Joyce and Tim LaLonde, Joyce’s husband Nate Birnbaum provided critical responses for Marine Corps commandant

Photo courtesy of Steve LaLonde: During a ceremony at the Marine Barracks Washington on Thursday, Gen. Eric M. Smith presented Navy Distinguished Public Service Award to, from left: Joyce LaLonde, Timothy LaLonde and Nathaniel Birnbaum. The trio provided critical aid to the general after he collapsed from a heart attack on Oct. 29 while out for a jog.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top general for the U.S. Marine Corps on Thursday honored a brother and sister from Albion, and her husband with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award after they saved his life on Oct. 29.

Gen. Eric M. Smith was out for a 3-mile run on Oct. 29 when he collapsed after having a heart attack. He was face down on the sidewalk and unresponsive with blood coming from his mouth.

Joyce LaLonde, 28, ran the Marine Corps Marathon that day and her brother Tim LaLonde, 33, did the even longer 50K ultra marathon. They went out for a late lunch with other family members and were walking back to Joyce’s nearby home that afternoon close to 5 p.m., according to an article today in The Washington Post.

Joyce was the first to see the general and she shouted for help. Joyce and Nate were the first by the general’s side, with Tim and Steve LaLonde soon to follow. Steve is Tim and Joyce’s father and he lives in Albion. Tim lives in Seattle and works in environmental health and safety. Joyce and Nate live in DC. She works in international affairs and Nate is a legislative assistant in the Senate.

Together, the family of four were all able to get the general on his side and determined CPR was necessary.

Tim, who is certified in CPR, would provide CPR to the general for nine minutes. His sister called 911 twice to get help for General Smith. The first call went to an automated system but she persisted and called again. Joyce’s husband, Nate Birnbaum, ran to a police station get aid for Smith.

The story of their life-saving actions has been out of the spotlight until today. The Washington Post has a big story about the general’s heart attack, the critical care provided by strangers, his recovery and return to work in less than four months. Click here to see “On a D.C. sidewalk, a race to save a Marine general’s life.”

Joyce, Tim and Nate also will join the general for a featured segment on The Today Show this morning. Click here to see it.

They were honored in a ceremony at the barracks on Thursday, and today will be recognized with the first responders during an “Evening Parade” event at the barracks featuring marching and music, according to The Washington Post article.

“You have really given me a second chance,” the general on Thursday, pinning the medal, with its blue and yellow ribbon, to their chests. “I’m grateful to you.”

The Marine Corps general, age 58, is married with two children.

Tim LaLonde is quoted in the Washington Post saying his training in CPR made a difference in helping the general survive the heart attack.

“I’m just really proud of everyone in my family for how they responded,” he said. “There was a lot of luck that came in that day.”

The general and his wife wanted to honor the trio for their quick actions on Oct. 29 and also highlight the value of CPR training, the Washington Post reported.

“If Mr. LaLonde had not been a CPR-certified instructor, I would not be standing here today,” General Smith said.

This photo shared on The Today Show shows Joyce LaLonde with her marathon finisher’s medal and Tim LaLonde with his medal for finishing the ultra marathon. Not long after finishing the race, they were instrumental in saving the life of the top-ranked Marine in the country.

District has stayed under the tax cap last 15 years; transportation will be available to all students next year

MEDINA – The school district is proposing a $42,162,921 budget for the 2024-25 school year that increases spending by 5.2 percent or $2,067,106 from the $40,095,815 in the current school year.

The budget proposes a 2.0 percent tax increase, up from $8,814,697 to $8,990,990. This is the 15th consecutive year Medina is under a state-imposed tax cap of about 2 percent, said Dr. Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent.

The budget and the election for two board of education members goes to a vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 at the District Office, 1 Mustang Drive.

The budget maintains all academic, extra-curricular and athletic programs, including modified sports and clubs, Kruzynski stated in a letter to the community.

Medina also will keep all support positions established with a federal stimulus grant and will make transportation available to all students in the 2024-25 school year.

The district for about a dozen years has had a single bus run in the morning and afternoon, with an expanded walk zone – 2 miles for students in middle and high school, and 1 mile for those in elementary school. The district made that decision during a budget crisis when the state made steep cuts to school districts in 2010-11.

The district is in a stronger financial position now. Medina will add more busses next year and continue with the one morning and afternoon bus runs. It will cost about $525,000 with district reserves covering the cost in 2024-25. After that, state aid will pay 90 percent of the cost, Kruzynski said.

There are some staff cuts in the proposed budget and those are being made through attrition with several retirements in the district.

“Our board members have worked diligently with the administrative staff to create a fiscally responsible budget, and one that exemplifies excellence in education,” Kruzynski wrote in a  letter to the community about the budget.

There are two candidates for two open seats on the board. Alissa Mitchell and Jennifer Buondonno are both current members of the board.

Mitchell, the board vice president, is a first grade teacher at Brockport. Buondonno is an assistant branch manager at Tompkins Community Bank.

ALBION – District Attorney Joe Cardone sees a full-time district court as a much more efficient court system for Orleans County rather than the part-time town courts with varying office hours and court times.

Cardone has been trying for several years to bring district court to a public referendum in the county. That vote could happen in November.

First there will be two public hearings and then the County Legislature may decide to put the issue to a public vote.

The first hearing was Tuesday, and the next is 7 p.m. on June 4 in the legislative chambers of the County Office Building.

The proposal faced criticism during Tuesday’s hearing, with speakers saying the current system is serving the people well, and a district court brings “big government” and could result in more local expense.

“We have something here that works,” said Debbie Berry, a retired chief clerk for the Surrogate Court in Orleans County. “We’re not hearing any numbers. The people want to know what it costs.”

Paul Lauricella, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, sees a district court as an expansion of government.

Cardone said the district court would ultimately operate at a much lower local cost because the state, by its own statue, pays the salaries of the staff and the security. The county would provide a building and its maintenance, Cardone said.

“There is no guarantee the state would pick up the costs of judges and clerks,” said Richard DeCarlo, a former Barre town justice. “We’re assuming they will do it.”

DeCarlo was a member of the 11-member district court committee, but he voted against the committee’s recommendations in its report. The county hasn’t said where the court would be located, DeCarlo said.

He sees a big expense in housing the court, whether it’s a major renovation to the Public Safety Building or the former GCC campus in Albion that has been acquired by the county.

“If we renovate the Public Safety Building, it’s seven figures,” DeCarlo said. “If we build new, it’s tens of millions of dollars.”

Virginia Nicholson, a former court staffer for retired Judge James Punch, commended Cardone and the committee for their work trying to bring the issue to the public. But Nicholson believes the community needs more information about potential staffing, court location and expense.

Tim McMurray, an Albion village trustee, said Cardone and other supporters of the district court have said the county should move to a district court partly because the state is likely to impose such a court in the near future.

Right now there are only district courts in Nassau and Suffolk counties. They were formed in the 1960s and no other counties have gone to that model.

McMurray said he has found nothing to suggest the state wants counties to move from town courts and replace them with district courts.

“It is not on the radar that another county is doing this,” McMurray said during the hearing.

Paul Lauricella of Yates, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, said he prefers the current system where the town justices know their communities well.

“I’m concerned this in an expansion of government,” Lauricella said. “Once that ball gets moving there’s no stopping it.”

Kenneth “Ohi” Johnsen is president of the NYS Magistrates Association and the town justice in in the Town of Day in Saratoga County.  The Magistrates Association, which includes 2,300 town and village justices in the state, opposes the district court. Johnsen said the local justices are well-trained and in touch with their communities.

Kenneth “Ohi” Johnsen, president of the NYS Magistrates Association, pushed back on statements from Cardone that judges who are attorneys have a better understanding of complex laws and dispense better justice.

Johnsen, a town justice in Saratoga County, said the village and town justices all do a minimum of 12 hours of judicial education each year and they have access to a hotline through the Office of Court Administration if they need any advice on complicated cases or issues.

One local resident, Ken Ortiz of Medina, spoke during the hearing and he said the local criminal justice system has made mistakes in cases brought against him that were eventually dismissed. He also said the justice system failed in the death of Theresa Karlak, who was hit by a car in Gaines while on a walk with her sister on Jan. 1, 2022.

Sherry R. Davenport, a past president of the NYS Magistrates Association, said the group opposes district courts because they aren’t as accessible as the local town and village courts. The local courts are close by with judges elected by their local residents, she said.

Davenport of Cortland said the local County legislature shouldn’t be pushing for a district court that would ultimately result in fewer local town justices. She said the Legislature shouldn’t be “running roughshod” over the local judicial branch.

She also noted of the 11 members on the district court committee, five did not vote in favor of it – 3 opposed the recommendations and 2 abstained.

Davenport said the committee’s report lacks solid facts on moving to a district court, and instead relies on anecdotes about shortcomings in local courts from the New York State Bar Association.

The Orleans County Magistrates Association has been steadfastly opposed to a district court. The town justices and court clerks at the town level have all signed a resolution last October saying they are against a district court in Orleans County.

Cardone served as co-chairman of the district court committee with Joanne Best, the county’s public defender.

Cardone noted the towns and villages have gone from 24 local justices about 20 years ago to the current 11. Albion and Medina both have abolished their village courts during that time and most towns are down to one justice. He said the local communities have shown they can make changes in their courts. That is partly why he believes Orleans can be a leader in reimagining how to run a local court system.

(Left) Former Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt said he favors the district court as a better way to dispense justice. (Right) Ginny Nicholson said more information is needed on the proposal.

Cardone said the district court would be staffed full-time and offer more consistent justice throughout the county. He sees a district court as far more efficient than 10 town justice courts that typically operate part-time with staff available on a limited basis. They can make it difficult for people to get in contact with the court.

The committee is projecting the costs of the district court at $1.2 million with revenue at $175,000 in fines and forfeitures, and $110,000 through the traffic diversion cases for $285,000 total.

The expenses includes salaries for two judges at $320,000, clerk costs at $150,000, security at $150,000, a stenographer at $50,000, office supplies at $4,000, equipment at $2,500 and interpreter at $2,500.

Employee benefits – Social Security, Medicare, disability, retirement, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance and health insurance – would be an estimated $531,661. Facility costs would cost an estimated $50,000 a year.

The court would operate at a loss of $975,661, with the state picking up the expense, according to the report.

The 10 towns courts operate at an aggregate deficit of $462,160 (which doesn’t include the costs of employee benefits and facility expense), the report states.

The CAP court that does arraignments in mornings and evenings at the county jail, plus on weekends, is another $113,800. If there was a district court, the CAP court functions would shift to the district court.

Employee benefits and facility costs represent 57 percent of the costs of running a district court. If that same percentage is applied to the 10 town courts, that total “real cost” of those courts would be $1,001,935, plus the CAP court costs of $113,800, the report states.

“The citizens of Orleans County are paying approximately $1.1 million annually for a fragmented system of part-time courts consisting of lay judges,” the report states.

Press Release, Royalton-Hartland FFA

MIDDLEPORT – Last week, 40 Royalton-Hartland FFA members and 4 Royalton-Hartland educators traveled to the Buffalo Convention Center for the 99th annual New York State FFA Convention & Expo.

The Roy-Hart group included 28 high school members, 12 middle school members, Matthew Sweeney (HS Agriculture Educator & FFA Advisor) Madeline Keyes (MS Agriculture Educator & Jr. FFA Co-Advisor), Susan McLaughlin (Jr. FFA Co-Advisor), and Shelly Budziszewski (Elementary Green Team Co-Advisor).

Members participated in agriculture industry tours, assisted with day-of-service activities, networked with college and career professionals, earned state degree and proficiency awards, and competed in a variety of Career Development Event (CDE) competitions.

The CDE competitions build on what is learned in agricultural education classes and encourage FFA members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student’s technical, leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, as well as their knowledge of the subject matter.

The Milk Quality & Products CDE State Championship Team includes, from left: Phinn Cousins, Mackenzie Diamond, Caleb Verratti and Joshua Kennedy.

All 1st place CDE teams advance to the national level to represent New York State at the National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis, Indiana in October. Most 2nd place CDE teams advance to the regional level to represent New York State at “The Big E” (Eastern State Exposition) held in West Springfield, Massachusetts in September.

Results from the 2024 NYS FFA Convention:

STATE CHAMPION (1st Place) Milk Quality & Products CDE Team:

• Mackenzie Diamond – 1st Place Individual
• Joshua Kennedy – 2nd Place Individual
• Cayla Burch – 6th Place Individual
• Phinn Cousins – 8th Place Individual
• Caleb Verratti

They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 National FFA Convention.

The Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE State Championship Team includes, from left: Sean Labiak, Sophia Santella, Garrett Armenia and Vanessa Grant.

STATE CHAMPION (1st Place) Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE Team:

• Vanessa Grant – 3rd Place Individual
• Garrett Armenia – 7th Place Individual
• Sophia Santella
• Sean Labiak

They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 National FFA Convention.

2nd Place Food Science & Technology CDE Team:

• Phinn Cousins – 1st Place Individual
• Nicholas Armenia – 4th Place Individual
• Caleb Verratti – 6th Place Individual
• Scott Clark

They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).

2nd Place Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE Team:

• Sophia Santella – 3rd Place Individual
• Nicholas Armenia – 4th Place Individual
• Phinn Cousins
• Mackenzie Diamond

They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).

2nd Place Forestry CDE Team:

• Adam Yanicki – 4th Place Individual
• Joshua Kennedy
• Judson Heck
• John Konstanty
• Nathaniel Wolf

They will represent NYS FFA at the 2024 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E).

2nd Place Sr. People In Agriculture LDE:

• Mackenzie Diamond

3rd Place Maple CDE Team:

• Nathaniel Wolf
• Joshua Kennedy
• Judson Heck
• John Konstanty

3rd Place Farm & Agribusiness Management CDE Team:

• Camden VandenBosch – 10th Place Individual
• Anthony Adams
• Adam Yanicki
• Cayla Burch

3rd Place Agricultural Sales CDE Team:

• Garrett Armenia – 6th Place Individual
• Caleb Verratti
• Calvin Dent
• Camden VandenBosch

Aquaculture CDE Team:

• Anthony Adams – 4th Place Individual

New York State FFA Empire Degree (Highest FFA Degree in NYS):

• Sophia Santella

Proficiency Awards:

Joshua Kennedy – Gold in Forest Management & Products; State winner – Advancing to National Convention

Caleb Verratti – Gold in Diversified Crop Production; State winner – Advancing to National Convention

Vanessa Grant – Silver in Agricultural Services

Cayla Burch – Bronze in Vegetable Production

Mackenzie Diamond – Bronze in Veterinary Science

Nicholas Armenia – Bronze in Agricultural Mechanics & Fabrication

CARLTON – The Cobblestone Society’s Membership Dinner, which took place Wednesday night at Carlton Fire Company’s Recreation Hall, is one of their two major fundraisers for the year, the other being the Preservation Awards banquet in the fall.

Cobblestone director Doug Farley welcomed guests and introduced retired Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower, who annually offers his talents as an auctioneer to lead the live auction.

“Randy is a talented auctioneer, and even bids on items himself,” Farley said.

Wednesday was the sixth annual membership dinner to benefit the Cobblestone Society.  The evening included appetizers and a cash bar, dinner catered by Zambistro in Medina, an early bird drawing, lottery tree drawing, split club drawing, live auction, silent auction and basket raffle.

Doreen Wilson sells tickets on a lottery tree to Mike Elam of Kenyonville at the Cobblestone Society’s annual dinner Wednesday at Carlton Recreation Hall. The event is one of the Cobblestone’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

The Membership Dinner Committee consisted of chair Gail Johnson, co-chair Chris Capurso, Larry Albanese, Jean Benson, Iris Capurso, Grace Denniston, Krys Elam, Doug Farley, Sylvia Goodstine, Ruth Mathes, Shirley Bright-Neeper, Brenda Radzinski, Marty Taber, Maarit Vaga, Camilla VanderLinden, Hailey Nevaeh Walker and Doreen Wilson.

Members of the Cobblestone Society come from Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Niagara and Monroe counties.

Farley also reminded the crowd about the Progressive Organ Concert to benefit the Cobblestone Society, which is scheduled May 26. The concert begins with wine and cheese at the Pullman Universalist Church, then progresses across the street to the First Presbyterian Church, and from there to the Cobblestone Universalist Church on Ridge Road.

Following the last concert at the Cobblestone Church, attendees will move across the corner to the Tavern on the Ridge, formerly the Village Inn, for what Farley called “a delicious dinner.”

Randy Bower, retired Orleans County sheriff, buys his tickets on the lottery tree from volunteer Camilla VanderLinden of Rochester. Bower volunteers as auctioneer for the fundraiser’s live auction.

Photos courtesy of Scott Robinson: Cassie Maynard (left), charge nurse on Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing, was selected as the first DAISY Award winner. Lisa McQueen, an LPN on the North Wing, was recognized as a finalist.

MEDINA – During the past year, Orleans Community Health announced its participation in a national program to recognize nurses who go above and beyond and make a profound difference in the lives of their patients.

On Wednesday, the first DAISY Award was presented to Cassie Maynard, charge nurse in the hospital’s North Wing. In addition, Lisa McQueen, LPN for the North Wing, also was recognized as a finalist.

Having only graduated from nursing school in 2021, Maynard is a relatively new registered nurse, but has assimilated very well into her leadership role on the North Wing Skilled Nursing Unit, said Thomas Bloomer, vice president of Human Resources and administrator for the North Wing.

“Within her first few months, she hit the ground running, quickly learning the position, building relationships with staff and residents, and proactively assuming the charge nurse duties,” Bloomer said. “Cassie exemplifies the DAISY Award mission by showing compassionate care to both our residents and families, as well as being respected by her team and coworkers. She shows a great work ethic, displaying excellent attendance, coming in early, staying late when needed and popping in during off hours to address resident care needs. Cassie is a valued member of our North Wing family and we are very proud to honor her with this exceptional award.”

Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer, also praised Maynard for her compassionate approach, which has touched the lives of countless residents, providing comfort and healing during times of need.

“Her kindness, empathy and professionalism serve as an inspiration to everyone around her,” Gray said. “Cassie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every resident receives the highest standard of care. Whether it’s holding a resident’s hand, advocating for their needs or lending a listening ear, she embodies the true spirit of nursing. Cassie truly makes a difference for our residents every day.”

Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing, added her praise for both Maynard and McQueen.

“I feel honored and blessed to work with such outstanding professionals,” Mannella said. “Both Cassie and Lisa are very deserving of this award, and they give 100 percent to the residents and North Wing team. Our community is a better place knowing we have such high quality nurses.”

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Maynard said. “North Wing is my family. I have so much love for my residents and staff. I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Maynard joined Medina Memorial Hospital in February 2023.

“Lisa continues to be a valuable asset to our nursing team,” Bloomer said. “Her dedication to our residents and clinical expertise and compassion have a significant impact on our residents and their families. Lisa could always be counted on to be a great advocate for our residents, and she is a wonderful team player.”

McQueen said it was a great honor to accept her award.

“I try to achieve the highest level of care to all of my residents,” she said.

McQueen joined Medina Memorial Hospital in April 2018.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Flen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from a little-known auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.

“These unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do,” said Bonnie Barnes, CEO and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation. “The kind of work the nurses throughout Orleans Community Health are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”

Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Community Partners at Orleans Community Health, said the DAISY Award will become an annual presentation now.

“We’ll be launching the next call for nominations in the near future,” he said.

Members of the DAISY Committee who chose the award winner, Orleans Community Health personnel and winners posed on the North Wing Wednesday morning. From left are Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz; Christine Kropf, chair of the Daisy selection committee; winner Cassie Maynard; committee member Jennifer Morgan; finalist Lisa McQueen; committee member Leighann VanAuker; Director of Nursing Rebecca Mannella; and Tom Bloomer, vice president of human resources.

Provided photo: Dave Hofer was a long-time leader for Kendall’s Boy Scout Troop 94. He also helped with many projects at Scout camps.

KENDALL – A Kendall man was honored posthumously on Saturday with a Silver Beaver award by the Western New York Scout Council.

Dave Hofer volunteered for many years with Kendall’s Troop 94 and also did many improvements projects at Camp Dittmer in Phelps and Camp Sam Wood in Portageville.

Hofer passed away from pancreatic cancer on Jan.10, 2024 at age 61.

His 30 years of service to scouting was recognized during the Scout Council’s annual volunteer award dinner on Saturday.

Scouting representatives were able to present the Silver Beaver award to Hofer in person on Dec. 9 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He also received the District Award of Merit.

The Silver Beaver Award is a top award from a council given to a scouter who has made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.

Hofer relished service to scouts, including leading Troop 94 as Scoutmaster. He completed all Scout leader training including Cold Weather and Okpik Training. He was recognized with the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor in 2020 and earned his Wood Badge Beads in 2021, the council announced today on its Facebook page.

Hofer was the owner of DMD Machining Technology Inc. in Kendall. He also worked for Eastman Kodak for 23 years.

Despite being busy in his career, Hofer made time available to help teach and lead scouts. He has served as director of the Webelos Conservation Camp and a member of the Council Camping Committee, in addition to an active role with Troop 94.

He attended the Philmont Scout Ranch with his son Matt. Philmont, in the Rocky Mountains, is a high-adventure base of rugged mountain wilderness in northeastern New Mexico.

Hofer lived the Scout Law of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Press Release, Community Coalition for Justice

ALBION – The Community Coalition for Justice is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. William Wilkinson to Hoag Library in Albion at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Wilkinson will share a presentation, “Who is Our Neighbor: Modern Reflections on Immigration and Race.”

Dr. William Wilkinson

As is typical for Dr. Wilkinson, his entry point to these important conversations is a simple story from Scripture, that includes the timeless question, “Who is my neighbor?” How shall we answer this question in Orleans County at the present time when there are so many forces pulling us apart?

The Community Coalition for Justice is a group of people throughout Orleans County, who are dedicated to expanding and deepening the conversation about poverty, race, immigration and peace. We hope that you will be able to join us. Every voice in these conversations is important!

Dr. Wilkinson has served as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Medina since 2017. He has previously served Presbyterian churches in Rochester and Dansville. A graduate of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, he is also medical doctor, trained at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also participates in many denominational, ecumenical and community-based organizations.

Dr. Wilkinson’s life journey is interesting in itself, as a Black man who has excelled in two different fields, medicine and theology! More than a doctor and a minister, he is also gifted in identifying obstacles to justice and peace locally and nationally and finding creative ways to move forward.  He is also skilled in training church leaders for service in the congregation and the community.

Dr. Wilkinson is a signatory to the “Charter of Compassion” global initiative, “a movement that that brings compassion to life” by networking with people, cities, grassroots organizers and leaders.

The public is invited to attend this free event. Light refreshments will be available.

This community event is co-sponsored by these community partners: Albion Betterment Committee, Catholic Social Justice, People Embracing Diversity, and the Pullman Universalist Church, and the Hoag Library. This is our 20th event.

John and Kelsey Dreisbach and their children are shown during happier times before Mrs. Dreisbach suffered a miscarriage and was hospitalized for septicemia.

ALBION – Diane Shiffer has built an enormous following on social media with nearly 1 million people on both Instagram and TikTok. She uses the hashtag: “YourChubbyVintageNana.”

She shares videos about fashion from a bygone era and her life at home in Albion, often sipping coffee and watering her plants. She spreads messages of kindness and tries to make her huge crowd of followers feel loved.

Diane Shiffer today on TikTok thanked her social media friends for responding in a big way to a GoFundMe effort for a Medina family. Shiffer has about 1 million followers on both Instagram and TikTok.

This week Shiffer did something out of the norm. She asked her social media followers to donate to a family in Medina that suffered a tragic loss.

Shiffer, a retired teacher, has a close friendship with Kelsey Dreisbach, who helps care for Shiffer’s daughter who has Down syndrome and often takes her on fun activities.

Dreisbach and her husband John have two children. They were pregnant with a third child, but Kelsey had a miscarriage and then was hospitalized with septicemia.

Shiffer two days ago shared on Instagram and TikTok about the Dreisbach’s heartbreak and the serious health challenges for Kelsey. Shiffer set up a GoFundMe fundraising account with a goal of $10,000 to help ease the financial strain on the family with Kelsey sidelined from work and her husband needing to work less to help care for the family.

Within 24 hours the GoFundMe was over $90,000. This afternoon, it stands at $99,850 and Shiffer will be turning off the donations button.

The response has stunned Shiffer and the Dreisbach family.

“There will never be words quite sufficient enough to express our gratitude, but we’re going to try,” Kelsey and John wrote on GoFundMe. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who has commented, messaged, prayed, or donated. Your support has been life-changing for our family. Not only have you provided financial stability for us, but your kind words have helped us heal. For so many people to pour out love, kindness, and support to ‘strangers’ is nothing short of amazing. More than ever before, we have been shown we are not alone – and that is invaluable.”

Shiffer today went to social media to thank the many donors who contributed, many in amounts from $5 to $25.

Shiffer acknowledged she thought it would take a week or more to reach $10,000. But the GoFundMe quickly passed that goal.

“You have all done such a wonderful thing,” Shiffer said in a video on her social media. “I hope it warms your heart. You can go through the day today knowing what you did helped a precious family and changed their lives.”

Shiffer was recently at the White House in recognition in building up such a following and doing it with wholesome, loving messages. Shiffer has 965,700 TikTok followers and 926,000 on Instagram.

“We are so incredibly grateful to each and every one of you, so humbled and so proud of this incredible community… thousands and thousands of you joined together to support a dear woman and her precious family, and you’ve lifted the burden of financial stress off their shoulders,” Shiffer shared with her social media followers.

In a message to the Orleans Hub, Kelsey Dreisbach said the outpouring of support has been such an unexpected surprise.

“The money has literally changed our lives and allowed us to remove financial worries from the equation for the first time ever,” she said. “And the comments and messages from people all over the world have helped me heal more than I would have ever expected – so many people have made it very clear that we are not alone.”

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has $2,500 available for a scholarship for either one soon-to-graduate Medina student, or it will be shared with two recipients.

The award is based on a combination of academic achievements, community service, and work within the community. The scholarship may be split into two $1,250 awards if there are two equally qualified candidates.

The club in 2022 boosted the scholarship amount from $500 to $2,500. The deadline to apply is June 15. The award of the scholarship(s) will be determined shortly thereafter.

For more information, click here.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district has extended the deadline for candidates to be on the ballot for the Board of Education election on May 21.

Six people already submitted petitions, but one of the candidates notified the district on Tuesday he would have to withdraw. Matt Heinsler won’t appear on the ballot for the BOE election.

Five other candidates remain, including Megan Bruning, Patrick Whipple and incumbents Ted Lewis, Susan Hrovat and Steve Vann.

When a candidate withdraws his or her candidacy, New York State Education Law requires the district to extend the time for filing nominating petitions, said Sharon Smith, the district superintendent.

Lyndonville will accept nominating petitions for BOE candidates through Tuesday, May 14, at 5 p.m.

All candidates for BOE need to submit petitions signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district. The signees need to state their residence, and the name and residence of the candidate.

Petition packets may be obtained from District Clerk Tanya Marek from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A “Meet the Candidates Night” is scheduled for May 13. Candidates who would like to participate in that event must submit a completed petition no later than 3 p.m. on May 13.

The annual budget vote and BOE election will be from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 at the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer. The three candidates receiving the highest vote totals will be elected to three-year terms commencing July 1 and ending on June 30, 2027.

4 candidates seek 2 spots on the Board of Education

ALBION – The school district once again won’t be increasing the tax levy. Albion’s proposed $42,320,666 budget for 2024-25 keeps the tax levy at $8,449,039. This is now the 16th time in the past 18 years that taxes have either stayed the same or decreased.

Albion’s budget is $323,436 under the allowable tax cap of $8,772,476.

“Our priority, first and foremost, is providing a well-rounded education for each child in our community,” Board of Education President Wayne Wadhams said in a budget message on the district website. “Due to our history of conservative financial planning, we will continue to propose a tax levy with a zero percent increase while remaining committed to the development and promotion of good character and qualities that future citizens must possess.”

The budget vote will be from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 and will be held at the Hoag Library instead of the at the school district’s conference room. The district currently is working on construction projects and district superintendent Mickey Edwards said the shift to Hoag Library for the vote should “ensure a seamless voting process for the community.”

(The annual art show for the district will also be on display at Hoag Library. The FFA barbecue will remain at the high school so the food can be kept at the proper temperatures.)

School officials will discuss the budget and propositions during a hearing on May 14 at 6 p.m. in Albion High School’s LGI.

The total spending in the budget is $42,320,666, an increase of $505,819 or 1.2 percent. The 1.2 percent increase matches what the district could have in a contingency budget.

State aid remains the district’s biggest source of funding at $32,774,455, up from $32,473,385 in 2023-24. State aid accounts for 77.4 percent of the Albion budget.

Voters will also see a separate proposition to make bus purchases up to $650,000 from reserve funds, and a proposition also to establish a capital improvement reserve fund for up to $15 million.

There also is a proposition to collect $664,510 for Hoag Library, which is up 1.5 percent from the $654,100 in 2023-24.

There are two seats up for election. Long-time board member David Sidari isn’t seeking re-election. Linda Weller, a current member, is seeking another five-year term. She is joined on the ballot by Tim McMurray, Derek Reiner and Kelly Kirby.

Press Release, Western New York Scout Council

BUFFALO – The Boy Scouts of America today announced that it will rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary.

This announcement also comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people the skills and values to be successful in life,” said Gary A. Decker, Scout Executive & CEO of the Western New York Scout Council.  “This change is an important evolution as we seek to ensure that all youth and families feel welcome in Scouting.”

Scouting America builds on the organization’s 114 years of helping America’s youth. Its ongoing goal is to provide young people with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills and have fun, educational experiences, fostering their growth and future outcomes as leaders, and be prepared for life. At the same time, values instilled by the Scout Oath and Law help prepare young people for lives of purpose and impact.

More than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting programs since its founding in 1910, and currently, more than 1 million youth, including both men and women, are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To date, more than 2.75 million youth have earned Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout.

In addition to supporting the nation’s youth, Scouting America will continue to be an important asset to strengthen our communities, having provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer services for community improvement and other projects across the country annually.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

About the WNY Scout Council, BSA

The Western New York Scout Council provides youth with character development programs and values-based leadership training. The Council serves more than 7,000 youth and adult members in Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. For more information call 716-891-4073 or visit www.wnyscouting.org.