Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These trumpet players in the Albion Middle School band perform during Wednesday evening’s All-District Concert in the high school gym.

The concert featured the elementary, middle and high school bands. More than 1,000 people attended the concert in the gym.

Mike Thaine leads the high school band in a medley of music from The Lion King. Thaine and Greg Martillotta, the middle school band teacher, are both retiring after this year. The two are both Albion grads who have devoted their careers to their alma mater.

Kailee Anstey plays the saxophone in a solo with the high school band.

March is celebrated as “Music in our Schools Month” throughout the country.

These clarinet players keep their focus in the elementary school band.

Lindsay Almeter leads the beginner band of fourth graders and also fifth graders as par tof the elementary school band. The concert was the first since the gym received a new floor, paint, scoreboards and other improvements.

An elementary student plays the trumpet during the concert.

Greg Martillotta, the middle school band director, played the guitar with the band during “Crazy Train.” They also played “Lean On Me” and other songs.

All three bands – elementary, middle and high school – joined together in concluding the concert with “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

$1 cookies are fundraiser for Arc GLOW

Provided photo: Nicole Tuohey holds a heart cutout cookie as she stands in front of the former Case-Nic Cookies to promote her annual Have a Heart Campaign in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. New owner Hans Rosentrater is allowing use of his windows to promote charitable events and will sell the cookies in his bakery for $1.

MEDINA – For most of the years Mary Lou Tuohey ran Case-Nic Cookies, she baked heart cutout cookies which she and daughter Nicole sold in March to support Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Now that Tuohey has sold the building to Hans Rosentrater, he is willing to continue the tradition. He is following Tuohey’s example of allowing non-profits to use the store windows for basket raffles. Currently baskets are on display to benefit Arc GLOW, which assists individuals with disabilities in the four counties of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming.

The frosted heart cookies are $1 and can be purchased at the store or ordered by calling (585) 798-1676.

The Tuoheys have been avid supporters of people with disabilities since Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrome and doctors told them she may never walk, talk, read, write or do math.

“As of that moment, we were determined, and she has been determined not to be ‘labeled,’” Mary Lou said. “Nicole is 33 years old and has done all of what the doctors said she wouldn’t do, and more. She has danced with Miss Stephanie for 28 years. She plays basketball, bowls, rides a horse, swims and rides a bike. She volunteers for different events at the Arc. She, too, is a person, not just a label, who has feelings, potential and determination. She may not do things the way other people do, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong. It means there are other ways to accomplish the same goal.”

Nicole attended Rainbow Preschool from 3 months of age to 5 years old and currently is part of Day Hab through Arc GLOW.

Each year in March, Mary Lou has included Nicole in fundraising to support the organization during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This is the seventh year they have sold heart cutout cookies, using a red frosted cookie and a red and white frosted one to demonstrate how things, especially people, can be different, but the same.

Their annual campaign always included the words, “One is red, one is pink. The pink one has a bite out of. Other than that they are the same – made of the same ingredients, rolled out the same, cut the same and taste the same.”

That is the same with people, Tuohey explained.

“We are made of the same thing,” she wrote. “We might look different. We might not think the same, learn the same and socialize the same. But we all have feelings, all have potential and all have determination.”

Nicole and Mary Lou urge people to continue to support the charitable causes as they have in the past.

Hans’s Bakery is located at 439 Main St.

Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers

ALBION – The Rev. Dr. Don Algeo, pastor of the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, gives the benediction to a Ash Wednesday service at the First Baptist Church in Albion.

Several churches in the Albion Ministerium planned and led the community service.

People received a cross of ashes on their foreheads. The ashes are from the burnt palms from the palms from about a year ago on Palm Sunday.

The Rev. Brenda Bierdeman of the Free Methodist church gives the message during the service.

Ash Wednesday starts a 40-day Lenten season for Christians around the world.

Lent is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter, which this year will be celebrated on April 20.

Albion’s Lenten lunches start March 12 for five Wednesdays at noon at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 West Park St.

Clarissa Steier plays the trumpet and Kay Marsh is on the piano for “Lift High the Cross.”

Jai Li McPhatter helped woman after she had been robbed

Provided photo: Jai Li McPhatter of Albion is presented with a “Do The Right Thing Award” last Thursday at the Public Safety Building downtown Rochester. He is joined by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith.

ROCHESTER – An Albion eighth-grader, Jai Li McPhatter, has been honored with a “Do The Right Thing Award” in Rochester for his efforts to help a woman after she had been robbed.

Jai Li did his good deed in June when he was on South Clinton Avenue in South Wedge of Rochester. He came to the aid of a woman who was in her parked car. A thief opened her car door, entered her car with her in the driver’s seat, reached over her and took her purse.

The woman, Marie, didn’t have a phone anymore because it was in her purse. She headed to the corner restaurant to get help and call the police.

Jai Li saw what happened and gave police a very detailed description of the robber. He also insisted he and a family member check on the lady to make sure she was safe. They waited with Marie for the police to come.

A Rochester PD lieutenant and the woman who was robbed both nominated Jai Li for the “Do The Right Thing Award.” He and other award recipients were honored last Thursday during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in downtown Rochester.

The ceremony is expected to be posted by Channel 10 (WHEC) in Rochester and award winners will be featured on billboards in the city.

Officials seek support for several issues in Orleans

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Provided photo: Pictured from left include County Legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak outside the U.S. Capitol during a break at the National Association of Counties annual conference.

ALBION – Orleans County legislative leaders returned home today after spending several days in Albany and Washington DC at two major government conferences.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Legislative conference was held in Albany from Feb. 23-26. The National Association of Counties (NACO) conference was held in Washington DC from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Both annual conferences bring together elected officials from across New York State and the nation. While there, Orleans County Officials met with state and federal officials to lobby for funding for key county projects.

“I have said this before but there really is no better way to advocate for our residents then to sit down at the table with our federal and state representatives personally,” said Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman. “It’s important that leaders of all levels of government representing Orleans County have our priorities aligned so we speak with one voice when seeking dollars and pursuing legislation.”

Joining Chairman Johnson at the NACO Washington DC conference were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and Legislator John Fitzak. Legislator Ed Morgan and County Administrator Jack Welch attended the NYSAC Conference in Albany. Topics of interest at the conferences included homeland security, the Great Lakes, workforce development, economic development and emergency management.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, they met with staff from Congresswoman Tenney’s office.

Orleans specific needs and more funding for the Public Safety Building; dredging; relocation and remodeling to the Genesee Community College Satellite building; the Marine Park Docks repair and continued expansion of broadband were major topics of discussion.

“Time was tight, especially in Washington, when we were doing meetings the day of the State of the Union address, but I very much appreciated our federal delegation taking the time to meet with us,” Johnson said. “I want to thank my legislative colleagues for attending these conferences and advocating on behalf Orleans County residents.”

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) represents New York’s 62 counties, including the City of New York, before Federal, State and Local officials. NYSAC staff educate, train and provide research on public policy to Federal, State and Local officials and to the membership on issues important to counties.  The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

‘Tariffs that drive up costs without a clear long-term strategy undermine the strength of the manufacturing sector’

Press Release, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier today jointly issued a statement expressing deep concern over the economic impact of tariffs on manufacturers in the region.

They warn that continued uncertainty surrounding trade policies threatens investment, job creation, and long-term growth in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturers operate in a capital-intensive environment that requires long-term planning and stability,” according to a statement from the organizations. “The ongoing uncertainty created by tariffs is making it harder for companies to make confident decisions about expansion, hiring, and investment in New York State. Manufacturers—small and large—are looking for pro-growth policies that foster stability and encourage investment. Tariffs that drive up costs without a clear long-term strategy undermine the strength of the manufacturing sector.”

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), recently emphasized this point, stating, “Uncertainty is the enemy of investment. Manufacturing is a capital-intensive industry. We make decisions months and years in advance. … That’s why we need certainty. We need a clear, actionable, multistep strategy from our government—one that says, ‘We want you to invest here, hire here and succeed here.’”

The NAM has long highlighted the economic risks associated with tariffs, noting that they increase costs for manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately impact consumers. According to recent analysis, tariffs on critical raw materials and components raise production costs, making it harder for American businesses to compete globally.

One-third of all U.S. imported manufacturing inputs now come from Canada and Mexico. The value of U.S. imports of manufacturing inputs from North America is now 3X greater than China.

A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico is adding an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.

Source: National Association of Manufacturers

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also voiced strong opposition to these tariffs. Neil Bradly, Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce stated, “The Chamber supports the administration’s efforts to advance pro-growth policies like fewer regulations and less taxation that will grow our economy and expand opportunity; and to fix serious problems like our broken border and stopping the flow of fentanyl in this country. We also want to work together to keep costs down, but tariffs will only raise prices and increase the economic paid being felt by everyday Americans across the country. We urge reconsideration of this policy and swift end to these tariffs.”

In 2022, New York businesses exported nearly $106.3 billion worth of goods overseas, supporting approximately 2.8 million jobs.

Canada is one of New York’s largest trading partners, with total trade between New York and Canada reaching $42.6 billion in 2022. Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The BNMA and MAST are urging policymakers to prioritize solutions that reduce trade uncertainty, promote a competitive business environment, and support a strong domestic manufacturing base. They stand with manufacturers and business leaders in calling for a clear and predictable trade strategy that fosters long-term economic growth.

The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) advocate for manufacturers across the five counties of Western New York (WNY). Manufacturing remains the backbone of the WNY economy with 1600 firms, and nearly 70,000 employees manufacturing $26.8 billion in annual shipments. The BNMA and MAST are proud to represent the WNY manufacturing base.

‘Adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear.’

Photo by Tom Rivers: These apples are in a bin at a local farm from the fall 2023.

The leader of the American Farm Bureau Federation is concerned tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China will hurt agriculture in the United States.

The Trump Administration is imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent on China. All three countries will be imposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods, including many farm products.

Zippy Duvall, the Farm Bureau president, on Tuesday issued this statement on the tariffs.

“Farmers support the goals of ensuring security and fair trade with other nations, but additional tariffs, along with expected retaliatory tariffs, will take a toll on rural America.

“Farmers and ranchers are concerned with the decision to impose increased tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China – our top trading partners. Last year, the U.S. exported more than $83 billion in agricultural products to the three countries.

“Approximately 85% of our total potash supply – a key ingredient in fertilizer – is imported from Canada. For the third straight year, farmers are losing money on almost every major crop planted. Adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear.

“We ask the president to continue working with our international partners to find ways to resolve disagreements quickly, so farmers can focus on feeding families in America and abroad.”

NY urges farmers to notify state about potential impacts from tariffs with Canada, Mexico and China

Gov. Kathy Hochul convened a roundtable in Albany on Tuesday with agricultural leaders in the state. She said the tariffs are projected to increase costs by as much as $1,200 a year for the average New Yorker, while hurting many businesses that send products to China, Mexico and Canada.

Hochul encourages businesses, including New York’s farms, to report the effects of these tariffs on their work to TariffImpact@esd.ny.gov.

“From the North Country to the Southern Tier, farmers are the backbone of New York State,” Hochul said. “Many of our farmers rely on export sales of their products, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against this misguided tariff policy and ensure the government is doing what it is supposed to do, which is help, not hurt, New York farmers.”

Hochul said agriculture is a cornerstone of New York’s economy. The state’s investments in agricultural priorities are up 60 percent since 2022, she said.

“We appreciate Governor Hochul’s willingness to invite our members to the table to discuss the issues most important to New York agriculture, including how tariffs will directly affect farmers’ bottom line,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher. “By telling our stories and sharing our real, everyday challenges, we make our voices heard so that we can continue to provide healthy, accessible food for all New Yorkers – and keep farming sustainable and successful.”

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is pleased to announce The BEST Center has been awarded a $88,175 award for clean energy training by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The Clean Energy Training Program funded by NYSERDA will upskill incumbent workers and train new students seeking entry into the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field.

GCC’s Clean Energy Training Program will train individuals in high efficiency HVAC (including heat pumps) and energy auditing. Program graduates also will be provided an opportunity to obtain their Home Energy Rater (HER) Certification through the industry standard Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) program.

“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of NYSERDA,” said Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at Genesee Community College. “This training grant will make a significant impact on the lives of incumbent workers, students entering the field of HVAC and the businesses who support the industry.”

The GCC Clean Energy training program is a 10-week training course, with four cohorts over two years. The first classes will begin in Spring 2025 at the college’s Batavia campus.

The NYSERDA Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology Training program awards activities such as technical training and experiential learning that supports New York State’s path to inclusive clean energy economy. GCC’s training program will contribute to expanding the capacity of skilled talent for Western New York’s energy efficiency and clean energy labor market.

Adele Ferranti, director of Workforce Development and Training, NYSERDA, said, “Each day more New Yorkers are turning to sustainable building solutions to make their homes more comfortable and improve overall energy efficiency. To meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies, NYSERDA is pleased to support Genesee Community College’s new program at the BEST Center that will ready the workforce with trained professionals to install and service the latest equipment.”

Businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of GCC’s Clean Energy Training are encouraged to act now and contact The BEST Center at bestcenter@genesee.edu or call (585) 345-6868.

Art Hill’s children, Jerry Hill and Jennifer Hill-Young, hold the Hall of Fame award presented for their father who was active in auto racing for about 60 years.

AMHERST – The late Art Hill, who was active in auto racing for about 60 years, was inducted into a racing hall of fame on Saturday.

The Friends of Auto Racing Seeking Cooperation of Racing Enthusiasts (FOAR SCORE) enshrines people who are outstanding in their profession and who make outstanding contribution to the sport of auto racing throughout the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania and Niagara Ontario Regions of Canada.

FOAR SCORE Club was established in 1948 by race fans for the betterment of auto racing. It is the oldest active auto racing fan club in the U.S.

FOAR SCORE honored Art Hill of Medina on Saturday at Classics V Banquet House in Amherst. Hill, the late owner of Art Hill Excavating, was an owner, sponsor and driver in auto racing.

The Hall of Fame listing for Hill states:

“The late Art Hill was involved in many different capacities in his long association with area motorsports.  After some drag racing in the early 1960s, he teamed with brother Aaron to try some oval track racing at Lancaster.

“Ultimately, he connected with driver Pete Hayes; Art crewed for and eventually took on ownership of the Hayes Modified through the ’70s, travelling all over the northeast. He stepped away from active involvement in the early 1980s to focus on his business and raising a family, but maintained a connection by sponsoring a number of racing teams.

“He jumped back into the ownership/crew chief ranks in the late ’80s, teaming with Hall of Famer John Julicher to form a potent combination. That pairing resulted in Super Stock/Late Model titles at Lancaster in 1994, ’97, ’99 and 2001, and numerous feature victories, including the Race of Champions weekend Late Model event in 1999.

“In 2001, Art climbed back into the driver’s seat in a Late Model at Lancaster for a few seasons, and though he never visited victory lane, he developed into a consistent top five racer.  He later moved his involvement to the asphalt Sportsman division, first as a major sponsor of John Julicher, Jr., then as a car owner for Hall of Famer Bobby Weber before his untimely passing in 2023.  Art’s daughter Jen and son Jerry accepted the honors.”

About 225 attended the awards banquet. Pete Stefanski of North Tonawanda and George Skora III of Eden were honored as “Drivers of the Year” on dirt and asphalt, respectively.

Others inducted in the Hall of Fame include Linda Pratt, Bruce Roll, Dave Schulz and Kenny Troyer.

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.”

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

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.

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.

Email sound files to MedinaSoundArchive@gmail.com. Files can be in any format and should be under 5 minutes.

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.