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.

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.”

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.

Photos and information, Kendall Fire Department

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.

Press Release, Cub Scout Pack 3094 in Kendall

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.

Provided photo
CARLTON – The Kendall Fire Department recognized three firefighters on Saturday who have volunteered for 50 years with the department.

Pictured from left include Blaine Young, John Becker and Bill Hardenbrook at the Carlton Rec Hall.

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.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The cast of Mary Poppins sings one of the iconic songs from the musical, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Ierlynn Maloney starred as Mary Poppins, center,  in Kendall’s performances, which included a show on Friday and two on Saturday.

There were 28 students in the cast and another 16 in the crew. Melanie Langton was the show’s artistic director and producer, with Rebekah Yoder the music and instrumental director.

Karter May plays Bert. He is shown in the opening scene, introducing the audience to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the home of the Banks family: George and Winifred Banks, their two naughty children Jane and Michael. They are also joined by a cook/maid, Mrs. Brill, and their house boy, Robertson Ay.

Things are not going well for the nanny, and she storms out. Mary Poppins arrives and takes charge of the Banks children.

Mary works magic in getting the two Banks’ children to behave better and respect their nanny. Kayla Minster, center, plays Jane Banks, and Savannah Stone plays the role of Jane’s brother, Michael Banks.

Noah Morehouse as George Banks and Adriana Schiavone is his wife, Winifred Banks. George is under intense stress at work as a banker, and Winifred feels she has shortcomings as a wife and mother.

Bert and Mary meet up at the park for a “jolly holiday.” Bert works as a chimney sweep and street lamp lighter, and in this scene his talents come out as a sidewalk artist. Karter May, Left, Ierlynn Maloney, right, are shown dancing with Madison Hults.

The group of children meet the enigmatic Mrs. Corry (center in red played by Riley Passer) who runs a magic sweet shop that also sells words , in this case “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

The cast gave an energetic performance of the “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Photo courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Department gave these kids a ride on fire trucks on Monday morning. They were picked up and taken to school, where they were enthusiastically greeted outside by their classmates.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – Community spirit was on full display on Monday morning as the Kendall Fire District escorted several local students to school aboard a fire truck after they participated in the department’s Snow Day Hydrant Challenge.

During the recent snow day on Jan. 26, students from the Kendall community stepped up to help their neighbors by shoveling out fire hydrants throughout the district. Keeping hydrants clear of snow is critical during winter months, ensuring firefighters can quickly access water in the event of an emergency.

To recognize their efforts, the Kendall Fire District entered the participating students’ names into a drawing. Several winners were selected to receive a special ride to school on a fire truck.

The students arrived at Kendall Central School in style, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of classmates, teachers, and staff members who gathered outside to welcome them. The moment highlighted the pride the community takes in supporting one another and recognizing acts of service no matter how young the volunteers may be.

“This is what community is all about,” said Captain James Fox of the Kendall Fire District. “Seeing students take the initiative to help keep their community safe and then seeing the entire school come together to celebrate them was truly special.”

Captain Fox expressed his appreciation to District Chief Randy Davis, Deputy Chief Mike Cole, the Kendall Fire District, and the Kendall Central School District for helping make the event possible. Their leadership and partnership helped bring the recognition together and ensured a memorable experience for the students involved.

For us at the Firehouse, the event was more than just a fun ride to school it was a reminder of the importance of community involvement and the positive impact young residents can have on public safety, said Fox.

As the fire truck pulled away and the students began their school day, the smiles on the faces of the children and staff alike served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can bring a community together.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department is excited to announce a pancake breakfast this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire hall, 1879 Kendall Rd. The all-you-eat meal is $10 per person.

We invite the entire community including our local and visiting snowmobilers to join us for a warm meal and a chance to spend time at the firehouse.

Winter in Kendall brings a lot of activity to our area, especially along the snowmobile trails that run throughout the town. We know many riders pass right by the firehouse every season, and we’re hoping this event gives everyone a great reason to stop in, warm up, and say hello. Whether you live here year-round or are just traveling through on the trails, you are welcome at our station.

Members of the department will be cooking and serving a hearty breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, eggs, and beverages. More importantly, this is an opportunity for the public to meet the firefighters and EMS providers who serve our community every day. Visitors will be able to see the fire apparatus up close, ask questions, and learn more about what we do not just during emergencies, but throughout the year.

“Events like this are important to us because they allow people to see that the fire department is part of the community, not just who shows up on someone’s worst day,” said Captain James Fox.

The Kendall Fire Department prides itself on being more than just an emergency service. We are your neighbors, your friends, and your volunteers. Events like this help strengthen the relationship between the department and the community we are proud to protect. It also gives families and children a comfortable chance to visit the firehouse, meet our members, and see where we respond from when a call for help comes in.

More activities added to game on Tuesday in benefit for Senior Class

KENDALL – An alumni basketball game on Tuesday at Kendall is a chance for the community to gather and cheer on some Kendall graduates while also raising money for the senior class.

Kendall grads will tip off at 6:30 p.m. in a game at the junior-senior high gym. There is a $10 admission that includes a Gatorade and car decal.

The event will include more than the basketball game. The senior class has added more opportunities to have fun for the evening.

Karter May, a member of the Senior Class, wants to see a big crowd come out for the game and festivities. Proceeds will help the Senior Class which is planning a senior trip on June 9-11 in the Poconos. The fundraiser also helps with flowers at graduation and prom decorations.

Besides the game, the activities include:

• Bring a blank shirt and get a customized design for $5 to create your own Kendall Spirit Wear
• Halftime events include a chance to launch a rubber eagle from the bleachers. The three closest to the center of the gym floor win a prize basket
• Alumni cheer performance
• Mascot Photo Booth with the Kendall Eagle mascot
• Kendall temporary tattoos that are free to kids 10 and younger
• Limited edition Kendall merch – attire, drink ware, keychains, car decals, stickers and more

Doors open at 6 p.m. Spectators are urged to wear either a white or blue shirt.

Those interested in playing in the game can contact Phil Kludt through Facebook or call/text at 585-733-0240.

KENDALL – The Town of Kendall this year will start displaying banners celebrating veterans in the community along Kendall Road.

Kendall is joining other communities with “Hometown Hero” banners. Albion, Barre, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina all have been displaying banners of veterans for several years in Orleans County. Those banners are typically up before Memorial Day in May and on display until just after Veterans Day in November.

Kendall welcomes families to purchase a banner to recognize a loved one who has been in the military or is currently serving. The banners are $300. The Kendall Highway Department will hang the banners and they will be out in three cycles until the end of 2028.

Dave Bentley, a Kendall town councilman, said the town wants to honor veterans and also promote patriotism in the community, especially with this year being the 250th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence.

Kendall is planning a big celebration for the 250th anniversary that will coincide with the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival. There will be a fireworks show on July 11 to conclude the milestone anniversary celebration for the country.

The banners will go from the four corners in downtown Kendall to near the intersection at Route 237 and Route 18. If there is more demand than spots available on Kendall Road, Bentley said some banners may be displayed on Route 18 going towards the junior-senior high school.

Those interested in a banner will need to fill out a one-page application at the Kendall Town Hall. For more information, call the Town Hall at (585) 659-8721 or email Bentley at dbentley@townofkendallny.gov.

HAMLIN – The Town of Hamlin is the euchre champ for 2026 against its card-playing rival, the Town of Kendall.

The towns have been playing euchre in a tournament since 1954. They for three Wednesdays, usually with 60 to 80 players.

Hamlin had the most points the first night, and then Kendall stormed back to claim the most points last week.

This week was the tie-breaker and Hamlin squeaked out a win, besting Kendall by 198 points. Both towns tallied more than 4,000 points over the three days.

Hamlin gets bragging rights for a year and also was treated to a fish fry by the losing team.

“In the words of Bills fans everywhere, ‘Wait ’til next year,’” said John Becker, chairman of the tournament for Kendall.