Photos by Ginny Kropf: State Sen. Rob Ortt chats with residents of The Willows. In front are Arden Dick, left, Joan Roberts and Charlie Ralph. At rear, from left, are Laura Ianni, Dave Nixon and Residents’ Council president Beverly Schultz.

MEDINA – The Willows, an assisted living facility for seniors, welcomed a visit from State Sen. Robert Ortt last week.

The Willows administrator Jacquie Morgante and administrative assistant Jordan Banaszak greeted the senator and his district director Andrew Dugan. Ortt then met the residents, answered questions and toured the facility.

Banaszak said the visit was precipitated by the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living, who encourage lawmakers to visit these organizations in their district to learn more about adult care facilities and the different levels of care available in the area.

“The Willows is on the lowest level of adult care, meaning we provide supervision and medication management, but no nursing,” Morgante said. “We have a nurse who checks medications, orders meds and communicates with doctors.”

(Left) State Sen. Rob Ortt shakes hands with Sue Luxon, who last year was named “New York State’s Noble Caregiver of the Year.” (Right) Ortt is joined at The Willows by administrative assistant Jordan Banaszak, left, and administrator Jacquie Morgante as he greets residents during a visit last week.

Morgante said The Willows was just recently licensed as a respite care facility, meaning they have four beds designated for respite care for up to 120 days.

“It is private pay only, but we work with families to make it happen,” Banaszak said.

Since purchasing The Willows in November 2023, Morgante said they are trying to do more events for residents. They have purchased a trishaw bike (with seating in the front for a passenger).

Cycling Without Age Through Orleans County comes and takes residents for rides. Other Events include having magic shows and visiting animals, ordering out from local restaurants, ordering Polish food from a Clarence restaurant on Dyngus Day, visiting McDonalds, ordering treats from Hans’s Bakery and on Veterans’ Day giving out menus for Zambistro’s. A local minister comes once a week to do Bible study, which is popular, Banaszak said.

Ortt said getting out to see what’s available in his district helps him to learn what’s going on and make the right decisions when he has to vote on issues that come up in Albany.

“I’d rather be here than in Albany any day of the week,” he said. “I enjoy outreach, and it helps me out.”

Staff of The Willows posed with State Sen. Rob Ortt in front of the facility during his visit last week. From left are administrative assistant Jordan Banaszak, caregivers Mary Schaal and Sue Luxon, administrator Jacquie Morgante and caregivers Tanya Adams and Caren Eckerd.

Ortt toured the rooms, met the staff and chatted with residents, who had a myriad of questions. He was introduced to Sue Luxon, who last year was named New York State’s “Noble Caregiver of the Year.” Luxon is an original employee, who has been with The Willows for 28 years.

Resident Charlie Ralph shared his desire to see a tour boat on the canal, prompting Ortt to stress the benefits the Erie Canal provides.

“Any community which is not utilizing the canal for growth is missing the boat,” Ortt said.

The Willows is a 24-bed facility, of which 16 are now filled, Morgante shared.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A United States Air Force C-17 flies over Route 63 in Lyndonville just before the noon Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2022.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions are proud to announce that this year’s 51st Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Parade will open again with a military flyover saluting our area military personnel and veterans.

1st Lieutenant Marjorie Schurr of the 911th Pittsburgh Air Force Reserve Command and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Maringer, Commander of the United States Air Force Reserve 911th airlift wing, recently confirmed that the Lions request for a ceremonial flyover honoring our active local military personnel and veterans will be picked up as a mission.

The flyover will take place in Lyndonville just prior to the commencement of the parade at 11:55 a.m.  This is an all-volunteer effort in Pittsburgh where airmen and grounds crew volunteer for these ceremonial missions.

The Lyndonville Lions Club are humbled and thankful for this effort. As in years past, this is predicated on weather permitting conditions and although the United States Air Force prides itself on punctuality their arrival can be delayed by weather.

Provided photo: The late Colonel Rick N. Parsons of Lyndonville will be honored during the Lyndonville parade on July 4.

The Lyndonville Lions earlier announced that they would be honoring posthumously “Home Town Hero,” U.S.A.F. Wing Commander Colonel Rick N. Parsons. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Parsons, will serve as the honorary grand marshal.

Colonel Parsons graduated from the Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.

Colonel Parsons had a distinguished military career which included two tours of service in Vietnam and was highlighted on February 7, 1991 when Colonel Parsons downed a SU-7/17 enemy jet, making him the only Wing Commander to record an air-to-air kill during Operation Desert Storm.

The Lions have a full slate of activities scheduled for the 4th of July starting at 11:30 a.m. with the chicken barbecue, hot dog stand, and arts and crafts show.  The military flyover is at 11:55 a.m. followed by the parade at noon, and music starting at 4 p.m.

The 914th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S.A.F.  from Niagara Falls will have an honor guard present on the school grounds at the termination of the parade to honor Colonel Parsons service with a ceremonial flag raising and a local soloist performing the National Anthem. This event is supported by the Tanner Houseman American Legion Post from Lyndonville.

The Lions extend an invitation to all to join in the celebration of this country’s Independence. We would like to encourage all attendees to use waste receptacles and follow a carry-in and carry-out policy to lessen refuse clean up.

The evening will culminate with the fireworks display around 10 p.m. Please note that the concert will start at 4 p.m. with “The One-Man Band” Mr. Mike McCauley behind the Lyndonville School followed by the award-winning Buffalo based “Bleeding Hearts.”  They will take the stage at 7 p.m. and play until the commencement of the fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m. at the band stand on the school baseball field.

The Lyndonville Lions Club wish all a happy summer and a glorious July 4th. We ask that you remember that freedom is not free and we ask that you keep our military personnel in your thoughts and prayers during this time. May God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.

12 carnival rides, including Ferris wheel, added lots of pep to small town

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Ferris wheel glows in Kendall on Saturday night for the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival. The event returned this year after being limited to field days with no amusement rides last year.

Knox’s Great American Amusements, a new ride company from Franklinville, brought 12 rides for the three-day carnival. That is double what Kendall had been getting in its more recent carnivals.

Bryan Hardenbrook, carnival co-chairman, said the community showed up big for the carnival all three days, and many volunteers stepped up to help the fire department with the return of the three-day event.

“The community has come out in force to support us,” Hardenbrook said.

Julie Kludt, right, and Michelle Barrett, of the Kendall Ladies Auxiliary, made waffles on Saturday. They estimated the Auxiliary sold well over 2,000 of the waffles in the three days.

Kludt has been volunteering with the waffles for over 20 years. She is grateful the fire department was able to put on the event. The Kendall FD jumped at the chance to bring it back when Knox’s Amusements called in early May to say it would have rides available.

“I’m glad for the community,” Kludt said. “It’s a hometown carnival. It’s like a great big community picnic.”

The Ferris wheel hadn’t been in Kendall for several years.

Lucas Kinser, 11, of Kendall hit balloons on six out of seven throws. His mother Melissa Brown cheered him on. There were several dart games at the carnival.

The band Tryst closed out the carnival on Saturday playing to a big crowd under the beer tent. Shotgun Pauly performed on Thursday, with Highway 31 on Friday.

Tryst performs “Always Something There To Remind Me” by Naked Eyes.

Eli Ross, 5, of Kendall rides the “Sky Fighter.”

Louie Conte, 18, grills hot dogs and burgers on Saturday. He put in late nights all three days of the carnival helping his grandfather, Phil D’Agostino, co-chairman of the carnival.

Conte said he enjoyed seeing many Kendall residents and jumped at the chance to volunteer at the grill.

“I’m glad it’s back,” he said about the carnival.

Paul and Bonnie Gray took a four-hour shift on Saturday in the ticket booth. The Kendall Lions Club handles selling the tickets on site during the carnival.

Mr. Gray said the club signs up to help the fire department in a show of appreciation for the department letting the Lions Club use the fire hall for its meetings.

Mrs. Gray said kids bring big smiles when they get their tickets.

“They enjoy all of the rides,” she said.

The Merry-Go-Round proved a timeless classic, drawing lots of kids.

James Parsons of Medina won a stuffed dragon for his 1-year-old daughter in one of the dart games. The game was run by “Chaddanooga Chad.”

Phil Kludt, center, served as the dealer in the “Beat the Dealer” game near the beer tent. Kludt, 34, has been the dealer at the carnival since he was 18. He said most nights he is able to raise about $200 to $400 for the fire department through the game.

Provided photo: Pictured from left outside the Kendall Junior-Senior High School include: Joe Hausler, Orleans County Boys’ State Chairman; Jonathan Conte of Kendall; Noah Morehouse of Kendall; Ron Boyd, Orleans County Commander; Nathan Woodworth of Lyndonville; Ryker Knight of Holley; Tyler Moore of Holley; and Scott Galliford, Holley Post #529 Commander.

Press Release, Orleans County American Legion

KENDALL – Five students from Orleans County departed on Saturday morning to attend the annual American Legion Boys’ State program held at SUNY Morrisville.

A week-long activity, the American Legion Boys’ State program immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training. While attending the program, students will learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government.

They also participate in physical fitness, team work and other activities under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.

This year’s participants from Orleans County are: Ryker Knight and Tyler Moore from Holley; Jonathan Conte and Noah Morehouse from Kendall; and Nathan Woodworth from Lyndonville.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These veterans ride in trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion during last year’s July 4 parade down Main Street.

Press Release, Steve Goodrich, commander of Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion

LYNDONVILLE – Are you a veteran? The American Legion 4th of July trolley/float has a seat for you!

We proudly lead the parade to show our appreciation and support for all of our military service members (current and former).

Come join us and witness firsthand the love our Village has for our military. This year’s Grand Marshal (in memoriam) will be Colonel Rick N. Parsons USAF (Ret). Col. Parsons passed May 25, 2021. He will be represented by his family.

There will be a flag-raising ceremony and proclamations read by state and local officials at the High School flag pole immediately after the parade.

Please Note: The trolley is handicapped accessible with on-board ramps.

Details for participating:

WHERE: Corners of Platten Road, Alps Road and Maple Avenue in Lyndonville.

WHEN: Not later than 11 am.

Due to traffic concerns those wishing to participate should be at the corner of Platten/Alps & Maple not later than 11 a.m. There may be detours posted please follow them. After 11 a.m. expect Maple Ave to close to traffic. The post will provide water on the Trolley. Please dress for the weather.

DROP OFF/PARKING/TRANSPORTATION: Those on the trolley can ride back to the start point after the parade to return to their vehicles or their rides.

QUESTIONS? Send us an email at AmericanLegion1603@gmail.com.

Photographed at Shadigee: (from left) John J. Ryan, Rev. F.T. Latham, Mrs. Latham, Alberta D. Ryan, Mrs. LeRoy Skinner. Children seated: Lee Skinner, Howard Phillips, Gertrude Skinner and Clare Ryan.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 24

YATES – When temperatures soar, we wonder how previous generations coped with the heat. Summer temperatures in the Buffalo region reached over 90-degrees then also: 95 degrees in 1911 and 1914; 93 degrees in 1913; 91 degrees in 1912.

Shadigee, in the Town of Yates, was a popular summer destination for those who lived in the western end of Orleans County. It first developed as a business port. According to the historic marker at the site, the Yates Pier was built in 1850 to facilitate the shipping of lumber and grain. The Shadigee Hotel, a popular resort, was built in 1860. It was located on the site now occupied by the water treatment plant.

Jeddo photographer, William Eaton, captured this crisp postcard photo of a group enjoying the outdoors. John J. Ryan was a lawyer in Medina. He and Leroy Skinner had an office on the second floor of the Cook Block, Medina. The practice was subsequently continued by Bernard Hart and Thomas C. Mack.

The Ryans resided at 411 West Center St. in Medina, the Skinners lived at 238 West Center. Rev. A.J. Latham was a minister at the Baptist Church.

The presence of the children in the photograph helps pinpoint the date. According to the 1915 Census, Lee Skinner was 10, his sister Gertrude and Clara Ryan were both aged 7. Those ages seem to match, so we can assume that the photo was taken from 1914-1916.

The basket of apples on the ground indicates that the photo was taken later in the season, early September, perhaps. Clutching their dolls, the girls pose happily, while the boys assiduously ignore the camera. Some things never change!

‘Dreams require action. They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.’

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Neeko Caterisano pops confetti at the end of the Holley’s commencement on Saturday in the school auditorium.

Holley’s Class of 2025 includes 67 graduates.

The class gathered on the football field to toss their caps after the graduation ceremony.

Isabella Emery and Jose-Angel Modesto Valentin, co-vice presidents for the Class of 2025, announce the class gift – $1,300 to both the Holley Community Center and Foodlink. The class wants to help the community center with “their outstanding service and outreach,” Valentin said.

Foodlink also is an important resource in the region and community for fighting food insecurity, Emery said.

“We have been taught here in Holley to not only be good citizens but to also reach out to the bigger community,” she said. “Thank you to the faculty and staff for showing us how important it is to give back.”

The Salutatory address was given by Natalie Foose, left, and the Valedictory address was delivered by Allison Merle.

Both thanked their families, friends and teachers for their support during their time as a Holley student.

“There are so many more opportunities out there waiting for us. Don’t waste them,” Merle said. “Take the opportunities that come your way and make them the best you can because you may never get the chance to do certain things again.”

Foose said commencement “is the peak of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and it is proof to the strength and resilience of each and every one of us.”

She said some of her classmates have clear plans on what’s next in their lives, while others aren’t so sure.

“I do not know why 17- and 18-year-olds must have their lives planned,” Foose said. “But as we embark on this new journey, let’s remember to embrace the chaos and hold on to your dreams and pursue them with passion and purpose.”

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.

Penny Cole delivers the keynote address on Saturday. She was picked by the class to be the speaker.

Penny Cole is a member of Holley’s Class of 1975, the last class to graduate from the old Holley High School. Every time she goes by the old school, the memories come flooding back of friendships and she feels pride being a Holley hawk, she told the class.

Cole worked at school district for 35 years as administrative assistant. She was the cheerleading coach for 35 years and won 3 sectional titles and 19 Genesee Region championships.

She is a mom to three children and a grandma to four. In the school building she served as “everyone’s mom” who was always ready with a hug, said Board of Education member Anne Winkley.

 Cole recalled sitting at commencement 50 years earlier, wondering what her future would hold.

“I want to tell you a little secret: that girl sitting in the chair 50 years ago, full of excitement and wonder about the future, she made it,” Cole said. “And she didn’t make it alone. She made it with the help of lessons she learned, the friends she made, the teachers who cared, and the community that supported her. Every time she passes the old school, all those memories come rushing back. She loves that school. And she hopes you’ll feel the same about your time here – that you’ll always look back with pride on the friendships, the experiences, and the growth that you’ve achieved.”

Cole shared advice with the graduates: “Life isn’t easy. But here’s the thing: If you work hard, if you give it your absolute best, and if you never stop learning, you will find that the lessons along the way will serve as your most valuable guide.”

She told the students they are now Holley alumni, and will carry that connection for the rest of their lives.

“Now is the time to turn that energy into action,” she said. “Here’s where your lives begin to change in ways you may not even realize yet. When you walk out of this auditorium today, you will be alumni, representing this community, carrying its legacy wherever you go.”

Their journeys and the pursuit of their goals won’t happen without some challenges and hard work.

“Dreams require action,” Cole said. “They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.”

Owen Schultz and Maggie Skehan, co-presidents for the Class of 2025, welcome everyone to the commencement program.

Donovan Hendrick-Hayes is excited to be getting his diploma.

Thomas Brozek stands to be recognized as one of the award winners from the VFW for displaying the qualities of good citizenship and patriotism.

Frances Caraballo-Vazquez is recognized as one of the winners of an award in memory of Keith and Jean Kernan, which goes to a graduating senior “who freely and consistently offers a hug to the hurting, word of encouragement to the discouraged, and who readily welcomes all into their unconditional circle of friendship.”

Tracy Van Ameron, a Board of Education member, hugs Kylee Dann. The BOE members greeted all of the graduates.

Vincent Golisano is congratulated by board member Stephanie Merkley.

MacKenzie Fiorito smiles as she moves her tassel to signify her graduation. She is next to Kaiden Feis, left.

Rebecca Scharping receives her diploma and smiles for a photo with Principal Matt Feldman.

Michelle Smith joins healthcare center within Medina Memorial

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, chats with Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, and the newest addition to the Medina Healthcare Center.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced a third professional has joined the recently opened Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital

Effective Monday, family nurse practitioner Michelle Smith of Lockport will start seeing patients. She joins certified pediatric nurse practitioner Leah Brenner and board-certified nurse practitioner Pamela Eaton. All are accepting new patients.

Taking Eaton’s place at the Albion Healthcare Center several days a week is Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, who will divide his time between Brockport and Albion.

Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, stands in the hallway of the Medina Healthcare Center at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she will begin seeing patients on Monday.

Smith brings a background of widespread education and more than 20 years’ experience in emergency and critical care.

Growing up, Smith and her family moved continuously with her father, who was in the military. She graduated from high school in Cheektowaga, where one of her assignments for graduation was to do an internship in any facility.

“I was very shy, but I needed to get my hours in, so they took me to a nursing home across the street,” Smith said. “I helped feed the people, and I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I knew then I wanted a career in which I could help people. I just didn’t know then how I was going to do it.”

She attended Erie I BOCES and graduated as a licensed practical nurse in 1988. Her first job was at ECMC in the trauma step-down unit.

She married and had two children when she decided to continue her education as a registered nurse, and she enrolled at D’Youville College. During that time, she had two more children. In 2000, she went to work at Children’s Hospital, where her specialty was the Emergency Room, Pre-natal Intensive Care Unit and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.

In 2010 she returned to Buffalo to be where her parents were and again went to work at Children’s Hospital.  In 2016, she completed her master’s degree in nursing education. Next came a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., working in the Women’s Care Unit for 10 years.

Feeling the need to come back to Buffalo to be where her parents were, Smith again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2018, she went back to D’Youville to get her family nurse practitioner degree. Next followed a job at the Community Health Care Center of Buffalo, where she did chronic disease management and refugee re-settlement program.

From there, in 2023, Smith went to Urgent Care at a Fellowship Program at WellNow. Graduating from that, she went to Rochester as a visiting nurse for several years.

Searching for a job as a nurse practitioner at a smaller and more personal environment led to her applying at Orleans Community Health.

“Being a nurse practitioner was a way for me to care for the entire family as a whole, not just a toe or one part that needed attention,” Smith said. “I went to an employment agency that deals with the medical field late last winter, and they initiated contact here.”

Smith’s hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments may be made by calling (585) 798-2550.

Smith and her husband Josh each had four children when they met and now have 2-year-old twins together.

Along the way, she discovered a saying by Maya Angelou which sums up Smith’s reason for choosing to become a family nurse practitioner.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Honorary pitch goes to leader of the 136th Attack Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

Provided photo

BUFFALO – Justin Cecchini was picked to throw out the honorary first pitch before the Buffalo Bisons game. He threw a fastball for the first pitch on Friday, a strike right down the middle.

Pictured from left include Joseph Cecchini (son), Olivia Henning, Buster Bison, Julie (wife), Jenna (daughter), Justin and Jack Cecchini (son).

Lt. Col. Cecchini has been the squadron commander of the 136^th Attack Squadron since Jan. 20, 2024. The 136th Attack Squadron (Air National Guard) is based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. In this role Cecchini plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of all training and combat flying operations.

He is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness and leading 97 personnel while providing strategic guidance to the 136th Squadron and 107th Operations Group Commanders that ensures the alignment of operational activities with the Combatant Commanders’ objectives.

Lt. Col. Cecchini began his journey with the 107th Attack Wing back in March 2001 as an aircraft mechanic. His career progressed through significant roles within the 107th Operations Group, holding key positions such as Flight Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Tactics and Assistant Director of  Operations.

Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Oak Orchard Health team congratulates with Dr. Mary Obear on her career in local health care.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

CORFU – Patients, community members and legislators came out to honor Dr. Mary Obear on June 14 at her retirement celebration.

After 27 years of bringing medical care to Genesee County, she has retired. She was greeted by many people at the Pembroke Community Center who came to wish her well and share a few words about her numerous contributions.

Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health (OOH) due to their shared mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, OOH dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.

One of Dr. Obear’s proudest accomplishments is mentoring young medical professionals throughout the years. Dr. Matthew Fernaays met Dr. Obear when he was a third-year medical student. He was inspired by her compassion for care of her patients in Genesee County.

Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borello, presents a proclamation to Dr. Obear.

Dr. Fernaays is proud to call Dr. Obear a mentor and friend. He continues to mentor medical professionals throughout Oak Orchard Health. Dr. Obear highly recommends that all her patients see Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. She is confident that they will continue on in her legacy.

“Dr. Obear is an inspiration to all. Her path to medicine was anything but ordinary,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She moved to Western NY from Los Angeles. And we’re so glad she did. That academic curiosity never faded—Dr. Obear earned two master’s degrees before ultimately entering medical school in her 40s, proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. She joined Oak Orchard Health in the middle of the pandemic and helped us and the community during that very trying time. Dr. Obear will be missed. Her impact on patients is immeasurable. Each one is more than a chart or a diagnosis. She has always poured her heart, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of connection to help people.”

Dr. Obear has also been a key supporter of hospice and palliative care. She earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in this field and has spent years helping patients and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Sara Brunner, director Gateway Home, and Doug Domes, Board President for Gateway Home, present a plaque and appreciation to Dr. Obear.

Her work continues today through her involvement with local comfort homes, such as Crossroads House and Gateway Home, as well as her role with Genesee and Orleans County’s Board of Health. Sara Brunner, director, and Doug Domes, Board President of Gateway Home, came to the retirement party to talk about the impact Dr. Obear has had on their organization.

Also in attendance was representative for NYS Senator George Borello, who presented her with a special proclamation. Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislature Chair, talked about the contributions Dr. Obear has made to the county.

It’s clear that Mary Obear, MD, PhD, is leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment.

“It is with mixed feelings that I retire, but it’s time to travel and see my family,” she said. “As I begin the next chapter of my life, I reflect on my years of caring for patients in Genesee County over the past two and a half decades. It has been very important to me.”

Oak Orchard Health

Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw. We also have two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.

Photos by Natalie Baron: (Left) Ella Trupo smiles as she exits the stage with her diploma on Friday during commencement inside the high school gym. A downpour in late afternoon prompted the ceremony to shift from outside on the football field to the gym. (Center) Jordan Simmons shakes hands with Superintendent Mickey Edwards. (Right) Principal Jennifer Ashbery hugs her daughter, Madalyn, after she received her diploma.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION – The Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement Friday evening in the Albion High School gymnasium with 139 students receiving their diplomas.

The students entered the gym during the processional which was led by bagpipers, which has long been a tradition at Albion for graduation.

Kenadie Patten, the class president, spoke passionately as she delivered a speech to the Class of 2025. Kenadie plans to attend SUNY Oswego to study finance. Kenadie expressed that you have to be knocked down during the journey. “Things may not work out exactly as you planned them, and that’s okay,” she said.

Kenadie told the crowd to focus on opportunities rather than getting everything right immediately. “Allow yourself to be embarrassed, because embarrassment means you’re stepping outside of the comfort zone,” she said.

“The world is not only happening to you, but you are happening to the world.”

Zackary Baron gave the salutatory speech. Zack will be attending The University at Buffalo to major in mechanical engineering. He impressed upon the group the importance of making connections and upkeeping old ones. “I know that if we really just try to connect with people in a positive, open way, that we truly can change not just our community, but the world.”

He expressed that engaging with another human being may lead to growth. “So, I challenge you to please, just go and find someone who you want to be closer to, and talk with them. Ask them a few things about themself and truly listen to what they have to say.”

Tye Talbot, who will be attending Harvard University in the fall for medical studies, delivered the valedictory address. Tye reassured his classmates that change is going to happen, as “Change is the only constant.”

He said, “Change is the scariest thing in the world, and yet the only thing that is absolutely guaranteed.”

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, urged students to embrace that the journey is not a straight line and expressed that “Your story is yours alone. No one else can write it. No one else can live it.”

Garrett Miller, shown accepting his diplomas from Board of Education President Linda Weller, overcame adversity during his time in high school, having lost his eye after an accident in gym class during his sophomore year.

Garrett said that choosing to embrace a positive outlook helped him to move forward after his injury.

“I was really sad at first, but I decided that there’s nothing I could do to change it, so I decided to just not be morose or depressed about it at all,” he said.

Garrett dreams of starting a family one day. Presently, Garrett hopes to work at the local shop Navarra’s Farm Market & Greenhouses.

Matthew Kania poses BOE President Linda Weller. Matthew owns and operates his own landscaping business, Legendary Lawn Services.

James Ruiz enthusiastically smiles as he receives his diploma. His future plan is to become a train conductor.

The Class of 2025, including Anna Zaczek and Natalie Soule, celebrate at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.