Pictured at the Carlton School in the Town of Carlton in 1926 include, front row, from left: Gordon Callard, Ellen Gibson, Loraine Whittier, Gertrude Donnelly, Clara Rice, Arthur Gibson and Frank Morrow. Back row: Teacher – Helen McGinn, and students Charles London, Fred Forder, Elaine Scarborough, ? Scarborough, Fred Flowers and Catherine Morrow. (Photo from the collection of Clara Rice Friday)

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 4, No. 10

CARLTON – Such a variety of expressions and body language in this one photograph! Young Gordon Callard, with his hands on his hips, was clearly not happy at that moment. Standing next to him, a shyly smiling Ellen Gibson companionably linked arms with her friend while Frank Morrow stood apart from the group.

We can tell that the photograph was taken in the winter as the children were wearing sweaters, high socks, and lace-up boots. The boys wore knickers, as those loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee were called.

The three white blobs in the windows behind the group pinpoint the time of year more specifically. When enlarged, they turn out to be turkeys! We deduce that the photograph was taken shortly before Thanksgiving in 1926.

A search through the 1930 Census yielded some intriguing information about the backgrounds of these young students and also about Carlton’s immigration patterns.

Of the thirteen students photographed, two were born in England.

The Forder family of five immigrated from Norfolk, England in 1912. Fred Forder was then aged 3.

Fred Flowers’ father left Wisbech, Cambridgeshire and travelled on the Lusitania, and arrived on July 13, 1911. Fred, then an infant, travelled with his mother, Gertrude and three older siblings, and arrived on November 4, 1911.

Three students were children of recent English immigrants. Charles London’s father arrived in 1905. Arthur and Ellen Gibson’s parents immigrated from East Ruston, Norfolk in 1911.

Five students (Frank and Catherine Morrow, Loraine Whittier, and the Scarborough siblings) were of English descent.

When referring to Orleans County’s immigrant population, we immediately think of German, Irish, Italian and Polish people. However, a significant number of English immigrants also moved here. This group tends to be overlooked, possibly because they blended seamlessly as they did not have language barriers to overcome.

A quick survey of the 1930 Town of Carlton Census showed the following numbers of English immigrants:

1840-1900: 21

1900-1910: 28

1911-1920: 28

1920-1930: 5

Many of those who moved to Orleans County were from Norfolk.

Ironically, just one student fits the traditional immigrant profile. Clara Rice’s grandparents were officially German but were of Polish descent. Like a lot of Polish immigrants, they had come to Albion in the 1890s to work in the sandstone quarries. At the time this photograph was taken, Clara’s parents were sharecroppers in Carlton, saving to accumulate money to purchase their own farmland. The family later purchased their own dairy farm at the end of Oak Orchard Street in Albion.

The majority of the students remained in the area.

Gordon Callard served in the US Army from 1942-1945. He saw action in the Philippines and Okinawa and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. He was an employee of the Orleans County Highway Department and later served as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Carlton.

Arthur Gibson also served in the US Army from 1942-1945. He was part of the D-Day invasion of Europe. Upon his return, he continued farming and also worked for US Gypsum in Oakfield for 25 years.

Charles London and Ellen Gibson married in 1934 and lived in Carlton.

Miss Helen MacGinn, the bashful looking teacher, then aged 25, was from Gaines. She pursued a life-long career as a public-school teacher in New York State.

This class photograph was recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History by the family of Clara Rice Friday. Thankfully, Clara, shown standing in the front row, provided the names of her classmates.

The Dept. of History collection contains Board Meeting minute books from several rural school districts as well as class photographs. Donations of these unique items are always welcome.

It’s almost time to turn the clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. The clocks officially spring forward at 2 a.m. tonight.

Local fire departments also urge people to replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, and families should discuss home emergency plans.

AAA warns that as Americans “spring forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour, they will be losing an hour of sleep. The change in daylight hours means motorists could experience drowsy driving and added distractions behind the wheel, AAA said.

AAA urged motorists to take precautions against drowsy driving and be alert for kids walking home from school or playing outside.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Julia Graham is SpongeBob SquarePants, center, while Annabella Dusharm is Patrick, left, and Sophia Kozody is Sandy Cheeks.

The trio sings, “Hero Is My Middle Name.” They are determined to save their town of Bikini Bottom, which faces annihilation.

The Albion Middle School drama program performed the show on Friday evening and will be back with shows at noon and 7 p.m. today in the middle school auditorium. Tickets are available at the door.

YoHanel Harris is Eugene H. Krabs who runs a very successful Krusty Krab restaurant that SpongeBob hopes to manage some day. Eugene H. Krabs is very focused on amassing a fortune.

Thailer Seibert is Perch Perkins, a reporter who provides updates about the impending doom of the town. He says a tremor caused by the nearby Mount Humongous will cause the volcano to soon erupt. The news throws the town into a panic.

Rianne Hand plays the role of evil villain Sheldon J. Plankton while Kendall Puruzzini is Sheldon’s sidekick, Karen Plankton. They have a scheme to hypnotize the town’s residents into liking the food they serve at their restaurant, the Chum Bucket. They are singing, “When The Going Gets Tough.”

Nate Wehling, left, and Arian Fazliu are rockers in the band, Electric Skates.

Sophia Kozody is Sandy who develops an ingenious bubble device, the Eruptor Interrupter. They plan to throw it inside the volcano and save the town. Sandy, a squirrel, has her ideas rejected by the town because she is a “land mammal.”

The characters celebrate the town’s survival from doom and destruction.

Provided photos

HOLLEY – The Holley school district is partnering with the Town of Murray, Village of Holley and property owners Lisa and Kevin Logsdon to display banners recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the classroom, the arts and on the athletic fields.

The top photo shows three banners in the inaugural honorees. The banners are displayed on a brick wall of Dustin’s Pizzeria on Geddes Street.

At the end of each marking period, Holley will recognize a Scholar Athlete, Scholar/Fine Arts and Scholar/Service. The criteria is fairly straightforward: an 85 and above average for the marking period and outstanding accomplishments during that time in athletics, fine arts and service.

“High school leaders and staff choose the recipients and our village and town will place banners of each selected student for all to see,” said Holley mayor Mark Bower. “Our future rests in our youth and it is a community’s role to acknowledge our students.”

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has created a display in the lobby of Medina Memorial Hospital to honor women who have made a difference in someone’s life during observance of International Women’s Day today.

It was proposed that the display showcase inspirational women, and hospital employees and the public are invited to write down the name of a woman they admire and have it included on the display in the hospital lobby. Coordinating the effort in the hospital are Kristen Grose, human resource manager, and Andrea Weibel, patient accounting representative, who have distributed colored slips of paper throughout the hospital on which names may be written.

The idea sprung from last year’s recognition of the number of women in managerial roles at Orleans Community Health, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Community Partners.

The hospital will accept submissions through the end of March, Grose said.

Anyone who wants to recognize a woman and can’t get into the hospital may e-mail the name to info@medinamemorial.org and they will put the name on a slip of paper, Robinson said.

“This is a great way to highlight those who have had an impact on our lives,” Robinson added.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

With traveling increasing for Spring Break, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents to check their measles vaccination status.

If you are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine, contact your healthcare provider and get vaccinated. Cases of measles are increasing worldwide and in the United States.

Measles is typically brought to the United States by unvaccinated people who contract the virus by traveling to other countries. However, measles outbreaks are occurring more regularly in the United States. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported measles cases in 16 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Measles symptoms typically include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

“Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is the best way to prevent measles,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “As many families are planning to travel in the upcoming weeks, it is important to know your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles.”

GO Health advises residents to check their vaccination status with their healthcare provider. Children, adolescents and adults should have two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare provider to see if the measles vaccine is right for them.

If you haven’t completed the MMR vaccine series and are traveling soon, there is still time to receive a vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus. One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

GO Health offers the vaccine to individuals that are underinsured and uninsured and you can call your respective health department to schedule an appointment. For more information on measles, visit the CDC.

$10 million available to help offset costs of training courses

Photo by Tom Rivers: These firefighters are up high on a ladder trying to stop a blaze at a Main Street building in Medina on April 7, 2023. About 150 firefighters responded to the scene.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul has launched New York’s first training stipend program for volunteer firefighters.

The program’s draft regulations were accepted following a 60-day public comment period and support Governor Hochul’s efforts to strengthen and stabilize New York’s volunteer fire service. A total of $10 million will help offset the costs of training courses which volunteer firefighters are required to complete.

“Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect those in their communities, and it is time that we recognize and compensate them for the work that they have done,” Governor Hochul said. “These stipends will allow our firefighters to continue serving their communities while also being able to provide for their families.”

Volunteer fire departments serve approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the State’s population. In recent years, however, more than three-quarters of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection to include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.

As part of the effort to strengthen and stabilize the state’s volunteer fire service, the Division’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will administer the stipend to volunteer firefighters for completion of the following training courses completed on or after August 31, 2023.

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s volunteer fire service plays a critical role in protecting our communities but, departments statewide face serious recruitment and retention challenges. That’s why Governor Hochul prioritized rewriting the rules to allow our Division to provide stipends for the foundation training courses. These stipends will allow more New Yorkers will be able to sign up to become volunteer fire fighters and strengthen our more than one thousand volunteer departments across the state.”

Additionally, a local fire training stipend may be authorized for the completion of any OFPC training course or equivalents, as determined by OFPC, up to $500.

Stipends are for first time course completions of the listed OFPC course or equivalency as determined by OFPC.  Students must be a member of good standing as determined by their department and stipend applications are submitted by the fire chief.

To be eligible, fire departments must have submitted fire reporting for the previous calendar year and complete the annual fire department demographics form. This regulation also authorizes volunteer fire departments to pay volunteer firefighters a training stipend, subject to local funding, for the completions of certain courses, identified by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Click here to visit the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control homepage for more information on the program.

Editor’s Note: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“Volunteer fire companies are one of the most vital aspects of public safety in New York,” Hawley said. “Over the years, however, we’ve seen a drastic number of volunteer firefighters leaving local fire departments because they do not have the resources they need to do their jobs properly. This new stipend program is a great first step toward supporting firefighters in training and incentivizing others to volunteer. I’m proud to support this program and I will continue to fight to make sure our volunteer fire departments get the help and support they need to do their jobs.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Orleans County congressional representatives in the House of Representatives have issued responses to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “President Biden’s State of the Union was rooted in his optimistic vision for our future — one that uplifts working and middle-class families that have built our nation — and paints a stark contrast to those trying to divide the country and set us back. Under his leadership, we have seen historically low unemployment and record-high job creation, unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and industries of the future, and bold protection of women’s right to make their own choices about their bodies.

“I applaud President Biden for his support of Ukraine, defense of democracy, and his demand for common sense solutions to secure our border. The President presented his plan to secure our border and create legal pathways for migrants and asylum seekers to work. Now, we need Republicans to stop blocking a bipartisan bill and address the migrant crisis that is overwhelming New York.

“President Biden also understands the high stakes if we don’t put an end to gun violence. After a tragedy too close to home, I passed strong gun laws to protect New Yorkers. But Republicans in Congress have refused to do the same. It’s time to put a stop to senseless gun violence.

“President Biden sent a clear message that Democrats are fighting for American families. I’m proud to continue working with his Administration to build a stronger, more prosperous New York.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, NY-24: “Since Joe Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed, the border is a dangerous catastrophe, energy costs continue to rise, there is chaos around the world, and our greatest ally in the Middle East has been brutally attacked.

“Yet, President Biden dared to declare the State of the Union as strong. Rather than lay out a clear plan to restore our economy, strengthen our national security, tackle the border crisis, and keep our families safe, Biden barked out lies and harsh partisan rhetoric as if he were speaking at a campaign rally. He refused to provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing communities across NY-24.

“Tonight, President Biden’s demeanor and hyper partisanship created a divisive and hostile environment in the House Chamber that was unbecoming of the President/Commander in Chief of our armed forces and insensitive to the American people who are suffering under his disastrous policies.”

Congressman Joe Morelle, NY-25, issued this statement:

“We are at a critical juncture for America’s future. Tonight, President Biden outlined an agenda that rises to the moment and advances our shared democratic values.

“My goal has always been to seek practical solutions to the problems our families face. That’s why my colleagues and I have dedicated ourselves to reducing prescription drug costs, improving access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and creating job opportunities. It is also the reason we are committed to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms every American is entitled to, from reproductive rights to voting rights to the right to remain safe from gun violence.

“I am grateful to the President for highlighting the need to safeguard voting rights, which are facing grave threats across the nation. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Administration, I’m leading the effort to protect this fundamental tenant of our democracy. I urge my colleagues to join me by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act so we can ensure our elections remain free and fair for every American.

“As we look towards the future, I’m particularly excited by the unique role Rochester will play in advancing the President’s economic agenda. Our recent designation as a Regional Technology Hub—thanks in part to the work of my guest to tonight’s address, Dr. Alexis Vogt—will help grow our highly-skilled workforce, strengthen our national economy, and cement our place as a global leader in innovation.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to advance these priorities and deliver for the hardworking Americans we represent.”

Cross-town rivals unite for beloved first grade teacher who passed away July 30

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Laureano family is introduced at the Kendall-Holley faculty basketball game this evening in Kendall.

The game, besides a friendly competition between the two schools, also was a fundraiser for the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund.

Amy was a much-loved first grade teacher at Kendall. She passed away on July 30.

She and her husband Justin have three children: Easton, 21; Kaeden, 18; and Janelle, 15.

Mr. Laureano is an elementary school physical education teacher.

“She was magnificent,” Laureano said about his wife, a well-regarded mentor to younger teachers in the elementary school. “She was a spitfire woman who touched a lot of people.”

Justin Laureano, right, and Nick Picardo, the Kendall school superintendent, embrace on court. Picardo joined Laureano and his children in the starting lineup. Picardo has been a long-time friend of the family.

Laureano said he appreciated the community support since his wife’s unexpected passing. Many people have contributed to a memorial scholarship in his wife’s name, and also for a fund to help some students and their families. Laureano said his wife would privately pay for a few students’ Christmas presents or if they needed clothes.

The fund will cover expenses for a few students each year for clothes, Christmas presents or to participate with a sports team.

The Kendall Lions Club presented Laureano and the school leaders with a donation to the memorial fund. Those are the proceeds from a chicken barbecue on Feb. 10 when the club served 672 dinners.

The Holley faculty and staff team gathers before the start of the game. Mackenzie Fiorito (center in red shirt), a high school junior, served as the student coach. She gave the team a quick pep talk. Logan Gillespie also was a student coach for Holley.

Macey Harrell, a Kendall physical education teacher, is introduced along with the other Kendall teachers and staff.

Kendall won the game, 53-36.

Kevin Parmele, Amy Laureano’s brother, said his sister “let her light shine.” Her family appreciates all the love and support from the community.

Brian Bartalo, the Holley superintendent, and Nick Picardo, Kendall’s district superintendent, met on the court before the game.

The two districts have had several faculty basketball games in recent years, playing to a packed house.

There were baskets up for raffle as a fundraiser for the scholarship.

Kendall teachers including fifth grade teacher Lisa Smith served up food from Jimmy Z’s. Smith is adding hot sauce from her spot in the food service line.

Smith and Amy Laureano were colleagues and friends for about two decades.

“Amy had a great heart,” Smith said. “She was very caring with the children. She made sure all the kids and staff were comfortable in any situation they were in.”

Kaeden Laureano smiles after making a 3-point shot early in the game.

Lucien Price, left, congratulates Derek Edick after making a basket for the Kendall team.

The Holley team gathers for a photo before the game.

The Kendall squad gathers for a team picture.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – We all have seen on the news where a high school student is recognized for “signing on” to a local college to play sports, correct? What about the students who want to enter the workforce after graduation?

Orleans/Niagara BOCES believes they should be recognized too.  Congratulations go to: Riley Bloomingdale (Royalton-Hartland), Joe Brueckner (Medina), Sam Brunning (Royalton-Hartland), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Dakota Gilhousen (Lockport), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Dave Merlin (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Robert Shaughnessy (Newfane) and Cal Stevenson (Lockport).

Recently Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship’s “Signing Day Event.” Held at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center on March 5, the seniors who are participating in the paid co-op program were celebrated for their achievements in the workforce.

Company representatives, where the students have been working, were on hand for the signing event where students signed a commitment to work for them after graduation.

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program offers an unprecedented solution to our region’s skilled trades shortage in advanced manufacturing. It is a one-of-a-kind career exploration program where students are connected to advanced manufacturing companies through Matching Day events that lead to job shadows and paid co-ops.

Basically, our students make money as they continue their learning.  Students can also receive college credit at Monroe Community College at no cost.

“I am so proud of my students,” said Mr. Rakonczay.  “This is a great program that gives my students on-the-job training that prepares them for the workplace and college.  I want to thank the companies that participate such as: Amada Tool America Inc., Custom Manufacturing and Design, J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Modern-Tec Manufacturing Inc., Moley Magnetics Inc., Nuclear Alloys, Performance Manufacturing Inc. and Pivot Precision.  I also want to thank the parents and guardians who support us.  Without all of them, none of this would be possible.”

After the event, each participating students received a swag bag, a caliper and micrometer set. A huge thank you to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program for partnering with us to ensure the students’ success and offering them this opportunity!

‘The fight here is not over. We have several more paths to prevent Orleans County from becoming a dumping ground for STAMP sewer discharges.’

File photo by Tom Rivers: A sewer line is shown on Aug. 12 on Route 63 in the Town of Alabama. Genesee County Economic Development Center is trying to install the sewer main along 9.5 miles of Route 63 – from the STAMP site to Oak Orchard Creek. Construction was halted before the sewer line made it to Orleans after a lawsuit was filed.

ALBION – A State Supreme Court justice today dismissed a lawsuit and temporary injunction against construction of a nearly 10-mile-long sewer main from the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama along Route 63 to the Oak orchard Creek in the Town of Shelby.

Judge Frank Caruso ruled in favor of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, which argued Orleans County had 23 chances to state its objection to the sewer main since 2016 but waited until construction started to voice its opposition.

Judge Caruso citing the legal argument of “laches,” where there is a lack of diligence in making a legal claim. Waiting until construction commenced on the project should be seen as an unreasonable delay, attorneys for GCEDC argued in court today.

The judge also ruled in favor of GCEDC due to a statue of limitations. He made his decision from the bench in court today, following about an hour of arguments in the main courtroom of the county courthouse. He will also issue a written decision.

Orleans County officials say the county will appeal the decision, and has other court options to try to halt the project.

“The fight here is not over,”  said Alex Eaton, an attorney for the Orleans County Legislature. “We have several more paths to prevent Orleans County from becoming a dumping ground for STAMP sewer discharges.”

The county also has a lawsuit that will be heard in April about GCEDC using eminent domain to take easements in Orleans County. The attorneys for Orleans said another county’s IDA can’t do eminent domain in another county.

Orleans also supports the Tonawanda Seneca Nation in its litigation against several federal entities regarding permitting of the sewer pipeline.

“Orleans County leadership remains steadfast in our opposition to anything that puts Oak Orchard Creek in jeopardy,” Eaton, an attorney with Lippes Mathias, said in a statement released from the County Legislature. “The county and its residents rely on the creek for water, recreation and tourism, and that is why we will continue to protect the interests of our community.   Again, while we are disappointed in today’s result, there is a long way to go before this issue is settled.”

Orleans County filed its lawsuit on Sept. 11, naming GCEDC, G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc., Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and STAMP Sewer Works, Inc.

Matthew J. Fitzgerald and James O’Connor of Phillips Lytle LLP appeared in court today on behalf of GCEDC. They contended the sewer main went through a rigorous environmental review of 9,200-plus pages and ultimately was approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Those agencies found no evidence of harm to Oak Orchard Creek or the community, the attorneys said.

The sewer main would allow businesses at the 1,250-acre STAMP to discharge treated sewer water into the Oak Orchard. At STAMP’s peak, the sewer main could discharge up to 6 million gallons a day in the Oak Orchard. The sewer main is imperative for economic development to move forward at the site.

“STAMP does not survive without somewhere to discharge the treated sanitary water,” Fitzgerald said in court today.

The 4-month statute of limitations passed after the Article 78 was filed by Orleans on Sept. 11, and the county failed to note other parties that would be hurt if the lawsuit was successful in halting the sewer main, Fitzgerald said.

Property owners paid for easements for the temporary construction could lose out on payments, he said. The Town of Alabama would miss out on 100,000 gallons of sewer capacity, and Niagara County Water District would miss out on selling water to the STAMP site. Orleans didn’t factor in those impacts in the lawsuit, Fitzgerald said.

The crux of the case, he said, was the contention that Orleans never gave its support for an economic development from another county. But he said Orleans officials were notified in 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 to voice any concerns over STAMP, and GCEDC serving as lead agency.

“The response was silence,” Fitzgerald said. “They slept on their rights for approximately eight years. They could have objected.”

STAMP has about $100 million in public funds committed to developing the site so far, with about $1 billion already spend or committed in private investment, he said.

Attorneys for Orleans contend that Genesee County used its money through its industrial development agency to fund the sewer main and pursue eminent domain in another county, powers that an IDA does not have.

Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias representing Orleans, said the STAMP sewer project clearly used Genesee County funds to move the project into Orleans County.

The GCEDC attorneys said the project was funded through state grants and wasn’t actually GCEDC money.

The Town of Shelby also joined Orleans in the lawsuit. The Shelby attorney, Jeffrey Allen, said Shelby supports the Orleans County efforts to halt the pipeline before it gets into Orleans. He said there are many violations of general municipal law with the project.

Shelby gave its support for the project previously, but that was a statement considering the environmental impacts of the project, he said.

“The consent was not that they could run roughshod over the autonomy of Orleans County,” Allen said in court.

The case could be a landmark for the state, said Eaton, an attorney for Orleans County. The courts should protect smaller neighboring counties from being forced to take on negative impacts from another county’s economic development efforts, he said.

“This would be one of the biggest expansions of IDA power in New York State,” Eaton said.

Awards also recognize community leaders, outstanding students and educators

MEDINA – The school district is starting a new program to recognize “shining stars” in the community.

The district will be accepting nominations until March 29  in the following categories: charitable giving, diversity investments and education opportunities.

Daniel Doctor

The honorees will recognized at a district event in May, said Daniel Doctor, director of Community Partnerships for the school district.

“Our community partners are silent givers, volunteers and organizations who give generously while investing in the mission and vision of our schools,” Doctor said. “The sole purpose of this event is to bring the partners’ accomplishments and or contributions to the light. The simple act of acknowledging achievement is a major boost for any individual, organization or business. And that’s why recognition is so critical.”

Nominations from the community are being accepted for individuals, organizations and businesses for the following awards:

• Volunteer of the Year Award – Nominees must have been involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours over a 12-month period. Nominees must have volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group. The communities of Orleans County must be significant beneficiaries of the nominee’s volunteer work.
• Community Leadership Award – Nominees for this award stand out because of their exceptional professional and/or volunteer achievements in the community, which are above and beyond their role in a paid position.
• Community Collaboration Award – Nominees for this award provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities. These nominees recognize the benefits that come from accessing resources and expertise of individuals, local businesses, government, non-profits or charities for positive community impact.
• Arts and Culture Award – Nominees in this category, either individually, as ensemble or as an organization, have worked diligently and selflessly in a variety of creative, applied, and fine art genres to benefit the community. Their efforts have made a significant contribution to the cultural scene in Orleans County, while creating access and inclusion to arts and culture.
• Organization of the Year (under 10 employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
• Organization of the Year (11 or more employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to an individual who, over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and has improved the quality of life for citizens.
• Community Service Award – Nominees must demonstrate an ongoing community service, which incorporates leadership, social responsibility, mentorship and be a change agent. (organization, business, or individual)
• Unsung Hero Award – The Unsung Hero award recognizes an individual(s) who have positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
• Best Event of the Year – Nominees for this award have created an event or program which has made a significant impact that increased awareness and/or boosted the bottom line of the organization. The recipient of this award has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of this event or program has left an indelible mark on their community. (organization, business, or individual)
• Community Impact People’s Choice Award – Organization/ business that recognizes new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. The efforts of this organization have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change. Nominees in this category demonstrate a commitment to building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve. (organization, business, or individual)
• Girl Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Girl Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
• Boy Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Boy Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
• Outstanding Student Award (K-2), (3-6) & (7-12) – Students are recognized for academic achievement, improvement and citizenship-positive attitude toward classmates and school.
• Spotlight – Recognition of continued growth and improvement. Student is recognized for overcoming academic, behavioral and or social challenges,
• Inspirational Educator Award – The purpose of the award is to recognize any staff member who educate to inspire and motivate all students to work hard to reach beyond the expected to positively impact their communities. This prestigious award acknowledges the time and dedication faculty take to be exceptional.

For more information or to make a nomination, click here.