Press Release, GO Art!

KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to present two art camps this summer at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County!

GO Art!’s Summer Creative Arts Camps are tailored to students in grades K-6. Grade school students will create and maintain positive connections while enjoying hands-on exploration of various disciplines including culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.

Participants will build upon problem solving and critical thinking skills, while increasing their knowledge about different mediums and forms of art in a safe, inclusive and structured environment.

In the past we have done visual arts projects while learning about famous artists and art movements, created puppets and put on plays, played in the musical garden, learned about different styles of dance, as well as various arts and crafts projects.

The cost for a week-long camp is $150 per child. There is a 10 percent discount for 4-H youths, for a family with multiple enrolled siblings or for GO Art! members. Full and partial scholarships are also available.

The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15. They will be held at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Route 31, Albion.

For more information, contact Go Art! at (585) 343-9313, by email at info@goart.org or through the website: www.goart.org.

Information from press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

As the school year comes to an end this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul is highlighting a new era that will start in September with a ban on smartphones during the school day.

Hochul said the “bell to bell” is a shift to distraction-free learning, and an emphasis on students’ academic performance and mental health.

“I’ll never stop working to deliver the best results for our kids – and that’s why the era of smartphone distractions in New York schools ends today,” Hochul said today. “My team is working with key stakeholders across the state to ensure school districts finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by the Aug. 1 deadline. When students return this fall, New York’s distraction-free schools will deliver the best possible learning environments – and they’ll help give our kids their childhood back.”

New York State’s distraction-free school law will be in effect for the 2025-26 School Year. It applies to all schools statewide in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools Law:

• Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
• Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
• Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
• Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
• Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
• Prevents inequitable discipline

Students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

The new state policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes, or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

• Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
• Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
• Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
• Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
• Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
• An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
• Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming

New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person said, “Bell-to-bell distraction-free schools aren’t a theory; they’re already working in districts across New York. With phones out of sight and minds fully in the moment, we’ve seen students’ joy, focus and friendships return. Now it’s time to scale it statewide. NYSUT is proud to stand with Governor Hochul in making distraction-free learning the law, and we’re ready to help school communities learn from each other and share what’s working so that every district is ready this fall. Our kids deserve nothing less.”

New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert S. Schneider said, “School boards take seriously the importance of reducing classroom distractions and identifying ways to support students’ responses to mental health challenges stemming from social media use and other pressures. Prior to enactment of this new law, school boards across the state have developed and strengthened policies related to student use of cell phones and internet-connected devices. This summer, school boards are reengaging in that previous work with local stakeholders in order to ensure that policies comply with this new statewide requirement in time for the new school year in September.”

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt

ALBANY – In response to the passage of S.8417 (Krueger) / A.8888 (Simon), the Senate Republican Conference, led by members of the State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for a veto of this destructive legislation.

The bill, which passed both houses during the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service.

This “100-foot rule” requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. S.8417/A.8888 repeals the 100 foot rule, which will result in shifting these costs, which range from $2,500 to $10,000 per building, to residents and businesses. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also indicated eliminating the 100-foot rule could accelerate an unsustainable transition, pushing more customers to depend on an already overstressed electric grid without adequate generation or storage capacity.

“We write to respectfully urge you to veto Senate Bill No. 8417 (Krueger) / Assembly Bill No. 8888 (Simon), which would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. This rule currently requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. The proposed legislation would shift these costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—to customers, placing an undue burden on homeowners, builders, and renters across the state,” the letter reads.

“This bill will only continue to drive up costs on New Yorkers who are already struggling with energy affordability,” said Robert Ortt, the State Senate Republican Leader. “Democrats’ delusional energy policies have once again gotten in the way of realistic solutions for hardworking New Yorkers. This is a bad bill that should have never been passed, and the Governor should do the right thing and veto it. Our Conference will continue to advocate for smart, realistic, cost effective energy solutions.”

“While we support the state’s commitment to a clean energy future, the path to that future must be practical, affordable and reliable. Policies that undermine affordability and energy security, especially for working families, will only erode public confidence and deepen economic challenges.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to veto S.8417 / A.8888 and preserve the 100-foot rule for gas service in New York State,” closed the letter.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Part of Main Street in Medina, north of Center Street, is shown on Monday evening. This is part of the target area for Medina’s $4.5 NY Forward grant.

MEDINA – Building owners in the downtown have until 4 p.m. July 3 to submit an application for part of the $270,000 in the Small Project Fund.

This is money from Medina’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant. Medina and the state opted to carve out the $270,000 so more building owners could access some of the funds. Most of the $4.5 million goes to larger-scale projects.

The Small Project Fund supports building renovations, facade improvements, interior build-outs, permanent equipment acquisition for businesses, public art installations and other improvements.

The village is looking for projects in the $25,000 to $50,000 range. They could be higher or lower. The maximum share from the grant is 75 percent.

Bigger projects could tap into the Small Project Fund but might not get the full 75 percent reimbursement rate.

Medina will form a selection community of downtown and community stakeholders to pick the projects for the grant funds.

The building owners have until Dec. 31, 2027 to complete the projects but they will likely be done well ahead of that because these are smaller-scale efforts, said Lauryn DaCosta of LaBella, who is working with the village to administer the grant.

The proposed projects will need to pass an environmental compliance and also get the State Historic Preservation Office’s approval. LaBella can assist in preparing bids and selecting contractors, she said.

Several downtown building owners have expressed interest in submitting an application, DaCosta said.

Applicants will be asked to detail the proposed building improvements, provide proof of their financial support for the project, state any conflict of interest (whether they work for the village or have family who are village employees), and provide other property information on ownership.

Completed applications can be dropped off at Village Hall (119 Park Ave, Medina, NY 14103) during business hours or e-mailed to Lauryn DaCosta at ldacosta@labellapc.com. Click here to see the application.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan is shown dredging the Oak Orchard Harbor on Aug. 26, 2021. While sediment was scooped from the harbor, there was an area for boaters to come and go.

POINT BREEZE – Dredging of the harbor at Oak Orchard is expected to start next week, Orleans County officials announced today.

The dredging should continue through the July 4^th weekend, said Lynne Johnson, the County legislature chairwoman.

“Oak Orchard Harbor is an important part of our local tourism and recreation economy, so ensuring the safe passage of boats in and out of the harbor has always been a top priority of ours,” Johnson said. “That means dredging is required to maintain navigability and we thank the Army Corps for their efforts.  We are excited this project will soon be completed.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, awarded a $2 million contract to Michigan-based Dean Marine & Excavating to conduct dredging of Oak Orchard Harbor as well as Great Sodus Bay.

A total of approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material from Oak Orchard is contracted to be dredged and placed in designated open lake sites. The harbor was last dredged in 2021. That followed a seven-year stretch when it was dredged in 2014.

Dredging of these harbors ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports more than $24 million in business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector combined, the Army Corps stated in a news release.

“Great Sodus Bay and Oak Orchard Harbor are critical components of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth in the local economy and ensuring safe refuge for boats on Lake Ontario,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “We look forward to delivering these projects on time and within budget, ensuring their waterfronts continue serving the local community and the country.”

Dredging will focus on the mouth of Oak Orchard Harbor first, followed by the inside of Great Sodus Bay past its piers.

Oak Orchard Harbor is a shallow-draft harbor. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $6.8 million in business revenue, 94 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $6 million in labor income to the nation, the Army Corps said.

Great Sodus Bay also is a shallow-draft harbor on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $9.3 million in business revenue, 142 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $8.7 million in labor income to the nation.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Canalside Community Church at right and the First Presbyterian Church of Albion in back are shown last evening on East State Street.

The temperatures will be cooler in Orleans County today after several days of a heat wave.

The high today is forecast for 71, about a 20-degree drop from the highs earlier this week.

There will likely be showers and a chance for a thunderstorm before noon, and then a chance for shower sin the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Rain is in the forecast for Friday with a high near 85, followed by highs of 80 on Saturday, 81 on Sunday and 88 on Monday.

Provided photo: Kendall’s 57 graduates and one honorary foreign exchange student in the Class of 2024 celebrated commencement on June 28, 2024 in the school auditorium.

Orleans County’s school districts will be giving high school seniors a big send off with commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.

About 400 graduates will receive their diplomas.

The commencement  ceremonies include:

• Albion is graduating 139 students this year. The ceremony speakers are Linda Weller (Acting Board of Education President), Mickey Edwards (Superintendent), Kenadie Patten (Class of 2025 President), Zackary Baron (Salutatorian) and Tye Talbot (Valedictorian).

The ceremony is planned to be outside on football field beginning at 7 p.m. with the high school gym the back-up in case of rain.

• Holley has 67 students graduating on Saturday during commencement at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.

The Salutatory address will be given by Natalie Amelia Foose and the Valedictory address will be delivered by Allison Renee Merle.

• Kendall has 53 seniors graduating at 7 p.m. Friday with a ceremony in the school auditorium. Carolyn Sweeting, who retired as a Spanish teacher in 2023, has been picked by the class to be the commencement speaker.

The top two students academically also will give speeches, including Valedictorian Colby Hughes and Salutatorian Isabella Goodrich.

• Lyndonville has 30 students graduating on Friday during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium. Valedictorian Addison Dillenbeck and Salutatorian Madison Davis will each give an address.

• Medina has just under 100 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. on Friday at Vets Park. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the ceremony will be inside in the auditorium.

The speakers will be Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian.

Press Release, Police Benevolent Association of New York State

ALBANY – The Police Benevolent Association of New York State released the following statement today, attributable to its president Lt. James McCartney:

“The Police Benevolent Association of New York State appreciates the time and resources spent by the Office of the Attorney General to gather and analyze data on law officer pursuits of suspects. Our brother and sister officers have variously initiated pursuits by car, motorcycle, boat, ATV, snowmobile and other vehicles. The PBA of New York State agrees that police pursuits are dangerous: for the suspect, for the officers involved in the pursuit and for the general public.

However, we strongly disagree with the one-sided research in this report, which implies that officer decision-making is the sole cause of unsafe pursuits. Above all—and missing from the OAG’s announcement—is that it is never legally allowable for a civilian to decide they do not want to stop or yield to a police officer’s commands toward their vehicle. Likewise, it is never legally allowable for a civilian to decide to flee an initiated traffic stop.

The officers we represent make split-second, life or death decisions every single day. They do so by balancing many factors, including the seriousness of an offense, their own personal safety and the well-being of the general public. Rather than once again scrutinizing the decisions made by police officers, we urge the OAG and New York’s lawmakers to instead consider passing laws which increase criminal liability and penalties for those who flee from lawful traffic stops and investigations.”

In its 2007 ruling in the case of Scott v. Harris, the United States Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of a Georgia sheriff’s deputy who took action to terminate a police pursuit. The ensuing crash left the suspect in the case permanently paralyzed. Even so, the Supreme Court found that public policy which bans, limits or affects the in-chase mechanics of a high-speed police pursuit will only encourage suspects to flee more often. The court referred to such policy as an “invitation to impunity-earned-by-recklessness.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll shared her inspirational story at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, telling how she grew up in a toxic household and forged her parents’ names to enter the Air Force at 17. (Center) MHS senior Mackenzie McGrath introduces keynote speaker, Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll at commencement ceremonies Sunday at the high school. (Right) A closing reflection and prayer for graduates was offered by Pastor Wes Cantrell at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service on Sunday.

MEDINA – Medina High School’s annual baccalaureate service sponsored by Medina Area Association of Churches took place Sunday afternoon at Medina High School.

The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of MAAC, welcomed graduates on behalf of president Sue Metzo.

“Baccalaureate is a tradition intended to lift your soul,” the pastor told graduates.

The program included reflective readings from the Bible by seniors Logan Trillizio and Sophia Goyette and a special offering by the A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio.

Senior Mackenzie McGraph introduced keynote speaker Audralee Doll, director of counseling and a high school counselor at MHS. She is also a spin instructor and executive board member with the YMCA.

Medina High School’s A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio,  sang a special offering at baccalaureate.

Doll stated she was taken aback when senior Ryder Jones asked her to be keynote speaker.

“Why would you want to hear your counselor speak?” she asked. “However, it reminded me of a few years ago when a former student, who happened to know a little about my background, suggested I share my story with students. It is because of that, every year before I begin our annual presentation where we give information on preparing for life after high school, I start off by giving my experience growing up in a tumultuous household.”

Due to such, at 17 she joined the Air Force, she said.

During the next seven years, four of which were served overseas, she rose to the rank of staff sergeant and earned more than 10 awards and commendations. Also during her enlistment, she earned her associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She later served with the 146th California Air National Guard, while completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu.

Returning to New York, Doll earned a master’s degree in human development and school counseling with a concentration in leadership from the University of Rochester. She has since added K-12 school building and district leadership certifications to her credentials.

Fast forward to today, Doll shared she has earned more than half a million dollars in education and is a few courses shy of her doctorate, all the while having zero debt.

“That is all from someone who believed college was not an option for herself,” she said. “The goal of why I share this with seniors is to emphasize that if there is a will, there is a way, but it’s up to you to achieve that.”

(Left) Logan Trillizio leaves the podium after presenting the first reflective reading at Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Medina High School. (Center) Senior Sophia Goyette shared a selection of readings from the Bible during baccalaureate on Sunday. (Right) The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of Medina Area Association of Churches, greeted graduates at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, which MAAC sponsored.

What Doll wants to stress is how to navigate life when something gets in the way of that will – because it is inevitable and it will happen.

The secret is to be humble and be grateful, she said.

“Throughout all of my experiences in life, I have never felt sorry for myself,” Doll said. “What has helped me is the mindset that ‘someone else always has it worse.”

To her, that means one is looking at the glass half full.

“Taking life in a positive psychology mindset means you recognize others do have a struggle that is greater than yours, and most importantly, it’s appreciating and recognizing the things you do have,” she said. “You cannot choose what happens to you, what people think of you or what goes on in the world. You can choose what you do about it.”

Life right now couldn’t be better for Doll, a proud resident of Medina with her husband Maximillan and their dog Charlie. They are happily hoping to expand their family.

Final reading of the afternoon was William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” by senior Garrett Koch.

Pastor Wes Cantrell of One Church Medina shared a final message to graduates and a closing prayer.

“In the wink of an eye, the last 12 years have become history,” he said. “The decisions you make now will shape your years ahead.”

Others who contributed to the program were Ryder Jones, who designed the invitations; Amanda Kroening, who designed the programs; pianist Diane Stephenson who accompanied guest in singing “Take my Life and Let it Be”; Karen Jones, who assisted in program planning; River Jones for lights and sound; and Robyn Watts for being the liaison between MAAC and the school.

Students and guests enjoyed punch and cookies, courtesy of MAAC.

Photos by Tom Rivers

POINT BREEZE – A new season of summer concerts has begun at the Orleans County Marine Park.

The band, Stone Age Romeos, performed on a hot Tuesday evening at the pavilion of the park on Route 98. The band plays classic ’70s vinyl and more.

Gene Romano of Stone Age Romeos sings “The One I Love” by REM.

The concerts are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the park, 1110 Point Breeze Rd. in Kent.

The lineup for the other concerts includes:

• July 1 – The Who Dats
• July 8 – Feedback
• July 15 – Dave Viterna Group
• July 22 – No concert due to Orleans County 4-H Fair
• July 29 – Highway 31
• August 5 – Yacht Club
• Aug. 12 and Aug. 19 – rain dates

Frank Panczyszyn a member of the events committee for the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, calls out the winning 50/50 numbers. OONA and the Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park organize the concerts.

Jason Pilon works the grill for the Clarendon Lions Club. He was helping the club cook and serve food. His father-in-law, Tom Persia, is a member. Club member Kevin Johnson is at right. The Lions Club and several other food vendors will be at the concerts.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Bryan Hardenbrook, co-chairman of the Kendall Carnival, is shown Tuesday evening with some of the rides at this year’s Kendall Carnival which runs from Thursday through Saturday. A new ride company, Knox’s Great American Amusements, will have 12 rides.

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department thought its annual carnival was over. The department was the last one in Orleans County to offer a carnival with amusement rides and other entertainment.

But it’s been increasingly difficult to find a ride company. Last year there was a carnival but there weren’t any rides, and it was reduced from three to two days.

The department’s leadership thought that was the last event, with no more carnival.

But then the department got a call in early May from Knox’s Great American Amusements, a new ride company out of Franklinville. Knox’s had an opening this week after a cancellation. Kendall called an emergency meeting and decided to continue the carnival.

The event is usually the second week in July, but the department will be running the three-day carnival this week from Thursday through Saturday. Knox’s will have 12 rides. That is up from the six in 2023 when there were last rides at the carnival.

“It’s a great community event,” said Bryan Hardenbrook, who is co-chairman of the carnival along with Phil D’Agostino.

The event is the department’s biggest fundraiser, usually generating about $20,000 to $25,000. It’s also a popular class reunion.

Due to the late start in planning the carnival, there won’t be fireworks but everything else is a go. The parade, which is usually on Friday, will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. so it doesnlt conflict with Kendall’s graduation ceremony.

 Some other highlights include:

• Knox’s Great American Amusements offering $20 ride specials for four hours, 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and Saturday, and also 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

• Bands will play in the beer tent and include Shotgun Pauly on Thursday, Highway 31 on Friday and Tryst on Saturday.

• The auction will start at 5 p.m. on Friday behind the Kendall fire hall.

• Cornhole tournament begins at noon on Saturday at $60 a team. Chicken barbecue that day.

Hardenbrook also thanked Wegmans for providing a refrigerated trailer for the week at no charge to the fire department.

He expects big crowds for the three days. He is hoping to secure a longer-term agreement with Knox’s to provide the amusement rides so the carnival continues for years to come.

“It’s a lot of work but the community likes it,” he said about the carnival.