Photos and information from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce that 18 children from Orleans County attended the NYS Sheriff’s Summer Camp on located on Keuka Lake.
Each sheriff in counties throughout the state is given a predetermined number of camper slots and boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 are selected by various methods to identify deserving children to attend.
The Sheriff’s Summer Camp is held each year and has been in operation since 1986. The Sheriff’s Summer Camp operates through generous donations received by the New York State Sheriff’s Institute.
Campers have the opportunity to attend various demonstrations and classes provided by law enforcement officers from multiple agencies across the state. Campers also have the opportunity to participate in daily activities such as hiking, swimming, archery and sailing.
The first 10 children from Orleans County attended the first week beginning on Sunday, June 30, and eight children attended the second week beginning on Sunday, July 7. All of the children were transported by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office from the Public Safety Building to the Batavia Thruway Exit where they were transported by tour bus to and from the Sheriff’s Camp in Penn Yan, New York.
Orleans County Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson and his staff transported the kids to the buses and provided counselors at the camp as well.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting two town hall events in Monroe County on Saturday, July 20.
Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them the most. These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.
“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” Hawley said. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
• Village of Brockport/Towns of Clarkson & Sweden from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Seymour Library, 161 East Ave. at Brockport
• Town of Hamlin from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Hamlin Public Library, 1680 Lake Rd. at Hamlin
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2024 at 11:03 am
Districts give students celebratory sendoff during commencement
Provided photos from the school districts
Brian Bartalo, retiring superintendent from Holley Central School, gives the keynote address during commencement on June 29. Holley celebrated the graduation of 63 seniors.
Caitlin Dobri delivers the valedictory address. Other student speakers included: Kayla Neale, salutatorian; and Layne Walker, the class president.
Graduates move their tassels to signify completed high school. Students wore their red Holley Hawk robes and caps for the ceremony inside the school auditorium.
After the ceremony students gathered in the gym to toss their graduation caps.
Kendall’s 57 graduates (and one honorary foreign exchange student) celebrate commencement on June 28 in the school auditorium.
Kendall’s student speakers includes salutatorian Louis Conte and valedictorian Hannah Brundage.
Conte shared about his competitive nature and how his high school experiences in athletics and other activities have fueled that competitiveness and need for perfection.
Kendall Board of Education member Chaley Swift presents the diploma to her son, Jimmie Swift, during commencement on June 28.
“Every step is growth and advancement,” Conte said. “The way we handle the roadblocks that keep us from our goal of being perfect is what defines us and what needs to be embraced. It’s this mindset that needs to be embraced, not just by me, but by anyone who ever feels like they aren’t enough. Finding silver linings when experiencing failures is a mindset that takes practice. From all my years of playing sports, l’ve learned that practice does not make perfect; it makes progress.”
Valedictorian Hannah Brundage reflected on shared experiences and bonds among classmates. She recalled moments the senior class bonded over, including parking lot painting, Senior Breakfast, Commitment Day, “the pickle game” and other activities.
“It’s moments like these that we truly connect through and allow up to pull together through the challenges that life throws at us,” she said. “None of us would be where we are without the people surrounding us, because we are greatly influenced by our surroundings. The people we love, the friends we hang out with – they are what get you past the hardships we all eventually encounter.”
Social Studies teacher Joseph Petrosino also addressed the graduates. He was chosen by the Class of 2024 to give this year’s commencement address.
Petrosino gave a history lesson on education in Kendall, highlighting unwavering community support for education despite challenges faced. From the original two-room log cabin that housed school lessons, to the hearses pulled by horses that served as school buses.
“The people of this area have never stopped supporting education and supporting the school,” Petrosino said. “When the school community is touched by tragedy, disaster or loss people come to support us both teacher and student alike.”
He urged students to find their purpose beyond a job, saying, “When you find it, you will know. You’ll work harder than ever before and won’t mind. You’ll feel compelled to do that thing even when you have a million other things to do. You will wake up at night with new ideas, and you will feel alive, working towards something good for the world.”
The Presentation of the Class of 2024 followed, with advisors Margaret Alloco and Elizabeth Erickson reading student bios and diplomas presented by principal Melissa Strelick and assistant principal Mark Driesel.
The group moves their tassels to signify the transition from students to graduates.
Lyndonville’s 38 students in the Class of 2024 toss their graduation caps to celebrate commencement on June 28. The ceremony was inside at the Stroyan Auditorium.
Student speakers at Lyndonville’s graduation included salutatorian Elizabeth Whipple, left, and valedictorian Daniel Barry.
Kayli Miller accepts her diploma from superintendent Sharon Smith. Ted Lewis, president of the Board of Education, is in back.
These students who are seniors in the high school chorus lead the crowd in singing the national anthem at the start of commencement. The graduating seniors in the chorus include Madalynn Baker, Katelynn Breeze, Ella Fletcher, Laci Giarla, Amber Grabowski, Maximus Hilton, Hannah Songer and Elizabeth Whipple.
BUFFALO – Appeal officials announced that Appeal 2024 in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Fund for the Faith raised a total of $8,002,705 in cash and pledges, representing 84% of its $9.5 million goal. Appeal 2024 was launched in January and concluded on June 30.
“It’s because of the support and generosity of those who give through the annual Appeal that Catholic Charities can provide HOPE for those most in need – including individuals of all faiths and backgrounds – throughout Western New York, just as it has for the last century,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities of Buffalo. “The 100th Appeal faced some challenges in 2024, and a significant need in our community remains. This is why we will do all that we can to ensure that we can continue to offer these crucial programs and services for the more than 145,000 individuals and families who are helped by Catholic Charities.”
The annual Appeal helps fund more than 50 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries through the Fund for the Faith. As the most comprehensive human services provider serving all eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include behavioral health services, basic emergency assistance, food pantries, education and workforce training, family safety and stabilization programs, and immigration and refugee assistance. The Fund for the Faith provides needed funding for programs that support the faith experience across all parish communities, including hospital chaplaincy, and training for ordained and lay ministers, among others.
Catholic Charities’ full development efforts total $8,546,140 which includes the results of Appeal 2024 and $543,435 in bequests and donations directed to specific programs.
Donors can continue to support the work of Catholic Charities at ccwny.org/donate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2024 at 7:21 am
Kari Hagglund sent in this photo from Culver Road in Barre this morning “just before the sky turned black.”
The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a special weather statement at 7:04 a.m., advising a strong thunderstorm is moving northeast from Middleport to Orleans County.
The Weather Service said the following areas will be impacted through 7:45 a.m.: Brockport, Medina, Albion, Hamlin Beach State Park, Akron, Middleport, Holley, Waterport, Lakeside Beach State Park, Point Breeze, Kent, Ridgeway, Shelby, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Alabama, Lyndonville, Gasport and Morton.
Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. The storm could intensify.
“Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding,” the Weather Service said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 July 2024 at 8:01 pm
Replica boat will travel full Erie Canal next year to celebrate bicentennial
MEDINA – A traditionally-built, full-sized replica of the Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief will be visiting towns along the Erie Canal on a sea trial in preparation for a trip from Buffalo to New York City during the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal in 2025.
The boat was constructed by the Buffalo Maritime Center, whose president and development officer met with officials in Medina this morning to discuss upcoming visits. Executive director Brian Trzeciak and development officer Katie Osborn were greeted by Medina mayor Marguerite Sherman; Jim Hancock, chair of Medina’s Tourism Committee; Dawn Borquet, Orleans County tourism director; Kelly Kiebala, director of Orleans County Job Development; Heather Farnsworth Hungerford from Bent’s Opera House; and Brian Hellner, former vice president of the Buffalo Maritime Center and operator of cruises on the canal in Medina.
On its trial run this summer, the Seneca Chief will spend the afternoon and night in Medina on Aug. 12, en route to Brockport, and again on Aug. 16 on their way back to Buffalo.
Tentative plans call for the boat to be open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. both days. There will be no charge, but donations will be appreciated.
Tourism personnel meet on Brian Hellner’s tour boat to discuss the August visit of the replica canal boat Seneca Chief. Clockwise from left are Dawn Borchet, director of Orleans County Tourism; Kelly Kiebala, director of Orleans County Job Development; Brian Trzeciak, executive director of the Buffalo Maritime Center; Katie Osborn, development officer of the Maritime Center; and Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee.
The Seneca Chief has a crew of 18 to 20 people, who usually sleep on the boat or camp nearby. In Medina, Hungerford has tentatively invited them to use the rooms at the Opera House, where plans include having food there for the crew and the public.
Sherman volunteered to have the village set up a tent in the canal basin for an exhibit and displays of the Erie Canal and informative talks.
Local musician and busker Rob Robinson has agreed to play guitar for a sing-along of canal songs. He used to sing and play on the tour boat run by the former Apple Grove Inn, so he very familiar with songs of the canal.
During tours of the boat and possibly after supper at the Opera House, there will be historic presentations.
The idea to build a replica of the Seneca Chief was that of John Montague, founder and director emeritus of the Buffalo Maritime Center, and a retired professor in the Design Department at Buffalo State College.
Mongague grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he learned to love boats and water. One of the first things he did in Buffalo was to start a boat program at Buffalo State, with the goal of reviving interest in Buffalo as a harbor.
He said people had spent a lot of time trying to redevelop Buffalo’s waterfront, and Montague said, “Why don’t we build a canal boat?”
When he retired from teaching in 2006, he took the boat program with him and started his own non-profit organization. He knew he had to get people to realize Buffalo was not just a rust-belt city, but a maritime city. He built several boats, but kept going back to the idea of a canal boat.
In 2017 Buffalo re-dug the canal and created Canalside.
“Now it is a serious site,” Montague said. “Let’s build a couple of canal boats, and create the ambiance of what this place used to look like.”
He not only wanted to build ambiance of what the area originally looked like, but he wanted to bring focus to the area.
“I wanted it to be an educational project, to bring people in and build a boat in public,” he said. “We wanted people to see it and ask questions.”
They finally got permission to build it in the Longshed at Canalside by the Naval Park.
Brian Hellner, left, welcomed tourism personnel on his boat Monday to discuss plans for the trial visit in August of the replica Seneca Chief. With him are Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman with her grandson Henry and Heather Farnsworth Hungerford from Bent’s Opera House.
Montague wrote an article in 2018 about the bi-centennial of the canal coming up, and how everybody along the canal was thinking of what they could do. That led to a meeting with the Buffalo Evening News editorial board.
A man in Clarence saw the article and came to the boat shop in Buffalo, where Montague took him on a tour.
He asked how they were going to pay for the boat, and Montague started to explain their ideas for fundraising.
Then the man said, “I’ll pay for it.”
“Our jaws dropped,” Montague said. “The following Wednesday, $800,000 was in our account.”
The project was one of the largest community boat-building projects anywhere in the world at the time, and one of very few being built on public display, Montague said. From the beginning, the public was encouraged to become part of the project by helping to build and acting as public greeters.
The boat’s keel, frames and other structural timbers are built of white oak. The keelson is a single 60-foot long piece of reclaimed Douglas Fir, which their website says was previously used in the early 1900s as a gin pole crane.
Planking is two layers of one-inch thick cypress with a waterproof dynel cloth set in epoxy between the layers. The outler layer of planking is caulked with cotton. This combination of modern and traditional planking methods should help the boat stay watertight even if it spends winters out of the water, builders say.
The finished boat is 73 feet long, 12 feet six inches wide and weighs more than 40 tons.
What amazed Montague most about building the Seneca Chief was the fact it was accomplished with more than 200 volunteers and only two paid staff.
The Erie Canal was built to connect people into one unified state, Montague said.
“We are doing what the Erie Canal did,” he said. “We are creating a bond between communities. We are connecting people in one unified state.”
The Seneca Chief opened the Erie Canal in 1825, carrying Governor DeWitt Clinton from Buffalo to New York City, where they participated in a “wedding of the waters.”
Next summer the Seneca Chief will depart Sept. 24 on the voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor, stopping at those same cities along the way as Governor Clinton, and encouraging them to educate their communities and to learn about the Erie Canal’s past, its present and to create a shared vision of its future.
The trial run this summer only goes to Rochester, making stops in Lockport, Medina (coming and going), Brockport, Rochester and back to Buffalo.
MIDDLEPORT – Joshua Walker (middle) FMC Middleport Agricultural Sciences Plant’s Maintenance and Site Services Manager welcomes two Royalton-Hartland graduating seniors Madison DiNieri of Middleport (left) and Sophia Santella of Middleport (right) to the local plant.
FMC awarded annual $1,000 scholarships to each student based on judging of their 350-word essays in which in which the students were asked to describe the field of study they intend to pursue and the career goals they hope to achieve.
Madison DiNieri will be continuing her education this fall at New York’s Public Honors College of SUNY Geneseo, majoring in biology. As she did in high school, she will continue to balance academics and athletics as a member of Geneseo’s women’s club soccer team. Ultimately, her goal is to become a veterinarian.
During her years at Roy-Hart, Madison was an accomplished scholar and athlete (soccer and basketball), while also being very actively involved in student government, band and other extracurricular activities, in which she often took on leadership roles. She also actively participated in a wide range of community service projects.
Sophia Santella is passionate about the oceans and the life within them, particularly coral reefs, so she will be pursuing a degree in Marine Science and Coastal Restoration with a minor in Oceanology at Coastal Carolina University this fall.
As a Roy-Hart student, Sophia was a high achiever academically, athletically (as a member of the soccer, swim, track & field and cheer teams) and in her extracurricular activities, which included her award-winning participation in the school band (violin), as well as student council and the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America). She was also a very active volunteer for a number of civic/charitable organizations.
FMC is committed to education and supporting students as they pursue their career aspirations.
“These scholarships were awarded as part of the FMC For Good campaign focus area of Education & Opportunity: Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Agriculture and STEM,” said Barbara Pilmore, FMC Middleport plant manager. “At FMC, we are committed to investing in programs and partnerships that strengthen the communities where we live and work – because if our communities thrive, so do we.”
Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Care & Crisis Helpline – (585) 283-5200 – will be down for two hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. this Wednesday, July 10th, according to Danielle Figura, Director of Community Services in the Orleans County Department of Mental Health.
The system will be undergoing scheduled maintenance during that time.
Figura said anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health distress, and needs immediate support during that time, should call the Orleans County Mental Health Department at (585) 589-7066 or call or text the National Suicide and Crisis helpline at 988.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we recognize there is never a good time to do this maintenance work that takes our system down even for a couple of hours, but it is necessary to keep our system in good working order,” said Figura. “We do have our backup plans in place and encourage anyone who needs our help to call the alternative numbers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2024 at 11:05 am
Orleans highest in WNY at $3.67 a gallon
The average price for a gallon of gas has increased in the state and country, AAA reported on Monday.
The average statewide is at $3.62 for regular unleaded, uo 3 cents in a week. The price a year ago was $3.68. Nationally, the average price is $3.51, up 2 cents ina week. The price was $3.54 a year ago, AAA reported.
“Gas prices are up across the state as summer road trip season heats up,” AAA stated in a news release. “AAA predicted that 70.9 million travelers would head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period.
“While pump prices are up, oil prices remain steady from last week ranging from $82 to $86 per barrel. Diesel prices are relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $3.85, up five cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.25, no change from last Monday.”
Orleans County has the highest average price for regular unleaded among WNY counties, according to AAA. Here are the averages today around WNY:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2024 at 9:55 am
Provided photo: Kate Hardner is leader of the push to change the backyard chicken ordinance.
LYNDONVILLE – Kate Hardner seeks the public’s input as she tries to convince Lyndonville village officials to change a local law and allow for backyard chickens.
Hardner was joined by friends and supporters of the effort during Lyndonville’s Fourth of July parade. They walked with inflatable chickens in the parade and advertised a Change.org petition – “For Cluck’s Sake! Stop the Backyard Chicken Ban.” Hardner and supporters seek to amend local laws to allow backyard chickens within the villages in Orleans County.
Hardner said the petition touts the environmental advantages of raising backyard chickens by reducing landfill mass and costs in addition to the nutritional benefits of fresh laid eggs, increasing the family’s sense of food security, and improving mental and physical health, teaching children the responsibility of taking care of animals and learning where their food comes from.
“At this time in our lives, it is easier to own chickens in the suburbs and in the city then it is out here in rural America,” Hardner said. “My first exposure to chickens was hatching chicks in 1st grade at Lyndonville Central School and the tradition continues at LCS today, 45 years later.
“Orleans County, with its strong agricultural history, is woefully behind the times in its viewpoint of backyard chicken keeping,” she said. “Furthermore, why is it accepted that local laws are denying youth access to state and federally funded poultry science experiences in 4-H and FFA? It’s time for law makers to review our local practices. Backyard chicken keeping is an easy way for anyone to shorten their food chain from backyard to table.”
Hardner has approached the Lyndonville Village Board, which asked the Village Planning Board to review a proposed Harboring of Animals amendment.
Upon request, Hardner provided examples to the Planning Board of exceptions to allow for chicken hens from the City of Buffalo, Town of Brighton, Town of Hamlin, and Village of Brockport. The next Lyndonville Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 4 p.m.
TONAWANDA SENECA NATION – The Tonawanda Seneca Nation Council of Chiefs condemns recent revelations that Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul interfered in the environmental review process for the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) mega industrial site.
Political pressure by the two powerful politicians sped up the issuance of key permits at both the state and federal level, violating the law and leading to mistakes and environmental damage.
“We are disappointed but not surprised that Hochul and Schumer put corporate profits ahead of protecting the environment, the Nation and surrounding communities,” said Chief Roger Hill of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. “For centuries New York State has tried to push aside our people and destroy our homelands, and we see that continuing up through the present day.”
Reporting by J. Dale Shoemaker at the Investigative Post shows that staff for both Hochul and Schumer pressured officials at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and US Fish and Wildlife Service, urging those agencies to expedite the issuance of permits needed by the developer, the Genesee County Economic Development Center. GCEDC also serves as lead agency for state environmental review of the WNY STAMP project.
Shoemaker’s reporting shows that intervention by aides to Hochul and Schumer succeeded in pushing the regulators at the DEC and FWS to speed up their review process. This push resulted in violations of state and federal law and immense environmental damage like the spills of 500-700 gallons of hydraulic drilling fluid in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which remains unremediated.
The Tonawanda Seneca Nation, a federally recognized Indian Nation, has raised concerns about the WNY STAMP industrial mega site since its inception. The project poses an existential threat to the people and culture of the Nation, as well as threats to birds, fish, deer, water, and medicinal plants in the Big Woods that border WNY STAMP.
Federal law requires robust consultation with the Nation on projects that affect it, and federal guidance directs agencies to aim for consensus with Indian Nations. Shoemaker’s reporting shows that pressure from Schumer’s aides led the USFWS to violate consultation requirements, leading the Nation to file suit in November 2023.
According to Shoemaker’s reporting, Schumer and Hochul pressured regulators at the urging of WNY STAMP developer GCEDC, which has struggled to draw industrial tenants to the proposed WNY STAMP site. While the agency has received $100 million in state funding for WNY STAMP since 2005, including $56 million recently awarded by Governor Hochul, WNY STAMP lacks any operational tenant. Plug Power, one of two tenants, has suspended construction of a facility there due to cash shortages and market conditions. The other tenant, Edwards Vacuum, only recently broke ground.
Political influence from Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul explains why efforts to develop the WNY STAMP mega industrial site continue despite the failure to bring a single tenant online; rescission of a key permit; multiple lawsuits; financial instability; increasingly negative local press coverage; and searing critiques from entities including good governance groups, environmentalists, regional planners, and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and their allies.
“This investigation shows what we’ve known all along, that it makes no sense to put a mega-industrial development next to the Nation and state and federal wildlife areas,” said Tonawanda Seneca Nation Clan Mother Linda Logan. “Now is the time for stakeholders in this misconceived plan to rethink it.”
ALBION – We are the Red Barn Cats, and we could really use your help! We used to live in an old red barn without food or water for nearly a month.
We were scared, weak and terribly hungry. Sadly, many of our friends did not make it. Fortunately, the group of us that remained were rescued by our guardian angels.
We were brought to a home where we were nursed back to health. We have all been spayed/neutered and have had our initial shots. Since then, we’ve made tremendous strides — we’ve all put on weight and are starting to show our unique personalities.
Our rescuers have worked with us to accept human touch and interaction. While some of us are still a bit skittish and need a patient home filled with lots of love and attention, we’re all on the path to becoming wonderful pets. We may require a little more effort than your average cat, but we assure you, we’re well worth it!
In the meantime, we are looking for volunteers – whether teens or adults – to come visit and play with us. Our rescuers would deeply appreciate your help and can update you on our individual progress. Any volunteers interested in helping please contact Laurie Smith at (585) 300-9816 and Karen Spierdowis at (585) 330-3074.
We’re hopeful that you’ll come to meet us soon and perhaps consider giving one of us a forever home. We’re eager to find loving families where we can share our newfound joy and bring warmth and companionship into your lives!
Meet the Red Barn Cats:
Domino – Hi! I am the hero that led our rescuers to us. I was found trembling and so weak I could barely walk. I am now feeling much better and have made a lot of progress since being saved. I am a black and white kitty, with a whole lot of spunk. I absolutely love attention and my playful personality really comes out when I have toys!
Pearl – I was brave like Domino and ran out to our rescuers, but when I was found I was nothing but skin and bones with broken whiskers. I have gained weight and now my silver coat really shines! Now that I am feeling better, I love pets and I especially love butt scratches!
Squiggy – Hi! I am an all-black kitty with striking green eyes. I am a bit shy but once I am comfortable, I love to play with interactive toys and snuggle up with my brother Barney. I am still learning how to trust and be comfortable around humans but have made great progress!
Barney – I am the “tough guy” of the group. I am a pretty quiet cat during the day, but I like to be active and playful during the nighttime. While I tend to hiss a lot and act tough, I have one of the silkiest black coats and love to groom my brothers and sisters.
Big Papa – Hi! I am the brave warrior who worked hard to take care of my family during our tough times. I am an all-black cat with a few battle scars. I was a bit timid at first, but now that we are safe, I love to curl up in people’s laps and bask in the sunshine.
Tinker Bell – Hello! I am the mother figure of the group. I am grey and white and am a fairly quiet cat. Most of the time I can be found snuggled up with Big Papa. I am hoping to find a loving home where I can finally relax and be the perfect lap cat!
The “Red Barn” Team includes Laurie Smith; Linda Spierdowis; Rusty Walls; Linda and Chris Rice; Bob Moore; S.O.S.; PAWS (Donna Vanderlaan); Karen, Kate & Cole Spierdowis; Dorinda Starkweather; Tina Burdick; Rachel Webb; Denisse Hagen; and Patty Ryan.
Editor’s Note: The Red Barn Cats have been cared for since February after their owner was stricken with an illness. Laurie Smith noticed the owner’s vehicle hadn’t been at the barn for awhile and she found the cats in need of care. Six of them then have been staying with Linda Spierdowis while another cat is at the PAWS Animal Shelter.
“They are phenomenal,” Smith said about the cats. “They are doing remarkable.”
Smith said the cats are still “a little shy and skittish,” and aren’t quite ready to be adopted. They need more socialization. All of the cats have been either spayed or neutered.
“These cats have had a second chance because of the graciousness of people,” she said. “Hopefully there is a forever home out there.”
