Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The blossoms are out in Orleans County, one of the top fruit-producing counties in the state. These blossoms are at peach trees at Watt Farms on Route 98 in Albion.
Most of the fruit trees in the county are apple trees, which have white blossoms.
Farmers say the rainy weather has made it more difficult for pollination and to spray trees so far this spring.
An agricultural advocacy group says farmers and their workers are being mischaracterized after 14 farmworkers were detained on Friday in Albion.
The workers are employees with Lynn-Ette & Sons, based in Kent. The workers were on a bus and stopped at about 7 a.m. Friday on Route 98 in Albion, just north of the Erie Canal near Crosby’s. They are year-round employees and not in the federal H2A program for seasonal workers.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued this statement: “During a targeted enforcement operation on May 2, in Albion, New York, ICE Buffalo arrested 14 aliens from Mexico and Guatemala who are all in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, three of which are immigration fugitives who have been ordered removed from the United States. All 14 aliens are detained in ICE custody pending their removal proceedings.”
Grow NY Farms, a coalition of agricultural businesses, represents family farms, farmworkers and New Yorkers, seeking to build a viable and vibrant ag industry for future generations, while ensuring fair labor practices and support for the agricultural workforce.
Grow NY Farms issued this statement today:
“New York’s agriculture community stands in solidarity with the farmworkers and families impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions in Orleans County and other areas across New York State.
“These individuals are more than employees – they are neighbors, parents, and long-standing members of our communities, many of whom have been living and working here for years, and in some cases, decades.
“Their children attend local schools, they are passionate about agriculture, and their talent and contributions to our local food system, economy, and community cannot be overstated. Family farms strive every day to a provide a safe, stable, and rewarding working environment while complying with all local, state and federal regulations. That commitment includes protecting workers’ rights and supporting pathways for their voices to be heard.
“We stand firmly with family farms impacted by recent events, as they have long-standing records of responsible, community-focused, and employee-first practices. Any baseless accusations made about farms, or their employees, are irresponsible attempts to deteriorate progress that’s been made to ensure fairness for farmworkers. We are extremely disappointed in the actions and words by some to sow division at a time when unity and compassion are needed most.
“We call for a full and fair review of recent events, and for swift action to support the affected families. At the same time, we renew our commitment to protecting the voice, rights and dignity of all farmworkers, and building a stronger future for New York’s agriculture community.”
Return to topALBION – Voters in the Hoag Library service area of central Orleans County elected two trustees to the library’s board on Monday.
Kevin Doherty was elected to a four-year term with Dawn Squicciarini winning a two-term as a write-in.
Library leaders also held Hoag’s annual meeting and went over the budget for 2025. Expenditures total $687,350 with $657,560 to come from property taxes collected as part of the vote on May 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at Albion Central School.
Overall spending is down from the $693,150 in 2024, and the amount to be collected from property taxes is also down from $664,510. The taxes are down considerably from the $754,350 in 2021, the last year Hoag was still paying on the mortgage for a new library that opened in 2012.
Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.
Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).
Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.
Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).
Circulation for 2024 included 32,352 books, 9,792 non-books as physical items, 5,208 digital items through Hoopla, and 4,635 digital items through Libby.
Hoag also provided 69 homebound deliveries, 486 motorized documents, 155 ESL sessions, 178 GED sessions, 1,088 outside sessions, 4,394 items loaned through Inter-Library Loan and 6,495 items borrowed through Inter-Library Loan.
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ALBION – The New York State Association of Counties on Monday highlighted Kim DeFrank as part of NYSAC’s weekly “Member Monday” feature.
DeFrank is also president of the NYS Treasurers’ and Finance Officers’ Association. NYSAC noted she became treasurer in 2018 after 25 years in the treasurer’s office.
“During her tenure she has led the county to receive four consecutive three+one advisors 90+ awards for exemplary leadership in public finance liquidity management,” NYSAC stated. “Congratulations Kimberly and thank you for the work that you and your colleagues do to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen our counties!”
Return to topPress Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families and friends.
Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
There will also be the potential for a White House visit on the trip. Those who are interested in the potential tour will need to register no later than June 10 to secure a background check.
“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”
Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. A noncommittal registration is required by June 10 for those interested in a potential White House tour for the purpose of a background check.
To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.
For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.
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File photo by Tom Rivers: A kid is excited to see a big barge moving part of a bridge on the Erie Canal in Holley last July 15. The barge was headed west with the Bennetts Corners Road bridge in the background. The Erie Canal and Orleans County are both celebrating their 200th anniversaries this year.
Press Release, Orleans County Tourism
ALBION – Orleans County Tourism is proud to take part in National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which runs from May 4-11. The goal is to shine a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.
“Travel is one of our nation’s most powerful economic engines—supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America.”
Since 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week has highlighted the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue, equivalent to $1,490 per household.
Locally, Orleans County continues to see strong results from tourism. The county’s bed tax revenues topped $100,000 for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching $116,712. That total is just shy of the all-time high of $119,003 in 2023. Orleans County first surpassed the $100,000 mark in 2022, collecting $111,548 in bed tax revenue.
Tourism in Orleans County is driven by unique regional assets, including world-class sportfishing on Lake Ontario, the historic Erie Canal Trail and destinations like the Medina Railroad Museum, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum and the Cobblestone Museum.
Sportfishing alone generates an estimated $28 million annually in the county, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 2017 Angler Survey. Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571.
This year also marks a major milestone: the bicentennials of both Orleans County and the Erie Canal. With a full slate of summer events planned to celebrate 200 years of local and state history, the Orleans County Tourism Office aims to attract even more visitors in 2025.
“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Dawn Borchert, director of Orleans County Tourism. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. We’re especially excited to welcome visitors as we celebrate these significant bicentennial anniversaries.”
Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
About Orleans County Tourism
Orleans County Tourism is the tourism promotion agency for Orleans County, New York, dedicated to promoting the county’s unique attractions, events and experiences to visitors from near and far.
Situated between Rochester and Niagara Falls, the county offers a blend of rural charm, scenic waterfronts and rich heritage. The office also supports local festivals, agritourism and community initiatives that strengthen the area’s appeal as a year-round destination. With a focus on economic growth through travel, Orleans County Tourism works to boost visitor spending, support small businesses and share the stories that make the region special.
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Photo by Jessica Stewart Photography: Nicholas Reese, posing here in his Mustang Marching Band uniform, loves writing music and plans to study music composition at Fredonia State College’s School of Music.
MEDINA – A Medina High School senior with a passion for writing music is being commended for his contributions to Medina’s annual Arbor Day celebration.
Several months ago, Oak Orchard Elementary School music teacher Andrea Busch contacted Nicholas Reese and asked if he could write a song about trees which Oak Orchard’s second grade Glee Club could sing on Arbor Day. The Glee Club has been singing at Arbor Day for three years.
Nicholas sat down and started thinking about trees.
“It was very general, so I had to be creative,” Nicholas said. “I spent a week writing the lyrics, and finished the entire thing in a month.”
He titled his composition “Oscillating Futures.”
Chris Busch, Andrea’s father-in-law and Medina Forestry coordinator, said to have a song written by a Medina student specifically for Arbor Day and performed by the Oak Orchard Glee club is an incredibly special honor.
“Truly, it made the occasion all the more special,” Chris said.
The teacher added her praise for the composition and what it meant to her students.
“I am honored that Nick was willing to share his talents and compose a piece of music specifically for the Oak Orchard Glee Club,” Andrea said. “Out of all the songs we learned this year, ‘Oscillating Futures’ was a clear favorite amongst the second graders. They affectionally called it ‘Nick’s Song’ and begged to practice it every day. These kinds of collaborations are what make our district special, and the Medina Music Department could not be more proud of Nick. He has a bright future ahead of him and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things he will accomplish.”
Nicholas said he has been writing songs since he was 11 and in fifth grade.
“I have since written about 100 songs,” he said. “A lot of times I write pieces in perspective to things that are happening in my life. I try to write emotionally.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Nick Reese watches the Glee Club perform his song during an Arbor Day celebration on April 25.
Nicholas plays percussion in the Mustang Marching Band and Jazz Band.
“I became very inspired by the Marching Band in seventh grade, and knew then I should consider it seriously,” Nicholas said.
“But I really just want to sit in a room and write songs all day,” he said.
Writing notes is easy, but putting words to them is a bigger challenge, he said.
Most everything he writes is instrumental, he added.
When Nicholas graduates this summer, he plans to attend Fredonia State College’s School of Music to study music composition. That is also Andrea’s Alma Mater.
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Provided photo: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt speaks during a news conference on Tuesday in the state capital.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt on Tuesday was joined by Senator Jack Martins, Senator Mark Walczyk and members of the Senate Republican Conference to rail against New York State’s budget process – with the budget now over a month late and a lack of transparency over where exactly New Yorkers’ tax dollars are going.
In addition, Senate Republicans called on Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislative Majorities not to use so-called “messages of necessity” to bypass the constitutionally required three-day aging process once budget bills get introduced. This critically important “aging” provision of the State Constitution helps to ensure that the public, the press, and all interested parties have the opportunity to actually review the budget bills prior to them being enacted into law.
Currently, Senator Mark Walczyk carries bill S48 which is expected to be taken up for committee discussion in the Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed, S48 will prohibit the Governor from issuing a message of necessity for budget related bills.
“This budget is going to spend more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in taxpayer dollars. Up to this point, there has been no sense of urgency to get the budget done – now that we are nearing the end, it should not be rushed through without time for proper review,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
The Governor has paraded around the state as if her job is done, even though the Legislature has yet to vote on a single budget bill. Further mystifying what exactly has happened behind the closed doors of budget negotiations. New Yorkers deserve transparency from their elected officials.
“Government by ‘message of necessity’ is no way to run a government for the communities and taxpayers of this state. It’s time to bring this process out of the dark,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Governor Hochul and the Legislature’s Democrat majorities go on working behind closed doors to allocate billions of state taxpayer dollars and set in motion far-reaching public policies impacting our local citizens, communities, and economies in consequential ways. The state budget demands a full public airing and the appropriate time for review and debate, but that’s never what we get. It’s a broken process that blindfolds the public and keeps producing bloated state budgets that taxpayers will never be able to afford.”
Return to topPress Release, NYS Association of Counties
ALBANY – The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is sounding the alarm over proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could devastate New York’s healthcare system, threaten health coverage for millions of residents, and strain county governments already operating under significant fiscal pressure.
As part of its current budget drafting process, Congress is looking to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion over the next 10 years, with projected cuts of up to $880 billion coming from Medicaid. These cuts will have an inordinately large impact on New York, which spends over $100 billion a year on a Medicaid program that serves nearly half our population and fuels a health care industry that relies on the public health insurance program for its survival.
“We have several concerns about these Medicaid cost cutting proposals,” said NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II. “They will put health care at risk for the New Yorkers we serve, strain financially sound hospitals, and cripple troubled health care centers. And also, high on our list is that when the federal government cuts Medicaid, state leaders will force county taxpayers to pick up more of their costs.”
Editor’s Note: Orleans has 35.9 percent of its population on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act with 7,673 on Medicaid; 3,324 on ACA Medicaid Expansion; 2,897 on ACA Essential Plan; and 358 on ACA QUP. The number of those on Medicaid and ACA total in Orleans is at 14,252.
Among Western New York counties the percentages for Medicaid and ACA include:
At the beginning of the Medicaid program over 50 years ago, New York counties were required to fund half of the state’s share of Medicaid. While mandated county funding is currently capped at $7.6 billion a year, local leaders are concerned that federal cuts could jeopardize that cap.
According to a NYSAC analysis, the federal proposals could reduce Medicaid funding by hundreds of billions of dollars nationwide over the next decade, impacting nearly 9 million New Yorkers who receive care through traditional Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion.
“Counties are the safety net providers in this state, and if these cuts go through, the very foundation of our health system will be shaken,” said Boykin. “Children, seniors, working families will be hurt, counties will be left to pick up the pieces, and county taxpayers will be left to pick up the tab.”
One of the most concerning proposals under consideration includes the elimination of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP), which currently provides a 90% federal match for individuals made eligible under the ACA. In New York, this funding supports care for 2.1 million people and is projected to cost the state $70 billion over ten years if repealed.
“This is not a theoretical scenario—it’s a very real threat that our leaders in Washington and Albany need to fully understand,” said Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director.
“The proposals under consideration pose additional risks to local governments. Should these cuts proceed, county Departments of Social Services (DSS) are likely to experience an overwhelming surge in demand as residents lose coverage and seek assistance. Emergency rooms will be forced to absorb a dramatic increase in non-emergency visits and already fragile Emergency Medical Services (EMS) could be pushed past the breaking point. As a result, counties may be compelled to divert funding from other essential services or raise local taxes just to keep basic health services intact,” said Acquario.
In addition to funding cuts, the federal government is considering imposing work requirements on over 2 million able-bodied adults on Medicaid in New York. This would create a significant administrative burden for counties and could cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose their healthcare coverage, increasing both economic instability and health disparities.
In all proposed federal scenarios, hospitals and healthcare providers across the state will face steep losses. Every federal Medicaid dollar is matched by the state or counties and when combined these funds are an essential part of supporting the entire healthcare system. New York’s healthcare infrastructure could shrink significantly, leading to layoffs, reduced access to care, and facility closures.
“Year after year, New Yorkers contribute more in tax dollars to the federal government than they receive back through programs and services. In a report from USA Facts released just weeks ago, for 2023, New Yorkers paid approximately $89 billion more in federal taxes than the state received in return. This disparity underscores the critical need for our congressional representatives to advocate vigorously for New York,” stated Acquario.
Return to topPress Release, Medina Band Boosters
MEDINA – The Medina Band Boosters held their monthly meeting on Monday to discuss upcoming events and elect officers for the coming year.
These officers are: President – Crystal Elliott; Vice President – Julianne McGrath; Secretary – Michelle Wright; Treasurer – Heather Jackson; Transportation Chair – Nick Hartman; Student Accounts – Becky Rinker; Uniform Chair – Nicole McMullen; Chaperone Chair – Meghan Tuttle; Publicity Co-Chairs – Kathy Dreyfus and Janene Farley; Delegate – Debbie Tompkins and Shirley Kepner.
Medina will be in the Sherburne Pageant on June 6-7 where the Mustangs will compete in parade, wind ensemble, color guard and drumline. The band also will perform in the Memorial Day parade. The season concludes with the band banquet on Sunday, June 8.
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Provided photos: Pictured from left include some of the team at the Tim Hortons in Medina: general manager MaryJo Polick, assistant supervisor Dani Sadlocka, assistant general manager Erin Costello and baker Cassandra Lyon.
These employees at the Tim Hortons in Albion include baker Michael Augusta and assistant general manager Sheryl Miller.
ALBION/MEDINA – The two Tim Hortons in Albion together sold about 2,500 Smile cookies last week during a fundraiser for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. The cookies were $2 each and raised $5,000 for the hospital in Rochester.
Tim Hortons ramped up the promotions for the week-long effort, inviting first responders and other community leaders in to decorate the cookies.
The Medina site sold 1,452 cookies, raising $2,905, while Albion sold 1,074 cookies, raising $2,146, said store co-owner Joey Filipelli.
The family also owns three Tim Hortons in Rochester at Culver Road, Mount Read and Ridgeway. Those three sites collectively sold 805 Smile cookies and raised $1,608.
Altogether, the five Tim Hortons owned by the Filipelli family will be donating $6,659 to Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“The owners – Giuseppe and Shirley Filipelli, Joey Filipelli, Jennifer Karbowski and Jared Karbowski – are so grateful to our community for supporting this fundraiser,” the family said. “The Tim Hortons team and owners are incredibly thankful for our local law enforcement, Mercy Flight, Key Bank and other business leaders who came out to help us decorate cookies and bring awareness to the event.”
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