Photo from Charles Schumer’s Office: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer speaks on Wednesday at the Canandaigua VA, joined by veterans in the Rochester-Finger Lakes area.
Press Release, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
CANANDAIGUA – With ‘DOGE’ and the Trump administration’s plans to fire over 80,000 workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) looming, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood outside the Canandaigua VA to sound the alarm on the devastating impacts for the over 33,000 veterans in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region.
“This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American,” Schumer said. “Firing over 80,000 VA workers, many of whom are veterans themselves, will undoubtedly hurt the healthcare and benefits for the 33,000 veterans here in the Rochester-Finger Lakes. We have already seen the chaos firsthand, VA workers fired without warning across Upstate NY, chaos across the VA workforce. It is gut wrenching to think this is how we are treating the services of those who defended our freedoms.”
The senator said across Upstate NY, VA workers, many of whom are veterans, have already been fired, creating chaos in the workforce and new massive cuts would spell disaster for the care for vets across NY. Schumer called on the Trump administration to restore fired veterans and VA workers and stop any plans to further decimate the VA workforce.
“Make no mistake, these cuts are a direct assault on our veterans here in Upstate NY,” Schumer said. “These cuts don’t just mean fewer VA workers, they mean longer wait times for our veterans to get the help they need. It means they won’t get the most advanced treatment, and ultimately it means many will likely be denied healthcare they deserve. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and the Trump administration is breaking that promise by cutting the VA to the bone.”
“DOGE” has already fired thousands of veterans across the country, many of whom have service-connected disabilities, Schumer said. 2,400 VA employees, many of whom are veterans themselves, have already been terminated. The VA, however, has refused to even explain where all these cuts have been in New York, leading to chaos, and with 80,000 more looming, the senator said it could turn into a real crisis.
Schumer said these broader “DOGE” firings are especially cruel as veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce, with approximately 640,000 veterans working in federal agencies. The federal government has long made it a priority to hire veterans and military spouses, encouraging them to do so as a continuation of public service, making these cuts by the Trump Administration uniquely hurtful.
Schumer has repeatedly highlighted this, including bringing a Western NY disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan who was fired from the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2025 at 10:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Daniel Doctor starred as Stephen and Jesus in Godspell at the Medina Historic Theatre. He is singing “Save the People” during Saturday night’s show.
A cast of nine performed the musical, a production of WSA Theatrics. There were five shows from April 4-6, and then April 11-12.
Doctor also served as director of the musical, which reimagines the Gospel of Matthew and tells the story of Jesus’s life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The performers tell the story through parables, games and songs.
The show begins with the “Tower of Babble” with the characters portraying famous philosophers. They talk over each other creating a cacophony of noise.
From left include Meggan Wakefield, Joseph Lederhouse, Brielle Lederhouse, Eric Flugel, Natasha Hill and Steve McQueen.
This is the second show by WSA Theatrics. The group debuted last September with Nunsense.
Doctor has been leading the West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at 417 Main St. for nearly 20 years.
He wanted to bring theatrical productions to the community, open to people of all ages. The Medina Historic Theatre provides an ideal home for the group, set up as a “theater in the round” where the audience can see performers from three sides of the stage, Doctor said.
“We want to bring live entertainment back to the community,” Doctor said. “I think it’s needed. The goal is to transform young and old alike.”
WSA Theatrics has three more shows planned: Annie, with auditions on May 23; Showstoppers on Broadway, a musical revue with auditions May 23 and the show in August 2025; and Steel Magnolias, with auditions Nov. 16 with shows in April 2026. Click here for more information on WSA Theatrics.
Tammy Wilder portrayed John the Baptist and baptizes the prophets, signaling a new beginning and urging the group to move toward a community. She sings, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
Meggan Wakefield plays the character Robin and sings, “Day by Day.” Wakefield was in the school musicals as a student at Medina and is grateful for the chance to return to the stage in her hometown as an adult. Eric Flugel is at right.
Natasha Hill, a Medina native, played the role of Gilmer, a goofy character. She sings, “O Bless the Lord.” She said the cast developed strong camaraderie in putting on the show.
“It is powerful,” she said about Godspell. “It is moving and very inspirational.”
Eric Flugel, administrator of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, said he welcomed the chance to sing, dance and act in Godspell. He watched his father Raymond in many shows and saw the joy it brought his dad.
“It is very different from my normal day,” Flugel said. “I love it. They’re great people and it’s great energy.”
Daniel Doctor and the cast close out act one with “Light of the World.” Behind him from left are Natasha Hill and Holly Lederhouse, and Joseph Lederhouse, at right.
A cane toad proved interesting to the kids, who got a close-up look.
MEDINA – The Lee-Whedon Memorial Library had 155 people in attendance at our spring break program today with REPCO Wildlife.
REPCO owner, Crystal Poyfair, showed off a scaleless bearded dragon, a frog, a cane toad, a red-eared slider turtle, a tortoise, a kingsnake, a ball python and a blue-tongue skink.
She explained the habitat where each animal is found, what they eat, and how they protect themselves from predators. Those in attendance were able to watch an exciting race between the turtle and tortoise, and yes, the turtle won. To end the program, everyone got to pet the ball python.
“Programs like this are so important because they inspire a sense of wonder and a connection to nature,” said Patricia Mumau, children’s librarian.
Even Orly the Ox stopped in to watch the presentation. Orly was in many photos with all the kids and gave out special bicentennial stickers for Orleans County’s 200th anniversary.
Kids were happy to meet Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Lynn Horn, a Village of Medina resident, in connection with fraudulent activity involving the misuse of a donation program intended to assist children battling cancer.
Horn is accused of submitting multiple fraudulent applications to Hopecam, a charitable organization that provides tablets, chrome books and other supplies to children diagnosed with cancer. The organization, which has supported countless families in need, relies on donations to provide these devices to improve the lives and education of young cancer patients.
The investigation revealed that Horn filled out false applications containing misleading information in an attempt to obtain devices under false pretenses. In one of the fraudulent transactions, Horn is also accused of using the personal and professional information of an Orleans County Department of Social Services worker to complete the application.
“The actions of Ms. Horn are not only a betrayal of a charitable cause, but they also take resources away from the children and families who desperately need them,” said Sheriff Christopher Bourke of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. “Our office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to exploit organizations dedicated to helping vulnerable communities.”
Horn was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Ridgeway Court.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the matter. Anyone with information about the case or similar fraudulent activity is encouraged to contact the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Three New York Army National Guard members from Orleans County recently earned promotions.
Alden Cayea of Medina – assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment – received a promotion March 20 to the rank of 1st lieutenant.
Andrew Hill of Albion – assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company – received a promotion March 25 to the rank of specialist.
Niyah Thompson of Medina – assigned to the Company C, NY Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion – received a promotion March 19 to the rank of private.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard, said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 April 2025 at 2:06 pm
Scott Robinson proud of great-great-grandfather’s role in helping start hospital a century ago
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Medina Memorial Hospital, poses next to the poster of his great-great-grandfather and hospital founder George Bowen in the hospital lobby. Robinson is one of many employees throughout the hospital’s 100 years who have had ancestors who worked there.
MEDINA – Through its 100 years in existence, Medina Memorial Hospital has had a history of employees follow in their relative’s footsteps and come to work there.
Most appropriately, this relationship began with the hospital’s founder, George Bowen, and continues today with his great-great-grandson Scott Robinson, who is director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Robinson said he should have always known about his “Grandpa Bowen’s” impact on the community, but he didn’t.
“Grandpa Bowen was often referenced, and I knew of a connection to the hospital, but not its magnitude,” Robinson said. “My first memory of Medina Memorial Hospital was actually when my grandmother Joanna Zimmerman (George Bowen’s granddaughter) retired from there in 1989.
“I’ll always remember that hot sunny August afternoon and my grandfather having to walk in to get her, because she kept offering to help with things instead of starting her retirement,” Robinson said. “To me, Medina Memorial Hospital was part of our family because my grandmother worked there and my grandfather, Joanna’s husband John “Jack” Zimmerman, previously served as its chairman.”
In 2016, family cousin Roland Howell asked Robinson’s grandmother and mother for a piece on George Bowen for an Orleans Community Health Foundation newsletter.
“I believe it was my mother telling me about the interview and our cousin Roland that George’s relationship to the hospital came to light,” Robinson said. “My grandmother worked at the hospital, having started in 1974 working nights on the patient care floor, then moving to the OR in 1976. I grew up with such pride knowing about her grandfather. I imagine this is the same pride that I developed knowing about my grandmother. It meant a lot to me that before passing away in February 2024, she resided in North Wing. As many know, the team in our skilled nursing home is incredible. I’ll always be grateful to them.”
Robinson continued to say his grandparents were always very active in the community.
“If anything, I grew up knowing about their involvement in things and that motivated me to do the same,” he said. “Certainly, when we moved home to Medina in 2016, it’s one of the reasons I had such a desire to get involved. Alix (Kozody) Gilman and I moved home and purchased her childhood home where we would get married the following year.”
Robinson and Gilman had moved to the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area after college, where he worked in politics and then public affairs.
“We moved back home, in part, to buy her childhood farm and be involved in the community,” Robinson said. “My grandparents were always very active in the community. If anything, I grew up knowing about their involvement in things and that motivated me to do the same.”
Robinson said Gilman was one of the brains behind the idea of turning the Shirt Factory into a cocktail bar and was certainly one of the individuals who pushed him to get more involved with other activities.
“Alix always says, ‘If you think you can make a difference, you should do it,’” Robinson said. “Alix also sits on several boards and while we try not to spread ourselves thin, we both support what the other one is doing. I say this in part as a rallying cry to others to volunteer and get involved. I still remember in 2021 when I told her one afternoon that if the marketing job at Orleans Community Health ever opened up, that I would want to go for it. I remember, because from the time I said it upstairs and walked down to the living room, I had received a text message alerting me to the opening.”
Robinson said his upbringing instilled in him the importance of getting involved, volunteering and making a difference whenever possible.
“George Bowen was a strong figure in politics, a successful businessman and active in various community organizations – he truly cared about improving the area,” Robinson said. “Once Alix and I moved back, we found ways to get involved in the community, through business and other causes. Recently, I learned that George Bowen served on the school board, a role I currently hold. As I spend more time with Orleans Community Health and walk the halls of Medina Memorial Hospital, I find myself reflecting more on his impact on the very community I cherish.
“Does knowing my great-great grandfather and grandmother had a hand in the hospital make it more important to me?” Robinson asked. “Absolutely, it does – with a little added pressure too. Especially when it comes to our area, I think a lot about making sure I’m doing right by those who came before me.”
Robinson continued to say, “George Bowen believed our community needed health care services close to home. He knew firsthand the difficulty with traveling outside the area to receive quality care. That mindset is something the team throughout Orleans Community Health feels today. Services are continuing to expand to benefit the community. Over the last couple of months, we’ve announced plans for the future Medina Healthcare Center, located within Medina Memorial Hospital. The goal of expanding needed services plays right to the original goal of my great-great grandfather, and frankly it’s exciting.”
Robinson added there are many team and family stories to share, former team members to spotlight, organizations (like the TWIGs) to remember, and many more who deserve credit for their dedication to our community hospital – many of which will be highlighted in future articles on Orleans Hub throughout Medina Memorial Hospital’s centennial year.
“I truly believe the future Medina Healthcare Center could be the most impactful thing that happens to Medina Memorial Hospital in decades if not the last 100 years,” he said. “All I can say to the community is that I hope you’ll join us and help make it a reality. This is our turn and our time. The team through Orleans Community Health is devoted to providing the best care possible to the community. I’m proud to be part of a team with such incredible individuals, many of whom are also second or third generation members of the hospital family.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2025 at 9:25 am
MEDINA – The Village of Medina is planning to plant 49 trees this year, continuing its commitment to new trees in the community.
The Arbor Day celebration will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at the State Street Park pavilion and will include presentations by Village of Medina Municipal Tree Board, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, the Oak Orchard Glee Club and many students from Oak Orchard Primary School.
Most of the locations for the new trees are James Street and Main Street, Ann Street and West Center Street, West Avenue from James Street to Maple Street, State Street along the park and in State Street Park. Several of the trees are memorial ones that will have plaques.
“We are only able to do what we do thanks to generous donations,” said Mary Lewis, a Municipal Tree Board member. “We receive several Memorial Tree sponsors throughout the year.”
Lewis said the group welcomes more donations, including corporate sponsors. Click here for more information.
Medina has been designated a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for the village’s commitment to planting trees every year. For the past 20 years, Medina has planted about 50 trees every year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2025 at 8:15 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: These daffodils are a little bent over after a blast of snow overnight in Albion.
Orleans County woke up today to a coating a snow on the ground. It has been a chilly week so far with local school kids off for spring break with Easter on Sunday.
Today is forecast for a high of 42 with a light snow accumulation, followed by a sunny Thursday with a high of 52.
It will then get warmer to end the week with a high near 67 on Friday and a high near 63 on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2025 at 8:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson welcomes a crowd of about 125 people to today’s bicentennial celebration for Orleans County.
The county for its first 165 years was run by a Board of Supervisors with the town supervisors from the towns also overseeing the county.
This gavel was carved from a walnut tree planted in 1856.
The government structure changed to a seven-member County Legislature in 1980. The Legislature’s seats have always been arranged in a semi-circular pattern, Johnson said. She quoted Stan Dudek, who was chairman of the new Legislature in 1980 and the first chief administrative officer beginning in 1982.
“That we all share equally in the rights, responsibilities and power vested in us as legislators; the side-by-side arrangement symbolic of our duty and desire to work together, with one common purpose, not to run, but to serve the County of Orleans; and facing the public, indicating our desire for clear and complete communication with the public we represent.”
Johnson also noted a gavel made from a walnut tree planted in 1856. Cary W. lattin, father of retired County Historian Bill Lattin, carved the gavel and presented it to Dudek at the first meeting of the Legislature in 1980.
“That means the wood from this gavel is almost as old as Orleans County itself,” Johnson said. “And just like this gavel, our county is as strong as ever.”
Orly the Ox enters the main courtroom in the Orleans County Courthouse during today’s bicentennial celebration for the county. About 125 people attended the ceremony.
The county has embraced the ox as a mascot for the bicentennial. Oxen were critical for the pioneers to travel on rough paths and settle the untamed land 200 years ago. The oxen were also needed to clear land and plow fields.
Orly (Isabella Zasa in costume) is lifting weights in his entrance to show the oxen’s brawn in helping the pioneer settlers.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the bell in the courthouse dome and the bells at the churches around the county, including the Courthouse Square.
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson, right, accepts proclamations for Orleans County’s 200thanniversary today from Andrew Dugan, district director for State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Jayleen Carney, executive assistant for Assemblyman Steve Hawley. The two state legislators were in Albany for budget negotiations but secured a state legislative proclamation for the county’s bicentennial.
Ortt and Hawley’s proclamation noted Orleans County was officially established as a separate entity from Genesee County on Nov. 12, 1824 and commenced its operations on April 15, 1825. The county’s name may honor either Andrew Jackson’s victory in the Battle of New Orleans or the French Duc d’Orleans. It symbolizes a compromise among the county’s early leaders, the proclamation states.
The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 played a “transformative role in the county’s development,” Ortt and Hawley stated. The inexpensive transportation fueled the local economy and supported Orleans County’s early agricultural success, he stated.
Orleans County today prides itself on in diverse farms that cultivate vineyards and orchards, grow vegetables, raise livestock and produce milk.
“The county is also known for its competitive sports fishing and diligent workforce for manufacturing agriculture and commerce,” the proclamation states.
Johnson also accepted proclamations from U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney’s Office, the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul (presented by State Canal Commissioner Brian Stratton) and the County Legislature.
Mackenzie Poynter, a Medina High School student, sang the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Tara Thom, owner of the Town and Country Quilt Shop, spearheaded the creation of the bicentennial quilt. She speaks at the podium. She is joined by quilters Carrie Standish, Catherine Hooker and Brenda Radzinski.
Others who helped make the quilt include Kathryn DeMarco, Gayle Ashbery, Irene Henion and Susan Landis.
The quilt includes the 10 towns and when they were established and three foundational blocks of Farming, Faith and Family.
Carol Culhane also presented a painting for the bicentennial that she says honors the pioneers who tamed the land and lived modestly in log cabins. In her painting, she shows Main Street in Albion in the 1800s, and has images of a log cabin with livestock, and paintings of the County Courthouse and the Clerks’ Building.
Decades before the courthouse (built in 1858) and Clerks’ Building (constructed in 1888) were erected on the Courthouse Square, there was a log cabin there. A historical marker at the courthouse lawn notes the first settlers in Albion in 1811 built a log cabin where the Clerks’ Building stands. The late Al Capurso had that marker installed in 2013 to honor those pioneers – William McAllister and his wife.
A cake made by Peggy Bropst included a map of the county with the 10 towns: Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower served as master of ceremonies and gave a welcome address and the closing remarks.
“Like many other places in our country, we have seen many challenges and successes, overcome adversity, and marched on due to the founders of our county and those who have followed since,” Bower said.
Four county legislators stand and present a proclamation from the County Legislature. From left include Ed Morgan, John Fitzak, Fred Miller and Lynne Johnson.
The proclamation notes the 10 towns in the county and four villages of Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina.
The county is “richly endowed with natural resources from shores of Lake Ontario to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.”
The county has benefited from the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825, and continues to be a vibrant agricultural producer.
“Immigrants from many countries have found opportunity in Orleans County and made their homes here,” the proclamation states.
Many of those immigrants first cleared the land, dug the canal, quarried Medina sandstone, and labored in fields and factories.
Catherine Cooper, the current county historian, shared her admiration for the courage and heartiness of the pioneers who often suffered great hardship, losing young children to illness and enduring extreme financial stress.
“One wonders how they survived those early years,” said Cooper, who also heads the county’s bicentennial committee.
This display of portraits honors people who have served as Orleans County historian. County historians from left include Katherine Rowley, 1934-1938; Theta Hakes Brown, 1938-1944; Joseph Achilles, 1944-1957; Cary Lattin, 1958-1975; Arden McAllister, 1975-1978; C.W. “Bill” Lattin, 1979-2014; and Matt Ballard, 2015-2020.
Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, shares how the County Courthouse was built in 1858 with the county committing to spend $20,000 on the building. It came in $153 under budget.
The ornate Greek Revival building was modelled after one in Wayne County. The Orleans County Courthouse remains in use as a courthouse.
Canal Commissioner Brian Stratton, left, is joined by JW Cook, Gov. Hochul’s Finger Lakes regional representative, in presenting a proclamation to Lynne Johnson.
Stratton said the Erie Canal, also celebrating its bicentennial this year, will continue to be an important resource for Orleans County for many years to come.
Sue Starkweather Miller, the Village of Albion historian and bicentennial committee member, said the community is fortunate to have so many first-hand accounts from the pioneers.
The Orleans County Pioneer Association formed in 1859 and a book of their experiences settling in Orleans County was published by Arad Thomas in 1871.
The county historians also have written many columns on local history, and the community has a deep database of older newspapers with local history.
Starkweather noted the Pioneer Association met in the same courthouse building in 1859.
Orleans County Court Judge Sanford A. Church speaks at the celebration today. Church comes from a lineage of lawyers and judges, including the portrait of the second man from left.
Church can trace his family ties to Orleans County back to 1835, when Sanford E. Church moved to Albion. Sanford E. later became county district attorney, assemblyman, state comptroller and lieutenant governor. His career culminated in service as chief judge of the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club on April 11 gave special recognition to several members for milestone anniversaries of service to the club.
Special guest and fellow Lion, Bill Robinson of Albion, serves as District 20-E1 Zone chairman. He presented three long-standing Lions with their achievement pin known as the Chevron Award.
Bruce Schmidt Esq. was presented with the 10-year Chevron service pin. Mr. Schmidt is a long-time resident of this area and a prominent attorney previously serving in the Buffalo area, and has a long history of service as a town justice in Gaines.
Mr. Schmidt was awarded the 10-year service pin and recognized for his significant and longstanding support of the Lyndonville Lions Club.
Mr. John Belson, a Lyndonville High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area, was given the 25-year Chevron service pin. Mr. Belson continues to reside in the area and serves as the Mayor of the Village of Lyndonville. He previously served as the Town of Yates Supervisor and continues his community service as he chairs many service projects undertaken by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
The third Lion to be honored was Mr. Russell Martino. A Medina native but transplant to the Lyndonville area, Mr. Martino has served for 45 years with the Lyndonville Lions. His career started as an educator, moved into school administration, and was followed by a long term as Town of Yates Supervisor. His wisdom, knowledge and history of the Lyndonville Lions has been invaluable to the junior members of the club.
Mr. Martino received his 45-year Chevron service pin and is the longest serving Lion in the Lyndonville Club.
The club wants to thank the above mentioned for their service and commitment to the Lyndonville Lions Club. The club could not be prouder to recognize these three gentlemen for they truly are representative of the International Lions Club motto “We Serve.”
In further Club business, the Lions are preparing for their 4th annual Eye Clinic to be held at the White Birch Resort in Lyndonville on April 26 at 9 a.m. Please see future announcements forthcoming in the Orleans Hub.
The annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale will take place on May 9-10. Pre-ordering for one dozen, long stem, red roses for $20 can be done by calling or texting to (585) 281-4646 or by calling (585) 765 3101. A limited supply of roses may be purchased as walk-in sales on the above-mentioned days at the White Birch. Roses can be picked up at the White Birch Resort on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days.
In further news, the Lyndonville Lions accepted the “Supporter of The Year” award from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) during their annual Genean awards celebration at the Seymour Place in Batavia.
Lion Bruce Schmidt accepted the award on behalf of the Lyndonville Lions. The Lions were recognized for their efforts in organizing one of the largest fireworks displays on Independence Day for over 48 years.
GO Art! further commented on the club’s ability to bring people together with their community concerts, their farewell to summer street dances each August, and the club’s first ever Oktoberfest that will be an annual event for the Lions and community to enjoy.
The Lions would like to express their appreciation to GO Art! for this award.
The Lyndonville Lions hope that everyone has a joyous Easter Season. We hope that God will continue to show his mercy and grace on us and this great country we live in. Happy Easter from the Lyndonville Lions!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2025 at 10:12 am
Public can comment on plan during meeting Wednesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is shown on May 10, 2024 during a dazzling display of the Northern Lights. The spectacle in the sky has inspired the lighthouse’s board of directors to pursue a light show on the structure.
CARLTON – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum wants to recreate the magic of the Northern Lights with a light show on the lighthouse in a 20-30 minute show around dusk on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
The museum will have a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Carlton United Methodist Church, 1196 Archbald Rd., Waterport.
The museum’s board will present the plan for a light show. The project is funded with a $5,000 grant for the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).
Cheryl Giacherio, a volunteer with the lighthouse and the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, said the light show is inspired by the Northern Lights which put on a memorable display May 10, 2024.
She reached out to IlluminFx, a Rochester-based company with a national reputation. IlluminFx has lighted up the Alamo, a battleship in the Carolinas and many building facades and outdoor spaces.
The Lighthouse Museum needs to have the public meeting to hear from the community, and then share that feedback with the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which owns the land where the lighthouse stands next to the Oak Orchard River and Lake Ontario. The museum has already completed an environmental assessment form which showed no negative impacts to wildlife or the dark sky.
Besides the Friday through Sunday light shows, Giacherio said the museum would like to offer one special holiday show most months.
The museum is planning to have a song played at the beginning of the light show to announce the start of the event.
Chris Manaseri, the museum board president, said the light show should bring more people to Point Breeze, boosting local businesses.
Once the equipment for the light show is installed, it can be reused repeatedly over several years. There will be computerized equipment to project images and lights as part of the display.
Manaseri said he expects the regular schedule for the light shows would go from around Memorial Day in late May to Labor Day in early September.
The start for this year is uncertain because it depends on when the $5,000 will be made available from Go Art! Last year, the museum didn’t receive its grant from Go Art! until August.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Carla Woodworth welcomed the Easter Bunny to the Lyndonville school on Saturday in an egg hunt coordinated by the Lyndonville United Methodist Church and the Lions Club. The eggs were hidden in the gym.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville United Methodist Church continued its annual Easter tradition by holding its Easter Egg Hunt at the Lyndonville Central School on Saturday.
At 11 a.m. sharp, the doors swung open in both high school gymnasiums to allow young children to hunt for Easter Eggs and other surprises.
The congregation of the United Methodist Church and multiple volunteers spent hours filling the eggs with Easter treats and then hiding the eggs amongst obstacles and barriers which created unique hiding spots for the eggs.
The annual tradition saw over 150 children of all ages participate in this fun-filled event. The tradition started over 20 years ago and sees larger crowds every year.
As in years past, the church worked in collaboration with the Lyndonville Lions Club who supplied complimentary grilled hot dogs and refreshments to all attendees. The guest of honor, the Easter Bunny, again made a special early Easter stop at the event.
Many took the opportunity to get a photo with the Easter Bunny who is sure to be very busy this Sunday.
The United Methodist Church Congregation and The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to wish all a very joyous Easter. It is the comfort afforded to us and expressed in 1 Corinthians 6:14: “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power” that brings comfort to all during this holiest time.
May God continue to bless everyone and this great nation we live in.
The children wait outside the gym for the doors to open for the egg hunt.
Photo by Don Pollard/Office of Governor – Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence released three reports on Monday which they said highlight the need to streamline New York’s discovery laws to protect the rights of crime victims.
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) on Monday released a new package of three reports highlighting the importance of passing Governor Hochul’s proposal to streamline New York’s discovery laws to protect the rights of crime victims.
These reports reflect input from more than 1,400 people across the state, including survivors, their family members, community members, victim service providers, law enforcement and court personnel, and county governments. The summary and full package of reports can be seen by clicking here.
“These new reports make it even clearer: we need commonsense changes to New York’s discovery laws to protect the rights of crime victims, hold attackers accountable and make our state safer,” Governor Hochul said. “Throwing out entire criminal cases over minor paperwork issues prevents justice from being served — and when abusers can weaponize the court system, the consequences can be tragic. That’s why I’ll refuse any state budget deal that doesn’t fix this fatal flaw in our laws.”
The three reports released today include the Domestic Violence Regional Councils (DVRC), Survivor Listening Sessions (SLS), and the Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews (DVFR). The reports identify a common theme: Gender-based violence survivors in New York State need more support while navigating the criminal justice system.
In fact, the Fatality Reviews report shows that some abusive partners have weaponized the court system — a problem exacerbated by automatic case dismissals based on insignificant technicalities.
Governor Hochul proposed essential changes to New York State’s Discovery Law to ensure procedural fairness, shorten case processing times, reduce the length of pretrial incarceration and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses. These changes are designed to protect the rights of victims and help ensure that those who cause harm are held accountable.
Since New York State’s 2019 discovery reforms were passed, dismissals in cases involving domestic violence rose 26 percent in New York City. In 2023, about 94 percent of cases were dismissed in New York City and nearly 50 percent were dismissed outside of New York City. In many cases, automatic dismissal of cases has put survivors of domestic violence and other crimes at greater risk.
Without changing any of these essential features of the 2019 reforms, the Governor’s proposal to streamline discovery laws will prevent cases from being dismissed based on issues that do not cause any harm to the defense — a situation that is particularly high-stakes for survivors of domestic violence, as detailed in the OPDV reports released today.
For example:
A domestic violence case was dismissed after the prosecutor did not turn over a handwritten command log, which is where the officer writes their name, the defendant’s name and the arrest information. This information is duplicated in numerous other police paperwork that was disclosed on time. Discovery was deemed incomplete, and the case was dismissed.
A domestic violence case in which the defendant was charged with third-degree assault for punching the victim in the face and causing visible injuries was dismissed because the prosecution had not turned over body-worn camera footage from an unsuccessful attempted home visit to the victim’s home. Discovery was deemed incomplete, and the case was dismissed.
A domestic violence and child endangerment case in which the defendant was charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child for punching the victim in the face, kicking her, and spitting on her in the presence of their children was dismissed because the prosecutor did not turn over an autogenerated document that contained irrelevant, duplicative information that the prosecution in good faith believed was not discoverable.
A domestic violence case in which the defendant was charged with third-degree assault for pushing the victim to the ground and dragging her was dismissed when it was found that one of the body-worn camera footage videos had not uploaded properly. The prosecution had listed it in the inventory of discovery and attempted to upload it and was unaware it had not uploaded properly. Discovery was deemed incomplete, and the case was dismissed.
OPDV Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “The three reports issued today paint a picture from the survivor’s perspective, the boots on the ground stakeholders like advocates, law enforcement and courts, and even those who have been killed by their intimate partner. All these people have their own perspective about how the system is or isn’t working. Discovery reform is one part of the solution. It will give survivors the voice and time needed to decide when to pursue charges. It is about survivors being able to trust the system in place to protect them.”
Additional findings of the three reports released include:
The 2023-2024 Domestic Violence Regional Council report reflects engagement with domestic violence response services providers and stakeholders statewide. Findings focus on how to create a more collaborative, survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive gender-based violence service delivery system. The report identifies the following needs:
Strengthening cross-systems communication and collaboration;
Encouraging public safety systems to better understand and respond to gender-based violence; and
Training judges and court staff on the dynamics of domestic and gender-based violence, coercive control, lethality assessments and the role of legal protections for victims. Specifically, the report identifies challenges obtaining domestic violence convictions, including due to dismissals unrelated to the merits of the case, which can leave victims without protection and embolden abusers who learn that there is no legal accountability for their actions.
The Sexual Assault Survivor Listening Sessions report summarizes the perspectives of survivors who shared the strengths and challenges of their experiences with the gender-based violence response system and the impact it had on them. The three most prominently discussed system partners were hospitals/medical providers, the criminal legal system and non-profit organizations serving victims and survivors. Survivors recommended:
Always having a trained Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) available to perform forensic exams in all hospitals;
Comprehensive training on survivor-centered, trauma informed and culturally responsive services for hospital/medical providers and law enforcement; and
More access to education about rights and resources for survivors.
NYS Domestic Violence Fatality Review report summarizes the work of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, which analyzes domestic violence deaths and near-deaths in a collaborative, in-depth manner to learn from these difficult cases and improve the response to domestic violence in New York State. Cases reviewed highlighted:
Challenges with the timely sharing of information and data across systems;
Disproportionate effects of intimate partner homicide on women of color;
Weaponization of the court system by the abusive partner;
Insufficient use of bail when abusers’ charges are bail eligible;
Underutilization of criminal courts to issue Family Court orders of protection after hours;
Inconsistent application of mandatory arrest; and
Role of positive interactions with law enforcement in supporting victims to seek help.
Governor Hochul’s plan to streamline the discovery process and protect the rights of victims has already won bipartisan support from district attorneys and advocates. This includes religious leaders; business groups; domestic violence and victim advocates; and law enforcement and legal associations including the New York State Sheriff’s Association and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2025 at 7:26 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, poses by a banner celebrating the county’s 200th anniversary. Orly visited the banner on the courthouse lawn on Monday evening.
The courthouse dome also was lit in red, white and blue for the county bicentennial.
Orleans County will have a bicentennial celebration at the courthouse today beginning at 11:45 a.m. with the bell in the courthouse to be rung for a minute beginning at noon. Churches around the county are urged to ring their bells at 12 p.m. to celebrate the county’s 200th birthday.
The county was officially formed on April 15, 1825 when it was recognized by the State Legislature. Orleans split from Genesee County. A swamp made a long journey from Orleans to Genesee even more challenging 200 years ago. The newly established Orleans had the economic prospects of a new Erie Canal which was complete in October 1825.
