years I cannot tell you how many projects he has done or helped with, but it is a great deal.”

Spohr said Hofer never sought any limelight. Hofer convinced Spohr to eventually take over as scoutmaster, with Hofer staying on as assistant scoutmaster.

“Dave has been the best assistant a person could ask for,” Spohr wrote in the nomination. “He is always there to help and is always willing to do whatever needs to be done. His knowledge of scouting and camping is incredible.”

Hofer lives the Scout Law of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Hofer has encouraged scouts to push themselves to be their best, and to become members of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society.

In  more recent years Hofer worked with the council to improve the scouting camps, and how Webelos can better transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

“This is who Dave Hofer is to me,” Spohr wrote to the council. “He’s the guy in the room who can teach scouts something without them knowing it and never looking for praise. He is always willing to help in any way and he lives his life by the Scout Law. He will always be a friend and an inspiration to me and Kendall Boy Scout Troop 94.”

Tammy Odenbaugh from the Baltimore Area Council in Maryland also sent a letter of support to the council urging Hofer to be honored with the District Award of Merit. She twice worked with Hofer at a scouting jamboree. She praised him for his dedication, patience and knowledge. Hofer was committed to all scouts, even setting up an archery stand for disabled scouts at a jamboree.

“Dave has given so much of his time not only to scouts in the area, but he has given his knowledge and even more time to scouts globally and nationally as well,” Odenbaugh said.

A GoFundMe page (click here) has been set up to help Hofer and his family.

Kendall lights community tree in a celebration with Santa

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2023 at 9:39 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Santa and Mrs. Claus led a tree-lighting celebration this evening at the Community Park Gazebo.

After the tree-lighting, the community was invited to the elementary school across the street for hot chocolate, cookies and a concert by the Kendall Community Band.

Santa and Mrs. Claus bore a resemblance to Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata and his wife, Sharon.

Three Kendall junior-senior high students and their teacher sang Christmas songs at the tree-lighting. Teacher Rebekah Scharf joined students Adrianna Schiavone, Lucas Jones and Karter May in singing “O Christmas Tree,” “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” and “Dashing Through the Snow.”

Kendall band students Maddie Hults and Marlie Clark also were joined by their teacher Meghan Pitarresi in performing some holiday classics.

Lori Cyr directs the Kendall Community Band in a concert at the elementary school.

Mrs. Claus hands out crayons and a Christmas coloring book.

Several of the Kendall Community Band wore Santa hats while playing Christmas music.

Dale Smalley, a retired Albion band teacher, plays the trombone in the community band.