Press Release, Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Program
BATAVIA – For the last 10 years, the Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Program (Tobacco-Free GOW) has worked with community leaders and youth champions to help reduce tobacco use in all three counties.
A new five-year New York State Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities grant for $1.8 million will build on the previous tobacco control and prevention work conducted by Tobacco-Free GOW. The contract from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control is one of three contracts awarded to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and will be administered under the direction of Maansi Bansal-Travers, PhD.
The Roswell Park tobacco-free programs support efforts to locally educate community stakeholders and youth in changing norms that lead to ending tobacco use among adults and children. Tobacco-Free GOW will continue to be operated by Community Engagement Coordinator Julie Calvert and Reality Check Youth Engagement Coordinator Brittany Bozzer.
“With their extensive contacts and experience in tobacco control, Julie and Brittany will be local leaders as we strive to create healthier communities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties,” said Program Director Dr. Maansi Bansal-Travers.
“I’m excited to continue my work in tobacco control for another five years and look forward to engaging local community leaders and the public to strengthen tobacco-related policies that prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said Calvert.
Bozzer added, “I have been so privileged to be involved with the many successes that the tobacco control program has had over the last eight years. My role in youth engagement helps me focus on creating a tobacco-free generation, a goal that will help save lives.”
Andrew Hyland, PhD, Chair of the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center added, “Roswell Park has a long history of leading national and regional tobacco control efforts. These contracts provide an opportunity to continue those efforts in an efficient way that employs local leaders as they strive to prevent youth smoking and create tobacco-free communities throughout Western New York.”
The primary goals of the tobacco control program are to:
Reduce the impact of retail tobacco marketing on youth by educating communities about the manipulative marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
Establish tobacco-free community norms through clean outdoor air policies by working with communities to create more smoke-free parks, playgrounds and beaches.
Lessen secondhand smoke exposure by working with landlords and tenants to implement smoke-free housing policies in multi-unit dwellings.
Diminish the environmental impact of tobacco product waste by working with community stakeholders to reduce the plastic pollution generated from cigarette filters and e-cigarette cartridges, as well as holding the tobacco industry accountable for its environmental footprint.
Monitor and address the challenges with industry-related influences and the changing tobacco product landscape with the continued rise of e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use.
All counties in New York State now have the resources of a community engagement program and a Reality Check youth action program through the Bureau of Tobacco Control. These contracts build on previous tobacco control funded work which supports the region’s public health efforts and provides more comprehensive programing across the state.
The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control funds Tobacco-Free GOW to increase support for New York State’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement. Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. The program is administered by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has selected Dr. Heather Lyon as the next district superintendent. She will succeed Sharon Smith, who is retiring July 31.
Dr. Lyon began her career in education as a long-term substitute teacher for English Language Arts and has since served as a classroom teacher, staff developer, principal and school district leader. Most recently, she served as the Coordinator of Assessment and Data at Gates Chili Central School District.
She has worked with a wide range of students: those who speak English at home and those who are learning it for the first time; those who need additional support and those who are ready for advanced work; and those with special education plans, such as IEPs or 504s.
No matter their background, Lyon believes every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed. The Lyndonville school district is already a strong district with a proud history, and she is excited to be a part of it.
“I am looking forward to Dr. Lyon utilizing her strengths to construct and implement processes, policies, strategic planning, positive culture, and collaboration among stakeholders,” said Jerod Thurber, the board president.
He also expressed his gratitude to Smith for her time as superintendent for the district.
The Board of Education formally appointed Lyon at the board meeting on June 10. She will begin work on August 1.
The board would like to thank the Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Taweepon Farrar for her time as the consultant and facilitator of the superintendent search.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2025 at 2:23 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – Dean Marine & Excavating Inc. from Michigan has big pieces of equipment in the Oak Orchard Harbor today. Dean has been scooping sediment from the harbor to make the channel more passable for boaters.
The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $2 million contract to Dean Marine & Excavating to perform the dredging work at the oak Orchard and soon to follow, Great Sodus Bay.
A total of approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material from Oak Orchard is contracted to be dredged and placed in designated open lake sites. The harbor was last dredged in 2021. That followed a seven-year stretch when it was dredged in 2014.
Dredging of these harbors ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports more than $24 million in business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector combined, the Army Corps stated in a news release.
Oak Orchard Harbor is a shallow-draft harbor. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $6.8 million in business revenue, 94 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $6 million in labor income to the nation, the Army Corps said.
Great Sodus Bay also is a shallow-draft harbor on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $9.3 million in business revenue, 142 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $8.7 million in labor income to the nation
Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak said the dredging at Oak Orchard took a lot work and collaboration. Fitzak said the cooperation with our federal delegation, in particular Congressman Morelle, was key. Morelle’s district briefly included approximately the northern half of Orleans, but another redistricting has since put Orleans totally in Cluadia Tenney’s district.
“When redistricting brought Congressman Morelle to Orleans County, we were eager to take him on a tour of community assets and he was very interested in learning about our federal priorities,” Fitzak said. “Among several issues, we focused on the importance of Oak Orchard Harbor to our local tourism and recreational economy and the need to ensure safe passage of boats through it. He was well aware of the dredging issue and wanted to help.”
Fitzak was also part of the local delegation that travels to Washington, DC each year to further lobby for community priorities.
“These trips allowed us to keep our top issues front and center, with federal leaders and paid off when funds were provided for dredging,” Fitzak said. “Our federal delegation delivered for us and we are very appreciative.”
This photo is from a boat launch looking north to the lake.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2025 at 9:28 am
Legislature hires consultant to help present alternatives to public
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Murray Joint Fire District – led by in front from left, Pete Hendrickson, Rick Cary and Kevin Dann – march in the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade on June 26. In 2021, the Murray Joint Fire District combined the Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray districts.
ALBION – Orleans County has hired a consultant to assist local officials in looking at several options for providing EMS and fire service in the county.
Municipal Resource Inc. (MRI) of Plymouth, NH will work with the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency on a study looking at options to improve EMS and the fire service in the short and long term in the county.
MRI will be paid $71,807 for its work, with half of that coming from a state Local Government Efficiency grant. The other half will come out of Emergency Management’s budget.
Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director, said MRI will work with local officials from villages, towns, the fire departments and EMS providers. The study will look at options ranging from the current nearly all-volunteer fire service to having paid firefighters in all three battalions.
The Village of Medina is currently the only department with paid staff and they respond to fires and handle the EMS calls on the western end of the county.
Many of the fire companies and departments are short-staffed especially with responses during the work hours.
Niederhofer said there will be opportunities for public inut as the study moves forward in the coming months.
A long line of fire trucks participated in the Kendall parade on June 26, including a group from the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2025 at 8:18 am
ALBION – UConnectCare has announced a ribbon cutting and an open house for the new 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd., Albion.
The open house and ribbon cutting will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 13.
This will be the first residential program for women and their children for UConnectCare, formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
The site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting.
Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units.
UConnectCare awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence, which will total $5.2 million.
UConnectCare has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs during the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, UConnectCare officials said.
The residence was built on part of a 9-acre wooded lot just outside of the Albion village limits.
UConnectCare will operate the facility, with staffing at all hours, seven days a week.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2025 at 7:34 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Richard Moy is shown with State Sen. Robert Ortt after the Kendall carnival on June 26.
CLARENDON – Richard Moy, the dean of the town supervisors in Orleans County, has retired after 24 years of leading the Clarendon town government.
Moy stepped back from the position on May 31. Marc Major, a Clarendon town councilman, is serving as acting town supervisor for the rest of Moy’s term through Dec. 31. Frederick Seeman III was appointed to fill Major’s spot as councilman with the term to expire Dec. 31.
Moy led the town is adding several new water districts, with public water extended into the town through districts 6 through 13.
“Only a small part of town that isn’t covered with public water,” Moy said. “It’s in the works, we just haven’t got the grant money. That’s a lot of work, let me tell you.”
Moy said he tried hard to keep town taxes in check. When he started the town tax rate was $.519 per $1,000 of assessed property. In 2025, the rate is $4.29.
Before becoming town supervisor, Moy was one of three assessors for Clarendon. He did that for six years. He also worked for Kodak for 34 years as a manager.
Moy said his experience at Kodak helped him as the town chief financial officer and with managing the town employees.
Moy said Clarendon has very dedicated employees, and he will miss the camaraderie at the town hall.
Richard Moy
“The staff at our town is just outstanding, every one of them,” he said. “That’s what I’ll miss the most – working with those people. They are the best of the best.”
Moy, 82, said he has been working steady for more than seven decades. It started with a paper route when was 10 and had 125 customers.
“It’s been 72 years of work,” Moy said. “It’s time to quit.”
Moy is proud of his Clarendon roots, which go all the way back to the town’s founder, Eldridge Farwell. Moy’s uncle, Jake May, was the town supervisor when Moy was a child.
“I’ve been going to town board meetings since I was a young kid,” he said.
Many people don’t relish board meetings, but Moy enjoyed the process, and helping to move Clarendon forward.
“I like to know what’s going on,” he said. “In that job you get to know what’s going on and see how government works. Very few people know it and all the rules and what people can do.”
Moy sees an engaged community that turns out for events, including the lighted Christmas parade. Moy and his wife Sady decorated a golf cart in lights and rode in that parade from the Clarendon fire hall to the town museum next to the town hall.
That route goes by the old stone store from the 1840s, a building in disrepair that the town purchased in 2018, and is now better maintained for the town historian’s records and collection.
Moy said the town is in good hands with Major as town supervisor.
“He is very detail oriented,” Moy said. “He does his research. I think he’ll do very well.”
Provided photo: Mark Ferrara will be at Author’s Note at 4 p.m. on Saturday to discuss his new book, The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal.
MEDINA – On Saturday, July 12th at 4 p.m., Mark Ferrara, professor of English at the State University of New York, will visit Author’s Note in Medina to discuss and sign his book, The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal.
In this groundbreaking book, Ferrara tells the stories of the ordinary people who lived, worked, and died along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class in its construction. He chronicles the fates of the Native Americans whose land was appropriated for the canal, the European immigrants who bored its route through the wilderness, and the orphan children who drove draft animals that pulled boats around the clock.
Ferrara shows how the canal served as a conduit for the movement of new ideas and religions, a corridor for enslaved people seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad, and a spur for social reform movements that emerged in response to the poverty and suffering along its path.
Brimming with vivid characters drawn from the underbelly of antebellum life, The Raging Erie explores the social dislocation and untold hardships at the heart of a major engineering feat, shedding light on the lives of the canallers who toiled on behalf of American expansion.
Currently a professor at SUNY Oneonta, Mark Ferrara is the author of two previous books, American Community: Radical Experiments in Intentional Living (2020) and Living the Food Allergic Life (2023).
Ferrara will sign copies of his book and answer questions during his visit to the bookstore on July 12. Copies of The Raging Erie are available at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/Events.
For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at the store’s website. Contact Author’s Note for more information at (585) 798-3642.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A crowd watches the fireworks to cap the July 4th Independence Day celebration in Lyndonville.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this year’s 51st Annual Independence Day Celebration.
Red, white, and blue proudly filled the streets of Lyndonville as we came together to honor the 249th birthday of our great nation. From the very start of the parade, patriotism was in the air.
Provided photo: Panek Farms brought a ladder truck with a large American flag to the start of the Lyndonville parade on Friday for the Fourth of July.
A special thank you goes to Mr. James Panek and Panek Farms for their incredible contribution – an impressive ladder truck and towering American flag that welcomed all parade participants as they arrived at the staging area.
It is through the generous support of the public and the fundraising efforts of the Lions that celebrations like this are possible. We would be remiss not to recognize Batavia Downs and Gaming as our platinum sponsor for this event.
Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home served as a gold sponsor, and our silver sponsors include Burger King, Harold Suhr and the White Birch Restaurant, Mr. Steven Vann, the Johnson/Fiegl Family, and Orleans Community Health. We are especially grateful to the Lyndonville Area Foundation, who led the way in corporate support for this event.
We want to thank the Parsons family for the honor and privilege in allowing us to remember and salute one of Lyndonville’s finest, Colonel Rick N. Parsons. The Lions wish to thank all serving and retired men and women of the United States Military for their service to this great nation.
As we turn the page on July 4, 2025, the Lions are already hard at work planning what we’re proudly calling the “Grand Daddy of Them All”— the Lyndonville Lions’ 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration. As you know, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and we’re committed to making this celebration one for the history books.
To help bring this vision to life, the Lions will be collaborating with a dedicated group of community volunteers. A chairperson for this planning committee will be announced in the near future. Anyone interested in getting involved or sharing ideas will be encouraged to reach out to that individual directly.
In the spirit of unity and celebration, the Lions will also invite surrounding Lions Clubs to participate next year—whether through float entries or other creative contributions.
We want to let people know about our Community Appreciation Concert at Yates Town Park on Thursday, July 10th starting at 5 p.m. A free concert by Crash Cadillac with complimentary hot dogs for all attendees are just a few of the events planned to say thank you for the support.
The Lions would like everyone to save the date Saturday, October 18, as the second annual Lyndonville Lions Club Octoberfest will be returning to Lyndonville. Signage, ticket sales and information on this event will be forthcoming.
Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and this great nation.
Photos from Friends of Boxwood Cemetery: These photos show the before and after of the Rastrick headstone after a cleaning.
Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will be conducting a Headstone Cleaning Seminar at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Boxwood Cemetery on North Gravel Road in Medina.
Participants are asked to park at the back of the cemetery. A sign-in table will be set up near the location of the seminar.
“This event is always well-attended,” according to Robby Klino, the president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery. “People will enjoy hearing a bit of the history of Boxwood Cemetery as well.”
Todd Bensley, who will be leading the seminar, said, “We hope that participants will use the information to properly clean the headstones of family members, whether they are in Boxwood or another cemetery.”
Those interested may simply observe the seminar, or be active participants in cleaning headstones. If you plan to observe you can bring a lawn chair. The demonstration should last about thirty minutes.
If you are going to actively participate, tools and safety equipment will be provided.
There is no fee for the seminar, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
Members who attend the event, and those signing up to be members of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery on that day, will receive a spray bottle of the proper cleaner used in the seminar. Individual memberships are $25.
Photo courtesy of Arc GLOW – Arc GLOW Trotters Self-Advocacy group are shown at the 2025 Western Region Self-Advocacy Conference in Niagara Falls.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
NIAGARA FALLS – During the 2025 Western Region Self-Advocacy Conference on June 20 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, three Arc GLOW staff were honored.
During the Awards Luncheon, Arc GLOW received Agency of the Year. Director of Community Pre-vocation Erika Forbes, Self-Determination Assistant Sarah Campbell and Self-Advocate and staff Hannah Brown also all won awards; Forbes was named the Self-Advocacy Advisor of the Year, Campbell received Direct Support Professional of the Year, and Brown won Volunteer of the Year.
Arc GLOW also had workshops led by staff and featuring Arc GLOW self-advocates during the conference.
The Batavia GLOW Trotters Self-Advocacy group led “Living a Healthy Lifestyle,” and Nathan Johnidas, Arc GLOW self-advocate, worked with Erin McGuinness, a staff attorney with Disability New York, to present “All About Guardianship.” Andrew Johnston, an Arc GLOW self-advocate, was featured with Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Grassroots Field Assistant Allen Fontaine and Independent Support Broker Renee Christian on a panel about “Self-Direction.”
“The SANYS (Self Advocacy Association of New York State) conference is one of my favorite events. There are so many great presentations to select from, our group has a hard time choosing,” Forbes said. “The Niagara Falls Convention Center is a beautiful venue. They are so accommodating for our groups and the staff are always so nice. The SANYS team that puts on these events always do a great job of selecting keynote speakers, presentations and activities that are both inspirational and fun. The GLOW Trotters group can’t wait to go again next year.”
SANYS was founded in 1986. This peer-led nonprofit has upheld the principle “Nothing about us, without us,” empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through training and community-building. SANYS offers support to over 150 local groups and six regional offices statewide, continuing to spark positive change.
Arc GLOW is a public nonprofit providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2025 at 11:09 am
Gas prices have decreased an average of 5 cents nationally to $3.14 and 2 cents state-wide to $3.19 compared to a week ago, AAA is reporting today.
The national average price for regular unleaded is down 37 cents compared to the $3.51 a year, and down 43 cents in NYS compared to $3.62 a year ago, AAA said.
“Despite record travel for the Independence Day weekend, gas prices are lower this morning coming off the holiday,” AAA said in a statement today. “That’s great news for the 61.6 million road trippers who drove to their destinations to celebrate the 4th of July. Oil prices have retreated back into the $66 to $68 per barrel range.”
Diesel prices have fluctuated recently and this morning are down by a penny to $3.68 compared to last week. The New York average is $3.92, down one cent from last week.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2025 at 9:32 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: CAOG’s board president Barb Shine spoke during Community Action’s in-service day and praised staff for the work they have done in the community.
ALBION – The annual In-service Day for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was again held this year at Albion Elks Lodge, with a theme of “Beacon of Hope: Illuminating Paths to Possibility.”
The day began with breakfast catered by the Coffee Pot Café and welcome by CAOG’s executive director Renee Hungerford, who announced the agency was incorporated Sept. 13, 1965, making it 60 years old this year. To celebrate, she declared June 20 an agency holiday, following Juneteenth and giving staff a long weekend off.
Board president Barb Shine introduced board members in attendance, welcomed guests and praised the staff for their accomplishments.
Hungerford next read the government impact of legislation proposed by President Trump in his budget, in which both the Community Services Block Grant, the foundational funding of a Community Action agency, and LIHEAP, a source that partially funds their weatherization program, are eliminated.
She also read a passage from Project 2025 which proposed the elimination of Head Start. She elaborated on the importance of raising awareness of these developments so people can voice their concerns before final decisions are made.
Hungerford stated she had responded to the president, but never got a reply.
Photo courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Ryan Lasal, director of Family Program Innovation/Chief Innovation Officer, and Tina Schleede, director of Finance and Administration/CFO, hand out awards during Community Action’s In-service Day. (Photo by Ginny Kropf – right) – Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, welcomes staff and guests to the annual In-service Day at Albion Elks Club.
Hungerford also urges everyone to read her letter to the editor on Orleans Hub, in which she stresses the importance of the Community Services Block Grant and how devastating it would be if the funding were lost.
A recap of Community Action showed the agency served nearly 5,000 individuals during the 2023-24 program year, an increase of more than 101% over the year ending in 2021. That equates to 2,628 households served.
Approximately 2,600 individuals benefitted nutritionally from food panties, food distribution, surplus food and prepared meals at the Holley Center, while 687 households received holiday meal kits.
Community Action provided assistance to 141 individuals to avoid eviction and 78 individuals were aided in avoiding utility shut-off.
School supplies were provided to 206 children, and five individuals received employment support, including job searching assistance, on-the-job training and work appropriate clothing.
The Main Street store continues to serve the community, with 92 prom dresses provided to students across eight counties; 182 individuals in need received hats, gloves and scarves; and the Wishing Tree in the store inspired 76 community donations of gifts, warm coats, socks and clothing.
The Head Start program continued to provide vital services to 201 enrolled children and 66 children enrolled in Early Head Start.
ACT – Helping Youth ACT Responsibly had 522 youth participate in the evidence-based, comprehensive pregnancy/STD prevention curriculum, and the Credit Recovery program had 22 students who attended, of which 11 demonstrated basic grade level achievement and eight obtained a high school diploma.
Motivational speaker Joe Roberts of Vancouver was keynote speaker for CAOG’s annual In-service day and shared his inspirational story of rising from a homeless addict to CEO of a multi-million company. His life story can be read on his website.
Community Action provides seniors and people with disabilities safe transportation for medical visits and personal needs. During the program year, 159 individuals received 4,052 one-way transportation trips.
Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership had 100 children enrolled and brought up to date on age-appropriate immunizations. The Child Resource Center provided referrals to 64 individuals to licensed child care providers.
The Weatherization program provided services to 123 homes, making them more efficient. Through a partnership with the Department of Social Services, 99 households received air conditioner installation.
In addition to that, Community Action had many other highlights throughout the past year. These included adding a mural on the Main Street store, being selected by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce to receive their Community Service Award, full reorganization of the agency was completed, a successful Stone Soup program was also completed and three teams expanded to the Arnold Gregory facility.
A number of community needs were identified, such as helping people become self-sufficient, advocating for working parents to have access to safe and affordable childcare, expanding health-related programs, explore avenues to meet increasing demand for food, partner in programs to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness, expanding the Credit Recovery program to more Orleans County schools to increase graduation rates, help prevent death from overdose and become a distribution site for fentanyl and xylazine test kits, naloxone and educational materials and increase marketing, success stories, community involvement, etc. to increase brand awareness and public impact of the important role of Community Action.
Looking ahead, Community Action has identified priorities as addressing the 1115 Medicaid Waiver, developing the 2026 Community Needs Assessment and updated Strategic Plan, developing a Mental Health satellite at Holley, updating Mission and Vision statements, creating expanded transportation opportunities and exploring housing opportunities and partnerships.
One exciting new initiative is creating a Fresh Start Center at the Main Street Store, where students can launder clothes, shower, receive personal hygiene items and get connected with other needed social care services. A private grant will fund the shower, which won’t be added until next year.
Photos courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Veronica Barhite, a board member for Community Action, enjoys an ice cream sundae during the annual In-service Day at Albion Elk’s Club. (Right) CAOG director Renee Hungerford, right, and Cassie Healy, head of the Main Street Store, have an ice cream sundae during lunch break at the annual In-Service Day.
Hungerford stated, “The progress we’ve made in the last five years is incredible.” However, she sees the need for food going up and the number of homeless increasing.
Lunch for the day was catered by Zambistro and an ice cream truck was on site after lunch.
Following lunch and several games, Naloxone training was presented by Kaitlin Pettine, a public health educator with the Genesee Orleans County Health Departments.
Awards were presented, including 11 years-of-service awards for employees from five to 25 years with the agency. Eight employees received Achievement Awards for furthering their education, and nine Employee Recognition awards were given, with the top employee being Margi Davies, chosen by her peers and awarded a certificate for her strong upholding of the agency’s values. She also received an Achievement Award for making the Dean’s List and graduating from Empire State University with an associate’s degree in science, with a study of Early Childhood.
In her closing statement, Hungerford thanked everyone who made the day fun and successful. This included staff, the Elks Club for providing an affordable venue, Kaitlin Pettine for showing them how to save a life with Naloxone, Orleans Mental Health for making the Joe Roberts presentation possible, and the board of directors.
Event is open to veterans, first responders and their families
MEDINA – In partnership with the Orleans County Veteran Services, the Red Star Foundation will host a free Suicide Prevention Workshop on July 12th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vine Church, located at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd, Medina, NY 14103.
This important event is open to veterans and their families, first responders and their families, and Red Star Families (families of those lost to veteran or first responder suicide), with the goal of uniting the Orleans County community to combat the growing crisis of suicide among our nation’s heroes.
The workshop will feature educational presentations, peer-to-peer support resources, and a discussion of practical tools to help prevent suicide and identify warning signs. Lunch will be provided free of charge, and attendees will have the chance to win door prizes as part of the community-building experience.
“Our veterans and first responders put their lives on the line for us,” said Jerry Shaffer, CEO of the Red Star Foundation and a native of Medina. “We owe it to them and their families to be there in their time of need. Suicide isn’t just a veteran issue, it’s a community issue. We want to break the silence, raise awareness, and remind people they are not alone.”
The statistics underscore the urgency:
More than 8,000 veterans die by suicide each year in the United States.
First responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
The emotional toll on families left behind is immeasurable and often unrecognized.
“I was born and raised here. These are our neighbors, our friends, our brothers and sisters,” said Rich McAdoo, a Medina native and Navy veteran. “We’re doing this workshop in our hometown because we believe change starts locally. If we can save even one life, it’s worth every effort.”
This workshop is part of the Red Star Foundation’s nationwide mission to support those affected by military, veteran and first responder suicide, and to build stronger, more resilient communities through awareness, education, and connection.
Come stand in solidarity with those who have served and those who continue to serve.
The Red Star Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to suicide prevention among veterans, first responders, and their families. Through education, peer support, and community programs, Red Star brings people together to heal, remember, and take action to save lives.
BATAVIA – For the last 10 years, the Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Program (Tobacco-Free GOW) has worked with community leaders and youth champions to help reduce tobacco use in all three counties.
MEDINA – In partnership with the Orleans County Veteran Services, the Red Star Foundation will host a free Suicide Prevention Workshop on July 12th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vine Church, located at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd, Medina, NY 14103.
