LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recognized the Top Ten seniors during a brunch last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.
In a break from tradition, the Lions held a brunch in honor of the graduating Class of 2024. In previous years the Lions held an evening program to honor the ten top graduating seniors. It was proposed by the Club that a brunch-like setting might offer an improved experience for both students and club members.
The top ten seniors were individually recognized for their academic achievements by High School Principal Dr. Aaron Slack. Each student then received a $100 dollar gift card from the Lyndonville Lions in recognition of their academic excellence. The Top Ten include Maddie Baker, Daniel Barry, Katelynn Breeze, Austin Gardner, Bradley Jisa, Joselyn Mack, Hailey Skowneski, Hannah Songer, Elizabeth Whipple and Tisha Zeitz.
In addition to the Top 10, the Lions Club recognized Elizabeth Whipple, Hannah Songer, Maddison Baker and Amber Grabowski, who have served for more than three years as “Leo Club” members.
Leo Club members are high school students who are mentored by the Lyndonville Lions Club. Students are exposed to club activities and learn about community service. These students along with underclassmen Leo Club members donated their time and effort assisting the Lions with their community service projects. They were instrumental in helping with the Lions annual eyeglass clinic, the elementary eye screening program at the Lyndonville School, and donated their vocal talents signing Christmas carols at the Red Kettle campaign during the holiday season.
The Lions Club will assist Noah Fox with some of the expenses in going to Boys State. Fox is shown with Lions Club VP Eric Johnson.
Noah Fox, a junior at the Lyndonville School, was introduced at the ceremony. He is the American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 Boys State Representative for 2024. The Lions Club will sponsor Fox with travel expenses and incidentals for the week-long event this July. Boys State is held every year at SUNY Morrisville.
Young men from across the state gather to learn leadership skills, organizational planning and networking. Participants then use these new skills to establish a mock state government. The experience exposes future community leaders to the inner workings of government and expanding knowledge of cooperation and communication in achieving a common goal.
The Lions would like everyone to look for forthcoming announcements regarding the Lyndonville Lions Club 50th Anniversary July 4th Celebration.
It is expected to be the largest summer event in Orleans County this year. Numerous added events to this year’s celebration will be announced along with the introduction of this year’s parade grand marshal.
Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Chicken Barbecue tickets are now on sale for $15 at M & T Bank on Main Street Lyndonville and at White Birch Restaurant and Golf Course in Lyndonville. Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours and please specify which seating you would like, 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
The Lions would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy summer season and may God continue to bless all of us and this great nation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 8:53 am
2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.
The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.
Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.
The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.
The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.
“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”
Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.
The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.
Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.
Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.
The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.
Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.
Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.
Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.
Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.
“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”
Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.
Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.
Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”
“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”
Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.
The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2024 at 5:36 pm
ALBION – There will be informational meetings about forming a joint fire district covering the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion).
The Village Board and Fire Department will have 6 p.m. public meetings at Hoag Library on Monday and then on June 17.
The two town boards and the Village Board voted to form a Joint Fire District that would take the fire department out of the village budget. The two towns currently pay the village a fire protection contract.
A joint fire district would be its own taxing entity with commissioners developing and overseeing the budget.
Fire Department leaders said the current budget of about $350,000 is too low and doesn’t set aside any money in reserves and doesn’t include bond payments for a future ladder truck and a new engine.
The Joint Fire District may need $750,000 to $850,000 to be properly funded for the future, deputy fire chief John Papponetti said during a public hearing on April 24 about the fire district.
Petitions have been turned in to try to force a public vote on whether a new Albion Joint Fire District should be created serving Albion and Gaines. The Gaines and Albion town boards are expected to meet soon to determine if and when a referendum will be set.
Cross-country journey by car included many stays in roadside cabins
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, No. 17
“Miss Helen Millis, who was accompanied by four girlfriends on a motor trip from Long Island to San Francisco and back, has returned to her home in Waterport.” – Lyndonville Enterprise, August 17,1933.
What an adventure it must have been! Helen kept a journal account of the trip, which her niece, Luann Millis Tierney, recently shared with the Orleans County Department of History. It is a charming read and offers a view of a different era of travel.
The big trip began at 5:15 a.m. on the morning of June 28, 1933, when Eve, Alice, Ann, Carle and Helen left Huntington, Long Island to the tune of “California, Here We Come.” Helen observed that New York City was very quiet, “with the exception of the milk trucks.”
On to Pennsylvania and through the Appalachian Mountains, they logged 416 miles on their first day and stayed overnight with friends in Indiana, Pa. Next day, they headed south and joined Route 40 at Pittsburgh. Also known as the Lincoln Highway, this route – which was entirely paved by 1931 – traversed the country and connected New York City to San Francisco.
They drove each day, stopped for food at roadside stands or diners, and stayed overnight at cabins with names such as Cottonwood Cabins or Al Smith’s Cabins. Automobile ownership had ballooned by the 1930s, roads had been improved and Americans were on the move. Clusters of these rustic, box-like cabins sprang up along busy routes to provide accommodation for travelers. The girls did not “book ahead” and rarely had a problem securing a place to stay at the end of the day.
From Pittsburgh, they travelled on through Columbus to Indianapolis where they visited the Indiana War Memorial and were impressed by its art and architecture. She described Indiana and Illinois as “very monotonous. The air is saturated with pigs.”
The prairie was “most interesting.” But July 8th was “the most thrilling day of the trip so far.” Helen wrote nine enthused pages about their visit to the Cave of the Winds, and the rail trip on the Cog Railroad (tickets $3.50 each) to Pike’s Peak, the sights, the exhilaration, what the guides told them. “A grand trip I shall never forget.”
They headed south to New Mexico and visited Taos, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest. Their first view of the Grand Canyon was from Yavapai Point. She wrote:
“Had I looked at its beauty many more minutes, I should have been overcome by its magnetic power.”
They traversed west on Route 66 and negotiated the intimidating Oatman Hill. Of the hairpin bends she wrote:
“You almost met your spare tire going around some of them.”
They arrived in Southern California on July 14, the 17th day of the trip. On to Long Beach where they rented an apartment for a few days to explore the area. Having rested, they set off to Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Giant Sequoias, and through the terrifying Tioga Pass. Carson City, Reno, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Yellowstone National Park, Casper, Cheyenne where they enjoyed some rodeos, and then to Omaha, Nebraska. They motored on to Chicago and spent two days visiting the World’s Fair exhibits. Through Sandusky, Ohio finally to Buffalo on August 6th.
“Cleopatra” as they named the car, served them well. Helen did not specify the make or model but referred to bringing it to a Chrysler dealer for repairs. They frequently had the car “greased.” They had one flat tire, ran out of gas once, and had some carburetor problems towards the end of the trip. The “freewheeling” problem that Cleopatra experienced as they were descending the Oatman Pass was the most dangerous. Luckily, a truck driver attached chains to the back of the car and prevented them from descending too quickly.
Cleopatra sported a “rumble seat,” which was basically the trunk lid reversed to provide extra seats. It was open to the elements and probably had little or no suspension. Helen was invariably a rumble seat passenger when it rained. On a few rainy occasions, they simply pulled off the road and into a farmer’s barn to wait for the rain to pass.
In the era before cell phones and pay phones, the girls communicated their travel progress to their families at home by postcard. On several occasions, Helen refers to “picking up mail” – their families wrote letters to them and mailed them to certain prearranged cities. Not as instant as texting, but it worked.
These girls were independent and confident. Then in their early 20s, they enjoyed dances and rodeos along the way. Helen mentions just one occasion when they felt uncomfortable, but they just brazened it out.
Helen lived to be 104 years old. Born in 1909, she was the daughter of Carl A. and Cora Miller Millis of Waterport. The family resided at the Breezy Ridge Fruit Farm on what is now Fuller Road. One of eight siblings, Helen graduated from Waterport High School, Geneseo Normal and Training School, and Syracuse University. She married Beryl Livingston. An elementary school teacher, she taught on Long Island and later the Fayetteville-Manlius Elementary School, Syracuse. She retired in 1977 and passed away in 2014.
She ended her travel journal:
“Lockport, Gasport, Middleport, Medina, Albion, and I was almost home. Uncle Richard, Dad, Sally, Jack, and Roger met me about 6:30. It surely seemed good to be home again. And it was a grand trip!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 8:08 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike and Faith Smith get a ride in Brad Shelp’s Bell Air convertible from 1954. The Smiths were grand marshals in the parade for Albion’s Strawberry Festival.
The Smiths lead the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Route 31. The kitchen has served about 45,000 meals in its first two years, and served just over 800 on Thursday.
The weather for most of today’s festival had sunshine with temperatures around 70 in the afternoon, following a soggy start to the two-day festival on Friday.
Some of the dancers from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather greet people around the parade route, which started at the high school driveway off Route 31, headed west on 31 and then north on Main Street to Bank Street. From left include Ava Woolston, Violet Rivera and Julianna Newbould.
There were 54 different units in the parade, which lasted over an hour and was a highlight of the 36th annual Strawberry Festival.
Jeff Gifaldi, a chief deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, wears the Safety Pup costume in the parade. His daughter Anna is next to him.
Safety Pup will be attending other community events around the county and visiting schools next year.
Jason Tarnowski served as emcee of the parade and Becky Karls headed the Strawberry Festival Committee. They are on a stand on Main Street near State Street. They saw many familiar faces in the parade and in the crowd.
Drum Major Jason Anstey took a short break from leading the band to playing his trumpet. Anstey is one of several seniors who performed with the marching band for the last time as a student today.
Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden tosses glitter into the air on Main Street. Spencer and about a dozen people from Eye of Oden walked with dogs in the parade.
Abigail Kinkaid walks with her mother Jami Allport, right, who is director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. They had an inflatable alien with their float. The theme for the festival was “Out of this World.” The festival committee wanted to highlight the recent solar eclipse on April 8.
The queens of the festival, Lucy Rivers (left) and Julia Button, enjoy a ride in style in the parade.
One girl snags some candy in the parade. She is in front of Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events, who created a bird out of balloons. Watts has made several characters for recent parades in Albion for the Strawberry Festival and near Christmas.
Watts is just ahead of a big group of Little Leaguers.
Lucas Jones leads the Holley-Kendall Marching Band as drum major. The band performed “Decades of Pop” during the parade. The band will close out its season 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Holley at the Hawk Stadium.
A group from Arc GLOW marched in the parade with signs celebrating diversity and people with disabilities.
Santa enjoys a sweet ride in the back of a classic truck from Panek Farms.
Bradeen Erakare waves and holds the banner for Cycling Without Age in Orleans County. Her mother, Susan Walders, is the pilot for a tri-shaw, a three-wheeled bike. Her passengers are Kae Wilbert and Walders’ mother, Janet Ridley, left.
Walders started Cycling Without Age last year. She and other pilots give rides to residents at nursing homes and other care facilities.
Girl Scouts in Troops 82007 and 82261 embraced the “Out of this World” theme. One of the troop leaders, Pauline Kehlenbeck Bachorski, walks with the scouts.
Panek’s Pickin’ Patch celebrated their “Stellar Strawberries” and passed out treats along the parade route.
Both sides of Main Street were lined with people from the Route 98 intersection to Bank Street.
Brian Payne, left, of Medina and Jeremy Weakland of Barker both head to the finish in this morning’s Strawberry Festival 5k/8k. The two carried the America flag for the longer 8K race. They said they are both proud veterans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 5:00 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Turtles are off on a brisk pace in the Amazing Turtle Race this afternoon in the Erie Canal during the Strawberry Festival. The windy weather had 1,000 turtles on the move much quicker than in the past.
The event is a fundraiser for the festival, raising about $3,500 with another $1,025 distributed in prizes. The turtles are all numbered. It costs $5 to get one turtle and five are $20.
The top five finishers win money. The winners include: first place, $500 for Deb Boyer; second place, $300 for Charlene Walsh; third place, $100 for Jarred Saj; fourth place, $75 for Kathy Fantasia; fifth place, $50 for Deb Boyer.
The turtles are dumped into the canal from the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat. The turtles are usually launched from the Main Street lift bridge, but the bridge has been closed and under repair since November 2022.
The launchers include, from left: Albion Police Chief David Mogle, marine patrol deputy Shawn O’Mara in back, County Legislator John Fitzak, top ticket seller Jarred Saj, Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr., and Mickey Edwards, superintendent of Albion Central School.
Jarred Saj of Medina is congratulated by festival chairwoman Becky Karls on setting a new record for most turtle tickets sold. Saj sold 400 of the tickets, breaking his previous record of 345.
Saj started selling the tickets in February to family and friends. When he was selling some of the tickets, other people decided they wanted to take a chance at winning some of the money and also support the festival.
Saj said he is now gearing up to sell taste of Hospice tickets for an event in August.
He is holding a certificate of merit from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in recognition of Saj “for his continuing support and dedication to the Albion Strawberry Festival. Jarred has continuously been the top seller of the Turtle Race tickets.”
Jay Kovaleski, an Albion physical education teacher and the swim coach, helps collect the turtles after they reached the end of a chute in the water. Clara Bolton also helped corral the turtles.
In the final hours of the 2024 State Legislative Session, bipartisan majorities of the Assembly and Senate adopted key pieces of legislation supported by the New York State Association of Counties that will strengthen local Emergency Medical Services and enable counties to collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy tax (outside of New York City) from short-term rental companies like Airbnb and VRBO.
Both pieces of legislation were among NYSAC’s top priorities for this year’s Legislative Session. One bill, S.8486-A (Hinchey)/A.9102-A (Kelles) authorizes EMS providers to receive reimbursement for treating patients at the point of emergency and transporting patients to non-hospital healthcare facilities. The legislation was part of NYSAC’s “Rescue EMS” legislative package.
“This is a significant step forward for EMS systems struggling to stay solvent amid rising costs and outdated funding formulas that impose a ‘one-size-fits-all’ requirement for ambulances to transport patients to a hospital,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Counties commend Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Kelles, and Senator Hinchey for their leadership and commitment to ensuring EMS providers are fairly compensated for providing patients with the care they need.”
Another bill, S.885-B (Hinchey) / A.4130-A (Fahy), requires short-term home rental agencies, such as VRBO, Airbnb, and others collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy tax (outside of New York City).
“By working constructively with our partners in the State Legislature, we’ve been able to achieve significant progress on measures that will provide a critical lifeline to local EMS and establish a fair system for short-term rentals that will directly benefit local communities by funding essential services, such as public safety, social services, and infrastructure improvements,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “We applaud Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and members in both chambers, for their commitment to working with counties to find bipartisan and common-sense solutions to the challenges facing local governments.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 7:11 am
Today’s schedule is packed with no rain until night
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan perform as the Ryan Klatt Duo on Friday evening at the Marti’s on Main art gallery. They are singing “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.
Klatt and his full band, The Brick Band, will be back at the Strawberry Festival today from noon to 3 p.m.
Bill Pileggi, right, and Jim Booden sing “I Feel Good” by James Brown during Friday’s concert on East Bank Street. Tim Hess, not pictured, is the drummer in the group, Triple Play.
The musicians kept playing on Friday, despite some rain on and off throughout the day.
Today’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 72, with no rain during the day. There is a 40 percent chance of rain at 9 p.m.
Many food vendors are available on East Bank Street.
The Strawberry Festival schedule for today includes:
8 a.m. – 32nd annual 5k/8k race (registration 7 to 8 a.m. at Courthouse Square)
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – craft booths at Courthouse Square
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Cruise-in on East State Street (sponsored by Masonic Lodge)
10 a.m. – Parade
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food Court on East Bank Street
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Lions Club food by Post Office
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Lonesome Road band at food court
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Brick Band at Courthouse Square
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Family Fun Center with “I Got It!” and Jeff Mann Drums, face painting, bounce houses, caricature, kids’ games and other activities
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Car Seat Safety Check on East Park Street
2 p.m. – Turtle Race in Erie Canal between Main Street and Ingersoll Street lift bridges
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jim Catino, music by Marti’s on Main art gallery
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Soul Street music at food court
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The Who Dats at food court
There are still some turtles left for the race at 2 p.m. today. The turtles are $5 each or 5 for $20. The first five turtles in the race net cash: $500 for first, $300 for second, $100 for third, and $50 for fourth and fifth. Proceeds are used towards the festival.
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the legislative passage of two nation-leading bills to protect kids online. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act will restrict a child’s access to addictive feeds on social media, and the New York Child Data Protection Act will keep children’s personal data safe.
“New York is leading the nation to protect our kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from predatory companies,” Governor Hochul said. “Together, we’ve taken a historic step forward in our efforts to address the youth mental health crisis and create a safer digital environment for young people.”
The SAFE for Kids Act will require social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. Unless parental consent is granted, users under 18 will not receive addictive feeds.
Users may still search for specific topics of interest. It will also prohibit social media platforms from sending notifications regarding addictive feeds to minors from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. without parental consent. The legislation will authorize the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to bring an action to enjoin violations of the new law as well as seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, among other remedies.
And finally, it calls for the establishment of acceptable age verification and parent consent methods, to be determined by the OAG as part of a rulemaking process once the legislation is enacted.
The New York Child Data Protection Act will prohibit online sites from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website. It also authorizes the OAG to enforce the law and enjoin and seek damages or civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said, “Our children are enduring a mental health crisis, and social media is fueling the fire and profiting from the epidemic. The legislation my team worked on and supported along with bill sponsors Senator (Andrew) Gounardes and Assemblymember (Nily) Rozic will help address the addictive features that have made social media so insidious and anxiety-producing. I applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and the legislative majorities for supporting this legislation and for agreeing that protecting children’s mental health must be a top priority. New York state is once again leading the nation, and I hope other states will follow suit and pass legislation to protect children and put their mental health above big tech companies’ profits.”
Editor’s Note: The New York State United Teachers also issued this statement from NYSUT President Melinda Person:
“Educators see the harmful effects of social media on our kids every day, and this legislation is a tremendous first step toward ensuring these influences remain in their proper places. We are grateful to the Legislature, the Attorney General and the governor for championing the mental health of our students as they navigate our rapidly changing world online.
“These platforms have potential to enhance teaching, learning and connectivity in our classrooms, but should never risk our children’s health or safety. New York can lead the nation in creating protections for the mental and physical wellness of the future generation, and this is just the beginning.”
“In September, NYSUT will convene educators, mental health providers, union leaders, school district leaders, parents, elected officials and advocates for Disconnected, a conference for sharing strategies and solutions to the impact of cell phones, social media and technology on children, schools and learning.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2024 at 3:27 pm
HOLLEY – The school district is looking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Education after two recently elected members notified the district they won’t be taking the volunteer positions when the terms start on July 1.
Sal DeLuca Jr., the board’s vice president, was elected to a three-year term on May 21. But he is not going to take the new term.
Shannon Brett was elected to a two-year term but was informed after the election that she would have to give up a security position in the district if she takes go on the Board of Education. Brett, a retired Sheriff’s deputy and investigator, wants to stay in the security position in Holley because she said she has built many strong relationships with students, teachers and administrators. She doesn’t want to commute a half hour to another district.
The BOE will fill the two vacancies by appointment. Candidates will be considered and possibly interviewed, according to a notice from the district.
For more information about the duties of being on the BOE, click here. For further questions contact District Clerk Connie Nenni at 585-638-6316 X: 2003 or cnenni@holleycsd.org.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 June 2024 at 2:42 pm
MEDINA – Due to the weather forecast for Saturday, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery have postposed their Tea at Boxwood until June 15, according to Friends’ president Rob Klino. The time for the event is 2 to 4 p.m. Having tea in a cemetery may sound unusual, but in olden times it was a normal thing to do.
Tickets are still available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe on Main Street until June 13.
If this poses any inconvenience for current ticket holders, tickets may be presented at the English Rose Tea Shoppe for a full refund.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2024 at 1:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jay Santillo has fried dough and funnel cakes ready at the Santillo’s concessions stand at the Strawberry Festival. Santillo’s has been a vendor at the Strawberry Fest for about 15 years. They come from Prattsburgh. They also have blooming onions, sausage and lemonade.
“We love the Strawberry Fest,” Santillo said the Albion event.
He didn’t mind a little rain around noon.
“The weather doesn’t bother us,” he said. “We’re here for the people.”
Scott Mann of Mann vs. Food in Albion checks the pork belly burnt ends in the smoker. Mann started a food vendor at the Strawberry Festival in 2019. Last year he sold out of everything.
He has scaled back his events this year, but didn’t want to miss the local festival.
“It’s our hometown,” he said.
Bob Renko of Kendall has been a vendor at the Strawberry Festival for about a dozen years. He is at his concessions stand in the food court with his wife Cathy. Renko, 78, owns Renko’s Meat Processing.
He has reduced his schedule this year, but like Mann, kept the Strawberry Fest on the short list.
Today’s schedule includes:
Food court and craft booths open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Family Fun Center open from 3 to 8 p.m. with “I Got It!” and face painting, Jeff Mann Drums, bounce houses, caricatures, trackless train and other kids’ games.
Chicken barbecue and strawberry social from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Sky Cats band from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at food court
Kendall Community Band from 5 to 7 p.m. at courthouse
Triple Play band from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at food court
Ryan Klatt Duo from 7 to 9 p.m. on Main Street at Marti’s on Main art gallery
Click here to see the schedule for Saturday, including the parade at 10 a.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2024 at 11:02 am
Albion students urged to be responsible, show care for each other during season of prom, grad parties
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Firefighters and medics tend to Alonzo Figueroa Fuentes, an Albion senior in a DWI crash simulation this morning outside the high school. Fuentes was removed from the vehicle with cutting tools and then placed on a stretcher and taken by ambulance.
The simulation was before the senior prom this evening at Hickory Ridge Country Club.
Local first responders and the high school wanted to show what could be the tragic results of driving while drunk, distracted or overly tired. The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the “100 most deadliest days” for driving, with many high schoolers and young adults out late at parties.
Jackie Santiago Garcia, an Albion senior, wore a formal gown and makeup to look bloodied. She checks on a friend in one of the smashed up vehicles.
Willem De Ruysscher, in back, checks on Gina Sidari who was splayed on the front hood.
Dominick Sidari, an Albion firefighter, checks on Jackie Santiago Garcia during the simulation. She was treated for a wound to her arm.
Albion firefighters have helped with the simulation on the day of the prom for many years. Albion firefighter Pete Sidari told students that firefighters respond to many serious car accidents each year.
Cory Martindale, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, administers a breathalzyer to Willem De Ruysscher after he struggled to walk in a straight line.
Amy Sidari, mother of Gina Sidari, is overcome seeing her daughter lying on the car. Gina in the simulation was pronounced deceased by County Coroner Scott Schmidt, who was assisted by Paula Fuller, a funeral director with Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.
After the accident simulation, there was a court proceeding at the LGI in the high school. About 100 students saw Willem De Ruysscher be arraigned and then sentenced by Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller to 12 to 15 years in state prison for first-degree vehicular manslaughter and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. De Ruysscher also had his license revoked and was ordered to have no contact with the Sidari family.
District Attorney Joe Cardone, standing next to De Ruysscher, said that although De Ruysscher has no prior criminal background, and has shown remorse, a fatal accident from drunk driving will affect his life forever and result in incarceration.
Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard acted as the prosecutor and said the crime warrants substantial incarceration.
“This inflicted dire consequences on everyone involved,” Howard said.
Mary Wright, a prevention education with UConnectCare (formerly GCASA), discussed “Red Watch Bands” which were given to the students to remind them about the dangers of binge drinking.
Boys (men) are in danger of losing consciousness if they have five or more alcoholic drinks in two hours, while girls (women) could suffer alcohol poisoning with four or more drinks within two hours.
Wright urged the group to look after each other, and call for help immediately if they see someone who is vomiting from alcohol, or if they don’t respond when shouted at, if they have very slow breathing, can’t stand up, have pale/bluish skin or an irregular/slow pulse.
“Have a culture of respect and care because that is someone’s child and loved one,” Wright said. “We are a community here. We love each other. We want to take care of each other.”
The NYSAC Board of Directors, at its recent annual June meeting, discussed the growing problem of illegal cannabis retail operations and called on the State of New York to reimburse local governments for enforcement costs associated with regulating the illegal cannabis market.
The NYSAC board, which governs the association representing all 62 counties of New York State, expressed deep concern about the proliferation of illegal cannabis retail operations across the state and the substantial financial burden they place on local governments.
“The explosion of unlicensed cannabis retailers has undermined the regulated market while threatening public health and safety through the sale of untested and potentially harmful products,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Local governments are at the forefront of combating these illegal operations, incurring substantial costs to enforce state cannabis laws and need the state to provide counties with additional funding to investigate and close these unlicensed retailers.”
The board noted that though legislation was enacted as part of the State Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget to provide the Office of Cannabis Management, counties, and cities with additional enforcement powers, more support is needed to assist local governments with enforcing state cannabis laws and regulations.
“While counties commend Governor Hochul for convening the New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to shut down unlicensed cannabis businesses, it does not include any representatives from local governments, which are expected to do the lion’s share of enforcement statewide,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Counties are seeking more communication and coordination between OCM, local law enforcement, and municipal governments to streamline enforcement efforts and ensure a unified approach to tackling illicit cannabis activities.”
While the SFY 2025 State Budget streamlined the state taxes on cannabis, it did not address the fact that counties bear the greatest burden related to cannabis legalization — from enforcement to public health protection and tax distribution — yet receive only a quarter of the local taxes on retail sales.
“There was unanimous agreement among the NYSAC board that additional support is needed from Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and OCM to support municipal enforcement of state cannabis laws and that a more equitable local tax distribution structure needs to be established,” Acquario said. “By doing so, we can ensure that our local governments have the necessary resources to protect public health, uphold the integrity of the legal cannabis market, and maintain the safety of our communities.”
