Budget will be down slightly in 2025 for Albion’s public library

ALBION – Voters in the Hoag Library service area of central Orleans County elected two trustees to the library’s board on Monday.

Kevin Doherty was elected to a four-year term with Dawn Squicciarini winning a two-term as a write-in.

Library leaders also held Hoag’s annual meeting and went over the budget for 2025. Expenditures total $687,350 with $657,560 to come from property taxes collected as part of the vote on May 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at Albion Central School.

Overall spending is down from the $693,150 in 2024, and the amount to be collected from property taxes is also down from $664,510. The taxes are down considerably from the $754,350 in 2021, the last year Hoag was still paying on the mortgage for a new library that opened in 2012.

Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.

Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).

Other funding in the 2025 budget includes $2,790 from Orleans County, $14,000 in contributions, $11,500 for services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines) and $4,000 in state library aid.

Some of the main expenses include: Payroll and benefits at $434,500 (63 percent of budget); Books and materials at $45,500 (Books, $27,000; Hoopla and online services, $11,000; and serials and audio visual, $7,500); operation and maintenance at $132,800 (utilities, insurance, maintenance and equipment); programs and services at $14,500 (adult and juvenile programming, publicity); and other expenses at $60,050 (professional services, contractual expenses, ALMS fee and contingency).

Circulation for 2024 included 32,352 books, 9,792 non-books as physical items, 5,208 digital items through Hoopla, and 4,635 digital items through Libby.

Hoag also provided 69 homebound deliveries, 486 motorized documents, 155 ESL sessions, 178 GED sessions, 1,088 outside sessions, 4,394 items loaned through Inter-Library Loan and 6,495 items borrowed through Inter-Library Loan.

ALBION – The New York State Association of Counties on Monday highlighted Kim DeFrank as part of NYSAC’s weekly “Member Monday” feature.

DeFrank is also president of the NYS Treasurers’ and Finance Officers’ Association. NYSAC noted she became treasurer in 2018 after 25 years in the treasurer’s office.

“During her tenure she has led the county to receive four consecutive three+one advisors 90+ awards for exemplary leadership in public finance liquidity management,” NYSAC stated. “Congratulations Kimberly and thank you for the work that you and your colleagues do to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen our counties!”

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families and friends.

Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

There will also be the potential for a White House visit on the trip. Those who are interested in the potential tour will need to register no later than June 10 to secure a background check.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. A noncommittal registration is required by June 10 for those interested in a potential White House tour for the purpose of a background check.

To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.

Travel powers the economy, connects America

File photo by Tom Rivers: A kid is excited to see a big barge moving part of a bridge on the Erie Canal in Holley last July 15. The barge was headed west with the Bennetts Corners Road bridge in the background. The Erie Canal and Orleans County are both celebrating their 200th anniversaries this year.

Press Release, Orleans County Tourism

ALBION – Orleans County Tourism is proud to take part in National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which runs from May 4-11. The goal is to shine a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

“Travel is one of our nation’s most powerful economic engines—supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America.”

Since 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week has highlighted the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue, equivalent to $1,490 per household.

Locally, Orleans County continues to see strong results from tourism. The county’s bed tax revenues topped $100,000 for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching $116,712. That total is just shy of the all-time high of $119,003 in 2023. Orleans County first surpassed the $100,000 mark in 2022, collecting $111,548 in bed tax revenue.

Tourism in Orleans County is driven by unique regional assets, including world-class sportfishing on Lake Ontario, the historic Erie Canal Trail and destinations like the Medina Railroad Museum, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum and the Cobblestone Museum.

Sportfishing alone generates an estimated $28 million annually in the county, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 2017 Angler Survey. Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571.

This year also marks a major milestone: the bicentennials of both Orleans County and the Erie Canal. With a full slate of summer events planned to celebrate 200 years of local and state history, the Orleans County Tourism Office aims to attract even more visitors in 2025.

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Dawn Borchert, director of Orleans County Tourism. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. We’re especially excited to welcome visitors as we celebrate these significant bicentennial anniversaries.”

Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

About Orleans County Tourism

Orleans County Tourism is the tourism promotion agency for Orleans County, New York, dedicated to promoting the county’s unique attractions, events and experiences to visitors from near and far.

Situated between Rochester and Niagara Falls, the county offers a blend of rural charm, scenic waterfronts and rich heritage. The office also supports local festivals, agritourism and community initiatives that strengthen the area’s appeal as a year-round destination. With a focus on economic growth through travel, Orleans County Tourism works to boost visitor spending, support small businesses and share the stories that make the region special.

Photo by Jessica Stewart Photography: Nicholas Reese, posing here in his Mustang Marching Band uniform, loves writing music and plans to study music composition at Fredonia State College’s School of Music.

MEDINA – A Medina High School senior with a passion for writing music is being commended for his contributions to Medina’s annual Arbor Day celebration.

Several months ago, Oak Orchard Elementary School music teacher Andrea Busch contacted Nicholas Reese and asked if he could write a song about trees which Oak Orchard’s second grade Glee Club could sing on Arbor Day. The Glee Club has been singing at Arbor Day for three years.

Nicholas sat down and started thinking about trees.

“It was very general, so I had to be creative,” Nicholas said. “I spent a week writing the lyrics, and finished the entire thing in a month.”

He titled his composition “Oscillating Futures.”

Chris Busch, Andrea’s father-in-law and Medina Forestry coordinator, said to have a song written by a Medina student specifically for Arbor Day and performed by the Oak Orchard Glee club is an incredibly special honor.

“Truly, it made the occasion all the more special,” Chris said.

The teacher added her praise for the composition and what it meant to her students.

“I am honored that Nick was willing to share his talents and compose a piece of music specifically for the Oak Orchard Glee Club,” Andrea said. “Out of all the songs we learned this year, ‘Oscillating Futures’ was a clear favorite amongst the second graders. They affectionally called it ‘Nick’s Song’ and begged to practice it every day. These kinds of collaborations are what make our district special, and the Medina Music Department could not be more proud of Nick. He has a bright future ahead of him and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things he will accomplish.”

Nicholas said he has been writing songs since he was 11 and in fifth grade.

“I have since written about 100 songs,” he said. “A lot of times I write pieces in perspective to things that are happening in my life. I try to write emotionally.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nick Reese watches the Glee Club perform his song during an Arbor Day celebration on April 25.

Nicholas plays percussion in the Mustang Marching Band and Jazz Band.

“I became very inspired by the Marching Band in seventh grade, and knew then I should consider it seriously,” Nicholas said.

“But I really just want to sit in a room and write songs all day,” he said.

Writing notes is easy, but putting words to them is a bigger challenge, he said.

Most everything he writes is instrumental, he added.

When Nicholas graduates this summer, he plans to attend Fredonia State College’s School of Music to study music composition. That is also Andrea’s Alma Mater.

Provided photo: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt speaks during a news conference on Tuesday in the state capital.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt on Tuesday was joined by Senator Jack Martins, Senator Mark Walczyk and members of the Senate Republican Conference to rail against New York State’s budget process – with the budget now over a month late and a lack of transparency over where exactly New Yorkers’ tax dollars are going.

In addition, Senate Republicans called on Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislative Majorities not to use so-called “messages of necessity” to bypass the constitutionally required three-day aging process once budget bills get introduced. This critically important “aging” provision of the State Constitution helps to ensure that the public, the press, and all interested parties have the opportunity to actually review the budget bills prior to them being enacted into law.

Currently, Senator Mark Walczyk carries bill S48 which is expected to be taken up for committee discussion in the Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed, S48 will prohibit the Governor from issuing a message of necessity for budget related bills.

“This budget is going to spend more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in taxpayer dollars. Up to this point, there has been no sense of urgency to get the budget done – now that we are nearing the end, it should not be rushed through without time for proper review,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The Governor has paraded around the state as if her job is done, even though the Legislature has yet to vote on a single budget bill. Further mystifying what exactly has happened behind the closed doors of budget negotiations. New Yorkers deserve transparency from their elected officials.

“Government by ‘message of necessity’ is no way to run a government for the communities and taxpayers of this state. It’s time to bring this process out of the dark,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Governor Hochul and the Legislature’s Democrat majorities go on working behind closed doors to allocate billions of state taxpayer dollars and set in motion far-reaching public policies impacting our local citizens, communities, and economies in consequential ways. The state budget demands a full public airing and the appropriate time for review and debate, but that’s never what we get.  It’s a broken process that blindfolds the public and keeps producing bloated state budgets that taxpayers will never be able to afford.”

Orleans has one of highest percentages of population on Medicaid, ACA in WNY

Press Release, NYS Association of Counties

ALBANY – The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is sounding the alarm over proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could devastate New York’s healthcare system, threaten health coverage for millions of residents, and strain county governments already operating under significant fiscal pressure.

As part of its current budget drafting process, Congress is looking to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion over the next 10 years, with projected cuts of up to $880 billion coming from Medicaid. These cuts will have an inordinately large impact on New York, which spends over $100 billion a year on a Medicaid program that serves nearly half our population and fuels a health care industry that relies on the public health insurance program for its survival.

“We have several concerns about these Medicaid cost cutting proposals,” said NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II. “They will put health care at risk for the New Yorkers we serve, strain financially sound hospitals, and cripple troubled health care centers. And also, high on our list is that when the federal government cuts Medicaid, state leaders will force county taxpayers to pick up more of their costs.”

Editor’s Note: Orleans has 35.9 percent of its population on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act with 7,673 on Medicaid; 3,324 on ACA Medicaid Expansion; 2,897 on ACA Essential Plan; and 358 on ACA QUP. The number of those on Medicaid and ACA total in Orleans is at 14,252.

Among Western New York counties the percentages for Medicaid and ACA include:

• Allegany: 31.7 percent
• Cattaraugus: 34.3 percent
• Chautauqua: 37.1 percent
• Erie: 32.5 percent
• Genesee: 28.1 percent
• Livingston: 24.4 percent
• Monroe: 33.1 percent
• Niagara: 31.6 percent
• Orleans: 35.9 percent
• Wyoming: 27.8 percent

At the beginning of the Medicaid program over 50 years ago, New York counties were required to fund half of the state’s share of Medicaid. While mandated county funding is currently capped at $7.6 billion a year, local leaders are concerned that federal cuts could jeopardize that cap.

According to a NYSAC analysis, the federal proposals could reduce Medicaid funding by hundreds of billions of dollars nationwide over the next decade, impacting nearly 9 million New Yorkers who receive care through traditional Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion.

 “Counties are the safety net providers in this state, and if these cuts go through, the very foundation of our health system will be shaken,” said Boykin. “Children, seniors, working families will be hurt, counties will be left to pick up the pieces, and county taxpayers will be left to pick up the tab.”

One of the most concerning proposals under consideration includes the elimination of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP), which currently provides a 90% federal match for individuals made eligible under the ACA. In New York, this funding supports care for 2.1 million people and is projected to cost the state $70 billion over ten years if repealed.

“This is not a theoretical scenario—it’s a very real threat that our leaders in Washington and Albany need to fully understand,” said Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director.

“The proposals under consideration pose additional risks to local governments. Should these cuts proceed, county Departments of Social Services (DSS) are likely to experience an overwhelming surge in demand as residents lose coverage and seek assistance. Emergency rooms will be forced to absorb a dramatic increase in non-emergency visits and already fragile Emergency Medical Services (EMS) could be pushed past the breaking point. As a result, counties may be compelled to divert funding from other essential services or raise local taxes just to keep basic health services intact,” said Acquario.

In addition to funding cuts, the federal government is considering imposing work requirements on over 2 million able-bodied adults on Medicaid in New York. This would create a significant administrative burden for counties and could cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose their healthcare coverage, increasing both economic instability and health disparities.

In all proposed federal scenarios, hospitals and healthcare providers across the state will face steep losses. Every federal Medicaid dollar is matched by the state or counties and when combined these funds are an essential part of supporting the entire healthcare system. New York’s healthcare infrastructure could shrink significantly, leading to layoffs, reduced access to care, and facility closures.

“Year after year, New Yorkers contribute more in tax dollars to the federal government than they receive back through programs and services. In a report from USA Facts released just weeks ago, for 2023, New Yorkers paid approximately $89 billion more in federal taxes than the state received in return. This disparity underscores the critical need for our congressional representatives to advocate vigorously for New York,” stated Acquario.

Press Release, Medina Band Boosters

MEDINA – The Medina Band Boosters held their monthly meeting on Monday to discuss upcoming events and elect officers for the coming year.

These officers are: President – Crystal Elliott; Vice President  – Julianne McGrath; Secretary  – Michelle Wright; Treasurer – Heather Jackson; Transportation Chair – Nick Hartman; Student Accounts – Becky Rinker; Uniform Chair – Nicole McMullen; Chaperone Chair – Meghan Tuttle; Publicity Co-Chairs – Kathy Dreyfus and Janene Farley; Delegate – Debbie Tompkins and Shirley Kepner.

Medina will be in the Sherburne Pageant on June 6-7 where the Mustangs will compete in parade, wind ensemble, color guard and drumline. The band also will perform in the Memorial Day parade. The season concludes with the band banquet on Sunday, June 8.

Provided photos: Pictured from left include some of the team at the Tim Hortons in Medina: general manager MaryJo Polick, assistant supervisor Dani Sadlocka, assistant general manager Erin Costello  and baker Cassandra Lyon.

These employees at the Tim Hortons in Albion include baker Michael Augusta and assistant general manager Sheryl Miller.

ALBION/MEDINA – The two Tim Hortons in Albion together sold about 2,500 Smile cookies last week during a fundraiser for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. The cookies were $2 each and raised $5,000 for the hospital in Rochester.

Tim Hortons ramped up the promotions for the week-long effort, inviting first responders and other community leaders in to decorate the cookies.

The Medina site sold 1,452 cookies, raising $2,905, while Albion sold 1,074 cookies, raising $2,146, said store co-owner Joey Filipelli.

The family also owns three Tim Hortons in Rochester at Culver Road, Mount Read and Ridgeway. Those three sites collectively sold 805 Smile cookies and raised $1,608.

Altogether, the five Tim Hortons owned by the Filipelli family will be donating $6,659 to Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“The owners – Giuseppe and Shirley Filipelli, Joey Filipelli, Jennifer Karbowski and Jared Karbowski – are so grateful to our community for supporting this fundraiser,” the family said. “The Tim Hortons team and owners are incredibly thankful for our local law enforcement, Mercy Flight, Key Bank and other business leaders who came out to help us decorate cookies and bring awareness to the event.”

Provided photo: Nurses at Orleans Community Health were treated to cake in celebration of the first day of Nurses Week, which is observed from May 5-9.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is celebrating Nurses Week May 5-9 with a full schedule of special events and honors.

“Orleans Community Health is proud to honor the dedication, compassion and commitment of its nursing staff during National Nurses Week 2025,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach. “This special week recognizes the vital role nurses play in patient care and community, and Orleans Community Health is marking the occasion with a series of celebrations, tributes and recognitions.”

Throughout the week, Orleans Community Health will be sharing spotlights of both current and past members of its nursing teams, highlighting the stories and impact of these exceptional professionals across decades of care, Robinson said.

Celebratory events will include a sweet start to the week on Monday with cake and cupcakes available for all nursing staff; a special gift to nurses on Wednesday in appreciation of their dedication and service; and the annual brunch on Friday, a cherished tradition which brings together current and former members of the nursing team for a time of connection, gratitude and celebration.

A highlight of Friday’s brunch will be the announcement of this DAISY Award recipient, a prestigious honor given to a nurse who exemplifies extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.

“Nurses are the heart of everything we do,” said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “They bring strength, compassion and skill to every patient interaction. Nurses Week is a time for us to pause, reflect and express our deep gratitude to these incredible individuals who make such a profound difference every day.”

Orleans Community Health invites the community to join in recognizing and thanking the nurses who serve with excellence, resilience and heart.

For more information about Orleans Community Health or to learn more about their nursing team, visit www.orleanscommunityhealth.org.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is calling out Gov. Hochul for her two-faced approach to our state’s correctional system in her proposed state budget.

Currently, the governor is advocating to lower the minimum age requirement to be a correctional officer from 21 to 18 in an effort to combat the staffing shortage at prisons across the state. This staffing shortage was brought about by the Hochul Administration after it fired thousands of officers for voicing their concerns about unsafe work environments and the disastrous effects of policies such as the HALT Act.

Gov. Hochul’s budget proposal also includes a provision that would allow the governor to close up to five prisons within the next year with only 90 days’ notice. This move would only make the working environment more dangerous for staff by cramming more violent inmates into fewer facilities.

While Hawley is not opposed to lowering the age requirements for new correctional officers, he believes this administration is using this as a last-ditch effort to fix the problem it created.

“Gov. Hochul’s desperate effort to save face would almost be laughable if it didn’t affect the safety of thousands of hard-working correctional officers across our state,” Hawley said. “This proposal to lower the age requirements for new officers is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is clearly a political move by the governor to pretend that she supports law enforcement while appeasing her progressive friends in the Majority. If Gov. Hochul actually cared about the law enforcement community, she would reinstate all the fired correctional officers with full benefits and back pay. Until then, everything else is just talk.”

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley Elementary Art Club recently unveiled customized painted pizza pans at Dustin’s Pizzeria in the Village of Holley.

Students spent months working on the paintings. They were hung beside pizza boards that were painted by the Holley High School painting class in 2018. Students were excited to see their work displayed and hope community members enjoy the artwork for years to come.

Dustin’s Pizzeria has partnered with Holley Central School for various projects throughout the years, including exiting opportunities like this, as well as career exploration opportunities for students interested in the food industry or opening their own business.

Dustin Reisman (center) pictured with wife and Holley Board of Education member Jennifer Reisman (left), and Holley Superintendent Karri Schiavone (right) at Community Champion recognition.

Dustin Reisman, owner of Dustin’s Pizzeria and Holley Class of 2000 graduate, was named the Holley school district’s 2025 Community Champion for Public Education. This recognition is presented by ACT for Education in order to honor area businesses, service organizations, and community leaders who serve as exceptional supporters of our local public schools and students. He was honored at their recognition breakfast on May 2.

“Dustin Reisman has supported the students and families of Holley Central School for many years,” said Holley Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “Dustin’s Pizzeria is a regular donor for fundraisers and other school events. His support of the school and our students is endless. His involvement in Holley’s events and the community at large is commendable, noticed, and most importantly, done with true intentions of quiet support.”

Students are thrilled to see to their artwork on display at Dustin’s Pizzeria.

Armando Elenes, Secretary Treasurer of the United Farm Workers, has issued a statement in response to the statement on Monday from Lynn-Ette & Sons after 14 of the farm’s workers were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday. They were on a bus headed to work when they were stopped on Route 98 in Albion at about 7:30 a.m. near Crosby’s, north of the Erie Canal.

Statement from the United Farm Workers:

“There is in fact a bargaining unit at Lynn-Ette farm which covers seasonal workers — as Lynn-Ette is aware, an arbitrator has already been appointed by the State of New York following Lynn-Ette’s failure to negotiate a union contract for them in good faith and we are waiting for the arbitrator to issue their decision.

It is true that the workers who were detained last Friday are not part of the current bargaining unit. This is because Lynn-Ette itself successfully argued that its year-round workers should be excluded from the unit. At the time, we argued strongly that year-round workers should be included in the same bargaining unit as their seasonal coworkers.

Given that exclusion, several year-round workers were continuing to organize to file a petition for a separate bargaining unit that would negotiate a contract for the year-round workers. Several of the workers who were leading that effort have now been detained by ICE.

We do now know that ICE came to target the bus as a result of a tip. We demand that ICE be fully transparent about how and why and based on what information these arrests were made, including to the members of Congress who are inquiring about this very issue.

If workers at any company were to be targeted for immigration enforcement for union organizing, that would be a violation of our Constitution’s First Amendment; the right to freedom of association including with your union. Everyone should be concerned about that.”