BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a ribbon cutting today at 3 p.m. for his new satellite office in Batavia.

The office will be Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. It will have regular hours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and will serve as a secondary location for constituents who need assistance.

Hawley said he is proud to open this new office and looks forward to meeting with residents and hearing about the issues that mean the most to them.

His main office is in Albion at 121 North Main St #100. That has been the location for the district office since Hawley was elected on Feb. 28, 2006.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Kathy Hochul

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca announced today plans for Governor Hochul to visit Seneca Nation Territory to apologize on behalf of New York State’s role in the Thomas Indian School atrocities.

The Seneca Nation is set to welcome Governor Hochul to its Cattaraugus Territory on Tuesday, May 20, when Governor Hochul will issue a long-awaited official apology to the Seneca people, as well as all former students and their descendants from various Indigenous Nations, for the State of New York’s role in the operation of the Thomas Indian School. Governor Hochul’s visit is believed to be the first time a sitting Governor has officially visited Seneca Nation Territory.

“No words or actions will ever be able to undo the pain and suffering of the Seneca people and other Indigenous peoples across the State, but by visiting the Seneca Nation and the site of the Thomas Indian School we will mark a new day in our relations,” Governor Hochul said. “As we prepare to officially recognize the horrifying shortcomings of our past, I thank President Seneca for his advocacy on behalf of the Seneca people and his invitation to the Cattaraugus Territory, and I look forward to further strengthening the relationship between the Seneca people and the State of New York.”

Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca said, “The severity of the wounds inflicted on our children warrants the historical significance of our Nation welcoming Governor Hochul to the Cattaraugus Territory. The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long. At long last, our people will hear, directly from the Governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the State of New York to say — ‘We’re sorry.’”

Originally established by Presbyterian missionaries on the Cattaraugus Territory in 1855, Thomas Indian School was owned and operated by the State of New York from 1875 until it closed in 1957. Thomas Indian School, and other residential boarding schools across the United States and Canada, operated under the government’s policy of forced assimilation of Native children.

Thousands of children from various Indigenous Nations were separated from their families and forced to attend the school. They were stripped of the traditional language and culture, and suffered abuse, violence, hatred, and sometimes death, at the hands of school officials. Thousands of children are known to have died at the residential boarding schools. It is believed that the deaths of hundreds — if not thousands — more were never documented.

The devastating impacts the boarding schools had on Native American families and communities, including the decimation of family structures and traditional language, are still keenly felt today.

“I know the pain and the trauma because I have seen it and felt it in my own family, just as countless families have borne that pain and carried it every day for generations,” said Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca, whose father attended Thomas Indian School, and whose grandmother was removed from her family at age 11 and forced to attend Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. “The Governor’s visit will be an important moment on our road to healing. In coming to our territory and apologizing to our people, the Governor can give voice to the children whose youth and innocence were stolen from them.”

Governor Hochul’s planned visit will fulfill a pledge she made to President Seneca during a visit Nation leaders made to Albany earlier this year. It is also another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting and strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples across the state. As part of this commitment, Governor Hochul has:

• Convened leaders from the Indigenous Nations across New York State for a historic summit at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
• Appointed Elizabeth Rule as the State’s First Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations.
• Proposed to strengthen the stability of Indigenous Families by directing Deputy Secretary Rule to advance, in consultation with Nation leadership and stakeholders, strategies to strengthen the objectives of the Indian Child Welfare Act, underscoring New York’s commitment to redressing injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities.
• Ensured dental care access for Indigenous Nations including $2.5 million in funding for Indigenous Nations dental health care, with the aim of addressing gaps in access.
• Responded to offensive representations by commencing a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples in the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations to ensure that all New Yorkers are welcomed in the State Capitol.

The announced visit and apology comes as the New York State Senate unanimously approved a resolution earlier this week acknowledging the State’s role in the operation of Thomas Indian School and the horrors that occurred there. President Seneca and other Nation officials and citizens were present when the resolution was read on the Senate floor and approved.

This visit will be open to invited guests of the Seneca Nation.

RIDGEWAY – Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of a spectacular sunrise over Glenwood Lake in Ridgeway this morning after a thunderstorm.

Today is forecast for a high of 77, followed by a high of 71 on Saturday.

The highs then include 59 on Sunday and Monday, 58 on Tuesday, and 60 on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

For 17^th time in last 19 years, school budget holds the line on taxes

ALBION – The Albion school district budget holds the line on the tax levy, with no increase for the 17^th time in the past 19 years.

Albion district residents will  vote on the budget on Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.

Overall spending in the proposed $44,750,485 budget is up 5.7 percent or by $2,429,819 – from $42,320,666 in 2024-25.

Most of that increase will be offset by a hike in state aid. Albion is budgeting for $1,942,442 more in state aid or an increase of 5.9 percent – from $32,774,455 to $34,716,897. State aid accounts for 77.6 percent of the Albion budget.

Property taxes or the tax levy remain at $8,449,039. Other increases in revenue include more appropriated fund balance – from $455,605 to $683,996 – and more earnings from interest, from $591,111 to $793,153.

“This budget is more than just numbers – it reflects our priorities and commitment to delivering a high-quality education for every student which includes but is not limited to: maintaining small class sizes, enhancing student support services, upgrading technology, and ensuring our facilities are safe and functional,” Wayne Wadhams, the Board of Education president, said in a budget message on the district website.

“Maintaining our precedent of conservative financial planning, we are once again proposing a tax levy with a zero percent increase. While we, like so many, continue to face challenges regarding rising operational costs and potential changes to federal funding, we continue to believe that the District can be fiscally responsible while remaining firmly committed to the future of our students and community.”

The vote on Tuesday also includes the following propositions:

• Authorization to spend $1 million for new buses

• Authorization to collect $657,560 for Hoag Library (down from $664,510)

• Establish a capital improvements reserve fund

• Establish a technology reserve fund not to exceed $3 million

• Approval of multi-year transportation contract with Student Transportation of America

There are also three candidates on the ballot for three positions on the Board of Education. Two incumbents are seeking re-election. Chris Kinter, the Albion code enforcement officer, is seeking another term along with John Kast, a farmer who is also on the board for Farm Bureau and the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Lauren Stirk, a registered nurse, also is seeking a position on the board.

The top two vote-getters will get five-year terms with the third place candidate getting a two-year term.

Candidate statements in the school budget newsletter include:

Chris Kinter: “Over the last five years it has been a pleasure to serve our community and gain insight into how our school system operates. I’m dedicated to open communication and ensuring that parents feel heard and valued.

“I have made it a priority to be available addressing any concerns and working collaboratively to enhance our educational environment. Together we can build a strong foundation for our students and ensure their success.”

Lauren Stirk: “As a proud alumna, I now have children attending Albion schools. Professionally, I am a Registered Nurse, and I bring both personal and professional dedication to this role.

“I have a vested interest in the safety, quality of education, and opportunities available to our students. I am passionate about supporting the continued growth and excellence of our district, and I’m committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.”

John Kast: “It has been an honor to serve the ACS community over the past five years through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, working collaboratively to hire our new superintendent, and assisting the completion of a major capital project that improved our facilities for years to come.

“My experience serving on other community boards, such as Farm Bureau and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as being a farm owner has helped me on the School Board understand how to keep our school and community strong.”

Photo and article courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Thirty-one members of Albion’s Class of 2025 were recognized for their academic honors on May 7 during the 16th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony.

Hosted in the newly renovated high school gym, graduating seniors with a cumulative weighted grade point average of 90% or higher were recognized for their achievement in front of their families, administrators and board of education members.

2025 academic honors students include Zachary Abel, Mallory Ashbery, Zackary Baron, Nicholas Baxter, Oliver Beach, Leo Bolton, Sawyer Brigham, Olivia Brooks, Cassandra Brown, Dillion DiGiulio, Kelli Dingle, Samantha Dobo, Nolan Franzese, Nathan Garrett, Tracy Garrett, Alexis Hand, Rori Higgins, Matthew Kania, Mallory Kozody, Seth Krenning, Madison LeBaron, Kenadie Patten, Emily Richardson, David Rosario-Soto, MacKenzie Snook, Natalie Soule, Roselan Steffen, Tye Talbot, Ella Trupo, Zachary Yankevich and Keira Zambito.

The honorees were called to the stage individually to receive their certificate and then were adorned with their honors cords from their parents/guardians.

Mr. Kyle Thaine, ’16, was the guest speaker for the evening. Thaine currently teaches Global History II, US History and is the Senior Class Advisor in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District. Thaine’s words of wisdom to the Albion Class of 2025: “Read something every day. It can be a book, an article from the news, or a writeup on last night’s game. Anything. Just find time every day to read something that someone else has written.”

The Class of 2025 is set to graduate on Friday, June 27.

Homesteads is first working farm and housing community in state for people with disabilities

Press Release, State Sen Robert Ortt

Provided photo: Jennyrae Brongo was recognized in Albany on Tuesday as a “Woman of Distinction.” She was picked by State Sen. Rob Ortt for the 62nd Senate District.

ALBANY – On Tuesday night, the New York State inducted Senator Rob Ortt nominee, Jennyrae Brongo, into its 2025 “Woman of Distinction” class.

Brongo is the co-founder of Homesteads for Hope. Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities, and this year, Brongo was Senator Ortt’s nominee from the 62nd Senate District.

“It is a privilege to nominate and induct such a dedicated, hardworking, and selfless woman to this esteemed program,” said Senator Ortt. “Jennyrae embodies the spirit of service, having created a nurturing and inclusive community where individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages thrive by being outside and working in an agricultural setting. Her work has undoubtedly changed the lives of countless individuals and families, and I can’t thank her enough for her dedication to our community.”

A resident of Ogden, Brongo has made it her mission to offer a place for individuals and families with and without disabilities to learn, work, live and grow in nature’s classroom. Their beautiful 55-acre farm is located 10 minutes west of Downtown Rochester directly on the wide waters of the historic Erie Canal.

Their classroom is in the great outdoors, which provides a peaceful and therapeutic environment for anyone who sets foot on it no matter their ability level. In the past several years, they have built a series of programs, classes, and social events that bring people together and provide a sense of community where everyone is welcome.

During a 2018 TedX presentation, Brongo said: “I don’t know where I would be without Autism. It’s like someone gave me a mission in life to be a voice for those who didn’t have one. My brother Chucky is a non-verbal hero. His story is paving the way.”

Homesteads for Hope founders Luann and Jennyrae Brongo felt hopeless trying to find services for Charles “Chucky” Brongo after he graduated from the school system at age 21. Despite unwavering advocacy and a relentless search for options, the family was not able to secure the assistance and support they needed. They spent endless days and nights praying for a miracle.

One day, Jenny & Chucky went to “Uncle Bobs” farm down the street, adventuring around the canalside farm, Jennyrae did a quick search of “Farms for Autism” and realized there were hundreds of Care Farms & Intentional Communities across the country. That evening, Luann and Jennyrae started dreaming of a better future for their family. Luann worked with Chucky on the farm and Jenny did the business planning to create the first working farm and housing community for people with disabilities in New York State.

With a bachelor’s degree in construction management engineering from Alfred State College, and 15 years of entrepreneurship, she’s turned vision into reality with the development of Western New York’s first inclusive “Learn, Work & Live” intentional community. In 2021 she was named a “Woman of Excellence” honoree by the Rochester Business Journal. Her true joy lies in constructing dreams for a better future for all families.

By Jason Kuder, CIO, Oak Orchard Health

Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App

Managing your healthcare has never been easier thanks to Oak Orchard Health’s improved patient portal and the convenient Healow app. Whether you are refilling a prescription, checking test results, or messaging your provider, the portal offers everything you need at your fingertips.

What is the Patient Portal and Healow?

The Patient Portal (available in English and Spanish) is a secure online tool that helps you stay on top of your health. Healow is the mobile version of this portal, giving you access right from your smartphone or tablet.

Once you download and sign into the Healow app, you can access all the same health information as the Patient Portal, anywhere you take your mobile device. This means no more carrying around papers or trying to remember past visits. From lab results to visit summaries, it’s all in one easy-to-use place.

What Can You Do with the Patient Portal?

One of the most popular features is prescription refill requests. Instead of calling the health center, you can request refills anytime—at night or on weekends. Simply log in and send your request. It’s that easy. Please allow three business days for your prescription refill request to be processed.

Another favorite feature is secure messaging with your provider. If you have a non-urgent question, you can send a message directly through the portal. You don’t need to call us; getting answers is convenient and quick (allow up to 3 business days for a response).

You can also schedule appointments online. The Healow app and Patient Portal allow self-scheduling, so you can choose the best appointment time for your busy life. If your child is sick at night or you remember you need a physical, you can book right from your phone or computer without needing to call during office hours or your work hours!

Why Use Healow, the mobile app?

Healow is the online patient portal, making managing your care easier. You can view lab results, see visit summaries, and even access documents like sports physical forms. It’s like having your health records in your pocket. Whether at home, at work, or in line at the store, your health information is always with you.

Self-Check In: At the Office and Online

Another way we’re making visits easier is with self-check-in. You may have seen the kiosks in our health centers that allow you to do a simple check-in. What’s new is that we are adding more features to our in-office kiosks and launching a self-check-in feature online, which you can do on your smartphone before you arrive. This will allow us to get your information accurately and quickly, and allow patients to fill out forms and have them ready before their appointments.

Self-check-in saves time. You can answer these questions from anywhere instead of filling out paperwork at the health center, making your visit smoother and less stressful. It also helps the front desk team speed up the process and reduce wait times.

Kiosks are still available for those who prefer to check in at the office or do not have a smartphone. Both options help us make sure your information is accurate and up to date.

The Future of Easy Healthcare

With the patient portal, Healow app, and self-check-in options, managing your health has never been simpler. We are making it easier for you to contact a doctor and go to the front of the line when you need an appointment or a refill, with just a click of a button. Our goal is to make your experience stress-free, giving you more control and flexibility. We’re excited about these improvements and hope you take advantage of them at your next visit.

Interact, EarlyAct clubs also will be cleaning headstones at Hillside Cemetery

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley Interact and EarlyAct Clubs are gearing up to host their fifth community Clean Sweep on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Historically, over 100 students, staff and community members have participated where they sweep the canal park, walking paths and village sidewalks collecting trash to both better the environment and restore beauty to the community.

Due to the annual fall Cemetery Clean Up being postponed earlier this school year, participants will also be cleaning headstones at the Hillside Cemetery as part of this year’s Clean Sweep.

The Clean Sweep event is planned in alignment with the Parks & Trails New York annual state-wide Earth Day Canal Clean Sweep. The Cemetery Clean Up is organized in partnership with Clarendon Town Historian Melissa Ierlan. This marks the seventh year for Cemetery Clean Up where students give back to the community and honor the generations of local residents who have been buried in the cemetery since 1866.

Volunteers will meet at the Holley Elementary School parking lot. They will then be split up within the Village of Holley, Holley Canal Park and path, and Hillside Cemetery. Some will travel by foot and some will be shuttled by bus.

About Interact and EarlyAct Clubs:

Holley MS/HS implemented Interact Club in 2017. It is offered to students in grades 7-12 interested in volunteering their service to their community and school. Interact is the largest club in the school with over 70 active members. They participate in multiple service projects throughout the year, including Parks & Trails New York Adopt-a-Trail program, assembling bagged lunches for Open Door Mission, preparing and serving meals at Orleans Koinonia Kirchen and more.

Inspired by Interact, the Elementary School launched EarlyAct Club in 2023 where fifth and sixth graders can gain an increased awareness of knowledge of their community and participate in service projects, including assembling homeless necessity bags, goody bags for active military members, and for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Both clubs are sponsored by the Holley Rotary Club.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: From left, Gail Johnson, chair of the Cobblestone Museum’s annual membership dinner and Museum chair Doug Farley, draw winners of the Early Bird raffle. Jackson Hair, right, who is visiting from Arizona with his family, won a Tops gift certificate.

CARLTON – The Cobblestone Society’s annual fundraising dinner Wednesday night at the Carlton Firemen’s Recreation Hall will certainly be one for the record books.

In addition to a good attendance and successful auctions and raffles, Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley welcomed guests and told them to expect a very good announcement soon from the Governor’s office. Farley has now confirmed the Cobblestone Society has been awarded a $716,000 Capital Improvement Grant for Arts and Culture through the New York State Council on the Arts’ Capital Projects Fund.

“This grant is really good news for the Museum,” Farley said. “It’s the final piece to the puzzle that will allow us to put a shovel in the ground and move forward this summer. We are incredibly thankful for all who contributed to this success.”

Former Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower was auctioneer for the evening, shown here bidding on an item himself. In the rear, waiting to tally bids, are Chris Capurso and Gail Johnson, with master of ceremonies Larry Albanese.

The Cobblestone Society recently completed a successful fundraising campaign to purchase a historic home across the street from the Cobblestone Museum with plans to turn it into a visitor’s center.

Wednesday night’s dinner was the seventh annual Membership Fundraising Dinner for the Cobblestone Society. The evening featured a live auction with Randy Bower as auctioneer, a silent auction, raffles and dinner catered by Zambistro. Larry Albanese served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Marty Taber shows the crowd an electrified gas lamp which was donated to the live auction.

Main event was the live auction, in which Bower, who retired as sheriff of Orleans County, fired up the crowd to bring out the highest bids, sometimes bidding himself to raise the prices.

Twenty-one items were donated for the live auction, in which a Beehive Clock, circa 1870 and donated by Russ Bosch of Clarendon brought a record $600.

An American Barn Star quilt, made and donated by Brenda Radzinski, sold for $520.

A popular item, a specialty luncheon for 10 at the Cobblestone’s historic Vagg House, was bid up to $390, which Farley duplicated when two bidders expressed interest.

Five prizes were raffled off to ticket holders who made their purchase on or before March 31.

A popular raffle prize annually is a lottery tree donated by Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina.

Numerous other donations from community members and local businesses covered the cost of the dinners, hall rental, appetizers, sheet cake and table coverings.

The public is reminded to support upcoming events to benefit the Cobblestone Museum. These include the Potty tour of outhouses on Saturday; Orleans County Bicentennial Museum Day on Sunday; Museum tours beginning Sunday through Oct. 31; a masonry workshop at 10 a.m. Sunday;

Progressive Organ Concert on June 1; Patriotic Service at the Cobblestone Church at 11 a.m. July 6; a Mid-Summer Celebration (formerly the Summer Solstice Soiree) at the gardens of Jeanette Riley of Albion; Fall Open House Sept. 6; Preservation Awards Banquet Oct. 10; Tour of Historic Homes Oct. 18; annual meeting Nov. 1; and “Simply Christmas” Dec. 6 at the Cobblestone Church.

More information on any events is available on the Cobblestone Museum’s website or by calling (585) 589-9013.

This quilt, held by Marty Taber and Mollie Radzinski, sold for $520. The quilt was handmade by Radzinski’s mother Brenda.

Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, named Daisy Award winner

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health concluded its observance of Nurses’ Week with a nurses’ brunch on Friday morning. Highlight of the event was naming this year’s Daisy Award winner, Pam Washak. From left are Mary Williams, retired vice president of Human Resources; Karen Irwin, registered nurse; Washak, nursing supervisor in PCU; Jennifer Morgan, nursing supervisor and co-chair of the Daisy Committee; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Christine Kropf, corporate educator and co-chair of the Daisy committee.

MEDINA – An annual tradition and final celebration in observance of Nurses’ Week at Orleans Community Health is a Nurses’ Brunch, to show appreciation for dedicated health care workers, both retired and currently working.

Forty-five nurses attended the brunch on Friday morning in the hospital board room, where in addition to delicious food and camaraderie they witnessed the recognition of one of their own for exceptional compassion and care to patients.

A highlight of the morning was awarding of the Daisy Award, a national program which recognizes nurses who are nominated for going above and beyond in care of their patients. Christine Kropf, corporate educator at Orleans Community Health, and nursing supervisor Jennifer Morgan are co-chairs of the Daisy committee, who chose Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, as this year’s winner.

Presenting the award to Washak was Kim Gray, chief nurse manager, who said receiving this award was one of the greatest honors in their profession.

Gray began the recognition brunch by welcoming the 45 nurses who attended.

 “It’s a privilege to stand before you during this special Nurses Week brunch, as we celebrate 100 years of nursing at our rural hospital,” Gray said. “This celebration is more than a look back at the decades we’ve served – it’s a tribute to the resilience that has carried us through. As many of you know being a small rural hospital hasn’t always been easy. And being a nurse in a rural hospital is a calling few truly understand.

“Our nurses have worn many hats – often at the same time. You’ve been caregivers, counselors, emergency responders, case managers and sometimes even janitors or tech support when needed. You’ve worked through snowstorms when roads were impassable, stepped up when resources were thin and provided world-class care, even when the odds were stacked against us.

“We’ve faced staffing shortages, funding challenges, outdated equipment and limited access to specialty care. And yet, through it all, you’ve never let any of it stand in the way of putting patients first. You found a way. You always find a way.

“To our retired nurses, you remember when we had even less – and still gave more. You built this place with grit and heart, and your legacy is alive in every hallway, every patient room and every act of kindness.

“To our current nurses, you are the glue that held this hospital – and this community – together. You met every challenge with creativity, empathy and unmatched dedication. A dedication that is rooted in service, sacrifice and a belief that even the smallest hospital can make the biggest difference.

“Despite our size, we have always delivered big care with a personal touch. That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes our 100-year legacy so special.

“So today, we don’t just celebrate nurses – we celebrate survival, strength, commitment and love for our patients and for one another. Here’s to 100 years of nursing excellence – and to every nurse who made it possible.”

“Kim was a junior when she said she wanted to be a nurse,” said her mother, retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow. “She really wanted to help people. She wants to do everything she can to keep this hospital going. I’m so proud of her.”

(Left ) Rebecca Mannella, right, director of nurses in the North Wing, greets retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow at the nurses’ recognition brunch. (Center) Sharing a hug are former nurse Joanne Bracey and current chief nurse manager Kim Gray. (Right) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, right, greets former Medina mayor Mike Sidari, who attended with his wife Brenda, a retired nurse.

Another regular attendee of the brunch is Jeanne Crane, who worked for 35 years at the hospital. She was the first nurse manager of the North Wing when it was first built, then became a nursing educator, and worked in risk management. She retired from infection control in 2003.

Mary Lou Tuohey has also attended the brunch every year. She worked as an RN for seven or eight years on the first and second floors, then lead supervisor on the 3-11 shift. She switched careers and run Case-Nic Cookies for 29 years on Main Street.

“It’s nice to come back and see everybody,” Tuohey said. “I loved working here, but once I had the kids it was hard to work that shift.”

Dorothy Casey spent 42 years at the hospital as a licensed practical nurse. She started as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school to become an LPN.

“I’ve been to every brunch so far,” Casey said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with all the changes taking place.”

Christine Kropf, corporate educator, is co-chair of the Daisy Committee with Jen Morgan, nursing supervisor. Kropf said they had 13 nominations this year. This is the second year the program has been in Medina Memorial Hospital.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion of our nurses,” Morgan said. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”

Of all the nurses nominated for the Daisy Award this year, Washak was the one who really stood out, the committee shared.

“I was very surprised and honored,” Washak said.

Her mom, Vicki Washak said Pam deserved it.

“Pam had been working as an ICU nurse in Geneva Hospital,.” Vicki said. “She came home from Waterloo to take care of the old folks in her home town.”

Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz added congratulatory remarks and greeted guests throughout the room.

Photos courtesy of Randy Moore, scoutmaster of Troop 59

CLARENDON – Scouts and other volunteers this evening placed more than 600 flags at veterans’ graves at Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon.

The troop was joined by Scott Galliford, Jim Gommenginger and Christine Hunt from the American Legion.

Pictured in the group photo include James Shaw, Ken Shaw, Ryker Knight, Randy Moore, Logan Lane, Jim Gommenginger, Wayne Thorn and Scott Galliford.

These Scouts include from left, Logan Lane, James Shaw and Ryker Knight.

Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story GO Barn! building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced two major grants in Orleans County for arts and cultural projects.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council was approved for a $7,793,000 grant towards the “GO Barn!” at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.

The Cobblestone Museum also was approved for $716,000 towards a visitor’s center at the corner of routes 98 and 104 in Gaines. That new visitor’s center would go next to a brick house from the 1830s.

The two grants are among 134 arts and cultural grants totalling $86 million. Hochul said 75 percent of grants have been awarded to smaller arts organizations and communities outside of New York City.

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

GO Art! is proposing the new building at the fairgrounds to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture, and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops, and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.

The building is planned for the west end of the fairgrounds near Taylor Hill Road. The fairgrounds is an ideal location for the cultural center, located between Medina and Albion, Gregory Hallock, Go Art! executive director, said during a meeting on Oct. 29 about the project

“It will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof,” he said then.

The building would have flexible or adaptable space that could be used for many things. Hallock and Go Art! envision two art galleries, artist studios and a residence where artists could bunk instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night. Hallock would like to the building to be used for many art forms – culinary, folk, horticultural, literary, visual, muli-media and more.

The facility would be accessible and inclusive to all community members, Hallock said. The GO Barn! would have hands-on programs in arts, agriculture and sustainability that would provide workforce readiness. Hallock said GO Art! wants to partner with local schools and organizations in “fostering a lifelong learning environment.”

This rendering shows the new visitor’s center for the Cobblestone Museum, left, which would be next to a historic brick home from the 1830s.

The state approved $716,000 for the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center at the Cobblestone Museum.

Museum director Doug Farley said construction will start soon on the project, which already has met an initial fundraising goal of $750,000 from the local community. The new building will be by the south end of a 1830s brick home, which the Cobblestone Society purchased as a visitors center. The addition will provide meeting space for 100 people.

The visitor’s center expand on the museum’s our campus of historic buildings.

The project, according to the museum, offers the following benefits for the community:

• Preservation of a 19th century structure from unrelated commercial activity
• High visibility at an essential crossroads location
• Plentiful additional parking including buses
• Expanding programming and visitation with year-round access
• Kitchenette for use by caterers or small receptions
• Multi-purpose room
• Room to partner with Orleans County Tourism
• New exhibit space to interpret Orleans County history
• Space for viewing an introductory video and new cobblestone interactive exhibits
• Distribute materials for all local attractions including the Medina Railroad Museum, Erie Canal, Point Breeze Lighthouse, camp grounds, marinas, Bed & Breakfast sites, sport fishing, agri-business, wine trail and more