Photos and information courtesy of Medina Lions Club
MEDINA – On a beautiful Saturday, May 3rd, the Medina Boy Scout Troop 28, the Medina Girl Scouts 82096, and the Medina Lions gathered at Lions Park along the Erie Canal for a community beautification and cleanup event.
The goal was to enhance the park’s aesthetics by spreading mulch around the trees and bushes. There were approximately 30 volunteers, because as they say, many hands made light work.
Special thanks go to Eric Washak of the Village of Medina Public Works for donating and delivering the mulch to the park. It was interesting to learn that the village obtained this mulch from trees cut earlier this year.
A shoutout to Scout leaders, Todd Draper and Mindy Cogovan, along with their scouts, for their efforts.
Also, a loud GRRRRRRRRRRRR to Lion Tim Winters for bringing his tractor to help move the mulch, and the many Lions who assisted.
Visit Medina Lions Park to enjoy a picnic or take a peaceful walk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2025 at 1:55 pm
Photo by Marsha Rivers: These dandelions stand in a front yard on East Park Street in Albion.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a frost advisory for Orleans County and much of upstate New York tonight.
The advisory is in effect for Orleans from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. with temperatures in the mid and upper 30s that will result in frost formation.
“The greatest threat for frost will be well inland away from the cities and Lake Ontario,” the Weather Service stated.
The frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left unprotected. The Weather Service advises people to take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
ALBION – The recently-enacted New York State budget gives Governor Kathy Hochul authorization to close three prisons in the state and Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson wants to make sure that the Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility are not on that list.
Although the budget did not state which facilities could be closed, Johnson sent a letter to the Governor’s Fingers Lakes representative underscoring the importance of the two facilities to the community.
In the letter Johnson wrote, “According to the latest numbers released by the United State Census Bureau, Orleans County was fortunate to be one of a few upstate counties to actually see a population increase from 2023 to 2024. This modest gain could be wiped out with closing of our correctional facilities and a closure of either or both of these facilities would have very negative consequences for our community.”
Johnson continued, “These facilities employ many people who live in our community, who are raising families here, who coach our youth sports teams and serve on local boards. So, even as the Governor has stated no correctional employee will lose their job, their transfer to another facility out of our community will shrink our tax base and have a negative economic ripple felt by businesses across Orleans County.”
Johnson also stressed that the two correctional facilities represent one of the few state allocation of significant resources in Orleans County.
“There is also an issue of fairness when it comes to the state’s allocation of what I will call ‘institutional’ dollars,” she said. “Orleans County does not have a SUNY university, any state office buildings, or been the recipient of large-scale, state-supported economic development initiatives. The two correctional facilities are what drives state dollars into our county.”
The Governor has not released a timetable for any decisions.
Here is the letter dated May 15 to Mr. JW Cook, Fingers Lakes Regional Representative for the Office of the Governor:
Dear Mr. Cook:
As Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, I write to you today regarding language included in the New York State budget to close three prisons. While there has been no public announcement on which prison will be closed, I am concerned that the two facilities in Orleans County – the Orleans Correctional Facility and the Albion Correctional Facility – could be at risk.
According to the latest numbers released by the United State Census Bureau, Orleans County was fortunate to be one of a few upstate counties to actually see a population increase from 2023 to 2024. This modest gain could be wiped out with closing of our correctional facilities and a closure of either or both of these facilities would have very negative consequences for our community.
These facilities employ many people who live in our community, who are raising families here, who coach our youth sports teams and serve on local boards. So, even as the Governor has stated no correctional employee will lose their job, their transfer to another facility out of our community will shrink our tax base and have a negative economic ripple felt by businesses across Orleans County.
It would also undoubtedly place further strain on our social services. Considering that the entire tax levy of Orleans County does not cover state mandated programs, we can ill afford any decline.
There is also an issue of fairness when it comes to the state’s allocation of what I will call “institutional” dollars. Orleans County does not have a SUNY university, any state office buildings, or been the recipient of large-scale, state-supported economic development initiatives. The two correctional facilities are what drives state dollars into our county.
Last, I question whether it is prudent to be closing any prisons given the most recent labor issues. We know corrections officers are overworked in very trying conditions in state prisons. So increasing the number of inmates at the remaining prisons, even if the number of corrections officers increases, would seem to be only making matters worse.
Orleans County has always been a welcoming community to corrections officers and their families. Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility have long been part of our community. I hope this will matter as decisions are made about the futures of corrections facilities in the state. Thank you for your consideration.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2025 at 8:02 am
Albion students researched Daniel Walterhouse and secured headstone
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Matthew Passerall of the VFW in Albion places a GAR marker by the new headstone for Daniel Walterhouse, a Civil War veteran who lived at the Orleans County Alms House or Poor House for about 15 years until his death in 1910.
The new headstone was unveiled during a ceremony at the Alms “Poor” House Cemetery behind the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency on Countyhouse Road.
Civil War re-enactors mostly from the 140th N.Y. Vol. Infantry attended the service and later did a military gun salute. From left in back include David George, Doug Mergler, Wes Miller, Michael Ryan, Nathanael George and Jude Melin.
The re-enactors also brought a 34-star flag from the Civil War which is set near the new headstone.
The headstone for Walterhouse was installed by the Orleans County Department of Public Works before Saturday’s ceremony.
Two Albion eight-graders secured the 230-pound Civil War era headstone from the Veterans Affairs office in Washington, DC.
Anton Schwarzmueller, vice chairman of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for New York State, attended the ceremony and presented letters of appreciation from the organization to Kendall Peruzzini, center, and Mary McCormick.
The students started researching Walterhouse last summer. They initially were helped by Civil War researcher George Wilkinson of Michigan. They set out to dig into local record books for primary source evidence
McCormick and Peruzzini visited Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait to look over handwritten death records. They saw that Daniel Waterhouse died on Aug. 20, 1910 and was buried in the “County Farm” Cemetery.
Then they visited Catherine Cooper, county historian, to look over Alms House ledgers from the late 1890s to early 1900s. The Alms House operated on Courthouse Road from 1833 to about 1960. It was a site for poor residents, and others with no other place to go.
Walterhouse was listed annually in the registers for approximately 15 years until his death in 1910. The “Record of Inmates” registry notes he was admitted twice, once in 1893 and again in 1895.
Peruzzini and McCormick also looked over the National Archives records on Walterhouse that verified his Civil War service and eventual residence over his final years at the Alms House.
“This was the conclusive evidence we needed to link our Civil War soldier to the one buried here,” Peruzzini said.
Since the cemetery is county property, the two attended a County Legislature meeting to get its permission to seek a headstone and have it placed at the cemetery. The Legislature approved the request.
There were then able to apply to the Veterans Affairs office in Washington, DC for a Civil War era headstone. The request was approved “with great promptness” and the 230-pound headstone arrived six weeks later.
“All this research culminates today in Mr. Walterhouse’s long overdue recognition, and the formal unveiling of his headstone,” Peruzzini said. “Along with Mr. Walterhouse, this recognition in some way also honors the many forgotten, soldier or not, who lived and died here at the Orleans County Alms House.”
The re-enactors fire their guns in a salute for Daniel Walterhouse, who was born in 1823 in Western New York.
During the outbreak of the Civil War, Walterhouse was accepted into state service in Washtenaw County, Mich. on May 16, 1861, and later mustered in at Lenawee County on June 20, 1861, with over 1,000 other men, joining Company K of the 4th Michigan Infantry, McCormick told more than 50 people at the ceremony on Saturday.
In his two years of service his company would fight in northern Virginia and Maryland regions in places like Bull Run, Malvern Hill and Antietam.
On July 1, 1862, he fought with Gen. George McClellan against Robert E. Lee and the Confederates at Malvern.
The day would end with over a thousand men dead and 6,000 wounded, McCormick shared. Walterhouse was taken prison, and would later during an escape attempt be stabbed in the leg below the left knee. A few months later at Antietam he would smash his right ankle falling off a wagon during battle.
“These two major injuries put him in hospitals in both Washington and Philadelphia,” McCormick said. “This ultimately ended his ability to serve after two years of faithful service. These injuries would significantly hamper him through his future life as a farmer.”
Through his pension records, McCormick and Peruzzini learned Walterhouse moved to Niagara County at some point after the war and was living in the Niagara County Alms House in the late 1880s. He was a widower with no one to care for him because immediate family all stayed in Michigan.
In the late 1890s he moved to the Orleans County Alms House and would live there for 15 years until his death in 1910.
“One of the last to be buried in this cemetery, today we honor Daniel L. Walterhouse with this long overdue headstone for his service and dedication to our country,” McCormick said.
Scouts and their leaders from Troop 64 in Albion raise the American flag near the start of the service on Saturday.
Albion students played a big part in clearing overgrown brush from the cemetery in 2010-11 in a service learning project led by their teacher, Tim Archer. Students and the county reset stones, and also had an interpretive made listing many of the residents buried in the cemetery. About 200 residents are buried there.
Retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin speaks during Saturday’s ceremony. Lattin visited Archer’s class in 2010 and Lattin’s comments to the class back then started an effort to reclaim the overgrown potter’s field as a more suitable cemetery for the residents buried there.
Albion student Rigo Baltazar leads the group in the pledge of allegiance. Tim Archer is at right. He has helped guide many of the service learning projects with students at Albion Central School. The 34-star flag from the Civil War is in back.
Jax Gotte, an Albion Boy Scout, places an American flag by Walterhouse’s headstone.
Mike Donahue served as the bugler in the playing of Taps near the end of the ceremony.
These participants in Saturday’s ceremony gather for a group photo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2025 at 7:13 pm
League has been part of Albion community since 1956
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Midget League celebrated the opening of another season on Saturday. Scott DeSmit, the league commissioner, served as emcee and passed the microphone to the players to introduce themselves in front of the crowd at the Midget League Field behind the Town Hall on Clarendon Road.
These teams include Elks Rotary at left and some of the Vets at right.
These teams include Carlton at left and Elks Rotary at right.
The Midget League has been an annual tradition in Albion since 1956. The league has expanded with teams from Elba, Hamlin, Holley and Brockport, as well as central Orleans teams with Barre, Sandstone, Carlton, Elks Rotary and the Vets.
There are 11 teams in total and each will play a 15-game regular season schedule which is slated to conclude on June 30. The playoffs are scheduled for July 7 and 9 with the championship game to be played on July 12.
DeSmit and the league were able to give out 28 prizes worth about $1,700 that were donated by the community.
Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Bicentennial Ox threw out the ceremonial first pitch and then greeted many of the players with high fives. Orly is the county’s mascot for the 200th anniversary of Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2025 at 6:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Holley students and community volunteers spent about four hours today working on the Vietnam War memorial outside the VFW. The group reset about 500 bricks, removed weeds and put down a perimeter of mulch. They also painted the shells by the Vietnam War era tank.
Some of the volunteers also worked on the site for a few hours the previous week.
The Holley Interact Club and EarlyAct sent a group of about 100 students in the community to pick up litter, clean headstones at Hillside Cemetery and for the first time work on the memorial by the tank.
Gage Campbell goes underneath the tank to pick up broken glass and debris.
Jack Breuilly, center, removes bricks while Gage Campbell climbs them before they were reset. Gage’s dad Matt Campbell was able to get the lights working at the site.
The memorial initially was installed in 2009 as part of an Eagle Scout project led by Dylan Lotzow.
The volunteers wanted to get the site looking good in time for Memorial Day on May 26.
Provided photos: This group picked up trash along the canal trail and at the Holley Waterfalls.
Students also cleaned headstones at Hillside Cemetery.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ryker Knight gets the site along the tank ready for mulch.
Logan Lane, right, and Jack Breuilly paint the top of the shells for the tank.
These Holley students yank out weeds and reset bricks along the tank.
Karri Schiavone, the Holley district superintendent, thanks the students and other volunteers for their efforts to help the community. Holley Mayor Mark Bower also said he appreciates the efforts for the group for the annual clean sweep.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2025 at 8:56 am
Photos courtesy of American Legion Sheret Post in Albion: (Left) Legion Commander Brad Rouse, left, congratulates Phil Warne for 50 years of service to the Legion. Warne is a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War era. (Right) Rouse thanks Ralph McMurray for his service to the Legion. McMurray is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War era.
ALBION – The American Legion Sheret Post 35 celebrated 50-plus years of service for members followed by a complementary Steak Dinner for them and their guests.
The following were recognized: Phil Warne, 50 years of service; Dr. John Fernandez with 50 years of service, Gus Revelas with 53 years of service, Ralph McMurray with 58 years of service, Ted Swiercznski with 62 years of service, Lester Marble with 60 years of service, and Bob McGaffick with 71 years of service.
(Left) Brad Rouse commends Lester Marble, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in combat in the Korean War. (Right) Ted Swiercznski accepts a certificate from Rouse and Legion. Swiercznski is an Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War Conflict.
Bob McGaffick, who served in the Army during the Korean War Conflict, was proudly represented by his great-grandson during the celebration for long-time Legion members.
Immediately following the steak dinner, a fundraiser was held to raise money for flags and grave markers for veterans’ grave sites.
Monetary donations were also accepted from Don Jones at $100, Gary Dieboldt at $50, and Tim DeRuyscher at $50.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2025 at 5:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kairo Bennett holds up a sign trying to get people to buy a burger, hot dog or other food today. The Masonic Lodge was serving up the grilled and fried goodies in the parking lot at Save-A-Lot as a fundraiser towards a new concession stand at Bullard Park.
The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP) is pushing the project and wants a two-story building with concessions and storage in the first floor and a second-floor for a press box.
Geno Allport, AYSAP president, said the building is likely $20,000 to $30,000. The concessions stand would be available to be used by other organizations doing events at Bullard, he said.
“We want everyone to enjoy it – not just football,” Allport said.
The building would be positioned close to the 50-yard line of the football field.
The Masonic Lodge served up food from the grill. From left include Ed Wolfe, John Hollenbeck and Jeff Holler in back.
The next fundraiser for the concessions stand will be a beef on weck dinner on Saturday, May 31, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge. There are 300 ticket available at $15 each. There will also be a basket raffle and 50/50 drawings.
Many businesses and service organizations are donating and assisting with the event.
These kids were out drumming up support for today’s fundraiser. From left include Oliver Dillard, Zurie Dillard, Gavin Jackson, Gunner Jackson and Kairo Bennett.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
LOCKPORT – On Tuesday, Senate Bill S.2099, which would have permitted firearms suppressors for rifles, was voted down in the senate environmental conservation committee.
The legal use of suppressors for hunting is permitted in 38 other states, with a total of 42 states allowing the legal sale and possession of suppressors. The ATF has strict guidelines in place for who can legally own a suppressor – the process involves paying an additional tax on purchase, filling out multiple forms, and passing an ATF background check.
“One of the reasons I ran for Senate was to give hunters and sportsmen in my district a voice in Albany,” Ortt said. “But in a legislature dominated by New York City extremists, who consistently show contempt for law-abiding gun owners and a complete ignorance of firearms and the tools that make them safer to use, defending our Second Amendment rights gets harder every year. I will keep fighting to pass this bill and protect the constitutional rights of gun owners across New York.”
Often misportrayed by Hollywood, firearms suppressors do not completely silence a weapon. They do cut down the noise substantially, but do nothing to add to the danger or lethality of firearms.
Suppressors simply make it easier on the ears for hunters and sportsmen who choose to utilize this tool. An individual who is hunting is often exposed to the loud firing of their weapon, risking hearing loss. Senate bill S.2099 sought to easily remedy that situation.
“It is disheartening to hear that the bill was defeated. There are many misconceptions around suppressors from cool Hollywood action movies that skew the perception of actual functionality,” said Joe Olscamp, CEO of Escarpment Arms. “I hope that someday we can have an open discussion on the benefits surrounding their use – and I thank Senator Ortt for his continued support in working to legalize suppressors here in New York.”
Senator Ortt intends to re-introduce this bill in the next legislative session.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2025 at 9:24 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Kelly Anstey, Associate director of Day Services at ARC GLOW’s nutrition program, explains the role her agency plays in Meals on Wheels. (Right) Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, greets senior volunteer Ann McElwee of Medina and Bea Young, left, who nominated McElwee for volunteer recognition. Announcement was made at the OFA’s annual Spring Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds that McElwee had been chosen to represent Orleans County in Albany where an Outstanding Older Adult will be chosen for New York state.
KNOWLESVILLE – Every year the Orleans County Office for the Aging honors its volunteers at a Spring Jubilee at the Orleans County Fairgrounds. The event this year took place Friday in the Trolley Building at the 4-H Fairgrounds, where a full house of seniors enjoyed lunch, entertainment by The Uptown Groove, announcement of Senior-of-the-Year winners and drawings for prizes.
Orleans County OFA director Melissa Blanar told guests May is Older Americans Month and is a great opportunity to show appreciation for their seniors. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Orleans County OFA, she said.
Assistant director Megan Begins introduced the OFA staff and Advisory Council members.
Kelly Anstey, associate director of Day Services for the ARC GLOW nutrition program said it was a privilege to be there. She explained the ARC works with Meals on Wheels with Vicky Halvholm to provide nutritious meals to seniors at home, in addition to running nutrition sites in Albion and Kendall.
County Legislator John Fitzak reads a proclamation in tribute to the Orleans County OFA’s 50 years in existence, while director Melissa Blanar looks on.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley declared how happy he was to be there with all the older Americans, as he is now one of them. He shared highlights of the recently passed state budget, before presenting a citation to Ann McElwee as the volunteer who will represent Orleans County in Albany where an Outstanding Older Adult will be chosen from the entire state.
Hawley announced his annual Patriots’ Trip to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Sept. 18 to 21, with the possibility of visiting the White House for the first time.
Blanar said she learned from Hawley that Orleans County’s aging services will be receiving some extra funding.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Orleans County OFA, and in honor of that, County Legislator John Fitzak read a proclamation paying tribute to 50 years of growth and support to seniors.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley presents volunteer Ann McElwee a citation for being chosen as Volunteer of the Year to represent Orleans County in Albany, where an Outstanding Older Adult of the Year will be chosen. OFA director Melissa Blanar is in the middle.
Highlight of the day was announcement of the selection of two outstanding volunteers – Ann McElwee, who was chosen by the Advisory Council to represent Orleans County in Albany for selection of the state’s Outstanding Older Adult of the Year; and Kathy Case, chosen as the Orleans County OFA Volunteer of the Year.
McElwee grew up in Medina, moving to Pennsylvania for college. After college she moved to Oklahoma to serve in Volunteers in Service to America for two years. She returned to Medina, where she has lived ever since.
McElwee worked for seven years at Head Start helping children and families in need. She retired from BOCES as a special education teacher with the Seek and Serve the Handicap program after 30 years of service.
She enjoys volunteering, spending time with friends and traveling.
Over the years, McElwee has volunteered for Hospice of Orleans, OCALS (Adult Learning Services), Lions Club, Medina’s food pantry, Professional Counseling Group working with families, Parents Anonymous, Rape Crisis and Job Corps. She also volunteers her time translating books into brail for the blind and visits friends and family who do not get out and about often.
Seeing her volunteer work as a way to stay active and involved, McElwee says volunteering is “the right thing to do,” an ethic she was taught growing up. She is now living what she learned from her parents, she said.
“Having received so much in my life, it is important to give back,” she said.
“I am very honored and full of pride to be nominated for this,” McElwee said. “I am only doing the things I like to do.”
Bruce Schmidt is in the Lions Club with McElwee, and said she does a lot for them. He also shared how she goes to local farms to help farmworkers. She even takes some on trips to interesting places in the area.
“Her ESL students are so appreciative of her,” Schmidt said.
McElwee, who is 75, said she gets as much as she gives – and sometimes more.
The local OFA Aging Volunteer of the Year is Kathy Case, who was unable to attend Friday’s luncheon. Case volunteers twice a month for the Caregiver Connections Respite program, which provides four hours of respite for caregivers who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. It takes a special volunteer to help with this program, as it is a demanding role to keep the clients occupied, Blanar said.
Case also volunteers her time monthly to help prepare the Friendly Carrier newsletter which goes to more than 3,300 people.
“We appreciate the time Kathy dedicates to our programs,” Blanar said.
The theme nationwide for Older American’s Month 2025 is “Flip the Script on Aging,” focusing on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. Individuals and communities are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. The observance is led by the Administration for Community Living. The public is invited to join them in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as they age and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration and connection which come with aging.
The Orleans County OFA invites residents to visit them on Facebook or online at www.orleanscountyny.gov/officefortheaging; and to contribute by volunteering their time to the local OFA office or other community agency; and/or make monetary donations to help support the office and programs.
Friday’s celebration was funded by the New York State Office for the Aging, Administration of Community Living and Orleans County legislature. The OFA also acknowledges Cornell Cooperative Extension for use of the building, ARC GLOW and local businesses who donated prizes for giveaways.
Megan Bevins, assistant director of the Orleans County OFA, introduces entertainers The Uptown Groove at Friday’s annual Spring Jubilee to recognize seniors.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2025 at 8:37 am
Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley on Friday had a ribbon cutting for a new satellite office for State Assembly District 139. Pictured from left include Genesee County Legislator Gregg Torrey from State Senator George Borrello’s office, Jacqueline Tarricone from Hawley’s office, Steve Hawley, Jayleen Carney from Hawley’s office and Genesee Chamber President Brian Cousins.
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has a new satellite office in Batavia.
Hawley has served as assemblyman for District 139 since 2006. During his tenure the district office has always been in Albion at 121 North Main St., the Albion Visitor’s Center. His predecessor, Charlie Nesbitt, also had the office at this Albion location.
Hawley will have staff in Genesee County office at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. It will have regular hours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and will serve as a secondary location for constituents who need assistance. The office could be open by appointment at other times as well.
Hawley said the satellite office doesn’t come at an added cost. He wanted to make it easier for Genesee County constituents to have in-person access to him and his staff.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2025 at 3:29 pm
Provided photos: Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper colors the first Flat Orly as part of a new project to help celebrate Orleans County’s 200th anniversary this year. Orly is the county’s bicentennial mascot. Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina displays a Flat Orly. The local libraries will have Flat Orly sheets available for the public. The design also can be downloaded from the Orleans County Tourism website.
MEDINA – Orly the Ox has been busy highlighting local historical sites and other popular places in Orleans County this year.
Now the public can join the fun by coloring a picture of Orly and taking him to their favorite place sin Orleans County and beyond.
This life-size cutout of Orly the Ox also is on display at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. Other cutouts of Orly will be available in the county, especially at upcoming concerts and some other events.
Orly’s adventures have been chronicled on the Orleans County Tourism’s social media pages. Orly also has his own TikTok. Today he was shown at the original Erie Canal loop in Holley to help highlight opening day of a new season for the Erie Canal, which is also celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025.
The Orleans County Bicentennial Committee and the County Tourism Department teamed to create a “Flat Orly” like the Flat Stanley projects that are popular for elementary kids around the world. Kids decorate a “Flat Stanley” and take him on trips or send to friends and family to take on adventures.
“Flat Orly offers a creative way for people of all ages to take part in the bicentennial celebration and express their community pride,” the County Tourism Department declared in announcing Flat Orly today. “Participants are encouraged to bring Flat Orly along on local outings or even on trips beyond the county.”
Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian and chairwoman of the Bicentennial Committee, was the first to color a Flat Orly.
“It’s an activity that is open to people of all ages,” Cooper said. “It can release your inner child. Everybody loves to color. It will be fascinating to see where Orly travels.”
Flat Orly cutouts and instruction sheets are available at the four public libraries in Orleans County: Lee-Whedon, Hoag Library in Albion, Community Free Library in Holley and Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
People are encouraged to post their Flat Orly at their favorite places in Orleans County and beyond the county borders.
“Whether it’s a local landmark, a park or a family trip, Orly is ready to explore,” states the instruction sheet for Flat Orly.
People are encouraged to take a photo of themselves with Flat Orly or just Orly at the locations, and then post on social media, tagging Orleans County Tourism and using the hashtags: #OrlytheOx and #Orly’sAdventures.
The Flat Orly campaign will run through the remainder of the bicentennial year in 2025. Call the county tourism office at (585) 589-3100 or visit OrleansNY200.com for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2025 at 10:26 am
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a ribbon cutting today at 3 p.m. for his new satellite office in Batavia.
The office will be Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. It will have regular hours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and will serve as a secondary location for constituents who need assistance.
Hawley said he is proud to open this new office and looks forward to meeting with residents and hearing about the issues that mean the most to them.
His main office is in Albion at 121 North Main St #100. That has been the location for the district office since Hawley was elected on Feb. 28, 2006.
