Photo by John C. Callaghan, courtesy of NYS Canal Corp.

The Tug Edna A with Barge 82 is headed westbound this morning in the Mohawk Valley (Tribes Hill in Montgomery County). Edna is due to arrive in Albion on Tuesday for a large commercial shipment with the final destination in Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

The tug will be retrieving the cargo for the United States Navy. Edna and the barge are expected in Albion mid-day on Tuesday, according to the NYS Canal Corp. Once the cargo is loaded, the tug and barge will return eastbound on the Erie Canal to the Hudson River.

Five alpaca farms in Orleans and western Monroe counties will be open this weekend as part of National Alpaca Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

“We will have kids games, demonstrations, educational pieces, and, of course alpacas and alpaca products,” said Todd Eick, the Medina FFA advisor.

The Medina FFA is open of the five alpaca farms that is promoting the weekend open houses with four other local alpaca sites. The five farms include:

• Stoney Meadows Alpacas at 16038 Glidden Rd., Holley
• MayFields Equestrian and Alpaca Farm at 3263 Allens Bridge Rd., Albion
• Medina Chapter of the FFA Model Farm, 2 Mustang Dr., Medina
• SanGer-La Alpacas at 2845 Colby St., Brockport
• Ladue Alpacas at 1186 Ladue Rd., Brockport

If people visit all five farms they can qualify to win an alpaca-themed raffle basket worth over $300.

This weekend alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 17th annual National Alpaca Farm Days.

Alpaca Owners Association urges the public to learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.

Alpacas are primarily raised for their fleece in North America. Alpaca fleece has a variety of natural colors: pure white, several shades of fawn and brown, several shades of gray and true black.

The leaves are starting to change color in some parts in New York State, but not too much yet locally.

This week’s fall foliage report from I Love NY tourism shows leaves are starting to change in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region the Catskills and Adirondacks. Locally, the leaves are still mostly green.

I Love NY issues a weekly report on the foliage every Wednesday.

“New York State’s gradual transition from the greens of summer to the multi-colored kaleidoscope of fall continues this weekend, with a few locations in the Adirondacks approaching midpoint of leaf transition, and areas from Long Island to Western New York beginning to see their first significant color changes,” according to the report.

In the Greater Niagara region, spotters reporters Batavia is seeing a 15% change with some yellow leaves of average brilliance, I Love NY reports.

Click here to see the latest fall foliage report.

The map from I Love NY shows some parts of the state are seeing the leaves change colors.

Rummage sale today and Saturday in fundraiser

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Playing cards is a popular activity for members of the Medina Senior Center. Playing euchre here on a Friday are, clockwise from left, Dorothy Casey of Medina, Dick Preston of Albion, Larry Morgott of Medina and Judy Fischer of Middleport. Behind Casey is Tom Fenton of Medina.

MEDINA – Senior Citizens of Western Orleans is inviting all seniors to consider the benefits of becoming a member. Whether it’s just something to occupy their time, enjoying camaraderie or volunteering at one of their fundraisers, the Medina Senior Center offers it all.

Located on West Avenue, across from the Medina Railroad Museum, the Medina Senior Center is where seniors can join in playing cards, enjoy a meal, work on a jigsaw puzzle or help with the various fundraisers planned throughout the year.

Cost of membership is $10 a year. In addition to collecting membership dues, director Kelly Shaw of Gasport plans several fundraisers to help pay the bills. This includes a money raffle, two basket raffles, two rummage sales and a chicken barbecue every year.

The last rummage sale of this year is today and Saturday, and support from the community, as usual, is unbelievable, according to Shaw. People start bringing in their rummage months before each sale and the variety of merchandise never fails. There are the usual clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, housewares, gifts and holiday items, but always an assortment of unique items. This time Kelly said they have a panini maker, portable sewing machine and a car seat, among the unusual items.

“I really appreciate that people keep us in mind when they have to clean out a loved one’s home or get rid of stuff,” Shaw said.

The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. From noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, everything will be “fill a bag for $5.”

The Senior Center is now selling tickets on its next fundraiser, a chicken barbecue on Oct. 12. Chicken will be available from 4 to 7 p.m., drive thru or eat in. The Wiedner family from Eden, who have been in the barbecue business since the 1950s, will cook the chicken.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the center during regular hours of 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. on Friday.

In addition to euchre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, pinochle on Wednesday and Thursday when there are enough interested players and exercise classes on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., there are dinner meetings the second Monday of each month. Meals alternate between potluck, catered and prepared at the center. Cost is $8. There is often a speaker or entertainment after meetings and raffles for gifts and money every meeting.

On Monday and Tuesday mornings, free day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members.

The center also has a gift shop full of unique items, including a large assortment of jigsaw puzzles, jewelry and assorted giftware.

Being a member of the Senior Center is a wonderful way for seniors to spend a few hours a week, while meeting new people or old friends, Shaw said.

And parking is always ample and convenient.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

BATAVIA — Friends, families and community members gathered at the Batavia Downs Wednesday evening to celebrate Arc GLOW’s 1st annual Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting since their merger in 2021.

Over 250 people came, including Erik Geizer, chief executive officer for The Arc of New York; Merle “Skip” Draper, from state Sen. Rob Ortt’s office; Greg Torrey, from state Sen. George Borrello’s office; Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes; and John Deleo, Genesee County legislator.

There was an art display from Elba Day Habilitation, and the centerpieces which people could take home were provided by the staff and individuals at the Washington St. Day Habilitation in Albion with the help of Pam Lamar, a retired Orleans County Day Habilitation coordinator. After dinner, Julie Johnston sang “Let it Go” from Frozen to a roaring standing ovation.

After speeches from local officials, the awards presentation began.

Pictured top row, left to right: Michael Cuttitta, Supported Employment Person of the Year; Robert Greer of Albion, Self-Advocate of the Year; Matthew Willson, Residential Person of the Year. Bottom row, from left to right: Larry Anderson, Pre-Vocational Person of the Year; Aaries Fitzsimmons, Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year; and Dusty Sanford, Day Habilitation Person of the Year.

The Supported Employment Person of the Year award honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

This year it was given to Michael Cuttitta.

“Mike worked in the work center at Hilltop for over 12 years before moving on to Arc GLOW’s supported employment program. He takes pride in his work and is focused. He always gets his job done with quality and efficiency,” said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services with Arc GLOW. “Last summer in July, Mike took a chance and decided to try out a contracted work opportunity at Bristol ID Technologies in Lima. This chance transitioned into a permanent placement with Bristol ID this past fall.”

Day Habilitation Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities. With her constant jokes and contagious smile, Dusty Sanford was given this award.

“Dusty loves attending the Elba Day Habilitation, and when she returns home she tells her house staff that she wants to return to day habilitation — even if she has to walk,” Kennedy said.

Pre-Vocational Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including: new job skills, completing quality work and showing attention to the task of learning. A worker at Orleans Enterprises and a participant at the HUB in Batavia, Larry Anderson was chosen for this award.

“He is dedicated to learning about the world of work, including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning,” Kennedy said. “Larry represents the best of what the pre-vocational program has to offer. He takes advantage of what the program offers and the experiences in the community.”

Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. The awardee shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement, and with her outstanding participation and contribution to her community, Aaries Fitzsimmons was given this award.

“Many would agree that Aaries is community. With the support of her self-directed staff, Andrea, Aaries finds unique ways to give back to others one smile at a time,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self Direction and Community Services. “The biggest impact in her volunteerism has been with the Batavia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The staff and veterans always look forward to her seasonal handcrafted kindness and conversation.”

Aside from the VA, Aaries volunteers at Godfrey’s Pond, her church, and bakes for various fundraisers.

The Self-Advocate of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others. A member of the Self-Advocacy All Star group for years, Robert “Bobby” Greer of Albion was chosen for this award.

“He is very knowledgeable about advocacy and teaching new members what self-advocacy is all about,” Pegelow said. “Bobby participated in the in the Self-Advocacy Talent Show Fundraiser and attended the Self Advocates of New York State Conference in Niagara Falls. Bobby also volunteered at the Orleans County Fair Arc GLOW booth. He served on the agency incident review committee, he was engaged and provided great feedback.”

Pegelow said Greer is a great self-advocate, demonstrating the very essence of what staff are charged with doing and what Arc GLOW’s services are supposed to accomplish.

KidStart Employee of the Year honors an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assisting in all areas of their growth and education. With her exceptional support to children, Holly Green was chosen for this award.

“As the Head Start family advocate, she is often the first face families see and remains a pillar of support throughout their enrollment. Holly shows the same dedication and support to all of KidStart’s staff by stepping in when needed and assisting with KidStart’s many programs and events,” said Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children Services.

Green started in 1992 as an intern through college, and helped to set up the very first Head Start classroom in Dansville. She was hired as a substitute for the classroom and did the building cleaning for a period of time. Eventually she applied for a position as a teacher’s assistant in Head Start.

Green took a break to go on maternity leave for her second child, and when another position became available, she returned full-time in September 2001 as the Head Start family advocate.

Green also works part-time as a direct support professional.

Residential Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills. A resident of Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Matthew Willson received this award.

“Matt has certainly come a long way in the time he has lived with us.  He has grown in his independence, he’s learned life skills, made friends, and he enjoys being helpful,” said Deb Tuckerman, vice president of Residential Services. “Matt participates in the WOW program, and he and his habilitation staff have attended many events and fairs around the community.”

Direct Support Professional Person (DSP) of the Year honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. The DSP would provide excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates individuals to take their active role in the community. With 19 years at Arc GLOW, Amy Beiswenger has been chosen as DSP of the Year.

A DSP at Senior Open Road Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris, Beiswenger always provides activities in a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community.

John Prospero, vice president of transportation and master of ceremonies, said, “Amy is the definition of an excellent DSP — she is someone whose dedication, advocacy, compassion, competence, person-centered approaches and collaboration results in improved quality of life, health and wellness, and/or opportunities for all that we serve. Amy makes this role look simple with her kind, no day is a bad day attitude. Amy used our services at ARC GLOW to bridge into the direct support professional world.”

Employee of the Year recognizes an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie Rada, nurse supervisor, the award recipient, is committed to Arc GLOW’s mission and values.

“She has demonstrated the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie always goes above and beyond for this agency and for the individuals Arc GLOW serves,” Prospero said. “Her dedication, knowledge, professionalism and commitment are only exceeded by her compassion, grace and caring heart.

“One of her peers said, ‘I have never seen any nurse as devoted to both the health care agency and individuals that are cared for — she is such an asset to this organization.’”

The Friend of Arc GLOW Award is for a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision, and everyone at Arc GLOW knows of the Touhey family and Case-Nic Cookies.

“The Tuohey family is the true definition of a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision,” Prospero said.

The Touhey family always can be found volunteering at Arc events or organizing fundraisers to benefit Arc GLOWs programs and other communities. Mary Lou Touhey constantly provides cookies for Arc GLOW’s fundraisers and events, and Nicole Touhey heads her own fundraisers. Her Have a Heart Campaign raised over $2,300 this year that benefited many programs within the agency.

(Left) Vice President of Day and Employment Services Kellie Kennedy with Amy Beiswenger, winner of Direct Support Professional Person of the Year award. (Right) Vice President of Children Services Stephanie Metz with Holly Green, winner of KidStart Employee of the Year award.

The Business Partner of the Year is for a business who supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment. Casella Waste Management received this year’s award.

Martin Miskell, CEO, said over 40 years ago, the Arc of Genesee opened its trash recycling center to fill a need for the City of Batavia to help create jobs and produce a positive revenue stream for the organization. However, business models change and recycling was no longer providing the number of jobs it had in the past.

Selling the business was an easy financial decision, but a difficult one emotionally, but after months of negotiations the decision was made to sell the business to Casella Waste Management.

Casella kept everyone who had a job, the transfer station open and operated by Arc GLOW’s work crew with a job coach, and free trash pick-up at all of Arc GLOW’s Batavia locations in perpetuity and a large discount at other locations served by Casella. Casella also gave Arc GLOW their lease at Apollo Drive in Batavia for their transportation department, which still has three and a half years on it for free.

“Casella is the true definition of a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service and providing work opportunities for employment,” Miskell said.

Finally, Volunteer of the Year honors a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision. This year, it goes to Chuck Keenan, who serves on Arc GLOW’s Board of Directors as its secretary; is the chairperson of the Compliance Committee; and sits on the Vocational Committee, the Incident Review Committee and Community Services. He also volunteers his time on various boards within his community such as the Developmental Disability sub-committee for Livingston County Community Services Board and for the Town of Groveland.

“Chuck wants to see Arc GLOW become a world class agency in our field. As a result, he is very interactive with all of his committees/boards. He takes his role seriously,” said Cheryl Englert, Board of Directors president.

At the annual meeting, Cheryl Englert was re-elected board president, John Huber was elected vice-president, Charles Keenan was re-elected secretary, Eric Parker was re-elected treasurer and Ken Barchet was elected assistant treasurer.

Hearing set for Oct. 23 at Orleans County Courthouse

Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic was limited to one-way on Route 63 on Aug. 30 while contractors installed a new sewer pipe in the Town of Alabama.

SHELBY – A State Supreme Court has issued a preliminary injunction and temporarily won’t be allowing a sewer line to be constructed in Orleans County, running from the STAMP manufacturing site about 10 miles north to Oak Orchard Creek.

Contractors started installing the 20-inch sewer main last month and are headed north along 63. They haven’t reached Orleans County yet.

Judge Sanford Church on Monday issued the preliminary injunction and set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion.

Orleans County has filed a lawsuit against Genesee County Industrial Development Agency of Batavia, Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation of Batavia, Stamp Sewer Works, Inc. of Batavia, G. Devincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc. of Binghamton, Clark Patterson Lee of Rochester, and Highlander Construction of Memphis, NY.

Orleans contends the GCEDC didn’t properly form STAMP Sewer Works for the project and doesn’t have a right to seek construction easements in Orleans, which is outside Genesee County. Genesee never asked for Orleans permission to undertake the project, Orleans says in the suit.

Orleans economic development officials also are concerned the discharge of treated water from STAMP, at up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity, could limit economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek.

GCEDC notes engineering reports say there would be another 10 million gallons of daily capacity for the creek from the Medina sewer plant if STAMP were at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP, Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum, would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater GCEDC said.

GCEDC says it secured all required permits and approvals for construction and use of the force main for the sewer, including a right of way permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to cross Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and a discharge permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has temporarily paused drilling as part of the construction after sinkholes were observed in the right of way of the refuge.

There also are fluids associated with subsurface drilling that appeared on the refuge surface outside the perimeter of the right of way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement on Tuesday.

Craig Leslie, GCEDC attorney, said in a Sept. 11 court filing, asked the judge not to approve a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order.

“Orleans County’s allegations are wholly inconsistent with the facts and the law, and smack of a frivolous and politicized attack on the STAMP project,” wrote Leslie, an attorney with Phillips Lytle LLP.

Orleans County, represented by attorney Jennifer Persico of Lippes Mathias LLP, contends the Genesee agencies others named and in lawsuit “have been engaged in a conspiracy not only to violate General Municipal and Transportation Corporations Law, but also to defraud the residents of Orleans County and citizens of New York State in general by misusing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund an unauthorized project all while acting outside of their respective authority,” according to the Orleans court filing on Sept. 11, seeking the preliminary injunction.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office 

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the year’s fifth Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 23, when New York State waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license.

Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

“Spending time on New York’s world-class waters is one of the best ways to enjoy the final days of summer,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s free fishing days, clinics, and other opportunities to connect with nature give New Yorkers and visitors alike the opportunity to cast a line and enjoy the abundant natural beauty found in every corner of the Empire State.”

New York’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give those who might not fish the chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost and learn about a new hobby. The final Free Fishing Day of 2023 will be held on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

ALBION – Three people pleaded guilty to felonies on Wednesday in Orleans County Court and could be sentenced to state prison.

Patrick Allen, 41, of Albion pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and two counts of criminal contempt in the first degree.

Allen could be sentenced to a maximum of 2 to 4 years in state prison. He was given a reduced sentence from a maximum of 3 ½ to 7 years as part of a plea agreement.

He admitted to entering a trailer with the intent to commit a crime on West State Street on Feb. 21, 2023. He also twice had contact with someone who had an order of protection against him.

Judge Sanford Church set bail at $50,000 bond and $10,000 cash.

• Steven Johnson, 22, pleaded guilty to promoting prison contraband at the Orleans Correctional Facility, where he was incarcerated in April 2022 and possessed a sharpened plastic handle with a metal wire. He could be sentenced to another 1 ½ to 3 years in prison on Jan. 3. If he went to trial and was convicted, he could have been sentenced to a maximum of 2 to 4 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3.

• Chasity Zinnate, 43, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary for entering an apartment on Main Street in Medina without permission and taking a computer, iPhone and other property on Dec. 5, 2022.

She faces up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison when she is sentenced on Dec. 24. If she had gone to trial and was convicted, she could have faced 2 ½ to 7 years in prison.

• Darren Wilson, 62, of Lyndonville was assessed as a level 1 sex offender, the lowest level. He pleaded guilty on March 29 to possessing a sexual performance of a child. He was sentenced in May to weekends in the county jail for four months. He will also be on probation for 10 years.

Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke

Kevin C. Mcewen

KENDALL – Members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shots fired on Monday at 2074 Orchard Dr. in the Town of Kendall.

An investigation of the incident concluded Kevin C. Mcewen, 41, allegedly displayed a firearm and discharged two rounds at the time other individuals arrived to retrieve their property.

Mcewen was charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree and criminal use of a weapon 2nd degree, which are class C felonies; and menacing in the 2nd degree, a class A misdemeanor.

Mcewen was arraigned at the Orleans County Jail through CAP Court (centralized arraignment program) and is being held on $2,500 cash or $10,000 bond. He is to appear in Kendall Town Court on Oct. 16.

This incident was handled by Sgt. Hazel, Deputy Prawel, Deputy Lauer and Deputy Martindale along with Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division members, Inv. K. Colonna, Inv. D. Pahuta and Inv. B. Marsceill.

Robin Silvis

HOLLEY – Robin Silvis, a member of the Holley Board of Education for 16 years, has resigned because she is moving out of the district. Silvis also was the board president for the past four years, and the vice president for 10 years before that.

Anne Winkley is the new president. The Board of Education will fill the vacant seat by appointment.

Interested community members can contact District Clerk Connie Nenni at 585-638-6316 X: 2003 or cnenni@holleycsd.org or visit the Holley school district website for more information about the open seat.

Silvis’s resignation became official at the Holley board meeting on Monday.

“The Holley Central School District appreciates the many contributions and dedication that Robin Silvis has provided during her time serving on the board,” said Brian Bartalo, Holley school district superintendent. “Robin was committed to wanting to do what’s best for students and to have Holley be a great place to learn and work.”

ALBION – A class to help prepare citizens for disasters will be offered on Tuesday at the Hoag Library.

Each family that attends the class will receive a preparedness kit. The participants will be advised on how to prepare for any disaster, including developing family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies.

The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

The Orleans County Emergency Management Office, Hoag Library and Governor’s Office are teaming to offer the class at no cost to the participants. Registration is required. Click here to sign up.

The state said it is offering the classes in response to severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday new state efforts to address the asylum seeker and migrant crisis in New York, after White House officials announced certain individuals from Venezuela, who have continuously resided in the United States on or before July 21, 2023, will be eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status.

This announcement follows more than a year of advocacy from Governor Hochul and a broad coalition of New Yorkers working to secure work authorization for asylum seekers and migrants, allowing them to exit the shelter system and begin living independently.

“Work authorization is the way out of the migrant crisis,” Governor Hochul said. “Individuals who achieve legal work status will be able to exit the shelter system, find work opportunities and get their shot at the American Dream.”

Earlier on Wednesday, President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security announced the redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain individuals from Venezuela. Under federal law, individuals subject to TPS can be legally authorized to work 30 days after filing their application while other new arrivals are subject to a 180-day waiting period. While waiting 180 days for legal work status, asylum seekers and migrants are unable to earn a paycheck or pay rent, leading to extended stays in publicly-funded shelters or hotels.

Governor Hochul has directed the New York State Department of Labor to connect employers with newly-eligible asylum seekers and migrants who on the path to receiving work authorizations. More than 70 state personnel, representing 16 separate State agencies, have been surged to assist in this work authorization effort.

Last month, the Governor announced the Department had launched a new portal enabling businesses to inform the State that they would welcome newly-authorized individuals into their workforce. The Department also created a new registration process where asylum seekers and migrants with work authorization can register for assistance. Officials from the New York State Department of Labor and the United States Department of Labor will meet in the coming days to discuss opportunities for partnership and growth.

Governor Hochul has identified work authorization as the key factor to end this crisis. She raised this issue with senior Administration officials during her meeting at the White House three weeks ago, reiterating a request she made in a letter to President Biden earlier that month.

MEDINA – With the arrival of fall comes the announcement of Medina Lion’s annual Scarecrow Festival.

Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14, the event will again this year take place at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“We had a great time last year, selling several hundred scarecrows,” said Tom Beach, who is co-chairing the festival with Jim Hancock. “Families had fun choosing the clothes and faces for their scarecrows and helping to assemble them.”

The history of the Scarecrow Festival goes back more than a decade and was originally started by former Lion Sherry Wheatley, who organized the successful event for many years. Locations in the past have included the canal basin, the Medina Armory, Roberts’ Farm Market and Forrestel Farm.

The current location helps to make it a regional event, Beach said. Patrons come from all over Orleans County and Eastern Niagara. Acres of parking and the ability to hold it inside, rain or shine, are bonuses. The Medina Lions hope this will be the permanent home for the festival and are very grateful for the cooperation of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension in providing this space.

The Scarecrow Festival couldn’t go on without help of the entire community, who provide major help in preparing for the event. Jen Scott’s art class at Medina High School paints the faces on hundreds of “scarecrow heads.” The MAAC Thrift Shop provides all the clothes and the 4-H will have bunnies for the kids to visit. Medina Lions will be serving food throughout the day and will assist with every phase of the assembly process.

No reservations or advance payment are required. Kids and their families simply show up any time during the event and pay $12 per scarecrow. Then they begin the process of choosing clothes and faces. Next, they stuff the scarecrows from a large pile of hay donated by Lion Ken Dunham. Lions’ members act as “surgeons,” and tie the finished scarecrows together. Then they are ready to take home.

“Kids take great pride in their scarecrows,” Hancock said. “They reflect each child’s individuality, and there are never two alike.”

While children love this event, it is open to folks of all ages. Parents and grandparents get a lot of pleasure out of watching the children choose and stuff their scarecrow, while frolicking on the pile of hay.

The Scarecrow Festival is one of Medina Lion’s biggest fundraisers, and all proceeds are donated to various local charities in the community.