BARRE – The Barre Betterment Committee today will celebrate Founder’s Day at the Barre Town Hall in honor of the town’s 202^nd birthday.

The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with bingo, popcorn and a historical talk from the town historian. At 5:30 p.m. there will be children’s activities and stories.

The Founder’s Day celebration will close out the event with cake, milk and a “Toast to Barre” at 7 p.m.

All the events are at the Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.

The Barre Betterment Committee works to promote, united, improve and enhance the quality of life for the common good in Barre. The group formed two years ago to help organize the town’s bicentennial. It has continued to organized events in barre, including the lighted tractor parade in December and other activities.

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CARLTON – An Albion man rejected a plea offer today that would have capped his prison sentence at 10 years for attempted murder in the second-degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second.

Scott A. Foley, 52, was arraigned on Feb. 20 for attempted murder in the second degree, which carries a maximum of 25 years in prison.

He allegedly fired two shots from a rifle on Jan. 2 at Roadies Pizzeria and Sports Bar on Route 98.

Foley also is facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and driving while intoxicated.

District Attorney Joe Cardone said Foley showed a depraved indifference to human life by firing the rifle twice from his vehicle in the parking lot. One of the rounds was recovered inside the pizzeria and sports bar.

Foley was at Roadies and was asked to leave by one of the co-owners after a “disturbance,” Cardone said on Feb. 20.

Foley left and returned, allegedly shooting a rifle from the parking lot. Cardone said the incident was unprovoked and “an extremely serious situation.”

Foley has been in the county jail since his arrest with bail currently set at $15,000 cash or $75,000 bond. He appeared in court today with his attorney, Jim Doyle. They were presented the plea offer but declined it.

Doyle said he is preparing motions or arguments to file in the case.

In other cases in court today:

• Tashira Allee, 36, of Medina pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. She could face up to a year in the county jail when she is sentenced on May 14.

Allee admitted in court to Judge Church she had a stolen trailer on July 21.

“Did you possess with the intent to benefit yourself and not the owner?” Judge Church asked her.

“Yes,” Allee responded.

She is a co-defendant in a case with her husband, Anthony Allee. He also is facing federal charges. He has been charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, marijuana, hydrocodone, and cocaine, unlawful possession of a machine gun, and unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life.

With the stolen trailer, Mrs. Allee today agreed to pay “reasonable restitution,” an amount to be determined.

• A Cobleskill man was arraigned in for third-degree rape, two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal sex act in the third degree.

Ronald R. Cook Jr., 35, allegedly had sex with a 15-year-old girl who he met through the 4-H program. He entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

He has no prior criminal history. The judge set bail at $10,000 cash and $25,000 bond.

Press Release, Nate McMurray for Congress

Nate McMurray, Democrat running to represent the 27th Congressional District, today released his proposal for job creation and economic growth in Western New York.

Nate McMurray

McMurray’s plan includes funding critical infrastructure development; investing in stable jobs in education and healthcare; encouraging the development of rural broadband and clean energy industries; promoting workforce training and small businesses; and raising the minimum wage.

As the vast majority of new private sector jobs in the state continue to be concentrated in New York City, McMurray’s plan outlines strategies to spur economic growth in Western New York.

“There is an incredible wealth of talent and potential in Western New York — it’s just a matter of harnessing it,” said McMurray. “We have the opportunity, with the right resources, investment, and training, to sustainably grow our economy and make sure all working families are lifted up in the process. Our current president and leaders in Congress promised to get the job done on infrastructure and have failed to deliver. It’s clearer than ever that we need new leadership in Washington.

“As your representative, I would ensure that we have the funding to repair our bridges and roads, that we’re investing in the healthcare and education sectors, and that our region is a leader in emerging industries like solar and wind where sited properly. Our district needs to have a fighter in Washington who will advocate for these policies, and win.”

As the Town Supervisor of Grand Island, McMurray created jobs by attracting major business, investing in infrastructure and green technology, and filling dormant industrial space with new business.

McMurray’s plan to expand job opportunities and spur economic growth includes:

• Funding and expanding infrastructure development: For years, our state government has diverted money away from critical investment in our bridges and roads, leading to crumbling infrastructure in our region. The federal government can, and should, step up to invest in transportation, infrastructure, and mass transit where we need it most. Legislation like the bipartisan BUILDS Act can help support workforce training programs for jobs in the infrastructure industry.

• Encouraging the development of rural broadband: Internet access is a fundamental necessity in the modern workforce — and yet, 80 percent of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable high-speed internet are in rural areas. Investing in broadband access for our communities will spur good union jobs and bring our economy into the 21st century.

• Investing in the education and healthcare sectors: “Eds and meds” are powerful economic drivers in our region, providing good, sustainable jobs for thousands. We must prevent further funding cuts to these sectors — which result in job cuts — and actually invest in the hospitals and public schools that support our community. We can do this by supporting the Rebuild America’s Schools Act, which invests $100 billion in public school facilities to create jobs and improve schools, and the Strengthening Our Rural Health Workforce Act of 2019, a bipartisan bill that supports key rural health workforce programs.

• Supporting local small businesses: We should be supporting small businesses that fuel local job creation, not providing tax breaks and incentives to the wealthiest among us. We should support the creation of an Office of Emerging Markets within the Small Business Administration to expand resources and assistance to small businesses in rural areas.

• Investing in the burgeoning solar, wind, and other sustainable energy industries: Investing in the solar and wind industries in our region helps us create jobs while also helping to meet our nation’s clean energy goals. These pieces of infrastructure must be properly sited. We can also support legislation that provides workforce training in the clean energy industry for our veterans.

• Exploring new crops to grow in our region, including hemp and cannabis: New York State took steps in 2019 to regulate the production and sale of hemp products, but we still need to do more to protect and support in-state growers and fully take advantage of this economic opportunity. If New York legalizes adult use recreational marijuana, there’s huge potential for economic growth if we take steps to assist in-state farmers and properly regulate.

Nate McMurray is a native of North Tonawanda. He ran for Congress in NY-27 in 2018 and lost by less than 1% of the vote. Nate is a family man, an Eagle Scout, and one of seven children raised by a single mother when his father died of cancer at the age of 39.

Nate worked his way through community college, earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Buffalo, then earned a law degree from California’s prestigious Hastings College of Law. The US government awarded Nate a Fulbright Scholarship to study the development of constitutional democracy in South Korea. His academic successes led to positions in private law practice, where he ably represented U.S. business interests in Asia.

Nate was formerly the Town Supervisor of Grand Island, a conservative community in Western New York, where he was instrumental in bringing fiscal responsibility to local government and millions of dollars in new business investment to the town.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Students may now take their driver’s permit knowledge test online at Lyndonville Central School through the New York State DMV-certified program.

The purpose of the program is to drastically reduce the time spent by students and parents at the DMV office.

This opportunity is offered free of charge to students who are within two months of their 16th birthday and are currently enrolled, and in good standing, at Lyndonville High School. All training materials and forms are provided free of charge by the DMV. After passing the online exam, the students who are at least 16 years of age will then be able to take the receipt and completed forms to the DMV to get their permit processed.

Jason Barnum, Lyndonville’s School Resource Officer, was selected by the administration to research, start and proctor this program. For more information on the online permit testing program, contact Officer Barnum at jason.barnum@orleanscountyny.gov. To register for the test, contact Lyndonville’s main office at 585-765-3162.

ALBION — A man involved in an 11-hour standoff in Knowlesville in December was arraigned in Orleans County today for multiple charges in that incident, as well as additional charges of rape for alleged crimes in November 2018.

Edward Loper

Edward Loper, 31, was taken into custody at 2:48 a.m. on Dec. 4 after a standoff with law enforcement at 3634 Knowlesville Rd. Deputies were dispatched to the site at 4:46 p.m. on Dec. 3 with reports of a disturbance.

The first arriving law enforcement officers found a large crowd outside the residence and learned a person had been assaulted and mini-14 rifle and a shotgun had been stolen. Loper went back inside the residence after threatening to kill the people in the front yard, deputies said then.

A perimeter was then established by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and State Police. The Orleans County Multi-Agency SWAT was then requested to the scene when the law enforcement on the scene were unable to make contact with Loper.

An Orleans County Sheriff’s investigator and negotiator from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office were able to make contact with Loper. After an hours-long phone conversation with Loper, and several tactics used by the SWAT teams on scene, Loper agreed to come out of the residence. He came out of the front door and was taken into custody at 2:48 a.m. on Dec. 4.

This morning he was arraigned for third-degree assault, second-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.

He faced an additional felony indictment this morning for four counts of second-degree rape and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Loper allegedly had sex four times with a 14-year-old girl in November 2018.

Loper, represented by attorney Michael O’Keefe, entered not guilty pleas this morning before Judge Sanford Church.

The judge set bail at $10,000 cash and $50,000 bond for Loper, who is in the Orleans County Jail. The judge said bail was necessary “given the nature of the charges” and Loper’s criminal history, which includes two parole violations and 12 misdemeanors.

The judge also approved an order of protection for the alleged victim with the rape charges.

Loper is to appear in County Court on March 19.

Anonymous donors challenge community to raise remaining $50,000 of a matching Built-To-Play Skate Park Grant at Butts Park

Press Release, Medina Skate Society

MEDINA – The Village of Medina will be building a new public concrete skate park over the next year thanks to a pair of area donors who wish to remain anonymous. With their generous contributions the Medina Skate Society will have raised over $202,000 towards a new public skate park on South Main Street.

Along with remaining anonymous our largest donors would like to give others in the community an opportunity to contribute to the project, notably in the last month of fundraising towards a total matching grant of $250,000 from the Tony Hawk & Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundations.

The grant deadline is March 30 at which point every dollar that has been raised will be doubled and the Village of Medina could have $500,000 to build a skate park. Medina will be building an awesome new skate park, and every dollar donated now until the end of March will decide just how awesome that skate park will be.

The unnamed benefactors along with the Medina Skate Society envision an amazing, visually pleasing skate park that can be appreciated as a recreational playground for skateboarders, bikers, scooters and in-line skaters as well as an architectural work of art. The skate park is anticipated to be a new hub of activity for families, organizations and even radical skateboarding tourists from far and wide.

There are a number of ways to support the Medina Skate Park specifically before the grant funding deadline. Supporters can visit Sk8Medina.com and make a donation of any amount directly to the Medina Skate Society, however larger tax deductible donations should be made out to the Orleans Renaissance Group Inc. PO Box 543 Medina, New York 14103 specifying in the subject line “Skate Park Project.”

There are also several upcoming events including a Soup n’ Skate event at the current skate park at 1211 South Main St. on March 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. (or at the First Presbyterian Church, 522 Main St. in case of inclement weather). Skate Society members will be serving free soup, chili, hot cocoa and coffee to say thank you to supporters, update the community on the project and allow others the opportunity to donate. There will also be meat raffle tickets for $5 each and a drawing for five winners at 4 p.m. the same day.

Canalside Tattoo Company, 540 Main St Medina is also hosting a “Tattoo Flash Sale” the following Saturday, March 21, from noon to 8 p.m. with 50 percent of every tattoo sale going directly towards the Medina Skate Park. Jaded Skate Shop based in Brockport has also donated a skate deck to be raffled off during the event.

Pre-sale tickets are also being sold for the 2nd Annual Cruise for Kick-Flips Motorcycle Run on July 25, again with the hopes of collecting as much funding as possible before the end of this month.

While there is a lot more work ahead in the design & construction phase of the project, it is safe to say the dream of a new skate park in Medina is becoming a reality.

Lastly, the Medina Skate Society will be requesting that the Village of Medina approve officially naming the new skate park the “Luke Nelson Memorial Skate Park” to honor the memory of Luke Nelson who passed away unexpectedly in April of 2017.

Luke’s passion to fix his beloved skate park has inspired family, friends and community members to love and appreciate their local skating scene and skate park. Now nearly three years since Luke expressed his intention to fix the skate park a new one is going to be built, something the Medina Skate Society wants to permanently recognize.

For skate park and fundraising related inquiries contact M.S.S. President Alex Feig at (585) 590-0602 or via email at feigalex@yahoo.com.

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

Photo by Tom Rivers: These bronze statues were erected in 1998 at Seneca Falls and show a trio of women’s rights trailblazers. Susan B. Anthony is at left, with Amelia Bloomer in center and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at right. Seneca Falls commemorates a meeting by the three women back in 1851. The statues – “When Anthony met Stanton” – are a gift from New York State to Seneca Falls in 1998, when George Pataki was governor. The gift was made “On Behalf of the Governor’s Commission Honoring the Achievements of Women,” according to a plaque by the display.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) announced that, in partnership with the NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council, it is launching a monthlong celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees and protects women’s constitutional right to vote. During this month, NYSAC will also recognize the contributions of women in New York county government.

To celebrate this historic milestone, NYSAC is encouraging counties across the state to pass resolutions honoring the 100th anniversary. A sample resolution can be read by clicking here.

“This year marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote in the U.S. Constitution. Now more than ever, we are committed to continuing our fight for equal opportunities and fairness for all,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “During Women’s History Month, we are encouraging New Yorkers to participate in the many events and celebrations happening across the state. As a former county official, I commend the New York State Association of Counties and the Women’s Leadership Council for recognizing the contributions of women in local government and honoring the 100th anniversary. As the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, we have accomplished a lot in New York, but we still have more work to do to achieve full equality.”

“Women of New York have contributed to the economic, social, and cultural success in every sphere of life,” said Martha Sauerbrey, Chair of NYSAC’s Women’s Leadership Council and Chairwoman of the Tioga County Legislature. “They have made countless chronicled, as well as undocumented, historic contributions to the growth and strength of our communities and our state. They have been leaders not only in securing their own professions but also the right of suffrage. I encourage women and men to take a moment and honor those women who came before us.”

“NYSAC honors the contributions of women, past and present, who fought to have their voices heard and to secure greater equality for themselves and future generations,” said NYSAC President Jack Marren. “The women’s rights movement began in Finger Lakes region of New York State and spread across America. This Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing that legacy and the many women who have worked to promote equality.”

Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States on August 18, 1920 to declare, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

The ratification of the 19th Amendment represented a major victory and a turning point in the women’s rights movement, ensuring women could more fully participate in our democracy and fundamentally changing the role of women in the civic life of our nation.

New York’s Role

New York was the epicenter of the women’s rights movement. On July 13 of 1848, activist Jane Hunt hosted Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright, Mary Ann M’Clintock, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at her home for tea where they discussed the injustices faced by women and decided to fight for change. Six days later, the women’s rights movement was born at the Seneca Falls Convention.

Throughout the fight for women’s suffrage, the New Yorkers who were leading the effort included Susan B. Anthony, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, and Carrie Chapman Catt.

In 1917—more than 65 years after the tea party in Waterloo—New York became one of the first states to grant women the right to vote, an action that helped pave the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment, extending that right to all citizens in the United States.

This amendment changed the face of the American electorate forever and opened the door to women serving in local government.

NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council

Women remain underrepresented in elected office, making up only 23 percent of government roles at the state and local level. Established in 2017, the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) is a bipartisan organization that offers resources to support female county officials and women holding county office and engage women in seeking leadership positions in their communities and within NYSAC. Women’s Leadership Council resources include:

• Panels, forums, workshops, and networking events at NYSAC conferences;

• Opportunities to speak with women in county government around New York State;

• Articles in the NYSAC News magazine;

• Online Resource Center, including NYSAC research and reports; and

• Training opportunities.

NYSAC invites all county officials – regardless of their gender – to join this important initiative to engage women seeking leadership positions in their communities. To learn more, click here.

Provided photo: Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum in Gaines, accepts a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council on Tuesday. Jessica Torrey, left, is the GO ART! board president.

The Geneses-Orleans Regional Arts Council has approved $72,000 in decentralization grants to support arts and cultural programing in the two counties.

That is an increase from the $70,000 in arts grants the previous year for the two counties, and up from the $63,084 in 2018.

GO Art! has been administering the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Regrant Program for 33 years. A panel picks from applications submitted by municipalities, organizations and artists. The awards were presented on Tuesday at GO Art! in Batavia.

GO Art! approved 24 grants with 17 to municipalities and organizations as Reach Grants. There are also five Ripple Grants for individual artists to create new works, and two Spark Grants that are Arts in Education grants and connect artists with public school students.

The Reach Grants for community arts groups in Orleans County include:

• Orleans County Chamber of Commerce (2020 OONA summer concert series) – $550

• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina (Finally Fridays! concert series) – $2,500

• Lyndonville Lions Club (I Hear the Music) – $3,950

• Village of Albion (Concerts on the Canal) – $1,880

• Yates Community Library (More Than Just Books) – $4,416

• Village of Holley (Concerts at the Canal Park) – $550

• Cobblestone Museum (2020 Museum Arts Series) – $4,700

Genesee County

• Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble (Concert Series 2020 Mr. Mustard Beatles Cover Band Competition) – $4,395

• Genesee Symphony Orchestra (Destinations) – $4,650

• Arc of Genesee Orleans (Film Festival and Art Show) – $4,425

• Holland Land Office Museum (Guest Speaker, Concert Series and Mystery Theater) – $1,000

• Elba Betterment Committee (EBC Music and More) – $2,265

• Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy (Summer Arts Camp) – $1,500

• Genesee Chorale (2020 series) – $5,000

• ACORNS (Music in the Park) – $350

• Gilliam Grant Community Center in Bergen (Cultural Connections) – $4,993

• Batavia Concert Band (2020 Concert Series) – $5,000

Spark Grants which are Arts in Education grants and connect artists with public school students.

• Orleans County: Jill Pettigrew (It’s Fun to Stay at the YMCA) – $4,076

• Genesee County: Judd Sunshine (Erie Canal songwriting project) – $3,300

Ripple Grants for projects where artists involve the community in the creative process include:

Orleans County:

• Eric Weatherbee (The Humble Bard Magazine) – $2,500

Genesee County:

• David Burke (12 Center St. External Mural) – $2,500

• Bart Dentino (The Spaces Between the Leaves) – $2,500

• Mandy Humphrey (19 & 5 Mural) – $2,500

• Eric Zwieg (Slow Moving Grief) – $2,500

Provided photos: Sylvia Goodstine and Rosalind Starkweather volunteered selling bouquets for Hospice at Tractor Supply in Medina.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

The Annual Hospice of Orleans Spring Bouquet Sale is in full swing taking on tremendous support from volunteers, area businesses, schools, churches and municipalities.  The sale runs from March 2 through March 8.

Last year this fundraiser raised well over $8,000 to support Hospice services for residents of Orleans County and organizers are hoping to exceed that figure this year. With a goal of selling 2,100 bouquets, Hospice of Orleans has already pre-sold and delivered approximately 1,700 bouquets to the community as of today.

This week volunteers will be selling bouquets all week at Medina Memorial Hospital from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will also be stationed at the Arnold Gregory Complex in Albion and Tractor Supply in Medina from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Bouquets are also on sale at the Hospice office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Julie Noreck sold flowers for Hospice at Medina Memorial Hospital.

The area businesses, schools, churches, and municipalities participating in the bouquet sales include the following:

• ABCD at Holley, Albion Bus Garage, Albion District Office, Albion Elementary School, Albion High School, Albion Lions Club, Albion Middle School, Antiques & Rusty Relics, Arc of Genesee/Orleans, Arnold Gregory Complex, Arnold’s Auto Parts

• Baxter Healthcare, Canalside Chapter, Case-Nic Cookies, Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Clarendon Town Clerk, Clifford Wise Intermediate Middle School, Cloverhill Adult Residence, Community Action, Concordia Lutheran Church, Country Lane Vet

• Dance Reflection, Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, E-Z shop, First Presbyterian, Five Star Bank – Albion, GCASA, George’s Fancher Rd Service, Garden View Bed & Breakfast, Gotta Dance, Heads up Salon, HH Dobbins, Hoag Library, Holley Central Bus Garage, Holley Elementary School, Holley HS, Holy Family Parish

• JPs, Kendall Elementary, Kendall Jr/Sr High School, KeyBank – Medina, Lake Country Pennysaver, Lifetime Assistance, Inc., Lyndonville School District, Lynn Burgess’ Salon, M&T Bank – Lyndonville, Medina High School, Morton Baptist Church, Oak Orchard Elementary/Medina Central Schools, Office for the Aging, Orleans Correctional Facility, Orleans County Clerk’s Office – Stewart Title Insurance, Orleans County Courthouse, Orleans County Dept. of Social Services, Orleans County Mental Health Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Orleans YMCA, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

• Relco, Roush’s CPA PC, Sam’s Diner, St. Mark’s – Kendall, St. Mary’s Church, Takeform, The Villages, Tim Hortons Albion, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Toshiba Business Solutions, Velocitii and WNY Energy.

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville and Legislator Skip Draper of Medina joined dozens of county leaders from across New York State this week at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington D.C.

Lynne Johnson

While attending the conference, local officials also had meetings with Senators and Congressional members to discuss issues critical to local government.

Top priorities of the New York State delegation of county leaders include the response to the coronavirus, expanding rural cellular service, protecting Medicaid funding to hospitals and maintaining the state-federal partnership structure for funding Medicaid, raising the caps on SALT deductions, addressing water pollution, funding infrastructure, and more.

Skip Draper

“The NaCo conference is a unique opportunity for our members to not only meet with county leaders from across the nation and attend cutting edge seminars and trainings, but it’s also an opportunity for the New York delegation of county leaders to carry our message right to the doorstep of our federal representatives in Congress and the White House,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.

The New York delegation had meetings at the White House on Monday afternoon with Trump Administration officials where they discussed the latest developments in the federal response to the coronavirus, as well as the recent federal actions regarding the Trusted Traveler program.

On Tuesday, the county officials heard from former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, New York Congressman John Katko and President Donald Trump, who is the first president to attend the NACo conference since 1996, when then-President Bill Clinton addressed the group.

County leaders also attended meetings with the Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and met with Representatives Anthony Brindisi, Joe Morelle and Tom Suozzi.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Rev. Brad Hunt, pastor of the West Barre United Methodist Church, speaks during today’s Lenten luncheon at Christ Church. The Episcopal Church on West Park Street is hosting Lenten luncheons on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. during the Lenten season.

Today was the first Lenten luncheon and 70 people attended. The West Barre church provided the lunch – chicken soup, bologna sandwiches and desserts.

The Rev. Brad Hunt urged the group to not necessarily give up something for lent, but to take on something instead.

He urged them to be deliberate to reaching out to others and encouraging people. He said they could send a humorous card or a note telling someone or a business how much they appreciate their good works in the community.

“Stir up the goodness in other people,” he said.

Aleka Schmidt, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion, led the group in singing hymns.

The Lenten luncheons will continue each Wednesday at noon at Christ Church until April 1.

The Albion Ministerium will join in holding a Maudy Thursday service at 7 p.m. on April 9 at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion. That service will include singing from a community choir and also communion.

The Baptist Church will host a Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on April 10.

The Rev. Randy LeBaron, leader of Go Scatter Ministries, promotes an Easter Cantata – “Wonders of the Cross” – which will be 7 p.m. April 4 and 3 p.m. April 5 at Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina. LeBaron is portraying Jesus in the cantata.

Don Snyder, retired chaplain, also urged the group to attend “Stories of Hope by People in Recovery” on March 6 event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the lower level of GCASA, 249 East Ave., Albion. Snyder is a volunteer with Orleans Recovery – Hope Begins Here.

Press Release, Nate McMurray for Congress

Former Congressman John LaFalce, who served in Congress for 28 years until retiring in 2003, has endorsed Nate McMurray to fill the vacancy in NY-27. LaFalce’s district in Western New York included Orleans County.

McMurray has also been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, State Senator Tim Kennedy, the Working Families Party, and all 8 Democratic County Committees in NY-27. The special election is April 28.

Photo by Tom Rivers: John LaFalce, a retired congressman, speaks on April 22, 2018 during a fundraiser for the Geneses-Orleans Ministry of Concern.

LaFalce issued the following statement:

“I endorse Nate McMurray for the 27th Congressional District in New York State. Nate ‘should’ win. Nate ‘can’ win. Nate ‘must’ win. He ‘should’ win because he is extremely intelligent, educated, articulate, and has diverse and valuable life experiences.

He is a son of Niagara County, and has been Supervisor of a Republican town in Erie County which comprises the bulk of the Congressional District. He not only has a law degree from the prestigious Hastings School of Law, but, and this is a rare sign of excellence, he is one of the few attorneys who also has a Masters of Law.

Another rarity: he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, a unique sign of excellence.

His professional career has been devoted to business development and job creation, efforts that he can continue to pursue aggressively in Congress.

The day he is sworn in he can continue his efforts on two of the greatest problem areas confronting us – China and Korea – for he has worked as an attorney in both countries, and speaks both the Chinese and Korean languages.

He ‘can’ win for many reasons. First, he almost won in the same District in 2018, coming within less than one percent of Victory. Second, the Special Election is on April 28th, and that coincides with the Presidential Primary. It is most likely that the Democratic turnout will be far greater than the Republican turnout, giving Nate a definite advantage. Third, since his last campaign, he has developed an enormous and enthusiastic following both through personal meetings and through unparalleled use of social media. Fourth, there is a tremendous desire to elect someone who can stand up to Trump rather than be an Enabler of Trump.

He ‘must’ win for countless reasons. Unlike most Republicans, he will not be a Doormat for Trump. He will not be an Enabler of Trump. When Trump does or says something outrageous, he will not be silent, but he will speak out. He ‘must’ win if we want to have a Congressional check on Trump.

He ‘must’ win if we want Rep. Adam Schiff to be Chair of the House Intelligence Committee rather than Rep. Devin Nunes. He ‘must’ win if we are to do our part to help preserve, rather than repeal, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

He ‘must’ win if we want to have a Champion to challenge the misinformation and disinformation spewing from the mouths of the President, Putin, the Chinese, Koreans, and Iranians, etc. rather than acquiescing in the Pathological Pursuit of Presidential Prevarications. He ‘must’ win if we are to do our part to help save the Soul of America.”

Provided photos

ALBION – Girl Scouts from Troops 82257 and 82127 in Kendall spent Saturday afternoon at the Martin-Linsin Residence for Hospice of Orleans County. The Scouts teamed with residents to decorate chocolate dipped cookies and paint clay pots to plant succulents in.

Bottom row, from left, include: Ava Newbould, Peyton Shuler, Jemma Nash and Mallory Holt. Back row: Abby Robb, Julianna Newbould, Abrielle Shuler, Kendall Newbould and Riannon Newbould.

These Scouts get prepared to paint the clay pots. They include, from left: Peyton Shuler, Jemma Nash, Mallory Holt, Julianna Newbould and Abby Robb.

Julianna Newbould and Peyton Shuler help a resident transplant a succulent plant.

ALBION – A representative from the State Department of Public Service will go through the Article 10 process during a 6:30 p.m. meeting on March 18 at Hoag Library.

The state created the Article 10 process for energy projects more than 25 megawatts, which includes many of the wind and solar energy projects proposed in the region.

Apex Clean Energy, for example, is proposing to construct 33 wind turbines in Barre that have a capacity for nearly 185 MWs.

The meeting on March 18 gives community members a chance to understand the Article 10 process and ask questions about the procedure for reviewing the large-scale energy projects.

The DPS representative will not address any specific Article 10 projects or proposed Article 10 projects, said Kerri Richardson, a member of the Barre Town Board.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month proposed a bigger state takeover of the process to speed up siting renewable energy projects.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Students in the Albion elementary chorus sing on Tuesday evening during a district-wide chorus concert at the Albion High School gym. About 1,000 people attended the concert, which was a celebration of Music in Our Schools Month.

The third, fourth and fifth-graders sang “Springtime,” “Cantamos,” and “We Will.”

Anna Atwater directs the elementary students during the Albion concert.

The middle school chorus also performed during the concert.

District Superintendent Michael Bonnewell welcomes the community to the concert. Carrie Kozody, middle school chorus director, and Kevin Smith, audiovisual equipment technician, are in back as well as the high school mixed chorus.

Some of the performances this month at local districts include:

• March 5 (7 p.m.) – Kendall All District Band and Chorus Concert at Kendal Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium

• March 7 (2 p.m.) –  All County Music Festival (Elementary School Band, Junior High Chorus, High School Band) at Kendall Central School

• March 13 (7 p.m.) and March 14 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) – Holley MS/HS, “High School Musical”

• March 19 (7 p.m.) – Holley district choral concert at HS Aud

• March 20 (7 p.m. ) and March 21 (noon and 7 p.m.) – Albion Middle School Musical, “Matilda”

• March 20 (7 p.m.) and March 21 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) – Kendall musical “Annie” at Jr./Sr. Aud

• March 27-29 – Lyndonville and Medina’s musical production of “Mama Mia” with shows at Lyndonville Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Match 27, 7 p.m. on March 28 and 2 p.m. on March 29.

• March 31 (2 .m.) Holley Elementary School music assembly at HS Aud

• March 31 (7 p.m.) Holley District Band Concert at HS Aud

• March 31 (7 p.m.) – Lyndonville Music in our Schools Concert