New BSA organization will be called Western New York Scout Council Inc.

These are the shoulder patches for the Iroquois Trail Council at left and the Greater Niagara Frontier Council.

Press Release, Greater Niagara Frontier Council, BSA and Iroquois Trail Council, BSA

BUFFALO – The Greater Niagara Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America based in Buffalo and the Iroquois Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America based in Oakfield announced today that they will be merging as of May 1 to form the new Western New York Scout Council Inc., Boy Scouts of America.

“This is an exciting time for Scouting in WNY as we bring together the best of what both councils have to offer to better serve young people, families, and the community,” said Gary Decker, Scout Executive & CEO of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council. “Our councils have been working together for generations and this solidifies that partnership. Combining ensures that we continue to provide world-class program experiences for our Scouts long into the future.”

The newly combined council will serve youth from all of Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, and most of Livingston County in Western New York and offer many benefits, including:

• Improved program opportunities
• Better support for volunteer leaders
• A larger membership base to support a wider variety of events and activities
• Greater financial sustainability
• Two fully operational camp properties

“The combined strengths of our staff, volunteer leaders, and camp properties ensures that we’re uniquely prepared to deliver life-changing educational and character-building programs to young people and families across the entirety of Western New York,” added Jim McMullen, Scout Executive & CEO of the Iroquois Trail Council.

The WNY Scout Council will continue to operate two Scout service centers in Cheektowaga and Oakfield. The council will also operate two scout camps: Camp Scouthaven, in Freedom, and Camp Sam Wood in Portageville. (Editor’s Note: Camp Dittmer in Phelps will be closing as part of the merger. That camp hasn’t been operational since the start of Covid in March 2020.)

Decker, current Scout Executive & CEO of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council, will serve as the Scout Executive & CEO of the newly formed Council and James C. McMullen, current Scout Executive & CEO of the Iroquois Trail Council will serve as the Deputy Scout Executive & COO.

About Greater Niagara Frontier Council, BSA – The Greater Niagara Frontier Council serves more than 5,000 Scouts and adult volunteers in Erie County and the western third of Niagara County. The Council provides educational programs for boys and girls aged 5 to 20 to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.  The Scouting program in WNY has served more than half a million members since its incorporation in 1910.

About Iroquois Trail Council, BSA – The Iroquois Trail Council serves more than 1,500 Scouts and Adult Volunteers in Eastern Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Livingston counties in Western New York.  With offices in Oakfield, NY, the council operates three districts across the five-county service area.

Provided photos

RIDGEWAY – Scouts from Troop 35 cleaned up garbage on Saturday around the Culvert Road tunnel under the canal. They also picked up garbage on the towpath from the culvert to the Beals Road bridge. The effort was part of the 18^th annual Canal Clean Sweep.

Scouts in picture in front of culvert from left to right include Nicholas Reese, Vinny Gray, Briley Allen, Jimmy Dieter, Kam Kassey, Jake Gidley, Scoutmaster John Dieter and Cole Herman

The Scouts filled some big bags with trash.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3, No. 14

This unique document chronicles the local “Call to Arms” at the beginning of the Civil War.

ALBION – On April 23rd, 1861, at 10 a.m., “an immense gathering of citizens” responded to the impassioned entreaty of this broadside and met at the Court House in Albion.

The text reads:

“The Blood of your Brethren has been shed in the Streets of Baltimore! Peaceful troops, bearing a white flag, on a mission of Patriotism to defend your National Capital, to protect the Ark of the Covenant of your Liberties, have been assaulted by a Mob!

“They have nobly defended themselves, and give a glorious account of their work. But your friends, your Brothers, your gallant fellow-soldiers have been shot down! Their blood cries out of the ground for vengeance! Will you turn a deaf ear to that appealing note? Is there no courage, no manhood, no love of liberty in your breasts? “Is life so sweet or peace so dear as to be purchased at the price of Chains and Slavery.

“There is no longer a question of duty. What is home, what the peaceful pleasures of a stagnant life, what the ties of blood, or love, or friendship that will longer withhold you. To Arms! To Arms! To Arms!

“Come all Young Men who wish to enroll themselves in the service of their Country” – H.L. Achilles, O.F. Burns, H.J. Van Dusen, Committee Appointed April 18^th

After years of mounting tension and fevered speculation, the spark that ignited the Civil War had been ignited on April 12, 1861, when Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter.

On April 15, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling on the states for 75,000 militia to serve for ninety days.

On April 19, a mob of southern sympathizers in Baltimore opened fire on troops from the 6th Massachusetts. Four soldiers were killed and seventeen wounded. Twelve civilians were killed.

Orleans County quickly responded to these events. A committee was formed on April 18 to organize volunteers and a public meeting was quickly scheduled for April 23.

The poster captures the fervor and excitement of those early days. It called for vengeance, challenged masculinity, appealed to duty and patriotism. The lofty reference to the Ark of the Covenant assumed a religious righteousness for the cause.

The following is taken from the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Military Statistics of the State of New York, Albany: [The Bureau], (C. Wendell), 1866.:

“On receipt of the President’s proclamation, calling for 75,000 men, a meeting was called at the Court House, in Albion, for the evening of the 18th of April. The meeting was largely attended by citizens, irrespective of party. A committee was appointed to organize companies of volunteers, and steps were taken to call a county meeting at Albion, on the 23d of April.

On the 23d, an immense gathering of the citizens of the county assembled at the Court House Park. The meeting was addressed by several gentlemen, of all parties, and was unanimous and enthusiastic in its patriotic spirit. Resolutions were adopted to stand by the Government and the Union, at all hazards and at whatever cost of blood and treasure. More than $20,000 was subscribed to a fund for the aid of volunteers and their families, and committees were appointed to collect and distribute the subscriptions, and to aid in organizing companies of volunteers for the service of the United States.”

The men of Orleans County answered the “Call to Arms” 162 years ago on this date.

Good evening! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

Today I would like to share with you about Kintsugi. It is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold and translates as, “better for having been broken” or “beautifully broken”. Rather than throwing something away because it breaks, as we are often accustomed of doing in our society, the Japanese believe that the broken item has not lost its usefulness so they not only fix it but highlight the “scars” by using gold. This process actually makes the pottery much more valuable than it was to begin with. (Pictured below are a couple of pieces that I had commissioned from an artist in Oregon whose signature style is leave a little piece left out to highlight that something is still missing. On the right is me and my friend Kyle Holz holding a piece that we would give to a couple whose daughter passed away in Hospice care).

One of the reasons why I am drawn to this art form, outside of its beauty, is because it reminds me that we too as people are often broken by the things of this world but that does not mean that we have lost our usefulness or should have to hide our scars.  In fact, I believe that if we allow ourselves to heal from whatever has caused our hurts that we too can find ourselves “better for having been broken” because we learned a lesson that we can then use to help others going through similar circumstances.

I experienced this firsthand when, back in 2012, my father whom I had taken care of for the past decade died suddenly and then, less than 24 hours later, my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Just like that it felt like my world had turned upside down and that was only the start. After my father’s funeral I immediately went to the hospital where my mother was having a softball-sized brain tumor removed and, when the plan we had worked out for rehab after fell apart, we then moved my mother into our home where for the next few months she would get daily radiation treatments and oral chemo. Finally, after the cancer not only came back but had metastasized to her lungs, we stopped all treatments and contacted our local Hospice for help.

The Hospice Team was great as they set up necessary equipment in our home, set up nursing visits, and even provided volunteers to sit with mom so that my family and I could have periods of respite. I had worked alongside Hospice at times as a pastor but this was the first time I had engaged with them as a caregiver and I was so grateful for all that they provided. Eventually though, as the cancer progressed, it was time for the next step which would be to move mom into a hospice home. Unfortunately for us the Martin-Linsen Residence, which is less than 2 miles from our home, was still in the process of being built back then but thankfully a bed opened up at The Aurora House in Spencerport. By moving mom there it allowed me to not only stay on site with her but, for those final two weeks, I also got to be a son again and not simply a caregiver. It was a great gift that would not be forgotten.

When mom passed I felt empty and broken but over time The Lord helped me heal and eventually even grieve my father’s death which had been delayed due to focusing all my attention on the parent who was still alive at the time. Since then I have had all three of my brothers pass away as well as other family and friends. It still hurts each and every time but, rather than becoming bitter, I chose to allow my scars make me better.

Ten years after being cared for so lovingly by the staff and volunteers at Hospice, currently called Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), I started working there myself as the Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator. It is not as easy job to say the least but it is something that I believe I am called and equipped for because of, and not in spite of, my scars.

Over the past 15+ months I have had the opportunity to come beside hundreds of patients and family members as they begin their own journey of grief and loss and the reason I believe that I am able to continue doing it day after day is because I made the choice to use the lessons learned during my own time of brokenness and beyond to help others in the midst of their hurt—to offer them hope and healing. I pray that each of you will choose to do the same.

See you in two weeks!
Pastor Randy

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Julius Dillard, 3, of Barre sprays a fire hose this afternoon during an open house at the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. His grandfather Josh Jurs is a lieutenant with the fire company, and great-grandfather John Jurs is a long-time member.

Barre held an open house with demonstrations as part of a state-wide Recruit NY outreach effort to try to attract more members and volunteers. Fire company leaders said about 60 people attended the open house and two people took applications to join the fire company.

This group of members welcomed people to learn more about the fire company which responded to 268 calls last year. From left include Barry Flansburg, Jerry Bentley, Terry Bentley, Kara Smith, Bert Mathes, Judy Kurtz, Doug Bentley, jay Kurtz and Mark Farone.

The fire company invited people to check out the fire trucks and try on turnout gear. The fire trucks include a 2010 pumper, 2022 pumper-tanker and 2019 pumper.

Barry Flansburg said the all departments would welcome more members, who can assist a fire company in many ways, whether responding to fire and emergency calls, and helping to run the organization, which could be with some of the office work.

Julius Dillard, left, gets some guidance in spraying the house from his great-grandfather John Jurs while Landon Flansburg, 4, of Barre gets a little help from his father, Ben, who is the Barre fire chief.c

Mallory Diefenbach

BATAVIA – A news reporter for The Daily News in Batavia has been hired as the new communications manager and grant writer for Arc GLOW, which serves people with disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Mallory Diefenbach worked for The Daily News the past seven years, and recently was honored with two reporting awards from the New York Press Association. She wrote many news articles about Orleans County during her tenure at The Daily News, and also reported from genesee and Wyoming counties.

“Mallory is a great addition to the Arc GLOW’s family—her knowledge of the GLOW region is so valuable to this agency,” said Lisa Bors, director of public relations for Arc GLOW. “We are excited for Mallory to be part of this exciting time as we enter our second year since the merger.”

A native of Eden, Diefenbach has been living in Batavia. Prior to The Daily News, she worked as a reporter for The Post-Journal in Jamestown.

“I’m so excited to be part of Arc GLOW, and bring attention to empowering individuals with disabilities in our community,” Diefenbach said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m glad to serve those who might need help to make sure their voices are heard.”

Diefenbach has a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication from St. Bonaventure University, and has a double major in history.

Press Release, Maison Albion

ALBION – Maison Albion will host its French Market to spring into summer from April 28-30. The event will feature 65 vendors from across Western New York, specializing in fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods and antiques.

The three-day event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 29, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30.

This event will also host a very special VIP shopping night on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.  VIP shoppers will be the first to set their eyes on all our beautiful vendors have to offer. Appetizers and refreshments will be offered and VIP shoppers will be invited to come back on Saturday and Sunday.

“The Market at Maison creates an opportunity for local artists, farmers, and antique curators to reach a wider audience in a beautiful space.” said Kerri Glover. “We look forward to creating this event, which has already gained a strong following, every spring annually.”

The Market at Maison is a French-inspired market designed to provide small businesses a unique and elegant space to showcase their products, while connecting with other artists and community members. Guests will experience an afternoon of shopping through the extravagant ballroom, beautifully designed patio spaces. Tours of the historic mansion will be available to all guests, lunch available by food truck and beverages served by Mixologie. Don’t miss out on a magical unicorn ride and a photo trail!

“I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to be a vendor at every Spring Market since the Maison started hosting them. A great atmosphere that puts you in the mood for the beautiful weather ahead. The Market offers a great mixture of items, something for everyone!” said Cindy Eibl, owner of Corner Gift Boutique.

Maison Albion is committed to providing all guests with the utmost hospitality with the hope of leaving guests feeling enchanted by the grounds beauty and rich history. General admission tickets are $20 per guest and include access to the Market at Maison and two refreshments. VIP tickets are $50. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.maisonalbion.com/market.

Provided photos

HOLLEY – It was another huge effort today from Holley for the annual Canal Clean Sweep, a state-wide effort along the Erie Canal towpath and in the canal communities.

This group of Holley students gathers for a photo with some staff before heading out to pick up trash along the towpath, canal park, village streets and Lynch Road and Hurd Road outside the village.

Before heading out the group was addressed by Holley Mayor Mark Bower and District Superintendent Brian Bartalo.

Many of the students were in the Interact Club in the middle-high school, and the EarlyAct kids in the elementary school. There are about 100 students in the Interact Club. EarlyAct started this year in the elementary school and has about 40 members.

Casey Onisk, a senior and Interact member, designed the T-shirts.

The 100-plus students and many teachers and administrators is up from about 75 last year.

“This day has grown every year,” said Samantha Zelent, the Interact Club advisor and a school counselor. “For small Holley to have this large of a turnout really speaks volumes about us.”

EarlyAct member McKenna Seaward, school staff member Jean Smith, and parent Eric Frendendall grab garbage along the canal.

Middle School Interact Club members Ava Mosier, Chloe Bowen and Addyson Moyer check the Public Square for litter.

A group of Interacters joins Karri Schiavone, left, the elementary school principal.

There was lots of trash to be picked up in the village and out in the countryside.

Some Interacters found a lost rooster.

Interacter Desiree McCormack and Rotarian Jeff Martin fill a trash bag while out on Lynch Road.

A group of middle school boys and 6th grade teacher Dustin Gardner found lots of trash and also a ski, a bat, golf balls and 13 dollars.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These Albion students were among many volunteers in today’s Canal Clean Sweep, a state-wide effort along the Erie Canal towpath and in the canal communities.

From left includes sophomores Nicholas Baxter, Zack Baron, Kennedy Patten and Joseph Hartman. They enjoy some ice cream outside Tinsel on North Main Street after dropping off their trash.

They pulled these shopping carts, a bike and four big bags of trash from the canal and towpath near Ingersoll Street.

“It was fun to spend time together,” Hartman said about the trash hunting. “There was a lot of small containers and cups, and a lot of glass.”

Hartman was in a group that was mostly members of the Student Council.

This group of Albion students finds lots of litter in the grass along the railroad tracks near Dunkin’ Donuts. Many of these students were in the Albion Interact Club. Some Albion Rotary Club members also were part of the effort along the railroad tracks from east of Platt Street to near West Academy Street. They filled about 20 bags with trash.

The 18^th annual Canal Clean Sweep included more than 130 events along the canal system and the Canalway Trail. The events are promoted by the NYS Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails New York. There were several cleanup efforts around Orleans County.

Adam Burgio, an Albion eighth-grader, finds bottles and other litter along the railroad tracks.

Audrey Pask and her brother Gideon have filled a big bag of trash. Charles Warren is behind them.

Shania Mathes finds a shoe among the discarded plastic bottles and other litter.

Nick Luft carries a big piece of cardboard found along the railroad tracks.

These trash hunters include, from left in front: Cordelia Rivers, Lucy Rivers, Shania Mathes, Adele Mathes and Audrey Pask. Back row: Brad Shelp of the Albion Rotary Club, Charles Warren, Nick Luft, Adam Burgio, Gideon Pask, Lorelei Gailie, Jillian LeBaron and teacher Tim Archer, the Interact Club advisor.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

 YATES – A Lyndonville man has been arrested by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into a reported “gun shots fired” incident on North Lyndonville Road in the Town of Yates at 2:15 a.m. on April 16.

Jeffrey L. Jary, 46, of North Lyndonville Road, was charged with menacing in the 2nd degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree, and criminal use of a firearm in the 2nd degree.

Jary allegedly fired rounds from a Zastava SKS rifle at an acquaintance as he was leaving the house following a disagreement. While Sheriff’s deputies and state troopers were interviewing the alleged victim, four more shots rang out from the Jary residence. As deputies and troopers approached the Jary residence, Jary jumped out a window. Jary followed the commands of the deputies and was taken into custody without incident.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s SWAT/SRT (Special Response Team) responded to the scene to secure the residence and search for potential additional suspects. Jary was arraigned in Orleans County “CAP” Court and released with “non-monetary conditions.” He was ordered to return to the Town Of Yates Court on May 17.

Provided photo: State Sen. Rob Ortt speaks today at a news conference about concern in the agricultural community over livestock thefts. Ortt is joined by State Sen. George Borrello, left, and Assemblyman Mike Norris, second from left, and Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and a local farmer.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

NEWFANE – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Senator George Borrello today joined Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and a local farmer to condemn recent efforts by a so-called “animal rescue” group to steal livestock from local farmers.

Law enforcement officials were recently made aware of a meeting by a group of radical advocates to actively recruit individuals to steal livestock from local farmers. According to reports, the meeting included how to research locations, how to steal the animals, and tips to help them win in court if caught and convicted.

Ortt announced he plans to introduce legislation to amend the law related to burglary in the second degree to include unlawfully entering or remaining on farmland with intent to commit a crime. This would target those who enter farmland to steal livestock and create severe penalties for stealing such livestock.

“Let’s be clear – these are not ‘advocates’, these are extremists who believe they have a right to steal from our hard working local farmers,” Ortt said. “These extremists are threatening our farmers’ property and their livelihoods. Our farmers have every right to protect their families, their businesses, and their property. These groups are nothing more than criminals, and I stand with our local farmers and urge them to immediately report any suspicious activity. I want to thank our local law enforcement for their quick response and ongoing investigations.”

Under the proposed bill, such offenses would be punishable by 3.5 to 15 years in prison, followed by 2.5 to 5 years of post-release supervision. Offenders could also be charged with the appropriate level of larceny depending on the value of the livestock stolen.

“Our farmers are already struggling with the after effects of the pandemic and crushing mandates from Albany,” Ortt said. “These men and women who work on our farms are making an honest living, the last thing they need are radical extremists further threatening their livelihood. I have always been proud to stand by our family farmers, and I continue to stand with them today for their right to protect their persons and their property.”

“The extremists who are trespassing on private property and stealing farm animals shouldn’t delude themselves into thinking they are rescuers or ‘heroes’ – they are criminals who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Borrello said. “They are also sorely misguided if they believe the animals on these farms are being mistreated. Upstate New York farms are about as far from corporate ‘factory farms’ as you can get. Family farms have well cared for animals that would be traumatized if they were taken from their environment and caretakers. People who are truly committed to protecting animals should direct their energies where they are truly needed by volunteering at local shelters.”

“The theft of any animal is a very serious crime,” Norris said. “I strongly support legislation to increase penalties for animal theft to protect our farmers.  The burden on local and family farms has never been higher, and farmers should not have to fear individuals trespassing on their private property and stealing their animals.”

“Late last week law enforcement was made aware of an animal activist meeting being held in the area,” Sheriff Filicetti said. “The very next day after the event two trespassing complaints were reported at local farms. I immediately put out a public alert notifying our farmers that they need to be observant for activists trespassing on their property. I also made it clear that criminal activity in the name of rescuing will not be tolerated in this county.”

Provided photo: Colin Huwyler, a Medina native, poses with the Vector system he developed which enables large vehicles to burn bio-diesel fuel, making them 90% carbon free. Optimus Technologies, is located in Pittsburgh. Two years ago, the company was awarded a million-dollar grant from NYSERDA to open a plant in the Southern Tier, and this week Huwyler announced a $17.8 million Series A funding round.

Pittsburgh based Optimus Technologies, a company founded by Medina native Colin Huwyler to decarbonize the largest and most challenging sectors of the transportation industry, has announced a $17.8 million Series A funding round led by Mitsui and Company of Tokyo.

The round included participation from one of North America’s largest commercial fleets, Chevron Renewable Energy Group, and Pittsburgh regional investors, including Idea Foundry, Innovation Works, Richard King Mellon Foundation and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh.

Colin, a 2002 graduate of Medina High School and son of Monty Huwyler and Bobbi Huwyler, both of Medina, first got interested in bio-diesel while a teenager at Medina High School. His parents went to Canada to buy him a diesel car, as they were not sold in the United States. Using fryer oil he collected locally, he transformed the Volkswagen diesel to burn fryer oil using the Vector System he developed.

After high school, Huwyler attended one semester at the University of Buffalo, then went on to form Optimus Technologies in Harrisburg, Pa., of which he is now CEO. The company is now based in Pittsburgh and has become a leader in the field of biodiesel technology.

Two years ago, he was awarded a $1 million grant by NYSERDA to open a plant in the Southern Tier.

His latest award will fund the further development of Optimus’ Vector system, an advanced fuel system technology which enables heavy-duty diesel engines to operate on 100% biodiesel, a biogenic near-zero carbon fuel. Heavy duty-transportation sectors are extremely challenging and costly to deploy electric or hydrogen solutions which require total replacement of existing assets, buildout of completely new infrastructure and a fundamental shift in global energy production to renewable, Huwyler explained in a press release this week.

Conversely, Optimus Technologies’ Vector system seamlessly integrates into existing engines currently in operation, or can be built into new engines as they are manufactured, leveraging the foundational diesel engine for the transition to a low-carbon future.

Huwyler founded Optimus Technologies in 2010 with the mission of combating global climate change by developing solutions to decarbonize the largest and most challenging transportation and industrial sectors. It released the Vector System commercially in 2018. Since then, the company has deployed the technology with leading commercial fleets, including ADM, and public fleets including Washington, D.C. and the city of Madison, Wis., accumulating millions of miles of successful operation.

“We have sold my technology to cities all across the United States,” Colin told his mother Bobbi today.  “Now we are expanding into Japan. We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Mitsui and deepen our existing relationship with Chevron Renewable Energy Group. This strategic investment allows us to accelerate our mission to decarbonize the transportation sector. More Importantly, this funding enables Optimus to immediately scale the delivery of carbon reductions at a time when eliminating emissions can’t come soon enough.”

Bobbi said Optimus plans to hire 24 additional experts at its Pittsburgh location in the field of bio-diesel.

“Mitsui and Company will contribute to the development of economies and societies in many countries across the world and to deliver practical solutions to the global challenges we face, such as mitigating and adapting to climate change through our global and wide-ranging business activities,” said Hirohide Yoshida, general manager of construction and transportation vehicle solutions division at Mitsui and Company. “Optimus’ Vector system technology is an innovative and practical solution for reducing carbon emission in transportation and heavy-duty diesel operations.”

The collaboration between Optimus Technologies and Mitsui will not only accelerate Optimus’ deployments in North America, but also allow an expansion into a number of strategic international markets, according to the press release.

Optimus Technologies unique approach to reduce carbon emissions is applicable across a wide range of industries, from long-haul trucking to maritime and rail. The Vector system enables customers to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 90% with a cost-effective solution that leverages existing assets and infrastructure to reduce emissions today. With this new funding, Optimus will dramatically expand its team in Pittsburgh and ramp up production of the Vector system to meet the ever-increasing global decarbonization demands of fleets and governments.

ALBION – Community Action’s Main Street Store welcomed Orleans County seniors last week to the first of two opportunities to choose free prom dresses. Girls may also visit the store to choose a dress from 6 to 8 p.m. May 22. Shoes in limited sizes, handbags and other accessories will also be available.

Store manager Cassie Eagle came up with the idea to offer free prom dresses after the store received a large donation of them last summer. Many were new.

She is a firm believer no girl should miss her senior prom because she can’t afford a dress, she said. Seniors from any Orleans County school or BOCES are welcome to come and choose a dress.

For more information or to register for a time to pick out a dress on May 22, call 589-1430. The Main Street Store also is being renamed Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Community Action of Orleans & Genesee opened the Main Street Thrift Store in October 2014 at the former American Legion, 131 South Main St.

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has announced a new name for its Main Street Thrift Store.

The board decided last year to rename the store to better reflect the wide range of goods and services they offer there, said Jeanette Worsley, case manager and health coach at Community Action.

After running a contest for a new name, the organization has chosen “Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More.”

The winning name was chosen by Kinzie Rickner of Albion, who will receive a $50 gift certificate to the store.

“The Ad-Hoc Committee which decided on the new name didn’t want to move too far from the Main Street theme, so people knew it was the same ownership,” Worsley said. “But they wanted people to also know it is so much more than a thrift store.”

In addition to being a great place to shop, the store also a workforce development program, where community members can learn new skills and receive help with resume building, job searches, interview skills or obtain professional attire.

Other available services include emergency service referrals, a credit recovery program where Albion High School students are offered individual assignments and activities to help make up credits needed to graduate, and most recently, installation of a tele-health pod where veterans can privately make telehealth appointments.

The store also hosts public events, such as the new prom dress giveaway on May 22, and offers educational opportunities, including a financial literacy workshop presented by M&T Bank, beginning April 26.

Community Action will work with Orleans-Niagara BOCES students to create a new sign for the building.

Photo courtesy of Julie Bunn: Kendall Lion Club members Ed Haight, Darla Trimm, Gary Crawford and Mike Cusimano  are pictured with fourth-grade students Kaitlyn Bunn and Addison Schultz, and fourth grade teacher Justin Staebell.

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club presented each fourth-grader at Kendall with a tree on Friday. The club has been doing this for more than 10 years in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Kendall Lions talk to students about community service and the importance of Earth Day. The trees are donated by Flower City Tree, which gives back to the community by purchasing from the  Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Lions Club said.