By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2025 at 8:06 am
President Donald Trump gave a nearly two-hour address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Here are the reactions from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Congressman Joe Morelle and Gov. Kathy Hochul:
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, R-Oswego:
“It has just been 43 days since President Trump was sworn in, and he has already accomplished more for the American people than any modern President. America’s Golden Age is finally here! He has already signed more than 100 Executive Actions, reversing the disastrous policies of the Biden administration and reinstating his America First agenda to make America strong, secure, and competitive once again.
“President Trump delivered a historic and powerful speech, highlighting his efforts to deliver on his promises to the American People. He is cracking down on fraud, waste, and abuse in our government, securing our borders, deporting criminal illegal immigrants, and declaring a national energy emergency to unleash American energy dominance.
“President Trump also laid out his vision to work with Congressional Republicans to preserve and expand the Trump Tax Cuts, which delivered significant economic benefits to families and small businesses across the country. The Trump Tax Cuts allowed families to keep more of their hard-earned money, empowered small businesses, supported family-owned farms, brought jobs back to America, and counteracted high-tax policies forced on New Yorkers by the centralized Marxist government in Albany.
“President Trump’s bold and commonsense address to Congress establishes a blueprint for implementing policies that will deliver results for the American people. I am eager to continue working with President Trump, on behalf of all of NY-24, to enact America First legislative priorities including: securing the border, supercharging the US economy, unleashing America’s energy potential, and strengthening our national security.”
Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester:
“Tonight’s speech was exactly what we’ve come to expect from Donald Trump—more meaningless promises designed to distract from the reckless and destructive policies of his administration.
“The American people aren’t fooled. They know we need real solutions to lower costs, keep our communities safe and build a stronger economy—not more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. We should be standing up for middle class families, protecting our freedoms, and defending democracy—the very values that have always defined our nation.
“This address was another missed opportunity. I can only hope that one day, the President makes a good-faith effort to advance what should be shared goals. Until then, I will continue fighting for what is right.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul:
“The cost of living is too damn high in New York and across America. Yet President Trump’s address to Congress failed to offer a single meaningful solution to the affordability crisis.
“In fact, we heard the exact opposite: plan after plan that would raise costs on consumers. The President doubled down on his tariffs, which would cost New York families more than $1,200 each year and devastate our family farms. He called on Congress to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act, which would risk 50,000 jobs and a $100 billion investment in Central New York. And he was shockingly silent on health care — even as his allies in Congress threaten to strip Medicaid coverage away from millions of New Yorkers.
“But that’s not how we do things here in New York. I’m going to continue our laser focus on affordability, fighting to pass a budget that lowers middle-class taxes and triples the child tax credit. No matter what nonsense comes out of Washington, I’ll keep fighting to put money back in your pockets.”
WILSON – Has anyone ever told you that you’d make a great school board member?
NOSBA (Niagara Orleans School Boards Association) is offering a free workshop on Saturday, April 5th, for anyone interested in running for a Board of Education position or learning more about the process.
The workshop will be held at the Wilson High/Middle School, 347 Lake Street, Wilson. It will run from 9 to 11 a.m. and guest speakers will include attorney Melissa Kester (Orleans/Niagara BOCES), who will speak on the school board election process and responsibilities of the board, and Wilson Superintendent Timothy Carter, who will address building a productive working relationship between the board and the superintendent.
For anyone interested in attending, please call NOSBA at (716) 731-6800 ext. 2211 or email Diane Stamp at dstamp@onboces.org by Friday, March 28th.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2025 at 12:39 pm
MEDINA – A composer working on a new piece that will debut in a July 2 concert will be in Medina on Saturday.
Clarice Assad, a Grammy-nominated composer, welcomes input from the community. She will be in the Canal Basin at 2 p.m. for a “Sound Capture Journey.”
Assad, a Brazilian-American, is developing an orchestral piece that will be performed by Albany Symphony on July 2 in Medina. Assad’s piece will be the centerpiece of the “Water Music New York: More Voices festival.” She will work around the theme of the voices of nature and the environment along the Erie Canal.
“The goal on March 8 is to create a digital archive of the sounds of nature and the environment, as heard by the Medina community,” said Lily Whiteman, programs manager of Albany Symphony Orchestra. “Clarice and adventurous listeners will capture sound snippets from around Orleans County to tell personal stories about nature and the environment.”
Anyone can join Assad on Saturday or adventure on their own sound-gathering expedition. People can record their favorite spot in the woods or share the sound of the song the birds sing outside their window.
“How do you listen adventurously to the natural world around you?” Whiteman asked.
Be sure to include where you collected the sound, and your first name and last initial, to be included in the online Medina Sound Archive.
Assad will be in the basin in downtown Medina at 2 p.m. on Saturday to talk about the project and to wander about, collecting sounds of nature that run through the community. To join the expedition or for more information, email Whiteman at lilyw@albanysymphony.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2025 at 7:28 am
Laura Bentley transforms event space at former Village Inn
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Fairhaven Inn & Events team includes, from left: Faye Conley, day of coordinator; Laura Bentley, owner; and Katie Stiegler, marketing manager.
GAINES – Laura Bentley has given an inn going back more than 200 years a new look.
Part of the former Tillman’s Village Inn has been repurposed into Fairhaven Inn & Events. The restaurant and bar continue at the site as the Tavern on the Ridge, run by Chad Pike and Julia Hopkins.
Bentley owns the former Village Inn, acquiring it from Mark Tillman.
“I firmly believe in investing in our community, trying to do better in our county,” Bentley said. “I’m very fortunate my family had a business allowing me so many connections in the community.”
She is also owner and president of Bentley Brothers, a Kubota dealership in Albion and Brockport. That business is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, including a big bash on May 31 at Fairhaven Inn & Events.
This past weekend Bentley gave the public its first look at the transformed former Village Inn. Fairhaven Inn hosted a bridal show with 14 vendors.
They saw a space where the carpet was torn out and replaced with new flooring, and a much brighter interior painted in white with black trim. Bentley also put in new bathrooms.
In the spring, a separate staircase will be added leading to the events space.
She sees Fairhaven hosting wedding receptions, annual meetings for local organizations, and many other special events. Fairhaven is conveniently located right in the center of Orleans County, Bentley noted.
The vendors at the bridal show were impressed with the changes at the site.
“It’s beautiful in here,” said Brenda Radzinski, representing the Cobblestone Museum which rents its church out for weddings. “What she’s done with the space is amazing. It’s bright and open.”
The Cobblestone Museum over the years has hosted many weddings with the reception then at the Village Inn. Bentley would like to continue that arrangement. Fairhaven could host the receptions. Pike of the Tavern on the Ridge is the preferred caterer for events, but Bentley said people can hire someone else.
Sara Flansburg, owner of Blissetts Specialty Shop, brought many wedding gowns to the bridal show. She also rents out suits and tuxedos for men. She said Orleans County is fortunate to have several wedding venues.
Flansburg said Bentley was able to incorporate modern and rustic in the look at Fairhaven.
“This is a very good destination venue,” Flansburg said. “It’s always nice to have another place to recommend. It gives people another option. You want people to have multiple things available that are close to home.”
Fairhaven includes a telephone booth with an audio guest book where people can leave recorded messages for the newly married couple.
Bentley also owns the Fairhaven Inn which includes a bridal suite and seven other rooms. Bentley bought the inn in January 2022 and renovated all eight rooms with new flooring, paint and bathrooms. She also renovated two houses at the Bridges in Carlton. The Cottages at Oak Orchard are guest rentals.
The bridal suite is among the eight rooms available at Fairhaven Inn.
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference today unveiled legislation aimed at providing relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling amidst the state’s affordability crisis and called for the bills to be included in this year’s Enacted Budget.
The bills are designed to ensure New Yorkers are able to keep more of their hard-earned income in their own pockets by eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay and cash tips:
S.587 Eliminating state income taxes on cash tips which are considered wages or compensation; and
S.3914 Eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay.
“At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs on everything from groceries to utility bills, it’s imperative we do anything we can to make sure they are able to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets,” Ortt said. “Albany Democrats continue to pass bills that make New York less affordable, not more. In contrast, these two pieces of legislation will provide immediate, significant relief and I commend Senator Jack Martins on his leadership on this issue.”
These bills are a key aspect of the Senate Republicans’ Liberate New York agenda, of which a primary focus is helping make New York more affordable for all. These bills would also complement efforts underway at the federal level to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime to provide even more financial relief to New Yorkers struggling to get by.
“It is time to prioritize relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling to keep up as New York becomes more and more unaffordable,” said Senator Jack Martins. “These bills will help our constituents hold on to more of the money they work so hard to earn in their own pockets, and I urge the Governor and my colleagues in the majorities in the Legislature to include these provisions in this year’s state budget.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 March 2025 at 8:46 pm
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company welcomed members and guests to its annual installation banquet Saturday night at East Shelby Fire Hall, where outstanding members were recognized, those recently lost were remembered and a 50-year member was honored.
The evening began with opening remarks by Dave Green and welcome by Ladies Auxiliary president Shirley Printup and Fire Company president Mike Fuller.
Officers of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company took the oath of office administered by Dale Watts, a 50-year member of Shelby Fire Company, at the annual banquet Saturday night. In front, beginning with Deb Taylor (in plaid shirt), chief, are Karen Bracey, secretary; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; and Mike Fuller, president, followed by Dennis MacDonald and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and David Green, steward. Others at left are Alan Turner, treasurer; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief; Matt Grimes, lieutenant; Todd Ralph, safety/training officer; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; and Jared Zinkievich, captain.
Before giving the invocation, chaplain Rose Allen asked for a moment of silence to remember recently lost Auxiliary members Fonda Carr and Margaret Reigle.
Elaine Watts, president of Shelby Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary, installed officers of the Ladies Auxiliary, which are president Shirley Printup, vice president Leona Weese, secretary Sawyer Green, treasurer Sharlene Pratt, trustees Bronwyn Green, Sue Green and Pat Vader and chaplain Rose Allen.
Fire company executive officers installed by Dale Watts, a 50-year member of Shelby Fire Company, are president Mike Fuller, vice president Kirk Zinkievich, secretary Karen Bracey, treasurer Allen Turner, steward Dave Green and trustees Dennis MacDonald, Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen.
Line officers installed were chief, Deb Taylor, 1st assistant chief Devin Taylor, 2nd assistant chief Andy Beach, 3rd assistant chief Jeff Taylor, captain Jared Zinkievich, lieutenant Matt Grimes, fire police chief Steve Wolter, EMS officers Sue Behrend and Mike Fuller and safety/training officer Todd Ralph.
Watts joked he bet the firemen remembered when banquets were on Friday nights, and they anticipated bingo on Saturday nights.
In an age where fire companies are struggling to get new members, it was announced the auxiliary had welcomed five new members and the fire company seven. New auxiliary members are Cassandra Harden, Emily Oberther, Natalie Printup, Leslie Green and Jessie Allen. New members of the fire company are Mike Green, Dave Haas, Logan Gardner, David Bell, Nathan Fuller, Mike Hamilton and Brennan Zinkievich.
“When their training is complete this year, we will have six new interior firefighters,” Fuller said.
Kirk Zinkievich, holds his certificate for 40 years of membership in the East Shelby Fire Company. With him, from left, are fire chief Deb Taylor, Bill Eick representing Orleans County Legislature, fire company president Mike Fuller and Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The awards ceremony began with Mike Fuller presenting his President’s Award.
“I’ve been president four or five years and it’s always hard to choose,” Fuller said. “But this person is well known and a point man or assistant point man on most of our events. He’s our ‘go-to’ man on little things and big things. He’s also our steward, a firefighter and certified first responder. This committed person is my friend, Dave Green.”
In presenting the EMS Award, Fuller said he and Sue Behrend share leadership, teaching basic EMT and first responder duties.
“This person took the bull by the horns when he joined,” Fuller said. “He took the training class and passed it and is now a certified EMT. It is Josh Fuller.”
Deb Taylor handed out certificates recognizing membership of five to 40 years. Recipients were Mike Hinkley, Megan Perkins, Scott Barber and Ben Schiffer, 5 years; Andy Beach, 15; Jackie Keller and Deb Taylor, 20; Rusty Hoffmeister, 25; Todd Ralph, 25; Kirk Zinkievich 40; and James Ralph, 40.
Dave Morien was presented with this mounted axe in honor of 50 years of membership in the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Holding the axe are fire chief Deb Taylor and company president Mike Fuller.
Dave Morien received special recognition for 50 years of membership, and was presented with a large wooden plaque with a mounted axe.
Morien said he first joined the fire company when Jack Hassall approached him and asked if he had joined yet.
“So I joined,” Morien said. “It is a great way to get to know people in the area.”
He has served as first assistant chief, secretary, treasurer and fire police chief.
Taylor next announced the winner of her Chief’s Award.
“This person has been in the department for many years,” she said. “If we needed help, we just had to call or text him. He plays a big role here. It’s an honor and a privilege to present this award to Mike Fuller.
Taylor chose Josh Fuller as recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award.
“He has shown tremendous dedication to the fire company,” Taylor said. “He completed his EMT training and also helped bring in more members.”
Elaine Watts, president of Shelby Center Ladies Auxiliary, standing at right, installs officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company Saturday night. From left are secretary Sawyer Green, president Shirley Printup, treasurer Sharlene Pratt, vice president Leona Weese, and trustees Sue Green, Pat Vader and Rose Allen.
Shirley Printup took the podium to present awards to ladies in the auxiliary and acknowledge outgoing members – president, Sawyer Green, treasurer Debbie Green and trustee Sue Green.
Certificates for years of membership were presented to Amber Draper and Lynn Woodruff, 5; Megan Wolter, 15; and Sue Zinkievich, 50 years. Zinkievich, who was in Florida and could not attend, also received a special gift and proclamations from local officials. Final recognition was paid to Doris Antinore for 55 years.
Sawyer Green, left, and Shirley Printup, representing the East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, present president Mike Fuller with a check for $10,000 toward new gear.
Printup also stated the hardest part of her job was having to pick one person for her President’s Award. Her choice was Leona Weese, a member who is fairly new, but stepped right in and took over a new function.
The final gift was a check presented to Mike Fuller by Printup and Sawyer Green from the auxiliary.
“It is our custom to give the firemen a gift every year,” Printup said. “This year they said they really needed new gear, so we are giving them a check for $10,000 toward that new gear.”
Dave Green then called Elaine Newton to the front to receive his Steward’s Award. Fighting off tears, he hugged her and explained how active she had been during 50 years of membership, including the last year when, in spite of dealing with a very difficult time and her husband’s death, she continued to be a tremendous help to the fire company.
Several members, including Morien, received proclamations from Shelby town board and representatives of Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator Rob Ortt and FASNY.
The evening also included dinner catered by Donna Eick.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 March 2025 at 7:21 pm
ALBION – Orleans Community Health has announced the reopening of walk-in services at its Albion Healthcare Center, beginning today. The announcement comes after a year of requiring patients to call ahead for appointments.
Walk-ins will again be welcomed during new extended hours, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health.
Effective immediately, patients can walk in for care from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Saturday hours will be from 9 a.m. to noon.
This change will provide greater flexibility and convenience for individuals seeking medical care, especially those with urgent needs or who may find it challenging to schedule an appointment in advance.
“We understand the importance of accessibility and convenience in healthcare, and we’re thrilled to bring back walk-in services to our community,” Robinson said. “This is a significant step toward improving the patient experience, and we’re confident the extended hours and no-appointment-needed access will make it easier for people in Albion and the surrounding areas to receive the care they need in a timely manner.”
Ciarra Silversmith, clinic manager at Albion Healthcare Center, added, “For the past year, we’ve been committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, which is why we had to modify our services. But now, we’re excited to be able to offer walk-in services again, helping to streamline care for both our regular patients and newcomers. Our team is ready to assist anyone who walks through our doors.”
For more information or questions, call the Albion Healthcare Center at (585) 589-CARE.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2025 at 5:16 pm
TOWN OF ALABAMA – The staff at the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the STAMP technical team have made a recommendation among the three proposals to develop a massive data center at STAMP, a manufacturing park off Route 63.
The GCEDC staff and the STAMP technical team favor the proposal from Stream US Data Centers, LLC from Dallas, Texas for Project Double Reed.
The details of that proposal include:
900,000 square-foot data center on 59.2 acres
Total capital investment: $6,320,000,000
Incentive amount: $471,560,000
Generate $218,450,978 in local municipal revenue over 20 years
Sales tax exemption: $462,560,000
Mortgage tax exemption: $9,000,000
Estimated tax incentives: $471,560,000
Direct jobs: 122 ($88,505 average), plus 46 indirect
PILOT $127,723,298 over 20 years, $5,000,000 in year 1 to $7,993,252 in year 20
Other local municipal revenue: $90,727,680 over 20 years, with $52,036,384 in year 1, $2,036,384 from years 2 to 20. Includes $1,920,000 sales tax revenue, $116,384 in fire district for $2,036,384 a year, plus a one time $50 million for substation.
Many speakers during three public hearings on Feb. 3 spoke against a data center at STAMP, saying a data centers would be huge consumers of electricity, about 200 megawatts of lower-cost hydropower.
Speakers during the public hearings said a data center near a wildlife refuge and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation would be very disruptive, due to the noise and sheer size of the data center. The buildings, ranging from 750,000 square feet to 900,000 square feet, would be about five to six times the Albion Walmart Supercenter which is 155,000 square feet.
Mark Masse, GCEDC’s chief executive officer, issued this statement today:
“The first step in this process is for the GCEDC STAMP Committee to review all the supporting materials that accompany the recommendation to the Board, and if they agree with the conclusion, approve moving the recommendation to the full Board at the March 6, 2025 Board meeting. This matter will be discussed at the STAMP Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
“The staff and technical team assessed several factors in our recommendation to the Board, including thorough review of the responses to relevant comments raised at the February 3, 2025 public hearing. We also took into consideration the number of good-paying jobs that would be created, the footprint of the project, including electric and water needs and impacts on the local community.
“Another factor that was considered in our recommendation was which project would have the least impact to the STAMP footprint as GCEDC staff continues to focus on bringing advanced manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain companies to STAMP.
“Staff ultimately concluded, in close consultation with the technical team, that STREAM US Data Centers, LLC project had the fewest impacts, particularly from an environmental standpoint, and provided the best overall fit at the STAMP site.
“GCEDC staff and the technical will be prepared to discuss our recommendation to the GCEDC board at the March 5th STAMP Committee meeting.”
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he will bring Western NY’s Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and was suddenly fired this past week from her job working for the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress.
Under new DOGE directive and President Trump, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, of which 30% are veterans, have been fired in the past month, including 2,400 VA employees, like Ellman.
“Alissa Ellman dedicated her life to service for our country, both in the Army, where she suffered injuries, and here in Western NY helping her fellow veterans while working at the Buffalo VA,” Schumer said. “Firing her, firing veterans and slashing thousands from the VA workforce is outrageous and should be reversed. This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American.”
This fire first, ask questions later approach towards cutting jobs and funding is unacceptable, especially when caring for our veterans, Schumer said. Federal jobs give preference to veterans, allowing them to continue serving our country in what was previously a stable government career, which is why approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce are veterans.
“DOGE cuts and Trump’s funding freeze have created chaos in Western NY and kneecapped far too many vets,” Schumer said. “I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Jobs and care for our veterans in Upstate NY is not government waste. Even funding to help vets suffering from toxic burn pit exposure, like Alissa, was put on the chopping block. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and now we need the Trump administration to uphold that promise.”
Alissa Ellman said, “I am speaking out because I cannot see how employing veterans in the federal government is fraud, waste, or abuse. Veterans are some of the best people I know. Veterans have sacrificed for this country; they are the ones who have been defrauded – their talents wasted and service abused. For many of us these jobs are more than a job, they are how we continue our service, continue our devotion to make America a better place. I’m not telling you my story for pity; my life will be fine. But we need to be making more thoughtful cuts to the federal workforce, not our vets.”
These funding cuts have also directly hit care for veterans in Upstate NY, with VA workers being laid off in Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and just last week in Steuben County at the Bath VA facility impacting treatment for veterans suffering from addiction and substance use disorder. Schumer said now more than ever veterans are concerned about their benefits, and VA staffers are concerned about their jobs especially with the Trump administration saying more mass firings are coming soon. Schumer has been leading the charge to stop this in the Senate, most recently demanding VA Secretary Collins demanding they reverse the mass terminations of VA employees and reinstate the workers ensuring our nation’s veterans receive quality healthcare.
Biography for Alissa Ellman:
Alissa Ellman joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and she returned from basic training to high school ten days before the September 11th attack which further spurred her desire to serve her country. She deployed to Afghanistan voluntarily from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist. She returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2008, Alissa returned to Western New York, started a family and later graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Niagara University with a degree in Special Education.
In 2018, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, pheochromocytoma, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. After 5 years of treatment at the VA, she was deemed 100% disabled, a diagnosis she never envisioned, but knew that she continued to want to serve her community.
In December 2023, she began to apply to work at the Buffalo VA working for the education department to help fellow veterans as that means to give back. Not taking the job for the money, receiving only a few dollars more per month on top of her VA disability payments, but to continue to help the community she cared so deeply about, eventually being hired in April 2024.
She met all the training and meeting production numbers, and in January had a 200% daily production average. When the VA began announcing the cuts under the new administration, she told her friends she was safe because she always exceeded work goals, but she was wrong.
Last week, Alissa found herself locked out of her computer, with both her and her boss thinking at first it was an error, only to later find out she had been fired. Alissa said she never felt so disrespected after giving so much.
She will attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress Tuesday evening, March 4th as Senator Schumer’s honored guest.
Courtesy of Baldwin Wallace Student Government: Leah Kania, left, and Aniya Qualls are the new student government leaders at Baldwin Wallace.
BEREA, OH – Students at Baldwin Wallace University elected Leah Kania of Albion as student body president. Kania, a graduate of Charles D’Amico High School in Albion majoring in voice performance, is passionate about student advocacy and progress and is committed to fostering a forward-thinking campus environment.
“As I take on this new leadership position, I am most excited to continue the conversation for positive change and work to propel BW forward to benefit the current and future student body! #YJ4L,” said Kania.
Kania officially took office, along with vice president Aniya Qualls of Elyria, Ohio, during an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The new leadership team is eager to work alongside faculty, staff and students to address key campus initiatives and enhance student life at Baldwin Wallace. Their dedication to advocacy and meaningful change will help shape a vibrant and supportive community for all students. Their term of office runs until the spring election in 2026.
Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 3,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 65 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2025 at 9:00 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health honored three people on Saturday with a Bowen Award, given in honor of the man who pushed to start Medina Memorial Hospital a century ago.
During a gala at Bent’s Opera House, set to a Roaring ’20s theme, Orleans Community health recognized Roland Howell, the late Van Hungerford, and the late Dr. Ekran John Boulous. The event was the third annual gala to benefit Medina Memorial and Orleans Community Health. About 100 people attended with many dressing in a flapper style from that era.
(Left) Megan Johnson, president of the OCH Foundation, welcomes the crowd to the event. Johnson said many community members are very supportive of the hospital and OCH services in the community.
(Right) Marc Shurtz, the OCH/Medina Memorial chief executive officer, said the organization is getting stronger, and adding more services to the community.
Many smaller hospitals in the region have either closed or cut back services, Shurtz said. Medina Memorial added an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic in October, and has expanded with wound care, podiatry, more general surgery and other services.
Orleans Community Health will soon start construction on the $1.9 million Medina Healthcare Center. This outpatient clinic will be done in phases and will include primary care providers. OCH seeks to address a gap in accessible outpatient services. The planned renovations include more than 13 exam rooms, improved parking and a dedicated entrance on the south end of the campus.
“Our plan is to bring more needed care to the community,” Shurtz said. “We not only want to be sustainable for years to come, but we want to increase the services we’re providing.”
About 100 people attended the gala at Bent’s Opera House with music by Ken Ryan and the Professionals.
Many of the attendees dressed up in a Roaring ’20s style. A bigger event is being planned in September for the 100th anniversary of the hospital.
Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of Surgical Services at Medina Memorial, shares about the late Dr. Ekram John Boulos, who was honored with one of the Bowen Awards on Saturday.
Dr. Ekram John Boulos
Dr. Boulos passed away at age 69 on Dec. 14, 2022. He worked as an ENT surgeon for nearly 50 years and was a specialist in otolaryngology – head & neck surgery.
Gray said Dr. Boulos was very dedicated to his patients and the staff at Medina Memorial. He insisted on music in the operating room, sometimes classical, rock, jazz “and sometimes something completely unexpected,” Gray said.
“It set the tone, brought comfort, and, in many ways, reflected the rhythm of his work,” she said.
He gave many of the patients, nurses, staff and other doctors nicknames, some of which stuck for decades, Gray said.
“It was his way of breaking the ice, making people feel at ease, and reminding everyone that medicine, at its core, is deeply personal,” Gray said. “It wasn’t just about treating ailments. It was about making connections, building trust, and bringing a little lightness to even the most serious of situations.”
Gray read a letter from Dr. Boulos wife, Neveen. She said she and her husband arrived in the medina community in 1981 with “open arms” from Dr. Adeeb, Dr. Ghaly, Dr. Brooks, Dr. Bath, Dr. Sterling, Dr. Blanchette, Dr. Rho, Dr. Zimmer, Dr. Abassey and their families.
“But it wasn’t just them,” Mrs. Boulos wrote. “It was the entire Medina community. From the very beginning, we felt at home here, embraced by kindness, warmth and generosity. Medina became more than just a place to live; It became a part of us.”
Jeanne Crane, a retired nurse at Medina Memorial and former president of the Foundation board, tells about Van Hungerford and his contributions to Medina Memorial. The late Hungerford was a successful entrepreneur at SigmaMotor in Middleport. The company manufactured a pump for open heart surgery and later developed an infusion pump.
Hungerford served on the hospital board for a 12-year term beginning in 1966. Twelve years is the maximum length for a board member.
“During this time there was a doctor shortage and the board contacted local students enrolled in medical schools,” Crane said.
Medina Memorial held “Medicine Balls” to raise scholarship money to entice physicians to come to the hospital, Crane said and recalled attended a few of the events, usually held at Middleport Fire Hall or the Armory in Medina. Those scholarships have helped bring doctors to the community, Crane said.
Hungerford was chairman of the Finance Committee and Building Fund. In 1969 as chairman, he solicited $424,952.
“While chair of this committee, he would make recommendations how money should be spent and worked with insurance companies for reimbursements,” she said.
In 1969, he pushed to the have emergency room staffed 24-7 by physicians.
“On behalf of Orleans Community Health, the hospital and foundation board, I am so honored to be able to honor a man who gave so much to our hospital and our community,” Crane said.
Dawn Meland hugs Roland Howell after he presented with the Bowen Award on Saturday. Meland is a former board member for both the hospital and OCH Foundation.
Meland praised Howell for his many years of supporting the hospital and Orleans Community Health. She praised his “humility and kindness.”
“His impact can’t be overstated,” Meland said.
Howell, 96, remembers Bowen from back when Howell was a teen-ager and as a young adult. Howell praised the optimism and leadership of Bowen, who pushed to establish the hospital in 1925.
“He was very dynamic,” Bowen told the crowd at Bent’s. “He wanted to build this hospital and he got it built.”
Howell served 12 years on the board, mainly in 1980s when the hospital did an addition and put a focus on quality assurance.
“It is unique today,” Howell said about a hospital in a smaller community, especially one that is adding services.
“The fact that this standalone hospital still exists in this community is a rarity and tribute to all of the people here,” Howell said. “I’m pleased I was a part of it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2025 at 7:31 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Melting snow left pooling water last week at the intersection of Ingersoll and East State streets in Albion.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood watch for Orleans County and portions of western and central New York.
The flood watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon due to a significant snow melt and about a half inch of rainfall.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the Weather Service said. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. The most prone areas for flooding will be where ice jams typically develop.”
Today’s high will reach 34 in Orleans County, but will then climb to 51 on Tuesday and 57 on Wednesday. The high on Thursday will be near 40, according to the Weather Service.
The Medina Mustang JV and Varsity winterguards traveled to Lancaster on Saturday to compete for the 5th time this season.
A total of 24 guards from NY, PA and Canada came to compete. Medina’s JV guard performed in the Cadet class and came in 2nd place with a score of 57.28, bested by Ventures Cadet with a score of 59.55.
Medina’s varsity guard competed in the A1 class and came in 4th place with a score of 60.85, with the Ventures in 1st place with a score of 68.35.
The next opportunity to see these two Medina guards perform is Saturday, March 8 in Medina at the high school. A total of 25 guards will be performing and the doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity to see these students and adults display their talents and it will give you a greater appreciation of what winterguard involves.
MEDINA – A composer working on a new piece that will debut in a July 2 concert will be in Medina on Saturday.
