Daniel Walterhouse is buried at County Poor House Cemetery

Provided photos: Albion eighth-graders Mary McCormick, left, and Kendall Peruzzini made a presentation to the Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Two eighth-graders from Albion Middle School, Mary McCormick and Kendall Peruzzini, have been approved to pursue a headstone for a Civil War veteran buried at the Orleans County Poor House cemetery.

McCormick and Peruzzini began investigating Daniel Walterhouse, a Civil War veteran, after learning from Tim Archer, ACS Service Learning liaison, that the soldier could be buried at the cemetery.

“The girls did some research this summer to help verify his [the soldier’s] burial there,” Archer said. “Their classmates will continue their work this fall.”

Working alongside Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait and County Historian Catherine Cooper, the students’ goal was to identify the soldier and verify Walterhouse was buried in the cemetery.

“We searched through old death record ledgers from 1910 to verify Mr. [Daniel] Walterhouse’s death at the Orleans County Poor House and his burial at the Poor House Cemetery,” Peruzzini said. “It was confirmed that he was buried there.”

After this confirmation, McCormick says they visited Cooper in her offices at the Court House Square.

“She [Cooper] provided us with several old books that recorded residents at the Poor House by year,” McCormick explained. “Mr. Walterhouse was listed in the documents for several years prior to his death… We learned a lot about our county’s past by looking through these documents.”

On Tuesday, the students gave a brief presentation explaining their research process and requesting permission from the Orleans County Legislature to pursue the headstone.

Now approved, they will be applying for a Civil War-style headstone through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These are provided free of charge with proper documentation. If the marker is received, they plan to hold a community ceremony in the spring to honor Mr. Walterhouse.

“Our hope is that, in some way, our recognizing him these many years later will also honor the many forgotten who lived at the Poor House in obscurity,” McCormick said.

Mary McCormick and Kendall Peruzzini are shown with Albion teacher Tim Archer after their presentation at the Orleans County Legislature. In back are county attorney Kathy Bogan, left, and Lisa Stenshorn, clerk of the Legislature.

Unauthorized crossings up in past two years

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Wednesday held a virtual press conference on the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act, bipartisan legislation that would update and strengthen security at the northern border.

The legislation comes following a significant increase in unauthorized crossings in the last two years, which has placed serious strain on state resources. Additionally, a number of migrants have died while attempting to cross the border in winter.

“Customs and Border Protection agents along our northern border are struggling to address a dramatic increase in the number of unauthorized border crossings,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan measure to give federal law enforcement and congressional leaders more data and strategic direction to address the situation. I look forward to getting it passed.”

The number of migrant encounters at the northern border has roughly doubled over the past year. Officials reported more than 190,000 encounters in 2023, and apprehensions of migrants crossing illegally from Canada jumped 241% from 2022 to 2023. Gillibrand’s bill would help ensure that Customs and Border Protection has the data and insights necessary to address the increasing apprehensions along the northern border and combat illegal drug and weapons trafficking.

Specifically, the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act would:

• Require a Northern Border Threat Analysis to be completed every three years;
• Require that the analysis include an assessment of recent changes in the number and demographics of apprehensions at the northern border;
• Require that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Northern Border Strategy be updated within 90 days of the completion of the threat analysis, and have DHS brief Congress within 30 days.

Senator Gillibrand introduced this bill along with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). It unanimously passed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Teacher Bill Rakonczay and his Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center will have their names in space next year at the International Space Station.

Mr. Rakonczay, his students, support staff and Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ new District Superintendent Dr. Taweepon Farrar signed a part of a locker that will be going to the International Space Station (ISS) thanks to their partnership with NASA’s HUNCH program. The students made a part for the stowage lockers and were rewarded for their hard work by Florence Gold, a NASA HUNCH mentor.  She stopped in to have the seniors sign one of the locker panels.

The HUNCH mission is to empower and inspire students through project-based learning program where high school students learn 21st Century skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the participation in the design and fabrication of real-world valued products for NASA.

Space flight equipment is one of HUNCH’s largest programs allowing students to create high quality hardware items for the ISS.  Since the projects are likely to fly to the ISS, they need to be of the highest quality and meet stringent tolerances applied to all hardware for the ISS.

Mr. Rakonczay says he has enjoyed the years’ long partnership.  “It has been a great experience for my students and something pretty amazing to put on their resume as they apply for colleges or enter the workforce.”

Ms. Gold thanked everyone for their hard work and told them how much she enjoys working with high school students who are passionate about career and technical education.

Provided images: Jo Paquette, a Boston author and long-time friend of Author’s Note owner Julie Berry, will visit the local book store on Oct. 2 to introduce and sign copies of her latest book, Stories I Told My Dead Lover.

MEDINA – A noted Boston author and friend of local book store owner and award-winning author Julie Berry will visit Author’s Note on Wednesday to discuss and sign her new adult book, Stories I Told my Dead Lover, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Jo Paquette is an author and senior literary agent who has published more than a dozen books for young readers, which have been translated into nine languages and received numerous accolades, including nomination for the Massachusetts Book Award.

Stories I told my Dead Lover is her adult debut.

Paquette and Medina’s Julie Berry go way back, Paquette said in a phone call Thursday.

“We met at some book event when Julie was living in Massachusetts, and we’ve been friends ever since,” she said. “I was here for her inaugural celebration when she opened the book store.”

Berry said she is excited to welcome Paquette to Medina again.

“I know our readers of thrillers and fiction that keep you awake at night will love her new book,” Berry said.

Paquette said when she was young, she never dreamed of becoming a published author.

“I know I always loved to read and write stories,” she said. “But, becoming a real author caught me by surprise.”

With this new release, Paquette weaves jagged shards of truth into eight disconnected works of frightening fiction, coupled with dark wit and whimsy.

She considers her books more psychological than horror.

She said she started writing when she was going through a lot of changes in her life.

“Writing was my way to sort out what I was feeling, and it came out kind of dark,” she said. “I always enjoyed trying new things, like fantasies and science fiction. I like to write whatever is calling me most strongly. I write what feels most passionate, whatever that is.”

She now is taking it slow, but likes this style of writing.

“I hope to go on in this direction,” she said.

Stories I Told my Dead Lover is a collection that probes the darkest and most deeply buried parts of the human psyche. A child is forced to grow up too soon; a woman trusts her doctor too much; an abandoned woman isn’t as alone as she thinks; an idyllic holiday masks an unspeakable act of violence.

The book is perfect for lovers of thrill and horror, according to Berry. For anyone wanting a reason to look over their shoulder at night, this book will make readers question just how safe they are, and if such things couldn’t happen to them, too.

Acclaimed author Erin Dionne describes the collection as “combining Joe Hill’s sense of the macabre with Karen Russel’s dark whimsy.” She said these stories lodge in the imagination like splinters and must be examined and returned to, time and again.

New York Times’ bestselling author Nancy Werlin says, “Paquette was born to write horror. These subtle, varied stories are somehow both creepy and hilarious, and the sharp writing took my breath away. I could not stop reading.”

Author’s Note encourages those customers who have expressed interest in a horror/thriller-themed book club to attend this event Wednesday. Bookselling staff of Author’s Note will gauge interest in moving forward with such a club at this event.

The event on Wednesday evening is free and open to the public. Pre-ordering copies of Paquette’s book is recommended. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered at www.authorsnote.com.

For more information, call (585) 798-3642 or visit www.authorsnote.com/events.

MEDINA – The Village Board was asked to consider allowing up to six backyard chickens for residents, with no roosters.

Medina was asked by Katie Hardner, who is leading the effort to have chickens be permitted in Orleans County villages. The Village of Lyndonville Planning Board on Sept. 16 approved an ordinance for backyard chickens. That local law now goes to the Village Board in Lyndonville for review and will need that board’s approval to be adopted.

Hardner attended Medina’s meeting on Monday evening. She urged Medina officials to allow chickens in the village. Hannah Villeyas, a Medina resident, also asked that the poultry be permitted.

Villeyas said chickens provide food, pest control, remove weeds and are great companions. She said allowing chickens gives residents more resilience in an uncertain world, and also contributes to a more sustainable community.

Hardner and supporters of “For Cluck’s Safe” have attended parades and had a booth at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, trying to build support for the cause. She said a small group of chickens are not livestock, and they provide nutritional and mental health benefits for families.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said she expects the issue will be referred to the Village Planning Board for its input.

In Lyndonville, that Planning Board recommended the village adopt a local law allowing up to six chickens. Residents would need to get a permit (a one-time fee of $25), and the chickens are to be restricted to the rear or backyard of any residential zoning district.

Chicken owners will need to submit photos of the cages or coops where the chickens are housed. The cages shall not exceed 32 square feet or be taller than 7 feet.

The cages or coops need to be at least 30 feet from any door or window of a dwelling, school, church or other occupied structure other than the applicant’s dwelling.

The coops or cages also need to be at 5 feet from a side yard property line and more than 18 inches from a rear lot line. No chickens shall be kept in a front yard or side street yard areas, according to the draft ordinance.

(Left) Darlene Rich is the Shelby town clerk. (Right) Betty Sue Miller is director of Hoag Library in Albion.

LYNDONVILLE – With Orleans Community Health’s cancer services event, For Women Only, a week away, the hospital is announcing speakers, presentations and more, and making a plea for the community to honor and remember their loved ones who have suffered with cancer.

“This is the 25th year of this beloved event which brings the community together for an inspiring evening of support, friendship and solidarity, while raising funds to benefit those seeking services in the area,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.

A highlight of the event on Oct. 3 at the White Birch is a video presentation in which names and/or pictures of loved ones who have survived or died from cancer is shown on a giant screen throughout the evening. Names and photos may still be sent to srobinson@medinamemorial.org as a tribute to their strength and courage.

The evening will also feature a basket raffle, providing attendees with the chance to win fabulous prizes while contributing wo a worthy cause, Robinson said.

Two speakers have been announced – Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion; and Darlene Rich, town of Shelby clerk. Both are cancer survivors and will share their personal stories, offering inspiration and hope to all in attendance.

Everyone is invited to be part of this powerful evening, whether they are a survivor, a friend or a supporter. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences, fostering an environment of togetherness that serves as a reminder that we are all in this fight together.

“Join us for an evening of inspiration, support and camaraderie,” Robinson said. “Let us come together to make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.”

Screenshot

Photos and information courtesy of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

ALBION/MEDINA – A dedicated team from National Grid volunteered their time on Sept. 17 to replace three sandboxes at the Head Start locations in Albion and Medina.

The project, which had been on Community Action of Orleans & Genesee’s “to-do” list for quite some time, was made possible through the partnership with National Grid and support from the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

In Albion, the National Grid team worked to remove old sand that had accumulated in the playground’s sandbox. The sand was repurposed to reinforce the playground’s fencing, helping to improve overall safety. The team also cleared out intrusive roots, repaired a broken wall, and completed the revitalization by unloading 12 tons of pea gravel into the sandbox. The use of pea gravel was chosen to ensure easier long-term maintenance and increased safety for the children.

After finishing in Albion, the volunteers moved on to Medina, where they filled two smaller sandboxes with an additional 2 tons of pea gravel, completing the project by mid-day.

“Without the partnership from our friends at United Way of ROCFLX and the coordination and manpower from Paul Gister and his team at National Grid, I don’t know when this project would have been completed,” said Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Programming at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. “We’re lucky to have such wonderful community partners.”

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which serves families across the region, is thrilled to have these improvements for the children who attend their Head Start programs. Thanks to the volunteer efforts, the children can now enjoy safer and cleaner playgrounds.

About Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Through programs such as Head Start, Emergency Services, and Case Management, the organization works to address the needs of low-income individuals and strengthen the communities they serve. For more information about the services they provide, visit their website at www.caoginc.org.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation has announced the date and site for its 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser.

The event is scheduled Nov. 2 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

“We are excited to announce the 30th Treasure Island,” said Foundation director Megan Johnson. “This special evening promises to be a night to remember, filled with camaraderie, entertainment and the opportunity to make a significant impact on our community.”

The evening will feature a silent auction with more than 100 items, ranging in value from $50 and beyond. People can browse items and begin bidding online days before the event.

A live auction will again be led by Wes Pickreign, with at least five exclusive items available for bid.

Pirate’s Pillage raffle will feature $50 tickets for a chance to win one of the live auction items, before the auction begins.

A favorite feature is the Lucky Cork Raffle, in which attendees have a chance to win a bottle of wine, liquor or beer for a $20 donation.

The evening also features an open bar, food stations with delicious offerings and music and entertainment by deejay JT Thomas.

A highlight of the evening will be the honoring of surgeons, Drs. Schratz, Hodge and Huff.

Major sponsors of the event are Jr. Wilson Sportsman Club, Takeform and Cooper Funeral Home/Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Johnson at Orleans Community Health Foundation, (585) 798-8437, or e-mailing foundation@medinamemorial.org.

Event tickets are $50 each. Checks should be made payable to OCH Foundation and mailed to 200 Ohio St., Medina, 14103.

County’s teen pregnancy rate has dropped during Albanese’s tenure

ALBION – In 1987, Orleans County had the highest teen pregnancy rate in the state outside of New York City.

That high rate resulted in the start of the ACT program, and reps from ACT go to local school districts to teach sex education.

The teen pregnancy rate has dropped. The most recent statistics from 2021 put Orleans at the 20^th highest teen pregnancy rate of the 57 counties outside NYC. Orleans was the fifth highest in 2020. In 2016, it ranked 34^th.

Jan Albanese has been part of ACT for 37 years, starting as a secretary in 1987. In 1995 she took over as coordinator and has led ACT the past 28 years.

She has retired, with Wendy Cruz now serving as the program’s leader.

Albanese and her staff of three others developed a 6 to 8-hour curriculum, “Making Proud Choices.” ACT presents the program to youth ages 11 to 21, teaching about responsible sexual health choices. Albanese said the goal is for the youths to effectively communicate with their partner, make responsible decisions, delay the initial sexual encounter, lower the risk of teen pregnancies, and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

The program is tailored to the different age levels and currently is offered in four Orleans County school districts and Batavia in Genesee County, reaching about 400 to 500 students a year. (Before the pandemic it was about 700 students.)

ACT currently isn’t working in Albion, where district staff do the sex education component in health class.

“It is age-appropriate education,” Albanese said. “A focus is for them to know what a healthy relationship looks like.”

Jan Albanese congratulates Wendy Cruz, the new director of the ACT program. Cruz has worked with ACT since February. “We’re trying to teach kids to better themselves,” Cruz said.

ACT staff will ask students how many of them have conversations about sex with their parents. Very few hands go up. Most parents don’t discuss sex, including consent and legal ramifications, with their children, Albanese said.

ACT recently received a new $2 million grant for over five years that will allow it to expand its expand its programming. That so far includes weekly after-school clubs in Holley, Lyndonville and Batavia. ACT also is helping connect youths to services in the community, including the DMV, mental health and other agencies.

Albanese said some ACT staff take youths to sit-down restaurants, which is a new experience for some of the local teens and pre-teens.

“There is an ever-present need,” Albanese said. “There is more work that we can do.”

Cruz, the new coordinator for ACT, said the program remains committed to empowering youths to make better choices, setting their lives up for success.

“We’re trying to teach kids to better themselves,” she said.

ACT also can provide presentations to the community about local statistics, risky behaviors, consent, relationships, internet safety, communication and access to local sexual health care services.

Marty Taber works as a health educator at ACT. He started in 1996. He said Albanese has been a very effective leader for ACT and the community.

“She is very dependable and responsible,” Taber said. “She is available, but she doesn’t micro-manage. I will miss her terribly.”

Albanese has been successful securing grant funding to keep the program going, and to expand the services. She also has served on the Orleans Community Services Board for 26 years, including the past 22 years as chairwoman.

She also served on the boards for GCASA (now UConnectCare), the Mental Health Association, Hoag Library, Human Services Council of Orleans County, Drug Free Communities Coalition, LPP/LIFE Program, OCH Community Partners, Albion PTA and PTSA, Catholic Daughters and the Cobblestone Society.

Provided photo: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport presents a “Special Recognition Award” to Jan Albanese during Tuesday’s Legislature meeting. Albanese was recognized for her 37 years with the ACT program, as well as her 26 years on the Community Services Board, including 22 years as a chairwoman of that board.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Hart Hotel is one of the lodging businesses in Medina. Hart Hotel includes five rooms and two lofts on the third floor of 113 West Center St.

MEDINA – Legislation in the State Capital has advanced through the Legislature and now only awaits the governor’s signature to allow the Village of Medina to impose a 2 percent tax on local bed tax for hotels, motels, boarding houses and short-term rentals.

The village has tried for several years since 2018 to get the tax through the Legislature. State Sen. Rob Ortt had been reluctant to support a new tax, but on May 22 he sponsored the bill that passed in the Senate. Assemblyman Steve Hawley backed the legislation in the Assembly.

The village will use the revenue from the tax to support the Orleans Economic Development Agency with infrastructure projects and land development in Medina, which will

increase economic development and attract new businesses for a growing

tax base within the village, according legislation passed by the Assembly and Senate.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said Gov. Kathy Hochul has until Dec. 31 to sign the bill for it to take effect. The new tax will be collected by the village clerk’s office.

Village officials said the occupancy tax is on visitors to the community, not local residents. It would provide much-needed revenue for the village to promote tourism and economic development, leading to more visitors to help local businesses, village leaders said.

Orleans County also imposes a 4 percent occupancy tax that generates about $100,000 a year and is used solely by the county for its tourism promotion efforts. The Medina tax would be another 2 percent on top of the county’s occupancy tax.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will again welcome visitors and artisans to their annual open house, scheduled this year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5.

All buildings and exhibit areas will be open. Special activities will include butter making and old-fashioned games. Live demonstrations will take place throughout the day in trades buildings located on Route 98 in the Cobblestone Complex.

Visitors can watch blacksmiths working at the forge, printing press craftsmen operating the Gordon Press and a saddle maker sharing her skills in the Harness Shop.

Provided photos:  Georgia Thomas of Medina shows several young girls how to make butter at a former open house at the Cobblestone Museum. She will again demonstrate the art at this year’s open house Oct. 5.

There will be an opportunity to see a hit ‘n miss engine operating, a Model T on display and meet and greet an organ grinder/collector of street organs, who will share the sounds of these musical instruments.

Visiting artisans will include members of the Genesee Country Lace Build and Rug Hookers of the Finger Lakes, in addition to a chair caner, quilter, spinner and weaver.

Parking and admission are free throughout the day, however, wristbands are required. Programs available will include the locations and times when activities are available throughout the event.

(Left) Harold Clark of Rochester works on a chair caning project. He will also return to the Cobblestone Museum on Oct. 5. (Right) Deb Van Dieren and Liz Mongiovi are part of the Genesee Country Lace Guild and will share their talent at the Cobblestone Museum open house.

A food tent will be serving beef-on-weck meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advance sale tickets are $12 and may be reserved by calling the Museum at (585) 589-9013.

From 3 to 4 p.m., a concert will be presented by E-YAH-PAH-HAH Wind Quintet in the Cobblestone Church.  They will perform classical music written by Native American composers. A piece from the musical Wicked will be included in their repertoire, and a selection by African-American composer Victoria Coleman.

The concert will include a free-will offering.

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Gerald Bradley, 40, was an inmate in the Orleans Correctional Facility when he had fentanyl in the prison. He has since been transferred to Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone.

He was sentenced to an additional 2 ½ years in state prison. His attorney, James Egan, said Bradley is a good guy but struggles with a substance abuse problem.

Brandon Eldridge, 36, of Albion was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison for criminal contempt in the first degree for violating an order of protection. He allegedly got in an argument with a woman and shoved her. He wasn’t supposed to have any contact with her. The judge issued a new order of protection for the woman for the next eight years.

Also in the court today, two people pleaded guilty and will likely face incarceration when they are sentenced.

Sterling Carter of Monroe County pleaded guilty to attempted prison contraband for trying to bring ceramic razor blades into the Orleans Correctional Facility on June 12, 2023.

Carter is a second-felony offender and will face a maximum of 1 ½ to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 8.

Jennifer Sportsman, 49, of Clarendon admitted to probation violations and could face up to eight months in the county jail when she is sentenced on Nov. 13. She has been on probation for criminal possession of stolen property. She admitted to having 2 ounces marijuana and bringing it to a state prison in Franklin County, where she is facing charges of promoting prison contraband.

MEDINA – A Medina man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court today to criminally negligent homicide, admitting to driving at a high rate of speed and through a stop sign in an accident that resulted in the death of Gabriel J. Casanova, 19, on June 25, 2023.

Rashawn Bloom, 20, was driving a 2009 Lincoln Navigator with three other passengers at about 2:30 a.m. They had just left a bonfire on East Countyhouse Road when District Attorney Joe Cardone said Bloom drove off at speeds topping 85 miles per hour. He also went through the stop sign at Countyhouse Road and Route 98 and then lost control of the vehicle on West Countyhouse Road. The vehicle overturned multiple times.

Casanova died from blunt force trauma to the head and other parts of his body, Cardone said in court today.

Bloom was charged by State Police in April for first-degree reckless endangerment, a D felony with a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison.

Bloom agreed to a plea deal today with the District Attorney’s Office, where he will face a split sentence of six months in the county jail and five years of probation. He will be sentenced on Nov. 25.

County Court Judge Sanford Church went over the meaning of criminally negligent homicide, where a person creates a substantial risk by being reckless, inattentive or careless, leading to the death or another person. The defendant faces this charge shows a “gross deviation from the standard of care by a reasonable person,” Church said.

Bloom was released on his own recognizance at the town court level, before the case was moved to County Court. Judge Church decided to set bail at $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond.

Press Release, Medina Sandstone Society

MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.

The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $750.

Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically at www.sandstonesociety.org.

Completed applications are due by Oct. 31. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.

For more information, email sandstonesociety@gmail.org or call Michael Zelazny at 585-798-1006.