Two bald eagles are busy rebuilding a nest in the Cayuga marsh. These images are from a nest cam.

Courtesy of Dick Moss and Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – After a brief but concerning setback, the Cayuga marsh bald eagle pair and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge nest camera project are back on track.

Two weeks after the nest camera, funded by Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR), began streaming on Oct. 19, disaster struck when high winds knocked down the cottonwood tree that the eagle nest had been perched in.

Since that time, the eagle pair has been busy building a new nest – fortunately within range of the new eagle nest camera. Click here to see the view from the nest cam.

The new nest cam project has been more than a year in the making.

In November of 2023, FINWR started planning to install a live camera at an active bald eagle nest on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom.

“We determined almost from the start that history and location were very important factors,” said outgoing FINWR President Garner Light of Gasport, who was instrumental in developing and implementing the project. “Based on those factors, the Cayuga marsh nest was our first choice. That location has been used for most of the last 25 years by bald eagles. It was also more accessible than the next best nest site. No other site on the refuge met both requirements.”

FINWR consulted with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from the start to ensure that its plan was abiding by environmental regulations.

FINWR also found Bill Powers of the Pittsburgh area, who runs the Pixcams website, which hosts numerous wildlife cameras around the country. Powers offered advice and technical expertise that proved invaluable, and Pixcams offered a ready home for the nest cam streaming.

The FINWR board approved the nest camera plans during the summer months, and the proper equipment was ordered.

The group’s target for installation was early to mid October, and it eventually settled on Oct. 18, which turned out to be an ideal fall day. Plan A was to climb the nest tree, uninstall a camera that had been inactive for over 20 years and install the new camera in its place. The plan had to be altered when it was determined that the tree with the nest was not safe to climb. This prompted plan B, which was to install the camera in a tree near the nest.

Treeman Tom LLC and his crew donated their time and expertise to safely install the camera and secure the cables. The new camera went live on Oct. 19. The bald eagle action was amazing right from the beginning, and the camera gave a front row seat.

“For two weeks we watched, learned and engaged in wonderful conversation on the live camera chat,” Light said.

But on Nov. 1, after several days of high winds, the old nest tree blew over.

“We were heartbroken,” Light said. “The bald eagles largely disappeared for the next two days.”

But within four days, the eagles were attempting to place branches in the tree right next to the old nest tree. Since then they have worked diligently to build a new nest. It is almost the same size now as the old nest was.

The original camera that hasn’t worked in 20-plus years was so popular that visitors to the refuge had been still asking to watch it.

“This is a dream come true for FINWR. We are looking forward to increasing awareness of this beautiful place that we call Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge,” said new FINWR President Richard Moss of Medina. “We are currently working on designing a nest cam display with a large screen TV for the visitor center.”

He added that the FINWR website also is undergoing a redesign that will prominently feature the nest cam.

“Special thanks to refuge manager Tom Roster, Bill Powers, Treeman Tom and his crew, DEC’s Region 8 wildlife biologist, FINWR’s Emma DeLeon and the rest of the FINWR board,” said Light.

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., has about 150 members and is a nonprofit corporation organized by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) via fundraising, education, enhancement and preservation of the refuge and its wildlife.

ALBION – The Albion school district was notified of a potential threat targeting a school bus this morning and that threat has been deemed unfounded.

“The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately and acted before any of our students or drivers could potentially be placed in harm’s way,” district superintendent Mickey Edwards stated on the district website. “The Sheriff’s Office has deemed there is no threat to ACS transportation or the District itself.”

The safety of students and staff are the district’s “number one priority,” Edwrads said.

“We would like to thank our greater Albion community for being diligent in helping to keep our Purple Eagles safe,” he said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd along Main Street on Saturday night. Several thousand people braved the frigid temperatures to watch nearly 50 decorative floats, bands and fire trucks.

Takeform created this float which has been used the past three parades to bring in Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Talis Historic Restoration in Medina was among several first-time parade participants.

Case-Nic Cookies created another float for the parade. Case-Nic has been in all 16 of the parades. The store is closing at the end of December with owner Mary Lou Tuohey retiring after 29 years in the cookie business.

Ginny Kropf, a long-time local news reporter, served as grand marshal of the parade. Kropf also has long been involved in community organizations, and currently serves on the boards for the Orleans County United Way and Medina Railroad Museum.

“I’ve been to every Parade of Lights but one, so it was a great honor to have been chosen grand marshal of this spectacular event,” Kropf said. “I am truly amazed at the work and creativity of everyone who entered a float. It was truly a magical evening, even with the cold!”

The Pembroke marching band lighted up their instruments while performing in the parade.

Oak Orchard Health joined the fun in the parade.

M.J. Dreher Trucking in Brockport

East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company

Great Grandpa’s Truck included one of several Grinch characters in the parade.

Orleans Community Health participated in the parade with residents from the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital in the van, waving to the crowd.

Cub Scout Pack 18 had Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other characters from Peanuts.

Cycling Without Age featured Sebastian Erakare pedaling a tri-shaw bike down Main Street. He is giving a ride to his wife Bradeen Walders Erakare and her mother, Susan Walders. Walders started the organization in Orleans County that using the tri-shaw to give senior citizens rides.

Newton Racing/Petry’s Pulling Team

Eye of Oden K9 Training

The Medina Fire Department

The Medina Lions Club

The Medina Marching Band

Bentley Brothers in Albion and Brockport created this float. The business is nearing its 100^th anniversary.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

Prime Time Brass

Logan’s Landscaping

Mark Time Marchers

Orleans/Niagara BOCES named grand champion of 16^th annual parade

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES has been named the grand champion in Saturday’s 16^th annual Parade of Lights.

There were nearly 50 participants in the parade. The BOCES receives a $500 check as the grand champion. Other winners receive $300. All of the winning floats and participants receive a plaque from the Parade of Lights.

The float included a 1954 John Deere 40U tractor restored at Orleans/Niagara BOCES by Matthew Page.

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES works on their winning float ready for the parade in a staging area at the Olde Pickle Factory. The parade route went from the Olde Pickle Factory down Park Avenue and north on Main Street.

The winners in the different categories include:

Best in Class (Not-for-Profit) – Niagara County 4-H Equine

Best in Class (Commercial) – Mahar Excavating

Best in Class (Service Clubs) – Albion FFA

Best in Class (Religious) – The Vine (formerly Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina)

Best in Class (Fire companies) – Albion Fire Department

Best on Class – Metz’s Family Christmas

Star Award (for creativity) – Western New York Energy

Santa’s Pick – Heveron Electric

Littlest Elf Award (that best incorporate youths and adults in float) – Albion Girl Scouts

Community Spirit Award – Painted Sky Ranch/Monroe County 4-H

Press Release, Child Welfare Association of Orleans County

ALBION – The Child Welfare Association of Orleans County and its predecessor, the Orleans County State Charities Aid Association (SCAA) has been assisting children and families in Orleans county for about 100 years. It has been fully supported  through bequeathments and donations from the public.

Starting in 1925, representatives from every township met to determine how to help children and families struggling to meet basic needs.  Local churches and community groups had been assisting when they saw a need, but this was the first county-wide united effort. Through donations, they hired a part-time agent to help identify and assist those in dire need.

In 1929 as needs became more wide-spread and apparent, a new public welfare law was enacted and a county agent was hired. During these early years, the Child Welfare Association worked very closely with the county welfare agent who provided services directly to children in need.

The CWA provided annual teas for foster parents and gave them money each year to buy Christmas presents for foster children. They provided assistance in many other ways such as purchasing cribs and supplies, shoes and clothing, knitting baby clothes and blankets, paying for innoculations and dental care, providing money for text books, and college tuitions.

Beginning in the 1950s, The Journal-Register in Medina and the CWA began asking for donations to send children with financial need to the Salvation Army Camp Troutburg in Kendall. From this time until the mid-1990s when Camp Troutburg closed, hundreds of children had the opportunity to go to camp due to the CWA’s efforts. Since Camp Troutburg closed, the CWA has been providing camp scholarships to Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville where children enjoy a week of day camp.

The Child Welfare Association has provided college scholarships to students from all five school districts for more than 50 years. They also have provided stipends to school nurses, public health, and local libraries each year. Additionally they have given money to Community Action, the Ministry of Concern, Child and Family Services, and recently the Medina YMCA and local 4-H.

For many years, the CWA has not received nor solicited money from the public and funds have declined. In June of this year the CWA board voted to dissolve, giving remaining funds directly to the organizations it supports.

This will allow these organizations to have charge of the funds at an earlier time and gives them the advantage of deciding its best use. College scholarships will continue to be awarded by the local school districts for several more years. The remaining funds will be turned over to the ARC for Camp Rainbow.

“It is sad to see such a long-standing charity dissolve, but the time has come,” said Christine Kinsey, president. “We trust these other organizations know first-hand what the needs are and will carry on the good works that CWA has begun.”

BARKER – Two people were able to safely evacuate their home this morning in a fast-moving fire, the Niagara County Sheriff’s office reported.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 1700 block of East Avenue after a 911 call at 7:56 a.m. The fire quickly spread in a single-family home and the house became fully engulfed, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

Responding fire units were able to extinguish the fire without incident. There were no injuries as a result of the fire, The Sheriff’s Office stated.

Firefighters responded from Barker, Olcott, Lockport and Hartland fire companies as well as the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit.

A damage estimate is unavailable at this time. The Red Cross was notified and responded to assist the residents of the home.

The Niagara County Origin and Cause responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

By the time you read this you will probably be finishing off the last of your Thanksgiving leftovers but I did not want to jump ahead to December and everything Christmas before highlighting the fact that November was National Hospice & Palliative Care Month.

As the Spiritual Care Counselor at Hospice of Orleans I have had the privilege of coming beside many families during the most difficult of times and I really do consider it a privilege to be welcomed into their homes and into their lives. I am also grateful to work alongside others who have answered the call to offer expert, compassionate care to those in need. I have always had a healthy respect for the work of nurses, social workers, and home health aides but getting the chance to work so closely with them has given me a newfound appreciation not only for their skills but for how passionately they attend to and advocate for their patients. I just want to say thank you to all who have filled these vital roles past and present.

I also wanted to highlight Girl Scout Troops 82096 and 82094, led by Mindy Cogovan and Jennifer Hughes respectively, who spent time making Thanksgiving and Christmas Cards to give to our patients and their families as well as those who attend the Grief Support Group. This is a great way for the girls to learn more about Hospice and, having had the privilege of passing out cards to our patients in the past, I know how meaningful their messages will be to all who receive them.

The reality is that the holidays can be a very difficult time for those who are dealing with a terminal illness or who have experienced the loss of a loved one. For me personally, I will never forget the phone call I received from my niece on Thanksgiving Day 2015 letting me know that my oldest brother Rick had died of a heart attack. I can attest to the fact that sometimes just acknowledging someone else’s pain at a time when others are celebrating is a great show of compassion. In this case, offering something as simple as a handmade card can be especially comforting so thank you to all the girls who took part.

I also want to remind you that if you or someone you know is struggling with the holidays I lead  a Grief Support Group that is open to anyone in Orleans County. Our last meeting of the year will be on Tuesday (12/8) @4 p.m. at The First Baptist Church in Albion (30 W. Park St.). We will then resume meeting in the New Year every 2^nd Tuesday in Albion and every 4^th Tuesday in Medina. As I have said it before, everyone deals with grief at some point but no one should have to do it alone.

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Fireworks created a spectacle in the sky just before the Parade of Lights in Medina on Saturday evening.

Young Explosives in Rochester set off the fireworks from the canal, exploding over Main Street.

Bent’s Opera House is decked out for the holidays, and has added two large nutcrackers and a giant ornament to add to Medina’s decorations.

A big crowd gathered on Main Street in front of Bent’s to watch the fireworks and Parade of Lights.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – This dachshund is decked out for Christmas during today’s Pet parade at noon down Main Street in Medina.

The parade started on West Avenue at the Medina Historical Society.

There was a big group of pets with many in costume for the parade.

Medina Village Trustees Jess Marciano as Olaf and Dianna Baker as Anna from Frozen wave to the crowd. They are joined by Marciano’s daughter, Cadence.

The Cutest Little Elf contest winners, Paisley Morgott of Medina and Kenslee Smak of Batavia, got to walk in the parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Zach and Andrea Busch walked in the pet parade with Winston, a Labradoodle.

Chris Seefeldt is the Grinch and Stacey Seefeldt dressed as Cindy Lou Who for the parade.

Lynne Menz, left, brought two dogs and Kelly Kiebala brought one for the parade. Kiebala’s and one of Menz’s dogs are brothers from the same litter. Menz is shown with Brody, a Pomeranian Husky; and Bo, a Pomeranian Sheltie. Kiebala’s dog is named Teddy, a Pomeranian Sheltie.

The Medina High School Band played Christmas music in the noon parade.

Santa and Mrs. Claus acknowledge the crowd on Main Street.

The Parade of Lights is at 6 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina High School students Riley Tompkins is dressed as an elf and Logan Trillizio wore a Santa costume in today’s Home for the Holidays 5K in Medina. They are sprinting at the end of the race on North Main Street near the American Legion. (St. Mary’s Catholic Church is in the background.)

There were 150 participants in today’s event with temperatures in the low 30s.

Debbie Tompkins welcomes the runners to the race when they gathered near the starting line in the Canal Basin. She organizes the race with Teresa Wilkins.

Proceeds from the race are planned to go to backpack food program at Oak Orchard Primary School and a new scholarship program at the school.

Jeremy Weakland of Gasport carries an American flag while running next to his son, Jeremy Weakland Jr., 12. They finished in 37:16.

Arian Cayea, 20, of Medina was the first male in a time of 19:05 while Jen Curtis, 34, of New York was the first female with a time of 22:06.

There are events throughout the day in Medina for the Hometown Christmas celebration, including the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department

ALBION – The Care & Crisis Helpline (585) 283-5200 is currently and temporarily non-operational as a result of phone and network issues.

In the case of an immediate mental health need or mental health crisis, you can call or text 988, the  National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or contact the  Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch by calling at (585) 589-5527 and ask to speak to the on call mental health clinician.

ALBION – The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen set a new record by serving 716 Thanksgiving meals on Thursday.

That topped the 630 served last year for free to the community. The kitchen also had 79 dinners left on Thursday and those have been frozen to be used in the future.

“We saw a lot of new faces we’d never seen before,” said Faith Smith, director of the OK Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Many of the people who came to the church for a meal are feeling a financial pinch and others welcomed the chance to eat Thanksgiving with friends and family at the church or with take-outs or deliveries, Smith said.

More than 50 people volunteered to prepare the meal, serve and deliver it. Smith said volunteers delivered meals 439 meals to nine out of the 10 towns in Orleans County – everyone except Barre.

Many churches and businesses in the community donated to effort on Thursday.

“Everything went smoothly,” she said.

Smith and her husband Mike started the day early and were able to get home at 9 p.m.

The meals were served at the church from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

SHELBY – Hannah Robillard has loved animals all her life, so while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Medaille College, it was no surprise she decided to attend Clemson University and get her master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries resources.

“I always loved being in nature, growing up in Medina,” Robillard said. “I had pets and Rose, a horse.”

After graduating from Medina High School in 2018, she knew what she wanted to do, in addition to working for her dad, Arnold Mahnke, at Top Gun Construction.

In 2022, she married Jason Robillard, who is also pursuing his license so he can help Hannah.

Hannah became involved with Western New York Raptors and Wildlife Care, whose director Bernadette Clabeaux was a professor of hers and got her interested in rehabilitation.

Hannah also recently went to Corning for training for rabies vector species. Skunks, bats and raccoons are defined as rabies vector species.

There is a major lack of RVS rehabilitators, which is one of the reason Hannah chose to get involved in it, she said.  She has rabies pre-exposure vaccine, which is why she is able to handle RVS animals.

Hannah recently was brought a family of 10 baby opossums whose mother had been hit and killed by a car. She rehabilitated them and released them. She was also brought a baby bunny, which she also rehabilitated.

Bats are prone to wing injuries, and Hannah is able to rehabilitate them so they can fly again.

She and Jason plan to convert their barn into a facility to accommodate rabies animals by 2026.

A week ago, Hannah spent the day at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market to inform the public of the service she provides and to share the need for donations.

“We have to buy all the food and medications and pay veterinarian bills for all the animals which are brought to us,” she said.

She plans to be at the farmer’s market every week until Christmas, and then every other week after that.

Hannah said there are a small handful of rehabilitators in Orleans County and she would like to contact them to form a support group.

More information on wildlife rehabilitation is available at the DEC website (click here).

Press Release, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition

BATAVIA – The Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition was recognized at the 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany last month for excellence in the Lethal Means Safety category.

Sara Andrew, a licensed clinical social worker and community engagement and partnership coordinator at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, accepted an award on behalf of GOW Pathway to Hope.

The coalition was nominated for this award by Lynda Battaglia, director of Community Services in Genesee County in partnership with Kelly Dryja, director of Community Services in Wyoming County and Danielle Figura, director of Community Services in Orleans County.

Sara Andrew, community engagement and partnership coordinator at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, accepts an award on behalf of the GOW Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition, from Dr. Thomas Smith, chief medical officer, New York State Office of Mental Health, at the 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany.

Andrew works with coalitions in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Niagara counties to implement community-based interventions for suicide coalition, with a focus on service members, veterans and their families.

About 150 professionals in the suicide prevention field attended the conference at the Desmond Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Lethal means are objects (e.g., medications, firearms, sharp instruments) that can be used to inflict self-directed violence. Lethal Means Safety is an intentional, voluntary practice to reduce one’s suicide risk by limiting access to those lethal means.

In submitting the nomination form, Battaglia outlined steps being taken by the local coalition to reduce means of harm.

“For the GOW Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition, it might mean having someone taking a few extra minutes of having to unlock a gun safe or unlocking medications that can give someone that time to pause and not make an impulsive decision, such as suicide,” she wrote.

“We know that people have access to lethal means in their environment and we know the goal of lethal means safety is to promote and give opportunities between thinking of suicide and acting on it for individuals. Preventing access to lethal means in that very moment gives that person a couple of life saving minutes to think about what they are doing and to reach out for help instead.”

Battaglia pointed out that the local coalition has worked to overcome “unique challenges” faced by rural areas, such as accessibility to services and lack of transportation. She noted that suicide in agriculture and farming – key industries of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties – is on the rise.

“While the coalition focuses on the needs of each county, collectively the coalition is stronger working together,” she wrote. “This is demonstrated on a routine basis in ways of sharing resources, education, supports, and promoting efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and suicide by close partnership and collaboration of efforts.”

GOW Pathway to Hope has adopted an evidenced based, suicide prevention initiative that was initially developed in Virginia. The Lock & Talk training educates local residents on what Lethal Means Safety is while encouraging communities to engage in mental wellness conversations.

“Locking/safely securing or removing lethal means is one of the few evidence-based strategies to substantially prevent suicide- many suicides occur with little planning during a short-term crisis,” Battaglia wrote. “Talking can often alleviate distress and reduce the intention to act on suicidal thoughts. It’s also about sharing resources and getting the right help to the right individuals who need it, when they need it.”

Thus far, GOW Pathway to Hope has distributed around 400 Lock & Talk bags that each include a cable gun lock, locking medication pouch or medication lockbox, a pre-paid medication disposal envelope among other local and national resources.

Additionally, about two dozen LMS trainings have been provided to human service professionals as gatekeepers, who in turn received the Lock & Talk bags to provide to community members in need, and several firearm safety for suicide prevention workshops have been conducted.

For more information about the Lock and Talk program, email spcgenesee@gmail.com.