By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2026 at 12:26 am
Provided photo
HOLLEY – Nora Lindsay, center is shown presenting a ceremonial check for $2,350 for C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. She is shown with Neil and Diane Valentine, parents of the late Evan Valentine.
Evan passed away at age 18 on February 21, 2021 after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Evan was very active in Holley’s music program and also was a soccer player and Eagle Scout.
Evan was friends with Nora’s older brother, Gabe Lindsay. Nora last year raised $700 for the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association by selling cookies.
This year she organized a cash raffle. Tickets sold for $10 each with $500 awarded for first prize, $350 for second, and $150 for third.
The raffle raised $1,850 and another donation came in for $500, bringing the total to $2,350. She was joined by Evan’s parents in presenting the donation on Tuesday to the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association in Rochester.
“My mother always taught me that no one ever really dies until the last time someone says your name,” Nora said. “Evan Valentine meant a lot to my brother, and my family is close, so when my brother went to college I told him I’d make him proud. The first time I really understood what community meant is when the Holley community rallied around Evan and his family,” Nora said. “So, for all those reasons and more, I wanted to honor his memory and all that C.U.R.E. does both seen and unseen.”
Evan Valentine, left, was a very active student at Holley.
Dave Viterna Group, Eric Weinholtz Band, The Growlers Blues Band will be performing at State Street Park in Medina as part of the Blue Thursdays concert series.
MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the highly anticipated summer music series in Medina, is returning in 2026 with a lineup– six of the top blues bands from Buffalo and Western New York, featuring nationally touring musicians.
The free summer blues concerts take place Thursday evenings, June 18 through August 6 at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. The event attracts between 600 to 1,000 each week.
The Print Shop of Medina partners with the ORG/Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in producing the series, booking and coordinating top blues talent from the Buffalo/Niagara region.
As before, this year’s slate of bands feature a mix of returning Blue Thursdays favorites along with bands not previously seen at Blue Thursdays.
The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo/ Niagara area, many of whom have toured nationally.
“We’re committed to bringing top-tier, exceptional talent that people would otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience locally,” said Chris Busch of ORG/medinaalive.com. “Many of these artists are hall-of-famers, nationally acclaimed, and award-winning musicians, songwriters, and recording artists. They’ve been performing alongside some of the biggest names in the industry for decades, and we’re thrilled to bring such high-caliber bands to Medina.”
June 18: Opening Night – Dave Viterna with the Dave Viterna Group. Performing since 1979, legendary guitarist and recording artist Dave Viterna and DVG have been defining the WNY band scene for decades! DVG brings a high-energy performance, soulful vocals, skilled guitar work, and a mix of originals and classic rock covers! Always drawing one of the biggest crowds of the series, the hometown boys Dave, Scooter and Marty know how to kick it off with a bang!
June 25: Growlers Blues Band – recognized as a top band in Buffalo, awarded “best traditional blues band” and “best cross over band. The Growlers Blues Band are hotter than ever– headlined and opened for several national acts at The Tralf, including contemporary blues masters Brandon Santini and Watermelon Slim. The band has performed at the Red White and Blues Festival, The Crossroads Festival, The Blues and Roots Festival at Riverworks.
Grosh, Miller and The Other Sinners, Pat Harrington Trio will be performing as well in ths year’s concert series.
July 9: Miller and The Other Sinners – nationally touring band from Buffalo and a staple at Buffalo’s Sportsmen’s Tavern, bringing a blend of gut bucket delta grit, Memphis soul, and funky rhythm and blues. David Michael Miller, founder, lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter has shared the stage with artists such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Jimmie Vaughan and others.
Miller represented the WNY Blues Society in 2013 and 2014 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in both the Band and Solo/Duo categories. In 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, he was presented with the best Male Blues Vocalist Award by Buffalo’s Night Life Magazine and in 2015 was presented with the Arts Services Institute award for “Artist of the Year.”
July 16: Pat Harrington Trio – featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train as well as several other of the Blues world’s most notable names. Pat blends rock, jazz, and blues with “smoke-soaked solos” with improvisational fluency and high-octane blues. He has performed with artists including Bobby Whitlock and Gary Clark Jr. and has become a part of the national conversation as one of the most inspiring, versatile and distinctive players in the American Roots music genre today. The Trio features Owen Eichensehr (drums) and Paul L. Yates (bass). A BT favorite band!
July 23: Eric Weinholtz Band – Guitarist and recording artist Eric Weinholtz is described as one of the most talented musicians in Western New York. After releasing his first album, Same Old Mistakes, in March 2026, Eric won the prestigious 2025 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Yellen Songwriter Award for his song “Louisiana.” The band features a stand out lineup of some of WNY’s top musicians – Ed Croft, Nelson Rivera, Jason Moynihan, Tina Williams.
August 6: Grand Finale – Grosh – Back by popular demand– featuring the phenomenal award-winning guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, Grace Lougen. Described as “a force to be reckoned with”, power vocalist Megan Brown, guitarist Grace Lougen, bassist Dylan Hund, and drummer Josh English, bring tight musicianship, powerful vocals, and a “classic rock” sound for an electrifying performance experience.
Voted “Best Original Band 2024” (Grosh) and “Buffalo’s Best Blues Guitarist 2023” by Buffalo Night-Life Music Awards. Recognized by regional media and embraced by fans across the Northeast, GROSH continues to expand their touring reach and strengthen their presence as one of the region’s most compelling original rock acts.
All shows will feature professional sound provided by Curly Pfalzer of Pro Sound and Lighting.
The concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. A variety of food and beverages will be available on site. Food vendors include Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Greenlief’s On The Go, Hazel and Honey Bakes, Nana & Papa’s, Big Dan’s Smokin’ Barbeque, and LuGia’s Ice Cream (1 day). Beverage vendors include Northridge Distillery and Schulze Vineyard & Winery.
“We recommend arriving by 5:30 or earlier to secure a good spot on the lawn and enjoy some of the many great food vendors we’ve booked,” said Mike Fuller of The Print Shop. “Kick off your weekend on Thursdays at BT– great food, drinks, chill vibe, family friendly and the best blues music in WNY! BT is the must see event of the summer!”
There are no rain dates. Event updates, any cancellations and venue information will be posted at ‘Blue Thursdays Medina’ Facebook page.
ALBION – On Saturday, May 30, the volunteer members of the Albion Fire Department will hold their annual memorial service at the firemen’s monument. It is located on the west side of Mount Albion Cemetery, right by the koi fish pond.
Beginning at 9:45 a.m., the fire trucks will depart from the Albion Joint Fire District headquarters and will proceed in procession to the Mount Albion Cemetery. Once there, members and guests will gather for a formal memorial service to honor those who have served and those we have lost.
We welcome and encourage the entire community, families, friends and supporters to join us as we pay tribute to our fallen members. Thank you in advance for your participation in this annual event.
Adult smoking rate in Orleans, 25.2%, nearly triple state average
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year. Millions of people also live with smoking-related illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.
Smoking can also harm people who do not smoke. The CDC reports that secondhand smoke causes about 40,000 adult deaths and 400 infant deaths each year in the United States. Breathing in secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and breathing problems.
Adult smoking rates in both Genesee and Orleans Counties are higher than the New York State average of 9.9%, at 17.8% in Genesee County and 25.2% in Orleans County. This puts residents at greater risk for serious health problems caused by tobacco use and secondhand smoke.
“The good news is that quitting smoking has both immediate and long-term health benefits,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Quitting can be hard, but support and encouragement can help. We want residents to know they do not have to quit alone.”
The Orleans County Health Department is offering a free Tobacco Cessation Class Series to help community members quit tobacco products. Participants will receive support, resources, and simple strategies to help them quit and stay tobacco-free.
Classes will be held at Hoag Library on Wednesdays from June 3rd through July 8th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each session will last approximately one hour.
Benefits of quitting smoking include:
Healthier heart and lungs
Lower risk of cancer and other diseases
Easier breathing and more energy
Helping protect family members from secondhand smoke
Saving money that was spent on tobacco products
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to register by filling out the following registration form: Tobacco Cessation Class Inquiry Form.
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2026 at 12:34 pm
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Bureau will have its 44th annual youth recognition banquet next week on June 3 and will be honoring 11 youths, while also presenting awards to adults who make a difference with kids.
The event will be June 3 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 and reservations are due today.
“For more than four decades, Orleans County each year has recognized amazing young people who are doing some extraordinary work in support of our community,” said Kelly Kiebala, Youth Bureau administrator. “Celebrating young people for their service doesn’t just honor what they’ve done, it sends a powerful message that leadership begins with helping others.”
The 2026 Youth Recognition Awards honor those young people who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.
Receiving awards are: Neveya Barnes, Isabella Bresett, Elizibeth Conner, Izabella Garcia, Nora Lindsay, Colton Smith, Logan Callara, Krysta Laitenberger, Maya Tatar, Winter English and Madison Hults.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, Jami Allport will receive the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations. Allport is a cheerleading coach at Albion and the executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.
Jonathan and Brie Trembley of Albion will receive the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to adults who serve the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
The Trembleys are youth leaders at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 4-H club leaders for the Cornell Cooperative Extension and work with the Albion marching band.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2026 at 10:43 am
The price for regular unleaded gas was down a penny in Orleans County in the past week from $4.618 on May 18 to $4.608 today, according to AAA.
The national average price is $4.49, down three cents from last Monday, while the statewide average is $4.59, down two cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13, AAA reported.
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
Orleans, $4.608
Genesee, $4.573
Monroe, $4.562
Niagara, $4.556
Erie, $4.590
Wyoming, $4.623
Livingston, $4.598
Chautauqua, $4.614
Cattaraugus, $4.589
Allegany, $4.586
Diesel prices are also on the decline this week, with the national average at $5.58, down five cents from last week, and the New York average at $5.91, down three cents from last week.
“Gas prices are down across the board coming off the Memorial Day holiday,” AAA said today in a news release. “Despite pain at the pump, AAA projected 45 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day this year, which set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record with 39.1 million people driving and 3.66 million flying to their destinations.”
5th annual event in honor of Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper
Press Release, Orleans County Self-Advocate All Stars
KNOWLESVILLE – Join us for a welcoming day of learning, sharing, and community connection as self-advocates, families, and local partners come together to celebrate leadership, inclusion, and the voices of people with lived experience.
The 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trolley Building at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, Route 12690 Route 31, Albion.
Self-advocates, families, friends, community partners, and anyone who wants to support inclusion are encouraged to attend.
The schedule includes:
10 to 10:10 a.m. – Welcome and opening remarks by Andrew Johnston, president of Orleans County Self-Advocates All Stars
10:10 to 10:20 a.m. – Junior Self-Advocacy Welcome from Logan Gerling, president of Junior Self-Advocacy All Stars
10:20 to 10:30 a.m. – Tribute to Jonathan and Gladys by Russel Johnson, SANYS
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Special Guest Presentation by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. (SANYS)
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Community Connection: Enjoy a meal together and take time to meet others in the community.
12:30 to12:45 p.m. – Community Safety Presentation by Susan Howard, Orleans County District Attorney
12:45 to 1 p.m. – Emergency Response Overview by Pam Cherry, Mercy Flight
1 to 2 p.m. – Community Connection Activities: Join in interactive activities designed to help people connect, learn, and have fun together.
2 to 2:20 p.m. – Community Media Spotlight by Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub
2:20 to 3 p.m. – Closing Activities: Wrap up the day with reflection, conversation, and time together.
We would love to see you there. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact: Terry Kingdollar, family support specialist, at (585) 261-8734 or tkingdollar@arcglow.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 5:16 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The flags are raised at State Street Park in Medina for a Memorial Day ceremony that started at noon. The flags were raised while the national anthem was played by the Medina Marching Band.
The ceremony is held by the World War I cannon at State Street Park.
The crowd stood at attention while the anthem was played.
The parade procession heads down East Center Street where American flags and Hometown Hero banners lined the street.
The Honor Guard provided a dignified presence at the ceremony and also did a gun salute.
Jim Freas served as the emcee of the service in Medina. The names of Medina veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day were read during the service.
Bill Morgan, a member of the American Legion and VFW, marched with a group of veterans in the parade, which started at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue and went to State Street Park.
Carmen Stalker, drum major or the Medina Marching Band, leads the group down East Center Street.
The Medina Marching Band played patriotic music during the procession.
The marching band passes by the VFW on East Center Street.
The Medina Lions Club celebrated scholarship winners, Lilah Class (left) and Mackenzie Sword.
Jarred Saj carries the American flag in the parade.
Medina’s new Mini Mustang Band made its debut during the parade. The band includes students in grades 5, 6 and is co-led by teachers, Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch (in front behind banner).
Dave Sevenski marched with the Knights of Columbus and passed out treats along the route.
A big contingent from Medina youth sports teams marched down Main Street.
Rollin Hellner, owner of The Walsh, drove a vintage fire truck in the parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 3:52 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Casimer Pruski, a member of the Knights of Columbus, marches in today’s Memorial Day parade in Albion. Behind him Joe Pawlak holds a sign, “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.”
Veterans march down Main Street in Albion on their way to East Avenue and the front of the middle school where there was a Memorial Day service.
Phil Warne of the American Legion carries the American flag in the parade.
Boy Scouts marched in the flag with Stryker Braley carrying the American flag and Graham Firby holding the flag for Troop 164.
Rob Conner drives an Albion fire truck in the parade.
The Albion marching band performed in the parade.
The drum majors for the band this year include Gideon Pask and Hanna Kumalac.
The marching band heads down South Main Street past Hoag Library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2026 at 2:47 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Boy Scout Troop 59 was part of the Memorial Day parade this morning in Holley.
Tyler Moore, left, carries the Troop 59 flag while Ryker Knight carries the American flag. They are joined by Scoutmaster Randy Moore.
There was a ceremony at the American Legion Post on Wright Street and then a procession from South Main Street to Hillside Cemetery where there were services in honor of veterans.
Madison Hults of Kendall leads the Holley-Kendall marching band as the drum major.
The band played patriotic music as part of the parade.
Miranda Blanar is a member of the color guard in the Holley-Kendall marching band. There are about 50 students total in the marching band.
The band works their way up the hill on South Main Street on their way to Hillside Cemetery.
Todd Klatt, a mechanic in the National Guard, drives this military vehicle in the parade. Klatt is a sergeant first class who returned home in November after a 9-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The vehicle is a M1120A4 Load Handling System. It is a mobility tactical truck. The ladder truck for the Murray Joint Fire District is after the military vehicle.
The tactical truck had a tribute in honor of veterans who have died. Klatt’s wife Mary, son Trent and daughter Olivia were on back of the truck tossing candy.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 May 2026 at 7:36 pm
Vendors welcome for flea market at Olde Pickle Factory
Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left, Medina Lions Jason Cogovan, Jim Hancock and Pete Kaiser pose with the sign at the Olde Picke Factory advertising their chicken barbecue, community yard sale and flea market on June 6.
MEDINA – The Medina Lions’ annual Community Yard Sale first kicked off summer events in Medina more than 20 years ago on the first Saturday in June. The addition of a flea market and chicken barbecue at the Olde Picke Factory have made it a popular attraction which grows in popularity every year.
This year’s event on Saturday is co-chaired by Pete Kaiser and Jim Hancock, with help from Jason Cogovan, Randy Reese, Dave Bellucci, and Chris and Julie Keller.
Kaiser has the added distinction of being “Weiner Man,” a title earned by loading a grill on his pickup truck and driving throughout the village during the yard sale selling hot dogs. The theory behind the “Weinermobile” is that shoppers don’t want to leave the multiple yard sales which dot the village streets just to get lunch. It is much more convenient to run to the curb and grab a hotdog, so as not to miss a big bargain.
The flea market annually brings up to 40 vendors who set up on the grounds of the Olde Pickle Factory. Anyone still wishing to reserve a spot may do so by contacting Randy Reese at (716) 471-0524.
The popular chicken barbecue by Chiavetta’s will again be served, beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling Jim Hancock at (585) 798-2118.
Proceeds from the event are used by Medina Lions for projects to support the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2026 at 8:50 am
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education will have a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday to present budget options after the district’s proposed budget for 2026-27 was rejected by voters on Tuesday.
The meeting on Tuesday will be in the Jr./Sr. High School Library.
The district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The tax levy in the proposed budget would have increased by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2026 at 8:19 am
ALBION – The state has approved a $500,000 grant for Orleans County to upgrade the animal shelter at the intersection of Route 31A and Route 98.
The funding will go for kennel installation, upgraded fencing and HVAC systems, structural repairs and drainage improvements.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the grant as part of $10 million awarded to 31 animal care organizations across the state through the eighth round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund. The grants were announced on Friday.
“From cats and dogs to small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, pets are family,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of these beloved companion animals start their journey at an animal shelter or humane society, so I’m proud to continue supporting these essential organizations through New York’s historic Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund. This funding awarded today is going to make a real difference, helping to better equip these vital facilities with the tools they need to keep our furry friends safe and well cared for as they wait to meet their new families.”
Since the 2017 launch of the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund program, the state has dedicated over $48 million to the program.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2026 at 8:06 pm
‘He had a knack for communicating with people. As soon as you sat down with him, you felt like you had known him all your life.’ – Sheriff Chris Bourke
Photos by Tom Rivers: David Green is pictured on Aug. 23, 2017 during the Super Cruise on Main Street in Medina. Green organized the car shows in Medina for more than 25 years with proceeds going to the United Way. For many of those years, he teamed with Donna Bushover and Donna Mruczek in putting on the events.
EAST SHELBY – Orleans County is mourning the loss of David Green, a retired sheriff who stayed very busy in retirement as a community volunteer, especially with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
He was a sought after emcee for fire department banquets for decades, well liked for his sense of humor and his ability to also bring a dignified presence to the events.
Green was a rarity in Orleans County: a Democrat elected to a countywide position. He reached across party lines and had an amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life, whether an inmate in the county jail or high-ranking politicians, said Chris Bourke, the current sheriff.
“He had a knack for communicating with people,” Bourke said. “As soon as you sat down with him, you felt like you had known him all your life.”
Photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Department: David Green served 20 years as Orleans County sheriff, retiring after 1998.
Green was sheriff when Bourke was hired in 1984, as a part-time corrections officer making $5.30 an hour. Green would promote him to corporal in the jail, then to a deputy sheriff on Jan. 1, 1986 and later to lieutenant and K9 handler.
Green was elected sheriff in 1978 after serving as the county’s fire coordinator. He brought an ability to work with people and expand the department’s services. He was the Orleans County sheriff for 20 years.
“The department was growing and he knew how to manage his resources,” Bourke said.
Green joined the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company when he was 18. On March 7 he attended the annual banquet and was recognized for 65 years of service to East Shelby. His father Milton was a charter member of the fire company.
Green served as fire chief at East Shelby from 1966 to 1972. In 1970, he was appointed Orleans County emergency manager and in 1972 he took on additional duties as Orleans County fire coordinator, working with 1,600 volunteer firefighters at the time. He was an experienced administrator, as well as an arson investigator.
Bourke said Green, when he was sheriff, built a strong bridge between the Sheriff’s Department and the volunteer fire service.
“Sheriff Green served this county in ways few ever have,” Justin Niederhofer, the county’s current emergency management director, posted on Facebook today. “He gave years of faithful service as a member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, where he was known not just for showing up, but for being all-in — the kind of member every department hopes to build around.”
Green’s career of public service is “truly rare in its breadth and commitment,” Niederhofer said about Green’s roles as director of Emergency Management, County fire coordinator and Orleans County sheriff.
“To follow in someone’s footsteps means something different when you’ve seen the path they walked,” Niederhofer said. “David helped shape the foundation that this office stands on, and that is not something we take lightly.”
In his retirement, he remained an active volunteer with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and helped organize East Shelby’s annual swap meet at fairgrounds, which usually raises $5,000 to $10,000 for fire company.
Green for more than 25 years led the car shows in Medina, teaming with Donna Bushover and Donna Mruczek for many of those years. The car shows would draw about 100 cars on a typical Friday.
The “Super Cruise” brings about 200-300 cars when Main Street is closed off and an Elvis impersonator entertains. Green also sells raffle tickets during the Super Cruise with proceeds going to the Orleans County United Way. Green retired as car show organizer after the 2023 season.
For many years he served as the emcee of fire department banquets around the county, mixing in many jokes and gentle ribbing of the firefighters and elected officials in the crowd.
“He was a very friendly guy who had the ability to make everyone feel at home,” Sheriff Bourke said.
David Green, second from left, is presented a “Special Recognition Award” in March 2021 from Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick and an award from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York by Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management coordinator at the time. Debbie Taylor, the East Shelby fire chief, joined Green at the County Legislature’s chambers for the awards for his 60 years of service with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. This award was presented during a time with Covid restrictions when people were encouraged to wear masks in public.
‘The Mayor of East Shelby’
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor has known Dave Green for more than two decades – 21 of which they served together in the fire service, she said.
“He was more than just a fellow firefighter or a friend – he was family,” Taylor said. “He was the patriarchal of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company for sure. A lot of people called him the mayor of East Shelby. Well, he was.”
Taylor said Green was the kind of person you could run anything by him without asking him first.
“He was a person you could always count on, regardless of the situation,” she said. “He stood by me through both good and difficult times. I will never forget how he encouraged me to run for fire chief. He often told me how proud he was that I became the first female chief in Orleans County.”
She continued to say Green carried himself with strength, loyalty and compassion, always giving everything he had to ensure others felt support and respected.
“His passing leaves a significant void, but his impact will live on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught and the memories we all shared,” Taylor said. “I’m going to miss him terribly. I already do.”
Sheriff Bourke praised Green for giving him an opportunity when he hired him as a corrections officer in 1984, and then again on Jan. 1, 1986, when Green hired him as a deputy sheriff.
“I was promoted to lieutenant and assigned as the canine handler in 1987,” Bourke said. “Dave gave me the opportunity to move up through the ranks and be elected sheriff in 2020. I thank him for that.”
Bourke added Green was a kind-hearted person who volunteered a lot of time to the community, including coaching Little League and volunteering with the East Shelby Fire Company.
