John D. “JD” Smith Jr.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department has charged an Albion man for first-degree rape after allegedly having anal sexual contact with a person under 11 years old.

John D. “JD” Smith, 30, was arrested on Dec. 12. He also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was remanded to Orleans County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or a $10,000 bond.

Smith’s arrest was reported in the police blotter of the Orleans Hub on Sunday. The Albion Police Department put out a news release today about Smith.

“The Albion Police Department felt it was important to get the suspect’s identity and information out to the public due to concerns that there may be additional unidentified victims in the surrounding area,” said Police chief David Mogle. “If your child came into contact with John D. Smith Jr., please contact your local authorities.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – The Lyndonville Area Foundation has approved a $9,700 grant to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company for EMS training equipment. East Shelby trains many of the EMTs in Orleans and nearby counties.

Lyndonville Foundation representatives met at the East Shelby fire hall on Monday evening to see some of the new equipment.

Pictured from left include Mike Fuller, an EMT and certified instructor coordinator; Norm Behrend, CIC; Russ Martino, treasurer of Lyndonville Area Foundation; Harold Sure, EMT and foundation board member; Sue Behrend, EMS coordinator at East Shelby and CIC; and Gary Lamar, a Shelby firefighter in the EMS continuing medical education recertification program.

East Shelby just had 20 EMTs students take their practical skills exam. Behrend leads the four-month training program that starts in August. Classes are twice a week, and sometimes additionally on Saturday.

The new equipment includes two mannequins to train on opening airways and properly do suctions. The mannequins will be used to practice inserting an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), which is is a medical device in airway management to maintain or open a patient’s airway. The students also will insert a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), which is a thin, clear, flexible tube into a nostril.

There is also a new childbirth mannequin at left to practice birthing scenarios, from breached birth, normal child births and the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck.

The grant from the Foundation also paid for a hemorrhage control kit to practice “Stop the Bleed” from gunshot wounds, punctures or other cases with big open wounds. The EMS class often used a Nerf ball to simulate “Stop the Bleed.”

The EMS program also now has two emergency traction splints, and padded wood splints to assist the class in training to move people with broken legs and other injuries.

Harold Suhr, an EMT for 25 years, also is on the Foundation board of directors. He said East Shelby is training and recertifying many of the EMTs in the county, as well as eastern Niagara and Genesee. That includes an EMT in Lyndonville, and many who respond to calls in Lyndonville.

“This really saves lives,” Suhr said about enhancing the training for EMTs.

Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was in Holley on Nov. 27 to advocate for making telehealth services fully reimbursable by Medicare. He was joined by Renee Hungerford (speaking at podium), executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which runs the community enter in Holley; and Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, chief medical officer of Oak Orchard Health.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer continued his streak of going to all 62 counties in the state in the past year. Schumer has been to all of the state’s counties annually for the past 26 years.

He was in Orleans County on Nov. 27 when he was in Holley at the Eastern Orleans Community Center. He was there to highlight his effort to have Medicare cover telehealth services, which he said is particularly important in rural areas which there is less access to healthcare and specialists.

Schumer completed the all-county tour on Monday when he was in Greene County to announce the Army Corps will step up to help save the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.

“Today, you can flip one of my favorite numbers – 62, for every county in New York – and get another very important number for me today: 26,” Schumer said on Monday. “I am proud today that for the 26th year in a row, I completed my annual tour of all 62 counties in New York State.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer holds a photo of a finished factory for Edwards Vacuum during a celebration on Aug. 6 in front of the company’s manufacturing facility that has been under construction since April. He visited the site in Genesee County at STAMP in the Town of Alabama.

Schumer was elected to the Senate in 1998. He pledged then to go to every county in the state every year. He said the past year was very impactful, the culmination of decades of work and legislation he championed delivering billions of dollars in federal investment to create good-paying jobs, rebuild infrastructure and lay the foundation for the next generation.

 “I have no plans on slowing down,” he said. “God gave me a lot of energy, and I look forward to continuing this tradition again next year and continuing to fight and deliver for New York. Because no matter what’s happening in Washington, my favorite two titles will always be New York’s senator and a New Yorker, and I’m keeping my foot on the pedal so we can keep driving federal resources home to communities across the state.”

File photo: Adam Kirby holds the trophy for winning the 2019 corn yield contest in New York.

ALBION – A local corn grower is the state winner for highest corn yield in conventional irrigated class.

Adam Kirby of Albion won the title with a yield of 290.548 bushels per acre. He grew the crop with a Pioneer hybrid seed – PO859AM*. He used a John Deere planter and a Case IH to harvest in the corn.

Kirby’s top yield was announced by the National Corn Growers Association in its 60^th annual yield contest. Kirby won one of the state categories from 2019 to 2021.

He will be honored at Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, from March 2-4 with 27 national and 535 state winners from around the country.

David Hula of Charles City, Virginia had the top yield in United States at 490.6276 bushels per acre in the strip-till irrigated division.

For more information on the corn yield contest, click here.

Map courtesy of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today issued an update on drought conditions across the state.

The State’s Drought Management Task Force updated the drought status from “Drought Warning” to “Drought Watch” for New York City and 10 additional counties because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water.

All of New York’s 62 counties are now in “Drought Watch” status. Despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.

There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory restrictions under a Drought Watch.

“While recent precipitation has alleviated dry conditions for many counties, New Yorkers should still be vigilant about water use and conservation,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.

The following counties are returning to Drought Watch designations: Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

New York State encourages ongoing water conservation to ensure adequate supply for all emergency uses. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and follow these tips:

• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.
• Install water saving plumbing fixtures.
• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold.
• Wash cars less frequently.

Private Water Wells

For water wells that may be affected by drought, see the information below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.

• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop existing wells.
• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – David Thom carries a wreath to be set at a grave for a veteran on Saturday during a Wreaths Across America ceremony. Mount Albion was included in Wreaths Across America for the first time.

Thom’s daughter, Jennifer Thom, coordinated the effort at Mount Albion. She is also the leader of Operation Honor, which purchased 100 of the wreaths. Other people purchased them for $17 each.

Wreaths has grown to 4,000 communities across the country, including in medina, Lyndonville and Holley.

In the photo with David Thom, he is carrying a wreath in honor of uniformed service members in U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

Other wreaths in the opening ceremony were set for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, U.S. Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Many of the wreaths were set in the veterans’ section on the western side of the cemetery.

Richard Cox sets wreaths on veterans’ graves on a chilly Saturday. Cox also paid for 10 of the wreaths. He said he is a veteran and wanted to show appreciation for others who served in the military.

Jennifer Thom, leader of Operation Honor and coordinator of Wreaths Across America at Mount Albion, places a wreath at a veteran’s grave on Saturday. She urged the volunteers to say the veteran’s name when setting the wreath.

State Sen. Robert Ortt carries a wreath during the ceremony on Saturday. Ortt also was in Lyndonville earlier in the day for Wreaths Across America.

Mike Donahue is the bugler while Taps was played as part of the Honor Guard on Saturday during a ceremony for Wreaths Across America.

A wreath was also set at the Alms House Cemetery for Daniel Walterhouse, a Civil War veteran. Students in the Albion Middle School History Club placed that wreath at the cemetery on County House Road.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Volunteers with the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries get chicken barbecue dinners ready in take-out containers on Saturday at the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street.

The church prepared 2,000 of the dinners. People started lining up at 11 a.m., about an hour before the meals were advertised to be available. By 3:30, all the dinners had been served, with volunteers delivering many to shut-ins in the community.

This the third straight year the Royal Body Shop served the 2,000 dinners for free, after a debut in 2021 with 1,000 chicken barbecues.

Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop cooks potatoes and string beans with smoked turkey in the kitchen at the Masonic Lodge. He said a dedicated group of at least 20 worked on the big dinner.

“It’s a blessing when you have all this help,” Wilson said. “We just want to share the love of Jesus.”

Nora Bell-Owens keeps up a brisk pace in the kitchen.

Pam Parker and Anthony Artis were among the volunteers getting the food ready.

The Royal Body Shop also does an Easter egg hunt in Albion. There were 12,000 Easter eggs filled with candy during the March 30 egg hunt on the courthouse lawn.

Provided photo: Students from the Iroquois Job Corps helped cook the chickens and get the meals ready.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Santa enjoyed a ride a trailer pulled by a tractor during Barre’s annual tractor parade on Saturday evening.

The parade started on East Barre Road at the Van Lieshout farm and headed north on Route 98 to the Barre Town Park.

Santa waved to the kids and adults who lined up in the freezing temperatures for the seventh annual parade.

More than a dozen tractors were joined by tractor trailer and other farm equipment.

The parade is organized by the Barre Betterment Committee.

Here are some more photos of the procession of tractors and farm equipment, with some shown passing in front of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church.

Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Mrs. Claus poses with staff members from Medina Memorial Hospital during the annual Christmas event for children on Wednesday. Mrs. Claus was filling in for Santa, who was under the weather.

MEDINA – A tradition at Medina Memorial Hospital for many years has been a visit by Santa and holiday events to entertain children.

This year’s visit by Santa took place Wednesday afternoon, when nearly 40 children came to take part in Christmas activities, including coloring pictures, writing letters to Santa (each of which receive a response), decorating ornaments, making reindeer food and decorating sugar cookies.

The dietary team added another layer to the fun by incorporating the movie Elf into the activities, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Unfortunately, Santa was under the weather this year, but sent Mrs. Claus instead.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year, and we had several employees involved to help make the event go smoothly,” Robinson said. “The Albion Healthcare Center hosted their first Santa event Saturday, and we hope to turn that into a yearly event, also.”

Santa plans to be feeling his old self before Christmas to return to Medina Memorial Hospital for his annual physical in preparation for his big trip on Christmas Eve.

“He’s been having that done at Medina Memorial Hospital since 2021,” Robinson said.

Medina Memorial Hospital is happy every year to pronounce Santa fit as a fiddle for his annual visits to all the good girls and boys.

Hearth & Home wins first place among 26 floats in parade

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade was capped with this float with Santa in a sleigh on a trailer with a band, Christmas trees and reindeer in flight.

A group of volunteers tried to create a float with the flair of the late Charles W. Howard, who ran a Santa school in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. Howard also was the Santa for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and operated Christmas Park in Albion.

His granddaughter Jane Holland of Williamsville attended the parade and appreciated the community’s efforts to celebrate her grandfather.

The float with Santa and the reindeer pass by the Orleans County Courthouse on Main Street.

This sleigh created by Albion contractor Jim Babcock made its debut in the parade. It will be put near the bronze statue of Santa and the 24-foot-long Santa mural at Waterman Park on Main Street.

The sleigh was built in memory of Charles Bergeman, who was the grandson of Charles Howard. He passed away at age 64 on Oct. 31, 2023. His wife Carol of Lewiston attended the parade on Saturday.

Hearth & Home, a real estate business in Albion, won first place among the 26 floats in the parade.

Hearth & Home gets its float ready for the parade while in the staging area at the municipal lot by CRFS.

Bloom’s Flower Shop was picked for second place.

Wild Flour Deli was the third place winner in the parade.

The judges gave an honorable mention to the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee for its float celebrating the county’s upcoming 200^th anniversary in 2025.

The Bicentennial Committee has embraced an ox as a mascot to celebrate the 200^th. The ox on the trailer was painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward.

Robyn Watts created this ox costume, which was worn by Cordelia Rivers in the parade. The ox gave many high fives along the parade route.

Mick Tower served as grand marshal for the parade. He rides in a truck with his son Ron. Mick worked for Charles Howard, building many of the rides and attractions at Christmas Park.

Cutaia Trucking in Fairport carried an inflatable Grinch in its lighted up truck.

Eye of Oden K9 Training from Kent brought several dogs with lighted up vests.

Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events created a Christmas tree with ornaments all made out of balloons.

The Albion Fire Department also had a Grinch character walking in the parade and the fire truck was decorated in green lights.

The Lockstone event center had a float with a bride in a wedding dress.

A Grinch character with the Village of Albion Christmas float greets people along Main Street.

The Who Dats performed Christmas music from a trailer. From left include John Borrello, Todd Graham and Lonnie Froman.

The Hitmen Brass Band also performed in the parade.

By Randy LeBaron

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

As I am writing this Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and I am eagerly looking forward to starting the day off with worship and then getting to spend the day with my family, including my oldest daughter Ashlyn and her husband Carson who will be traveling up from Kentucky.

I already have my Christmas Mix playlist going, which features songs by Burl Ives and Ella Fitzgerald as well as classics like “Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC and “O Come All Ye Faithful” as performed by Twisted Sister (Don’t Judge Me), and as a family we have watched Elf and other essential Yuletide Classics.

Our tree is up, though most of the ornaments are down thanks to our curious new kitty Georgie, and at least some of the gifts have been purchased though most won’t be wrapped until 11:59 p.m. on December 24th.

As an adult I don’t get into the gift giving as much as I used to, or rather the gift getting, but there was a time when the anticipation of finding out what was under the tree seemed almost unbearable to me. One of those times was back in December 1980 when I was 6 years old. I was at that age where I wanted to be just like my dad who just happened be one heck of a harmonica player. I can still hear it now, the melodious sound coming out of the kitchen where my dad would often spend hours going back and forth strumming his guitar and playing the mouth organ.

One of our family traditions at the time was having all of the gifts, except for Santa’s of course, wrapped and placed under the tree in early December so that you had a chance to try and guess what you were getting. You were allowed to pick them up, shake them, smell them, etc. The only rule was that you were not allowed to open them or try to peek inside.

That year in particular I had done an excellent job of dropping hints for what I wanted, just picture Ralphie from A Christmas Story but replace BB Gun with harmonica, so I was not too surprised to look under the tree and see a small rectangular shaped box with my name on it. I picked it up and felt the weight and then I shifted the box back and forth and felt the object slide back in forth. It was definitely a harmonica!!! 

For the next few weeks I would come home from school, pick it up, and gently run it across my pursed lips as I imagined what sounds would soon be flowing from it. Finally, Christmas morning came and I eagerly grabbed my gift, opened it, and held out my new, shiny… jackknife. Don’t get me wrong, a jackknife was a great gift for a 6 year old boy but after all of the anticipation I’m sure that my disappointment showed. After the rest of the presents were unwrapped, and I had managed to get over my initial let down, my dad pulled out one more present which turned out to be, you guessed it, a harmonica. In less than an hour I had gone from excited anticipation to deep disappointment to utter joy. It was a Christmas miracle! Well, not quite but it did make me think about a real pre-Christmas miracle.

In the book of Luke chapter 1 we learn that an older couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were considered upright and blameless. We also learn that they were unable to have children and that it really weighed on Elizabeth in particular. One day when Zechariah, who was a priest, was chosen by lot to go into the Temple to burn incense he encountered an angel who told him that he would not only have a son but that the boy would be a blessing and a joy to him and his wife and that many would rejoice because of his birth. Zechariah doubted at first, and lost his voice for 9 months because of it, but when Elizabeth eventually had the baby Zechariah sang out because of the joy in his heart. The baby of course was John the Baptist, who went on to prepare the way for his cousin Jesus fulfilling everything that the angel had prophesied about him.

I share both of these stories with you because perhaps you too are experiencing disappointment this holiday season and are feeling stuck. The good news is that what you may be feeling in this moment is not the end of the story, what you long for might be just around the corner. It may not be what you thought you needed, I ended up using the jack knife a lot more than I ever did the harmonica, or it may not come when you wanted but don’t give up hope. After all, hope is what Christmas is all about.

Speaking of Christmas, I would like to invite you to join me December 25th @7 a.m. at New Hope Community Church (203 W. Center St. Medina) for a time of celebration followed a free breakfast. All are welcome!

See you in 2 weeks!

Pastor Randy

88 degrees set as the maximum temperature inside schools

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require that all school districts develop plans to mitigate extreme heat in classrooms and support services spaces and to establish a maximum allowable temperature to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff.

By setting clear guidelines for extreme heat conditions, the bill will help schools ensure their spaces are conducive to student learning, reduce unnecessary disruptions, and provide for the health and safety of all those in their buildings.

“Extreme heat can significantly impact a student’s concentration, focus and ability to learn,” Governor Hochul said. “With this new law, we are continuing to make the health and safety of our kids and educators a top priority and ensuring that every New York student has access to the safe and comfortable learning environment they deserve.”

Legislation S3397-A/A9011-A establishes 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in classrooms and support services spaces. It requires a plan for the removal of students and staff from these spaces where it is practical for the school district to do so. It also creates a definition of extreme heat condition days as well as a standard to measure room temperature.

In addition to the above, school districts will be required to take action to relieve heat related discomfort when classroom temperatures reach 82 degrees. Such actions can include turning off overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows, turning off electronics, and providing water breaks.

The Property Maintenance Code of New York State currently requires a minimum temperature of 65 degrees in all workspaces in buildings across the state.

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person said, “Today, we celebrate a monumental step forward for the health and safety of students and educators across New York. Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to sign this bill into law reflects a commitment to ensuring our classrooms are conducive to learning—not sweltering saunas.”

New York State Parent Teacher Association Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky said, “Our children’s health and wellness must always be of utmost importance to us all. Setting common sense rules for maximum temperatures in classrooms will protect our kids. And that is truly all of our jobs – to protect our children and ensure they are safe and supported each and every day.”

‘I’ve always loved Orleans County but now I have a better understanding of it’

Photos by Tom Rivers: The class of the 2024 Leadership Orleans program is pictured after the graduation program on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. Pictured front row from left: Marsha Rivers, Courtney Henderson, Barbara Koert, Reita Fletcher, Melinda Daniels, Melinda Rhim, Linda Weller, Pam Rounds and Tina Bell. Second row: Lisa Stenshorn, Lisa Bors, June Robinson, Tiffany Smith, Rebecca Robinson, Stacy Silker, Mike Winter, J.T. Thomas and Darren Brodie. Back row: Liz Mastromatteo, Gregory Hallock, Betty Sue Miller, Scott Robinson and Jeffrey Pasnik. Missing from photo: Walt Breese, Justin Robinson, Brad Pritchard and Deborah Schiavone.

LYNDONVILLE – The seventh class of Leadership Orleans has completed the year-long program where 27 people learned about different sectors of the county each month.

The new class of graduates brings the total to 176 who have completed the program in its seven years.

Skip Helfrich, the program’s director since it started in 2018, commended the class for committing to learn about themselves and the local community.

“We are making people more aware of what this county is all about,” he said during the graduation program on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.

Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson addressed the group, and said their talents and commitment to the community are needed in Orleans County.

The county needs more people to serve on boards, in elected positions, as coaches and other leadership roles, she said.

Many are deterred because of the time commitment, the workload and the criticism that comes from being in a leadership position, she said.

“Our community thrives when the best and the brightest – and that includes all of you – are actively engaged, sharing ideas, challenging each other in constructive ways and ultimately offering solutions that move our community forward,” Johnson said.

The graduates include:

• Tina Bell, office manager for Art Hill Excavating in Medina
• Lisa Bors, public relations director for Arc GLOW
• Walt Breese, president of Subway in Albion
• Darren Brodie, environmental health director for Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
• Melinda Daniels, executive assistant for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
• Reita Fletcher, branch manager of M&T Bank in Lyndonville
• Gregory Hallock, executive director of Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!)
• Courtney Henderson, owner of Babe Cave Inc. in Albion
• Barbara Koert, assistant director of UConnectCare (formerly GCASA) in Albion
• Liz Mastromatteo, coordinator/assistant principal of Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina
• Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion
• Jeffrey Pasnik, council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga
• Brad Pritchard, principal of Albion Middle School
• Melinda Rhim, coordinator of care management for Orleans County Mental Health Department
• Marsha Rivers, pastor of First Baptist Church in Albion
• Becky Robinson, partner with The Vintage Cigar in Medina
• June Robinson, associate director of quality at Baxter Healthcare in Medina
• Justin Robinson, dairy farmer with Poverty Hill Farms in Albion
• Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health
• Pam Rounds, supervisor at Baxter Healthcare in Medina
• Debbie Schiavone, payroll administrator for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
• Stacy Silker, court clerk for Town of Ridgeway and Town of Yates
• Tiffany Smith, assistant chief of nursing for Rochester Regional Health
• Lisa Stenshorn, clerk of the Orleans County Legislature
• JT Thomas, operations director at Iroquois Job Corps in Medina
• Linda Weller of Albion, president of Info Advantage Inc. in Rochester
• Mike Winter, controller for Western New York Energy in Medina

Melinda Daniels, executive assistant for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, is congratulated for completing the Leadership Orleans program. She received a certificate from the New York State Assembly and a Special Recognition Award from the Orleans County Legislature. The people offering congratulations include County Legislator Skip Draper; Eileen Banker, Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s chief of staff; Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson; Jackie Dunham, member of Leadership Orleans steering committee; and Kelly Kiebala, chairwoman of the steering committee.

The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community.

The class in the opening retreat did many ice-breaker activities to get to know each other. They also learned about their individual strengths and weaknesses, their personality types and how that shapes their decision-making and tendencies.

The class then met monthly, building leadership skills and gaining knowledge, experiences and meeting people from many different sectors in the community, from agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development. Next year the program will add a day focused on law enforcement.

The program receives a stipend from the county, and there are many sponsors of programs throughout the years. The class members also pay tuition to be in Leadership Orleans.

Photo by Marsha Rivers: Michelle Kingdollar, chief financial officer for Western New York Energy and a Leadership Orleans graduate, leads a tour of the ethanol plant in March. WNY Energy won the “First Impression Award” among the host sites in the past year. Leadership Orleans visited 34 sites in the past year.

Bill Lattin, retired as Orleans County historian and director of the Cobblestone Museum, won the award as “Presenter of the Year.” He was called a master storyteller and a “local legend.” He was among 53 presenters for the program in 2024.

Lattin shared a famous quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

And he shared a quote from Robert G. Ingersoll: “Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities. We strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry aloud, and the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry.”

Lattin said we are all given a short time on Earth to make a difference. We need leaders with talent and vision to serve the community.

Susan Howard, a graduate from the 2022 Leadership Orleans program, was named “Alumnus of the Year.” Howard, the county’s first assistant district attorney, was elected district attorney in November and starts on Jan. 1, replacing Joe Cardone who is retiring. Howard said the program helped convince her to step up her involvement in the community and to seek being the DA, the county’s top prosecutor.

Linda Weller, president of Hoag Library and president of Info Advantage Inc., is hugged by Kelly Kiebala. Weller has lived in Orleans County for nearly 40 years. She learned many new things about the county, including its status as a “fishing mecca” drawing thousands of fishermen each year, especially for the fall tributary season.

Weller she was inspired by many of the presenters throughout the year who shared a passion for their careers.

“I learned so much about our county and the resources that we have here,” she said. “So many people are doing the best they can for our community.”

Tiffany Smith, assistant chief of nursing for Rochester Regional Health, completed the year-long Leadership Orleans.

Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health, is commended for his participation in the program.

Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library, was picked by the class to share reflections on the past year for the group. She said the class all learned about themselves, each other and opportunities and challenges in the county.

Miller said people bring different backgrounds, different personalities, and different ways of learning.

“As leaders, we can’t pigeon-hole our employees or volunteers,” she said.

Miller said she is the oldest person in the class this year. She learned more about the community, and saw passion from people who are often overlooked.

She highlighted a tour of the Albion sewer plant, led by chief operator Aric Albright. He has worked there for 30 years.

“It was just amazing,” she said about the tour of the plant on Densmore Road in Albion. “Aric, there is a man who loves his job.”

JT Thomas, operations director at the Iroquois Job Corps, accepts his certificates for completing the program.

Thomas was pleased to meet people from many different employment backgrounds in the class.

He feels more pride in the county after completing the program.

“I’ve always loved Orleans County but now I have a better understanding of it,” he said.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As the holiday season approaches, many people enjoy gathering, celebrations and family traditions. It’s a time to relax and reconnect, but for some, the holidays can bring extra stress.

When people feel stressed, they often look for comfort or distractions, and this might make vaping more tempting – especially for those who already use nicotine.

Nicotine gives a short-term feeling of relief by boosting dopamine, a chemical that helps with mood. However, this can lead to dependence, making stress even worse in the long run.

“Some people use e-cigarettes to handle stress or anxiety,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “However, vaping to feel better creates a cycle of nicotine dependence, which can become another source of stress.”

This holiday season, try to take steps to stay healthy and manage stress in positive ways. By understanding your triggers and using healthy coping tools, you can enjoy the season without turning to vaping or other quick fixes.

Take the following steps to enjoy the holidays vape-free:

• Start reducing your nicotine use before the holidays. Gradually cutting back ahead of time gives your body a chance to adjust and helps you prepare for extended time with family without facing withdrawal symptoms. By lowering your nicotine intake as the holidays approach, you can set yourself up for a more enjoyable and stress-free season.
• Come prepared with healthier ways to cope with stress and triggers. Listening to your favorite songs, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing techniques are great options to help distract you from cravings while supporting your body and mind in a positive way.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying refreshed can help reduce cravings and support your overall well-being. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly – using a straw can also help satisfy the oral fixation that often comes with vaping.
• Stay active during the holiday season! You don’t have to run a marathon to keep moving. Simple activities like taking a daily walk, following an online yoga session, or enjoying outdoor fun like sledding or snowshoeing can go a long way in helping to manage nicotine cravings and boost your mood.
• Keep your schedule packed with activities that don’t involve vaping. Plan outings with friends and family, try cooking a new recipe, make a snowman or ornaments for the tree. Staying busy helps you avoid boredom, which is one of the most common triggers for vaping.
• Keep in mind that quitting isn’t easy, and it is okay to treat yourself! Set small goals, like making it through a morning, a day, or a week without vaping, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Celebrating milestones makes the process more enjoyable and helps build healthier habits over time.

Remember, the holidays do not have to be perfect, and managing stress is about progress, not perfection. Taking small steps to cope in healthier ways can make the season more enjoyable.

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

• Visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555