By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 August 2026 at 12:37 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Firefighters work to put out a fire in a storage building at 15959 Bridge Rd. in Kendall.
Flames were shooting out from the building and melted some of the siding at a barn next door, but the fire was largely contained to the storage shed. The sandstone smoke house next door also acted as a fire wall and kept the fire from spreading.
Tom Munzert said he was burning weeds with a torch around the shed this morning. He kept a close eye on them and everything seemed fine. He was working outside on a lawnmower when a passerby alerted him to the fire.
The storage building had ATVs, lawnmowers and a mattress inside that were owned by a former tenant, Munzert said.
Kendall firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. They were assisted by firefighters from Carlton, Murray, Clarendon and the Hamlin-Morton-Walker Fire District.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2026 at 11:44 am
Provided photo
KENDALL – Kendall’s Class of 1986 recently met at a classmate’s home for their 40th reunion.
“Plenty of yearbooks, hundreds of photos and other memorabilia were shared!” said John Richards, who helped plan the event for his classmates.
Pictured in first row: Tammy Riviere and Leandra Tonweber. Second row: Lori Green, Dee Bliss and Tonya Colburn. Third row: Mark Moss, Dale Bloodworth, John Richards, Cory Brumfield, Jim Sennett, Cathy Barthel, Stacey Ingraham and Jeff Perrigo. Top row: Anne Elphick, Brian Lang, Mike Hill, Nadine Paduchak and Paula Streeter.
Cuddle Buddies can provide comfort for people suffering emergency or traumatic event
Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Rev Cuddle Buddies are shown inside a Kendall fire truck and response vehicle.
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – In an effort to make emergency situations a little less frightening for community members, the Kendall Fire Department has partnered with Healthy Highway to receive a donation of ten Rev Cuddle Buddies comfort items.
The stuffed dinosaur companions will be carried on department apparatus and given to community members during emergencies, providing comfort and reassurance during what can often be one of the most stressful moments of their lives.
Assistant Chief James Fox said the donation is about much more than a stuffed animal, it’s about showing compassion when people need it most.
“As first responders, we often meet people on one of the worst days of their lives,” Fox said. “Whether it’s a house fire, motor vehicle accident, medical emergency, or another traumatic event, everything around them can seem overwhelming. Something as simple as handing them a Rev Cuddle Buddies gives them something to hold onto, something that helps them feel safe and reminds them that someone cares.”
Assistant Chief James Fox and Deputy Chief Mike Cole hold the donated Rev Cuddle Buddies, which are intended as comfort items for people stressed from an emergency.
Fox explained that he reached out to Healthy Highway after learning about the organization’s mission of supporting first responders and helping people cope with emergencies.
“When I saw what Healthy Highway was doing for communities across the country, I knew this was something that could make a real difference here in Kendall,” he said. “Our firefighters and EMTs are committed to taking care of people, and that includes caring for their emotional well-being. Children and adults with developmental disabilities process emergencies differently than adults, and having a comfort item can help reduce fear and anxiety while we focus on helping them and their families.”
The ten donated Rev Cuddle Buddies will be distributed by firefighters and EMS personnel whenever they encounter individuals involved in emergency incidents. While they are especially helpful for children, they are also beneficial for people with developmental disabilities or elderly patients experiencing dementia, who may find comfort in a familiar, calming object during stressful or confusing situations. The department hopes the program will bring comfort during difficult moments while helping build trust between first responders and the community.
“This is an incredible addition to the services we provide,” Fox added. “We’re grateful to Healthy Highway for recognizing the importance of supporting people during emergencies. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on families in our community, and we can’t thank them enough for partnering with us.”
The Kendall Fire Department says the donation reflects its ongoing commitment to serving the community beyond emergency response. While firefighters and EMS personnel are trained to save lives and protect property, they also recognize the importance of compassion and emotional support for all patients, regardless of age or ability.
Through this partnership with Healthy Highway, Kendall firefighters will now have another tool available, one that doesn’t fight fire or treat injuries, but instead helps bring comfort, courage, and a sense of calm when it’s needed most.
Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of volunteers and donors who support Healthy Highway’s mission. Every donation helps place comfort items like Rev into the hands of first responders, allowing them to provide emotional support to those in crisis. If you would like to support this program and help bring comfort to people in communities like Kendall, please consider volunteering or making a donation through Healthy Highway.
The Kendall Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Healthy Highway, its volunteers, and its donors for making this partnership possible. Together, they are helping ensure that even during life’s most difficult moments, members of the community know they are not facing them alone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2026 at 2:59 pm
Day 5 in Kendall with Community Action 400 concluding Saturday in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Today is day 5 of the Community Action 400, and Brett Sobieraski’s blistered feet are hurting.
He entered today have already run over 200 miles since Saturday. He is attempting to complete 400 miles over 8 miles with a goal of raising $20,000 for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. As of about noon, the fundraising is up to $19,000.
The top photo shows Sobieraski, second from right, chatting with Kendall resident Jim Baker, a fellow ultramarathoner. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter is second from left with his son Kevin next to him. Christine Klein is at far right.
Klein drove in from Chili and she brought the rosemary herb, which she said promotes circulation and clears brain fog. Klein said so many miles in a short time frame can lead to delusions.
“I’ve run ultras,” she said. “I know how you can feel loopy.”
She ran 20 laps with Sobieraski this morning for 5 miles. He is going to try to complete 220 laps for 55 miles today. Klein could see Sobieraski was struggling with very sore feet, but was pushing forward.
“It’s amazing what he does,” she said.
Jim Baker runs with Brett Sobieraski on the Kendall track. Sobieraski has already run 55 miles on Saturday in Albion, 55 miles on Sunday in Lyndonville, 50.5 miles in Batavia on Monday and 55.8 miles in East Rochester on Tuesday.
After Kendall today he plans to run 55 miles in Medina on Thursday, 55 in Holley on Friday and 15 in Albion on Saturday. He needs to make up for the 4.5 miles at Batavia. The track closed at 5:30 p.m. due to a lacrosse game. Sobieraski made up 0.8 mile on Tuesday with 3.7 more before the 400-mile trek is complete.
Baker, 63, said he has run many miles at the Kendall track training for marathons and ultras that are beyond the 26.2-mile distance of a marathon.
“I hope he can do it,” Baker said about Sobieraski’s 400-mile goal. “He’s a good man. He has a ton of heart.”
Sobieraski is cheered on by some members of the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, who too their lunch break to encourage him. From right from the DA’s office include Michayla Boyer and Michelle Werth, the director of the Crime Victim’s Office. Sobieraski’s girlfriend Laura Rinaldi is second from left.
Sobieraski is retired from the Rochester Police Department as a sergeant. He is working as an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.
His two sons graduated from Kendall.
Sobieraski said today’s effort in Kendall is dedicated to Rich Williams, a longtime wrestling coach in Kendall who passed away at age 64 on July 3. Williams “would give you the shirt off his back” and was a great friend and mentor to many in the community, Sobieraski said.
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter is next to Sobieraski on the Kendall track. Baxter’s son Kevin is on the other side. They are joined by Christine Klein.
Sheriff Baxter said he was there to provide moral support because he knew Sobieraski’s feet were badly blistered and he could use encouragement.
About 250 people joined Sobieraski on Tuesday in East Rochester, including many law enforcement officers.
Sobieraski used that run to also honor the memory of three law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty: Rochester police officer Daryl Pierson, Rochester police officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz and Jamison Ritter, a Rochester native killed in the line of duty working as an officer in Cleveland.
Sobieraski said it was an emotional high seeing so many people come out in support of those three officers on Tuesday.
He welcomes community members to join him on the track, even for a lap, at any of the locations.
Kendall Fire Department rallies behind Sobieraski for charity run
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – As local hero Brett Sobieraski made his way around the Kendall track on Wednesday as part of a 400-mile charity run, he was met with a show of support from the Kendall Fire Department.
Fire apparatus lined the roadway, emergency lights flashed, air horns echoed through the community, and firefighters, family members, and residents gathered to remind Brett that he wasn’t taking a single step alone.
Assistant Chief James Fox said supporting Sobieraski was never a question.
“Brett is an inspiration to everyone, not just those who wear a uniform,” Fox said. “He has always been a supporter of our fire department and is like family to everyone he meets. Brett would give the shirt off his back and literally the skin off his feet for anyone who needs it. The strength and determination he shows is simply unbelievable.”
When firefighters learned that Sobieraski would be running in his hometown and completing laps on the Kendall track, the department quickly organized a show of appreciation.
“There was never any doubt that we’d get some trucks out there and make a little noise as we rolled up to the track,” Fox said. “It’s just a small way of showing Brett that he’s not alone out there.”
The support extended well beyond the fire apparatus. Past Chief Bryan Hardenbrook, his wife, and their two children joined Brett on the track for a lap, along with Junior Firefighter Charlie Fox, her sister Rylie Fox and friend Brooke. Their participation symbolized not only the department’s appreciation but also the community spirit that Sobieraski has inspired throughout his journey.
Earlier that morning, the department issued a page requesting drivers to help move the apparatus to the track.
“Within one minute of sending the page, my phone was blowing up,” Fox said. “That says everything about the members of this department. It makes me proud to be a chief in a department that genuinely loves supporting people who sacrifice so much of themselves to raise money for such great organizations.”
While the fire trucks and flashing lights caught the attention of many, the true story was the relationship between a community and one of its own. Sobieraski’s relentless commitment to raising money for charity has inspired countless people, and Kendall firefighters wanted to ensure he felt that support while in his hometown.
As Brett continues his remarkable 400-mile journey, the Kendall Fire Department hopes their tribute serves as a reminder that behind every extraordinary effort is a community standing shoulder to shoulder with those who dedicate themselves to helping others.
For the members of the Kendall Fire Department, honoring Brett Sobieraski wasn’t simply about supporting a runner, it was about recognizing a man whose selflessness, perseverance, and commitment to serving others embody the very values firefighters strive to live by every day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 9:15 pm
Photos from City of Rochester
ROCHESTER – Firefighters stand and salute during the funeral procession on July 15 for Lieutenant John “JJ” Joseph of the Rochester Fire Department. Joseph graduated from Kendall and started as a Kendall firefighter before joining the Rochester FD 18 years ago.
Photo from Local 1071: John “JJ” Joseph joined the Rochester Fire Department when he was 19 and served 18 years with the RFD.
“JJ” Joseph was 37 years old. He died on July 7 from occupational cancer from his career as a firefighter.
His father Bart Joseph also has been active with the Kendall Fire Department and is retired from a 39-year career as a Rochester firefighter.
The Kendall Fire Department brought a contingent of personnel to the funeral and also a Kendall fire truck. Lt. Joseph was honored at his funeral at the Blue Cross Arena.
The Kendall FD posted on its Facebook page that Joseph began his journey in the fire service at Kendall.
“While his career eventually led him to the Rochester Fire Department, he never forgot where it all began, and we will always be proud to call him one of our own,” the Kendall Fire Department posted. “John’s courage, dedication, and servant’s heart will continue to inspire us. His memory will ride with us every time the tones sound, every time we climb aboard the truck, and every time we answer the call to help someone in need.”
Joseph worked at Engine 5 for most of his career and was the union secretary for Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071.
“He is a young man and friend to many, an extremely hard worker, a strong advocate for our union members and a great firefighter,” Local 1071 posted on its Facebook page. “Please keep his family and the RFD in mind.”
Joseph was laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester.
The Rochester Fire Department posted this statement following the death of Lt. Joseph:
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and every member of the Rochester Fire Department as we grieve the loss of our beloved brother.
“The bond shared by firefighters extends far beyond the walls of the firehouse. In moments like these, we are reminded that we are a family, united by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to one another.
“On behalf of the Rochester Fire Department, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning this tremendous loss. May Lieutenant Joseph’s memory be a source of strength and comfort to all who knew him, and may his example continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.”
People are welcome to make a donation to the Joseph family through an online fundraiser by The Yard Foundation, which is focused on helping firefighters and their families. Click here for more information.
A Rochester fire truck carried the turnout gear for Lt. Joseph during his funeral procession.
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.
