By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2026 at 1:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Fireworks burst in the sky at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Saturday night next to the Gondola Wheel, one of 12 rides at the carnival from Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville.
The fireworks show was bigger than in recent years with the Town of Kendall raising money for the show as part of a 250th anniversary celebration for the United States of America.
Henry Tomasino and Kourtney Marion both volunteered selling waffles for the Kendall Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday night. They did it as part of the 15-hour community service requirement needed to graduate from Kendall.
The food vendors for the fire department said they were busy all three nights, and ran out of some of the items.
The band Tryst closed out the carnival on Saturday, performing in front of several hundred people in and outside the beer tent. Here the band sings, “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith.
The game “I Got It” was busy on Saturday night.
This goose figurine was dressed up in patriotic red, white and blue near the waffle booth.
KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival included a Kiddie Parade today at 11:30 a.m., a procession in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
It started at the Methodist Church and concluded at the carnival grounds, which is celebrating the country’s anniversary. The Kiddie Parade was sponsored by The Tree House School of Play at Albion.
Chase Kludt trails a wagon in full costume. William Hardenbrook was Uncle Sam and enthusiastically showed off his sign.
After the parade, the children who appeared most patriotic were announced as winners. The competition was separated into age brackets, with one boy and girl victor per age group. The brackets were toddler, pre-k-kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, and grades 3-6. Winners received ride bands for free entry onto carnival rides. The other parade participants retrieved ice cream coupons. All of the children were given freeze pops.
The winners of the toddler age bracket were Callie Burch and Caleb Partyka. The pre-k to kindergarten group’s were Jacob Mathes and Makenna Partyka. For 1st-2nd grade, the winners were Evelyn Robinson and William Hardenbrook. 3rd-6th grade victors were Chase Kludt and Travis Manners.
Makenna Partyka, right, and another girl pose for their photo. Caleb Partyka rides on the John Deere tractor in the background.
Before the parade kicked off, Katie Spohr of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee stated, “We’re hoping to have a great day. Looks like we’re starting to have a good turnout. I love it! This parade is just part of the fun. Our theme is patriotic, and we see a lot of red, white, and blue here today, so it’s great.”
Orly the Ox, the bicentennial mascot for Orleans County, made an appearance in the parade. The trailer features signs stating that there will be fireworks at 10 p.m. today at the carnival.
The path of the parade went from the Methodist Church to the 250th Birthday America booth. The booth featured multiple fun and patriotic stations.
Dave Bentley, part of Kendall’s Happy 250th Birthday America Committee, worked a raffle for a quilt. The Victorian Thimble & Petals was present, wearing historical reenactment garb. Black’s Mercantile showed off Civil War Weapons from 1861-1865, also in reenactment costumes. Jeff Kinne, one of the sponsors of the Happy 250th Anniversary America carnival, provided entertainment, singing patriotic country songs at the booth after the winners were announced.
The children had fun in the parade. Here, a boy celebrates.
Daughters of the American Revolution had multiple items to pick up when passing by. Its station had educational and fun activity bags, crayon packs, heart stickers, America 250 bracelets, and coloring books containing primarily Revolutionary War pages as well as a 4th of July page. Additionally, it contained four pamphlets for adults, each explaining a different facet of American history. One told the tale of the Pledge of Allegiance, and another provided fun facts about the Constitution.
Maggie Culmone of The ROC MUA paints a burger on Peytyn Green’s face. Peytyn is from Henrietta and participated in the parade.
Peytyn’s sister, Ophelia Martinez, posed for a photograph. She was also in the parade.
Robin Schepler, aka Gramma Robin, made balloon animals and figures. The options were many including a puppy, penguin, donkey, elephant, mosquito, daisy with a stem, flower, rainbow headband, jester hat, wand in superhero or heart variety, sword in two varieties, flag on a heart, historical gun, and patriotic hat. Maggie Culmone, a makeup artist for The ROC MUA, did face painting.
Tanner Rinas of Kendall is all smiles as he awaits his patriotic balloon sword. Gramma Robin is hard at work tying its pieces together.
The children were very excited to show off their patriotic spirit. Some even made custom signs.
Eden Lamay, one of the judges for the Kiddie Parade, said, “This is the first year we’ve done it in a long time.” Melissa Shultz, another judge, voiced to those who attended, “Thank you for coming out.” She added to those who couldn’t make it, “Make sure to check for next year’s kiddie parade. We’d love to see more.”
Korra Palumbo from Kendall, a carnival attendee, was all dressed up as Abigail Adams. Here, she carries an America 250 flag as she poses in front of the Victorian Thimble & Petals station.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:23 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – George Mann, a 97-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Navy, waves to people along the Kendall Road parade route on Thursday evening during the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade. He was joined in the car by veterans Pat Condo and Fred Conrad.
Many in the crowd clapped and showed their appreciation for Mann, Condo and Conrad, the three veterans in the car.
Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.
Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year.
Max Equipment Rentals brought a foam cannon to the parade to the delight of many kids.
Rich Harpole, owner of Foam Hippo, was happy to spread joy with the foam cannon.
Mattison Maxon is covered in foam while riding the float for Max Equipment Rentals.
Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.
Scouts in Pack and Troop 94 created a float with a Statue of Liberty.
Adele Mathes, a member of Troop 94, waves to a friend along the parade route.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer promoted activities on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, including fireworks at 10 p.m.
Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley tosses frisbees to the crowd.
State Sen. Rob Ortt hustles to get a reload of candy.
The Safety Pup waves to people from the top of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s new armored vehicle, a Bearcat.
Some older John Deere tractors were part of the parade procession.
A woman signals for Kendall highway trucks to honk their horns.
A young dancer from Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin shows her moves.
Head Over Heels Dance & Acrobatics in Holley brought a big contingent for the parade.
A passenger in a Kendall fire truck tosses candy to kids.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – These kids are delighted to be on the “Little Wheel” at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Thursday. From left include Sylas Herring, 4, of Holley and Brody Buschang, 3, of Hilton.
This is one of 12 rides brought to the carnival by Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville. The carnival continues today and on Saturday.
Chris Casale sings “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the main stage of the carnival. There are bands performing each night.
Brynn Hardenbrook, 15, joins volunteers serving up hamburgers, sausage, fries and lots of other food. Carol D’Agostino, a long-time volunteer, is next to her.
The “Rock O Plane” ride flips people upside down.
Mackenzie Cooper, 12, tosses a ring during a game of Ring A Knife. She was on target and won a pocket knife. Her sister, 10-year-old Kayla, is next to her. Mackenzie had just played a soccer game for Kendall against Albion.
Elmora Arena, 2, of Greece rides the Merry Go Round and looks back at her mother.
Kendall firefighters are busy in the food pavilion. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis work the hot grill on Thursday evening. The hamburgers were served with peppers and onions.
The Gondola Wheel is a new ride at the carnival this year.
An open field has been transformed into a midway for the carnival.
Kids get on the Go Gator at the carnival. Kendall is the last community doing a firemen’s carnival in Orleans County.
These kids have fun on the Dizzy Dragon ride.
A hay bale by the Kendall Town Hall is decorated for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:43 am
Parade, rides and lots of food will kick off event
Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the Caterpillar coaster ride during last year’s Kendall Carnival.
KENDALL – The annual Kendall Fire Department Carnival returns for three days of fun beginning today.
The carnival grounds open at 5 p.m. with food, then 6 p.m. the amusement rides will be open. The parade starts at 7 p.m.
Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville is the ride provider for the second year, and will have 12 rides. This time Knox is bringing a Gondola Wheel instead of a Ferris Wheel. The Gondola can fit four people, compared to two on the Ferris Wheel.
Last year was the return of the carnival after the fire department had a field days event in 2024. Kendall was unable to secure a ride company until Knox’s stepped in last year.
The community responded with big attendance all three days, making it one of the best carnivals for the fire department, said Bryan Hardenbrook, one of the co-chairman for the carnival. Cole Hardenbrook, Bill Hardenbrook and Phil D’Agostino also are co-chairs for the event.
This year’s carnival also includes special events on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States. The Town of Kendall has organized those events, which include displays of patriotic memorabilia. The town also took the lead on Saturday’s fireworks show, which will be bigger than in the past for the carnival.
The daily schedule includes:
Today
Grand Parade, 7 p.m. (begins at Kendall Elementary School)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 9:25 am
Color splash part of celebration at elementary school
Photos courtesy of Andy King, Kendall art teacher
KENDALL – Robbert Mundt, a Kendall sixth-grader, runs through a cloud of color powder thrown by sixth-grade teachers during last Thursday’s moving up ceremony outside the Kendall Elementary School.
Kendall since 2021 has celebrated sixth-graders moving up to the junior-senior high school with a ceremony that includes a color splash.
There are 51 sixth-graders moving up to the junior-senior high school.
Sidewalks were chalked by families during the day with messages for the sixth-graders. Some families need to rechalk their messages three times due to rain showers throughout the day. The moving up celebration was held in the bus loop.
Jaydon Stephens emerges from a cloud of chalk powder.
Kevin Watson, the school principal, usually handles the DJ duties for the celebration but this time handed off the role to sixth-graders Joliene Jurzysta, left, and Preston Swetz. They both have been the DJs for Kendall’s monthly SOAR assemblies. They were able to participate in the color splash when it was their turn.
Eleanor Heeks gets color sprayed by the sixth grade staff.
Landon Perry is moving to seventh grade. He is all smiles with his father, Lucas, following the ceremony.
The sixth-graders take a final group shot at the elementary school following the moving up ceremony.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2026 at 10:00 pm
Photo courtesy of Andy King, art teacher at Kendall Central School
KENDALL – As part of the Flag Day celebration at Kendall Elementary School each year, staff and students gather outside in a formation of red, white and blue.
This year they were organized on Friday to show the numbers 2-5-0, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2026 at 10:03 pm
Provided photos
KENDALL – Students and staff at Kendall Elementary School gather around the flagpole in the front of the school on Thursday during the school’s annual Memorial Day observance.
The annual ceremony at the school began with students watching a 2-minute video created by our art teacher, Andy King. The video discusses the history of Memorial Day and differentiates it from Flag Day, Veteran’s Day, and the 4th of July.
“We strive to ensure that students understand and appreciate the true meaning behind this 3- or 4-day holiday weekend,” said Kevin Watson, the school principal. “During this video, students are instructed about the sounding of Taps, Taps-related etiquette (not wearing hats, not speaking, not clapping following the playing of Taps).”
This group plays Taps in the school’s front yard.
The students gather around the flag pole and Taps was played by a group of five musicians. That included two high school students – Leah Brundage and Savannah Stone; Kendall music teachers – Lindsey Chalmers and Josh Mantegna; and Board of Education trustee David Warren. The BOE member is part of Bugles Across America, a national organization that links bugle players up with miliary funerals.
Kendall also live streams the Changing of the Guard in an available room so that classes may stop by throughout the day and watch the ceremony.
The musicians playing Taps include, from left: Lindsey Chalmers, Savannah Stone, Leah Brundage, Joshua Mantegna and David Warren.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2026 at 12:17 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata speaks on June 5, 2025 during a ground-breaking celebration for a $17 million sewer project in Kendall and Hamlin. He is shown at Lake View Park on Thompson Drive, where the project started and then headed east to Hamlin covering about 15 miles of sewer pipe.
KENDALL – The Town of Kendall has been awarded an additional $4.7 million from the state for a new sewer district that is nearly constructed.
Kendall celebrated the start of a $17 million sewer project about a year ago. The 15-mile-long sewer district serves 330 residences in two towns with most of the sewer pipe going in Kendall. There is also a portion of the project in Hamlin.
The project starts at Thompson Drive in Kendall and heads east along the shoreline in Kendall, and then includes part of Hamlin, covering an area just south of the Hamlin Beach State Park.
Kendall officials pushed for the sewer project after lake waters were so high they chewed away many feet of the shoreline in 2017 and 2019, threatening residents’ property.
Kendall was able to tap more than $12 million in the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), up from the initial award of $9 million. Kendall also was awarded a $1,763,835 state grant through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act to put in the sewer lines.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced $4.7 million in an additional state grant and low-cost financing for the construction of the new low-pressure sewer and collection system that serves parts of Kendall and Hamlin.
Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said 22 residences have already hooked into the sewer district.
“This is a big enhancement to protect the lakeside residents from rising waters,” Cammarata said this morning. “This is a big project that we’ve been working on for seven years.”
The additional state funds will reduce the debt payments for the district users, Cammarata said.
Gov. Hochul announced $113 million on Thursday for water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects, including the money for Kendall and Hamlin.
“Safe, reliable water infrastructure is essential to healthy communities and a strong economy, and New York is continuing to lead with historic investments statewide,” Hochul said. “We’re helping communities make needed water infrastructure improvements that improve quality of life while protecting New Yorkers from rising costs.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2026 at 8:40 am
KENDALL – The school district is proposing a $23,469,328 budget to the community for a vote on May 19. Kendall’s budget would raise taxes by 3.15 percent – from $5,162,224 to $5,324,835, an increase of $162,611.
Kendall school officials will go over the budget during a presentation today at 6:30 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
The vote will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall on May 19.
Kendall school leaders say many factors are driving the $2,045,169 budget increase for 2026-27: inflation, special education enrollments, instructional operation enhancements, shared services with BOCES, debt service, benefits, salaries, and minimum wage increases.
The debt service increased by 47.7 percent or $1,124,632 because Kendall will be issuing debt during June 2026 to pay for current capital project costs. However, this will be offset by a corresponding increase in building and transportation aid.
Kendall is using $150,000 more from its fund balance to lessen the need on property taxes, school officials state in the district’s budget newsletter.
State aid at $16,004,160 covers 68 percent of the school budget. The tax rate is projected at $10.29 per $1,000 of assessed property, which Kendall officials say in one of the lowest school tax rates in the area.
In addition to the budget, voters will be presented a proposition to use up to $390,000 from the vehicle capital reserve fund to purchase vehicles in the transportation program for the district, including passenger buses.
There are also two candidates for one five-year term on the Board of Education.
• Christa Bowling currently represents Kendall on the board of Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES. She and her husband have two children, a fifth-grade daughter at Kendall and a 20-year-old medically complex son who is in the Transitions Program at BOCES.
Bowling is the sole proprietor for a direct sales and distribution business. She has been Girl Scout Leader for Kendall since 2023, leading a troop of 40 girls each year. She is part of the Kendall Strategic Plan Committee. Her family has been involved with coaching Kendall Rec Soccer for seven years.
“Since moving to Kendall, our family has fallen in love with this community and school district because of the compassion and pride that comes with being an Eagle,” she said. “My drive to be on the Kendall BOE is my love and passion for advocating for both students and staff, which I have proven to do with my BOCES 2 Board role. I plan to help ensure that Kendall continues to have devoted staff, small class sizes, opportunities for all students, and continues to be an affordable community we are all proud to call home.”
• David Warren is a current Board of Education member. He is retired as a manufacturing engineering manager. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.
Warren has been a Little League baseball coach, youth soccer coach, and manager of the Kendall Community Band.
“I want to help ensure that our students have the best opportunity for success,” he stated in the school newsletter about why he is running for the Board of Education.
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Elementary School
ALBION – Students from Kendall Elementary’s Safety and Responsibility Squad took their learning beyond the classroom this week with a hands‑on visit to the Orleans County Public Safety Building in Albion. They are shown in the above photo on top of the Orleans County Jail on Platt Street in Albion.
The group was welcomed by Sheriff Chris Bourke and members of the Sheriff’s Office for an inside look at how local law enforcement keeps the community safe.
During the visit, students toured the Dispatch Center, observed how emergency calls are managed, and learned how drone technology is used to support investigations and public safety operations. Squad members also engaged in thoughtful conversations with deputies about responsibility, decision‑making, and the many roles within modern law enforcement.
Sheriff Chris Bourke welcomes the students and school resource officer George Barton, a Sheriff’s deputy, to Bourke’s office at the Orleans County Public Safety Building on Route 31.
The Public Safety Building tour is one of four experiences the Safety and Responsibility Squad participates in each year. Students also visit the Marine Patrol at Point Breeze, tour the Orleans County Jail, and—new this year— SRS will take their first trip to the Orleans County Animal Control Center in Albion.
Kendall Elementary values its strong partnership with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the daily support provided by the district’s School Resource Officer. These experiences help students build leadership skills, understand community systems, and see firsthand the importance of service to others.
The students met with some of the Marine Patrol unit at Point Breeze.
KENDALL – On Tuesday, May 5th, the Kendall Fire District was dispatched at 7:54 p.m. for multiple reports of heavy black smoke in the area of Lakeshore Road. While responding from the fire station, Kendall 1 immediately observed large plumes of black smoke visible from a distance and advised Orleans County Dispatch of the conditions.
Upon arrival at 8:01 p.m., crews discovered a large debris fire approximately 2,000 feet off the roadway involving trash and tires being burned. The volume of smoke created visibility concerns for nearby homes and motorists traveling along the Lake Ontario State Parkway, Assistant Chief James Fox said.
One of the biggest challenges crews faced was accessibility. Due to the remote location of the fire, traditional fire apparatus could not safely reach the scene. Mutual aid assistance was requested from neighboring departments with specialized off-road capabilities.
The Brockport Fire District responded with an off-road brush fire unit, Clarendon Fire Company responded with their Argo utility vehicle capable of transporting manpower and equipment, and Shelby Fire Department provided additional off-road brush fire support. Additional manpower and tanker support were provided by the Murray Joint Fire District, Carlton Fire Company, Clarendon Fire Company, Shelby Fire Department, and Brockport Fire District.
Because the incident occurred in a non-hydrant area, a tanker shuttle operation was established to maintain a constant water supply. Kendall 34 served as the base pumper supplying the off-road vehicles operating at the fire scene. Approximately 8,000 gallons of water were used during suppression operations.
The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District provided district coverage for Kendall while crews remained committed to the incident. Firefighters operated for several hours extinguishing hotspots and ensuring the fire did not spread into surrounding vegetation and eliminating the environmental hazards. All units returned to service at approximately 12:04 a.m.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) responded to the scene and is conducting an investigation into the incident.
On behalf of the Kendall Fire Department, The Chiefs’ Office would like to thank all our neighboring departments and assisting agencies for their rapid response, teamwork and continued support. Incidents like this highlight the importance of mutual aid partnerships and specialized equipment when operating in challenging conditions.
KENDALL – On Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m., Cub Scout Pack 3094 will host a community-wide family event, opening participation to Kendall and Holley Elementary School students.
Families will design, build, and race small tamarin-style sail boats to race down rain gutters. The Pack is collecting registrants now to prepare boat kits for a group building night on Thursday May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kendall Methodist Church.
On race day, in a double-elimination style competition, children will race at least twice to compete for the first, second and third place medal.
John Heeks, Kendall Cub Master, says the Pack is looking for new members and believes events like the Regatta bring the community together for fun, outdoor learning – a cornerstone of Scout programming.
“The (Rain Gutter) Regatta is one of my family’s favorite Cub Scout events,” said Heeks.
He adds that the Pack hopes to bring the neighboring townships’ children together.
Heeks and his son joined Cub Scouts in 2024. Heeks took over the role of Cub Master in 2025 where he and Den Leaders have led the Pack in other events like group Campouts and the beloved Pinewood Derby.
For more information on Cub Scout Pack 3094, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2026 at 7:59 am
Provided photo: About 30 volunteers picked up trash along Kendall roadways in April 24, 2021. This photo shows John Patt, a Kendall Boy Scout at left, and other volunteers including his father, Jim Patt.
KENDALL – The community is welcome to be part of the next roadside cleanup in Kendall.
The Kendall Highway Department and the Kendall Lions Club will join for the roadside cleanup on Saturday, April 25, as part of Earth Day.
Volunteers are asked to check in at the Highway Department at 9 a.m. on Crandall Avenue to be assigned a route. Completion is at noon.
The Kendall Lions Club will be cooking hot dogs that will be ready after the cleanup.
