By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 May 2025 at 8:14 am
Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, named Daisy Award winner
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health concluded its observance of Nurses’ Week with a nurses’ brunch on Friday morning. Highlight of the event was naming this year’s Daisy Award winner, Pam Washak. From left are Mary Williams, retired vice president of Human Resources; Karen Irwin, registered nurse; Washak, nursing supervisor in PCU; Jennifer Morgan, nursing supervisor and co-chair of the Daisy Committee; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Christine Kropf, corporate educator and co-chair of the Daisy committee.
MEDINA – An annual tradition and final celebration in observance of Nurses’ Week at Orleans Community Health is a Nurses’ Brunch, to show appreciation for dedicated health care workers, both retired and currently working.
Forty-five nurses attended the brunch on Friday morning in the hospital board room, where in addition to delicious food and camaraderie they witnessed the recognition of one of their own for exceptional compassion and care to patients.
A highlight of the morning was awarding of the Daisy Award, a national program which recognizes nurses who are nominated for going above and beyond in care of their patients. Christine Kropf, corporate educator at Orleans Community Health, and nursing supervisor Jennifer Morgan are co-chairs of the Daisy committee, who chose Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, as this year’s winner.
Presenting the award to Washak was Kim Gray, chief nurse manager, who said receiving this award was one of the greatest honors in their profession.
Gray began the recognition brunch by welcoming the 45 nurses who attended.
“It’s a privilege to stand before you during this special Nurses Week brunch, as we celebrate 100 years of nursing at our rural hospital,” Gray said. “This celebration is more than a look back at the decades we’ve served – it’s a tribute to the resilience that has carried us through. As many of you know being a small rural hospital hasn’t always been easy. And being a nurse in a rural hospital is a calling few truly understand.
“Our nurses have worn many hats – often at the same time. You’ve been caregivers, counselors, emergency responders, case managers and sometimes even janitors or tech support when needed. You’ve worked through snowstorms when roads were impassable, stepped up when resources were thin and provided world-class care, even when the odds were stacked against us.
“We’ve faced staffing shortages, funding challenges, outdated equipment and limited access to specialty care. And yet, through it all, you’ve never let any of it stand in the way of putting patients first. You found a way. You always find a way.
“To our retired nurses, you remember when we had even less – and still gave more. You built this place with grit and heart, and your legacy is alive in every hallway, every patient room and every act of kindness.
“To our current nurses, you are the glue that held this hospital – and this community – together. You met every challenge with creativity, empathy and unmatched dedication. A dedication that is rooted in service, sacrifice and a belief that even the smallest hospital can make the biggest difference.
“Despite our size, we have always delivered big care with a personal touch. That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes our 100-year legacy so special.
“So today, we don’t just celebrate nurses – we celebrate survival, strength, commitment and love for our patients and for one another. Here’s to 100 years of nursing excellence – and to every nurse who made it possible.”
“Kim was a junior when she said she wanted to be a nurse,” said her mother, retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow. “She really wanted to help people. She wants to do everything she can to keep this hospital going. I’m so proud of her.”
(Left ) Rebecca Mannella, right, director of nurses in the North Wing, greets retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow at the nurses’ recognition brunch. (Center) Sharing a hug are former nurse Joanne Bracey and current chief nurse manager Kim Gray. (Right) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, right, greets former Medina mayor Mike Sidari, who attended with his wife Brenda, a retired nurse.
Another regular attendee of the brunch is Jeanne Crane, who worked for 35 years at the hospital. She was the first nurse manager of the North Wing when it was first built, then became a nursing educator, and worked in risk management. She retired from infection control in 2003.
Mary Lou Tuohey has also attended the brunch every year. She worked as an RN for seven or eight years on the first and second floors, then lead supervisor on the 3-11 shift. She switched careers and run Case-Nic Cookies for 29 years on Main Street.
“It’s nice to come back and see everybody,” Tuohey said. “I loved working here, but once I had the kids it was hard to work that shift.”
Dorothy Casey spent 42 years at the hospital as a licensed practical nurse. She started as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school to become an LPN.
“I’ve been to every brunch so far,” Casey said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with all the changes taking place.”
Christine Kropf, corporate educator, is co-chair of the Daisy Committee with Jen Morgan, nursing supervisor. Kropf said they had 13 nominations this year. This is the second year the program has been in Medina Memorial Hospital.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion of our nurses,” Morgan said. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
Of all the nurses nominated for the Daisy Award this year, Washak was the one who really stood out, the committee shared.
“I was very surprised and honored,” Washak said.
Her mom, Vicki Washak said Pam deserved it.
“Pam had been working as an ICU nurse in Geneva Hospital,.” Vicki said. “She came home from Waterloo to take care of the old folks in her home town.”
Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz added congratulatory remarks and greeted guests throughout the room.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2025 at 7:48 pm
Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story GO Barn! building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced two major grants in Orleans County for arts and cultural projects.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council was approved for a $7,793,000 grant towards the “GO Barn!” at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
The Cobblestone Museum also was approved for $716,000 towards a visitor’s center at the corner of routes 98 and 104 in Gaines. That new visitor’s center would go next to a brick house from the 1830s.
The two grants are among 134 arts and cultural grants totalling $86 million. Hochul said 75 percent of grants have been awarded to smaller arts organizations and communities outside of New York City.
“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”
GO Art! is proposing the new building at the fairgrounds to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture, and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops, and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.
The building is planned for the west end of the fairgrounds near Taylor Hill Road. The fairgrounds is an ideal location for the cultural center, located between Medina and Albion, Gregory Hallock, GO Art! executive director, said during a meeting on Oct. 29 about the project
“It will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof,” he said then.
The building would have flexible or adaptable space that could be used for many things. Hallock and Go Art! envision two art galleries, artist studios and a residence where artists could bunk instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night. Hallock would like to the building to be used for many art forms – culinary, folk, horticultural, literary, visual, muli-media and more.
The facility would be accessible and inclusive to all community members, Hallock said. The GO Barn! would have hands-on programs in arts, agriculture and sustainability that would provide workforce readiness. Hallock said GO Art! wants to partner with local schools and organizations in “fostering a lifelong learning environment.”
This rendering shows the new visitor’s center for the Cobblestone Museum, left, which would be next to a historic brick home from the 1830s.
The state approved $716,000 for the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center at the Cobblestone Museum.
Museum director Doug Farley said construction will start soon on the project, which already has met an initial fundraising goal of $750,000 from the local community. The new building will be by the south end of a 1830s brick home, which the Cobblestone Society purchased as a visitors center. The addition will provide meeting space for 100 people.
The visitor’s center expand on the museum’s our campus of historic buildings.
The project, according to the museum, offers the following benefits for the community:
Preservation of a 19th century structure from unrelated commercial activity
High visibility at an essential crossroads location
Plentiful additional parking including buses
Expanding programming and visitation with year-round access
Kitchenette for use by caterers or small receptions
Multi-purpose room
Room to partner with Orleans County Tourism
New exhibit space to interpret Orleans County history
Space for viewing an introductory video and new cobblestone interactive exhibits
Distribute materials for all local attractions including the Medina Railroad Museum, Erie Canal, Point Breeze Lighthouse, camp grounds, marinas, Bed & Breakfast sites, sport fishing, agri-business, wine trail and more
Provided photo: Albion eighth-graders Mary McCormick (left) and Kendall Peruzzini (right) are shown in November with Craig Lane, superintendent of the Orleans County Department of Public Works, after a headstone was delivered for a Civil War soldier buried in an unmarked grave at the Alms House Cemetery on West Countyhouse Road. The public is invited to a dedication ceremony at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday at the cemetery.
ALBION – The hard work and research of two Albion Middle School students on a forgotten Civil War veteran buried at the Orleans County Alms “Poor”House Cemetery will culminate with a special “headstone unveiling” this Satursday at 10:30 a.m.
All are invited, rain or shine.
Last fall eighth graders Mary McCormick and Kendall Peruzzini discovered that a former Civil War soldier, Daniel L. Walterhouse, was buried at the cemetery in an unmarked grave.
After verifying the soldier’s lengthy stay at the Alms House and his significant military history, they applied for, and received, a Civil War era headstone from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Local dignitaries, historians, veterans, teachers, students, and interested parties will be in attendance. The program will conclude with a special military salute.
The project has garnered national media attention with coverage from the Washington Post, Fox News, the New York Post, and, most recently, the current edition of Reader’s Digest.
The cemetery is located a quarter mile behind the Emergency Management buildings at 14064 W. County House Rd., Albion.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating and umbrellas if there is rain.
BATAVIA – A bowling ball rolls down the wooden lane, striking into the pins and clattering them to the floor.=
A whoop and a cheer are let out as the next bowler takes center stage; all this is possible thanks in large part to a $5,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation. The grant was awarded to enhance Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties.
Thanks to this generous support, the people served by Arc GLOW are participating in a wide array of inclusive and enriching activities. From bowling nights and movie outings to dining experiences, museum and theater visits, and local festivals.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for joy, connection, and community involvement,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self-Direction and Community Services at Arc GLOW. “M&T Bank’s support plays a huge part in helping us bring these experiences to life.”
Arc GLOW has several events on tap in 2025, including: the Self-Advocate All Stars Annual Talent Show fundraiser on April 26; Johnathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day on May 31; Arc Night at the Ballpark on June 12; Genesee County fair activities; nature walks at Swallow Hollow Trail and outdoor sports and many other community activities.
“Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs provide meaningful experiences to individuals and their families,” Pegelow said. “We are so appreciative of the support of the M&T Charitable Foundation for making a difference.”
Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite program provides temporary relief to families from the demands of care giving, which can help reduce overall family stress. This allows families to better meet the needs of their loved ones with a developmental disability. Respite can be provided in the home or out of the home, during the day, evenings or night.
To learn more about Arc GLOW and the recreation and respite program, visit ArcGLOW.org.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that inflation refund checks up to $400 will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households across New York State.
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers starting in October and will continue through November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers. The State Budget also enacted the Governor’s initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
“Starting in October, over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
When Will Checks Be Delivered?
Checks will be mailed across the state starting in October, and deliveries will continue through November.
Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.
Starting today, New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/inflationrefund for more information on eligibility and other details.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2025 at 8:51 am
Provided photos
Dave Berry of the Medina VFW Auxiliary presents the “Good Job Award” to Eric Seppala, the Iroquois Job Corps center director.
SHELBY – President-Elect Dave Berry of the Medina Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary on Tuesday presented the “Good Job Award” to the Iroquois Job Corps for supporting the local VFW Auxiliary.
Accepting the award is Eric Seppala, the IJCC Center Director. IJCC students were also presented with individual awards of appreciation for their contributions to the Medina VFW Auxiliary.
From left to right are Brandi Jordan, Katherine Murphy, Adam Schmitt and Eyan Bailey. On the right is the IJCC Operations Director and member of the Medina VFW Auxiliary, John Thomas.
Berry visited the Iroquois Job Corps Center to present awards to the center and to the students who volunteered their time to support local veterans. Job Corps continues to support local community organizations, such as the VFW.
Students volunteer in the community at food pantries and distributions, and by cleaning community roads and fields, assisting with festivals, and supporting local service groups, including the Lions Club and Medina Rotary.
President-elect of the VFW Auxiliary, Dave Berry, shakes hands with some of Job Corps students.
MANCHESTER, NH – Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students from Orleans County on being named to the Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List.
The students from Orleans County include:
Andrea Sanchez Vargas of Holley
Carrie Smith of Albion
Nordia Campbell of Albion
Trisha Allen of Lyndonville
Southern New Hampshire University offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH.
Provided photo: Undersheriff Don Draper, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke, right, congratulate Torry Tooley, second from left, and James White on being promoted to sergeants.
Press Release, Sheriff Christopher Bourke
ALBION – Sheriff Christopher Bourke is pleased to announce the promotions of Deputies Torry Tooley and James White to the rank of Sergeant.
Sergeant Tooley is a 16-year law enforcement veteran. He is a NYS DCJS general topics instructor, firearms instructor, advanced firearms instructor, patrol rifle and defensive tactics instructor, and a DCJS certified SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader.
In addition to his training and experience, Sergeant Tooley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Brockport. Sergeant Tooley will be assigned to the day shift and Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.
Sergeant White is a 4.5-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol. Before joining the Road Patrol, he served as a Seasonal Deputy Sheriff, a Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer, and an Orleans County Probation Officer.
He is certified as a Field Training Officer, General Topics Instructor, Breath Analysis Instructor, Fundamentals of Crisis Intervention Instructor, and Project Lifesaver Instructor. In addition to his training and experience, Sergeant White holds both a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from D’Youville University. Sergeant White will lead our midnight shift.
Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Torry Tooley and Sergeant James White on their well-deserved promotions!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2025 at 12:59 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Marching Band performs on Sept. 21 at Vets Park during the Fall Festival of Bands. Despite being of the smaller schools that competes in the field band competition, Medina has won the New York State Field Band Conference Championship several times.
The national list of school districts with outstanding music programs once again includes Albion and Medina.
The two districts in Orleans County join 935 districts total around the country as “Best Communities for Music Education.” Albion has now received the designation the past 18 years while Medina is one the list for the second year in the row.
The North American Music Merchants has presented the annual list for 26 years. The recognition highlights outstanding efforts by school districts and their communities music education.
“Your collective efforts — teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders — have been instrumental in making music part of a well-rounded education for every child,” NAMM said. “We applaud your community’s unwavering commitment to creating an environment where each child can learn and grow with music.”
Medina for the third year started doing its own musical in the junior-senior high school after about a decade of a shared program with Lyndonville. Medina has long had a stellar marching band program.
The NAMM Foundation’s list includes other nearby districts: Roy-Hart, Akron, Batavia, Geneseo, LeRoy, Lockport, Mount Morris, Perry, Warsaw and York.
Albion High School’s drama department performed Cinderella in late March. The district is perennially recognized as an outstanding musical among small schools in the Rochester region. This photo shows Zack Baron as Prince Christopher putting the slipper on Mallory Kozody who is Cinderella. Phoebe Allen, the evil stepmother, is on the couch. In back include Ella Trupo as Fairy Godmother, Sawyer Brigham plays Lionel, Julia Button as stepsister Joy, and Mallory Ashbery as a stepsister Grace. Albion does two musicals each year at the high school, and two at the middle school. The school also has a marching band and does many concerts and musical programs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2025 at 9:01 am
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline was at $3.14 on Monday, down three cents from the previous week. A year ago, the price was $3.62, AAA reported.
The New York State average is $3.09, down a penny from a week ago and a drop of 63 cents from a year earlier.
AAA said prices dropped in the past week in the “lull between spring travel and the kick-off to summer.” The OPEC+ group of oil-producing countries also announced last week it will increase output again in June. That should widen the supply surplus, andcould cause crude prices to continue to fall, AAA said, leading to even lower prices at the pump this summer.
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
