LYNDONVILLE – Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman Tanner American Legion Post, has a goal to let everyone know about the activities of the Post.

He recently announced an inaugural Post newsletter for May, which he plans to make a regular occurrence. The newsletter is electronic and anyone who is interested can receive one online by sending Goodrich their e-mail address at americanlegion1603@gmail.com.

Goodrich said they especially want to connect with veterans. Locally and nationally, Legion membership is quite literally dying out, he said. Younger veterans are not joining as they once did. He has been commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post since 2009. During his first year, they had 24 members who attended on Memorial Day. This year, only six or eight will be there.

“If membership does not change, I’m not sure if the Legion will survive,” Goodrich said. “So the newsletter is our way of building connections with our fellow veterans.”

Some of the highlights of 2022 were a Memorial Day ceremony, a veterans’ float in the July 4 parade, a flower booth at the town of Yates birthday event in August and a brunch in support of the Wreaths across American program in December.

Goodrich is anticipating a busy 2023 season, starting with placing flags at the grave of veterans at Lynhaven Cemetery and other local cemeteries. All volunteers will meet at the Civil War cannon at 4 p.m. on May 25.

The Post will participate in the traditional Memorial Day parade and program on May 29 at the library honoring heroes who have gone before. A ceremony at the library will follow the parade. Parade participants should gather at St. Joseph’s Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. The parade will start at 9 a.m. and participants will march to the library for the ceremony which follows. All participating groups are encouraged to bring a bouquet of flowers or potted plant to place at the memorial stone when prompted during the ceremony.

To date, the following groups are planning to participate in the parade – Lyndonville Joint Fire District, Lyndonville Central School District band and chorus, Lyndonville Lions and Lyndonville Boys/Girls Baseball League. Further information is available by calling Scott Goetze at (585) 765-3983 or e-mailing Goodrich at the above address.

On July 4, the Post will have the Veteran’s Trolley in the Lyndonville parade. Anyone wishing to ride on the trolley or help should contact Goodrich. The American Legion booth will be the first one at the bridge. They will have a 50/50 raffle, as well as some amazing patriotic themed art.

In August, the Post will provide flowers and vases to raise funds at the town of Yates street dance. The date has yet to be announced.

September will be the American Legion Labor Day Yard Sale.

Again this year, the Post will support Wreaths across America. December 16 is the date for this event. Last year, they provided brunch before the ceremony at the cemetery at the newly renovated Weber Café.

Goodrich urges all veterans to consider joining their local post. He said they provide needed services to the local community for veterans, donate funds to related charities and support the Boys State Program.

“We are looking for new members all the time, so please join and help make a difference in our community,” Goodrich said.

Provided photo: Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference speak about their concerns about migrants.

Press Release, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with Senators Rob Rolison, Bill Weber and members of the Senate Republican conference today blasted the lack of leadership and transparency from state officials that has left New York communities in crisis dealing with an influx of migrants following the expiration of the Title 42 Order by the Biden Administration.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who indicated the city is struggling to keep up with the incoming flow of migrants, announced he would begin bussing migrants to Rockland and Orange counties, despite the counties not being properly equipped with resources to handle it. One Orange County hotel even forced homeless veterans to leave to make room for the migrants.

“New York City and New York State declared themselves a sanctuary, and now that it is creating a problem, they are pushing that problem to other communities with no transparency, no communication, and no resources,” Ortt said. “The lack of leadership on this issue has been shameful – the public deserves answers, municipalities deserve the right to make decisions in the best interests of their communities, and our most vulnerable populations – including our veterans – deserve to be assured that they will not be displaced in order to house migrants.”

The state senators wrote a letter to Gov. Hochul in the wake of her executive order last week that declared a State of Emergency due to the expected surge of migrants into New York State following the expiration of the Title 42 Order by the Biden Administration.

In the letter, the senators ask for greater transparency as to where migrants will be housed, where monies are being spent, and better communication between the administration and local municipalities where migrants might be relocated.

“With that, local elected officials should have the option to decline hosting migrants in their communities should they not have the necessary accommodations and other resources. This local option is imperative to ensuring local municipalities are held harmless and are adequately prepared,” the senators wrote.

In addition, Senators Rolison and Weber announced the introduction of two pieces of legislation to help alleviate the ongoing crisis and prevent similar chaos in the future. A bill (S.6995), sponsored by Senator Weber,  would clarify that a local state of emergency supersedes a state of emergency issued by the governor when the two are in conflict. This would restore local control, and allow municipalities to make decisions in the best interests of their communities.

Another piece of legislation (S.7009), sponsored by Senator Rolison, would protect vulnerable populations – including veterans, victims of domestic violence, and the disabled – by prohibiting them from being ejected from a hotel, motel or shelter in order to make room for migrants.

“The outrageous refusal of the federal government to secure our southern border has hit home,” said Senator Rob Rolison (39th District). “This crisis of competence has been deepened and prolonged by Governor Hochul’s failure to communicate and to lead when local governments are crying out for help. Stuck in the middle of this emergency are homeless veterans, victims of domestic violence, and other groups of the vulnerable and voiceless who stand to lose access to shelter and critical services thanks to New York City’s misguided migrant busing policy.”

Press Release, Medina Lindy in the Village

MEDINA – On Thursday, June 15, the Gordon Webster Jazz Septet, along with vocalist Julia Weatherholtz, will play a live concert at Bent’s Opera House in Medina with their seven-piece band from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m., performing three full sets of big band-style jazz and swing classics. The concert and dance, hosted by Medina Lindy in the Village, is open to the public.

Gordon Webster is a jazz musician and bandleader, a favorite in NYC since the mid-2000’s, and famous worldwide for his modern take on vintage swing music.

He has played 100 cities in over 20 countries, and is a regular at Snowball in Stockholm, also appearing in performances at Swingtime Ball in Beijing, Lindy Shock in Budapest, CCX Montreal, and the London Lindy Exchange.

If you’ve heard the song “Eight, Nine, & Ten,” chances are it was his version, recorded in 2014 by Gordon Webster’s band featuring Australian singer Hetty Kate. US-based Lindy Hoppers will know Webster well from events like DCLX, Beantown Camp, and Swing Out New Hampshire.

Gordon Webster’s appearance at Bent’s on June 15 marks the first live band event for Medina Lindy in the Village, an organization less than a year old and dedicated to bringing swing music and social dancing to the Niagara-Orleans-Genesee region.

The group hosts monthly dances on the third Thursday of each month at Bent’s, including one on Thursday, May 18th, with a free lesson at 6:30 and the dance starting at 7:30. The Gordon Webster Septet performance is Medina Lindy in the Village’s June event.

To celebrate the growth of the Medina Lindy in the Village dance community, throughout the evening three groups of dancers will share exhibition Lindy Hop performances at ability levels ranging from professional instructors to competitive amateurs to recent beginners. Attendees at the June 15 performance can enjoy the ambience of Bent’s newly-restored Opera House along with drinks and appetizers from Harvest Restaurant; those wishing to dance can take advantage of an open dance floor.

For those interested in learning more about Lindy Hop swing dancing, Medina Lindy in the Village will host a free beginner swing dance lesson included with ticket purchases from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and experienced dancers will be on hand all evening to assist beginners. An intermediate Lindy Hop workshop will also be offered, for an additional price, the same evening at Bent’s from 6 to 7 p.m. taught by special guest expert instructors Marta Pedrero, originally from Barcelona, Spain, and Doriel Pryntz-Nadworny of Rochester entitled “Sharing the Stage: Helping Your Partner Shine.”

Tickets for the concert/dance and the workshop can be purchased at www.medinalindy.com/tickets, with early bird pricing now through the end of May (use code “EARLYBIRD” at checkout), and discounted pricing available for students and families.

Also, while hotel rooms last, guests mentioning Medina Lindy while booking rooms for evening of June 15 at Bent’s will enjoy 20% off of regular room rates. For more information about the concert, dance, and lessons, email info@medinalindy.com or call Medina Lindy in the Village director Phil Berry at 978-793-2149. To book hotel rooms at Bent’s or make dinner reservations at Harvest, call 585-318-2110, or visit www.bentsoperahouse.com.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Mike Norris

LOCKPORT – New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt was joined by Assemblyman Mike Norris in introducing legislation on Tuesday that would increase the penalties for farm theft to second-degree burglary.

In a recent meeting by radical animal activists, discussions and action plans on how to steal livestock from local farms were outlined for attendees, leading to numerous cases of theft and suspicious activity reported by Niagara County farmers. Two farms in Niagara County, one of which had 60 chicks stolen, experienced incidences directly due to this radical activist meeting.

“These radical individuals are not advocates – they are criminals who believe that the theft of another individual’s property is acceptable because it suits their own misguided view of the world,” said Senator Ortt. “Our hardworking farmers are the individuals responsible for filling our supermarkets and helping feed not only our families but theirs as well. They have every right to protect their families, their businesses, and their property, and they should expect their government to protect their property as well. I will continue to stand with our farmers and law enforcement agencies that seek to utilize this legislation in prosecuting any individual caught committing theft of livestock to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Protecting the rights of a citizen’s private property is rooted in the foundation of our republic,” said Assemblyman Norris. “Individuals who enter private property and steal livestock must be held fully accountable for their actions. That’s why I am proud to stand with Minority Leader Ortt and introduce this legislation in the Assembly to increase the criminal level and penalties for these offenses. Family farms across New York State are already struggling with commodity prices, farm worker wage fluctuation and navigating the rising costs of doing business. Livestock theft should be the last thing our farmers have to deal with and that’s why it’s time to increase the consequences of these actions and protect our agricultural industry.”

Photo and information courtesy of World Life Instituter: In front kneeling from left include Cesar Velasquez, Nelson Barahona, Angel Escalante, Udis Cruz, Alan Nunez, Daniel Payan and Julian Garcia. Second row: new teacher Wynter Dumont and Malvy Rivera, students Melvin Zuniga, and Luis Henry. Third row: teachers Monica Beck and Linda Redfield Shakoor, Osmin Delcid, Gerson Espinoza, Jorge Alvaro, Wilfredo Guandique, Fabian Cortes and kneeling continuing Intergrow student from Colombia, Julian Garcia. Back row: Josue Canales, Josue Martinez, Michael Mejia, Alexander Vilorio, Denis Ramos, David Cruz, Andi Torres, Oscar Suazo, Johan Soriano and Intergrow student from Italy, Alessandro Vincenzi.

Press Release, World Life Institute

CARLTON – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES and World Life Institute of Waterport celebrated the achievements of 21 adult English language students on Monday evening at the WLI education center on Stillwater Road. More than 40 students, staff and friends attended the celebration.

This year most of the honorees came from H.H. Dobbins apple packing facility in Lyndonville. There were 21 men from Honduras who regularly attended classes two evenings a week after working at Dobbins. Four teachers – Monica Beck, Malvy Rivera, Wynter Dumont and Linda Redfield Shakoor – taught their classes.

Each student received a certificate acknowledging their effort and improvement in the English language over a period of 8 months.

Student comments included:

“I love to come to English class. I want to thank God for the wonderful opportunity that He gives us to be part of this program and the English school which is a blessing in my life.”

“The classes were very helpful for the relationship with my colleagues and my American bosses.”

“I learned to buy clothes in the store, numbers, time and to order food.”

 “I took the driver’s permit test.” Nine students received their NYS driver’s permit.

“I know how to greet people… I met new friends.”

Students plan to return to work at Dobbins in Lyndonville in October 2023 and continue with English classes at the education center in Waterport.

Press Release, NYS Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

Provided photo: State Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt congratulates Rebecca “Becky” Wydysh, chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature, as a “Woman of Distinction.” She was recognized in Albany by the New York State Senate.

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt honored Rebecca “Becky” Wydysh, Chair of the Niagara County Legislature, as the 2023 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 62nd Senate District. Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities. The ceremony was held last evening in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

“It is a privilege to honor my good friend Becky Wydysh in recognition of her outstanding record of public service and giving back to her community,” Ortt said. “As the first woman to ever Chair the Niagara County Legislature, her service has truly made an impact on the residents of Niagara County. She has distinguished herself as an outstanding public servant – from coordinating the county’s pandemic response to working to battle the opioid epidemic. It has been a pleasure to work as her partner in government, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

Wydysh was first elected to represent the 2nd district in the Niagara County Legislature in 2015, representing the western end of Wheatfield and a major portion of the Town of Lewiston, including the Village. She was elected Chair in January 2020, just before the start of the  COVID-19 pandemic. She coordinated the county’s response to the pandemic, becoming a familiar face with her daily COVID updates, and collaborating with state and other county leaders on policy matters.

As an elected official, Wydysh has been particularly passionate about battling the opioid addiction issues that have devastated so many Niagara County families. Since 2017, she has served as Chair of OASIS (the Overdose/Addiction Strategy Implementation Standing Committee), Niagara County’s Opioid Task Force.

In her full-time career, Wydysh has spent more than 20 years in the Niagara County Courthouse, including the County Clerk’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and since 2008, as Deputy Commissioner of Jurors for Niagara County with the NYS Unified Court System. She also served as a member of the Mental Health Association in Niagara County, Inc. Board of Directors from 2009-2020, serving as President of the board for 7 years.

Wydysh lives in the Village of Lewiston with her husband, Peter and two children.

“The quality of life in Niagara County has been improved for all residents because of Becky’s dedicated leadership and service, and it was truly an honor to shine a light on all she has done for our communities,” Ortt said.

Sean and Nicole Van Winkle Paul are active with Frosty and Friends, a group that supports many community causes

Provided photo: Sean and Nicole Van Winkle Paul are shown before their serious motorcycle accident in Oakfield, which left Sean injured and Nicole in critical condition.

ALBION – A couple familiar in the Albion area as leaders of Frosty and Friends were injured after a serious motorcycle accident May 6 in Oakfield.

Sean and Nicole Van Winkle Paul are very special people who have been giving to their community for years, said Christina Nenni from Best of Tymes Party Rentals.

“They have worked with us for the last two years, sponsoring some of our community events and standing by our sides all the way as we, in turn, have worked with them for their causes,” Nenni said. “We have to help them.”

Nenni said Sean suffered multiple broken bones, but is out of the hospital. Nicole is in Strong Memorial Hospital in a medically induced coma with broken ribs, a collapsed lung and swelling on the brain.

The Pauls have been involved helping the needy in the community as Frosty and Friends/Bikers for Charity. They have actively supported Best of Tymes Party Rentals by sponsoring the bullying magic show for the park program at Bullard Park, working at the nursing home to make it beautiful for the residents, bringing pallets of toys for Best of Tymes’ Christmas event, and more.

Best of Tymes is planning a basket raffle from noon a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 at Dubby’s on Platt Street in Albion. They are also selling tickets for a meat raffle June 17. Meat raffle tickets may be purchased from Best of Tymes Party Rental, through their Facebook page or from Simply Elegant Nails in the Arnold Gregory Complex, along with Best of Tymes.

Anyone wishing to donate money or baskets for the raffle may contact Nenni at (585) 802-9105 or at Bests of Tymes Party Rentals in the Arnold Gregory Complex.

Nenni added the Pauls are wonderful people and need everyone’s prayers at this time.

A GoFundMe also is set up by daughter Christine Wainwright to support the couple and their family.

MEDINA – After an absence of two years due to Covid and a shortened run last year, Thomas the Tank Engine will be back at Medina Railroad Museum, beginning this weekend.

This year’s theme, Let’s Get Colorful, will be evident in Thomas’ new paint job and the activities on the grounds of the Medina Railroad Museum.

Thomas first thrilled youngsters and their families at the Medina Railroad Museum in 2005. Annually passengers came from across the United States to ride the train of storybook fame.

Tickets to ride the train also include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum, and give riders the opportunity to earn a Color Badge, say hello to Sir Topham Hat and explore the Color Corner, formerly known as Imagination Station.

Activities this year will include carnival games, two holes of miniature golf, a color corner, play pod, corn hole hopscotch, the game of Sodor 4 (a take on Connect 4),  face painting, coloring, play tables and power wheels.

 The day will also feature live entertainment, a gift tent and food court across the street at the Senior Citizens Center with food trucks, kettle corn, cotton candy and more. Also in the Senior Center will be a baby changing station, nursing area, Thomas books to read and coffee for sale.

Train rides depart every 45 minutes from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some times are sold out, but tickets still remain for other times. Tickets can be purchased by logging on to medinarailroadmuseum.org.

Grounds will open at 8 a.m. and remain open until 5 p.m. each day of the event.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There are seven “Hometown Hero” banners up for soldiers from Albion who were killed in the line of duty, including William Barnum who was killed on July 14, 1944. (His brother Eugene Barnum also was killed in World War II.)

Albion is placing seven of the banners up before Memorial Day. They are placed on Route 31 near the middle school campus where there is a Vietnam War Memorial and also where the community’s Memorial Day service is held.

Jason Johnston is the last soldier from Albion to be killed in the line of duty. He was 24 and a specialist and paratrooper in the Army when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.

The banner behind him shows the portrait of Rick Engle, who was killed in Vietnam when he was 19 on Feb. 2, 1968.

The Albion Department of Public Works also set up the banner in the downtown on Tuesday to promote the upcoming Strawberry Festival on June 9-10. Vance VanSkiver and Scott Bradshaw, DPW workers, put up this banner.

After the festival, the other Hometown Hero banners will be displayed and should be up until November. There are about 100 banners of soldiers in all.

Vance VanSkiver (in orange) and Scott Bradshaw work together to put up this banner in front of the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church on Main Street. The upcoming Strawberry Festival will be the 35^th time for the festival. For more on the Strawberry Fest, click here.

The school budgets passed easily for all school districts in Orleans County today. All of the propositions and funding for libraries also were approved, and voters elected candidates to the Board of Education.

Here are the results in the local school budget votes and elections:

Albion

Proposition 1 – $41,814,847 school budget (0% tax increase): 244 Yes, 66 No

Proposition 2 – Purchase of buses: 259 Yes, 48 No

Proposition 3 – Hoag Library: 239 Yes, 69 No

Proposition 4 – Establishment of a Transportation Reserve Fund for the acquisition of school buses and similar vehicles (and related equipment): 255 Yes, 51 No

Board of Education, one 5-year term: Porsche Taylor

Holley

Proposition 1 – $28,920,000 school budget (1.5% tax increase): 333 Yes, 148 No

Proposition 2 – Purchase two full-size buses, one smaller bus: 334 Yes, 149 No

Proposition 3 – Funding for Community Free Library – 354 Yes, 130 No

Board of Education, 3 candidates for 2 seats: Trina Lorentz, 324; Robin Silvis, 281; and Dan Cater, 233.

Kendall

Proposition 1: $20,413,805 school budget (0% tax increase): 131 Yes, 29 No

Proposition 2: Transportation Fund for buses, motor vehicles: 137 Yes, 25 No

Board of Education, 1 candidate for 1 seat: Rachel Fisken, 144 votes

Lyndonville

Proposition 1 – $16,939,491 school budget (1% tax increase): 118 Yes, 17 No

Proposition 2 – Purchase of bus and mini-bus: 117 Yes, 18 No

Proposition 3 – Yates Community Library: 104 Yes, 33 No

Board of Education, one 3-year term: Jerod Thurber, 124 votes

Medina

Proposition 1 – $40,095,815 school budget (0% tax increase): 346 Yes, 55 No

Board of Education, 4 candidates for 3 seats: LuAnn Tierney, 319 votes; Steven Blount, 292 votes; Annette Allis, 291 votes; and Corinne Ryan, 128 votes.

Higher values don’t necessarily mean more in taxes, real property director says

Photos by Tom Rivers: About 50 people attended an informational meeting on Monday evening at the Carlton Town Hall about the new reassessments for the town. Dawn Allen, left at dais, is the director of real property tax services for Orleans County. Lisa Ames, right, is the Carlton town assessor. They took questions from the public for about 1 ½ hours.

CARLTON – Many Carlton residents attended a meeting Monday evening and said their new reassessments don’t reflect reality, with the town assessor putting values that are on average 40 percent higher than the last re-valuations four years ago.

About 50 people were at the informational meeting where Assessor Lisa Ames and Dawn Allen, the Orleans County real property tax director, went over the reassessment process.

Allen acknowledged the values are way up in Orleans County.

Dawn Allen, the real property tax director for the county, said the reassessments have gone to reflect a dramatic change in the marketplace.

“We’re seeing some dramatic activity,” Allen said about sale prices way above assessments and asking prices.

Orleans is normally a very stable market with small incremental changes, she said.

But the housing prices soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, with more people working from home and many seeking life in the countryside. Interest rates were minuscule.

But residents say the market has changed this year, with much higher interest rates and a return to normalcy with the Covid pandemic no longer in the emergency stage.

One resident bought a house 2 ½ years ago and he said his new assessment in $116,000 more than what he paid for the house.

He said “fools” created a market bubble that he worries will come to a crash.

Allen said the data shows an across-the-board overall big increase in sale prices. It isn’t just a few isolated sales. Allen said the assessments need to reflect how homes are selling on the market.

Allen shared the median sale prices in Orleans County in recent years:

• 2018, 486 sales, $96,500 median
• 2019, 435 sales, $109,000 median
• 2020, 378 sales, $122,396 median
• 2021, 423 sales, $135,000 median
• 2022, 381 sales, $150,000 median

“We are seeing 15 to 20 percent jumps annually in the market,” Allen said.

Many towns opted against reassessments last year, wanting to wait a year to see if the market would slow down. Only Clarendon did the usual re-valuations in 2022, which are done every three years in the normal cycle among Orleans County towns, except Barre, which typically did town-wide reassessments every year.

Carlton, Kendall, Ridgeway and Shelby are doing the reassessments this year, at least four years since the last one.

Albion, Gaines, Murray and Yates aren’t doing them this year, meaning it will be five years without a reval if they do them next year. Just because they aren’t doing revals doesn’t mean those towns can ignore the rising market prices. The state uses equalization rates to try to make the tax rates fair. (Those towns that aren’t at 100 percent valuations will pay a higher equalization rate for the tax rates.)

Source: Orleans County Real Property Tax Services

Allen said the reassessments don’t mean property owners will pay more in taxes. The tax levies will be divided by a bigger tax base, which should result in a lower tax rate. In Carlton, those whose assessments increased less than the 40 percent average would pay less in taxes. Those with assessments that went up more than 40 percent would see an increase, Allen noted.

Clarendon did a town-wide reassessment last year, the only town to do it among the 10 on the three-year cycle. Clarendon’s assessments were up an average of 30 percent.

The higher values resulted in a drop in the tax rate for Clarendon property owners, Allen said. The school tax rate in Holley for Clarendon property owners decreased from $24.10 per $1,000 assessed property in 2021 to $19.28 last September. Clarendon’s combined town and county tax rate was down from $15.70 in 2022 to $12.65 this year with the new values, Allen said.

She encouraged the concerned property owners to do their homework in researching comparable sales to determine the market value if they are going to challenge the new assessments. They should look for sales within their town, checking similar neighborhoods and housing sizes and styles. They can check the Orleans County Real Property Database (click here) or real estate websites such as HomeSteadNet or Zillow.

Some of the residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting said prices are already sliding down this year with higher interest rates. Allen said the market is still strong. The prices tend to be a little lower the first quarter during the winter and then gain strength, she said.

However, if the prices overall are lower, the next reassessments in Carlton in three years will reflect the change in the market. (The values in the new Carlton assessments are based on the market price as of July 1, 2022. The next reassessment, if the town stays on a three-year cycle, will be based on the values of properties on July 1, 2025.)

“It’s too early to predict,” Allen said. “If they go backwards, then the (assessments) will have to go backwards.”

For 34 years the church was known as Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ

Provided photo: From left include Spanish Eastern Assembly of God District Superintendent Manny Álvarez joins Senior Pastors Jovannie & Melisa Canales this past Sunday when the church celebrated a new name. The Canales couple have served as the church pastors since 2017.

MEDINA – A church with a 34-year history announced it has a new name.

The Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ on Sunday announced it officially has a new name, Oasis Church.

The church has 45 members and they were unanimous in approving the name change at an annual meeting about three months ago.

“I would say that ‘Oasis’ is how we identify in our community – ‘A fertile place of nourishment, rest, peace, renewal, and life sustained by springs of water.’ It is similar to where the Israelites camped on their journey through the wilderness [Exod. 15:27],” church pastors Jovannie and Melisa Canales wrote in a letter to the community. “It makes the perfect location and environment for transformation. This name change makes so much sense as it effectively represents our vision, mission, and who we are as a church.”

The church holds services at 2 p.m. on Sundays. It shares a building with the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd. The two churches are independent of each other.

Jovannie Canales said the congregation at Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ was often known as the “Hispanic/Spanish Church.”

At Oasis, he said the church is bilingual, speaking and writing in Spanish and English. He wants everyone to feel welcome. The church attendees come from many backgrounds – Mexican, Honduran, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, Jamaican, white and Black.

“We’re a great representation of the body of Christ,” Canales said.

The church in the coming months will make changes to its signage, logo, website and social media accounts. Oasis remains affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God through The Spanish Eastern District AG. Canales said the congregation isn’t changing any doctrines or practices as a church.

“Getting used to calling ourselves Oasis Church will take a while, but this is who we are,” Jovannie and Melisa Canales wrote in their letter.

The church runs an annual family fun day at Butts Parks, providing entertainment and food to several hundred people. That event will continue and is planned for Aug. 5.

Voters in the five public school districts in Orleans County go to the polls today to vote for or against the school budgets, transportation positions, funding for libraries and also who will serve on the Board of Education.

(Eligible voters need to be at least 18, a citizen of the U.S., and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote.)

Albion’s proposed $41.8 million school budget doesn’t increase taxes

The school district once again won’t be increasing the amount of money it collects it taxes. The district’s proposed $41,814,847 budget sets the tax levy at $8,449,039, the same as the current 2022-23 school budget. This is the 15th time in the past 17 years the school taxes have either stayed the same or gone down.

Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the elementary school, conference room A near the community entrance at the back of the school.

The district’s budget increases spending by $3,516,157 or 9.2 percent. A 10.3 percent increase in state aid or by $3,045,607 to $32,473,384 will offset most of the increase. State aid covers about 78 percent of Albion’s total school budget.

The vote also includes the following propositions:

• Authorization to spend up to $550,000 from the school’s bus purchase reserve fund to purchase buses.
• Authorized to collect $654,510 for Hoag Library.
• Authorization to establish a transportation reserve fund to acquire school buses and similar vehicles in the future.
• There is also one seat on the Board of Education up for election. Mary Brown isn’t seeking re-election to a five-year term. Porsche Taylor in the lone candidate on the ballot.

Holley budget calls for 1.5% tax increase for 2023-24

Holley is proposing a $28,920,000 school budget for 2023-24 that would increase property taxes by 1.49 percent.

The vote is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the junior-senior high school.

The tax levy would increase by 1.49 percent or $115,034 to $7,835,466. That is the smallest increase since taxes were increased by 1.35 percent in 2017-18. The following years the tax levy increase was 2.0 percent in 2018-19, 2.5 percent in 2019-20, and then 1.95 percent for each of three years from 2020-21 to 2022-23.

The budget shows a 7.81 percent spending increase or by $1,938,000 – up from the $26,982,000 in the current school year. Holley would get a big boost in Foundation Aid from the state – 15.99 percent or $1,869,196 more, from $11,623,776 to $13,492,972, based on the governor’s budget.

The district also is planning a capital outlay project that won’t exceed $100,000 with state aid covering up to 92.3 percent of the cost. The projects include middle/high school door replacement and hardware – roof access doors, custodial hall to gym vestibule fire doors, auditorium stage door going to the mezzanine, and fob access to the main office, counseling and library.

The vote also includes:

• a proposition authorizing the district to spend up to $338,000 for two full-size buses and one smaller bus.
• a proposition to authorize Holley to collect $200,815 for Community Free Library – up from $194,966 in 2022-23.
• There are also three candidates running for the Board of Education – Dan Cater, Trina Lorentz and Robin Silvis – for two positions. The seats are currently filled by Silvis, the board president, and Andrea Newman.

Kendall’s proposed school budget won’t increase property taxes

The Kendall Board of Education has adopted a $20,413,805 school budget for 2023-24 that doesn’t raise the tax levy.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall.

Overall spending is up 2.9 percent in the budget compared to the $19,822,921 in 2022-23. The district is able to hold off on a tax increase mainly due to a big increase in Foundation Aid from the state, up 12.95 percent in Foundation Aid or by $1,086,108 – from $8,382,316 to $9,468,424.

Property taxes through the tax levy would stay at $4,964,656.

The ballot also includes:

• Authorization to approve up to $350,000 from a Transportation Bus Reserve Fund to replace two full-size buses.
• There is one candidate on the ballot for a five-year term on the Board of Election. Rachel Fisken, the current vice president, is unopposed for re-election.

Lyndonville budget calls for 1% tax increase

Lyndonville is proposing a $16,939,491 budget that increases spending by $1,234,538 or by 7.9 percent from 15,704,953 in 2022-23.

However, the tax increase would be 1 percent or by $46,187 to $4,664,927. The district projects the average tax rate among the four towns in the district will increase from $16.32 to $16.48 per $1,000 of assessed property.

Voting for the budget will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer at the school.

The budget calls for a state aid increase of $1,702,433 or up by 17 percent. That will help the district with an 8 percent increase in the consumer price index.

The vote also includes:

• A proposition to purchase one 64-seat passenger bus and one mini-bus, not to exceed $275,000. The bus will be purchased from the bus reserve.
• A proposition to collect $124,808 for Yates Community Library, which is up 4.7 percent or $5,625 from $119,183 in 2022-23.
• Election of a member of the Board of Education. Jerod Thurber, a current member, is the only candidate for a three-year term.

Medina school budget doesn’t increase property taxes

The Medina school district won’t be increasing the tax levy in the 2023-24 school budget.

This is the 14th time in the past 16 years the district won’t be increasing property taxes, District Superintendent Mark Kruzynski said.

Voting for the budget and board candidates will be from noon to 8 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.

The district’s proposed budget is $40,095,815, which represents a 0.53 percent spending increase from the $39,884,316 in 2022-23.

The tax levy is unchanged at $8,814,697.

Medina’s budget would be 72.7 percent funded by the state with overall state aid at $29,139,269, an increase of $530,555.

There are also three open seats on the Board of Education for three-year terms. LuAnn Tierney, Steven Blount, Corinne Ryan and Annette Allis are on the ballot.

Tierney and Allis are seeking re-election while current board member Arlene Pawlaczyk isn’t running again.

Angelina Broecker, a senior at Barker, created “The Air We Breathe.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Kailey Forbes, a senior at Union Springs, won first place in the contest with “Duality.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, which features artwork from high school students across New York’s 24th District.

The winner of the competition was Kailey Forbes of Union Springs High School. Her winning piece, “Duality,” will be featured in the U.S. Capitol along with other winners from across the country.

This year, Tenney’s office received artwork from 10 schools across the district in various mediums, including photographs, digital art, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, and acrylic paint. A three-judge panel of local artists representing regions from across the 24th District selected the winners.

The winner of the Congressional Art Competition will be flown to Washington, DC, for the Congressional Art Competition National Reception later this year.

“Congratulations to Kailey Forbes, this year’s winner of the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Every year, I am in awe of the talented works produced by our region’s young artists, and this year was no exception. I would also like to congratulate Angelina Broecker, Jennifer Dawn, and Hayley Topping for placing in this year’s competition. I sincerely thank the judges, art teachers, and students for participating in this program. I look forward to seeing Kailey’s artwork hanging in the halls of Congress for the next year!”

Click here to see 27 entries in the competition.