‘This global experience had to be one of the most impactful things that ever happened to me on a personal level, spiritually and educationally’ – Todd Eick
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: (Left) Todd Eick, former Medina teacher now an animal science teacher for Orleans/Niagara BOCES, holds a pig in Uganda. (Right) This group builds a structure.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Todd Eick, the Animal Science teacher at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, recently spent a month over the summer in Uganda with fellow educators to support education initiatives in a small village at the Lira Secondary School.
“It is without a doubt the best professional development and experience I have ever had,” said Eick, who previously worked in Medina for 14 years as FFA advisor and animal science teacher. “There are not enough adjectives to describe that trip.”
The Global Teach Ag Network sent 12 educators, across the United States, to work with local schools in East Africa on global issues like agriculture and food security. The Teach Ag Uganda project is funded by the USDE (United States Department of Education) Fulbright-Hays Program and partners with Field of Hope.
The teachers had the opportunity to work one-on-one with peer educator colleagues in Uganda to advance agriculture projects in local schools. Eick was assigned to work on a team with the students on building a piggery for pig farming. He worked directly with two US teachers, one from Indiana and the other from Washington state, and three Uganda educators.
“We are all still in a group chat all the time” says Eick. “We built great friendships and had so much fun together. Such amazing memories and knowledge to share. I love telling people I know someone who knows something about this and that. I had such a wonderful time there.”
The staff at a school joins for a group photo.
Eick had applied for the grant opportunity to take part in the program last October and was thrilled to find out that he was selected to be part of the project.
“I was kind of the elder statesman since I had more time in education than anyone else on the team, but I learned a lot from everyone I worked with,” he said. “We helped the school build the piggery and showed them how to select the pigs and care for them. We left educational artifacts for them to use after we returned home to help them run the farm.”
The visiting teachers were fascinated on how the Lira Secondary school was run. A boarding school, there are 20-80 students in a classroom and the teachers rotate through each classroom.
Classes ran three weeks on and then three weeks off to allow the students to go home and help their families, many of them using the skills they learned in school to help their families generate extra money.
The students would be considered sophomores, juniors and seniors here. “Most of the seniors were learning so they could take the state test and had a lot of project-based learning as part of their education as well,” Eick said. “The students were shy at first, but they warmed up pretty quickly to us. They were so eager to learn. How they implemented their curriculum was cool. For one hands-on learning project, we worked together to string a barbed wire fence. The students caught on very fast.”
There was no cafeteria, but everyone ate together. “We stood in line with the students with our bowls and we usually had some sort of stew made with beans, maize and rice,” explained Eick. “It was fascinating. It is a very poor country, but they were rich in hospitality. They are truly the kindest, warmest people I have ever met.”
Eick, along with his fellow educators, also enjoyed a morning and evening safari to see the wildlife.
“It was magical,” he said. “We went to the Nile River. I must have taken hundreds of photos. We visited several villages and a dairy farm and that was eye-opening on how varied milk production is there than it is here.”
He brought back a Uganda hoe as a souvenir. “It cost me $3.75 and I had no idea how to use it, so the students had to show me. They thought it was hysterical. I have to say I learned as much from them as they did from me. I love this kind of teaching. It is a hand up not a handout. This global experience had to be one of the most impactful things that ever happened to me on a personal level, spiritually and educationally. I am enjoying bringing these lessons into my classroom, especially doing more with less and embracing a worldwide perspective on things. My students here have really embraced this and we now share things in class from art to the practical from different countries. I am really looking forward to taking some of the students to Belgium and the Netherlands next year to learn about their agriculture and way of life. I really want them to have the same experience I did with seeing a different culture.”
Site includes climbing tower, a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners and shaded seating areas
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Central School
KENDALL – It was a special time on Wednesday evening at the Kendall Elementary School when the community celebrated the opening of a new school playground.
This is Kendall’s first community-accessible playground, a one-of-a-kind facility in the Northeast that will serve both students and families for years to come.
This playground is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility.
“Our early vision was to ensure that our students and residents had a space to come and spend time with family and friends right in our community,” said Nick Picardo, the school district superintendent. “I believe this playground will become a central place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors right here in Kendall.”
The playground was funded as a part of $12,680,000 capital project that was approved in December 2023.
That project was nearly entirely focused on the elementary school. The work included:
An estimated $11,122,076 at the elementary school with site improvements and new paving, and a new playground with age-appropriate equipment. Inside the elementary school, projects include safety and security upgrades to interior doors, entryways, and alarm systems, as well as energy- efficient classroom lighting, corridor enhancements and auditorium upgrades, according to the district.
The project includes $153,089 in work at the junior-senior high school for common area improvements with new flooring and lighting.
In the transportation building, the capitol project includes two bus lifts at a cost of $1,065,278.
A new roof for the Buildings & Grounds facility at a estimated cost of $339,557.
The new playground features cutting-edge structures including the Volo Aire, a multi-level climbing tower with covered slides that is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Other highlights include a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners, and shaded seating areas.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility. Dedicated areas for both younger and older elementary students ensure that children of all ages can play safely and comfortably.
Kendall school officials, including Board of Education President Rachel Fisken with scissors, celebrate the new playground on Wednesday.
This new addition is a major milestone not just for the district, but for the region: a protected design radius has been placed around Kendall, ensuring that no other nearby playgrounds will feature the same exclusive components, the school district stated in a news release.
“In early January 2025, with a completed design in hand, the superintendent received a frantic call from me thanks to a brand-new, never-before-seen structure having just been released to the market,” said Andy Walsh, Genesee Regional Manager of Parkitects. “Under Nick Picardo’s leadership and with the support of the Kendall team, the decision was made to pivot and include the first Volo Aire in New York State. That bold move brought one of the most inclusive and accessible tower structures ever built to the Kendall community.”
Planning for the playground began with a unique focus on student voice and research. A student-led committee worked alongside staff and design experts to test playgrounds across Western New York and cast votes on preferred features—including the curly slide, which won by a landslide during Kendall’s own “Voting Day” in November 2023.
“This vibrant new space is more than just a place to play, it’s a reflection of our community’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to joyful learning,” said Elementary Principal Kevin Watson. “From the first sketch to the final bolt, this playground was designed with our students in mind. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2025 at 8:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is shown Thursday night lighted up in purple this month in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
County legislators last week issued a proclamation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Legislators said that while 90 percent of domestic violence cases go unreported, 265 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit in 2024, and 165 cases have been reported to the unit from Jan. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2025.
County Legislator Fred Miller last week presented a proclamation to Judianne Gearing, Domestic Violence Supervisor (left), and Kelley Ortiz, Domestic Violence Services Coordinator.
“Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control,” according to the proclamation from the county. “Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women then auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”
The courthouse dome is lighted up in purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 8:02 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have issued a state-wide burn ban from today through Oct. 15 due to high fire danger from dry conditions.
The state usually has a burn ban from mid-March until mid-May. But the abnormally dry and drought conditions prompted the temporary burn ban. The ban will be in effect for 14 days and will be revaluated prior to expiration, Hochul said.
“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”
The statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking, the DEC said.
WHAT’S ALLOWED: Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.
Orleans County is considered to be in a “High” fire risk level. “All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes,” the DEC said about this level of fire risk. “Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 2:35 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a commendation to Charlie last week for his volunteer efforts in building new bathrooms at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, joins for the presentation.
The Legislature praised Ricci “for the extra effort put forth in the construction and completion of building new bathrooms at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension. Your effort is an excellent example of an everyday citizens getting involved.”
Ricci did most of the site work for the project.
This photo from July 16 shows the new bathrooms under construction just before the start of the fair in late July.
The new bathrooms also had four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There is more space for the users. The bathrooms and showers are now all in one building.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 1:14 pm
This map from the U.S. Drought Monitor posted today shows the “severe drought” conditions in all of Orleans, and parts of Genesee, eastern Niagara, Monroe and Wayne counties.
The persistent lack of rain has pushed Orleans County into a “severe drought.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor today updated the drought conditions around the county. Orleans County since Aug. 14 had been in a “moderate drought.”
But the continued lack of rainfall has the county in severe drought condition.
When that happens, the following impacts generally occur:
Fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms for food
Golf courses conserve water
Producers begin feeding cattle; hay prices are high
Specialty crops are impacted in both yield and fruit size
Trees are brittle and susceptible to insects
Warnings are issued on outdoor burns; air quality is poor
Water quality is poor; groundwater is declining; irrigation ponds are dry; outdoor water restrictions are implemented
The map today from the Drought Monitor shows that 98.90 percent of the state is considered at least “abnormally dry.”
The map shows 41.76 percent of the land mass is considered at least “moderate drought” and 7.84 percent in “severe drought.”
Three months ago only 1.83 percent of state was “abnormally dry.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:17 am
This map shows where Medina Memorial Hospital plans to put a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 517, 521 and 525 Eagle St. The hospital will demolish a house for a new parking lot.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved a change in the village zoning map, expanding the Medical Overlay District on Eagle Street.
Medina Memorial Hospital will be demolishing a house at 525 Eagle St. and putting in a new parking lot with 56 spaces, which is across from the main entrance of the hospital on Ohio Street. The parking lot also includes 517 and 521 Eagle St.
The project also will include sidewalk improvements to the hospital’s main entrance. The new lot would be on a parcel that is .81 acre. The new lot will ease parking pressure in the main lot next to the hospital that is often congested.
The new parking lot will be for hospital employees, with patients and visitors parking on the other side of the street closer to the hospital. The project is expected to be complete next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:01 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Director Kristine Mostyn last week updated Orleans County legislators on an expansion to the Medina library that will add meeting rooms and a “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.
ALBION – The libraries in Orleans Conty are seeking $1 per person in funding from the Conty Legislature. That has been the request in recent years, but the Legislature has kept libraries at $10,087 since 2011.
The four public libraries in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina are collectively seeking $40,343. The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.
One of the library directors, Kristine Mostyn of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, told legislators that libraries have changed to meet the needs of the community, offering more online service, meeting spaces and programs.
“We’re not just a warehouse for books,” she said.
Lee-Whedon has just started a $5 million construction project that will put a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.
The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.
Mostyn said the initial projections on the local tax impact have lessened after Lee-Whedon secured grants and raised $360,000 in donations from the community. Lee-Whedon has set a $500,000 fund-raising goal on the capital campaign.
Library leaders from the other libraries are expected to make a presentation next month to the Legislature, seeking for a funding boost.
The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.
Initiative focused on hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County
Provided photos: (Left) This laundry unit was purchased courtesy of Health Foundation for Western and Central New York project budget. (Right) This photo shows personal care and laundry supplies for participating students.
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
ALBION – Team Nate is part of Cohort 11 of the Health Leadership Fellows program. As part of the program, each team must define and execute a health enhancing project.
Team Nate and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee are proud to announce the launch of the Fresh Start Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Located within the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More at 131 South Main St., the Fresh Start Center provides discreet, dignified access to laundry facilities, hygiene products, and life skills support for students in need.
The center is a direct response to alarming local data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, with many homes lacking basic plumbing. Teachers have reported that hygiene-related stigma contributes to chronic absenteeism and social isolation, particularly among high school students.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action. “We’re proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens can take care of their basic needs without shame or judgment.”
(Left) Cassie Healy is the Fresh Start program manager. (Right) This artwork was completed by SUNY Brockport students.
The Center is embedded in Community Action’s thrift store, a familiar and accessible location. The initial pilot will focus on needs within the Albion High School.
Key features of the Fresh Start Center include:
A private laundry area with a ventless washer-dryer unit.
Free laundry supplies, and personal hygiene products.
Life skills training and referrals to wraparound services such as housing, counseling, and employment support
Plans for future expansion include shower facilities, pending funding.
Members of the Team Nate Fresh Start project team include:
Larissa Bachman, MSW – Chief Operating Officer, Pinnacle Community Services
Brandi Haynes – Chief Programming Officer, Community Action of WNY
Renee Hungerford. MHI – CEO/CIO, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
Karen Kinter – CEO, Oak Orchard Health
Michael C. Osborne – VP of Strategic Growth and Portfolio Development, Catholic Health
Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD, MPH – Assistant Dean, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions
Senior Health leaders selected to participate in Cohort 11 of the Health Leadership Fellows program of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York. From left to right they are: Renee Hungerford, MHI – CEO/CIO, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; Karen Kinter – CEO, Oak Orchard Health; Larissa Bachman, MSW – Chief Operating Officer, Pinnacle Community Services; Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD, MPH – Assistant Dean, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions; Tanya Staples – Principal Consultant at Perrin Associates – Team Coach; Brandi Haynes – Chief Programming Officer, Community Action of WNY; and Michael C. Osborne – VP of Strategic Growth and Portfolio Development, Catholic Health.
The project was made possible with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York and the dedication of volunteers. The team is grateful to the foundation for the funding and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
We are also grateful to Mark Hungerford, and Dan and Cassie Healy for spending their weekends installing the necessary plumbing, electrical wiring, and setting up the space. A number of SUNY Brockport students volunteered their time to paint beautiful artwork in the center.
A special thanks also goes out to doctors Nancy Ciavarri and Thomas Verme for donated resources for future sustainability of the program after conclusion of the project. The team would also like to thank Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials and the Albion High School for our valued partnership.
Community Action will continue to seek donations of hygiene and laundry items from the broader community to sustain the program.
For more information or to support the Fresh Start Center, please contact Community Action of Orleans and Genesee at info@caoginc.org.
Press Release, Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force
Arthur Lewis Jr.
ALBION – An Albion man is facing drug charges following an investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in the village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said today.
The Task Force along with the Albion Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and NYS Corrections and Community Supervision executed a search warrant on July 1 at an Erie Street residence in Albion. The Task Force also executed a warrant on July 3 in Buffalo.
Police seized a quantity of cocaine, a digital scale and over $2,000 in cash at the Albion location and approximately $200,000 cash at the city of Buffalo location.
Arthur Lewis Jr., 38, of Erie Street in Albion charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell (B felony), and 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree (C felony).
Lewis is currently on parole for a previous drug and weapon conviction. He pled to a violation of his parole conditions at a hearing conducted by the NYS Corrections and Community Supervision on Sept. 15 and is serving 12 months for the violation.
This morning, Lewis appeared in Orleans County Court in front Judge Sanford Church and Lewis pled to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell, a class C felony. He faces 3 1/2 to 9 years when sentenced on Dec. 3.
Also assisting in the investigation was the Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and K9, the NYS Corrections and Community Supervision, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration asset forfeiture unit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2025 at 10:49 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Renaissance Group wants to give the Canal Village Farmers’ Market a dramatic new look and make the site usable year-round as a market.
MEDINA – A high-profile corner in Medina is poised for its first major upgrade in more than 50 years.
The Orleans Renaissance Group is working on a major capital project at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at 127 West Center St. This project was approved for $675,000 from the NY Forward grant.
But the ORG needs more funding to make the transformation of the site a reality.
The farmers’ market previously was used by a bank and also a gas station. The building will be expanded and remodeled to allow for year-round use, according to the ORG plan.
The improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, new painted steel structure, glazed overhead doors, cementitious siding, concrete base, windows, aluminum storefront entry doors, metal canopies, complementary brick masonry and new rooftop signs.
Rendering by Alderman Architect: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market would get a new metal roof and canopies, and other exterior work.
ORG announced a public appeal to help with the overall anticipated costs of $1.2 million. Chris Busch, the ORG chairman, said the organization will be seeking grants through foundations and welcomes donations from the public. The contributions are tax deductible.
“We’re moving forward on several fronts to secure some substantial amounts of money,” Busch said. “No donation is too small if people want to be a part of turning that corner into a community asset.”
The site has been used for an outdoor farmers’ market from June through October on Saturdays during the past decade. The improvement project will allow for a year-round market with indoor space.
Busch said it would open the possibility to the market being open two to three days a week, and also potentially could allow for other community uses.
The market building would be expanded going towards West Center Street.
The Orleans Renaissance Group is developing a business plan to make the site “a thriving agri-tourism venue.”
“The new construction and amenities will allow the site to become a year-round hub within historic downtown, hosting the market along with farm-to-table and agri-tourism related community and private events,” ORG states on its website about the project. “It will be a unique venue among farmer’s markets in WNY, further enhancing Downtown Medina’s reputation as a destination.”
Busch said he is hopeful construction could start in 6 to 8 months if the funding comes through with the improvements ready by 2027.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 October 2025 at 8:35 am
‘Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others’
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Guests enjoy cake celebrating Medina Memorial Hospital’s 100th anniversary. At left in photo is Jeanne Crane, a long-time nurse at the hospital. At right, staff from dietary cut the cake. (Right) Peggy Thomas of Holley took time to look over a timeline of pictures from the hospital’s 100 years.
MEDINA – For the past year, Medina Memorial Hospital has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding.
On Tuesday morning, the hospital had a final gathering with cake for invited guests in the hospital lobby.
(Left) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomes guests at a gathering on Tuesday to celebrate the hospital’s 100th anniversary. (Right) Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature, praised Medina Memorial Hospital and said it was an honor to be there as the hospital celebrated a century of care, compassion and community.
Sharing special remarks were Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature; Jacob G. Mahoney on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul; and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman.
Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests, which included dedicated team members, special guests and community supporters.
“For more than 100 years, this institution has been more than just a hospital – it has been a cornerstone of hope, healing and resilience for the people of Orleans County and beyond,” Johnson said. “Yet, as a member of the board of trustees, I know all too well the undeniable challenge this institution continually faces. Only through the hard work of our clinical staff that provides exceptional care to our residents, and the vision of administration that somehow finds a way to navigate through the constantly evolving healthcare industry, are we able to stand here today and celebrate this milestone.”
Johnson concluded by saying, “Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. And as we honor the past, let us look to the future – with renewed commitment to innovation, excellence and the same spirit of service that has defined Medina Memorial Hospital for a century.”
Johnson then presented Shurtz with a proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature.
“Healthcare, as we know, is not without its challenges,” Shurtz said. “But what makes this organization strong is the spirit of collaboration – the willingness of our staff, our partners and our community to come together. That collective effort has not only allowed us to persevere, but to grow and to expand the care we provide right here close to home.”
Shurtz explained over the last three years they have been able to strengthen and expand critical services. Surgical, cardiac, GI and ENT care have all been either expanded or introduced, helping us meet more of our patients’ needs locally.
“And just as important, we’ve invested in expanding access to primary care, from pediatrics to adult medicine, right here in Medina,” Shurtz said. “Our Medina Healthcare Center recently received a $1.9 million grant to support this mission – an achievement that reflects both the need in our community and trust placed in us to meet it.”
The front page of The Medina Daily Journal from September 30, 1925 celebrates the opening of a hospital in Medina.
“Today, as we mark 100 years of Medina Memorial Hospital, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we look ahead with a drive to continue building on that legacy,” Shurtz continued. “A century strong, we remain committed to providing the very best care we can to our neighbors, our families and our friends. Thank you again for being here, and thank you for believing in Orleans Community Health. Together, we’ll ensure the next century is just as strong as the last.”
Governor Kathy Hochel was represented by Jacob G. Mahoney, who reiterated the governor’s support of Medina Memorial Hospital with the $1.9 million grant.
He said Orleans County has faced enormous challenges, and stated how fortunate they were having this facility in their backyard for 100 years.
Next was Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, who said, “In the village of Medina, we remain thankful to have Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital in our community. Mark Shurtz spoke about collaboration, and that is what we represent in the village of Medina. Hopefully, we can all continue to work together so as to provide these much-needed services in our village and county. I have previously served on the Orleans Community Health Foundation and have seen first-hand all of the work that goes into making this hospital thrive.”
The morning concluded with guests enjoying an anniversary cake.
GLOW With Your Hands welcomed students from all Orleans County districts
Photos courtesy of GLOW With Your Hands: GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing held its seventh career exploration event in Batavia today, with students interacting with businesses and organizations from the trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and construction industries.
Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands
BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands today hosted over 1,250 students from 32 school districts from across the GLOW region at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.
Students attended from all five school districts in Orleans County – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
The day-long, hands-on event gave students a chance to learn about career opportunities and meet local employers.
The event provided students with the opportunity to interact with employers and career pathway organizations, experience hands-on career demonstrations, and learn more about the career opportunities available right in their own backyard.
Over 75 businesses provided hands-on activities and simulations in the advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food production and skilled trades sectors. Students also were able to learn that many companies offer good-paying opportunities immediately after high school graduation, as well as accelerated training programs available in the region.
“Educators, workforce experts, and local companies continue to collaborate to ensure our students are well-informed about the career opportunities available to them locally and GLOW With Your Hands is another program that contributes to these efforts,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair, Karyn Winters.
She continued, “We are experiencing record private sector growth across the region, driven in part by our proactive efforts to prepare the next generation of workforce candidates. Our students are ready to contribute on day one of the job because of the instruction, information, and hands-on activity they receive throughout their K-12 journey.”
GLOW With Your Hands is one of the premier workforce development programs of the Northeast United States. Introducing hands-on careers to local students is being replicated across many communities that are aiming to alleviate the workforce shortage and introduce students to opportunities that are not learned in a traditional classroom setting. Another one of the key drivers in the success of workforce development in the region is the collaboration between parents, teachers, and students.
“The GLOW region has excelled in working with K-12 institutions and educational partners to not only ensure the participation and education of students but families as well,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair, Angela Grouse. “Our students want to learn about these opportunities; they are engaged and thoughtful in their participation at GLOW With Your Hands. This engagement transforms into meaningful conversations that are had in the classroom and at home.”
Avon High School Senior Kalman Dolgos enjoyed interacting with National Grid’s line truck display, simulating opening and closing a circuit on an electric pole.
“The hands-on demonstrations and interactions are my favorite part about GLOW With Your Hands,” said Dolgos. “The company representatives are very passionate about their careers, and that motivated me to ask questions to learn about companies that I was not familiar with.”
GLOW With Your Hands sponsors and exhibitors were encouraged by interactions with students. At Tambe Electric’s demonstration, students learned how electricians troubleshoot fiber optic internet cables when a cable is disconnected. Tambe Electric Lineman David Battisti said the experience taught students what it is like to be a lineman with Tambe and the role the company performs around the region.
“Our first GLOW With Your Hands event was a major success, interacting with the next generation of workforce candidates allowed Tambe Electric to showcase how we help keep the lights on and ensure you stay connected to Wi-Fi,” stated Battisti. “Students were attentive and engaged in our demonstration. The GLOW region continues to produce the future workforce, which is why we will continue to attend this event and recruit from the region.”
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season begins this year on Nov. 3, with a tentative end date of April 7, 2026
Applications for HEAP will be available Nov. 3. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2026, through April 7, 2026.
If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 3. Applications will be available at the County Office Building in Albion, PathStone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov. If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.
If you are currently a Public Assistance or SNAP recipient, you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay with your HEAP grant.
For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be made before Nov. 3. If you are aged 60 or older, please call the Office for Aging at 589-3191.
You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.
