Orleans County Retired Teachers’ Association is actively seeking new members to join their organization.

Organization president Georgia Thomas said it is crucial to keep this organization going and explained its benefits.

“We work to protect retired school employees’ benefits, especially their retirement,” Thomas said.

OCRTA’ annual meeting is scheduled Sept. 25 at Abundant Harvest (formerly Milleville United Methodist Church) on Maple Ridge Road in Millville. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, and all new retirees who attend will receive a free lunch.

OCRTA is open to anyone who ever worked in a school system, including teachers,  teachers’ aides, bus drivers or office workers.

“This is a perfect chance to learn about us and how we work to protect their retirements, by reaching out to lawmakers,” Thomas said. “We need new members and all old members to step up. When we add our numbers to the state numbers, we have more influence.”

The Retired Teachers’ Association also gives a number of awards to help an educator with his education. A top award is the Barry Fleigel Award.

Thomas explained each county’s retired teachers’ group has a service project which they support within their county. ORCRTA’s project is Camp Rainbow.

There are currently about 100 members in the ORCRTA.

Reservations for lunch can be made by contacting (585) 590-0046. More information is available on their website at www.retirededucatorsny.org.

Team Fuller 155 organizing event for third year, with new option for 3.5 -mile walk

Provided photo: Ike Watts takes time from organizing basket donations for a benefit Sept. 14 to support suicide prevention to hold 3-month-old granddaughter, Emma. The raffle is scheduled at Shelby Fire Hall.

SHELBY – A local family whose lives were forever changed by the suicide of a loved one are again planning an annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

It all started for Jason and Ike Watts when cousin Erin Fuller, an Orleans County sheriff’s deputy, died by suicide at age 45 on Sept. 12, 2015.

“It left the family lost and heartbroken,” Watts previously told the Hub.

Shortly after when they saw an advertisement for Out of the Darkness Walk in Buffalo to benefit suicide prevention, they knew they had found a way get involved. They formed a team, Fuller 155 (Erin’s badge number), and have walked there every year. In 2023 they came up with the idea to have their own basket raffle here at home. This year on Sept. 14 at Shelby Fire Hall, Team Fuller 155 has put together the third annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

This year, yet another feature has been added – a 3.5-mile community walk, starting and ending at the Shelby Fire Hall.

Their motto is “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope,” said Watts.

“We encourage the community to take steps – literally and figuratively – toward mental health awareness and community healing,” Watts said.  “A walk interests different people and adds a new component of fundraising. People feel good when they’re outside in the fresh air. It clears your mind. Those who are struggling will have an hour to enjoy nature and clear their mind. The walk will pass by Shelby Falls and the creek. There’s something about being in the country that brings peace.”

Local resident Doug Bracey has a small trolley-like vehicle on which he will drive those who are unable to walk the distance. Shelby firefighters will also be riding the route with their emergency SUV to pick up anyone having trouble walking.

Registration is just $10 and will begin at 8 am., with the walk stepping off promptly at 9 a.m.

The basket raffle will begin at 10 a.m., featuring a wide array of themed baskets donated by local businesses, families and community members. Her goal is to have 155 baskets and they are already at almost 100. For the first time, Watts has solicited donations from local businesses. She sent out 157 letters requesting donations and two were returned “undeliverable,” bringing the total to the 155 – Erin Fuller’s badge number.

“I took that as a positive sign,” Watts said.

“In appreciation to the businesses who have donated baskets, I have gone back and purchased merchandise from them to make up another basket,” Watts said. “I want to make sure I support the businesses who support us by repaying their generosity.”

Some incredible baskets have already been received – items from a company called “Comfrt,” which makes clothing and items to comfort people with mental health, a toy ladder truck, items from a company called “Thirty One,” which sold totes and bags, a signed Josh Allen jersey, numerous gift cards and a collection of books for a year.

Donations of baskets is greatly appreciated and may be arranged by calling Watts at (585) 590-0291. Cash donations are always welcome and may be made by making a check payable to Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Breakfast sandwiches will be served early in the day, giving attendees a warm welcome and the energy to participate in the morning’s activities, Watts said.

 Fuller 155’s Suicide Prevention Committee said the event is not just about honoring their cousin Erin.

“It’s about anyone who has been affected by suicide,” Watts said. “We’ve lost friends, teachers and a lot of others to suicide. Erin’s name is the foundation for our efforts, but we do it for all.”

“This event has grown into something incredibly special over the past three years, and we’re especially excited to include the community walk this year,” Watts added. “It’s another step in bringing people together to support one another and promote mental wellness.”

All funds raised from the event will support local suicide prevention programs and mental health outreach initiatives in Orleans County and surrounding areas.

Watts and her committee of Tammy Fearby, Rebecca Lacy and Christine Crane encourage the community to “come, walk, win and raise awareness.”

“Together we can make a difference,” they said.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: This truck from Modern Disposal lies on its side on South Gravel Road, Medina, just a few hundred feet south of Full Gospel Fellowship, after losing control about 1:30 p.m.

MEDINA – A Modern Disposal truck lost control and rolled over on South Gravel Road about 1:30 this afternoon.

Trooper Stirk with the New York State Police said the driver evidently caught the shoulder of the road and couldn’t recover. He said two occupants were taken to Medina hospital to be checked out, but didn’t appear to be seriously injured.

The incident closed South Gravel Road from Oak Orchard Road to Fletcher Chapel for nearly two hours. The road opened at about 5 p.m.

Volunteers from Shelby Fire Department were on the scene, assisting with traffic control.

Board has lacked a quorum since 3 out of 5 members resigned in July

File photo: John Misiti, chairman of the board for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, is shown during an EDA meeting in March.

SHELBY – Gov. Kathy Hochul today has appointed John Misiti to fill a vacancy on the Shelby Town Board. The appointment gives Shelby three board members, which are needed to carry out town business.

Three of the five board members resigned in July, leaving Shelby without a quorum on the board to conduct a Town Board meeting.

Governor Hochul issued this statement: “As a former Town Board member, I know firsthand how our local governments play a critical role in the daily lives of New Yorkers, and it’s absolutely critical for the Town of Shelby to have a functioning Town Board. After significant engagement with local stakeholders, I am appointing John Misiti to the Shelby Town Board to ensure the continuity of government.”

The board hasn’t been able to function for about six weeks following the resignations of Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz and board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr., who is also the deputy town supervisor.

Misiti, a retired sales manager, currently serves as chairman of the Orleans Economic Development Agency. He has been a volunteer on the EDA board for 23 years. Misiti had one other needed criteria to be considered by the governor for the appointment: He is a registered Democrat.

“I’m not looking back, I’m looking forward,” Misiti said. “We got to move forward.”

He will be on the board until Dec. 31. Misiti said he only intends to serve on the Shelby Town Board for about four months with no aspirations of seeking elected office in the future. In his role with the EDA, he said he would recuse himself if there are any votes directly affecting a project in Shelby.

On Jan 1, the board should be at full strength with all five members. Two of the members will likely be Jim Heminway as town supervisor and Larry Waters Sr. as a councilman. They won a Republican primary in June and don’t face any opposition on the ballot on the Nov. 4 general election. Incumbent Eddie Zelazny also won the primary.

The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. Misiti will join a board with Linda Limina and Eddie Zelazny. Among the three board members, they are expected to pick an acting town supervisor.

The board will be busy as it tries to put together the town’s budget for 2026.

Zelazny said he supported having Misiti’s name submitted to the governor’s office for consideration. Misiti said it was about a four-week process of a background check and vetting process by Hochul’s team.

“He’s business oriented,” Zelazny said about Misiti. “I’m happy we can get things rolling again.”

The two years of the unexpired term of Schiffer also will be filled in the Nov. 4 election. The Republican Committee backed John Pratt III, a former Town Board member, while the Conservative Party nominated Mark Wambach for that election.

The terms for Wengewicz and Seitz both end Dec. 31. Those can’t be filled with a special election. Because Schiffer has more time on his term after this year that spot can be filled at the Nov. 4 election.

That councilman’s position will be on the ballot as a two-year term, along with the full terms for town supervisor and two other councilman positions.

By Leah Brenner, pediatric nurse practitioner at Orleans Community Health

As the summer days grow shorter and the crisp scent of autumn fills the air, families everywhere are preparing for another exciting school year. Whether you’re a student stepping back into the classroom, a teacher setting up for the months ahead, or a parent adjusting to a new routine, the start of the academic year brings both challenges and opportunities.

By adopting healthy habits early, you can set yourself on a path toward physical wellness, mental resilience, and overall success.

Prioritize Sleep

Rest is essential. Children, teens, and adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. A consistent bedtime routine helps the body recharge, improves concentration, and boosts overall energy levels for the busy days ahead.

Fuel with Nutrition and Hydration

Begin each morning with a balanced breakfast, try to avoid or limit sugar-filled snacks, and make water your go-to beverage throughout the day. Proper nutrition powers both the body and mind, giving students the focus needed to learn and thrive.

Stay Active

Exercise isn’t just for athletes. Make time for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Fall is the perfect season for family walks, bike rides, or even backyard games—simple ways to stay healthy while spending time together.

Manage Stress Wisely

The start of a school year often brings packed schedules and new responsibilities. Incorporating stress-management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or relaxing hobbies can help keep anxiety in check and create a sense of balance.

Stay Organized and Connected

Maintaining a calendar is a practical way to balance work, school, and personal activities, reducing stress and improving productivity. Equally important are social connections. Spend time with friends, family, or join clubs and organizations to build meaningful relationships that support emotional well-being.

Practice Hygiene and Self-Care

As classrooms and activities bring people together, germs are inevitable. Good hygiene—like handwashing, sanitizing, and covering coughs—helps prevent illness and keeps everyone healthier throughout the season.

Set Realistic Goals and Be Present

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Create realistic goals, avoid overwhelming yourself, and remember it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Limiting unnecessary screen time also helps you stay present in daily activities, making both work and relaxation more fulfilling.

As we move into fall, let’s commit to healthier routines that bring out the best in ourselves and one another. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2025–2026 school year!

Photo courtesy of Marlene Seielstad

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club on Thursday presented a $5,500 check to the Office for the Aging in Orleans County Aging to support a transportation program for senior citizens.

Rotary Club member Becky Karls, left, presents the ceremonial check to Melissa Blanar, director of the OFA. Karls is an aging service specialist with the OFA. She also serves as the co-director of the golf tournament with Cindy Perry.

This year’s tournament was at Shelridge Country Club in Medina on July 17.

The program at the OFA is for seniors needing transportation to a variety of services, including medical appointments, and trips to the bank, hairdresser or to see a loved one in a nursing home. There aren’t public funds or grants for this program.

For more information about the volunteer program, either as a driver or rider, contact the OFA at (585) 589-3191. Drivers can specify if they only want to do trips within Orleans County.

Photos courtesy of Cornell Botanic Garden: The Robison Herb Garden at the Botanic Gardens is an attraction.

Press Release, Masters Gardeners in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Join Orleans County Master Gardeners on a bus trip to the Cornell Botanic Gardens in Ithaca.

The trip will be on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from the Orleans CCE office, 12690 State Rt 31, in Albion and arrive back at the office around 6 p.m.  The $95 cost to the public includes transportation on a charter bus, a guided walking tour of the gardens, lunch, a presentation by Ashley Helmholdt (statewide CCE Master Gardener coordinator), and a guided bus tour of the arboretum.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see the beautifully curated gardens at the Cornell Botanic Garden, as well as to learn more about the Master Gardener program. Guides are trained by the Botanic Garden – the walking tour will feature gardens close to the Nevin Welcome Center, and the bus tour will feature some of the plant collections further out on the property.

The cost includes transportation to and from Ithaca, both guided tours, and lunch catered by Ithaca Bakery. Pre-registration with payment is required by Sept. 9.

Spots are limited and will fill quickly!  For more details or to pre-register, please call or email Katie Oakes, Orleans County MG coordinator at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or klo54@cornell.edu.

A tour guide shows a visitor around at the Botanic Garden.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

TextMyGov provides information about the county government, and allows residents to report concerns.

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson urged residents to take advantage of the TextMyGov system that allows people to quickly reach Orleans County government to report issues and access information.

This is a free service and residents just need to text “Hi” to 585-774-4111 to get started.

“We have been running TextMyGov for a few years now and it has proven to be a great way for people to interact with county government,” Johnson said.  “It allows people to skip the phone call and send us a text message to find information and report issues on the go.”

The county’s IT team has been working upgrades and recently rolled out the new and improved system, she said. TextMyGov works through smart technology which identifies keywords in texts to provide immediate assistance and can relay information back to residents to help report an issue.

“Residents can text words like JOBS or DMV to get information or POTHOLE or TRASH to report an issue,” said Johnson.  “The response is very quick and the process is very efficient.”

In addition, Johnson said residents can also opt-in to receive county alerts by texting OCCLOSURE to 91896.

“We have implemented these systems to keep residents better informed and help them interact with county services so I hope people will take just a minute to join,” she said.

Click here to learn more about TextMyGov.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – Orleans County is accepting applications for New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant funds related to Youth Development Programming (YDP), Youth Team Sports (YTS) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF).

Funding for the new program year begins Oct. 1, 2025 and continues through Sept. 30, 2026.

Kelly Kiebala, Orleans County Youth Bureau administrator, said there are separate applications and the required documents for each funding source which can be found on our Youth Bureau website (click here).

Programming and/or services must be provided within Orleans County.  Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 26, to OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleansCountyNY.gov.

“We are hopeful that youth organizations will pursue these funds and encourage proposers that may have never received funding through the Youth Bureau are encouraged to apply,” Kiebala said.  “We appreciate the great work our youth organizations do to serve our youth and these funds are available to assist them in their programming.”

Those with questions can call 585-589-2767 or email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@orleanscountyny.gov.

Mohammed Ayash, left, and Bianca Islam both face charges.

ALBION – The owner of D-R Smoke Shop and an employee are both facing felony charges following numerous controlled buys by an undercover agent of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force

One of the numerous controlled buys was a chocolate bar infused with mushrooms (Psilocin) which is a controlled substance classified as a hallucinogen, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.

Mohammed Ayash, 35, of Buffalo is the owner of the business at 139 South Main St. in Albion. He has been charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a class D felony, and one count of criminal nuisance in the first degree, a class E felony.

Bianca Islam, 21, of Medina works at D-R Smoke Shop. She has been charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a class D felony; one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree; and one count of criminal nuisance in the first degree.

Both Ayash and Islam were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets for Albion Town Court on Sept. 17.

D-R Smoke Shop remains open. Two other smoke shops in Orleans County have recently been shut down for selling unauthorized cannabis products.

 The Task Force made the arrests with assistance by the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending, the Task Force said in a news release.