Event also includes photography exhibit of Oak Orchard Lighthouse, presentation from geologist on Great Lakes shorelines

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Founding president of the lighthouse at Point Breeze, Peg Wiley, points to the area where a compass wheel was supposed to go. People from every state and dozens of countries have visited the lighthouse.

POINT BREEZE – As soon as Peg Wiley learned back around 2000 there used to be a lighthouse at Point Breeze, she was obsessed with the idea of seeing it rebuilt.

Twenty-four years later, the founding president of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum Board has continued to support efforts to “Keep the Light On” and will be honored at a special function from 7 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Carlton United Methodist Church.

The Keep the Light On fundraiser and dessert buffet will also feature guest speaker Roy Widrig, a New York State Sea Grant geologist and author of “Working with Nature, A Guide to Native Plants for New York’s Great Lakes Shorelines.”

Peg Wiley stands in front of the lighthouse at Point Breeze, a project which she initiated and saw to fruition in the early 2000s. On Aug. 10 a fundraiser for the lighthouse at Carlton United Methodist Church will also honor Wiley as the founding board president.

Widrig will share how Lake Ontario’s shoreline can change in an instant, but has taken more than 30,000 years to form. In his presentation, he will talk about New York’s geologic history and how it affects the lives of shoreline residents to this day.

An additional feature of the evening will be an exhibit of the winning entries in the “Capture the Light” photography contest.

Wiley’s obsession with a lighthouse at Point Breeze actually began before she and her husband Richard (known affectionally to many as “Wiley”) moved to Point Breeze from Cranberry Pond in Greece, where Wiley had a marine mechanics business.

“I already knew when we moved here in 2002 there used to be a lighthouse at Point Breeze,” Peg said. “I was interviewed before we even closed on the property that was Oak Orchard Riverside Marina.”

The Wileys had originally planned to build a house and business on Sandy Creek, when the realtor they dealt with told them he had just listed a marina with house and five acres on the Oak Orchard River.

The rest is history.

Peg joined the board of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, where she met Wayne Hale and Jerry Senecal, who became big supporters of the lighthouse and both worked to promote tourism in the county. Later in 2002, Peg met Dick Anderson at the Wooden Boat Festival, who had a replica set up of the original lighthouse.

The first serious steps to rebuilding the lighthouse occurred in 2003 when the Wileys, Marge Sage, Dan and Marietta Schuth and Gabriele Barone met under the bridge at the county marine park.

The Orleans County Chamber allowed the new Oak Orchard Lighthouse committee to operate under its umbrella until they could form their own not-for-profit organization, which was accomplished by Wiley and Cheryl Staines in 2004.

“Then we were on a roll,” Peg said. “Our first fundraiser was a formal dinner in the evening at the park. It was magical. Lynne Menz was standing next to me, and I looked at her and said, ‘We are going to do this.’”

Major fundraisers were chicken barbecues until Gene and Joey Haines purchased the Barbary Coast and opened their doors for more elegant fundraisers.

The Oak Orchard Lighthouse committee raised $275,000 and with an $84,000 Environmental Protection Fund grant they were able to break ground in March 2010. Other early supporters were Dick Anderson, Larry Albanese, Diane Blanchard, Jamie Kowalski, Diana Jeffords, Cheryl Staines, Mike Masters, Bill and Nancy Karcher, Bob Waters, Neil Johnson, Paula Mills, Joan Higley, Jamie Bragg, Kim Remley, Ann Mattice, Ben Jones, Lonnie Davidson and Virginia Kropf.

Construction continued throughout the summer and fall, during which time many days would find Peg wrapped in a blanket to keep warm while watching the lighthouse take shape.

A memorial walkway was completed in 2012, and bricks are still available for sale, to honor or remember a friend or loved one. Marble benches around the walkway were carved by George Graham of Oakfield. Space was allowed to build a compass rose, but that has yet to be accomplished.

Peg had stepped down as president and became vice president of the board in 2008 so she could write the Federal Environmental Protection Fund matching grant. She retired totally from the board and her job with the County Health Department in 2014 when her husband had health issues. Since then, she has fought through two bouts of cancer, but never wavered in her support of lighthouse fundraisers.

The Lighthouse board has continued to sponsor a fundraiser every year, from dinners at the Carlton Recreation Hall to basket raffles and last year’s presentation at Carlton United Methodist Church by Lake Ontario sailor Susan Peterson Gately.

Wiley said the Lighthouse board is looking for a large, affordable venue where they could have bigger fundraising events.

“These fundraisers are so important, as we have to pay for everything connected with the lighthouse, such as the insurance, upkeep and electric bills,” she said.

Wiley is excited and flattered about being honored at the Keep the Light On fundraiser.

“I am thrilled to have played a part in rebuilding this piece of history, and so happy to see the tourists it brings to our area,” she said.

Tickets for the Aug. 10 fundraiser are $20 per person (of which $10 is tax deductible) and can be purchased at Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association Concerts in the Park on Tuesday evenings, from Friday to Sunday at the lighthouse or by calling board president Chris Manseri at (585) 315-9799 or board member Larry Albanese at (585) 230-7829.

Donations to the lighthouse can also be mailed to Oak Orchard Lighthouse, P.O. Box 23, Kent, 14477.

The Carlton United Methodist Church is located at 1196 Archbald Rd., Waterport.

Press Release, Catholic Charities

ALBION – Catholic Charities is gearing up for the new school year with its annual socks and undergarment drive to benefit school-age kids and teenagers in grades Pre-K through 12th in need throughout Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“Just like notebooks and pencils, growing children also need new socks and underwear for the upcoming school year,” said Kate DiSalvo, tri-county district director, Catholic Charities. “We understand that back to school supplies and clothing can be an added financial burden for many families in our community, which is why this annual drive is so important.”

Donations of new, unopened packages of socks and underwear are being accepted from Aug. 1 – 31 at the following Catholic Charities offices, 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia; 243 South Main St., Business Office Suite, Albion; and 6470 Route 20A, Perry.

All colors and sizes from children to adult are needed. The donated items will be distributed to community members later this summer.

Additional information about Catholic Charities’ services can be found at ccwny.org/services.

EAGLE HARBOR – Motorists in Orleans County received good news on Wednesday. The lift bridge in Eagle Harbor reopened to traffic about a week early.

The bridge closed on July 15 for a repair and was expected to reopen on Aug. 2.

But on Wednesday it was back in action, carrying vehicles across the Erie Canal.

The bridge was built in 1910. The bridge was previously closed for about six weeks in 2022 for repairs.

Press Release, Dance Theater

MEDINA – A team of 23 students from the Dance Theater in Medina recently attended “The Power of Dance” East Coast Nationals Dance Competition in Seaside Heights, N.J. and returned home as National Grand Champions!

Their full team production entitled “Hot Like Fire” took home the highest overall score of the 12 and Under “You’ve Got The Power” Dance Battle. The team brought home the National Grand Championship trophy!

Dance Theater not only had their full team production dance selected for the battle,  but also their Pre-Competition Team Jazz number “Hip to be Square” and their Mini Competition Team Jazz number entitled “In His Kiss.”

The Dance Theater competition teams competed against 325 other dance entries from 13 other studios from across the east coast.

The Dance Theater competition teams have dancers from across Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties including Gracie Brower,  Elaina Bruce, Sydney Bruce, Jailyn Cramer, Rayne Davis, Aubrey Fletcher, Sierra Frasier, Alexis Hare, Elissa Lainberger,  Olivia Maynard, Charlotte McGrath, Emma McGrath, Makenzie McGrath, Hailey Moore, Izabella Murphy, Kirsten Page, Natalie Rath, Mila Rodriguez, Gracie Tardibone, Abby Vick, Carly Voelker, Baylie Watson and Arabella White.

Daily Exhibit: Pretty Bird Paradise. Interact with beautiful, chirping friends!

Trolley Building: Painting of the 1st Orleans County 2025 Bicentennial Oxen.

8 a.m. – 4-H Western Dressage Horse Show, Carlos Marcello Arena

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours

10 a.m. – 4-H Sheep Show, Livestock Show Arena

10 a.m. – Wildlife I.D. Contest, Log Cabin

11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs at 4-H Senior Council Stand

Craig Wilkins sings during a Nutrifare Senior Luncheon on Wednesday at the Curtis Pavilion.

12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public, Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Towpath Trading/Ormemes Post with Orleans County Merchandise and Memes at JCH Food Court

1 p.m. – Sheep and Goat Obstacle, costume, and other fun classes. Event will start at the conclusion of the sheep show, Livestock Show Arena

1 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through the grounds

2 p.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Demo, Knights Building

2 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible

3 p.m. – AI or not AI roving game show by Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative, Strolling through the grounds

3 to 5 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl, Trolley Building

Adele Mathes, 13, of Barre leads a goat in the fiber goat category in between barns during a rain storm on Wednesday evening.

3 to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Ride Wristband, Midway

4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens

4:30 p.m. – Cornell Recipe Chicken BBQ by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension $15 Curtis Pavilion

5 p.m. – 4-H Llama and Alpaca Show, Livestock Show Arena

5 to 6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Duck Pond Duos! ages 3-11, JCH of Buffalo Food Court

5 p.m. – Beards and Braids – Orleans County’s best hair contest Open to the public, pre-register at the fair office 15 minutes prior to contest at the latest, Orleans Hub Stage

5:30 p.m. – Mom Calling Contest – Register at the event and bring your loudest child, Orleans Hub Stage

5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through the grounds

The concession stands and Midway created an eye-catching sight on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

6 p.m. – Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends, Fair Office

6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible, Knight’s Green Space

6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull, JCH of Buffalo Tent

7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance Group, Orleans Hub Stage

7 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session, Wachob Pavilion

Amir Huzair, 17, of Lyndonville sings “Dentist!” from Little Shop of Horrors during karaoke on Wednesday. The finals are tonight with $1,000 up for grabs to the top singers.

8 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round), Orleans Hub Stage

8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds

8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible, Knight’s Green Space

10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m., Hay Bale Rolling Course

10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair

Anna Grillo, 15, of Albion competes in the dairy showmanship competition on Tuesday.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to announce the Capping Prescription Costs Act, legislation that would cap the annual out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private insurance.

The legislation builds on transformational drug pricing reforms included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which capped the price of insulin at $35 a month and out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year for Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

“No one should have to risk their health by skipping refills or rationing life-saving medication because they can’t afford the cost of their prescriptions,” said Senator Gillibrand.

Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) cosponsor this bill. Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) leads companion legislation in the House.

Throughout her time in Congress, Gillibrand has fought to lower the cost of prescription drugs. In 2022, she helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped Medicare patients’ out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 per year; empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices; and regulated price increases by drug companies.

She is an original cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act, which would provide every American with prescription drug coverage. Last year, she joined a bipartisan push to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by limiting the use of harmful “copay accumulators,” which prevent copay assistance from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum and make it harder for patients to afford their medications.

OGDEN – An 18-year-old woman from Holley was killed on Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash on Route 531 in Ogden, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said today.

Angelena Golisano of Holley and another car were going eastbound on Route 531 between Union and Washington streets at about 6:40 a.m. The two cars collided, causing one to go off the south side of the road.

The other car was driven by Golisano and crossed the median into the westbound lane of 531. The car then collided with a pickup truck going westbound, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.

Golisano was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported by the Sheriff’s Office.

Holley Central School will have counselors available to support students, staff and families as they navigate the tragic loss from this car accident. Counselors will be available at the middle/high school library on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Georgia Baxter, 14, of Churchville shows a big Holstein during Tuesday’s dairy show.

Georgia won the master showman title for dairy and qualified for Friday’s grand master showman competition featuring the top showman from the livestock events.

Lena Grillo, 12, of Albion won the junior showmanship title and then finished as the master dairy reserve showman.

Kyler Bennett, 11, of Barre leads a dairy animal in the livestock arena. He competed in the junior showmanship event  with eight other 4-Hers.

Duncan Bailey, the judge, checked the 4-Hers on their ability to set up the animals, show off their dairy characteristics and also answer questions, including how the animal could be improved.

Mckenna Richardson, 9, of Barre kept an upbeat attitude leading a Guernsey animal in the competition. She competed in the novice showmanship division.

Sylvia Bruning, 10, of Barre kept her cool during the junior showmanship event.

Press Release, Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Buffalo has received a $20,000 grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to support its emergency financial assistance program in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Emergency assistance is provided to neighbors in need on a case-by-case basis and can include emergency food, Neighbor for Neighbor enrollment, rental/housing, personal care toiletries, clothing, household items, prescription medication, and information.

“Emergency assistance is often the first contact that an individual or family has with Catholic Charities,” said Katelyn DiSalvo, tri-county district director, Catholic Charities. “There’s no one-size-fits all approach when it comes to supporting our neighbors in need and often additional services may be needed beyond that initial emergency assistance, which is why our team works to establish a plan of action to best assist that client moving forward.”

Rochester Area Community Foundation engages philanthropists and community partners to improve its eight-county region by promoting philanthropy that helps to create an equitable community and strengthen the region’s vitality. Since 1972, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $590 million in grants and scholarships. For more information, visit racf.org.

For more information about Catholic Charities’ emergency financial assistance program or if you know of someone in need in Genesee or Orleans counties, visit ccwny.org or call 585-343-0614.

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives.

Daily Exhibit: Pretty Bird Paradise. Interact with beautiful, chirping friends!

Trolley Building: Painting of the 1st Orleans County 2025 Bicentennial Oxen.

Seniors, enjoy a free cup of coffee at the 4-H Senior Council Stand!

8 a.m. – 4-H English Dressage Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena

9 a.m to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand

9 a.m. – 4-H Poultry Showmanship and Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion

10 a.m. – 4-H Beef Cattle Show at Livestock Show Arena

10 a.m. – 4-H Dog Show Obedience and Rally Classes at Knights Building

11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs, 4-H Senior Council Stand

Caleb Knoll, 7, of Lyndonville leads “Rose” around the show ring during Tuesday’s Clover Bud showmanship competition in the Dairy Show. It was Caleb’s first time showing an animal at the fair.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with the sing-along music of Craig Wilkins  (Food will be served at 12 p.m. with ticket) made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and NYS  Legislature and administered by GO ART!, Curtis Pavilion

12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public, Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

12 p.m. – 4-H Poultry Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion

1:30 to 3 p.m. – Bread & Butter Making Demo and Tasting at Trolley Building

2 p.m. – Fair Official Meeting at Fair Office

3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $30 Unlimited Rides Wristband at Midway

3 p.m. – AI or not AI roving game show by Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative, Strolling through the grounds

The Down Home Country Cloggers perform to “Cotton Eye Joe” on Tuesday.

4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand

5-6 p.m. – Leadership Orleans Duck Pond Duos! ages 3-11, JCH of Buffalo Food Court

5 p.m. – 4-H Meat and Pack Goat Show at Livestock Show Arena

5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds

6 p.m. – Registration Ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office

6 p.m. – Rooster Crowing Contest at Wachob Pavilion

6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space

Lyric Wallenda of Circus Incredible is more than 30 feet upon high in an aerial act on Tuesday at the fair. Her husband Simon Arestov performs acrobatics and balancing acts.

6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull, JCH of Buffalo Tent

7 p.m. – Llama Meet and Greet (on conclusion of goat show) at Livestock Show Arena

8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, Strolling through grounds

8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space

8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage

10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the Fair Office by 9:50 p.m. at Hay Bale Rolling Course

10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair

Alex and Elena Arestov are “The Bubble Couple.” They appear around the grounds with bubbles. Their son, Simon, performs with Circus Incredible.

Leylah Hochstine, 32, of Medina sings “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” by John Michael Montgomery during karaoke on Tuesday evening. The finals are Thursday.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.

Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.

Melanie Conley is the Administrator of the Year. Conley is the Director of Business Services and has worked at O/N BOCES for seven and a half years.

When asked what her favorite part of her job she answered, “As I thoroughly love what I do, it is difficult to narrow it down to one particular aspect. My favorite part is leading the business office, facilities, technology and print shop operations and knowing that all of these functions play a critical role in our students’ obtaining a first-rate education. Another favorite part of my job includes being a resource for our component school districts when they may have a need or question in which they may be looking for direction. I also love the good people and the relationships that I have been able to establish with our Orleans/Niagara BOCES and component district staff! We have great people working hard every day to give our area students the best educational opportunities possible.”

Conley adds that she is humbled and honored by the recognition.

Kristen Strassburg is the Clerical Person of the Year. A school nurse at the Niagara Academy, she has worked at that site for the past 20 years.

“I love working with the kids and the staff,” Strassburg said. “I have made some fantastic connections with many of them and have made lifelong friends at the school. There is something so special and magical about the Niagara Academy and I love how we work together as a team to help these students achieve their goals.”

She said she is honored at being named an employee of the year. “I believe I am the first school nurse to win in this category. I work with such an amazing group of school nurses, so I hope I am the first of many to win. They are truly the best and I look forward to our staff development day once a year. It is really the best day of the school year for me.”

Katie Carlisle-Diemert is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked as an Adult Literacy teacher in the incarceration program at Niagara County Jail since 2013.  “I worked in the business world for a long time before I came to work for BOCES,” she said. “The satisfaction of going home each day having helped another person change their life for the better is very powerful. It is like nothing you can get from corporate America.  Watching people and helping people to make positive life change is my favorite part of my job.”

She said she is surprised and thankful about the honor.  “I never expected to win this. I am appreciative that my colleagues have noticed the effort I put into my work and that they believe I make a difference.”

Colleen Bronschidle is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. She has been a custodian worker at the Niagara Academy since 2005. Before that she ran the school’s kitchen for five years and was eventually hired by BOCES in 2010.

“I started out as a teacher aide and substitute cleaner,” she said. “I then went on to a full-time cleaner than custodian at the Niagara Academy. My favorite part of the job is the people I work with every day. They are like extended family to me. I was shocked to receive Employee of the Year. I am very proud of my job and I love the atmosphere at Niagara Academy. I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity and let them know I appreciate it very much.”

Sheldon Somas is the Staff Specialist of the Year. Sheldon has worked at BOCES for ten years. He was shocked and surprised that he won Employee of the Year. “The best part of my job is working with my co-workers in the Tech Department.”

Mary Kuhn is the Teacher of the Year. She is a music educator with the special education students and has taught at BOCES since October 1996.

“The most enjoyable aspect of my job is connecting with my students through different elements of music,” Kuhn said. “They are amazing, and teaching them something I am passionate about if truly awarding. I must acknowledge the incredible support from the staff who work alongside me in guiding our students. Without the dedicated aides and personal care aides, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Antonia Newell is the Teacher Aide of the Year.  She has worked at BOCES for 17 years.  “I absolutely love my job, coworkers and students! I am so humbled to be chosen for this and so excited. I am very thankful!”

Deborah MacIver was named the Substitute of the Year. MacIver worked as a teacher aide with O/N BOCES since 2016. When she retired in 2023, she started substituting for the organization.

Kendall boy, 16, needed blood transfusions when he was a baby

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kristen Ostrander, center, is shown giving blood today at the Elks Lodge in Albion with Connie from the Red Cross and Kristen’s son Jared.

Ostrander helped rally blood donors for today’s drive and the result has been 58 appointments, the most in several years. There is room for more walk-ins before the drive ends at 7 p.m.

The blood drive at the Elk’s Lodge usually attracts about 40 blood donors. Today there are 14 first-time donors and many who haven’t given in a while are back, said Wendy Evenden, accounts manager for the American Red Cross.

Jared was born nearly 17 years ago on July 25, 2007. He was born three weeks early and was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus and persistent pulmonary hypertension of a newborn. One of his ducts didn’t close properly and his blood was flowing backwards, his mother said.

Jared needed two blood transfusions, and he was able to rebound at the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital and went home after 17 days. He has not be affected by the issues since then. Jared is going into his senior year at Kendall. He is on the wrestling and track teams at Kendall.

Ostrander said she was looking for a way to give back to the community and knew summer tends to be a time when the Red Cross needs blood. The is currently a critical need for the blood supply.

The current donor base is the lowest since Sept. 11, 2001, Evenden said.

The Red Cross welcomes more drives in honor of people who have received transfusions. Evenden said some drives can be in memory of someone, and the Red Cross welcomes challenge drives pitting organizations, fire departments and other groups. For more information, contact here at wendy.evenden@redcross.org or call (716) 260-6899.

There are other upcoming drive sin Orleans County:

Monday, July 29:

Orleans County YMCA

306 Pearl St.

Medina, NY 14103

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9:

Orleans County Administration Building

14016 Route 31

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 13:

Sacred Heart Club

189 N Gravel Rd.

Medina, NY 14103

1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24:

Hoag Library

134 South Main St.

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on Red Cross blood drives, click here.