New Medina mayor, trustees sworn into office
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 April 2024 at 12:27 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Marguerite Sherman takes the oath of office on Monday as Medina’s new mayor. Her husband Jon Sherman holds the Bible while village clerk-treasurer Jada Burgess administers the oath.

Sherman took over as mayor on Monday following eight years of Mike Sidari in the village’s top elected position.

Sherman was on the board for 10 years as a trustee, as was the village’s deputy mayor. She is a retired special education teacher.

“I’m excited for this new board,” Sherman said after the swearing-in. “I think we will continue to do great things.”

Newly elected trustees Deborah Padoleski and Mark Prawel also took the oath on Monday for the start of their two-year terms. They join Diana Baker and Jess Marciano on the Village Board.

The group will be meeting several times this month to work on the village budget for 2024-25. That budget needs to be adopted by April 30.

The board will be busy this month working on the budget, which must be adopted by April 30. Budget workshops are scheduled for 5 p.m. today with DPW, 5:30 p.m. on April 11 with the fire department, 5 p.m. on April 16 with codes and the police department, 5 p.m. on April 17, 5:30 p.m. on April 18 and 5 p.m. on April 19.

Those meetings are at the Village Clerk’s Office on Park Avenue.

Debbie Padoleski is sworn into office while her husband Tom holds the Bible and Mayor Marguerite Sherman administers the oath. Padoleski is a former Medina village clerk-treasurer. She worked 41 years in the village office. She retired in June 2021.

The board made several appointments during the organizational meeting. The appointments are for one year unless otherwise noted.

  • Deputy mayor: Deborah Padoleski
  • Fair housing officer: Diana Baker
  • Village Historian: Todd Bensley
  • Clerk-Treasurer (2-year term): Jada Burgess
  • Deputy Clerk-Treasurer (2-year term): Miranda Herbert
  • Registrar: Jada Burgess; Deputy registrar: Miranda Herbert
  • 2 members to Zoning Board of Appeals for five-year terms: Luann Howe and Jamie Wagner
  • 2 members to Boxwood Cemetery Commission for 3-year terms: Nicki Fredericks and Mary Lewis
  • Member of Parks Committee for 2-year term: Chris Goyette
  • 3 members to Tourism Committee for 2-year terms: Jim Hancock, Kelly Kiebala and Janet Smith
  • Village attorney: Matthew Brooks
  • Official depositories for the village: Bank of Castile and J.P. Morgan Chase
  • Official newspaper: The Daily News in Batavia

The board set workshop meetings for the Village Board will be the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. with village business meetings the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. The meetings will be at the Senior Center on West Avenue.

Mark Prawel takes the oath as new village trustee while his wife Tina holds the Bible. Prawel is a retired Medina police officer who also owns and operate an auto repair shop.

Trustees were named liaisons to the following committees and departments:

  • Fire/Ambulance Advisory: Baker
  • Code Enforcement: Prawel
  • Employee Relations: Marciano and Padoleski
  • Town of Ridgeway: Marciano
  • Orleans County: Marciano
  • Boxwood Cemetery: Baker
  • Tourism Committee: Padoleski
  • Strategic Visionary Planning Committee: Prawel
  • Police Advisory Committee: Marciano
  • Police: Padoleski
  • DPW: Marciano
  • Clerk-Treasurer: Sherman
  • Town of Shelby: Baker
  • Parks Committee: Marciano
  • Joint Recreation: Padoleski, Marciano
  • Waterfront Development Committee: Prawel
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Polls open today for Republican, Democratic presidential primaries
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 April 2024 at 9:42 am

Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are the front-runners for the Republican and Democratic nominations, respectively.

Polls are open throughout Orleans County today for presidential primaries that don’t have much drama.

Both front-runners, Donald Trump for Republicans and Joe Biden for Democrats, have locked up their respective party’s nomination.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. at 11 sites in the county. Those locations include:

  • Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
  • Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
  • Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
  • Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
  • Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
  • Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
  • Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Murray Town Hall, 3840 Fancher Rd. (Route 31)
  • Ridgeway – Districts 1, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
  • Ridgeway – Districts 2, 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
  • Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
  • Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

As of 9:20 a.m. today, 69 people cast ballots this morning, in a low turnout thus far, said Mike Mele, the Republican election commissioner.

There were also 149 votes cast in eight days of early voting.

The ballots in the primary in New York State will include Biden and Trump, as well as other names who ended their campaigns after the state’s filing deadlines.

For the Democratic Party, besides Biden the ballot includes Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips.

For the Republican Party, in addition to Trump, the ballot includes Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Nikki Haley.

The Democratic primary also four delegates from the 24th Congressional District for the National Convention: Dia Carabajal, Daniel Farfaglia, Lorie Longhany and John Hurley.

The 24th District in Orleans includes Albion, Barre, Clarendon districts 2 and 3, Ridgeway and Shelby.

In the 25th District, there are seven candidates to be delegates for the National Convention. Voters will elect four from the seven. Those candidates include Shelly Clements, Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Yversha Roman, Jamie Romeo, Adam Bello, Samra Brouk and Stephen Gregory Devay.

The 25th District in Orleans includes Carlton, Clarendon district 1, Gaines, Kendall, Murray and Yates.

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Fundraiser on April 20 will help with medical expenses for 9-year-old
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 April 2024 at 8:28 am

Ahmed has several health challenges, including a club foot

Provided photos: Ahmed, a 9-year-old from Tunisia, faces several health challenges. Volunteers from World Life Institute and the Voice Gavel Club are planning a benefit April 20 at the YMCA in Medina to help with his medical care.

MEDINA – A young boy from Tunisia with multiple health problems is getting a new lease on life, thanks to young volunteers from World Life Institute-Project Life, and the Voice Gavel Club. The Voice Gavel Club is a youth public speaking component affiliated with Toastmasters International.

Ahmed Cherif was brought to the United States by his mother last year to stay with relatives here. He was born with a club foot, is non-verbal, developmentally delayed and has left facial paralysis.

Since arriving in Western New York, Ahmed has been identified as having Oro-Facial Syndrome Type II, Rumination Syndrome, autism and bone growth delay. He also suffers from allergies and asthma.

Ahmed is under the care of the pediatric team at Golisano Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Rochester health system. His most prominent medical problem was persistent vomiting and inability to retain what he ate. He was facing the probability of a feeding tube. Last July he weighed only 35 pounds.

He still has a lot of tests and treatments ahead, including further neurological evaluation, starting with an MRI of his brain. He will also be assessed for spinal scoliosis.

Linda Shakoor, director of Project Life, said, “Project Life is committed to supporting vulnerable youth and fostering a culture of support, especially from Orleans County. Medina Area Association of Churches and many other churches in Medina and Albion have supported more than 130 world orphans hosted here since 1999. The relationships these children form when they receive local kindnesses lasts throughout their lives.”

Since Ahmed arrived in the United States in January 2023, Project Life has had the privilege to support improving his life. According to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board, when he came here he had never seen a dentist. He has now received extensive dental treatment, including surgery.

He had worn leg braces since the age of 3, but no longer needs the braces, thanks to supportive physical therapy in the last six months. His eyes were tested and he now wears corrective glasses.

Ahmed is staying in Medina while receiving medical care.

Some of his digestive issues have subsided due to tests done at Yale University, where he was diagnosed with Rumination Syndrome. Now, with medication, he has gained weight and the vomiting has subsided. He is up to 45 pounds and is outgrowing his clothes for the first time in three years. He’s an inch taller and is benefiting from ongoing physical, occupational, vision and speech therapy.

Over the summer, Ahmed had the opportunity to play with other children during activities arranged through Project Life. He was able to visit the zoo, go to the beach and visit Niagara Falls. He is still shy due to little interaction with other children, but he is slowly beginning to integrate.

Ahmed had never attended school, but with support of Project Life he was enrolled in Aspire in Buffalo, a school for special needs children. He loved his first day so much he did not want to get out of the van when they returned home. At the school open house, teachers and staff praised Ahmed and commented on how bright and easy going he was. For the first time, he was able to hold crayons and color. He has also begun to recognize letters and numbers in English.

On April 20, the YMCA will host a special event to benefit Ahmed and his medical costs.

“Ahmed has inspired his friends to come together to raise crucial funds to enhance his quality of life,” Bibi said. “Driven by a desire to showcase the power of creativity of youth, these ambitious young people are working hard to organize an engaging family day for the whole community.”

The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and feature a fashion show and captivating performances and presentations. Attendees will be immersed in a world of entertainment and camaraderie, Bibi added. A silent auction, creativity in art workshops, delicious treats at the Bake and Samosa Sale and charity basketball game are some of the events planned.

In addition, there will be an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions at the speakers’ corner, enjoy intricate designs with face painting and henna and explore a variety of arts and crafts at the sale. For the younger children, there will be a bounce house, games and more.

Safia Delobbe-Scott, 15, is one of the young leaders driving the event’s efforts.

“We are driven by a deep passion to make a meaningful difference in Ahmed’s life, while highlighting the extraordinary potential of youth,” Delobbe-Scott said. “This event will be a celebration of unity and compassion, showcasing the positive impact we can have when we come together.”

The community is invited to meet Ahmed, loving and vivacious despite his many challenges, and support the extensive medical interventions he requires, Shakoor said.

Anyone wishing further information or wanting to inquire about sponsorship opportunities should contact info@worldlife.institute.

For information on the event and Ahmed or to make a donation, click here.

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OCH and Lee-Whedon partner for monthly health and wellness series at library
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 April 2024 at 8:08 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced an informative partnership with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library which introduces a comprehensive monthly health and wellness series, according to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at the hospital.

This initiative aims to empower and educate the community members on various healthcare services available, Robinson said.

The collaborative effort underscores the hospital’s goal of education the community on what’s available close to home. Through this series, Orleans Community Health aims to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the community, fostering a deeper understanding of available services and resources.

“Our goal at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is to connect our community with the resources they want,” said Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon. “This partnership with Orleans Community Health will allow us to educate and support our community’s health questions and concerns, as well as highlight the services available at OCH.”

The first session will kick off at 1 p.m. April 17 at Lee-Whedon. Each monthly session will cover a wide array of topics, including preventative care, specialized medical services and more. The series will also offer valuable information on healthcare enrollment and questions the public might have on Medicaid eligibility and procedures.

“This series is made possible by a common goal we share with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library to supply the community with resources that help them make educated decision,” Robinson said. “Whether it’s Medina Memorial Hospital, the Albion Healthcare Center, dialysis centers or the Middleport lab, we want to continue to provide information to the community that helps them make well-informed choices on the care they receive.”

The monthly health and wellness series will be open to all community members, regardless of age or background. Whether an individual is seeking guidance with specific questions or simply looking for generic information, this series promises to deliver valuable insights and resources, Robinson added.

He urges everyone to save the date of April 17 for the inaugural session. Announcements regarding upcoming topics will be forthcoming.

Together, Orleans Community Health and Lee-Whedon are dedicated to building a healthier, more informed community, Robinson said.

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Wildlife Refuge offering free nature programs this month
Posted 2 April 2024 at 7:53 am

Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – Learn about wildlife and outdoor skills at a variety of free guided tours, trail walks, and classroom presentations provided by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors are able to stop by the refuge’s Cayuga Overlook on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see and learn about bald eagles from Friends volunteers. The Cayuga Overlook is located on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama, and offers excellent viewing of resident bald eagles flying near their nest.

Join experienced birders and outdoor guides to learn about the region’s wildlife. Birding By Car is an opportunity to discover the refuge’s overlooks in both Genesee and Orleans counties, and the birds found there. I

roquois National Wildlife Refuge includes 10,283 acres of federally protected lands that includes wetlands, forests, grasslands, and walking trails visited by 75,000 people each year.

As warblers and other songbirds return to the area, join a trail walk on the refuge to learn about their habitats and behaviors. Participants may also see herons, ospreys, hawks, swans, coots, geese, and a variety of ducks in the wetland areas.

The beginner survival skills and bird feeder workshops will teach you the how-to for enjoying the outdoors. These presentations are held at the visitors’ center at 1101 Casey Rd., Basom, NY. To register, call 585-948-5445.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge April Free Program Schedule:

Saturday, April 6

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Birding By Car 9 am – noon with Garner Light at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Family Nature Walk 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. with Emma DeLeon at Kanyoo Trail, Lewiston Rd.

Saturday, April 13

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Bird Feeder Workshop – 1 p.m. with Orleans County Soil and Water at the Visitors’ Center.

Warbler Walk 10 a.m. – noon with Marvin Jacobs at the Headquarters Trail at the Visitors’ Center.

Saturday, April 20

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Birding By Car 9 a.m. – noon with Joel Strong at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Family Nature Walk 9 a.m. with Bob Confer at Onondaga Trail.  Limit 12.

In Pursuit of Warblers presentation 1 p.m. with Moe McNalley Aderman at the Visitors’ Center.

Saturday, April 27

Eagle Watch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cayuga Overlook, Lewiston Rd.

Beginner Survival Skills presentation 10 a.m. – noon with Marvin Jacobs and Emma DeLeon at the Visitors’ Center.

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Sacred Heart Club revels in Polish heritage with Dyngus Day celebration
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 8:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Jim Pinckney is crowned Dyngus Day king at the Sacred Heart Club this evening. Last year’s king Richard Glass puts the crown on Pinckney, a long-time active member and volunteer at the club.

Pinckney, a retired corrections officer, enjoys the celebration of Polish heritage at the Sacred Heart Club, but he said members don’t have to be Polish to join. The non-profit organization donates to veterans and other community organizations.

Pinckney was picked king because of all he does for the Sacred Heart Club, said JT Thomas, the club vice president.

Amy Silkowski is applauded after being announced as this year’s Dyngus Day queen. Last year’s king and queen, Richard and Kirsten Glass, are at right.

Silkowski’s husband David is a past king. She joined about five years ago. She assisted her husband in making the lazy pierogis for this year’s Dyngus Day feast.

Amy said the people are the big draw at the Sacred Heart Club.

“We’re like a big family,” she said.

She was praised for starting a euchre night at Sacred Heart every other Friday evening. She and her husband also repainted “the pit,” an area that is popular for celebrations.

JT Thomas served as the deejay and emcee of the Dyngus Day bash. He played music by Bobby Vinton, “The Polish Prince.”

There was lots of Polish food served including Golumpkis – Polish cabbage rolls that are stuffed with a mixture of beef, pork, rice and seasoning.

The Sacred Heart Club welcomed about 100 people for the Dyngus Day party, with many people wearing red in honor of the Polish celebration. The party started at 3 this afternoon.

Pussy willows were also available. In the Dyngus Day tradition, boys sprinkle water on the girls who then tap the boys with pussy willows as a way of flirting.

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DEC delivers nearly 150K fish to Oak Orchard for pen-rearing
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 3:34 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

POINT BREEZE – Three trucks from the fish hatchery in Altmar in northern New York delivered nearly 150,000 fish today to be raised in pens for about a month in the Oak Orchard River.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation brought 138,210 Chinook salmon and 10,000 steelhead for the pen-rearing.

That is up from the 126,330 Chinook a year ago, and 90,200 from 2019 for the pen-rearing.

The DEC has increase the stocking levels based on alewife biomass and Chinook salmon growth and condition. The alewife biomass has increased and the weight of age-3 salmon increased to 20.7 pounds in 2022, staying above the lower threshold of 18.4 pounds, the DEC said.

It was a community effort with the charter boat captains and other volunteers today, helping the DEC get the fish into the six pens.

Bob Songin gets the first pen propped open for a pipe from the DEC truck to the Oak Orchard. Songin has been a key leader in the pen-rearing project since it started in 1998. Oak Orchard had the first pen-rearing project on the south shore. Now there are several, including nearby at the Genesee River, Sodus, Olcott and the Niagara River.

Raising them in pens at Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina increases their survival rate, and also helps them to imprint on the Oak Orchard River. That boosts the chances they will come back when they are mature in about three years.

One of the trucks carrying fish has a display telling people these are the good ol’ days for fishing.

The pens have automated feeders with a pellet mix of food provided by the DEC.

The DEC also will be delivering 25,000 steelhead directly to the Oak Orchard and 6,380 for Johnson Creek on Friday. They are expected to be put into the Oak Orchard from Captain’s Cove.

Fishing is Orleans County’s top tourism industry with a $28 million annual impact, according to a DEC study and survey from 2017.

Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571, according to that report.

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Residents urged to take precautions against lead poisoning
Posted 1 April 2024 at 9:55 am

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Did you know lead poisoning is 100% preventable?

“Lead is a metal that is toxic to our bodies and can cause serious health issues for children who have been exposed,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Young children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing.”

The health effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood. Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, organ damage, and at very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Lead poisoning can also be dangerous for pregnant women because lead can be passed to the baby during pregnancy.

Here are some easy ways to prevent lead poisoning:

• Take everyday steps to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet, especially foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead. Washing your hands and children’s hands with soap and water several times a day can help limit lead exposure. You should also wash children’s toys, bottles, and pacifiers regularly to avoid exposure to lead dust, and regularly clean your home with a damp cloth, sponge, or mop to minimize possible lead dust.

• Check your home for lead. If you live in a home built before 1978 you may consider having your home checked for lead. Our Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) may be able to help you with this. You may qualify for a home lead inspection if your home is in the GLOW area, was built before 1978, and a child under 6 lives there or spends more than 6 hours a week there.

• Renovate lead safe. Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint that can be disturbed when renovating. If you are renovating, repairing, or painting a home built before 1978, use a Lead-Safe Certified contractor. If you are planning on doing your own work, use lead-safe work practices to protect both you and your family. For tips on how to be lead-safe when renovating, click here.

Also, our GLOW Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program may be able to renovate for you. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to see if you qualify.

• Get your child tested. The only way to find out if there is lead in a child’s blood is to take them for a blood lead test. There are no obvious signs or symptoms of lead poisoning, that’s why it’s important to get them tested. Children should be tested at ages 1 and 2. Talk with your pediatrician to determine if your child should be tested further. GLOW CLPPP is able to offer transportation to lead testing at no cost for parents or guardians and children under 6 years old. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to determine if you are eligible for this service.

For more information or to learn more about our programs contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us.  You can also visit GOHealthNY.org.

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Gas prices up a penny in Orleans, 2 cents in NYS
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 9:15 am

The price for regular unleaded gas is up nearly a penny in Orleans County since a week ago, going from $3.376 on March 25 to $3.383 today, AAA reported today.

Nationally, the average price is up a penny to $3.54, while the average price statewide is at $3.45, up 2 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the national price was $3.50 and statewide the average was $3.47.

Here are the average prices in counties around WNY today:

  • Orleans, $3.383
  • Genesee, $3.361
  • Wyoming, $3.406
  • Livingston, $3.407
  • Monroe, $3.384
  • Niagara, $3.318
  • Erie, $3.385
  • Chautauqua, $3.533
  • Cattaraugus, $3.455
  • Allegany, $3.502

AAA issued this statement about gas prices:

“After an early spring surge, the national average for a gallon of gasoline spent last week drifting up and down by a fraction of a cent before settling on $3.54. But this break may be temporary, as gas pump prices will likely resume their typical spring increase.

“ Uncertainty of the impact of Ukraine’s targeting of Russia’s oil infrastructure likely spiked oil prices recently, but those concerns have already abated somewhat for now. Gas prices are settling back into a pattern similar to last year when the usual seasonal increase was slow and steady.

“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.

“Nationally, gas demand dipped slightly last week as domestic supply increased. Lower demand would typically contribute to pushing pump prices lower or slowing increases, but rising oil prices have kept them elevated instead.

“Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.02, down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.40, no change from a week ago.”

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3 from Job Corps earn high school diplomas, set plans for the future
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 April 2024 at 8:31 am

SHELBY – Three students at the Iroquois Job Corps center have recently received their high school diplomas. They are Javen Feliciano, Quintin Mitchell and Keyonia Pompey.

“Javen has been at Iroquois Job Corps Center since January 2023,” said Stephanie Kellogg, academic manager at IJCC. “He has completed the carpentry program, been active in student leadership and is a positive impact on center culture. He is preparing to begin work-based learning as he comes to the end of his Job Corps journey. After completing the program, he plans on joining the Air Force.”

“Quintin, 17, is from Rochester and is looking forward to completing the brick-laying trade and getting his driver’s license,” Kellogg said. “He will tell you that he struggled a bit in academics until he got the motivation to help him focus and finish his credits. We are very excited to see Quintin continue to succeed and complete his Job Corps program.”

The third student, Keyonia Pompey, came to Iroquois Job Corps Center from Buffalo in August 2023.

“While at IJCC, Keyonia got her driver’s permit and is nearing completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant program,” Kellogg said. “Upon completion of CNA, she is planning on doing work-based learning in a long-term care facility and then returning to the Buffalo area to work as a CNA.”

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149 people voted early over 8 days in Orleans County
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 March 2024 at 1:54 pm

Primary will be held April 2 at polling sites throughout the county

Photo by Tom Rivers: The polling site for early voting was available for eight days, from March 23 to March 30, at the Board of Elections office at the County Office Building.

ALBION – There were 149 votes cast over eight days of early voting in Orleans County.

There was one polling location for early voting – the Board of Elections office at the County Office Building on Route 31.

The primary was headed by the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are the front-runners for the Republican and Democratic nominations, respectively.

Biden and Trump already have gained enough delegates to secure their parties’ nominations with Biden the Democrats’ choice and Trump the pick of Republicans.

The ballots in the primary in New York State will include Biden and Trump, as well as other names who ended their campaigns after the state’s filing deadlines.

For the Democratic Party, besides Biden the ballot includes Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips.

For the Republican Party, in addition to Trump, the ballot includes Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Nikki Haley.

The Democratic primary also four delegates from the 24th Congressional District for the National Convention: Dia Carabajal, Daniel Farfaglia, Lorie Longhany and John Hurley.

The 24th District in Orleans includes Albion, Barre, Clarendon districts 2 and 3, Ridgeway and Shelby.

In the 25th District, there are seven candidates to be delegates for the National Convention. Voters will elect four from the seven. Those candidates include Shelly Clements, Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Yversha Roman, Jamie Romeo, Adam Bello, Samra Brouk and Stephen Gregory Devay.

The 25th District in Orleans includes Carlton, Clarendon district 1, Gaines, Kendall, Murray and Yates.

The primary will include voting at polling locations at all 10 towns in the county on April 2.

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Winston, a therapy dog, brings calming presence at farmers’ market in Medina
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 March 2024 at 8:34 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrea and Zach Busch pose with Winston, their Labradoodle therapy dog, at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market welcomed a special guest on Saturday – a Labradoodle therapy dog named Winston.

Winston, 3, is owned by Zach and Andrea Busch, who acquired the dog when he was eight weeks old. As soon as he had received all his necessary puppy shots, Andrea took him to Fort Hyde Kennel in Gasport, where trainer Sarah Reed worked with Andrea to train Winston.

Both Zach and Andrea work with children. Zach as band director at Holley Central School, and Andrea as music teacher for kindergarten to second grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School.

“Research has shown that kids who read to a therapy dog feel more confident,” Andrea said.

Andrea became interested in therapy dogs after receiving her master’s degree in special education and teaching at a school for kids with disabilities in Manhattan.

“It made sense to get a therapy dog,” she said. “Wherever he goes, he’s a calming presence.”

This was the first time Winston had visited the market. There is a kids’ corner there and Andrea set out books for children who wanted to read to Winston.

She also brought a supply of bookmarks with a picture of the Labradoodle, on which was printed, “I read with Winston.”

The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will continue to operate in the former NAPA building at 345 Main St. until warmer weather.

Certified therapy dog handler Andrea Busch, left, watches Raelynn Baker greet Winston at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

Andrea Busch, right, gives market visitor Stacey Laskey a supply of Winston bookmarks to take to her class at Medina Head Start.

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Tenney touts endorsement by Trump in her re-election effort
Posted 30 March 2024 at 7:54 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Photo from Claudia Tenney for Congress: Claudia Tenney and Donald Trump both give a thumbs up.

Former President Donald J. Trump has endorsed Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and her campaign for NY-24.

Trump has been a steadfast supporter of Tenney. He endorsed her in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and now 2024. Trump is an honorary member of Tenney’s Election Integrity Caucus.

“Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is doing a great job for the fantastic people of New York’s 24th Congressional District!” Trump said. “Claudia is fighting hard to secure our border, support our brave law enforcement and veterans, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, keep men out of women’s sports, cut taxes, and hold Joe Biden and the radical left accountable for their corruption. As Chairwoman of the House Election Integrity Caucus, Claudia is working tirelessly to eliminate fraud in our elections. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is a strong conservative, and has my complete and total endorsement!”

“I am so honored to earn once again the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Tenney said. “President Trump has been a long-time friend and supporter, and I appreciate his support for my campaign. I fought alongside President Trump to secure the border, cut taxes, support our military and fully fund our police. President Trump is a true champion for the people of New York’s 24th district and I look forward to serving with him to save New York and America.”

Tenney, a longtime Conservative fighter, is already looking ahead to 2024 and beyond:

“We need to do everything in our power to return President Trump to the White House and win the 2024 elections with a huge MAGA wave,” she said. “After we win, we need to get to work making America Great Again, again! Building the wall, ending the madness at our Southern and vulnerable Northern Border, and growing our economy after four years of Joe Biden’s socialist agenda are all top priorities for our first 100 days of 2025.”

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Guitarist kicks off new season of concerts at Hoag Library
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 4:56 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Alex Nazaretski, a student of classical guitar and piano at the Eastman School of Music, performs at the Hoag Library today.

Nazaretski will graduate from Eastman in May. He kicked off a new season of concerts at Hoag. The events are free to the public and are on Saturdays at noon.

The lineup of concerts for the rest of 2024 include:

  • Paul O’Dette, April 20
  • Kinloch Nelson, May 18
  • Bob Sneider, June 15
  • George Collichio, July 20
  • Rochester Recorder Society, Aug. 17
  • Alyssa Rodriguez, Sept. 14
  • Muriel Anderson, Oct. 12
  • Duo Tufekčić & Conant, Nov. 9
  • Rochester Ukulele Orchestra, Dec. 7

About 50 people attended today’s concert in the main meeting room of the library.

Hoag last year debuted the concerts. They are organized by Jim Doyle, an adult reference librarian at the library. He also has been running Jim’s Guitar Studio for 24 years in Albion, and is a founding member of the Rochester Guitar Club.

Doyle said he reaches out to musicians who generally haven’t performed in Orleans County before. He met Nazaretski when he performed at the Little Theater Café in Rochester.

Funds for the concerts at the Hoag Library come from the state Council of the Arts, with the funds administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

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12,000 Easter eggs get snatched up fast on courthouse lawn
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 3:39 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kids displayed breakneck speed in hunting down Easter eggs at noon today in Albion. There were about 12,000 eggs scattered on the lawn, up from 10,000 last year.

The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries held its third annual Easter Egg Hunt today. Students from the Iroquois Job Corps Center helped set out the eggs.

About 300 children are lined up ready to go grab the plastic eggs which had candy inside.

Children were divided into three groups – ages 1 to 5, ages 6 to 9, and ages 10 to 14. There will be two golden eggs hidden per age group.

Benjamin Rowcliffe, 8, of Medina found one of the golden eggs.

Jayda Elsenheimer helps hand out some of the 600 Easter baskets. The Albion Rotary Club and Albion Lions Club donated to help buy the baskets.

The Catholic Daughters also bought 200 chocolate Easter bunnies, and the Masonic Lodge served food for free.

Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries welcomes the kids to the egg hunt. Wilson said the church is happy to put on the event, and see so many families having fun.

“We just love the people,” Wilson said. “It’s about sharing the love of Jesus.”

These kids take off to pick up some of the Easter eggs. The golden eggs were in hard-to-find spots.

Two barbers gave free haircuts for three hours. Jeffrey Echevarria of Albion, left, gets a haircut from Carlito Lopez of Brockport while Amonte Mortensen of Medina, right, gets a trim from Maciel Gomez of Albion.

East State Street in front of the courthouse was decorated in chalk art.

The Albion Free Methodist Church was one of about 20 stops on an Easter Hop where kids could get candy.

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