Another round of fierce winds is expected to hit the area, only a few days after many were left without electricity after powerful winds took down wires, branches and trees.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a high wind watch from Friday evening through Saturday night. That watch includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Genesee and northern Erie counties.

Southeast winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 60 mph are possible Friday night, and then southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected Saturday, the Weather Service said.

“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature nearly two years ago unveiled a wall for Medal of Honor recipients from the county. On the day of the unveiling only one of the five recipients was included: David Bellavia. He received his medal on June 26, 2019 at the White House from President Donald Trump.

Bellavia is the first living veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation’s highest military medal. He was honored for his acts of valor on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents, saving the lives of the members of his unit.

Four others in the county also have received the prestigious medal. County officials at the time of the wall’s debut said they wanted to coordinate with the families of the other recipients about a public recognition for those honorees. It’s been nearly two years and still only Bellavia is on the wall.

David Bellavia, a Lyndonville native, was joined by many high-raking officials, including former Congressman Chris Jacobs, when the wall for Medal of Honor recipients was unveiled nearly two years ago.

County officials should move fast to get the other Medal of Honor recipients on the wall. It’s long overdue. A public recognition program could happen close to Memorial Day in May. It would be ideal to have descendants of the honorees there, but the county shouldn’t push this off in perpetuity if relatives can’t be tracked down.

The wall should include all five honorees, dating back to 1869. The current display is a slight to the other recipients and the public.

Former Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard researched the four other Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County. He shared the following details in previous columns and presentations when he was historian:

Pictured include from left, in front: SSgt. William Simpkins, Jr., Sgt. George Buske, Sgt. Stanley Moody, TSgt. Forrest Vosler, Sgt. Ralph Burkart, and Sgt. Edward Ruppel. Back row: Capt. Merle Hungerford, 2Lt. Walter Ames, 2Lt. John Henderson, 2Lt. Woodrow Monkres, and 2Lt. Warren Wiggins.

• Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville was assigned as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II with the 358th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group stationed out of England. On Dec. 20, 1943, Vosler’s fourth combat mission. The plane was under fire and had two engines knocked out with the aircraft windmilling out of control.

When a fellow aviator was knocked unconscious, Vosler maneuvered himself into the tailgun. Another 20-mm shell hit the aircraft, sending shrapnel into Vosler’s chest, face, and eyes. He continued to deliver defensive fire upon German aircraft until the attacks subsided. Nearly out of fuel and losing altitude quickly, the crew jettisoned every piece of equipment to lighten the plane.

Vosler, severely wounded and floating in and out of consciousness, begged the crew to throw him out of the plane to reduce weight. As the aircraft plunged into the frigid waters of the North Sea, Vosler crawled out of the aircraft onto a wing. A passing Norwegian trawler quickly picked up the crew and transferred them to a British rescue vessel. One of Vosler’s eyes had one of his to be removed, and the other required extensive surgery.

• John E. Butts of Medina is the only one of the five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County who received the honor posthumously. He was recognized for his heroic actions near Cape La Hague, France in World War II.

John Butts was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor in the Normandy invasion in June 1944.

Butts was in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France. On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.

On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.

One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.

Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission,” President Harry Truman said in the citation for the medal, which was awarded on July 19, 1945.

• Thomas Wilbur Kates, born in Shelby on May 7, 1865, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion, a nearly two-year uprising led by the Yihetuan (or Boxers) against foreign imperialists in China.

Kates accepted enlistment with the U.S. Marine Corps at New York City on July 21, 1899. Pvt. Kates and other Marines were dispatched to China on June 18, 1900, where they remained through October 10, 1900. According to his citation, Kates was awarded the Medal of Honor “…for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 1st Regiment (Marines), in action in the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900. Private Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.”

Maj. Waller wrote in a letter dated July 6, 1900, that “…of the men I wish to say, while all in the engagements we participated in, behaved in such a manner as to bring forth the highest praise from the foreign officers…Cpl. Thomas W. Kates.”

He continued, “…the specifically distinguished of these being Corporal Kates and Privates Campbell and Francis, with the Colt gun.” According to the Report of the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps dated September 29, 1900, these three men remained with Lt. Powell, holding a position with an M1895 Colt-Browning Machine Gun until all but Campbell and Powell were gunned down. They destroyed the gun to prevent it from entering enemy hands before they commenced their retreat.

• Charles D. Harris, who fought in the Civil War, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Apache Wars in 1869. The specifics of the engagement and the actions that warranted the awarding of the medal remain shrouded in mystery. After the war, Harris returned to Albion and lived a quiet life until his passing on September 6, 1895. He is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Former Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard speaks on Oct. 29, 2019 during a dedication of a graveside marker for Charles D. Harris. He received a new headstone at Mount Albion Cemetery, following the efforts of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Medal of Honor Historical Society.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31 West Albion, NY 14411) or by Zoom video conference. Refreshments will be provided.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, child care providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members. The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.

For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College proudly announces the swearing-in of Daniel Coffey as the new Director of Campus Safety. The official ceremony took place on Monday, marking the commencement of Coffey’s tenure in this crucial leadership role.

Daniel Coffey

“I am honored and excited to join the Genesee Community College team as the Director of Campus Safety,” Coffey said. “My experience in law enforcement and emergency services has prepared me well for this position, and I am eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of the college community.”

Coffey brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in law enforcement and emergency services to Genesee Community College. Serving with the Batavia Police Department since 2003, Coffey has consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership in various capacities. Notably, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2012. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award in 2018 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2016, further highlighting his commitment to public safety and community service.

In addition to his commendable service with the Batavia Police Department, Coffey has been an active member of the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Inc. since 2001. His dedication to the community is evident through his five years of service as fire chief, where he also held roles as deputy chief, assistant chief, captain and lieutenant. In 2004, Coffey received the Chief’s Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the fire department.

Genesee Community College is confident that Coffey’s extensive background in law enforcement, emergency services, and leadership roles will greatly enhance the safety and security measures on our campus. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our college community.

A wind advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. for Orleans County and much of western New York.

The winds won’t be as strong as on Tuesday, when gusts peaked at 70 miles per hour in parts of WNY.

Today there will be southwest winds from 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, said the National Weather Service.

The advisory includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

There are 114 National Grid customers waiting to have power restored as of 7:39 this morning, mostly in Barre and Clarendon. There were close to 1,000 without electricity on Tuesday afternoon after fierce winds took down numerous branches and trees.

Other parts of Western New York were hit much harder. There are currently 7,921 National Grid customers without electricity in Erie County, 5,220 in Cattaraugus, and 5,122 in Chautauqua County.

Northern New York also was hit hard by the high winds. The outages this morning include 27,247 in Jefferson County, 10,730 in St. Lawrence and 3,095 in Lewis County.

Assemblyman Hawley says governor, ‘in lockstep with the radical majority in Albany’

Photo from Office of the Governor: Kathy Hochul delivered the 2024 State of the State Address and released her “Our New York, Our Future” agenda on Tuesday.

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced her plan to grow and strengthen New York’s economy as part of her 2024 State of the State Address. The governor said her plan builds on her vision for a modern, 21st century economy fueled by innovative, next-generation businesses and high-skilled workers ready to meet their needs.

It includes catalytic investments to create strong, vibrant business districts statewide; a multi-pronged proposal to open pathways to business ownership for immigrant entrepreneurs; new workforce development efforts to prepare workers for the needs of a 21st century economy; and a $100 million expansion of the state’s FAST NY business attraction program.

The governor also announced expansions of the Teacher Ambassador and Registered Apprenticeship programs; new statewide offices to monitor workforce development outcomes and help small businesses navigate environmental regulations; and a package of initiatives to rebuild the state’s public workforce.

New York State Association of Counties President Dan McCoy issued this statement: “The new initiatives detailed in the Governor’s State of the State address show a commitment to tackling the affordability issues that have been affecting the hardworking residents who call New York State home. Improved access to housing, proposed new consumer protections, expanded access to prenatal care, and fostering accessible mental health services are positive public policy proposals that align with the needs of New Yorkers.

 “While there is still more work that needs to be done, county officials from across the state are committed to working with our partners at the state level on these proposals to build a stronger and more resilient State of New York.”

State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) issued this statement: “The Governor’s State of the State address was a series of so-called solutions to the problems created right here in Albany. The rising crime and cost of living highlighted by the Governor are the direct result of bad policies enacted by New York Democrats.

“Governor Hochul proposed a task force to stop the shoplifters emboldened by a pro-criminal legislature, failed to address the migrant crisis Democrats invited to New York, and gave lip-service to the rising cost of living created by Albany’s extreme energy agenda, high taxes, and bad housing policy.

“As more residents continue to flee the state for places that offer affordability, security, and opportunity, we need real solutions and the political will to address the challenges we face, not band-aids to bad policies that have decreased the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Our conference stands ready to work toward a greater New York for all.”

Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “As the voice of business for the Finger Lakes Region, we appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to Upstate New York. In the session ahead, we look forward to strongly supporting her efforts to make New York safer and more affordable, to reduce barriers to economic growth and expansion, and to entice and keep businesses in Greater Rochester. Working with Governor Hochul and our partners in the Legislature, Greater Rochester Chamber will relentlessly advocate to ensure the voice of our members is heard and considered as decisions are being made.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) said, “Gov. Hochul has once again shown she is in lockstep with the radical majority in Albany. As if giving criminals a free pass and taking control away from local governments wasn’t enough, this administration seems hellbent on chipping away at Western New York’s way of life by doing nothing to lower the cost of living and allowing migrants to flood into upstate communities. Time and time again we have been let down and left out by big-city politicians. It’s time for our leadership to step away from these radical policies and start working for everyday New Yorkers.”

Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers, issued this statement:  “The governor’s State of the State message is a welcome affirmation of her commitment to invest in our public schools, students and educators. NYSUT shares her powerful goals of addressing barriers to authentic learning, including increasing access to vital student mental health support, protecting kids from harmful impacts of social media and fighting to end childhood poverty.

“We appreciate her appetite for building on the historic full funding of Foundation Aid and are excited that her vision recognizes that our schools and communities prosper when we offer educators the tools and professional training they need to build healthy classrooms and sustainable careers.

“NYSUT looks forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to craft a state budget that ensures our students and educators, from pre-K to postgraduate, have the resources and support they need for success.”

Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Laffin, 28, of Rochester was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 27, 2023, the Albion Police Department received a report that a man was found in the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl (minor victim), together with the minor victim. The man fled the area but left a cell phone in bedroom.

The minor victim told police that she met the man at the Hoag Library in Albion, and believed him to be approximately 20 years old. A few days later, on December 31, 2023, Laffin was located in Albion near the minor victim’s residence and advised Albion Police that his cell phone had been stolen on December 26, 2023, in Albion.

Laffin was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. On January 3, 2024, seven items of digital evidence were turned over to the FBI. An initial review of Laffin’s cell phone located in the minor victim’s bedroom recovered multiple images and video files of child pornography involving the minor victim.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Provided photo:  Pictured from left include Sawyer Braley (Albion graduate), Gavin Ciarfella (Medina), William Flannigan (Royalton-Hartland), Chad Brigham (Medina) and James Poler (Lyndonville).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Sawyer Braley was one of the best students that Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) Welding teacher Ron Jackson has ever had.

“Sawyer was just a really good guy and great student. He took home second place at New York State SkillsUSA,” Jackson said. “He also won the AWS Welding competition and took home a $3,000 scholarship from the American Welding Society when he graduated in 2022. When he stopped in to pay a visit recently my students were excited to see him and get to interact with him.”

Sawyer, a 2022 Albion graduate, took the scholarship he received and attended trade school at the Kentucky Welding Institute to refine his skills as a welder.

“It’s actually pretty funny that I have chosen to be a welder for a career,” he said. “I had some welding skills when I took the BOCES program, but never thought this is what I want to do. I just loved my welding class and Mr. Jackson really inspired me. He is a great mentor.”

Since leaving school, Sawyer has traveled around the country working.

“I have had jobs in New York, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia,” Braley said. “It has been great to see the country and keep building on my skill set.”

He spent a day working with current students at OCTEC and answering questions. When asked what advice he would give the upcoming welders he answered, “Learn everything you can in class and get Mr. Jackson’s phone number after graduation. I have called him many times for advice and he has been awesome. I owe a lot of where I am to him.”

Brett Sobieraski inspired many by running 1,300 miles in 50 days in honor of slain Rochester PD officer

Provided photos: Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, is shown on June 4 entering New York State, the eighth and final state of a 1,300-mile journey on foot.

Orleans Hub each year recognizes outstanding citizens who inspired the community, and worked selflessly for others or to move a difficult project forward.

We posted our list on Jan. 1, recognizing eight people for their efforts in 2023. We should have had nine in the list of extraordinary people.

I forgot about Brett Sobieraski. Brett does mighty feats frequently. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

Sobieraski is a retired Rochester police sergeant who lives in Kent. He ran for Orleans County sheriff in 2019, and was edged by Chris Bourke.

In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.

That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family.

The journey began April 23 in Palatka, Florida and ended June 11 in Rochester. Sobieraski added two marathons near the end. He was allowing two rest days but added more when he was feeling strong and the mission had such a following as he passed through communities and reporters picked up the story.

Tony Mazurkiewicz

One of his extra days was June 10. He ran from his house in Carlton to Albion, and then ran the Albion Strawberry Festival 5K, and then ran back home. He wanted Orleans County to be part of the epic adventure.

The “8 States for Maz” marathon mission was featured by the Today show in a moving feature about the loss of a fallen police officer and the impact on Mazurkiewicz’s family.

Sobieraski said he felt like the community too quickly moved on after the death of Mazurkiewicz. Sobieraski said he wanted the officer’s family to feel love and respect from the community, and know Maz’s life of service is deeply appreciated. The response was far more than Sobieraski could have imagined. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him.

Sobieraski announced the plan to run the marathons on Facebook and posted short videos of each the day’s journey. He started April 23 in Palatka, Florida and finished June 11 in Rochester. When Sobieraski announced the 8 States for Maz, it seemed preposterous to me. Sobieraski is 56 years old. I didn’t see how the mind or body could take such a beating.

But Sobieraski shocked me. He ran fast, too. His times got faster, consistently around 4 hours. He pushed through pain in the feet, shins and hips.

Sobieraski said he met many inspiring people along the way, and their kind words and hospitality kept him energized. He is writing a book about the “8 States for Maz,” which he said was a humanity tour. He wants to share highlights from the journey, and honor the memory of Maz.

“I met so many amazing people,” Sobieraski said. “I saw too many great people and saw great things not to tell the world all about it.”

Brett Sobieraski, right, is joined by his son Zachary on June 11 when Sobieraski ran the last stretch of his 50th marathon and 50 days.

Sobieraski spent much of the trip as a lone solitary figure, running along the side of a road, often carrying an American flag. He took a chance in committing to such a demanding goal, including sections that were up mountains.

In the end, he brought together the community, and honored Mazurkiewicz, a Rochester PD veteran who was shot in the upper body on Bauman Street. He worked in RPD’s Tactical Unit 8. He investigated many of the city’s toughest cases. Sobieraski said Maz was deeply respected in the RPD. Sobieraski picked eight states to run with the eight in recognition of Maz’s tactical unit number.

“We need to pay attention when cops are murdered,” Sobieraski said. “These are our people, and their families are suffering.”

The Orleans Hub is planning an awards celebration for the outstanding citizens in April. Click here to see the other outstanding citizens from 2023.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced its partnership with the DAISY foundation to honor and recognize the excellent work of its nurses.

The DAISY Foundation is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the compassion, skill and dedication of nurses worldwide, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at OCH and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Through this collaboration, Orleans Community Health seeks to elevate the recognition of its nursing staff who consistently go above and beyond in providing compassionate and patient-centered care.

“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledge the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”

Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, or ITP. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

A nurse who receives a DAISY award joins a worldwide community of extraordinary nurses, nursing faculty and students. The benefits associated with being a DAISY honoree last a lifetime, according to the Foundation.

Benefits include reduced tuition at selected universities, $2,000 toward costs of attending a continuing conference of the nurse’s choice, eligibility to receive the award-winning StressPal training program at a dramatically reduced fee, a lifetime discount on an annual subscription to SE HealthCare’s Nurse Burnout Program and grants to attend medical missions helping to care for the world’s most under-served and vulnerable people.

Orleans Community Health’s partnership with the DAISY Foundation aligns with both organizations’ shared values of promoting a culture of appreciation and recognizing the vital role nurses play in healthcare delivery, Robinson added. Orleans Community Health looks forward to presenting the first DAISY Award to an outstanding nurse and continuing to foster a supportive environment for nursing excellence, he said.

Press Release, NYS Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

WATERFORD – The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism and recreation along the New York State Canal System including canal waterways and Canalway Trail.

The 2024 program will support tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements, and events. Applications are open now through February 23, 2024.

The grant program includes two funding categories: Event Support, with an award range of $500 to $3,000, and Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support, with an award range of $5,000 to $24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories.

Interested applicants are invited to attend a virtual information session on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.

Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes located within the National Heritage Corridor. Applications for infrastructure projects located on land owned by the New York State Canal Corporation are open only to federal/state/local governments, unless a nonprofit applicant is currently named as a permittee on an existing Canal Corporation Use and Occupancy Permit.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Each year, as more visitors come to New York’s canalside communities for outdoor recreational activities, the Canal Corporation looks for ways to enhance and improve their experiences. The Tourism Infrastructure and Events Grant program allows us to do just that.  Working with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, we are financing bright ideas from municipalities and stakeholders throughout the Canal corridor. We look forward to bolstering local economies by supporting this new round of upgrades and improvements.”

In 2023, 37 nonprofit organizations and municipalities received NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $190,000. The grants supported seven tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 34 events that drew 86,500 people to the canals.

 “We are pleased to offer another year of tourism investment in the Canalway Corridor. Supporting communities in their efforts to improve recreational amenities and infrastructure and host events is a key component to a thriving and vibrant waterway,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

For details, Q&A registration, and online application, visit: www.eriecanalway.org/resources/grants/

KENDALL – Hannah Brundage, a Kendall High School senior, earned first place in the American Legion’s Oratorical Competition at the 8th District Level, which was hosted in Kenmore on Sunday.

She will be moving on to the next level of the competition on Mt. Morris on Feb. 2. Zackary Baron of Albion was second, and Inez Stangler of Kendall was third. Brundage and Baron will advance to the zone level competition on Feb. 2 in Mount Morris.

The purpose of the oratorical contest is to provide high school students with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship, said Katie Driesel, a Kendall social studies teacher.

“It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of people to deliver a speech on the Constitution with the grace and eloquence,” Driesel said.

Kendall hosted the county competition on Dec. 21 with Medina, Albion and Kendall students delivered an 8 to 10 minute speech on the Constitution. Throughout the competition students researched, wrote, and practiced their speeches. At the county level competition, Brundage also was first, with Baron in second, and Stangler in third. Abigayle Wright of Medina also competed.

At the district competition on Sunday in Kenmore, the students needed to prepare their oration and also give a short speech on a chosen amendment.

This photo shows the students at the county oratorical contest with members of the American Legion and some of the judges.