Photos by Ginny Kropf: Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, welcomes volunteers for annual Day of Caring Friday morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

KNOWLESVILLE – A group of nearly three dozen volunteers stepped up on Friday to offer their services to eight charitable causes for the annual Day of Caring, sponsored by United Way of Orleans County.

United Way’s executive director Nyla Gaylord welcomed the volunteers at the Orleans County Fairgrounds, who were treated to breakfast pizza, coffee and donuts before embarking on their day’s assignments.

“Your volunteering today is another way to enhance your donations to United Way,” Gaylord told the volunteers gathered at the fairgrounds. “Every dollar we raise goes to help make our community better.”

Robert Batt, front, executive director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, loads gardening supplies in his vehicle for volunteers Steve Stringham and Aiden Cherry from Arc GLOW on Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

As in past years, the majority of volunteers came from Baxter Healthcare, Velociti and Takeform, along with Orleans Mental Health, The Arc and Connie Brunnette.

After breakfast and a thank you from Gaylord, the volunteers embarked on their assignments, which included mulching and weeding at Arc Glow; garden projects at Cornell Cooperative Extension; making Christmas ornaments for GO Art! at Cooperative Extension’s Education building; painting and cleanup at Camp Rainbow; card making and gardening at Hospice of Orleans County, creek bank cleanup and bushwhacking for Boy Scouts of America; planting bushes and plants at P’Raising Kids; staining a fence at Care Net; and sorting and delivering fire extinguishers to the Office for the Aging.

Cousins Miranda Reamer and Anna Kurman from Velociti wait for breakfast pizza before embarking on their volunteer assignments at Day of Caring. The two also volunteered last year and came back to help again.

After enjoying breakfast pizza, volunteers were sent off with snacks and a bottle of water.

Cousins Miranda Reamer and Anna Kurman, both employees of Velociti, said they had volunteered last year and came back again because they enjoyed helping people. Last year they did landscaping at a doctor’s office in Medina, and this year they were going to Hospice to make greeting cards and do landscaping.

“We volunteered because this is a nice way to get out and give back to our community,” Kurman said.

“We work from home, so this is a great opportunity to get out in the air,” Reamer said.

Karen Krug, who volunteered from Orleans Mental Health with Melinda Rhim and Jessica Kincaid, said she volunteers because she knows the work United Way does in the county.

“Giving has to come from all avenues,” Krug said. “It’s this kind of stuff you show up for, and it’s very fulfilling.”

Krug said Rhim had requested they be assigned to Camp Rainbow, where they were going to paint and do cleanup.

“It’s nice to go back to the same location, because now we know what to do,” Krug said.

Rhim said she has been volunteering for Day of Caring for many years.

“I was on the board of United Way for 10 years and have done all kinds of projects for them,” Rhim said. “This is our third year at Camp Rainbow. I feel it’s a hidden gem. We feel the gratitude when we’re getting it ready for the kids.”

Ryin Moriarity, an employee from Baxter, said this was her second year volunteering. They were going to the YMCA in Medina.

“They need a lot of landscaping and we have a large group and wanted to stick together,” Moriarity said.

Jodi Fisher, program director and State-Wide Community Regrant coordinator at Go Art!, came to Day of Caring at Cooperative Extension to paint light bulbs for Christmas ornaments, which are sold as a fundraiser.

Gaylord shared news of a $3,000 grant United Way received from Heritage Wind to buy fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. She said this was a result of the frequency of house fires in the area, and United Way wanted to make sure the most vulnerable (aging and disabled) were protected. Volunteers assisted in delivering them to the Office for the Aging later in the morning.

At the fairgrounds, Cooperative Extension director Robert Batt loaded gardening tools for volunteers Steve Stringham and Aiden Cherry from The Arc, who were going to do gardening projects.

“We are doing a hedge row garden and the Master Gardeners need some help getting it prepped today,” Batt said.

Volunteers lined up Friday morning to get their assignments for Day of Caring. Thirty-four volunteers from local businesses donated their time on Friday to help charitable causes.

File photo by Tom Rivers: A canal boat named Canandaigua takes a leisurely trip on the Erie Canal in this photo from Sept. 23, 2015. The photo was taken from the Presbyterian Road canal bridge in Albion.

The Canal Corporation was planning a big celebration on May 16 in honor of the 200^th anniversary of the historic waterway’s opening day of the season.

But “relentless rain” affected eastern and central New York will delay the opening of the canal at Lyons heading east. That has made the water levels higher than usual.

The Erie Canal will open as scheduled in Orleans County and the western end.

Here is the statement from the Canal Corporation about the opening of the season:

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the New York State Canal system will open in phases beginning Friday, May 16th due to severe weather that has necessitated a delay in the opening schedule for the Canal system.

Specifically, significant rainfall has created high flows and unsafe conditions along the Eastern and Central Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and Oswego Canal.  

The opening schedule is as follows –

Friday, May 16th –

Erie Canal Lock E-28A (Lyons) will be operational through Locks E-34/35 (Lockport)

Boaters should be aware of floating debris generated by recent heavy rainfall and proceed with caution, at a “No Wake” speed, as some debris may be hard to see. Some buoys (Aids to Navigation) may be off station and are being relocated by Canal forces.

As conditions safely permit, additional openings of the Canal system will be announced in subsequent Notice to Mariners.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the patience of mariners and the public while crews work to prepare the waterway for navigation once conditions are safe. 

Upon opening, all locks and lift bridges will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily with some locks and lift bridges operating until 9:00 p.m. Mariners are advised to check the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information.

There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.

As part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial commemoration, the Canal Corporation is extending this year’s navigation season. The Canal system will remain open for both recreational and commercial vessels until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

Provided photo: Jarred Saj accepts the Volunteer of the Year award from Brittany Dix, Hospice’s community outreach specialist.

ALBION – Hospice of Orleans hosted our Annual Volunteer Luncheon on April 28 at Risen Cafe to recognize and celebrate all of our volunteers and the ways that they contribute to our mission throughout the year.

Jarred Saj was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award. While many know that Jarred is a fantastic ticket-seller, they may not know that Jarred is someone who consistently reaches out to inquire about ways that he might be helpful.

He engages in each of our events in some way and is always asking “How can I help?” and finding out what is next. Jarred has a full calendar and is always sure to prioritize Hospice of Orleans when we need him.

He has already signed up to volunteer for our golf tournament in August and would love to see folks there!

Kelli Elyse Dingle will travel to DC to see her artwork in US Capitol

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Kelli Elyse Dingle’s “Fried Eggs” won the Congressional Art Contest for the 24th district. Dingle is a senior at Albion and also a student at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today named Kelli Elyse Dingle’s “Fried Eggs” as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

As the winner of the Congressional Art Competition, Kelli Elyse Dingle, a 12th-grade student from Orleans/Niagara BOCES, will be flown to Washington, DC to see her artwork displayed in the halls of the United States Capitol.

This year, Tenney’s office received 30 submissions from 12 different schools for the Congressional Art Contest. Additional awardees include Graciana Allen of Red Creek Central School, second place; Ayden Kaufman of Orleans/Niagara BOCES, third place; Phung Cao of Mynderse Academy, honorable mention; and Kaitlyn Dougherty of Red Creek Central School, honorable mention.

“Congratulations to Kelli Elyse Dingle for being named NY-24’s Congressional Art Competition winner!” Tenney said. “With so many incredible submissions, this is a truly impressive accomplishment.

“I look forward to welcoming Kelli to the Capitol and seeing her artwork, ‘Fried Eggs,’ displayed in the halls of Congress. I want to thank all who participated in this year’s competition and encourage visitors to stop by our DC office to view ‘Fried Eggs’ hanging in the historic halls of Congress, if you are visiting our nation’s Capital.”

Press Release, Kendall Central School

Photo courtesy of Kendall Central School: Superintendent Nick Picardo, left, and Karen Jones, right, congratulate Cindy Tinkous on being “employee of the year” among Kendall bus drivers.

KENDALL – Cindy Tinkous, a Kendall school bus driver, received the Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association 2025 Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year recognition.

The Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association (RATSA) annually awards exceptional employees from area school districts to receive the Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year award.

Nominees are chosen based on merits such as having good attendance, being accident-free, having a friendly disposition, and readily accepting and exceeding responsibilities. They are also expected to relate well with fellow workers, parents and children.

Tinkous was recognized at a ceremony that took place on Thursday alongside transportation honorees from a number of area school districts.

“Cindy has been employed at Kendall for over 20 years and is an invaluable asset to the pupil transportation department as a long-time driver,” said Director of Transportation Karen Jones. “She has been a mentor to all drivers and loves all of her students on the bus. Cindy is the matriarch of the Kendall Bus Garage family and will be retiring in July. She will be greatly missed by all.”

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Once again, Governor Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature have shown how wildly out of touch they are with the needs of hardworking New Yorkers. This $254 billion budget is packed with outrageous spending and political window dressing that sounds good in a press release but does nothing to improve the quality of life in our state.

The so-called criminal justice “fixes” are toothless. The discovery and mask laws passed will continue to let violent offenders dodge accountability and walk free, putting public safety and law enforcement at risk. The MTA payroll bailout or “new business tax” could be the tipping point for companies that are already questioning whether the state’s high cost of doing business is worth it​, resulting in companies fleeing to more business-friendly states.

But the most outrageous move is the creation of a taxpayer-funded slush fund to cover the private legal bills of politicians. It’s Albany corruption at its worst, giving political insiders a blank check while working families foot the bill.

This budget is not just misguided—it’s offensive. Democrats who​ hold all the levers of power in Albany ​are incapable of governing and have continued to lead our state into crisis after crisis. Make no mistake this budget is unacceptable. The Senate Republican Conference will continue fighting ​for common-sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger, and more affordable.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left include Medina Lions members Chris Keller, Jim Hancock and Julie Keller standing next to the sign promoting their annual Community Yard Sale and chicken barbecue the first Saturday in June.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club is again gearing up for their annual Community Yard Sale, giant flea market and chicken barbecue on June 7.

The event, a major fundraiser for the Lions, was started at least 25 years ago, and has been a popular event ever since.

Last year’s event brought 60 vendors to the field west of the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue, where the chicken barbecue takes place. Also on the site is a food tend manned by the Lions Club, where Lion Chris Keller says they sell the best cheeseburgers in Medina, along with Sahlen’s hot dogs, chips and beverages. Keller and his wife Julie head up the food tent with a crew of volunteers.

Chris said 60 percent of the Lion’s membership participate in the day’s events.

As in the past, Pete Kaiser and Howie Gardner will be driving around town with the popular “Weinermobile,” selling hot dogs and cold drinks from the back of a pickup truck. Their theory is garage sale shoppers don’t want to leave the bargains to find something to eat. Having the Weinermobile on the streets allows them to grab a bite and not miss any bargains.

Vendors are already beginning to sign up for a spot to set up their wares. Anyone interested in reserving space in the flea market should contact Randy Reese at (716) 471-0524 no later than May 24.

Cat Holland is in charge of tickets for the barbecue and they can be purchased from her or any Lions member. Chickens will be sold from 11 a.m. until gone. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling (716) 341-1743.

Another unique feature of the Community Yard Sale is the maps handed out at the four corners of Main and East and West Center streets, beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the sale. Cars can drive up, grab a map and make a free-will donation on the way through. Tim Moriarty and Dave Bellucci are responsible for handing out the maps, which show the location of garage sales throughout the village.

Residents wishing to have their sale located on the map should contact Lake Country Pennysaver as soon as possible to arrange for a small ad, which entitles their sale to be listed on the maps.

Money raised by Lions Club fundraisers is donated right back to the community, said Jim Hancock, overall event chair.

“We give away $10,000 to $15,000 yearly to 20 charities (mostly local), such as Camp Rainbow, Camp Badger, the New York State School for the Blind, Seeing Eye Dogs and Lions Club International, in addition to yearly scholarships,” Hancock said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is again seeking $2 million in federal funds towards the project.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced 15 projects she has submitted to the House Appropriations Committee in the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, including $2 million towards a new roof for the Orleans County Public Safety Building.

The CPF process allows municipalities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects with strong local support in New York’s 24th Congressional District, Tenney’s office said.

Each application was subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year, Tenney said.

In Orleans County, county officials are seeking $2 million for the Public Safety Building for “vital improvements for safety and security.” Tenney also sought the $2 million last year.

“We very much appreciate the fact that Congresswoman Tenney recognizes the infrastructure needs of local governments and is working to secure $2 million in funding for the Orleans County Public Safety Building,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature Chairman. “Fixing a roof may be not be the most exciting project, but it was very necessary to maintaining that building and ensuring safe working conditions for our public safety team. We are very thankful Congresswoman Tenney delivered for us.”

A list of Tenney’s submitted FY26 projects also include:

• $2 million for the City of Lockport’s Phase III – Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks
• $1 million for the City of Oswego Police Department’s New Police Station
• $4,275,000 for Jefferson County’s Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport
• $2 million for Schuyler County’s Emergency Operations Center
• $5 million for the Town of Lyons’ Resurgence of the Town of Lyons Canal Street District
• $3,300,000 for the Town of Phelps’ Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
• $1 million for the Town of Throop’s Water Improvements Project
• $2,475,000 for the Town of Torrey’s Water District #2 Resource Improvements
• $10 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work on Genesee County’s water needs
• $3 million for the Village of Geneseo’s Water and Sewer System Improvements
• $1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements
• $3 million for the Village of Waterloo’s Sewer System Improvements and Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
• $4 million for Wayne County’s Rural Health Services Building Renovation
• $3 million for Wyoming County’s Silver Lake Dredging Project

“The Community Project Funding Process allows Congress to hear directly from municipalities and community leaders about their needs,” Tenney said. “This year, I submitted 15 projects on behalf of our district to improve essential infrastructure, enhance public safety, and revitalize our local communities. I remain committed to advocating for these projects throughout the appropriations process and will continue to be a strong voice for protecting your hard-earned tax dollars while representing our district in Congress.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch

MEDINA – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina drapes gold and white bunting over the church doors to celebrate the naming of a new pope today.

An American for the first time will serve as pope. Robert Prevost will lead the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Buffalo Diocese, issued this statement:

“Today, the Church throughout the world, the United States, Western New York, and the Diocese of Buffalo, rejoices at the historic election of the first pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIV.  I invite all to join me in prayer for our new pope as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter. May Pope Leo XIV be guided by the Holy Spirit as he leads the Church and is a source of unity for believers.

“He has served the Gospel faithfully as a missionary and leader of the Catholic Church in Peru and devoted his ministry to the larger interests of our Church. It is a source of tremendous pride that in this complex and difficult age that the Holy Spirit has guided the Cardinal Electors to choose not only this fellow countryman, but a person of profound faith, broad perspective and hopeful vision.

“May the Lord in his infinite wisdom, abiding grace, and unconditional love, guide our new Holy Father as he assumes the enormous responsibilities that he has been chosen to bear. May he unite and inspire us to build bridges and always to see the good in one another, to serve the most vulnerable among us, and to proclaim boldly the Good News we have received as children of God.  As we all continue in this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope and in our commission as disciples of the Risen Lord, may the Lord bless our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.”

Press Release and photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – K9 Odin in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Odin’s vest was sponsored by Karla Kimmey of Charlotte, FL and embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of Zayla.”

Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 and is a 501(c)(3) charity with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, has provided over 6,030 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Donna Vanderlaan, a member of the board of PAWS Animal Shelter, and Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Fire Company, look at all the cats in cages waiting to be spayed.

EAST SHELBY – A spaying/neutering clinic originating in Cowlesville brought its services to East Shelby Fire Hall on Wednesday, where cats and dogs were spayed and neutered at reduced costs to the pet owners.

The clinic was the idea of Alycia Baran-Falbo of Cowlesville, founder of All-Star Animal Rescue.

A life-long animal lover, Baran-Falbo has been a vet assistant and has done animal rescue work for 20 years, during which time she became very aware of the problems with animals, namely, over-population and unwanted animals – problems she very much wanted to get to the root of.

Baran-Falbo collaborated with PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion and Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter to bring the mobile veterinary service to Orleans County.

Assisting were Donna Vanderlaan, vice president of PAWS, and All-Star Animal Rescue’s vice president Emilee Diebold of Tonawanda.

(Left) A vet’s assistant carries an unconscious dog from the mobile hospital van into East Shelby Fire Hall, where it will be monitored until awake. (Right) Alycia Baran-Falbo of Cowlesville, founder of All-Star Animal Rescue, comforts a dog which has just been neutered at a clinic Wednesday at East Shelby Fire Hall.

Vanderlaan knows Allen Turner, a member of East Shelby Fire Company, and asked him if they might allow use of the fire hall for such an event. He brought it to a meeting and they approved it, even offering to donate the use.

Vanderlaan said there were a lot of laws for dogs, but none for cats. The Orleans County animal control officer is currently working on some new directions to govern stray cats, Vanderlaan said.

“We have sections in Albion which are infested with stray cats,” she said. “They are everywhere.”

She said the ideal solution is “TNR,” trap, neuter and release.

Any cats who are able to be socialized, All-Star Animal Rescue will try to get them adopted. Those who are truly feral have to be returned where they were caught, Baran-Falbo said.

Mike Fuller stands next to the mobile animal hospital parked outside the East Shelby Fire Hall’s truck bay, where a spaying/neutering clinic was taking place Wednesday by All-Star Animal Rescue of Cowlesville, in collaboration with Paws Animal Shelter of Albion.

In order to control the cat population, All-Star Animal Rescue seeks donations from businesses and the public.

The big problem, according to Baran-Falbo and Vanderlaan, is that neutering and spaying are so expensive, and most people can’t afford it. The cost to have a dog spayed at a veterinarian’s office is between $500 and $1,500, while the cost to spay a cat is between $300 and $600.

Donations allowed All-Star Animal Rescue to spay 26 cats and neuter six dogs on Wednesday at a reduced cost, with mobile veterinary services provided by Dr. Jennifer Graf from Whiskers to Tail Affordable Veterinary Services in Cowlesville.

Vanderlaan said they collected cans and bottles, in addition to seeking donations, to be able to afford Wednesday’s Clinic.

“We have dates available and if enough donations come in, we would like to have another clinic here in the future,” Baran-Falbo said.

Services they perform always include spaying or neutering, rabies shot and distemper vaccine when needed.

Vanderlaan also shared information about Shannon Blount’s efforts in Medina to control the over-population of cats. Blount is head of the Medina Team of Cat by Cat Inc. that strives to help control the feral cat population with targeted TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) of community cats. For more information on Cat by Cat, click here.

Donations to support All-Star Animal Rescue and help fund a second clinic in Orleans County may be sent to them at 323 Kern Rd., Cowlesville, 14037; or by calling Baran-Falbo at (716) 208-8333 for instructions how pay online.

150 dresses and counting have been given out last 3 years

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Ayesha Way, a senior at Albion High School, checks out a dress which caught her eye at the Main Street store on Wednesday evening. (Right) Melody Snook from Holley High School models the gown she chose for her prom.

ALBION – Dozens of seniors in area schools will attend their proms this spring, decked out with beautiful gowns, stunning accessories and flattering makeup, thanks to Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store.

This is the third year store manager Cassie Healy has promoted a prom giveaway, in which donated prom dresses, accessories, makeup and hair products are given free to high school seniors in Orleans County and Batavia.

Kristalyn Taylor, a 16-year-old senior at Albion High School, picks out hair accessories and makeup for her prom.

Healy and her volunteers have already taken dresses to Niagara-Orleans BOCES, the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, Lyndonville High School and Holley High School. Upcoming events are scheduled Friday in Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High School.

Last year Healy said they provided free prom attire for 52 girls. This year they have already given out 68 gowns, and that doesn’t count the number of gowns chosen Wednesday evening at the Main Street store or the giveaways scheduled  Friday at Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High Schools.

Healy said the community has been very generous with their donations, and prom dresses are being donated all year. A section at the back of the store has been curtained off with tables full of makeup, jewelry and accessories, a backdrop for taking pictures and a changing room.

Also on site Wednesday night was Valerie Webb of Le Roy, a teacher at Holley, who volunteered to do on-the-spot alterations when needed.

Senior Ayesha Way from Albion High School was delighted with the opportunity to get a prom dress.

“Some prom dresses go for $400 or more, and not everybody can afford that,” she said.

Melody Snook, 16, a senior at Holley, shopped with her mom, who approved the dress she chose.

“I thought this was a wonderful opportunity for the girls,” said her mother Colleen Wiest. “I’ve seen nothing but happy faces coming and going. We had been shopping in the stores for a dress but couldn’t find her size.”

Healy said the dresses on her racks ranged from size 0 to 24, in all colors and styles.

Many of the girls also found shoes in their size to match their dress.

Store associate Anna Geldard helped girls to choose makeup, fake eyelashes and jewelry to complement their gowns.

“We have a very wide array of things to choose from, and girls are obviously very appreciative,” Geldard said. “I still have the pictures from my prom five or six years ago and I remember what a special day it was. Being able to be part of helping someone else get ready for their prom is very special.”