By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2025 at 11:34 am
Provided photo: Albion police officer Sean McElhinny and Mary Brzustowicz from Autism Up are shown on Wednesday when Brzustowicz gave a presentation to law enforcement and other human service providers.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department hosted a representative from Autism Up on Wednesday for a discussion about how to best respond to calls for people with autism or who are on the spectrum.
The Albion PD announced it will have “Sensory Bags” in its patrol cars which can assist in helping to calm people down with autism who are feeling stressed or overstimulated.
The Albion Police Department hosted the presentation from Autism Up. Other agencies that attended included the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s deputies, dispatchers, animal control officers and chaplains). Albion Special Education teachers, district superintendent Mickey Edwards and representatives from the Child Advocacy Center also attended the session.
“We at the Albion Police Department are so grateful for Mary to come out and give us this knowledge,” the Albion PD stated about the presentation from Autism Up. “We at the Albion Police Department are dedicated to providing the best service, interactions and have an understanding of all of our community members.”
Governor seeks feedback from businesses facing uncertainty from higher fees on imported goods, loss of Canadian tourists
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Amid the economic turmoil created by President Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tariff resource guide (click here) to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for business owners who have been impacted by tariffs.
Additionally, the Governor announced a survey (click here) to allow business owners the opportunity to share how their businesses have been impacted by the federal government’s recently announced tariffs.
“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”
Tariffs Impacts on the Economy and Tourism
Governor Hochul has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the state who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada.
Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State.
Overall, cross-border traffic from Canada has plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024.
Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year. In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 17, 2024 recognized award winners for 2024. The group includes, front row, from left: Lisa Christiaansen, Tapped on Main in Medina; Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Jenna Pangrazio and Brody Hoffmeister of Rudy’s in Medina; Marisa and Matthew Burch, Chop’s Shop Bar & Grill North in Lyndonville; and Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service. Back row: Brian Christiaansen of Tapped on Main, David Mitchell; Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group in Albion; George Lacey and Samantha Tillman of Captain’s Cove in Carlton; Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market in Medina; Rex Harvey, Ray Laine and Lori Laine of Frontier Heating & A/C Service.
Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 27th annual business awards.
• Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Frontier Heating & A/C Services.)
• Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Dave Mitchell received the award in 2024.)
• Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria won the award last year.)
• New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville won last year.)
• Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Community Action of Orleans and Genesee received the honor in 2024.)
• Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Roberts Farm Market in Medina won the award in 2024.)
• Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Rudy’s Diner in Medina won last year.)
• Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (Captain’s Cove in Point Breeze won the honor in 2024.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2025 at 9:05 am
Provided photos: Lorraine Pera is shown last week celebrating her 100th birthday which is today. Pera is also shown greeting her life-long friend, Pauline Stazie, who is 99 and will be 100 in January.
HOLLEY – A Holley woman turns 100 today. Lorraine Pera is well known in the community. She lives in the village and regularly drives, goes shopping, attends Mass, socializes with friends and family and is part of community events.
“I’m amazed every time I’m in her presence,” Holley Mayor Mark Bower said in a message today on the village’s Facebook page.
Lorraine LeStorti Pera is Bower’s aunt. She was born on State Street in Holley and had an identical twin, Edna Ruggeri, who passed away three years ago.
Pera graduated with Holley’s Class of 1943 and went on to work 25 years at Kodak.
She is a proud mother to her son Don, a retired teacher at Holley. Pera has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bower issued a mayoral proclamation in honor of Pera’s 100th birthday. She also received a proclamation from State Sen. Rob Ortt and a greeting from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“I hope you have the chance to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with good friends and family,” Hochul said in her letter. “You are an inspiration to us all and your wisdom continues to make you a living treasure to everyone fortunate enough to know you. As you look back on a century of memories and experiences, I send my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and continued happiness.”
Holley, in cooperation with the towns of Murray and Clarendon, has recognized residents who are 90 or older. The next celebration for those residents is being planned for Setember 2026.
“Let’s always celebrate, honor and respect our most elder residents, family members and friends,” Bower said.
Lorraine Pera is shown with her family during a party in her honor. From right to left include her son, Don Pera; daughter-in-law, Liz Pera; great-granddaughter, Leah Prior; granddaughter, Karyn Prior; Lorraine Pera; great-grandson, Caleb Prior; grandson, Jeffrey Pera; grandson-in-law, Eric Paskowski; great-grandson, Eli Prior; and grandson-in-law, Steve Prior.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2025 at 11:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Dave Ruch delivered an engaging concert this afternoon playing a variety of instruments in sharing about the Erie Canal’s history.
Ruch, a musician from Buffalo, played some well known canal tunes – “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” and “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal.”
Ruch played familiar instruments such as the banjo and guitar, and then introduced the audience to instruments used by many canal workers and travelers in the mid-1850s – cow bones, spoons, a washboard and jaw harp.
Dave Ruch shows people a jaw harp, which he said was very popular as people tried to pass time on their journeys along the canal.
Ruch played the washboard with two thimbles on his fingers.
This group joined Ruch and acted out a canal song about a low bridge.
Sam Conde learns to hold the cow bones so he can make music with them.
Ruch shows how to hold two spoons so they bang together to make sounds. Ruch sang the folk song, “Old Dan Tucker,” while he played the spoons.
Today was the kick off of Hoag Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program with a theme “Color Our World.”
Reading logs and Nioga Library System passports are available at the library. With the Nioga Passport Program, participants can collect a stamp at each Nioga Library they visit. Once all stamps are collected, they’ll be entered into a system-wide raffle for prizes.
Other upcoming events include:
Super Amy Variety Show at 2 p.m. on July 10. Super Amy brings her passion and talents to life in this variety show with magic, comedy, feats of strength and amazing acrobatics
Fire Truck Visit from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 14. Learn about fire safety with volunteers from Orleans County Emergency Management.
Water Color Wars will be outdoors beginning at 2 p.m. on July 17. Wear old clothes or a bathing suit and get ready to get wet with different outdoor water games.
Gardening for Kids beginning at 2 p.m. on July 21. The Master Gardeners will teach a class on gardening for children and their families.
Brushstrokes Program at 2 p.m. on July 23. Melissa from Brushstrokes will lead a class on how to paint glazed pottery. Registration is required. Limit 15 registrants.
Rainbow Yoga with Mindful Traditions at 2 p.m. on July 29. Learn the basics of yoga and relaxation with yoga instructor Kaylin McCarthy.
Butterfly Wing Craft at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Make wearable butterfly wings out of cardboard.
Wildlife Rockstars Live Animal Show at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 18. Ambassadors from the Wildlife Rockstars will be here to show animals and teach about the different ecosystems and habitats.
Yohe Wagon Rides & Farm Animals at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20. Celebrate the end of summer reading with horses/wagon rides and other farm animals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2025 at 3:55 pm
The United States has seen 1,288 reported cases of measles so far this year, the most in 33 years.
None of those cases are in Genesee or Orleans counties, which is at 0 for the year, said Nola Goodrich-Kreese, public health educator and public information officer for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out the latest data today, which shows a big uptick in measles, a disease that 25 years ago was declared eliminated in the United States.
Declining vaccination rates for measles, plus the disease’s highly infectious nature, has given it a resurgence, according to public health officials.
Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness, the CDC said. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400–500 people died in the United States each year, according to the CDC.
The CDC reports measles has been recorded in more than three dozen states, including New York State and New York City. The biggest outbreak is in Texas where there have been 753 reported cases.
The CDC says 162 people have been hospitalized in the U.S. and three have died from the measles.
Of those who contracted measles, 92 percent were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
The age breakdown of the cases include 29 percent under age 5, 36 percent ages 5 to 19, and 34 percent 20 or older. (There are 12 cases or 1 percent where the age is unknown).
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 39, of Medina pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2020, Stack possessed a cellular phone, which contained more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Stack possessed a laptop, which contained more than 9,000 images and videos of child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7 before Judge Sinatra.
Chart from Sen. Schumer’s Office: These are a list of stations in Upstate NY that received funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting, that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law.
Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.
Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.
“Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate,” Schumer said. “PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost.”
Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more.
These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.
In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending.
According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.
Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB.
Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.
File photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists stop by an interpretive panel in Ridgeway above the Canal Culvert on July 11, 2022. This is the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal.
Press Release, Parks & Trails New York
BUFFALO – The state’s largest multi-day bike tour kicks off on July 12 from Buffalo arriving in Albany on July 20.
Organized by Parks & Trails New York, the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour brings together cyclists from 37 states between the ages of 8 and 84. Nearly 600 cyclists will travel 40-60 miles per day, visiting historic towns along the Erie Canalway Trail.
This year, the tour celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and will culminate at a finish line festival at Quackenbush Square in Albany.
“The Erie Canalway Trail transports riders back in time,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. “The welcoming communities, captivating natural environment, and rich history of the region make Cycle the Erie Canal an experience like no other. Our cyclists ride away with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the state.”
Schedule of Events:
Saturday, July 12 – Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo.
Overnight location: Nichols School in Buffalo
Sunday, July 13 – Buffalo to Medina
Overnight location: Medina Central School
Monday, July 14 – Medina to Fairport
Overnight location: Center Park West in Fairport
Tuesday, July 15 – Fairport to Seneca Falls
Overnight location: Elks Lodge in Seneca Falls
Wednesday, July 16 – Seneca Falls to Syracuse
Overnight location: Burnett Park in Syracuse; Highlight: Erie Canal Birthday Party, Burnett Park
Thursday, July 17 – Syracuse to Rome
Overnight location: Fort Stanwix in Rome; Highlight: Rome Block Party, 100 – 200 blocks of West Dominick Street
Friday, July 18 – Rome to Canajoharie
Overnight location: Canajoharie High School in Canajoharie
Saturday, July 19 – Canajoharie to Schenectady
Overnight location: Schenectady Jewish Community Center in Schenectady
Sunday, July 20 – Schenectady to Albany
Finish Line: Quackenbush Square
“Cycle the Erie Canal is among the very best ways to discover all there is to love about the Erie Canalway Corridor: friendly people, extraordinary history, unbeatable recreation, charming towns and vibrant cities, and bucolic scenery,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “It’s also one of the best supported rides in the country. Parks & Trails New York does an incredible job of introducing hundreds of people each year to the joys of long-distance cycling along the canal that transformed America.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2025 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati were in Albion on Aug. 10, 2024 for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day. More than 500 residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents. The event returns on Aug. 16.
ALBION – Orleans County will again hold a popular household hazardous waste collection day.
The event returns Aug. 16 and is a chance to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents at no charge to residents.
The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.
Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, oil-based paints and empty propane tanks.
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, latex paint, tires on rims and commercial tires.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way.”
A state grant covers half of the cost with the county paying the other half. The county’s cost has been about $18,000 in recent years.
The County legislature approved the following agreement with Environmental Enterprises Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio: Aerosol Cans, $1.00 per pound; Anti-Freeze, $.23 per pound; Chemicals (labpacks), $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Acids, $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Bases, $1.20 per pound; Fluorescent Tubes, $1.00 per pound; Household Cleaners, $1.20 per pound; Miscellaneous Chemicals, $1.20 per pound;
Oil Filters, $.25 per pound; Organic Liquids, $.24 per pound; Oxidizers, $1.20 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticides, $1.89 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticide (dioxin precursors), $12.00 per pound; Poisons, $1.20 per pound; Resins & Adhesives (with cans), $1.20 per pound; and Waste Oil, $.20 per pound.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
Orleans County Public Works Department employees remove tires from the back of a pickup truck on Aug. 10, 2024. Residents are able to dispose of car tires at the event.
ALBION – Hoag Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World,” officially kicks off today at 2 p.m., with an engaging performance by musician and teaching artist Dave Ruch, who will bring the history of the Erie Canal to life with music, storytelling, and audience interaction.
Reading logs and Nioga Library System passports will be available at the kickoff. With the Nioga Passport Program, participants can collect a stamp at each Nioga Library they visit. Once all stamps are collected, they’ll be entered into a system-wide raffle for exciting prizes.
This summer, Hoag Library will also be out in the community! Visit us at Bullard Park on Fridays in July for Art at the Park with stories and crafts, and look for StoryWalks at the library and throughout Albion.
Other exciting upcoming events include:
Super Amy Variety Show – Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
Fire Truck Visit – Monday, July 14 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Wildlife Rockstars Live Animal Show – Monday, Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Yohe Wagon Rides & Farm Animals – Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
Rainbow Yoga, Butterfly Wing Craft, Supersized Sorry, and many more activities for all ages
Participants are also encouraged to take part in the Community Art Mural, Color Jars, and the Collaborative Diamond Painting Project running every Friday.
