By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2024 at 10:10 am
LYNDONVILLE – Local veterans are encouraged to be part of Lyndonville’s July Fourth parade. They can march in the parade or ride in a trolley.
“If any veteran would like to participate in the parade and ride on our float/trolley, we welcome them,” said Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post in Lyndonville. “They do not need to be in the American Legion.”
Veterans who want to be part of the noon parade should go to the staging area at the corner of Alps and Platten roads before 11 a.m.
The trolley for veterans will be near the front of the procession for the parade.
Veterans can be dropped off or can try to park along road, although there may not be any parking available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2024 at 8:11 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia, president of the Class of 2024, speaks to her classmates and the crowd at the Albion football field on Friday night during the 146 annual commencement for the district.
On the stage with her from left include District Superintendent Mickey Edwards, Class Advisor Kathy Winans, Board of Education President Wayne Wadhams and Principal Jennifer Ashbery.
A graduation tradition continued with the Caledonian Pipe Band leading graduates and the junior ushers.
Santiago Garcia thanked all of the families, faculty and friends “who have supported, guided and placed belief in us. Without you we could have not done it. I would also like to thank the custodians who prepared this event for us.”
The class of 130 survived the pandemic and showed resilience through other challenges.
“The journey ahead might be filled with joy, sadness and even confusion, but you must remember that you will overcome these difficulties. Live your life to the fullest.”
Santiago Garcia is headed to Brockport State College to major in criminal justice with a goal to become a lawyer.
She quoted her tennis coach and physical education teacher, Jay Kovaleski, who tells his teams and students to “live with purpose.”
“Live one second at a time, one minute at a time. one day at a time, and one week at a time,” Santiago Garcia said. “We can’t be perfect all the time, but we can learn from our mistakes and be perfectly imperfect.”
She also thanked her mother and spoke to her in Spanish. “Thank you for making me the person I am today,” she said.
These grads are happy with their big moment at commencement. From left include Jordan Marshall, Jennifer Lauro-Ramirez and Alison Gibson.
Meganne Moore, valedictorian, is headed to Geneseo State College to major in biology with a pre-vet track. She recalled attending Seneca Park Zoo in first grade on a rainy day. It could have been a disappointment but she said her classmates made up for animals that didn’t come out of their enclosures.
Ultimately, those connections among the class, forged over 13 years, are so important, Moore said.
“I learned that friendship is someone you laugh with, someone who goes on trips to deliver mail to the main office. It is the people you complain about homework – homework that could have already been completed in the amount of time you spent complaining,” she said. “More than anything it is the people you can count on and trust. These friendships have made my high school experience richer and more meaningful.”
The high school choir, led by teacher Elliot Michki, sings Albion’s Alma Mater.
These grads either head to the stage to get their diplomas or happily hold the hard-earned document. From left include John Bianchi, Isabella Gray and Kaitlyn Allen.
Kevin He, the class salutatorian, heads to the stage for his diploma. He is headed to the University of Rochester for computer science.
He gave the salutatory address and began by saying how AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming industries, healthcare and daily life. He then shared the opening of his speech was actually words from AI.
Despite the successes and advances of AI, he said the technology didn’t helped him in AP physics and calculus exams, in late-night study sessions, or with the laughter, tears and countless memories the class created together.
“As we move forward into this new phase of our lives, let’s embrace the tools and technologies that can enhance our future,” he said. “But let’s also remember the value of human connection, perseverance, and the irreplaceable experiences that have shaped who we are today. AI can assist and augment, but it is our unique human spirit and the bonds we’ve formed that will truly guide us into the future.”
“And no, AI did not write that,” he said.
These grads enter the football stadium. The ceremony was back outdoors after last year it was in the high school gym due to rainy weather.
Landin Chaffee is all smiles after getting his diploma.
David Stritzinger heads up to get his diploma while McKenlynn Stowell heads down the ramp after getting hers. Principal Jennifer Ashbery reads the names of the graduates.
Daci Doward shakes hands with district superintendent Mickey Edwards.
The grads stand and remove their caps for the pledge of allegiance near the beginning of the service, which was just over an hour.
Caps are tossed near the conclusion of the ceremony which was held on the new turf of the football field.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 June 2024 at 9:32 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Members of the Medina High Class of 2024 throw their caps into the air in celebration at the conclusion of this evening’s graduation ceremonies at Vets Park. There are 113 members in the Class of 2024.
Medina High Class of 2024 President Iyla Lileby, right, meets here with Class Salutatorian Caiden Class, Honored Teacher Retiree Margaret Martin and Class Valedictorian Alexander Balaban who served as the commencement speakers. Class spoke on “The Last Humans Left”, Martin on “Coming Home” and Balaban on “What We Take With Us”.
Escorting the Class of 2024 were Daisy Chain members Keera Atkinson, Tessa Biesinger, Dan Owen De Vera, Justine Fitzsimmons, Sofia Gagliardii, Gisella Garcia, Emily Geiger, Sophia Goyette, Cameron Kenward. Katlyn Koch, Eva Lacey, Madelyn Lewis, Mackenzie McGrath, Adreanna McMurray, Addison Paul, Evelyn Phillips, Josephine Pollock and Jenna Rotoli.
Shown here receiving their diplomas from Junior Senior High School Assistant Principal Joel Reed are Brian Atkinson, at left, and Arianna Bloom and Xavier Bloom, at right.
Adeline Castricone and Liam Castricone receive their diplomas from Assistant Principal Reed, at left. Roosevelt Mitchell, at right, is all smiles after receiving his diploma.
A large crowd was on hand to see the members of the Class of 2024 receive their diplomas.
Two aerial fire trucks hoisted a large American flag at the entrance to Vets Park to greet graduates and spectators.
The large scoreboard at Vets Park welcomed all in attendance to Medina’s 2024 graduation ceremonies. The pre recorded speeches and musical selections were also played on the scoreboard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 5:28 pm
Top juniors complete arduous task, creating 56-foot-long chain of flowers
Photos courtesy of Kayla Rosenbeck
MEDINA – The top 16 girls ranked academically in the junior class and the top two boys finished the 56-foot-long Daisy Chain this afternoon. The graduation tradition goes back more than a century in Medina.
Students worked on assembling the daisy chain today in the cafeteria of the high school. The students will bring in the Daisy Chain to lead off commencement at 7 p.m. later today at Vets Park.
Photos courtesy of Karen Jones
(Left) Madelyn Lewis, Lily Maynard and Mackenzie Alvarez were out Thursday morning getting their daisies. (Right) From left include Adreanna McMurray, Gisella Garcia with help from her sister, Isabella on the right.
Mackenzie McGrath gets some assistance with the daisy collection from her sister Emma.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 2:27 pm
ALBION – Registration is open for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day on Aug. 10.
There are more than 500 slots available, and 67 had been taken as of Thursday evening, said Corey Winters, the county’s interim deputy director in the Planning Office.
The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” Winters said. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”
Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints and empty propane tanks.
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, tires on rims and commercial tires.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 1:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Crosby’s celebrated the grand reopening of its Albion north location this morning. The store was closed for most of April for a remodeling. The store reopened on May 1. Today, company officials joined the local employees and community for a reopening celebration a 202 North Main St.
The inside of the store has an expanded kitchen area, and the Crosby’s has added subs to its food menu that includes pizzas, calzones and a wide variety of breakfast items, including breakfast pizzas.
Linda Pickett, a Crosby’s associate, cleans a surface in the kitchen area. The store has seven employees.
Crosby’s presented a $500 donation to the Albion Fire Department. From left include store manager Becca Smith, district leader Brenda Thompson, Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti and Dave George, director of operations for Crosby’s.
The business also is giving Albion Central School 40 pizzas to be used from the My Crosby’s Rewards card. Crosby’s also donated $100 to the Orleans County History Department in appreciation for use of historic Albion photos that are inside the store.
Several images from Albion from years past are part of the new store redesign. This photo shows Main Street in the 1940s.
The Reid Group, headquartered in Lockport, owns the store. The Reid Group is comprised of Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum Corp. The group operates 90 Crosby’s locations throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Reid officials noted the site at 202 North Main St. was a Mimi’s Gulf store that opened in the mid-1950s by Carol and Dominic Martillotta. The site was a Genesee Farms from 1982 to 1997, and a Yellow Goose until it became a Crosby’s in 2017.
Dave George from Crosby’s said the company wants to continue the tradition started by the Martillottas in the mid 1950s.
“It was more than a business,” he said. “It was a cornerstone of the community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 8:54 am
It’s graduation day for four of the five school districts in Orleans County. Albion, kendall, Lyndonville and Medina all have their commencements this evening, with Holley’s Class of 2024 graduating on Saturday morning.
Altogether, 401 students are expected to receive their diplomas.
Albion has the biggest class with 130 students. They will celebrate commencement outside on the football field with its new turf. Speakers include Mickey Edwards, district superintendent; Wayne Wadhams, president of the Board of Education; Jacqueline Santiago Garcia, the class president; Meganne Moore, valedictorian; and Kevin He, salutatorian.
Holley will have 63 students graduate at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the school auditorium. Brian Bartalo, the retiring district superintendent, will give the keynote address.
Other speakers include Caitlin Dobri, valedictorian; Kayla Neale, salutatorian; and Layne Walker, the class president.
Kendall’s 57 graduates (and one honorary foreign exchange student) celebrate commencement at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.
Joseph Petrosino, a U.S. History and Economics/Government teacher, will give the keynote address. Other speeches will be by Valedictorian Hannah Brundage, Salutatorian Louis Conte, Principal Melissa Strelick and Superintendent Nicholas Picardo.
Lyndonville has 38 students graduating at 7 p.m. today in the Stroyan Auditorium. Valedictorian Daniel Barry and Salutatorian Elizabeth Whipple will be speaking at graduation.
Medina will hold graduation outside at Vets Park with 113 receiving their diplomas. The class valedictorian is Alexander Balaban and the salutatorian is Caiden Class. They will give speeches to their classmates.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2024 at 8:10 am
Provided photos
MEDINA – The Dave Viterna Group performed Thursday evening at State Street park in Medina as part of the third season of the Blue Thursdays concerts.
Organizers said about 1,250 people attended the concert, which is a new record for the series.
Viterna draws a big crowd every year, said Ken Daluisio, owner/operator of The Print Shop, which produces the concerts with the Orleans Renaissance Group.
When Viterna performed last year on June 22 at Blue Thursdays, about 1,000 attended.
But Thursday, the weather was perfect, bringing out even more people.
There is no admission charge. The concerts start at 6 p.m. The lineup for the rest of the series includes:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting a string of town hall events in Genesee County on Saturday.
Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them most. These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.
“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Hawley. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The events include:
Stafford Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., 3903 Route 237 in Stafford
Bethany Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 10510 Bethany Center Rd., East Bethany
Alexander Town Hall from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., 3350 Church St., Alexander
BATAVIA – 203 students from Genesee Community College named to Dean’s List, including many from Orleans County. Students honored on the Dean’s List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
Here is the list from Orleans County:
Calista Stinson of Lyndonville
Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
Kristi Oliver of Medina
Sade Poole of Medina
Ellisa Roath of Medina
Alexis Rizzo of Medina
Amanda Greenough of Albion
Derrick Murschel of Albion
Cheryl Root of Albion
Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
Joshua Riley of Albion
Lakshia Johnson of Albion
Heather Gnage of Holley
Amanda Schunk of Holley
Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
Megan Gentile of Holley
Kenley Fenton of Medina
Kobe Pugsley of Albion
Bradley Pierce of Albion
Rowan Hofmann of Albion
Melody Case of Albion
Derick Marr of Albion
Crushunda Johnson of Holley
Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 June 2024 at 11:47 am
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has planned a patriotic service this year full of music, historical information, dedication of a time capsule commemorating the solar eclipse, a display of Staffordshire early Americana plates, and more, followed by a potluck picnic.
According to Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, this will be the 52nd annual patriotic service at the historic Cobblestone Church, scheduled at 11 a.m. July 7.
Raymon Santoro will provide piano and organ solos and also accompany some patriotic hymns to be sung by guests attending.
Phoebe Kirby, daughter of Justin and Adrienne Kirby, has prepared several guitar solos, and her brother Graham Kirby will play Bach’s Minuet on the glockenspiel.
William DeRuysscher, a 2024 graduate of Albion High School and summer intern at the Cobblestone Museum, will lead a responsive reading focused on the Cobblestone’s heritage.
Adrienne will also share information about a little-known historical resource, the Daughters of the American Revolution monuments erected along Route 104 in Orleans County, from 1927 to 1941. These five monuments will be more fully explained in a full-color catalog to be distributed at the service.
The Museum’s collection of Staffordshire Early Americana plates will be on display, showing more than two dozen scenes from early American history.
In addition, the Museum has prepared a time capsule of memorabilia in commemoration of the Solar Eclipse in April. This project will be formally dedicated at the service in preparation for sealing the box, with instructions to reopen it on the next full solar eclipse in Orleans County 100 years from now. Assorted contents of the box will be on display.
A potluck picnic will follow the service at noon. The Museum will provide hot dogs and lemonade. Those attending should bring their own lawn chair and a dish to pass. A free will offering is always welcome, Farley said.
Kendall Lions Club is providing a tent on the lawn.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2024 at 9:03 am
Job Development worker honored for commitment to youths
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Ettinger, left, receives a citation on Tuesday from the County Legislature in appreciation for his 32 years of service to the county. He retired on May 28. He accepts a certificate from County Legislator Ed Morgan and John Papponetti, commissioner of the Department of Public Works.
Ettinger started working with the county in 1992 as a custodian in the Building & Grounds Department. He was promoted building maintenance worker in 1993 and to senior building maintenance worker in 2007.
Ettinger in 2009 transferred to the Highway Department as a motor equipment operator.
“Your efforts across our County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated,” the citation states from the Legislature.
Peter Anderson, an employment & training counselor at Orleans County Job Development, also was recognized during the Legislature meeting. He accepts a citation from County Legislator Fred Miller.
Anderson received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award from the Orleans County Youth Board. The award goes to a youth-serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
