By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2025 at 12:30 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – These Medina students work on making gift bags out of wrapping paper during IMPACT Day at Medina Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday. The bags will be used by the Oak Orchard Elementary School at their Christmas store during the holiday season in December.
These students are in the library making the gift bags. They were among 120 students working on service projects inside the school and in the community for the 8th IMPACT Day.
The community service projects originated in 2016 from the IMPACT (Influencing Many People As Concerned Teens) students with staff rallying behind the effort.
Medina Jr./Sr. High had a half day of school today and students volunteered to help with many projects.
Some of the off-school projects included at Mt. Pleasant, the YMCA, Iroquois Wildlife Refuge, Medina Railroad Museum, East Shelby Fire Department, Shelby Fire Department, St. Peter’s Church, Medina City Hall/Fire Department, Medina Historical Society, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, Orleans Community Health and canal path.
Skyla Sootheran makes works on double knots on the edge of a blanket with unicorns and stars. Students made several blankets as part of Project Linus, where the blankets are distributed to children in hospitals and shelters to help them feel less anxious.
Alex Wilson, left, and Alex Drum yank weeds out of a big flower box leading into the school. They later planted flowers at the site.
Alex Drum, a sophomore, said she looks forward to IMPACT Day every year.
“It’s the enjoyment and feeling I have that I helped out the community,” she said.
Asia-Lynn Neuhaus, left, and teacher aide Bonnie Lotz do some weeding in front of the school.
Cole Callard paints part of the border that will be used on the number 5 for a display of “2025” at graduation next month.
Eric Valley and Sophia Goyette mark out the letter 5 that will be cut out and painted white. Valley and his students have made the large numbers in recent years and the Mustang logos on campus.
From left include Lucy DiCureia, Adelynne Lacy and Grace Goodrich making tray favors that will go to residents of the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Amonte Mortensen-Chamblee, left, and Roxy Hyde work on the tray favors. The finished product is shown in front.
Keren Sanchez, left, and her sister Ashley worked on dusting off trophies in one of the display cases.
Series starts May 28 featuring first Norwegian settlement in U.S. at Kendall
Press Release, Orleans County Historical Association
Provided photo: A historical marker at the intersection of Norway Road and Bald Eagle Drive in Kendall highlights the Norway Colony.
GAINES – The Orleans County Historical Association once again welcomes the community to their monthly history talks.
The talks are held from May through October on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse on 3286 Gaines Basin Rd. The talks are free and donations are gladly accepted.
This year’s presentations will spotlight the 200th anniversary of Orleans County and the Erie Canal. The schedule includes:
May 28: “The First Norwegian Settlement in the U.S. – Kendall, NY (1825)” – Dee Robinson, retired Gaines town historian, will share the fascinating history of how the Norwegians came to the United States and made their way to Kendall, settling on Norway Road.
June 25: “The Life of Joseph Ellicott, Surveyor of the Wilderness” – You won’t want to miss Dennis Upton, a storyteller and re-enactor as he brings to life the story of Joseph Ellicott who was an agent of the Holland Land Company and helped to survey and sell land in Western New York as well as advocate for the Erie Canal.
July 30: “The Haudenosaunee Confederacy” – The Confederacy consists of six Indigenous nations whose traditional lands encompass New York State. Guest speaker Kae Woodruff Wilbert will share their history in New York State and Orleans County.
August 27: “Orleans County Fruit Culture as Living History” – Guest speaker Amy Machamer, Owner of Hurd Orchards, will share her experiences and insights about the rich and unique fruit culture of Orleans County.
September 24: “The Erie Canal & The Burned Over District; History is not Accidental” – Retired history teacher Doug Miller will share how multiple religious ideas and beliefs, of which some were uniquely formed, developed and spread along the Erie Canal in the early 19th century.
October 29: “New York State Historical Markers” – Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper has updated the 2001 Orleans County historical markers book and will share information on some of the new markers that have been installed in the County during the last 24 years.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Congressman Joe Morelle both issued statements against the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that made it through the House of Representatives, 215-214, on Thursday.
Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester, issued this statement:
“President Trump and House Republicans passed a budget proposal that slashes Medicaid, Medicare, and nutrition assistance programs over a trillion dollars and will eliminate health insurance coverage for 13 million Americans.
“The bill also saddles American taxpayers with $5 trillion in new debt.
“All to pay for the largest tax cut for millionaires and billionaires in our nation’s history.
“This is cruel, irresponsible, and un-American. I will do everything I can to fight to stop it.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement:
“New York Republicans in Congress caved to the billionaire class at the expense of the constituents they serve. With the passage of this budget, the Republican delegation tore up SNAP benefits, slashed funding for affordable housing, killed clean energy projects and enacted the largest Medicaid cut in history — and they did it all while still managing to roll over on the SALT cap. Pathetic.
“New Yorkers deserve representatives who are fighting to bring down the cost of their families’ medical and grocery bills, not line the pockets of the ultra-wealthy. In Albany, I’m working around the clock in service of everyday New Yorkers — our state desperately needs its leaders in Washington to do the same.”
Press Release, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Photo from DEC: Dylan Kampnich is shown with his son and a record-setting 37-pound, 9-pound catfish.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the first state record fish of the year.
On May 3, while shorefishing with his son, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter reeled in a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County. Mr. Kampnich’s record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces.
“We are so fortunate to have incredibly diverse and affordable fishing opportunities across the state,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Congratulations to Mr. Kampnich on his record-breaking catfish. This catch is a great example of what New York’s abundant waterways have to offer and the thrilling news of this catch will certainly get anglers excited about getting on the water this season.”
Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York. They feed primarily on the bottom at night and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers.
Mr. Kampnich submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species.
Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon said that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin summer hours the Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 27. Summer hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are in effect until Labor Day.
Residents are asked to be in line by 3:15 p.m. to be served. Those taking CDL exams must be in the DMV by 1:30 p.m. so there is enough time allowed to complete the exam.
“The DMV has been especially busy of late and we are doing our best to get people through the line as quickly as possible,” Hanlon said. “One way to expedite the process is to understand what documents you need to process the transaction and have your paperwork in order.”
Hanlon said many questions about DMV transactions can be answered at www.dmv.ny.gov. In addition, the DMV Document Guide at https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-document-guide will provide a detailed list of what you need to bring to the office to make your visit a success.
Hanlon also reminded residents that you need a Real ID/Enhanced License to fly domestically. If you currently have a star or a flag on your license, you are compliant. Also keep in mind that if you have a passport, this will work as well. If you have more REAL ID questions please visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs.
Last, residents can always visit the Orleans County Clerk’s page (click here) for up-to-date information on hours and valuable information for the Orleans County Clerk’s Office and the Orleans County Department of Motor Vehicles.
BROCKPORT – Zoe Seniuk of Albion, daughter of Denise Johnston-Burris and John “Jack” Burris, graduated summa cum laude on May 17 from SUNY Brockport, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
She will be attending the University of Buffalo School of Law beginning in August of this year.
Editor’s Note: Send news about college graduations and achievements to news@orleanshub.com.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Patrick Olles, left, and Lukas Moore are both certified master technicians from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Press Release, Pat’s Auto Repair
ALBION – Patrick Olles, owner of Pat’s Auto Repair at 13305 West Lee Rd., recently received ASE Master Technician Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Olles joins mechanic, Lukas Moore of Pat’s Auto Repair, in earning the ASE master technician certification.
Olles and Moore have both passed exams A1 through A8 in the Automobile and Light Truck test series. Pat’s Auto Repair is an ASE Blue Seal of Excellence-recognized business. Olles opened the auto repair business in 2015.
ASE offers a series of certification exams for professionals specializing in automobile and light truck, collision repair and refinish, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, transit bus, alternate fuels, automobile service consultant, undercar specialist, and parts specialist.
Upon passing at least one exam and providing proof of two years of hands-on work experience, a professional becomes ASE certified. Every five years, professionals must be retested to remain certified.
Certified professionals wear blue and white insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of expertise; employers display those credentials in the customer service waiting area.
Established in 1972 as a non-profit organization, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a driving force in the transportation industry. As an independent third party, ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through assessment, certification and credentialing of current and future industry professionals, and the prestigious ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence.
Today, there are approximately 250,000 ASE Certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools, and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit www.ase.com.
BROCKPORT – A Community Health Fair will be held at the Oak Orchard Health Center in Brockport on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the health fair at 300 West Ave. Oak Orchard and UR Medicine will offer free health screenings. And the Kiwanis Club of Brockport will be serving pancakes at the Fair!
Have questions about health insurance? Fidelis Care Health Insurance will answer them – and give away stress balls, pens, notepads, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The Brockport Community Connection will also be at the fair to connect residents to services, including emergency assistance.
Oak Orchard Health (OOH) will offer free services and giveaways:
Blood pressure screenings
Blood glucose checks
Cancer information
Dental and vision screenings
Healthy Eating Information
Information on the Patient Portal and technology updates
Behavioral Health screenings and educational handouts
WIC Program enrollment and more
Kids’ Zone with games, prizes, face painting, and the Teddy Bear Clinic
UR Medicine will offer services and giveaways:
UR Dermatology: free skin cancer checks
UR Medicine: mammogram screenings (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Call 1-844-870-0002 to schedule.)
UR MobilEyes (Flaum Eye Institute): free vision screenings
All services are first-come, first-served.
“We’re excited to work with so many community organizations and UR Medicine to provide health screenings. There is something for everyone here, including children. We’ll have a Kid Zone and Teddy Bear Clinic. This is a great opportunity to get information and health screenings for free,” said Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, chief medical officer and pediatrician, Oak Orchard Health.
There will be plenty of giveaways for you to pick up at the booths.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 May 2025 at 1:34 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Ben Lacy of the Medina DPW installs banners on Tuesday in front of Lyon’s Collision on East Center Street. Lacy and DPW employee Chris Dix hoped to finish the task on Wednesday. (Right) Daniel Roberts, great-great-great-grandfather to a number of local residents, is the first Revolutionary War soldier to have a banner in Medina. It hangs on Main Street in front of Zambistro’s.
MEDINA – Although this year’s Hometown Heroes banners project faced several setbacks during the year, the results have been excellent, said Mary Woodruff, who started the project in 2019 with 38 banners. By the fourth year they had reached the maximum of 120.
“Everyone has been supportive and patient during this long period of completing the 2025 campaign,” Woodruff said. “One particular and most generous supporter has donated a large sum of money to the Medina Hometown Hero banner project. I was overwhelmed and most grateful for this kind donation. This person is very happy with the project and hopes it continues for a long time.
The donation will be helpful in many ways, such as updating their website and providing more opportunities for sponsors who would love a banner for their family members, but have limited funds in their budget, Woodruff said. Many more ideas are being considered, thanks to this very generous contributor since the project began in 2018.
The array of banners featured this year will highlight the number of servicemen and women in our village of Medina and towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, Woodruff said.
“Each year I am amazed at the number of banners produced and the history of all these servicemen and women,” Woodruff said. “I thank everyone who joins in keeping this most honorable project alive and well. Imagine the coincidence back in the fall of 2018 when I asked the village board members to consider the ‘Hometown Hero banner project.’ I presented my pitch, explaining each detail of managing this project, which would be done in memory of my wonderful father-in-law, Willis Burr Woodruff. My final step, I told the board, would be to contact Orleans Hub and ask them to support this project with an article. Unbeknown to me, Tom Rivers had arrived at the meeting and was there throughout my presentation. He assured me the project would be a featured article – and the rest is history.”
Every year, Woodruff expresses her thanks to the village of Medina DPW for installing the hardware and putting up the banners each spring. They are typically taken down around Veterans’ Day.
For several years Woodruff has expressed the desire to have a Revolutionary War soldier, and she ended up with two – Daniel Roberts, whose ancestors lived in East Shelby and Medina, and Benjamin Darling, who also lived on East Shelby Road, and most certainly served in the same regiment as Roberts.
In addition, Daniel’s grandson Ziba Roberts, who lived on East Shelby Road, served in the Civil War and has a banner this year.
Woodruff is already receiving requests for banners next year.
(Left) The second Revolutionary War soldier to have a Hometown Heroes banner is Benjamin Darling, who lived on East Shelby Road. This artist’s drawing represents Darling, whose banner is next to Daniel Roberts. (Right) A Civil War soldier is memorialized on a banner this year. Ziba Roberts, who lived on East Shelby Road and is the grandson of Revolutionary War soldier Daniel Roberts, is also one of the first three hung on Main Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2025 at 10:47 am
Project will add 4 apartments, 2 commercial units in historic downtown
Photos from Forward NY: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an $850,000 Restore NY grant to rehabilitate the upper level of 409-413 Main St. in Medina to create apartments and also add two commercial units to the bottom of the building facing the Erie Canal.
MEDINA – Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced $50 million in Restore NY grants across the state, including $850,000 towards rehabilitating the upper levels of 409-413 Main St. in Medina to create apartments and also commercial space on the lower level facing the Erie Canal.
Those apartments will be above the Hemp House CBD Store and More at 409 Main St. and the Downtown Browsery at 413 Main St.
Thomas Development LLC, owned by Tom Snyder, is the developer for the project at the 1873 brick building, the former home of The Journal-Register in Medina.
Snyder plans to by transform approximately 4,600 square feet on the second-floor into four apartment units. He is planning three 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom units and one 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom unit.
The project improvements will include two egress stairs and a lift, exterior windows, building insulation and a fire suppression system.
Snyder plans to create two commercial units in the rear-facing, sub-grade space and a new commercial flex kitchen at street-level. He also has been approved for a $370,000 NY Forward grant towards the rehab of the building.
The State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative aims to help remove and reduce blight, reinvigorate communities and generate new residential and economic opportunities statewide.
The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments encourage new commercial investments through community revitalization, growing local housing, and putting properties back on the tax rolls to increase the local tax base, Hochul’s office stated in a news release.
“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York.”
WILLIAMSVILLE – Tops Friendly Markets has partnered with DoorDash, a leading global platform for local commerce, to launch on-demand grocery delivery across all 145 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including the stores in Albion and Medina.
Shoppers can now order from a selection of 80,000+ items—including fresh produce, pantry staples, household necessities, and prepared meals—delivered on-demand through the DoorDash app or website.
To celebrate the launch, DoorDash is offering special savings on the first delivery order from participating Tops locations. Select Tops Friendly Markets stores are also available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide.
From now through June 19, DashPass members get 40% off orders with a subtotal of $55 or more (up to $25 off) using promo code 40TOPS at Tops. Non-DashPass customers can save 30% off orders with a subtotal of $45+ (up to $15 off) with promo code 30TOPS.
“At Tops, our commitment has always been to serve our neighbors with value, care, and dependable service,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “This partnership with DoorDash builds on that promise—giving customers a fast and easy way to shop with Tops, whether they’re planning their weekly groceries or looking for a quick meal solution after a busy day. It’s another way we’re helping families save time without compromising the service or standards they’ve come to expect.”
The partnership reflects Tops’ ongoing investment in e-commerce and its focus on expanding access to dependable grocery and meal options, particularly during busy weeknights and peak mealtimes.
The new offering makes it even easier for customers to shop with Tops—enhancing convenience for loyal shoppers while also creating more ways for shoppers to connect with the trusted regional grocer online.
“DoorDash offers a convenient way for shoppers to get fresh, affordable groceries delivered on demand,” said Mike Goldblat, VP of Retail and Grocery Partnerships at DoorDash. “We’re delighted to add Tops with 145 locations to DoorDash, allowing consumers to stock up on everything from daily staples to grab-and-go favorites and discover other great local options in their community.”
To get started, visit DoorDash.com or open the DoorDash app and search for your local Tops Friendly Markets store.
HOLLEY –MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley has been recognized by the Monroe County Council of Superintendents as a 2025 Outstanding Senior at the 30th Annual Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner on May 7. One senior from each high school in the Monroe One and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES region is selected for this honor based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character.
MacKenzie served as co-president of Interact Club, the largest club in the school, where she focused on leading community service projects year-round. She was president of the High School Student Council where she organized homecoming events, seasonal pep assemblies and more.
She was a SOAR Leader where she served as a peer mentor to 7th grade students, a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, and a member of the Holley-Kendall Unified Basketball Team which empowered students of all abilities to come together to compete.
“MacKenzie embodies all that Holley stands for,” said Holley Central School Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “She is a champion for students of every ability and represents Holley with her leadership, positivity and compassion. She exudes kindness and strength, making her a true a role model to her peers and perfect candidate for this award.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of the historic One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver on President Trump’s America First Agenda.
This legislation passed the House by a vote of 215-214 with one voting present.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House today, puts America First by making permanent the Trump Tax Cuts, providing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security the funding they need to build the wall and hire more agents to secure our borders, unleashing American energy production, and restoring common sense and sanity in our government,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
“House Republicans voted to prevent the largest tax hike in American History by preserving and expanding the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts. This legislation will now bring the most significant tax cut in American history, bringing an average of an extra $5,000 into our wallets. In addition, Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay nearly 15% less in taxes. This legislation also includes President Trump’s promises of No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and cutting taxes on Social Security recipients to benefit working-class Americans.
“NY-24 is the largest agricultural district in the Northeast; the One Big Beautiful Bill protects family farms by preventing the 6,804 family farms in our district from seeing their death tax exemption cut in half. Main Street businesses are also the backbone of our district, and this legislation protects the 199A Small Business Deduction to ensure the 40,720 small businesses in NY-24 are not hit by a 43.4% effective tax rate.
“This legislation also contains historic provisions to secure our borders and combat the migrant crisis by providing nearly $70 million to expand ICE detention centers, hire over 10,000 new ICE Agents, and finish the border wall. President Trump and House Republicans are also committed to protecting American family values and restoring sanity to federal policymaking. By including my legislation to end taxpayer funding for sex changes for children and repealing the Left’s Green New Scam, we are working to rid our federal government of waste, fraud, and abuse.
“Now, it is up to the Senate to unite around this legislation and get this One Big Beautiful Bill to the President’s desk to deliver on our promises to the American people. It was a great privilege to support this once-in-a-lifetime bill, and I am eager to see it signed into law!”
BROCKPORT – Zoe Seniuk of Albion, daughter of Denise Johnston-Burris and John “Jack” Burris, graduated summa cum laude on May 17 from SUNY Brockport, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
