Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Peter Stritzinger, 13, places flags on veterans’ graves this morning at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Stritzinger and other Scouts in Troop 164 and Pack 164 set flags on more than 1,300 flags at Mount Albion and St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

The Scouts for decades have teamed with the American Legion and VFW to have the flags at veterans’ graves before Memorial Day.

Leo Gotte, 12, of Troop 164 and his mother, Megan Gotte, place flags where veterans are buried at Mount Albion.

Jack Breuilly, 13, (left) and Colson Braley, 14, carry flags while looking for veterans’ graves at Mount Albion.

Jay Baron, 5, teams with his father Jeff Baron to put flags at veterans’ markers. Jeff is the dean leader for Pack 164 which allows Scouts as young as 5. Jeff remembers putting flags at the cemetery before Memorial Day when he was a kid and a Boy Scout.

Colton Durow, 14, finds a veteran’s grave to place a flag. Mount Albion has many varieties of trees in bloom right now.

This year the Memorial Day parade begins on May 26 at 10 a.m. at the corner of Park Street and South Main Street and proceeds to the Middle School where there will be a service at 11 a.m. in front of the school.

People and organizations interested in being the parade should contact Phil Warne of the Legion at (585) 589-5701. He is co-chairman of the parade with Matt Passarell from the VFW.

Provided photos: Shown with 30 bags of fire safety products presented by United Way to Orleans County Office for the Aging on Friday are, from left, Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way; Samantha Koons, Aging Services specialist at Orleans County OFA; and Meghan Bevins, assistant director of the OFA.

Volunteers at United Way’s Day of Caring on Friday packed 45 bags containing fire protection and prevention items purchased with a grant from Heritage Wind. From left are Kathleen Bates with the Orleans County Office for the Aging; and volunteers from Takeform, Ellen Eaton and Jim Waters.

ALBION – A recent string of house fires in Orleans County has prompted United Way of Orleans County to apply for (and receive) a $3,000 grant from Heritage Wind to purchase fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

“We wanted to make sure the most vulnerable segment of the population – the aging and disabled – are protected,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County. “Office for the Aging staff have voiced concerns that many older adults are lacking basic fire protection products, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, because they can’t easily afford them.”

On Friday, during United Way’s annual Day of Caring, Gaylord and volunteers from Takeform delivered 30 of 45 bags with fire protection and prevention items to the Office for the Aging.

Ellen Eaton, Human Resources director at Takeform, and Jim Waters unpacked 10 boxes of products and organized and assembled the bags, Gaylord said.

Each bag contained a smoke alarm, a CO2 alarm, a fire extinguisher and a fire extinguishing blanket. The remaining bags will be donated to Adult Protective workers.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, welcomes volunteers for annual Day of Caring Friday morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

KNOWLESVILLE – A group of nearly three dozen volunteers stepped up on Friday to offer their services to eight charitable causes for the annual Day of Caring, sponsored by United Way of Orleans County.

United Way’s executive director Nyla Gaylord welcomed the volunteers at the Orleans County Fairgrounds, who were treated to breakfast pizza, coffee and donuts before embarking on their day’s assignments.

“Your volunteering today is another way to enhance your donations to United Way,” Gaylord told the volunteers gathered at the fairgrounds. “Every dollar we raise goes to help make our community better.”

Robert Batt, front, executive director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, loads gardening supplies in his vehicle for volunteers Steve Stringham and Aiden Cherry from Arc GLOW on Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

As in past years, the majority of volunteers came from Baxter Healthcare, Velociti and Takeform, along with Orleans Mental Health, The Arc and Connie Brunnette.

After breakfast and a thank you from Gaylord, the volunteers embarked on their assignments, which included mulching and weeding at Arc Glow; garden projects at Cornell Cooperative Extension; making Christmas ornaments for GO Art! at Cooperative Extension’s Education building; painting and cleanup at Camp Rainbow; card making and gardening at Hospice of Orleans County, creek bank cleanup and bushwhacking for Boy Scouts of America; planting bushes and plants at P’Raising Kids; staining a fence at Care Net; and sorting and delivering fire extinguishers to the Office for the Aging.

Cousins Miranda Reamer and Anna Kurman from Velociti wait for breakfast pizza before embarking on their volunteer assignments at Day of Caring. The two also volunteered last year and came back to help again.

After enjoying breakfast pizza, volunteers were sent off with snacks and a bottle of water.

Cousins Miranda Reamer and Anna Kurman, both employees of Velociti, said they had volunteered last year and came back again because they enjoyed helping people. Last year they did landscaping at a doctor’s office in Medina, and this year they were going to Hospice to make greeting cards and do landscaping.

“We volunteered because this is a nice way to get out and give back to our community,” Kurman said.

“We work from home, so this is a great opportunity to get out in the air,” Reamer said.

Karen Krug, who volunteered from Orleans Mental Health with Melinda Rhim and Jessica Kincaid, said she volunteers because she knows the work United Way does in the county.

“Giving has to come from all avenues,” Krug said. “It’s this kind of stuff you show up for, and it’s very fulfilling.”

Krug said Rhim had requested they be assigned to Camp Rainbow, where they were going to paint and do cleanup.

“It’s nice to go back to the same location, because now we know what to do,” Krug said.

Rhim said she has been volunteering for Day of Caring for many years.

“I was on the board of United Way for 10 years and have done all kinds of projects for them,” Rhim said. “This is our third year at Camp Rainbow. I feel it’s a hidden gem. We feel the gratitude when we’re getting it ready for the kids.”

Ryin Moriarity, an employee from Baxter, said this was her second year volunteering. They were going to the YMCA in Medina.

“They need a lot of landscaping and we have a large group and wanted to stick together,” Moriarity said.

Jodi Fisher, program director and State-Wide Community Regrant coordinator at Go Art!, came to Day of Caring at Cooperative Extension to paint light bulbs for Christmas ornaments, which are sold as a fundraiser.

Gaylord shared news of a $3,000 grant United Way received from Heritage Wind to buy fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. She said this was a result of the frequency of house fires in the area, and United Way wanted to make sure the most vulnerable (aging and disabled) were protected. Volunteers assisted in delivering them to the Office for the Aging later in the morning.

At the fairgrounds, Cooperative Extension director Robert Batt loaded gardening tools for volunteers Steve Stringham and Aiden Cherry from The Arc, who were going to do gardening projects.

“We are doing a hedge row garden and the Master Gardeners need some help getting it prepped today,” Batt said.

Volunteers lined up Friday morning to get their assignments for Day of Caring. Thirty-four volunteers from local businesses donated their time on Friday to help charitable causes.

File photo by Tom Rivers: A canal boat named Canandaigua takes a leisurely trip on the Erie Canal in this photo from Sept. 23, 2015. The photo was taken from the Presbyterian Road canal bridge in Albion.

The Canal Corporation was planning a big celebration on May 16 in honor of the 200^th anniversary of the historic waterway’s opening day of the season.

But “relentless rain” affected eastern and central New York will delay the opening of the canal at Lyons heading east. That has made the water levels higher than usual.

The Erie Canal will open as scheduled in Orleans County and the western end.

Here is the statement from the Canal Corporation about the opening of the season:

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the New York State Canal system will open in phases beginning Friday, May 16th due to severe weather that has necessitated a delay in the opening schedule for the Canal system.

Specifically, significant rainfall has created high flows and unsafe conditions along the Eastern and Central Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and Oswego Canal.  

The opening schedule is as follows –

Friday, May 16th –

Erie Canal Lock E-28A (Lyons) will be operational through Locks E-34/35 (Lockport)

Boaters should be aware of floating debris generated by recent heavy rainfall and proceed with caution, at a “No Wake” speed, as some debris may be hard to see. Some buoys (Aids to Navigation) may be off station and are being relocated by Canal forces.

As conditions safely permit, additional openings of the Canal system will be announced in subsequent Notice to Mariners.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the patience of mariners and the public while crews work to prepare the waterway for navigation once conditions are safe. 

Upon opening, all locks and lift bridges will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily with some locks and lift bridges operating until 9:00 p.m. Mariners are advised to check the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information.

There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.

As part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial commemoration, the Canal Corporation is extending this year’s navigation season. The Canal system will remain open for both recreational and commercial vessels until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

Provided photo: Jarred Saj accepts the Volunteer of the Year award from Brittany Dix, Hospice’s community outreach specialist.

ALBION – Hospice of Orleans hosted our Annual Volunteer Luncheon on April 28 at Risen Cafe to recognize and celebrate all of our volunteers and the ways that they contribute to our mission throughout the year.

Jarred Saj was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award. While many know that Jarred is a fantastic ticket-seller, they may not know that Jarred is someone who consistently reaches out to inquire about ways that he might be helpful.

He engages in each of our events in some way and is always asking “How can I help?” and finding out what is next. Jarred has a full calendar and is always sure to prioritize Hospice of Orleans when we need him.

He has already signed up to volunteer for our golf tournament in August and would love to see folks there!

Kelli Elyse Dingle will travel to DC to see her artwork in US Capitol

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Kelli Elyse Dingle’s “Fried Eggs” won the Congressional Art Contest for the 24th district. Dingle is a senior at Albion and also a student at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today named Kelli Elyse Dingle’s “Fried Eggs” as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

As the winner of the Congressional Art Competition, Kelli Elyse Dingle, a 12th-grade student from Orleans/Niagara BOCES, will be flown to Washington, DC to see her artwork displayed in the halls of the United States Capitol.

This year, Tenney’s office received 30 submissions from 12 different schools for the Congressional Art Contest. Additional awardees include Graciana Allen of Red Creek Central School, second place; Ayden Kaufman of Orleans/Niagara BOCES, third place; Phung Cao of Mynderse Academy, honorable mention; and Kaitlyn Dougherty of Red Creek Central School, honorable mention.

“Congratulations to Kelli Elyse Dingle for being named NY-24’s Congressional Art Competition winner!” Tenney said. “With so many incredible submissions, this is a truly impressive accomplishment.

“I look forward to welcoming Kelli to the Capitol and seeing her artwork, ‘Fried Eggs,’ displayed in the halls of Congress. I want to thank all who participated in this year’s competition and encourage visitors to stop by our DC office to view ‘Fried Eggs’ hanging in the historic halls of Congress, if you are visiting our nation’s Capital.”

Press Release, Kendall Central School

Photo courtesy of Kendall Central School: Superintendent Nick Picardo, left, and Karen Jones, right, congratulate Cindy Tinkous on being “employee of the year” among Kendall bus drivers.

KENDALL – Cindy Tinkous, a Kendall school bus driver, received the Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association 2025 Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year recognition.

The Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association (RATSA) annually awards exceptional employees from area school districts to receive the Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year award.

Nominees are chosen based on merits such as having good attendance, being accident-free, having a friendly disposition, and readily accepting and exceeding responsibilities. They are also expected to relate well with fellow workers, parents and children.

Tinkous was recognized at a ceremony that took place on Thursday alongside transportation honorees from a number of area school districts.

“Cindy has been employed at Kendall for over 20 years and is an invaluable asset to the pupil transportation department as a long-time driver,” said Director of Transportation Karen Jones. “She has been a mentor to all drivers and loves all of her students on the bus. Cindy is the matriarch of the Kendall Bus Garage family and will be retiring in July. She will be greatly missed by all.”

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Once again, Governor Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature have shown how wildly out of touch they are with the needs of hardworking New Yorkers. This $254 billion budget is packed with outrageous spending and political window dressing that sounds good in a press release but does nothing to improve the quality of life in our state.

The so-called criminal justice “fixes” are toothless. The discovery and mask laws passed will continue to let violent offenders dodge accountability and walk free, putting public safety and law enforcement at risk. The MTA payroll bailout or “new business tax” could be the tipping point for companies that are already questioning whether the state’s high cost of doing business is worth it​, resulting in companies fleeing to more business-friendly states.

But the most outrageous move is the creation of a taxpayer-funded slush fund to cover the private legal bills of politicians. It’s Albany corruption at its worst, giving political insiders a blank check while working families foot the bill.

This budget is not just misguided—it’s offensive. Democrats who​ hold all the levers of power in Albany ​are incapable of governing and have continued to lead our state into crisis after crisis. Make no mistake this budget is unacceptable. The Senate Republican Conference will continue fighting ​for common-sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger, and more affordable.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left include Medina Lions members Chris Keller, Jim Hancock and Julie Keller standing next to the sign promoting their annual Community Yard Sale and chicken barbecue the first Saturday in June.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club is again gearing up for their annual Community Yard Sale, giant flea market and chicken barbecue on June 7.

The event, a major fundraiser for the Lions, was started at least 25 years ago, and has been a popular event ever since.

Last year’s event brought 60 vendors to the field west of the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue, where the chicken barbecue takes place. Also on the site is a food tend manned by the Lions Club, where Lion Chris Keller says they sell the best cheeseburgers in Medina, along with Sahlen’s hot dogs, chips and beverages. Keller and his wife Julie head up the food tent with a crew of volunteers.

Chris said 60 percent of the Lion’s membership participate in the day’s events.

As in the past, Pete Kaiser and Howie Gardner will be driving around town with the popular “Weinermobile,” selling hot dogs and cold drinks from the back of a pickup truck. Their theory is garage sale shoppers don’t want to leave the bargains to find something to eat. Having the Weinermobile on the streets allows them to grab a bite and not miss any bargains.

Vendors are already beginning to sign up for a spot to set up their wares. Anyone interested in reserving space in the flea market should contact Randy Reese at (716) 471-0524 no later than May 24.

Cat Holland is in charge of tickets for the barbecue and they can be purchased from her or any Lions member. Chickens will be sold from 11 a.m. until gone. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling (716) 341-1743.

Another unique feature of the Community Yard Sale is the maps handed out at the four corners of Main and East and West Center streets, beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the sale. Cars can drive up, grab a map and make a free-will donation on the way through. Tim Moriarty and Dave Bellucci are responsible for handing out the maps, which show the location of garage sales throughout the village.

Residents wishing to have their sale located on the map should contact Lake Country Pennysaver as soon as possible to arrange for a small ad, which entitles their sale to be listed on the maps.

Money raised by Lions Club fundraisers is donated right back to the community, said Jim Hancock, overall event chair.

“We give away $10,000 to $15,000 yearly to 20 charities (mostly local), such as Camp Rainbow, Camp Badger, the New York State School for the Blind, Seeing Eye Dogs and Lions Club International, in addition to yearly scholarships,” Hancock said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is again seeking $2 million in federal funds towards the project.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced 15 projects she has submitted to the House Appropriations Committee in the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, including $2 million towards a new roof for the Orleans County Public Safety Building.

The CPF process allows municipalities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects with strong local support in New York’s 24th Congressional District, Tenney’s office said.

Each application was subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year, Tenney said.

In Orleans County, county officials are seeking $2 million for the Public Safety Building for “vital improvements for safety and security.” Tenney also sought the $2 million last year.

“We very much appreciate the fact that Congresswoman Tenney recognizes the infrastructure needs of local governments and is working to secure $2 million in funding for the Orleans County Public Safety Building,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature Chairman. “Fixing a roof may be not be the most exciting project, but it was very necessary to maintaining that building and ensuring safe working conditions for our public safety team. We are very thankful Congresswoman Tenney delivered for us.”

A list of Tenney’s submitted FY26 projects also include:

• $2 million for the City of Lockport’s Phase III – Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks
• $1 million for the City of Oswego Police Department’s New Police Station
• $4,275,000 for Jefferson County’s Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport
• $2 million for Schuyler County’s Emergency Operations Center
• $5 million for the Town of Lyons’ Resurgence of the Town of Lyons Canal Street District
• $3,300,000 for the Town of Phelps’ Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
• $1 million for the Town of Throop’s Water Improvements Project
• $2,475,000 for the Town of Torrey’s Water District #2 Resource Improvements
• $10 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work on Genesee County’s water needs
• $3 million for the Village of Geneseo’s Water and Sewer System Improvements
• $1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements
• $3 million for the Village of Waterloo’s Sewer System Improvements and Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
• $4 million for Wayne County’s Rural Health Services Building Renovation
• $3 million for Wyoming County’s Silver Lake Dredging Project

“The Community Project Funding Process allows Congress to hear directly from municipalities and community leaders about their needs,” Tenney said. “This year, I submitted 15 projects on behalf of our district to improve essential infrastructure, enhance public safety, and revitalize our local communities. I remain committed to advocating for these projects throughout the appropriations process and will continue to be a strong voice for protecting your hard-earned tax dollars while representing our district in Congress.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch

MEDINA – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina drapes gold and white bunting over the church doors to celebrate the naming of a new pope today.

An American for the first time will serve as pope. Robert Prevost will lead the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Buffalo Diocese, issued this statement:

“Today, the Church throughout the world, the United States, Western New York, and the Diocese of Buffalo, rejoices at the historic election of the first pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIV.  I invite all to join me in prayer for our new pope as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter. May Pope Leo XIV be guided by the Holy Spirit as he leads the Church and is a source of unity for believers.

“He has served the Gospel faithfully as a missionary and leader of the Catholic Church in Peru and devoted his ministry to the larger interests of our Church. It is a source of tremendous pride that in this complex and difficult age that the Holy Spirit has guided the Cardinal Electors to choose not only this fellow countryman, but a person of profound faith, broad perspective and hopeful vision.

“May the Lord in his infinite wisdom, abiding grace, and unconditional love, guide our new Holy Father as he assumes the enormous responsibilities that he has been chosen to bear. May he unite and inspire us to build bridges and always to see the good in one another, to serve the most vulnerable among us, and to proclaim boldly the Good News we have received as children of God.  As we all continue in this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope and in our commission as disciples of the Risen Lord, may the Lord bless our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.”