The Department of Motor Vehicles state-wide will be shutting down at 2 p.m. on Friday and upgrade and modernize their aging technology systems.
The DMVs expect to reopen on Wednesday morning after the Presidents Day weekend. The upgrades are the first segment of a new, modernized system to give customers better and more streamlined service, and to help DMV staff serve New Yorkers more efficiently, the state DMV said.
During this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online. No DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website, and no one will be available to answer phones.
“With one consolidated, state-of-the-art system, we will be replacing hundreds of software applications, some of which date back to the days of Nelson Rockefeller,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “I truly believe it will give our staff the ability to serve New Yorkers better, faster, and more comprehensively than ever before.”
The DMV’s new modernized system will enable employees to process transactions effectively and efficiently in one secure platform rather than moving between outdated systems, further supporting the agency’s goal of one trip to an office and done, Schroeder said.
The new system will also bring additional online transactions, making it easier for New Yorkers to do what they need on their own time and from the comfort of their own homes. And it will help the agency implement future technology enhancements faster and more seamlessly.
In Orleans County, the DMV will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Customers who are in line by 12:30 p.m. will be served. However, all DMV operations cease at 2 p.m. The office will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
“February tends to be a slower time of year for DMV offices across the state so this is the best time to implement the system but we understand this can still be an inconvenience for residents,” said Nadine Hanlon, the Orleans County clerk.
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced that nominations are now open for its 44th Annual Youth Recognition Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.
“Each year we look to highlight the young people in our community who are committed to serving others, whether it’s through volunteer efforts or assuming tremendous responsibility within their own families, said Kelly Kiebala, Director of the Orleans County Youth Bureau. “By honoring the hard work of our award winners, hopefully we can inspire others to follow their lead.”
Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in an Orleans County school district and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau is also accepting nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
“Young people need mentors and positive role models and we have been very fortunate to honor some tremendous individuals over the years who did a remarkable job with our young people,” said Kiebala. “If you know someone who is making a difference working with our youth, please consider nominating them.”
All nomination forms can be found at the Youth Bureau webpage (click here). Nominations must be submitted to the Youth Bureau by March 15.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2026 at 9:48 am
Residents, businesses worry about costs of taxes, health insurance, utilities
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kelli Nicholas Owens gave some of the highlights of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Luncheon last Friday at the Fair Haven Inn in Gaines. Owens is executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Behind her are Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, and State Sen. Rob Ortt.
GAINES – Speakers at the annual legislative luncheon for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce said costs of living and doing business in the state – from utilities, health insurance, taxes, child care – are all straining peoples’ wallets making in difficult to get ahead.
Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a $260 billion executive budget that includes $4.5 billion for childcare and also eliminates taxes on tipped wages up to $25,000. The governor’s budget does not include a tax increase and makes “unprecedented funding” in law enforcement, said Kelli Nicholas Owens, executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said bringing down the costs to live and do business in the state should be a top priority for elected officials, especially for the governor and State Legislature. He said the state’s Medicaid program is a budget buster and some of the benefits should be reined in to reduce the costs. Medicaid provides health coverage to more than 7.5 million people in the state and costs about what Florida and Texas spend on the program combined, despite those states each having more people than New York, Hawley noted.
She provided some highlights of Hochul’s budget, including an additional $1.7 billion for prekindergarten and childcare, during the legislative luncheon last Friday that was attended by about 50 people.
“I think we can all agree that something needs to be done about childcare, especially in the rural areas,” Owens said.
Universal childcare is also an economic development issue, helping more parents to be able to work at a time when there are shortages of employees around the state, Owens said.
Hochul also is targeting fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for New Yorkers, and aims to reduce rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for insurers. She wants expanded discounts for homeowners and housing providers who invest in damage mitigation measures for their homes or multifamily properties.
The governor also is demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities for lower bills.
“The governor is really trying to get to those pocketbook issues that affect everyday Americans,” Owens said.
Some attendees of the luncheon said the high costs in the state are causing people to go elsewhere.
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the governor and State Legislature need to bring down the costs of living in the state, and resist bailing out Buffalo, New York City and other municipalities that get themselves into financial woes.
“The problem is everything is more damn expensive – cars, food, energy, insurance,” Ortt said.
State Sen. Rob Ortt, second from right, said Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature need to get serious about the affordability crisis in the state that is forcing many residents and businesses to flee to other states. Other speakers at the luncheon up front included, from left, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Allison Barkowski, representing Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the state needs to cut back.
“We cannot continue to be all things to all people,” he said.
He said the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, as New York City mayor has concerned many in the state’s largest city and some have said they will move out of NYC. Hawley said he hopes those people will find their new homes in upstate New York, rather than another state.
Ortt would like the governor to do more to bring down costs, but he acknowledged it is a difficult state to govern and build consensus. However, Ortt said Hochul knows the small towns like Holley and Kendall and needs to be thinking more of those places when she pushes policies statewide.
Owens, the state official representing Hochul, urged the rural areas to build a strong coalition to bring a louder voice to Albany. Owens used to work for New York Farm Bureau and she saw how that organization reached legislators in Albany through its Taste of NY Reception and Lobby Day. This year it will be Feb. 9-10.
Owens suggested the chambers of commerce in rural areas band together and be part of the Farm Bureau outreach effort.
Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, said Orleans has been able to consistently stay under the state-imposed tax cap that generally allows about a 2 percent tax increase. But Welch said the county budget continues to be dominated by state mandated expenses that are more than 100 percent of the tax levy.
The county has seen more than a million-dollar increase in one of those programs: Mental Health Law Expense 730.30, where people deemed unfit to stand trial are committed to a facility. That can cost $30,000 to $50,000 a month per person.
The “730” expense went from $57,000 in 2023 to $367,000 in 2024 (with $50,000 budgeted). This year the budget was increased to $550,000 but the county was at $1,267,000 in 2025 with December’s bill yet to arrive. The budgeted amount for 2026 is $1.5 million. The cost used to be a 50-50 split with the state, but the state made it a 100 percent county expense.
The county has expanded its work week from 35 to 40 hours a week for county employees to help make up for a worker shortage and also to lessen the need to buy more health insurance policies, which has been another big cost on the county budget, Welch said.
“We’re trying to get as much efficiency as we can with what we have,” he said.
Tony Cammarata, Kendall town supervisor, said there has been a gradual residential push from the Town of Greece going west into Hilton and Hamlin. He expects Kendall to see residential and business growth, especially with the expansion of public water and sewer in the town.
“We’re next in line,” he said about the western migration from Monroe County.
County Historian Catherine Cooper highlighted how the county this year will be observing the 250thanniversary of the United States declaring its independence. This follows a very busy 2025 when the county celebrated its own bicentennial and also the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2026 at 12:48 pm
County revenues increase 9.3 percent or by $2.2 million
ALBION – Sales tax revenues for Orleans County jumped 9.3 percent in 2025 or nearly $2.2 million from $23.42 million in 2024 to $25.59 million in 2025.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has a report showing the sales tax revenues for the counties in 2025. Orleans had one of the strongest growths in the state.
The county has seen steady growth in sales tax in recent years. It has now gone up nearly $8 million from the $17.7 in 2019 to the $25.6 million last year.
Orleans County sales tax revenues
$25.6 million in 2025
$23.4 million in 2024
$23.1 million in 2023
$22.5 million in 2022
$21.8 million in 2021
$19.4 million in 2020
$17.7 million in 2019
In Orleans County, nearly all of the local sales tax generated stays with the county government. The 10 towns and four villages collectively have remained at $1,366,671, the same amount they have received since 2001. The town and village share amounts to 5.3 percent of the $25.6 million total.
Among counties, sales tax revenue increased 4.0 percent in 2025, with 52 of 57 counties seeing an increase. Among the rural GLOW counties, Wyoming and Livingston both went down slightly.
GLOW counties
Genesee – $55.81 million in 2024 to $59.91 million in 2025, 7.4 percent increase
Livingston – $48.13 million in 2024 to $47.99 million in 2025, 0.3 percent decrease
Orleans – $23.42 million in 2024 to $25.59 million in 2025, 9.3 percent increase
Wyoming – $26.82 million in 2024 to $26.77 million in 2025, 0.2 percent decrease
Chenango County saw the biggest increase at 11.8 percent, followed by Yates (11 percent), Hamilton (10.9 percent) and Delaware (10.7 percent).
Sullivan County had the steepest decline at 5.2 percent, followed by Schoharie (3.9 percent) and St. Lawrence (3.0 percent).
State-wide sales tax growth was up 3.9 percent, up significantly from the 0.6 percent in 2024 and higher than the average pre-pandemic growth rate (3.0 percent), the state comptroller’s office stated in its report.
New York City accounts for about half of the state-wide sales tax revenue. NYC saw a 5.0 percent increase in sales tax revenue, totaling $10.9 billion, which was up by $521 million.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 February 2026 at 9:53 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Holli Nenni announced she is retiring in May after 38 years with the Orleans County DSS.
ALBION – A long-time employee in the Orleans County Department of Social Services will be retiring on May 26.
Holli Nenni of Albion has worked 28 years with DSS, including the past five years as DSS commissioner. Prior to that she was the deputy DSS commissioner the past 11 years.
Nenni first worked as a caseworker for 12 years before being promoted child support coordinator and then director of temporary assistance.
She has been leading a department with 70 employees. The DSS divisions include temporary assistance, child & family services, domestic violence services, and the child support and enforcement unit.
DSS partners with many local agencies and county departments – UConnectCare, Mental Health, Job Development and others – to help people overcome barriers and become self sufficient, Nenni has said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 January 2026 at 5:17 pm
ALBION – The replacement of the Eagle Harbor Road bridge in the Town of Barre is moving forward.
The County Legislature on Tuesday accepted a bid from Nardozzi Paving & Construction of Geneva for $979,000. This project is 100 percent reimbursable and won’t need any local dollars, county legislators said.
The Legislature also approved a bid for $1,077,947 for preventive maintenance on bridges in Kent. Keeler Construction in Barre submitted the low bid for a project that is 95 percent reimbursable.
ALBION – The Orleans County Board of Elections (BOE) reminds all registered voters that Saturday, February 14, is the deadline to change your party enrollment before the 2026 Primary Election on June 23.
Primary elections are a way for political parties to choose who will be their candidates on the General Election ballot in November. New York State has closed primaries, meaning that to vote in a party’s primary election, you must be an enrolled member of that party on or before Feb. 14.
Enrollment requests must be received by the BOE no later than Feb. 14 to be effective for the June Primary Election. Any enrollment changes received after the deadline will take effect June 30.
The Orleans County Board of Elections will be open Saturday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive any last-minute enrollment changes.
Paper forms are available at your local post office, municipal building, or over the counter at the BOE. Call the BOE at 585-589-3274 if you need a form mailed to you or have any other questions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 January 2026 at 1:23 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Coleen Pahura is shown outside her office this morning at 3 South Main St. in Albion, the lower level of the County Clerks’ Building. She was appointed on Tuesday by the County Legislature to be the county’s real property director, overseeing the Real Property Tax Services Department.
ALBION – Coleen Pahura has worked 25 years for the Real Property Tax Services Department, starting as a clerk and then as an assessor.
She now is the department’s director following an appointment on Tuesday by the Orleans County Legislature. She succeeds Dawn Allen, who retired after 19 years in the position.
Pahura admits she didn’t grow up aspiring to be an assessor or work in the Real Property Tax Services Department. In fact, she doubts that is a career goal for anyone before entering the workplace.
She had worked seven years in the City of Rochester in accounting when she took the Civil Service Exam 25 years ago. She wanted a job closer to home in Albion.
Pahura worked six years as a senior clerk in Real Property. Bob Harrold was the director at the time. When Dawn Allen took over 19 years ago, she left a job as assessor for the towns of Albion and Gaines.
Those two towns contracted with the county for assessing services, and Pahura took on tat job while working with the Real Property Tax Services Department.
She is ready for a new challenge after being an assessor for nearly two decades. Alexis Penna-Swan will be taking over Pahura’s previous job as assessor for Albion and Gaines. (Dawn Allen, while retired, is going to continue to work part-time as the Barre town assessor.)
The Real Property Tax Services Department maintains the tax maps in the county and has over 20,000 tax bills printed each year.
The office also prints out assessment and tax rolls, assists assessors, trains members of the Board of Assessment Review, and also assists in the enforcement of unpaid taxes.
Pahura’s appointment is for six years through Sept. 30, 2032.
Honoree to be recognized on ‘Older New Yorker’s Day’ in May
Press Release, Orleans County Office for the Aging
ALBION – The Orleans County Office of the Aging (OFA) is currently accepting nominations to honor an older resident who has made outstanding contributions to our community through their volunteer work.
The honoree will be part the statewide Older New Yorker’s Day of Recognition which will be held this May.
“The Orleans County OFA is thankful that we have so many older adults who are committed to service and to helping others,” said Melissa Blanar, director of Orleans County OFA. “This statewide program is a chance to celebrate their talents and achievements and say thank you for their efforts. I hope we receive several nominations.”
Blanar said the Office for the Aging Advisory Council will select the awardee, who will be also be recognized locally in addition to the state event. Nominees must be older adults residing in Orleans County who have achieved something extraordinary or performed exceptional service to the community since the age of 60.
To nominate someone for this award, there is a short application form that can be found by clicking here.
Nomination forms should then be sent to: Melissa Blanar, Director, Orleans County Office for the Aging, 14016 Route 31 W., Albion, NY 14411, or emailed to Melissa.Blanar@orleanscountyny.gov.
Nominations are due by Feb. 15. Please call OFA at 585-589-3191 if you have any questions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2026 at 1:52 pm
Orleans County Legislature, Tonawanda Nation want DEC to be lead agency for environmental reviews
ALABAMA – An open house at the Alabama Fire Hall for the proposed data center at STAMP has been cancelled for today and will be rescheduled.
The meeting was focused on a proposal from STREAM US Data Centers. That company is planning a sprawling complex at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing (STAMP), a manufacturing park being developed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
STREAM’s plan for “Project Double Reed” envisions three structures more than 100 feet tall, occupying more than 2.2 million square feet and using more than 500 megawatts of electricity per year.
Orleans Legislature says GCEDC would be biased in assessing environmental impacts
The Orleans County Legislature on Jan. 16 sent a letter to Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, asking the DEC to be lead agency for reviewing the environmental impacts of the proposed project.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center wants to be the lead agency and conduct the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act).
“Under GCEDC’s stewardship, STAMP has been nothing more than a series of unfulfilled promises, questionable allocation of resources and a series of environmental pollution events so significant that this Agency and the Federal government revoked its permits,” Lynne Johnson, Legislature chairwoman, wrote to the DEC commissioner.
Johnson said the GCEDC “biased position” will compromise its objectivity in a SEQRA review where the lead agency needs to compile data and facts and evaluate them.
“The only way GCEDC can justify the fact that it has spent almost $500 million of taxpayer dollars is to jump start a project – any project – regardless of its environmental impact,” Johnson states in her letter.
While there is limited information currently available about the data center, Johnson said the project “will likely have significant inter-county and regional impacts, including on air quality, energy usage, water usage, and waste water disposal that are ill-suited for a single county IDA to oversee as part of the SEQRA review.”
Tonawanda Seneca Nation calls project: ‘terrible threat to our people, our Territory, and future generations’
Chief Roger Hill of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation has also asked the DEC to be the lead agency in the environmental impact review. In a letter Dec. 15, 2025, to Commissioner Lefton he said the proposal for the data center, doubling its size from an earlier submission by Stream U.S. Data Centers “threatens far greater harms to the Nation and the surrounding environment than the earlier, discredited application.”
Hill said the latest proposal will be much closer to the Nation’s Big Woods.
“As we review the details of this terrible threat to our people, our Territory, and future generations, the Nation reiterates the call we made to you when we met in November: DEC must take lead agency status for SEQR review of this hulking data center facility,” Hill wrote. “GCEDC cannot be entrusted with this vital role.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Motor Vehicles – along with all DMV offices in the state – will be undergoing a large-scale system upgrade next month that will require the office to be closed and potentially alter our business hours, according to County Clerk Nadine Hanlon.
In February, the New York State DMV is implementing the initial phase of a multi-year project to replace and modernize the aging technology systems. To bring the first part of the new system online, the state is ceasing all DMV operations, including online and phone systems at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13.
Hanlon said in order to implement the changeover, the Orleans County DMV will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13. Customers who are in line by 12:30 p.m. will be served. However, all DMV operations cease at 2 p.m. The office will remain closed on Presidents Day, Monday February 16 and Tuesday, February 17.
The state DMV’s implementation timeline calls for all offices to be operational and open for customer transactions beginning Wednesday, February 18. Orleans County anticipates opening at 8:30 a.m. on that day provided the state gives the go-ahead. Any changes to this schedule will be posted on the county website at www.orleanscountyny.gov, the Orleans County Facebook page and shared with local media outlets.
“February tends to be a slower time of year for DMV offices across the state so this is the best time to implement the system but we understand this can still be an inconvenience for residents,” Hanlon said. “That is why we are letting people know now, so they can plan accordingly.”
During this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online. Again, no DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website, and no one will be available to answer phones.
“Our DMV staff have been diligently working through the mandatory training, however, transitioning to and fully understanding a new system takes time,” said Hanlon. “We remain committed to providing efficient and accurate service and we appreciate the public’s understanding during this adjustment period.”
About the DMV system upgrade
New York State DMV has contracted with software company FAST Enterprises, LLC, which has implemented similar systems in more than 20 other states, to help NYS DMV modernize its technology platforms and service delivery in two major stages over the next two years. The new technology will replace and consolidate a significant portion of DMV’s legacy technology, some of which are over 50 years old. The goal of this initiative is to make the DMV more secure, stable, and agile and to provide DMV customers with more efficient, secure, and convenient services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2026 at 11:58 am
Chart information from NYS Department of Labor. October’s date was combined with November’s due to federal government shutdown in October.
The unemployment rate in Orleans County was at 4.1 percent in November, according to the New York State Department of Labor.
The rate started at 5.1 percent in January and generally decreased until June at 3.3 percent and was then up and down through November. December’s data hasn’t been released yet.
The 4.1 percent is close to neighboring counties:
Orleans, 4.1 percent
Genesee, 3.4 percent
Wyoming, 3.8 percent
Livingston, 3.6 percent
Monroe, 3.9 percent
Niagara, 4.4 percent
Erie, 4.0 percent
Compared to a year earlier n November 2024, Orleans County has 400 more people working – 17,400 in November 2025 versus 17,000 in November 2024. The unemployed is up by 100 from 600 to 700. The unemployment rate increased by 0.7 percent from 3.4 to 4.1 percent.
That 0.7 increase is among highest in state. Six other counties went up by 0.7 percent: Niagara (from 3.7 to 4.4 percent), Chautauqua (3.8 to 4.5 percent), Chenango (3.0 to 3.7 percent), Greene (3.3 to 4.0 percent), Otsego (3.6 to 4.3 percent) and Greene (3.3 to 4.0).
There were two counties at a 0.8 percent increase: Lewis (from 3.3 to 4.1 percent) and Yates (from 2.9 to 3.7 percent).
Delaware County saw the highest at 0.9 percent (3.4 to 4.3 percent). There are 62 counties in the state.
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson said the county supports the new tax exemption for veterans signed into law by Governor Hochul this past December. The new law exempts qualifying veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability from local property taxes.
“The Orleans County Legislature is fully supportive of legislation that provides benefits like this exemption to those who made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Johnson. “Like other counties across the state, we are waiting for guidance from the state over implementation, as things seem to be in flux. But I want to stress is that, to the extent we have any say over this, we will be fighting for our veterans.”
Nikolas Mroz, Director of the county’s Veteran Service Agency, said his team has been in regular contact with state officials and is trying to get clarification for the many veterans who have already called his office.
“We do know that the date for this exemption to be included in the tax roll is October 1 which means it would take effect for 2027 for those who qualify,” said Mroz. “There are around 120 vets in Orleans County who have a 100 percent disability rating and receive the current tax exemption, and based on the criteria in this new law, they may or may not qualify for the new exemption. But this situation is fluid and there could be changes.”
Mroz encouraged any veterans with questions to call his office at 585-589-5219.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 January 2026 at 8:31 pm
26 class members will learn about different sectors of county throughout 2026
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Leadership Orleans Class of 2026 kicked off its year of exploration in Orleans County with an opening day retreat today at Fairhaven Inn.
Pictured, front row, from left: Patti Doyle, Ashley Sutherland, Meghan Bevins, Jenai Walker, Krista Dhow and Will Gregoire.
Second row: Pam Wadhams, Ciara Silversmith, Hana Robinson, Rachel Frasier, Darelyn Songer and Brandon Smith.
Third row: Brett Sobieraski, Geen Henry, Lisa Elschker, Susan Thaine and Dr. Taweepon Farrar.
Back row: Sara Flansburg, Jake Weller, Terry Kingdollar, Tim Smith, Gabriella Bottorff, Timothy Dunham, Craig Lane and Chris Hughes. (Missing from photo: Valerie Wells and Amy Crandall.)
Skip Helfrich, executive director of Leadership Orleans since the program started in 2018, discusses different leadership styles during the opening retreat today.
Some of those styles in the “DISC” profile include dominant controller, cautious analytical, influencing promoter, and steadfast supporter.
The “dominant controller” tend to be very determined and decisive, and “results oriented,” Helfrich said, and are often CEOs, entrepreneurs and people who excel at sales.
The “cautious analytical” are very thorough and organized and are often engineers and accountants.
The “influencing promoter” bring lots of ideas and energy and are often politicians, artists and debaters, Helfrich said.
A “steadfast supporter” is a team player and collaborator, often people who excel in human resources, service jobs and as union reps.
Each of the class members did a DISC profile to see where they landed. Helfrich discussed how the different types of people can often clash, and often help each other when they appreciate their different skill sets and styles.
Fairhaven Inn hosted the opening retreat which continues on Friday. This is the ninth class of Leadership Orleans. In the first eight years, 203 people graduated from the program.
The new class of 26 members will spend a year learning about the county and themselves.
The class represents several sectors in the community, including agriculture, education, human services, government, business, a church and volunteerism.
The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community.
The class will meet monthly, building leadership skills and gaining knowledge, experiences and meeting people from many different sectors in the community. The class will spend different days focused on agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, law enforcement, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development.
The group typically visits about 40 sites around the county and hears from about 50 presenters.
The program receives a stipend from the county, and there are many sponsors of programs throughout the years. The class members also pay tuition to be in Leadership Orleans.
This year’s class members include:
Meghan Bevins, assistant director of Orleans County Office for the Aging in Albion
Gabriella Bottorff, food safety coordinator for Lake Ontario Fruit in Albion
Amy Crandall, assistant vice president Generations Bank in Medina
Patti Doyle, art engagement director for GO Art! in Batavia
Krista Duhow, learning coordinator at Medina Central School
Timothy Dunham, executive director of human resources at Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Lisa Elschker, human resource generalist at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
Dr. Taweepon Farrar, district superintendent for Niagara/Orleans BOCES
Sara Flansburg, owner of Blissett’s Specialty Shop in Medina
Rachel Frasier, executive assistant for Western New Energy in Medina
Will Gregoire, mechanical engineer for Udderways in Albion
Geen Henry, assistant director of prevention for UConnectCare in Albion
Chris Hughes, director of district wellness at Medina Central School
Terry Kingdollar, family support specialist at Arc GLOW in Albion
Craig Lane, commissioner of public works for Orleans County
Hana Robinson, founder of World Life Adventures in Albion
Ciarra Silversmith, clinic manager at Orleans Community Health in Albion
Brandon Smith, loan officer at Farm Credit East in Batavia
Tim Smith, senior principal engineer at Baxter Medical in Medina
Brett Sobieraski, investigator for District Attorney’s Office in Albion
Darelyn Songer, secretary to Orleans County chief administrative officer
Ashley Sutherland, branch manager for M&T Bank in Lyndonville
Susan Thaine, pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Albion
Pam Wadhams, director of Headstart for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Janei Walker, HR manager at Baxter Healthcare in Medina
Jake Weller, network engineer for Info Advantage in Rochester
