Keynote speaker: Students from Orleans County take ‘grit’ with them to college, new careers

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ted Lewis, president of the Lyndonville Board of Education, gives the closing message during the banquet on Tuesday. “A heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you,” Lewis said. “Thank you for inspiring your classmates, your teachers, and this entire community. Go forth, and make us proud. Leave your mark on the world, but most importantly, never stop learning, growing, and reaching for your dreams.”

LYNDONVILLE – The Top 10 graduates for the Class of 2024 in Orleans County’s five school districts were honored at a banquet on Tuesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.

Albion returned to the event for the first time in more than a decade, joining Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina. Albion stopped being part of the Top 10 because the district did its own academic honors convocation celebration for students with GPAs at 90 or above. The district, however, wanted to get back to being part of the Top 10 dinner with the other schools in the county.

Callie Updike, a 2021 Holley graduate, gave the keynote address at the 38th annual Orleans County Academic Excellence Awards Dinner at the White Birch Golf Course. Updike has completed three years at Columbia University, an Ivy League college where she is studying film and creative writing. She plans to graduate in 2025 and then pursue a career as a screenwriter in television or film.

The students, who will all graduate later this month, were praised for their hard work, and often late nights of study.

“We celebrate the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge,” said Ted Lewis, Lyndonville’s Board of Education president. “You’ve pushed boundaries, excelled in your academics, and left your mark on your school and on this county.”

The keynote speaker for the event was a recent Top 10 grad. Callie Updike was the salutatorian for Holley in 2021. She was the class president, Student Council president, and was heavily involved in the school music program. She just completed her third year at Columbia University, majoring in film and creative writing. She expects to graduate from the Ivy League college next year and then will pursue a career as a screenwriter in television or film.

Updike said she was only 16 when she was accepted into Columbia in New York City on a full-ride scholarship. She and 12 percent of her classmates come from rural areas.

She sees that as an advantage. Most of her classmates haven’t ridden a four-wheeler or seen a cow. Many of her classmates come from tremendous wealth, with parents paying $60,000 a year – for kindergarten.

“Even if they have a fancier education than me, I would not change a single thing about the way I grew up,” Updike said. “My work ethic, my grit, my ability to relate to people, my appreciation for life and the opportunities I’ve been given because of growing up in Orleans County give me an advantage.”

She remembered attending the Top 10 dinner three years ago, and feeling a sense of fear – “the fear of letting people down, of growing complacent, of living a life I’m not proud of.”

Even now, after three years at Columbia and internships in NYC, some feelings of fear creep in, Updike said.

But her Orleans County roots steady her, and motivate her to not only pursue her dreams but want to help lift up other people.

“You are going to make beautiful, successful and happy lives for yourselves, as long as you believe you will and trust your determination will take you all the way,” Updike said. “There are things out of your control but if you take all the things you can control and make the best of them, as you have done so far, you will get where you need to be.”

The Albion Top 10 include, from left: Erin Weese, Gina Sidari, Lucy Rivers, Ella Papponetti, Meganne Moore, Kevin He, Jett Conn, Kayla Burgio and Jason Anstey. Missing from photo: Finnegan McCue.

The Top 10 in Medina include, from left: Scott Schultz, Baileigh McAdoo, Iyla Lilleby, Sawyer Kingsbury, Emma Jacobs, Layne Hodgins, Camryn Eick, Conor Crandall, Caiden Class and Alexander Balaban.

Kendall honored its Top 11 – 10 seniors plus a junior graduating early. From left include Nathaniel Smith, Hunter Richards, Christopher Nettles, Sarah Laitenberger, Lucas Jones, Paige Hardenbrook, Megan Gates, Louis Conte, Noah Clark, Hannah Brundage and Sophia Barnard-DeCann.

Lyndonville’s Top 10 include, from left: Tisha Zeitz, Elizabeth Whipple, Hannah Songer, Hailey Skowneski, Jocelyn Mack, Bradley Jisa, Austin Gardner, Katelynn Breeze, Daniel Barry and Madalynn Baker.

Holley’s Top 10 include, from left: Ryleigh Weader, Leigha Walker, Layne Walker, Kayla Neale, Gabriel Lindsay, Grace Fuller, Caitlin Dobri, Cavan Bennage and Jasmine Apicella. Missing from photo: Isabella Thom.

Leigha Walker to be recognized by Brockport Fire District for quick response

Photo by Tom Rivers: Leigha Walker is shown today outside the Holley Junior-Senior High School, where she is an honors student and three-sport varsity athlete.

HOLLEY – Leigha Walker, 18, is used to staying calm and being decisive in stressful situations.

Leigha is a three-sport athlete at Holley, a team captain. She also rides horses. She can decide in a millisecond whether to pass the ball or fire off a shot, or whether to guide a sprinting horse to the left or right an obstacle.

Provided photo: Leigha Walker juggles a busy school schedule with shifts at the Brockport Subway. She has worked there since February. On Sunday she did CPR on a man who was unconscious after crashing into a support beam in front of the Subway.

On Sunday morning, while working at the Brockport Subway, she faced a life-or-death situation. She had just put bread in the oven at the Subway at 10 a.m., when a man crashed his blue pickup truck into a support beam for an overhang outside the Subway.

Leigha immediately called 911. Then she ran outside the store to check on the man. Two customers and a co-worker joined her. Another driver got out of his car.

The driver, an older man, was unconscious at the wheel. But the truck was locked.

Leigha ran back in the store to get a wooden rod used to prop open the back door when employees take out the garbage. That rod was used to smash in the passenger side window. Another man reached in and unlocked the vehicle cutting his arm from the jagged glass.

Another Subway employee grabbed the driver and pulled him out of the truck. Leigha had his feet. They set him down carefully. Leigha rolled up a blanket as pillow underneath his head.

He gasped for air. She checked his vitals. He had a slight pulse.

Firefighters soon arrived from the Brockport Fire District. While they were getting out an AED, a firefighter urged someone to do CPR.

Leigha started doing compressions. She is certified in CPR. She did at least 30 compressions.

Then the medic from the fire district shocked the man with the AED. Monroe Ambulance arrived and transported him to a hospital.

The whole response took about 12 minutes, from the 911 call to the man being taking away by ambulance. Leigha put her headset back on and was greeted with irate customers who were in the drive-through, angry about the wait. They didn’t realize what was going on.

Leigha took their orders, pulled the bread out of the oven and worked four more hours.

Later, she received a message from the driver’s brother-in-law, thanking her for his quick action. He told her the man is alive, recovering in an ICU.

Leigha received another message from the man’s granddaughter, thanking her for making a difference for her grandfather.

Leigha is still processing what happened. It was all so fast.

“I just jumped into action,” she said today during an interview at the school. “It helps to know he is doing OK.”

She is grateful she received training in CPR at Holley. It was part of the Sports, Safety and Fitness class taught by Renee Wolf, who is also Leigha’s soccer coach.

Leigha was one of 15 Holley students to take the class last year. She is certified in CPR. She also learned the Heimlich maneuver and other first aid.

Jose Medina, chief of the Brockport Fire District, said Leigha improved the outcome for the driver in the accident. She and the other people got him out of the truck, saving firefighters time in the response. And the CPR also was likely critical, Medina said.

“The measures that she and other people took made a difference in him being alive,” Medina said.

The chief said if there are bystanders at a scene they are typically gawking, and not offering any assistance.

The Brockport Fire District wants to recognize Leigha for her “outstanding acts.”

Medina said he was able to do life-saving CPR on a person a couple years ago. He was trained to do it and felt like it was his responsibility as a firefighter.

He was amazed on Sunday to see a high school student working at Subway step forward and render aid.

Leigha is planning to attend Morrisville State College to play soccer and study equine management. The response on Sunday makes her want to take more EMT classes so she can better respond if there is ever an incident at a horse show or in the horse barn.

Dan Courtney, the Holley assistant principal, said the district feels very proud of Leigha and her response. Holley has been offering the CPR training through the Sports, Safety and Fitness class for about a decade.

“With CPR you never know if you’ll need it,” Courtney said.

Leigha had this advice for others: “Learn CPR.”

Fire Department soon faces replacement of 2 fire trucks at cost topping $3 million

Photos by Tom Rivers: Paul Roberts, a resident of Allen Road in Albion, speaks during an informational meeting on Monday about a proposed joint fire district for Albion and Gaines. Roberts asked if the village intends to keep the fire hall and lease it to the district. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said the fire hall would be available to the fire district likely for free or for a dollar. The village wants to keep the building because it is the only village-owned building along the canal and the property could be valuable if the fire district chooses to build a new fire hall in the future. 

ALBION – The public was given a breakdown of an anticipated budget for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines, with the expenses expected to go from about $350,000 currently for the Albion Fire Department to $750,000 for a fire district.

Those numbers have been sought by many community members, including people who pushed for a petition to put the district up to a public vote. That referendum will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Hoag Library. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines will be eligible to cast a ballot.

During an April 24 public hearing on the district, residents could ask questions on the district, but no answers were provided which bothered many in the crowd. The fire department leaders followed the advice of an attorney to not answer questions, and Deputy Chief John Papponetti said during Monday’s meeting that he would have preferred to respond to the questions back on April 24.

Richard DeCarlo Jr., co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said the lack of responses from the fire department and elected officials at the hearing gave off an air of secrecy and made many distrustful of the people pushing the district.

That then fueled the effort to get petitions to force a referendum on the issue.

But after Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti spent an hour going over an outline of the fire district budget, DeCarlo said he felt more comfortable with the fire district.

(Left) Resident Jason Dragon said village residents have paid more than their share of the fire department budget for years, especially when the Town of Gaines was given a big discount. Up until 2016, Gaines was paying the village $33,860 for fire protection. That amount is now $120,422 for 2024, about a third of the department’s $350,000 budget. The Town of Albion and village each pay about a third. (Right) Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said major expenses for the fire department will be too much for village property owners to bear. She favors a fire district to spread out the costs among the towns of Albion and Gaines. The village is ins parts of the two towns.

During the informational meeting on Monday the library, Papponetti went over an anticipated budget for the fire district, spending an hour going line item by line item. If the district is approved in the referendum, five fire commissioners would be appointed (two by the Gaines Town Board, two by the Albion Town Board, and one by the Village Board). The commissioners would ultimately set the budget, and numbers presented by Papponetti could change, he said.

“The commissioners will finalize the budget,” Papponetti said. “This is what we feel we need to move forward.”

DeCarlo said the community should know who is expected to be appointed as fire commissioners if the fire district goes through. The five commissioners would serve about five or six months before there would be an election in December.

Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said she would push for a diverse board of commissioners, and not just five with ties to the fire department. She wants the fire department to have the resources it needs to serve the community, but Riley said it can’t be “spend, spend, spend.”

The fire district budget outline includes an apparatus reserve fund at $315,000 a year. That fund would cover anticipated payments for two new fire trucks: a ladder truck and an engine.

A new ladder truck (to replace one that is 27 years old) is expected to cost $2.2 million. It would likely be bonded over 20 years at a 7 percent interest rate with an annual payment of $208,000.

A new fire engine (to replace one 32 years old) would likely have a purchase price of $1.1 million. It would be bonded over 20 years with an annual payment of $104,000 a year.

The fire department in the district budget also suggested reserve funds with $75,000 annually towards the fire station, $50,000 annually towards a land purchase, $20,000 annually in an equipment reserves, and $10,000 annually towards air packs.

The total spending for reserve funds would be $470,000 under the budget plan.

Richard DeCarlo, a co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said he appreciated all of the budget details provided on Monday for the fire district. DeCarlo said the budget may not provide enough in reserves to replace the aging equipment and facility for the fire department.

While the fire department needs to soon get the process started for replacing two of the older fire trucks, Papponetti said a new fire station is less urgent.

“It is not our intent right now,” Papponetti said about a new fire hall. “That’s a down, down, down the road scenario.”

The fire department has been part of the village budget, and many of its expenses were somewhat hidden in the village budget, Papponetti said. For example, the department could use the village mechanic who is a DPW employee. It could use village office supplies, and its electric and utilities were part of the bill for the village office.

The district needs to break out every service in its own budget, from cleaning expenses, legal services, to paying a mechanic, accountant, treasurer and supplying its own office materials. That has resulted in a budget line for “professional services” going from 0 in recent budgets through the village to $40,000 as a fire district.

“Parts and Repairs” which were in the village DPW budget goes from 0 last year for the fire department to $30,000.

Papponetti and fire department leaders also would like 10,000 budgeted for training (currently 0) and $15,000 for recruitment and retention (currently 0).

Village attorney John Gavenda said the village would be in a bind if the fire district fails in a public vote on Aug. 6. The fire department should soon start the process of replacing two old fire trucks, but the village doesn’t want to be stuck with the debt on those trucks. Gavenda is advising the village not to move forward with purchasing new fire apparatus until there is a fire district and the costs can be shared by the towns of Albion and Gaines.

The outline of the fire district budget also would double fire prevention efforts for students and community members from $750 to $1,500.

There is an increase almost across the board for many of the line items, from tires, cleaning supplies, hoses, air packs, insurance and gas.

After the budget presentation, Papponetti and Village Board members took questions for another hour. There is another informational meeting at 6 p.m. on June 17 at Hoag Library.

The biggest factor in the dramatic rise in costs: establishing reserve funds for fire trucks.

The fire department has a roster of 40 to 50 members. One set of turnout gear can cost $5,000. Papponetti said the department has been buying three sets each year but would like to go to five sets to replace aging gear and have new gear for new members. Buying five sets a year would allow the department to get in a schedule where every 10 years the gear is replaced.

With the current fire department budget of about $350,000, the two towns pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With a $350,000 budget, the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).

The budget doesn’t include any reserves. Any money for reserves would have been added to the village’s share of the budget, which is likely why no money has been set aside over the years for equipment and apparatus.

DeCarlo said he is concerned the dollar amounts for the reserves may not be enough, and the budget could see a significant increase in the future beyond the $750,000.

Deputy Mayor Riley said the reserve funds “are a start.” The Village Board favors the fire district, she said, partly because of the big costs coming with the debt payments for the two new fire trucks. Riley has been a village trustee for two years. She wishes there had been money saved for the fire trucks.

“My biggest concern on this board is we didn’t even have $5 set aside,” she said during the meeting which was attended by about 40 people.

Jim Tabor of Carlton is a sales rep for Firematic Supply Company, working with fire departments and districts in eight Western New York counties. He said the cost of new fire trucks is up 65 percent since 2020. Manufacturers are dealing with a shortage of parts and labor, while the orders keep coming in.

Fire trucks used to have a 9-month turnaround from when they were ordered to when they were delivered. Now it may be three years or longer, Tabor said.

Village attorney John Gavenda said he is concerned about that time frame. The fire department should begin the process of replacing at least two fire trucks. But Gavenda said he doesn’t want the village to incur the debt for the trucks. That debt can’t be passed to a fire district.

The town contracts have about two more years on them. If the fire district fails in the referendum, the town contracts will need to be renegotiated at a much higher amount to help pay the bond payments on the fire trucks.

“The village can’t assume $3 million in debt for apparatus,” Riley said.

Gavenda said the fire district really doesn’t change much with the fire protection for the community.

“The firemen are still from the Town of Gaines, the Town of Albion and the Village of Albion,” Gavenda said.

Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti, right, goes over budget numbers for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines. From left is Fire Chief Jeremy Graham and Village Trustee Tim McMurray.

ALBION – The Town Board has formed Water District 10 to serve a small section of Butts Road and Moore Street.

The entire cost of about $70,000 for the waterline and other materials will be paid from some of the town’s American Rescue Plans Act funds. There won’t be any debt service for the new district that will serve seven parcels of land, which currently includes four houses. The waterline will increase the chances the vacant land would be developed in the future.

The town highway department will install the water district, with construction expected to take about two weeks and hopefully be done in July, said Michael Neidert, the town highway superintendent.

The district will be about 1,000 feet long with the pipe going on Moore Street from near the village line going east to Butts Road, and then a small section of Butts Road. Neidert said the project will also include valves, hydrants, a meter pit and service connections.

The town will tie into the new waterline near the former Braley Street, now Riley Place on Moore Street.

Town Supervisor Richard Remley said the waterline will help residents where wells are often low in quantity and some of the water is of poor quality.

Although there is no debt service for the district, the water bills are expected to average about $277.50 annually. There also is a hook-up fee for the water meter that cost $478.55, and the cost of running a line from their house to the curb.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The Medina Central School District Board of Education would like to inform its residents of board member vacancy. Debra Tompkins resigned her position on the school board.

If you are interested in serving, submit a letter of interest by June 18 to District Clerk Julie Kuhn, jkuhn@medinacsd.org. The letter of interest must include:

• Name and address
• A little bit about yourself
• Why you want to be a school board member
• What you think are the top issues facing the district.

Candidates will be considered and possibly interviewed at a Special Board of Education meeting later in June. The Board plans to appoint the new member soon thereafter formally.

A normal term is three years. Since this is due to a resignation, the board will appoint an individual to serve until the next regular election on May 20, 2025.

Commitment?

Attend monthly board meetings, participate in board committees, be visible at district events, and review policies and documents for meetings.

What are the qualifications?

In order to be on a Board of Education in New York State, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• Able to vote in the Medina Central School District
• At least 18 years old
• A legal resident of the Medina Central School District for at least the last 30 days.

For further questions, please contact District Clerk Julie Kuhn at 585-798-2700 option 6 or jkuhn@medinacsd.org.

Kendall, Middleport churches would close in recommendation not yet finalized

Photo by Tom Rivers: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church would be closed as part of a restructuring plan announced tonight by the Diocese of Buffalo with the church merging with Holy Trinity in Medina. St. Mark’s in Kendall would merge with St. Mary’s in Holley.

The Diocese of Buffalo tonight announced its restructuring plan for churches in Orleans and Niagara counties with St. Mark’s in Kendall to close and merge with St. Mary’s in Holley, and St. Stephen’s in Middleport to close and merge with Holy Trinity in Medina.

These are recommended changes and not final, said Joe Martone, Diocese spokesman.

The plan for parishes within the Niagara/Orleans Vicariate was presented this evening to pastors and parish family officers at the Diocese of Buffalo’s Renewal meeting at Immaculate Conception in Ransomville.

Parish families have the opportunity to present alternative proposals by July 15, Martone said.

The 8-county Diocese of Buffalo announced on May 28 it will work to reduce the number of parishes by 34 percent in the eight-county region, which includes Orleans.

“The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing,” Bishop Michael Fisher said on May 28.

Some of the grim data from the Diocese includes a 49 percent decline in registered households across the 8-county region, 59 percent of parishes with a negative net operating balance, 59 percent of parishes experiencing a steady decline in baptisms, 24 percent decrease in marriages from 2020 to 2023 in the Diocese, and the average age for priests is 76, with 63 percent of the priests between the ages of 65 and 70.

Orleans County already lost a Catholic church last year when St. Joseph’s in Lyndonville was badly damaged in a Feb. 28 fire. The Diocese opted not to rebuild the church and had it torn down in November.

Diocese recommendations for Niagara/Orleans Vicariate

(Changes in italics)

Family #10

All Saints, Lockport – merge with St. John – close St. Joseph campus

Our Lady of the Rosary worship site in Wilson to close

St. John the Baptist, Lockport

Immaculate Conception, Ransomville – move to Family #34

St. Patrick, Barker – move to Family #10

St. Brendan on the Lake, Newfane

Family #11

St. Stephen, Middleport to merge with Holy Trinity in Medina

St. Mark in Kendall to merge with St. Mary’s in Holley

St. Mary, Holley

Holy Family, Albion

Holy Trinity, Medina

Family #34

St. Raphael, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Peter, Lewiston

St. Peter, Lewiston

Accept Immaculate Conception, Ransomville, into Family #34

Family #35

Divine Mercy, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Mary of the Cataract

St. John de LaSalle, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul, Niagara Falls

St. Mary of the Cataract, Niagara Falls

Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph, Niagara Falls – Our Lady of Mount Carmel site to close

ALBION – A public will decide whether Albion and Gaines form a joint fire district. The town boards in Albion and Gaines this evening set Aug. 6 for a public referendum on the issue, with voting from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library.

Each town will have its own room for voting on that day in the library. Eligible Village of Albion residents will vote in whichever town they live in.

This is how the proposition will be listed on the ballot:

“Shall the resolution authorizing the Board of Trustees for the Village of Albion, the Town Board of the Town of Albion and the Town Board of the Town of Gaines, Orleans County, New York, dated April 30, 2024, to establish a Joint Fire District to be known as the Albion Joint Fire District, which fire district will encompass the Village of Albion, the Town of Albion and the Town of Gaines be approved?”

The two town boards set the date for the referendum after petitions were turned in to force the public vote.

The petitions were filed on May 30. Today was the last day for the two towns to set the referendum, Albion town attorney Jim Bell said during the Albion Town Board meeting.

Bell was joined by Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait and Gaines Town Clerk Janet Cheverie in a meeting today with the Orleans County Board of Elections.

Elections officials advised that the referendum can be held in one location – Hoag Library at 134 South Main St.

Each town will have four election inspectors, and there will also be one floater for both towns.

Albion and Gaines will send a postcard to all households, advising of the vote, and the referendum will be posted as a legal notice in The Daily News of Batavia, and also will be advertised in the Orleans Hub.

The deadline to receive absentee ballots will be 5 p.m. on Aug. 6.

There are about 3,600 registered voters in Albion. Bell said the ballots cost about 50 cents each. He expects a brisk turnout for the vote. He and Basinait suggested about 3,000 ballots be printed for Albion. Bell said it is better to have too many rather than not enough.

The Gaines and Albion town boards, and the Albion Village Board voted on April 30 to create the joint fire district, which was subject to a permissive referendum.

Residents had until May 30 to turn in petitions signed by at least 5 percent of the registered voters who cast ballots in the last gubernatorial election. That standard was met, with the fire district going to a public vote.

Petitions were turned in to the Gaines town clerk signed by 107 people, to the Albion town clerk signed by 95 people and to the Albion village clerk signed by 259 people.

The new district would move the fire department out of the village budget and into its own taxing jurisdiction with elected commissioners.

The two towns currently pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With the current budget of about $350,000 the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).

Some community members have sought more information about the fire district, including a budget breakdown. During a public hearing on April 24 at the Albion High School LGI, residents were told the fire district budget would likely be $750,000 to $850,000 a year, well above the current $350,000 for the fire department. That $350,000 has left the fire department without a reserve fund for a new ladder truck at an estimated $2.2 million and another fire engine at about $1.1 million.

Deputy Chief John Papponetti provided a breakdown of a budget outline for the fire district during a meeting at the library from 6 to 8 p.m. Those numbers will be detailed in a story expected on Tuesday in the Orleans Hub.

Papponetti said five fire commissioners will ultimately set the budget, but he said the current budget leaves the fire department with no reserves for apparatus and equipment. More money will be needed to keep the fire department “on track,” Papponetti said.

BARKER – In addition to welcoming the Rev. Tom Gardner as their new pastor, the congregation of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker, is also planning its first live auction July 20.

The Rev. Gardner assumed his new duties June 9, succeeding former pastor Sheila Paige.

“I’m very excited to be the new pastor for Faith United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Gardner, who previously served 13 years at the First Presbyterian Church of Holley. “I look forward to serving the community in that capacity. I have deep roots in Barker, and have loved all the years coming and going to family and community events. While attending worship at Faith United recently, I was pleased with how welcoming, open and kind everyone was to me and my wife Laura. I believe this is a way of life for this congregation.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Rev. Tom Gardner, former pastor of Holley’s Presbyterian Church, has assumed duties as pastor of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker. The church is planning its first ever live auction on July 20 to help with the cost of a new roof.

Katie Kempf is one member who would agree with him.

“Our church has a small, but mighty following and widely opens its doors and welcomes everyone,” Kempf said.

She is a relatively new member, and when she learned her church needed money for repairs, including a new roof, she had an idea.

“This is my first attempt at a live auction, and I’m praying for a successful event,” Kempf said.

Provided photo: This wood chest is among the many items which will be included in the live auction July 20 at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker.

Doors for the live auction July 20 will open at 10 a.m., with the auction beginning at 11 a.m. Auctioneer will be Joe Reed from Gasport/Hartland.

“Our auction will have all kinds of great items,” Kempf said. “Everything from jewelry, home repair items, gifts, collectibles and art to treasures and mystery boxes, and everything in between.”

Kempf said she got the idea to have an auction because most people love a bargain.

“We wanted to do something fun for the community, while raising money for our work and church repairs,” Kempf said. “I thought a live auction would make for a fun afternoon.”

Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. During the summer they have lemonade in the library after church, but when the school year starts again, they have music by the choir and adult Bible study after church.

Kempf would welcome donations for the auction. She can arrange pickup if necessary, and asks anyone with questions or items to donate to call or text her at (716) 930-6559.

She also adds the first 100 folks to arrive on auction day will get a special gift. They also advise that payment will be cash or check only.

Orleans County highest in WNY at $3.685 a gallon

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Pembroke marching band heads down Main Street in Albion during the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday. The Crosby’s at 98 and 31 advertises a price of $3.69 for regular unleaded.

Gas prices have fallen an average of 6 cents in the past week nationwide for regular unleaded to $3.45 today, while the average price in the state is down 3 cents to $3.62. A year ago the NY average was $3.70.

Orleans County’s average price in the highest among Western New York counties, AAA reported.

Here are the prices among WNY counties:

• Orleans, $3.685
• Genesee, $3.562
• Wyoming, $3.675
• Livingston, $3.634
• Monroe, $3.628
• Niagara, $3.525
• Erie, $3.637
• Chautauqua, $3.601
• Cattaraugus, $3.533
• Allegany, $3.649

AAA issued this statement about gas prices:

“According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dipped last week, meanwhile total domestic gasoline stocks jumped up. This morning, oil prices rest in the mid-70s to low 80s, dropping slightly from last Monday.

“Tepid gasoline demand, increasing supply, and falling oil costs will likely lead to the continued falling of pump prices, offering motorists some savings as we move into the unofficial start of summer.

“Diesel prices are also moving down. The national average price for diesel is $3.79, down six cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.28, down three cents from last Monday.”

Photo and press release from Albion Central School

ALBION – Students from Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School have joined forces in an inspiring campaign for Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.

On May 30, elementary students and staff collected $1,500.23 to donate to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund to help cancer patients and their families with the costs of medical bills, food, transportation, and living expenses.

In addition, the elementary Student Leadership Council made and donated twenty lap sized blankets that will be added to patient-care bags given by Knights Kaderli.

Melissa Knights Bertrand came to visit the students, accept the donation, and talk about the importance of continuing the efforts of the memorial fund. The event not only served as a means to raise funds but also provided valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and community service for the young participants. Students learned about the importance of giving back and the impact that their collective efforts can have on the lives of others.

All of the funds donated to Knights-Kaderli go to patients and families affected by cancer within Orleans County.

The annual initiative at the elementary school, organized by the school’s Student Leadership Council, has not only showcased their philanthropic spirit but also their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Throughout the month of March, students diligently collected spare change from family, friends, and staff. Their efforts were fueled by a desire to help those in Orleans County battling cancer and to honor loved ones affected by the disease.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication,” said Angela Conway, elementary school principal. “Our students have demonstrated that even the smallest contributions can make a significant difference. Their empathy and generosity have truly shone through during this campaign.”

MEDINA – Orleans County United Way’s annual golf tournament on Friday at Shelridge Country Club was one of the most successful in its history, with 112 golfers.

Winning teams were Dan Roesch, Jomo Modcamore, Eric Jaska and Scott Pussay (59), first; Lionel Rhim, Donnell Holloway, Tom Hungerford and Brian Cline (63), second; and Bob Hursey, Chad Hursey, Greg Poltorak and Alex Bateman (64), third. Winners received gift certificates to the pro shop.

The event was considered a sellout, and United Way’s board president Jodi Gaines, executive director Nyla Gaylord and tournament chair Dean Bellack all expressed their thanks and appreciation to sponsors, volunteers and golfers.

Gaines was the first to welcome golfers to the tournament, which this year celebrated the 60th anniversary of United Way.

“Our agency impacts thousands of people every year in Orleans County,” Gaines said.

She also stressed that every dollar raised in Orleans County stays in the county.

Gaylord explained how United Way has changed and diversified in Orleans County, especially after Covid impacted workplaces and employee donations.

“We have changed our base of funding,” Gaylord said. “We not only rely on donations, but we are pursuing grants and other means of funding.”

(Left) Dean Bellack, left, chair of United Way’s golf tournament, chats with golfer Tim Winters, CEO of WNY Energy, one of the tournament’s sponsors. (Right) Nyla Gaylord, right, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, welcomes golfers, as board president Jodi Gaines stands by  after she thanked golfers, sponsors and volunteers.

The United Way golf tournament is not only a major source of funding, but a long-standing tradition. In the first years of the golf tournament, it was known as the Van Hungerford Memorial Golf Tournament, named in honor of United Way’s founder, Medina native and entrepreneur Van Hungerford.

His sons, Roger and Bill Hungerford, continue to be staunch supporters of United Way. Bill’s company, Takeform, is a major sponsor of the golf tournament, along with Baxter, Adfors St. Gobain, Curbell Plastics, H.H. Dobbins, Heritage Wind, Western New York Energy and the Mitchell Family/Cooper Funeral homes.

Both Gaines and Gaylord couldn’t stress enough the importance of these sponsorships and how much they are appreciated.

Friday morning, Shelridge club manager Brett Decker issued a warning to golfers about the possibility of rain and/or thunderstorms. He said Shelridge’s carts were equipped with a warning system, and should a thunderstorm be possible, he would sound the horn for golfers to leave the greens immediately.

Shortly after noon, rain did begin while golfers were one to two holes short of finishing the course. While most of them safely made it back to the clubhouse, some of the volunteers got drenched, including Aeddon Cayea, Gaylord’s assistant and grant writer, and photographer Abby Taylor Smith, coordinator of the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

In the clubhouse, golfers enjoyed a meal and camaraderie while the drawings went on for the basket raffle and 50/50 winners.

Steve Dollinger and Nick Gregori, employees of Adfors St. Gobain in Albion, wanted to support United Way.

“Last year I heard about the basketball courts at Bullard Park,” Gregori said. “That was a big reason for me.”

Dollinger said he has participated in the tournament for three years.

Jodi Gaines, president of the board of United Way of Orleans County, sells mulligans to Steve Dollinger and Nick Gregori, employees of St. Gobain, at United Way’s annual golf tournament Friday at Shelridge Country Club.

Western New York Energy has been an avid supporter of United Way, this year as a major sponsor. CEO Tim Winters said they decided this was a great opportunity to get a few employees out and support United Way.

Curbell Plastics of Buffalo was also a major sponsor, and Jeff Wangler and one of his employees Tim McPherson came out to golf.

“I’ve been coming here for a few years, and I’m a member here at Shelridge,” Wangler. “This is a great event.”

The public is reminded that since 2020, United Way of Orleans County has brought nearly $1.7 million in programming and services to Orleans County. Their efforts have resulted in the new Code Blue Warming Center in Albion for people without housing; new basketball courts at Bullard Park in Albion; the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative which helps people use technology and save money on their internet service; providing respite care so home-based caregivers can have a break; and creating a “Housing Action Strategy for Orleans County” to identify resources and recommendations for addressing the county’s housing crisis.

Partner agencies funded by United Way of Orleans County are Arc GLOW (Camp Rainbow and Meals on Wheels), Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Go ART!, Medina Senior Center, OCALS Learning Services, OK Kitchen, Orleans County YMCA, P‘Raising Kids, Hospice of Orleans County, UConnectCare and WNY Boy Scouts of America.

A final plea is issued to the community to consider supporting United Way of Orleans County by joining the board, becoming a volunteer or donating with a one-time gift, payroll deduction or legacy gift to their endowment fund.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recognized the Top Ten seniors during a brunch last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.

In a break from tradition, the Lions held a brunch in honor of the graduating Class of 2024.  In previous years the Lions held an evening program to honor the ten top graduating seniors. It was proposed by the Club that a brunch-like setting might offer an improved experience for both students and club members.

The top ten seniors were individually recognized for their academic achievements by High School Principal Dr. Aaron Slack. Each student then received a $100 dollar gift card from the Lyndonville Lions in recognition of their academic excellence. The Top Ten include Maddie Baker, Daniel Barry, Katelynn Breeze, Austin Gardner, Bradley Jisa, Joselyn Mack, Hailey Skowneski, Hannah Songer, Elizabeth Whipple and Tisha Zeitz.

In addition to the Top 10, the Lions Club recognized Elizabeth Whipple, Hannah Songer, Maddison Baker and Amber Grabowski, who have served for more than three years as “Leo Club” members.

Leo Club members are high school students who are mentored by the Lyndonville Lions Club.  Students are exposed to club activities and learn about community service. These students along with underclassmen Leo Club members donated their time and effort assisting the Lions with their community service projects. They were instrumental in helping with the Lions annual eyeglass clinic, the elementary eye screening program at the Lyndonville School, and donated their vocal talents signing Christmas carols at the Red Kettle campaign during the holiday season.

The Lions Club will assist Noah Fox with some of the expenses in going to Boys State. Fox is shown with Lions Club VP Eric Johnson.

Noah Fox, a junior at the Lyndonville School, was introduced at the ceremony. He is the American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 Boys State Representative for 2024.  The Lions Club will sponsor Fox with travel expenses and incidentals for the week-long event this July. Boys State is held every year at SUNY Morrisville.

Young men from across the state gather to learn leadership skills, organizational planning and networking. Participants then use these new skills to establish a mock state government. The experience exposes future community leaders to the inner workings of government and expanding knowledge of cooperation and communication in achieving a common goal.

The Lions would like everyone to look for forthcoming announcements regarding the Lyndonville Lions Club 50th Anniversary July 4th Celebration.

It is expected to be the largest summer event in Orleans County this year. Numerous added events to this year’s celebration will be announced along with the introduction of this year’s parade grand marshal.

Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Chicken Barbecue tickets are now on sale for $15 at M & T Bank on Main Street Lyndonville and at White Birch Restaurant and Golf Course in Lyndonville. Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours and please specify which seating you would like, 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

The Lions would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy summer season and may God continue to bless all of us and this great nation.

2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42^nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.

The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.

Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.

The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.

The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.

“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”

Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.

The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.

Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.

Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.

The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.

Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.

Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.

The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.

Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.

Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.

Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.

“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”

Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.

Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.

Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.

Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.

Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.

Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”

“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”

Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.

The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.

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.

“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”