Photos and article courtesy of Howard Owens/The Batavian
BATAVIA – Protesters came with signs and bullhorns to the Buffalo Detention Facility in Batavia on Friday evening in a hastily organized demonstration to raise their voices against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The protest was called, said Gabrilla Szpunt, an organization coordinator for the United Farm Workers, after 14 migrant workers the union claims to represent were picked up en masse early Friday morning in Albion by agents of ICE.
All 14 were on a bus owned by Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms in Kent, where they worked, Szpunt said. They were stopped on Route 98 in the Village of Albion.
“They were on their way to work,” said Szpunt. “These are workers we’ve been organizing with for at least a year. An entire family was picked up in this raid, and other workers have been here for decades, some for several years. We’re here to support them and let them know they’re not alone in this process.”
She said the union doesn’t inquire about the legal status of migrants they organize with, but given the longevity of several of the workers, they likely had visas to work in the U.S., though she couldn’t say with certainty that they all were documented.
Szpunt said the UFW is in the process of securing legal counsel for the farm workers.
The protesters chanted a revolving set of messages, many of them demanding an end to deportation and for the protection of workers, but a few of them were laced with profanity, such as “eff ICE” and “eff Fasicist America.”
When asked about the tone of some of the chants, Szpunt said she understood the concern, but she wasn’t there to censor what the people who participated wanted to chant.
Asked what message the UFW wanted to send, she said, “Our message is that we believe these workers have been here for decades. They deserve to a process if they’re going to be facing these kinds of immigration proceedings. That hasn’t been the case under the Trump administration. People with green cards have been picked up, citizens have been picked up and detained, and disappeared.”
At one point during the protest, a stream of cars exited the detention facility. A passenger in one car held a mobile phone in one hand, apparently shooting video as the car drove past, while simultaneously extending the middle finger on his other hand.
According to the UFW website, the UFW has been involved in disputes with Lynn-Ette farms. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the farm for allegedly requiring a UFW representative to leave the farm while meeting with workers.
The Public Employees Relations Board in October required Lynn-Ette Farms and two other farms to engage in binding arbitration with the union, according to the UFW website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2025 at 10:13 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Dave Viterna Group performed at Marti’s on Main on Friday evening. The art gallery is celebrating its 15th season of hosting art shows in Albion.
The gallery used to be in the home of Kim and Neal Muscarella. But in 2021, they moved Marti’s to the former Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 20 South Main St.
Kim Martillotta Muscarella and her family transformed the interior of the building into an art studio and gallery.
These fish and sea creatures hang inside Marti’s and were created by Janey Balcerzak, Kim Martillotta Muscarella’s 15-year-old great niece. They are an acrylic on decoupaged.
Kim Martillotta Muscarella’s granddaughters are featured artists in the opening show. Lily Zambito created the large painting in center, “ButterFL eyes” and her sister Sophia Zambito created the prints.
Marti’s opening show also features work by Laura Amor, including this acrylic, “Poppies in Gray Frame.”
Kim Martillotta Muscarella takes a photo of the Dave Viterna Group performing on Friday at the gallery.
The gallery is open by appointment. Call Muscarella at (585) 590-9211 for more information.
The gallery is open to the public for new art shows the third Fridays each month from 6 to 9 p.m.. The schedule for the season includes:
May 16 – featuring David Burke, Jeff Watkins and Bob Wisner
June 20 – featuring Rosie Patronski, Shirley Nigro and Kim Martillotta Muscarella
July 18 – Bicentennial show highlighting work celebrating the Erie Canal and Orleans County
Aug. 15 – Environmental Show and also highlighting work by Sarah Hyatt
Sept. 19 – featuring Chris Manaseri, Becky Maynard and Brandi Zavitz
Oct. 17 – featuring Nancy Radzik, Rebecca Barry and Bradeen Walders
Oct. 24 – The SkyCats Halloween Party with concert from 6 to 9 p.m.
Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Mental Health Department is partnering with the Genesee County Mental Health Department and research organization NORC at the University at Chicago to conduct listening sessions and surveys to gather additional information from our community members surrounding mental health, suicide, substance use, associated resources, needs, and the associated stigma. Participation is open to any interested residents.
“Many individuals in Genesee and Orleans Counties are affected by substance use, addiction, mental health and suicide, and we are seeking input from residents so that we can better serve our community,” said Danielle Figura, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department.
Figura said residents are invited to participate in a 60-to-90-minute listening session, via Zoom, which will be conducted by NORC, considered one of the leading, non-partisan research organizations in the country.
Participants will be asked about their views on overdose and suicide in our community, programs and resources, and additional support needed. Sessions will be held for all community members and for specific professional roles (i.e., business owners, school professionals, health or behavioral health professionals, legislators and government officials, faith-based leaders, CARES Alliance members, first responders.)
If interested, click here or use the QR code to complete the interest form.
Provided photo: This group worked on the garden at Hospice of Orleans in Albion.
Press Release, United Way of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – Are you looking for an exciting way to make a difference in your community? United Way of Orleans County’s Annual Day of Caring is the perfect way to have fun and do good.
Join us May 9 at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (12690 NY-31 in Albion) at 8:30 a.m. for a complimentary breakfast before we travel to the project sites.
Volunteers will support local non-profits like Praising Kids, Hospice, GO Art! and the YMCA with exciting hands-on projects. Take a break from your regular 9-5 to work in the garden, make cards, or build coin games to support those who support our community. Bring a friend or make new ones!
For more information or to sign up call or text us at (585)-283-4224.
Federal funds critical for early childhood education program
Press Release, U.S. Kirsten Gillibrand
ROCHESTER – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited an Action for a Better Community (ABC) Head Start Center in Rochester to condemn President Trump’s actions to dismantle Head Start.
Federal funding allows nine Head Start centers to operate in Monroe County, serving over 1000 children. Without this funding, Head Start centers across New York and around the country will be forced to close their doors, which will deprive low-income children of critical early childhood education that gives them the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
“Head Start helps make sure that every child has a chance to thrive,“ Gillibrand said. “It is an investment in our kids and our future that has been proven time and time again to be highly effective at preparing children for school and improving both their social and physical health outcomes.”
President Trump has attempted to diminish Head Start through a number of executive actions that are making it harder for Head Start centers to stay up and running, including closing regional offices that help administer the program, laying off staff, and withholding already authorized funding.
“President Trump’s actions to dismantle Head Start would hurt the kids and families most in need – including the 50,000 Head Start attendees in New York alone,” Gillibrand said. “I will do everything in my power to fight this effort and preserve funding for this vital program through the next fiscal year and beyond.”
Head Start programs provide low-income children from birth to age five with comprehensive child development programs, as well as support and services for families. The services Head Start and Early Head Start offer include early education, health screenings, promoting social and emotional health, nutrition, connection to other social services, and services for children with disabilities.
“The Trump administration’s proposed decision to eliminate the Head Start program is a cruel and shortsighted attack on working families and their children,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “For the last 60 years, Head Start has empowered generations of young people with the tools to succeed and achieve their dreams—not just in school, but in life. I’m proud to join Senator Gillibrand in continuing the fight to protect Head Start because investing in our children is morally right, economically smart, and essential to the strength of our communities.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2025 at 2:46 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – These Albion second-graders meet “Nugget,” an 8-week-old beef calf during today’s Mini-Farm Day at Albion.
The FFA has run the event for many years, arranging to have farm equipment and animals outside the high school.
FFA member Nate Gibson, in back, talked with students about Nugget, which currently weighs 225 pounds and should top 1,500 when its fully mature.
“It’s about inspires young minds on where their food comes from,” Gibson said. “It’s always a good time.”
Nugget is owned by FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait and her family.
These second-graders throw small bales of hay, a new activity at the Mini-Farm Day.
Students in Mr. David Plewinski’s second grade class meet “Kevin,” a cowhorse owned by Darren Roberts of Kent. Kevin competes nationally at cow-sorting events.
Elliott Beyrle, a junior, talks with students about Kevin.
Students meet a rabbit named “Dot” inside the FFA’s ag shop. The rabbit is on loan for the day from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
FFA member Drew Pritchard introduces some of the kids to two goats brought to school by Kaitlynn Basinait and her family.
FFA members Brayden Snook, center, and Logan Scott, left, talk with student about a fertilizer sprayer used in the spring to energize crops. Bennett & Sons in barre brought the sprayer to school for the Mini-Farm Day.
A black lab “Henry” was popular with the kids. Henry is a hunting dog owned by Kaitlin Bennett, a member of FFA.
Provided photos: The Medina FFA team at the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon includes Tyler Allen, Mason Eick, Madison Farley, Camden Fike, Brody Fry and Austin Seefeldt. They are joined by the Ronny the Raindrop mascot.
Press Release, Niagara County Soil & Water Conservation District
LEWISTON – Twelve teams of high school students competed Thursday at the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon held at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
The teams were from Albion, Barker, Lewiston-Porter, Lockport, Lyndonville, Medina, Newfane, Niagara Academy, Niagara Falls, Niagara Wheatfield, North Tonawanda, Royalton Hartland, Wilson, Niagara Career & Technical Education Center, and Orleans Career & Technical Education Center.
Teams of four to six students in grades 9-12 were tested on wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils/land use and a current environmental issue.
This year’s current issue is Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change. Students had to develop a theoretical plan for a school district to help reach renewable energy goals and present for a panel of judges to grade.
Congratulations to the team from Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center for winning from Niagara County and being the Over-All Envirothon Winners! The team was from Mr. Kapiewicz’s class, students included Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor, and Daniel Wilksemore.
The winning team from Niagara County and the overall winners of the competition include students from the Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center – Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor and Daniel Wilksemore.
Congratulations to the winners from the Medina Chapter FFA for winning Orleans County from Ms. Jurek’s class, students included Tyler Allen, Mason Eick, Madison Farley, Camden Fike, Brody Frye, and Austin Seefeldt.
Three different teams from Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center won the different categories of Envirothon. Students included Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor, Daniel Wilksemore, Alex Brown, Olivia Dunkelberger, Anthony Enzinna, Aiden Flynn, Addison Schultz, Nathan Couturier, Mallary Fiacco, David Gurski, Jordyn Kinne and Adam Yanicki.
The overall county winners will move on to represent their county at the NYS Envirothon later this month. Good Luck to both teams!
A special thank you to this year’s event sponsors NewRoyal Orchards, Poverty Hill Farm, GM, and the NYS Forest Owners Association – Niagara Frontier Chapter for providing breakfast, lunch, goodie bags, awards, and Envirothon shirts for the students.
Exams and proctoring were provided by the Aquarium of Niagara, Mr. Paul Dewey, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and both Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Vic DiGiacomo of the NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Ronny Raindrop of the NYS Conservation District Employees Association came to hand out awards to the winners.
The Niagara-Orleans Envirothon is a yearly event for county high school students presented by Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District. Envirothon is an environmental competition on different aspects of natural resources. It gives students hands-on experience and knowledge of the environment to understand how to protect and manage the natural resources around them.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2025 at 8:44 am
Photo courtesy of Jim Renfrew
BATAVIA – A group from Orleans County joined other demonstrators in Batavia on Thursday evening at a May Day event protesting policies of the Trump Administration that they say threaten working class people and vulnerable members of the community. More than 50 attended the rally in the rain with threats of thunder and lightning.
Orleans County residents Kris Sniffen, Gary Kent, Grace Kent, Sister Dolores Dowd, Beth Wood, Donna Petersen-Spence, Robin Dunnington and the Rev. Jim Renfrew attended the demonstration outside City Hall in downtown Batavia.
The event was among about 1,000 around the country where people voiced their concerns about immigration crackdowns without due process, aggressive tariffs that could cause economic turmoil, a “Billionaire Agenda” from the Trump Administration that favors the wealthy over the working class and efforts to consolidate power in the executive branch.
Press Release, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
After Trump and “DOGE” placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave and terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants nationally earlier this month, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed this has impacted over 3,600 NY community service members.
That includes $26 million in federal funding for local community projects in every corner of New York State, and with more potential cuts on the horizon the senator broke down the impacts region by region to show just how deep these cuts go.
“AmeriCorps is one of the world’s greatest service programs, and one of the best bang for your buck federal investments in addressing community needs and in the future of our country,” Schumer said. “But across New York hundreds of AmeriCorps community service participants were just egregiously fired and had their funding ripped away halting their critical work helping the communities they serve.”
Schumer said this is the first step towards dismantling AmeriCorps entirely would devastate New York, which has over 1,700 AmeriCorps projects, and is demanding that NY House Republicans stand up to protect this vital public service and join him in his push to immediately reverse these cuts. All of these AmeriCorps programs have long-standing bipartisan support having been previously authorized by Congress and funded by the annual appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law, making ‘DOGE’s’ cuts unlawful.
A breakdown of dismissed volunteers and the $12,697,163 cut federal funding by region for Upstate NY includes:
Capital Region – $6,439,224; Rochester-Finger Lakes – $2,556,668; Western NY – $2,285,041; Southern Tier – $647,910; Central NY & North Country – $636,020; Hudson Valley – $132,300.
In recent days, Trump and ‘DOGE’ cut roughly 75% of full-time AmeriCorps employees and dismissed thousands of national service participants working on projects in every corner of the country, including over 3,600 community service participants across New York and cancelling over $26 million in grant funding, meaning in many instances these projects will not continue.
In Rochester, AmeriCorps members were improving academic engagement and college and career readiness throughout the Rochester City School District through Monroe Community College and providing public health apprenticeships through Flower City Public Health Corps.
In Buffalo, AmeriCorps members were tutoring more than 2,500 students across 4 schools in the school district through City Year, helping students improve attendance and academic performance. In addition, more AmeriCorps members were building homes through Habitat for Humanity.
“This critical work will now cease as these members are dismissed and funding is ripped away from our communities by Trump and ‘DOGE,’” Schumer said. “I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. You don’t dismiss thousands of members who have dedicated their time to public service and giving back to underserved communities – it makes no sense.”
Across New York State, there are over 22,000 national service members working on over 1,700 projects. AmeriCorps and its partners generated more than $20 million in outside resources from businesses, foundations, public agencies, and other sources in New York last year.
“There is no rhyme or reason to the project and grant terminations, other than DOGE was forcing AmeriCorps to get to a bottom-line dollar amount,” said Kelly Daly, President, AFSCME Local 2027. “The reason for eliminating over half the staff is very clear: This administration does not value the contributions of public servants who have been quietly administering an extremely efficient agency that engages Americans all across the country in service, which in addition to providing critical services, strengthens civic engagement and ties between people of all backgrounds.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) voted against an initiative yesterday that would place additional burdens on police officers while they are conducting arrests.
The measure would require the New York State Police and local law enforcement to adopt child-sensitive arrest policies and procedures in situations where an individual being arrested is responsible for a child as a parent, guardian or legal caregiver.
The bill would require law enforcement officers to take measures to minimize the impact a child experiences under these situations. Despite this, there is no mention of how departments should fund the implementation of these policies and procedures.
While well-intentioned, Hawley believes this law will only create more problems by imposing further responsibilities on police officers and necessitating more spending for local departments that are already underfunded.
“While I believe this policy is well-intentioned, it provides a one-size-fits-all solution for an issue that varies so much with each case,” Hawley said. “From day one in the academy, our law enforcement officers are extensively trained to handle arrests of all kinds, including situations where families are involved. Adding extra training and more procedures will only make it harder and more expensive for our police officers to do their jobs.”
MEDINA – Orleans County is partnering with SUNY GCC, Niagara County and paint-recycling company GreenSheen to host a paint recycling event on Saturday, May 31 at the GCC Medina Campus Center.
Orleans and Niagara County residents and businesses are welcome to bring oil-based, acrylic and latex paint, urethanes, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, primers and clear coatings to be recycled at no cost.
“Our recycling event last year was a tremendous success and we are excited to collaborate with our partners to host another event for Orleans County residents,” said Corey Winters, Orleans County Director of Planning and Development. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to get those old paint cans out of your basement, garage and shed, and ensure they are properly recycled.”
The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GCC, 11470 Maple Ridge Rd. Medina, NY 14103.
Registration for this event can be done at https://circular.eco/event/MedinaGCC. Staff will be on hand to unload vehicles so drivers can stay in their vehicles. Those with any questions about the event should call the Orleans County Planning and Development Department at (585) 589-3198.
ALBION – The Orleans County Mental Health Department is partnering with the Genesee County Mental Health Department and research organization NORC at the University at Chicago to conduct listening sessions and surveys to gather additional information from our community members surrounding mental health, suicide, substance use, associated resources, needs, and the associated stigma. Participation is open to any interested residents.
