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Kendall FD hosts kids for pizza party after shoveling out fire hydrants

Posted 4 February 2026 at 2:32 pm

Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Hall hosted a pizza party for children who shoveled out a fire hydrant or a neighbor’s driveway during a snow day on Jan. 26.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – What started as a simple snow-day contest for kids last week quickly turned into something special for the Kendall Fire District and the entire Kendall community.

During the snow day, the Kendall Fire District posted a challenge on Facebook inviting children in the community to shovel out a fire hydrant or help clear a neighbor’s driveway. Any child who participated and shared a photo would have their name placed into a hat for a live Facebook drawing, with the winner earning a ride to school in a fire truck.

Kendall Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, back left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis greet kids who will get a ride to school on a fire truck.

“We honestly thought we might get four or five kids to take part,” said James Fox, Captain with the Kendall Fire District. “Instead, it turned into more than 40 kids stepping up to help others.”

The overwhelming response caught the attention of the district’s Public Relations and Community Outreach Team. Impressed by the number of young participants and their willingness to serve, the department decided they wanted to do more to show their appreciation. A pizza party was planned at the firehouse to recognize every child who gave their time to help the community, as well as the parents and guardians who ensured the activities were completed safely and shared photos with the department.

As soon as the pizza party was announced, local businesses began calling the firehouse asking how they could help. Community support poured in. Partyka Farms donated an ice cream cone for each contestant. J&M Auto Service paid for all of the pizza, while Hamlin Pizza Shack donated fried dough, soda and water, and provided free delivery of all the pizza.

The recognition continued at school as well. The Kendall School District honored every participant during its Student of the Month ceremony. District Chief Randy Davis and Deputy Chief Mike Cole attended the ceremony and presented certificates of appreciation to each child.

The pizza party was held yesterday evening at the firehouse and was filled with food, laughter, and fun. Kevin Watson, the elementary school principal, was the guest of honor and pulled the winners’ names from a hat. The district then decided why stop at just one winner?

Instead of selecting a single child, the District chose to fill three large fire apparatus with winners. As a result, four children will now receive a full escort to school in a fire truck. The winners are Jeffery Lutes, Nora Rasmusson, and siblings Presley and Brantley Cole.

What began as a fun snow-day activity became a powerful reflection of what Kendall represents: One Family, One School, One Community. District Chiefs Davis and Cole say they are excited about future events involving the community and encourage residents to be on the lookout for more fun and meaningful ways to get involved.

On snow day, kids in Kendall shovel out many fire hydrants

Posted 27 January 2026 at 11:53 am

Photos courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: More than 40 kids took the challenge on Monday to shovel snow away from fire hydrants in the Kendall community or to help shovel a neighbor’s driveway.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – During Monday’s snow day with kids getting the day off from school, the Kendall Fire Department set out to create a simple and fun way to keep kids engaged while also helping the community.

What began as a small idea quickly turned into an inspiring display of community pride, service and teamwork.

The department announced a contest inviting children to shovel out a fire hydrant or a neighbor’s driveway for a chance to win a ride to school on a Kendall fire truck. While firefighters anticipated just a handful of participants, the response far exceeded expectations, with over 40 submissions from children across the Kendall community.

“Helping others is at the core of what we do,” Capt. James Fox shared. “But watching these young kids brave the cold, take initiative, and help ensure fire hydrants were accessible was truly special. Clearing hydrants means that if a home or a neighbor’s house were to catch fire, firefighters can access water quickly when every second matters. That level of awareness and selflessness at such a young age was one of our proudest moments.”

To thank everyone who participated, the Kendall Fire Department will be hosting a pizza party on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at the firehouse for all contest participants. During the event, the department will also draw the name of the winner who will receive a memorable ride to school on a Kendall fire truck. The drawing will also be done live on Facebook.

The department would also like to recognize Partyka Farms for their generous donation of ice cream for each child who participated in the contest, helping make the experience even more rewarding.

“In a time when there can be so much division, the Kendall community once again showed what makes our town special,” Fox added. “This event was a powerful reminder that we are one school, one community, and one family.”

The Kendall Fire Department thanks all the children, parents, and neighbors who helped turn a snow day into an unforgettable demonstration of community spirit.

Hamlin out to early lead in euchre tournament with Kendall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2026 at 7:53 pm

84 card players on first night, with 2 more days in 71st annual tourney

HAMLIN – There was a big turnout on Wednesday for the opening day of the 71st annual Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament.

There were 84 players, which John Becker of Kendall believes is a record.

The Hamlin team is in a slight 184-point lead after the first day of card playing. Hamlin hosted the opener at Merritt Hall and the action shifts to the Kendall Fire Hall on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and then it’s back to Hamlin the following Wednesday.

The town with the most points after three days will be declared the winner. There is no trophy, just camaraderie and fun (and possibly a free fish fry paid for by the losing team).

Kendall won last year’s tournament by 158 points – 4,437 to 4,279. Last year there were at least 70 card players each if the three nights, but never got into the 80s. In 2024, the participants were in the 50s and 60s.

The two towns have kept up the tradition for generations. The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.

The tournament started in 1954 when a group of farmers from Kendall and Hamlin stopped to play cards after attending a farm show in Rochester.

They had so much fun playing cards and drinking beer that the euchre tournament became an annual event. It remains popular and has expanded from a one-evening tournament to being spread over three Wednesdays in the dead of winter.

71st annual Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament begins Jan. 21

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 January 2026 at 8:50 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Card players filled the Kendall Fire Hall on Feb. 5, 2025 for the Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament. The three-day tournament provides some fun and camaraderie during the middle of the winter.

KENDALL – Card players are welcome to be part of the 71st Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament which begins this Wednesday in Hamlin at Merritt Hall at 6:30 p.m.

The action then shifts to Kendall at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Kendall fire hall and concludes in Hamlin at Merritt Hall on Feb. 4 with the fish fry supper to follow at the Hamlin VFW.

The two towns have kept up the tradition for generations. Players can just show up, said John Becker of Kendall. There are usually about 60 players each night.

The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.

After the three days of card playing, the scores will be tabulated to determine the winner.

The event isn’t a fundraiser, but Becker said donations are made to the fire departments in both Kendall and Hamlin.

The tournament started in 1954 when a group of farmers from Kendall and Hamlin stopped to play cards after attending a farm show in Rochester.

They had so much fun playing cards and drinking beer that the euchre tournament became an annual event. It remains popular and has expanded from a one-evening tournament to being spread over three Wednesdays in the dead of winter.

The tournament still includes many farmers but it has opened up to the entire community. The players pay $10 each night and that includes beer or soda.

Kludt third in state in corn yield contest, tops 300 bushels

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 9:22 pm

KENDALL – Matt Kludt of Kludt Brothers Farm is back on the leaderboard among the top corn growers in the state.

Kludt finished third in New York with 307.8705 bushels in strip-till, minimum-till, mulch-till, ridge-till non-irrigated class.

Matthew Swede of Piffard was first at 311.2497 bushels, with Ryan Swede of Pavilion second at 309.0837 bushels.

Kludt won the state title three straight from 2014 to 2016.

The National Corn Growers Association has held the yield contest for 61 years. This year there were nearly 7,800 entries from farmers in 47 states. Entrants across 10 production categories had verified yields averaging 269 bushels per acre.

The highest yield for the year came out of Charles City, Virginia – 572.2589 bushels per acre in Class H (strip-till irrigated) for David Hula.

“The Yield Contest is really about finding out what this crop is capable of,” said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. “And as corn farmers, we get to show what we’re made of, too. It challenges participants to find innovative ways to succeed and contribute to decades of agronomic data that prove that American farmers are great at what we do.”

The winners will be honored at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, from February 25-27.

State approves $8 million in water grants for Barre, Kendall and Clarendon

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2025 at 5:25 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: Barre will be able to build a new water tank in the Pine Hill area after being approved for a $2,097,940 grant from the state today. This photo shows the current 150,000-gallon water tank behind the firehall on Route 98. The new tank will be 250,000 gallons and will boost water pressure and allow for possible expansion of the water system on the western side, linking with Shelby.

Three towns in Orleans County have been approved for grants from the state for water infrastructure.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced nearly $8 million in grants for three towns – Barre, Clarendon and Kendall.

The grants are among $453 million approved for water infrastructure projects across New York State through the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs.

“New York families should not be burdened by rising water bills and outdated systems,” Governor Hochul said. “With this funding, the State is helping communities take on essential projects without passing unsustainable costs to residents and businesses. These investments will protect public health, support local economies, and help ensure reliable, safe water for years to come.”

The grants for Orleans County municipalities include:

• Town of Barre – $2,097,940 for water storage tank and pump station improvements.

Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said the grant will go towards a second water tank in town, with the new one in the Pine Hill area. The project also includes pump station upgrades.

Pogue said the exact location of the new water tower is to be determined. It will be a 250,000-gallon tank, which is bigger than the 150,000-gallon behind the fire hall on Route 98.

Barre also is waiting word on whether it will be approved for a grant for Water District. No. 10 through the Community Development Block Grant program.

• Town of Clarendon awarded $928,000 towards Water District No. 14 , which includes a section of Route 237, Boots Road, Merrill Road and McAllister Road. The project will link some water districts and close some dead-end lines while expanding public water access.

• Town of Kendall – $5 million for Water District No. 11, which covers 76,700 linear feet (nearly 15 miles) on Roosevelt Highway and Lakeshore, Petersmith, Norway and Center roads.

Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the project loops districts improving water flow and bringing more public water to residents.

“There are streets where half are with water half are without,” he said. “We’re trying to complete the puzzle. This will be the second largest water district in the town.”

The town and residents had wells tested, completed income surveys and took other steps to secure the grant.

“They deserve it,” Cammarata said about the need for the new water district. “We’re very thankful and very appreciative.”

Kendall also putting in a new sewer district that is currently under construction.

“We’re moving in the right direction to give our residents more reasons to work here and stay here and be part of our community,” he said.

Kendall working to repair boiler system in elementary school

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2025 at 10:08 am

KENDALL – Students at Kendall Elementary School aren’t at school today due to heating issues caused by a malfunctioning boiler system.

Nick Picardo, the district superintendent, said Kendall staff and professional company are working to repair the boiler.

“We are hopeful and expect students in grades PreK-6 to return to school tomorrow,” Picardo said.

Kendall’s Class of 1975 celebrates 50th reunion

Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:26 pm

Provided photos and information courtesy of Peggy Bropst

KENDALL – Twenty-five classmates, seven teachers and their guests met on Saturday, October 11th at the Back Porch 585 Tavern for an afternoon of reminiscing, visiting, music, good food and lots of laughing!

Pictured, in front: Rosemary Nix Steffen and Joan Smith Page.

Next row: Bill Uhl, Beverly Fair-Brooks, Peggy Wheelock Bropst, Debbie Hansen Thomas, Brenda Munzert Jackling, Joy Meiers Cliff, Cheryl Schepler Fishbaugh, Dona Wilson Maynard, Tina Knittle Harper, Cheryl Kludt Cole, Judy Smith Fox and Nanci Barthel Bogan.

Back row: Dave Cole, Kim Smith, Mark Elmore, Rob Kraynik, Kathy Redshaw Gardner, Karen Waye St. John, Andy Keyser, Ron Graham, Mark Maynard, Garry Schildt and Ray Oehlbeck.

Mark Maynard led us on a wonderful walk down memory lane and the Rev. Kim Smith blessed our class, our meal and those we have lost from the class – Mary Cataldi, Valerie Coolbaugh, Tim Graham, Mike Gray, Rick Lardner, Judy Rowles, Tim Tytler, Wayne Vanderlaan, Kevin Van Orden and Mike Woodhams.

The class enjoyed a Kendall-themed cake for the milestone reunion.

Teachers in attendance were Linda Curtis, Jerry Greenlee, Gail Johnson, George Lonnen, Gary Kent, Carla Petronio and Jim Sauberan.

Norwegians celebrating epic voyage 200 years ago that brought immigrants to Orleans County

Posted 5 October 2025 at 7:17 pm

The replica of the Norwegian ship, the Restauration, is re-enacting the 14-week long voyage taken 200 years ago in 1825 by a group of 52 emigrating Norwegians bound for the deep dark woods of Murray on the southern shore of Lake Ontario.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 35

On Thursday, October 9, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will welcome the ship “Restauration” on its arrival in New York City. This will culiminate its successful re-enactment of the journey undertaken in 1825 by the group later referred to as the “Kendall Sloopers.” This event is part of a celebration of 200 years of Norwegian emigration.

It may come as a surprise to many Orleans County residents to learn that the Kendall Sloopers are still celebrated in Norwegian history. From an early age, Norwegian students learn about this brave group who are hailed as the first group of organized emigrants to America.

Their journey is referred to as the Norwegian Mayflower because of its impact on later emigration trends. It is estimated that, following the inspiration of the original group, some 800,000 people, about a quarter of the population, left Norway in the following years.

The story of that first Norwegian group is remarkable. Two factors influenced their decision to embark on this journey to America: freedom of religious expression and better economic prospects.

In the course of the Napoleonic Wars, a young Norwegian named Lars Larsson was imprisoned in England for seven years, 1807-1814. Members of the newly formed Society of Friends, or Quakers, visited the prisons. Their philosophy of pacifism, equality and rejection of rituals and ministers appealed to the Norwegian prisoners. The prisoners also learned to speak English. Upon his release, Larsson chose to stay in England for a year, working for Margaret Allen, whose son, David, was a prominent Quaker.

Back in Norway, Larsson proclaimed his new Quaker beliefs. Many people were attracted by the Quaker philosophies. Lutheranism was enshrined in the Norwegian Constitution, and a strict version was observed at that time. Hefty fines would be imposed on those who did not pay Church taxes. Larsson was soon in trouble with the authorities for convening Friends meetings.

Another group of religious dissidents emerged at that time, the Haugean Lutherans, who were also reacting against the strictures of the established Church. Both groups were harassed by the authorities. It became obvious that they would not be permitted to practice their beliefs. Some English Quakers who visited them had also been to America. They told of the freedom of religious practice permissible here and of the opportunities to purchase land and prosper.

Cleng Perrson, an adventurous Norwegian, acted as a scout. He journeyed to America in 1823, He made contact with Quakers in Farmington, Ontario County, and learned about land available in Western New York. He went to the land agent in Geneva, bought a parcel of land and arranged for five additional parcels to be held for a year. The land was located in northern Murray, which was split off to form the Town of Kendall in 1835.

Cleng returned to Norway with news of good prospects and plans were soon made for departure. Lars Larsson was a shipbuilder. He and a crew retrofitted a 54-foot sloop for an ocean voyage and named it the Restauration.

The ship set sail on July 5, 1825, with 52 people aboard: a crew of seven, and six families. Conditions were very cramped. The ship took a long and circuitous route, presumably to take advantage of the trade winds.

There were some misadventures. The ship stopped at the coastal town of Lizette in England but ran afoul of the authorities when they tried to trade alcohol for supplies and had to make a hasty departure. On their approach to Funchal, in Madeira, they were almost fired on for being a plague ship as the crew, who had enjoyed the contents of a floating cask of Madeira wine, failed to raise their flag.

After 14 long weeks, the ship arrived in New York on October 9, 1825 with 53 people aboard. A daughter, named Margaret Allen, had been born to Lars Larsson’s wife.

It is this journey that the Crown Prince will celebrate on October 9. While in America, he will also visit the Norwegian-American communities in Decora, Iowa and Minneapolis, Mn. As befitting the times, this event is chronicled online at www.vesterheim.org, https://vesterheim.org/programs/200th-immigration-anniversary or the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum’s posts on Facebook.