‘Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Guests enjoy cake celebrating Medina Memorial Hospital’s 100th anniversary. At left in photo is Jeanne Crane, a long-time nurse at the hospital. At right, staff from dietary cut the cake. (Right) Peggy Thomas of Holley took time to look over a timeline of pictures from the hospital’s 100 years.

MEDINA – For the past year, Medina Memorial Hospital has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding.

On Tuesday morning, the hospital had a final gathering with cake for invited guests in the hospital lobby.

(Left) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomes guests at a gathering on Tuesday to celebrate the hospital’s 100th anniversary. (Right) Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature, praised Medina Memorial Hospital and said it was an honor to be there as the hospital celebrated a century of care, compassion and community.

Sharing special remarks were Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature; Jacob G. Mahoney on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul; and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests, which included dedicated team members, special guests and community supporters.

“For more than 100 years, this institution has been more than just a hospital – it has been a cornerstone of hope, healing and resilience for the people of Orleans County and beyond,” Johnson said. “Yet, as a member of the board of trustees, I know all too well the undeniable challenge this institution continually faces. Only through the hard work of our clinical staff that provides exceptional care to our residents, and the vision of administration that somehow finds a way to navigate through the constantly evolving healthcare industry, are we able to stand here today and celebrate this milestone.”

Johnson concluded by saying, “Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. And as we honor the past, let us look to the future – with renewed commitment to innovation, excellence and the same spirit of service that has defined Medina Memorial Hospital for a century.”

Johnson then presented Shurtz with a proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature.

“Healthcare, as we know, is not without its challenges,” Shurtz said. “But what makes this organization strong is the spirit of collaboration – the willingness of our staff, our partners and our community to come together. That collective effort has not only allowed us to persevere, but to grow and to expand the care we provide right here close to home.”

Shurtz explained over the last three years they have been able to strengthen and expand critical services. Surgical, cardiac, GI and ENT care have all been either expanded or introduced, helping us meet more of our patients’ needs locally.

“And just as important, we’ve invested in expanding access to primary care, from pediatrics to adult medicine, right here in Medina,” Shurtz said. “Our Medina Healthcare Center recently received a $1.9 million grant to support this mission – an achievement that reflects both the need in our community and trust placed in us to meet it.”

The front page of The Medina Daily Journal from September 30, 1925 celebrates the opening of a hospital in Medina.

“Today, as we mark 100 years of Medina Memorial Hospital, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we look ahead with a drive to continue building on that legacy,” Shurtz continued. “A century strong, we remain committed to providing the very best care we can to our neighbors, our families and our friends. Thank you again for being here, and thank you for believing in Orleans Community Health. Together, we’ll ensure the next century is just as strong as the last.”

Governor Kathy Hochel was represented by Jacob G. Mahoney, who reiterated the governor’s support of Medina Memorial Hospital with the $1.9 million grant.

He said Orleans County has faced enormous challenges, and stated how fortunate they were having this facility in their backyard for 100 years.

Next was Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, who said, “In the village of Medina, we remain thankful to have Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital in our community. Mark Shurtz spoke about collaboration, and that is what we represent in the village of Medina. Hopefully, we can all continue to work together so as to provide these much-needed services in our village and county. I have previously served on the Orleans Community Health Foundation and have seen first-hand all of the work that goes into making this hospital thrive.”

The morning concluded with guests enjoying an anniversary cake.

GLOW With Your Hands welcomed students from all Orleans County districts

Photos courtesy of GLOW With Your Hands: GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing held its seventh career exploration event in Batavia today, with students interacting with businesses and organizations from the trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and construction industries.

Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands

BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands today hosted over 1,250 students from 32 school districts from across the GLOW region at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

Students attended from all five school districts in Orleans County – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

 The day-long, hands-on event gave students a chance to learn about career opportunities and meet local employers.

The event provided students with the opportunity to interact with employers and career pathway organizations, experience hands-on career demonstrations, and learn more about the career opportunities available right in their own backyard.

Over 75 businesses provided hands-on activities and simulations in the advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food production and skilled trades sectors. Students also were able to learn that many companies offer good-paying opportunities immediately after high school graduation, as well as accelerated training programs available in the region.

“Educators, workforce experts, and local companies continue to collaborate to ensure our students are well-informed about the career opportunities available to them locally and GLOW With Your Hands is another program that contributes to these efforts,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair, Karyn Winters.

She continued, “We are experiencing record private sector growth across the region, driven in part by our proactive efforts to prepare the next generation of workforce candidates. Our students are ready to contribute on day one of the job because of the instruction, information, and hands-on activity they receive throughout their K-12 journey.”

GLOW With Your Hands is one of the premier workforce development programs of the Northeast United States. Introducing hands-on careers to local students is being replicated across many communities that are aiming to alleviate the workforce shortage and introduce students to opportunities that are not learned in a traditional classroom setting. Another one of the key drivers in the success of workforce development in the region is the collaboration between parents, teachers, and students.

“The GLOW region has excelled in working with K-12 institutions and educational partners to not only ensure the participation and education of students but families as well,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair, Angela Grouse. “Our students want to learn about these opportunities; they are engaged and thoughtful in their participation at GLOW With Your Hands. This engagement transforms into meaningful conversations that are had in the classroom and at home.”

Avon High School Senior Kalman Dolgos enjoyed interacting with National Grid’s line truck display, simulating opening and closing a circuit on an electric pole.

“The hands-on demonstrations and interactions are my favorite part about GLOW With Your Hands,” said Dolgos. “The company representatives are very passionate about their careers, and that motivated me to ask questions to learn about companies that I was not familiar with.”

GLOW With Your Hands sponsors and exhibitors were encouraged by interactions with students. At Tambe Electric’s demonstration, students learned how electricians troubleshoot fiber optic internet cables when a cable is disconnected. Tambe Electric Lineman David Battisti said the experience taught students what it is like to be a lineman with Tambe and the role the company performs around the region.

“Our first GLOW With Your Hands event was a major success, interacting with the next generation of workforce candidates allowed Tambe Electric to showcase how we help keep the lights on and ensure you stay connected to Wi-Fi,” stated Battisti. “Students were attentive and engaged in our demonstration. The GLOW region continues to produce the future workforce, which is why we will continue to attend this event and recruit from the region.”

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season begins this year on Nov. 3, with a tentative end date of April 7, 2026

Applications for HEAP will be available Nov. 3. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2026, through April 7, 2026.

If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 3. Applications will be available at the County Office Building in Albion, PathStone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.  If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.

If you are currently a Public Assistance or SNAP recipient, you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay with your HEAP grant.

For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be made before Nov. 3. If you are aged 60 or older, please call the Office for Aging at 589-3191.

You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

Village Board cuts proposed increase to towns by 5 percent

Photos by Jim Scibetta, owner of Helpee Selfee Laundromat, said the increases will have to be passed on to his customers, who he said are already struggling to pay their bills. He is shown addressing village trustees, from left: Joyce Riley, William Gabalski, Greg Bennett and Tim McMurray.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board approved increases in the water rates and administrative costs, changes that will bring in much needed revenue for upgrades to the water treatment plant and distribution system.

Water rates will go up 25 percent for customers in the village and the prisons beginning on Jan. 1, and then will increase another 20 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

“This was not done thoughtlessly,” said Village Trustee Joyce Riley during a public hearing on higher rates. “It’s after years of neglecting our water plant. If this board doesn’t make (the changes), it only gets worse down the road.”

Greg Bennett, the deputy mayor, said the increased rates and fees are needed “for the village to maintain ourself.”

The Village Board was going to charge the towns the same percentage increase, but backed off to a 20 percent increase next year, and then a 15 percent increase. Some of the towns pushed back on the proposed increase, saying it would force them to look closely at possibly switching to the Monroe County Water Authority as a water supplier.

The village bills for about 110 million gallons of water each quarter with approximately 33 million gallons within the village, 63 million for the towns and 15 million used by the two state prisons.

RATE HIKES FOR VILLAGE CUSTOMERS – Residents and businesses inside the village currently pay a $3.90 rate per 1,000 gallons of water. That will go to $4.88 beginning Jan. 1, and then $5.85 beginning in 2027.

The current rate generates $520,048 from customers within the village. That will go to a projected $650,061 next year and then $780,073 in 2027.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE – The board also is raising the quarterly administrative charge by 55 percent the first year for customers within the village, and then another 40 percent in 2027. That will increase the administrative or base charge from the current $33.60 for most village customers to $52.08 beginning Jan. 1, and then $72.91 the following year.

Just the change in the administrative fee will raise nearly $200,000 more in the water fund the first year. The village’s water fund  currently receives $359,221 through the base charges. That is projected to go to $556,793 in 2026 and then $779,510 in 2027.

RATE HIKE FOR TOWNS – The towns that buy water directly from the village currently pay a $3.57 rate. There is no administrative charge from the village. The towns add their own administrative charge.

The rate will go to $4.28 next year and then $4.93 in 2027. The towns currently pay the village $894,284 for water, and that is projected to increase to $1,073,141 in 2026 and then $1,234,111 in 2027.

The water tank is shown along Route 31 near the Albion and Orleans correctional facilities. The Village Board last week approved raising the water rates for the two prisons by 25 percent next year, and then another 20 percent in 2027. The water rate for the prisons will go from the current $4.65 per 1,000 gallons to $5.81 and then $6.98.

PRISON RATE – The two state prisons are currently billed at a rate of $4.65 per 1,000 gallons. That will go to $5.81 in 2026 and then $6.98 in 2027.

The prisons currently pay $278,045 for water. That is projected to increase to $347,556 in 2026, and then $417,067 in 2027.

TOTAL REVENUE – The current water fund is on pace to bring in $2,195,250 this year. However, the expenses are at $2,639,864. That will require the village to take $444,614 from the fund balance that is set aside in the water fund. That fund balance is currently at about $700,000.

In 2026, the total revenue goes to $2,635,831, with expenses at $3,021,857. With increased rates and fees next year, plus the start of paying debt for recent water system improvements, the village will still need to use $386,025 in fund balance in 2026.

Beginning in 2027, the rates and fees are projected to cover the total expenses with the water fund, with the revenue $47,749 over expenses. The total revenue is projected at $3,220,699 with expenses at $3,172,950.

The Village Board doesn’t expect a big rate hike will be needed after 2027.

During a public hearing last Wednesday, Jim Scibetta, owner of the Helpee Selfee Laundromat, said the higher water costs come at a time when he’s facing increases in electricity and natural gas.

“You’re proposing this kind of water increase to me is legalized robbery,” he told the board. “I’m disgusted and I will probably sell my laundromat because of you people.”

Village Board members said Albion’s water bills still will be less costly than many other communities in the region.

The average village water customer of about 15,000 gallons per quarter will see their water bills go from $92.10 per quarter in 2025 to $125.21 in 2026 and then $160.66 in 2027.

SEWER BILL – The water bill for village customers also includes the sewer bill. The board last week voted to increase the base charge for sewer customers in the village, while keeping the rate the same at $4.25 per 1,000 gallons.

The base charge will increase from $26 per quarter for most customers to $33.60 per quarter. The higher base rate will raise another $81,086 for the sewer fund, increasing administrative revenue from $273,847 in 2025 to a projected $354,933 in 2026.

That increase in revenue will allow the village to build reserves for the sewer fund, board members said.

Provided photos: These three were dressed up as characters at Beggar’s Nite last year in Medina. From left include Byron Hill as Colonel Sanders, Joshua Hill as Paw Patrol’s Rubble and Tucker Graton as a dinosaur.

ALBION/MEDINA – The downtowns in Albion and Medina will have hundreds of children in costumes for Beggar’s Nite.

That day is observed the Friday before Halloween. This year, Halloween is on a Friday so Beggar’s Nite will be a week ahead of Oct. 31.

Albion has Beggar’s Nite from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, while in Medina the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Both downtown business districts will likely see several hundred kids dressed as super heroes, goblins and other characters.

Photos courtesy of ReLeaf Medina: West Center Street in Medina is one of several tree-lined streets in the village with recently planted trees getting more mature.

MEDINA – Autumn leaves with rich hues of orange, red and yellow lighting up the landscape bring warm thoughts of hot chocolate, flannel and fall fun.

But for others who are in the business of overseeing municipal trees, thoughts turn to planning for spring planting.

The village of Medina has a Municipal Tree Board and a Forestry Coordinator (all volunteer), as well as well-trained DPW personnel, all of whom play a role in planting and maintaining the village’s “urban forest.”

But there is another vital group that works to support those efforts financially: ReLeaf Medina.

ReLeaf Medina was formed a few years back to raise money for the village to replace dying trees – something the Tree Board is not allowed to do.

According to Medina’s Forestry Coordinator, Chris Busch, the cost of plant material has risen exponentially in the past ten years, costing an average of $3,000-plus more per year.

“From the very beginning, the Mayor and Trustees have absolutely been on board and continue to be fully supportive of Medina’s planting program. We are incredibly grateful for the funds they budget annually given that municipal budgets are very, very tight.” said Busch. “In light of that, we’ve had to be creative with supplemental funding solutions.  Thankfully, there are a growing number of citizens who have noticed how amazing our tree-lined streets look and have been happy to support our efforts. Their financial gifts result in a living legacy that will be enjoyed by an entire community for years to come.”

Annually, the Village removes 50-60 trees and replants about 50. Removing dying trees is an unending task and replacing them has become increasingly more costly.

“What used to buy 50 trees now buys 30 or less,” Busch said.

“We continue to plant diversely with a wide variety of trees that are proven urban environments,” said Mary Lewis, Tree Board chair. “We take great care in selecting the right tree for the conditions that exist on any given site. There’s a great deal of urban forestry science that goes into the planning and selection of trees.”

Once again, ReLeaf Medina is asking citizens to contribute to the amazing living legacy of trees by making a monetary gift.

Lewis, a Medina business owner, has also issued an invitation to local businesses to consider becoming a corporate sponsor.

This photo shows trees along Gwinn Street in Medina.

“Several letters were recently sent out to local businesses and we’re hoping they’ll see the benefit of corporate sponsorship,” she said.

ReLeaf Medina states businesses becoming a corporate sponsor not only engage with their employees and investors but also build community through the support of grassroots public environmental stewardship.

“It is a chance to make a tangible difference in a highly visible way that will stand for generations and leave a positive, beneficial living legacy for the future that will be seen every day,” Lewis said.

All gifts to ReLeaf Medina are tax-deductible and can be made in three ways.

As a General Donation, the money helps replace street trees in neighborhoods throughout the village. Suggested amounts are $25 to $199 (Good Citizen); $200 to $299 (Silver); $300 to $499 (Gold); $500 and up (Platinum).

Gifts In Memory cost $300. They will fund trees placed in one of Medina’s six parks and will be identified with a granite marker honoring a loved one or in recognition of the donor’s family or organization. Memorial trees can be located on streets without a granite marker and cost $275.

To designate a tree On Your Street, the cost is $250. If the village determines a tree or trees are needed on that street, the donor may request a specific location.

Checks for tree donations should be made payable to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. – Notation: ‘ReLeaf Medina’ and mailed to PO Box 543, Medina, NY.

“As you walk or drive around our village this fall and you like what you see and how the beautiful canopy makes you feel, please help us continue planting to make Medina an attractive place to live, work and grow,” Lewis said.

Press Release, UConnectCare

Photo courtesy of UConnectCare: John Bennett, former executive director of UConnectCare, and Kathy Hodgins, the current executive director, display the gifts they received in appreciation of their leadership of UConnectCare at the agency’s 50th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction on Sept. 25 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

BATAVIA – In celebrating 50 years of service to the community, UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer Kathy Hodgins credited past and present employees for striving to “treat people with kindness and dignity.”

The nonprofit substance use treatment, prevention, residential, detox and recovery services agency marked its half-century of operation on Thursday night with a 50th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Until 2023, it was known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Hodgins, who began her career at UConnectCare in 2002 as an intern, said many of those who choose this field of work have been affected by drug and/or alcohol use in their families.

“Some are in recovery themselves,” she said to the 90 people at the dinner. “All of us come to work to walk alongside people struggling with substance use disorder. We serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community and we serve them with compassion, respect and dignity.”

Hodgins acknowledged the agency’s leaders who came before her, starting with Robert Hoover in 1975 and continuing with Faith (Cole) Peterson from 1985-88, Sharon McWethy from 1988-2000, David Markham from 2000-2011 and John Bennett from 2011-2025.

UConnectCare was recognized through the presentation of proclamations from Sen. George Borrello, Chad Zambito (representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley) and Gregg Torrey, Genesee County legislator.

“We all know there’s a problem (with addiction), it’s a growing problem. But you lift people up, one at a time, and you help their lives. And that’s a beautiful thing,” Borrello said.

The UConnectCare board of directors presented gifts to Hodgins and Bennett in recognition of their leadership, with Board President Tim Batzel praising Hodgins for building upon the foundation of those before her.

“Kathy brings a deep well of knowledge, experience and unwavering commitment to our mission,” Batzel said. “Her leadership is already shaping the future of UConnectCare in meaningful ways and I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with her at the helm.”

Orleans County Legislature commends UConnectCare for services in community

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kathy Hodgins, executive director of UConnectCare, accepts a proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature last week, celebrating the agency’s 50^th anniversary. Barb Koert, outpatient treatment director, is at left. County Legislator Ed Morgan is shown in back.

UConnectCare, formerly the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance, started in Batavia in 1975. GCASA opened a site in Albion in 1999, offering prevention and treatment services.

“Your ability to progress with the needs of our community members needing assistance in Orleans County will forever be widespread, long-lasting and extremely appreciated,” legislators stated in the proclamation. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby also commend you for your dedication to the Orleans County residents.”

Provided photo: Sean Gaskell will perform with the West African Kora on Oct. 9 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – West Coast musician, Sean Gaskell, will be performing at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library October 9th at 7 p.m.

The concert will feature songs played on the kora—a 21-stringed West African harp. Alongside Gaskell’s musical performance, audience members will learn about the history of the kora, how it is built, who typically plays it, and the types of events it is often utilized at.

In addition, Sean will also share some of his own personal experiences while studying in West Africa and being hosted by the family of his teachers.

Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal.

The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Gaskell has presented adult, youth, and family programs at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada. This visit from Gaskell is a rare opportunity to listen to a unique and truly beautiful instrument.

Further information on the artist can be found at his website: www.seangaskell.com.

To register for this free event, call 585-798-3430 or visit the library front desk. All ages are welcome.

File photo by Tom Rivers: “Swoop” gets the ball spinning for a young fan when the Harlem Wizards visited Albion in October 2019. Swoop joined the Wizards in 2007. Prior to that, he was a showman with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – The Harlem Wizards are coming to Albion’s Charles D’Amico High School gymnasium on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.

The Albion Basketball Boosters invites the community out for a fun-filled, interactive evening of tricks, hoops and alley-oops. The Wizards were in Albion most recently in October 2019.

Albion teachers will face off on the court against the world-famous Wizards where there will be plenty of laughs, music, dancing and dunks. Partial proceeds will benefit the Albion Basketball Booster Club which supports the Albion basketball teams.

“We are so thrilled to bring this event back to our community,” said Jeff Radder, Albion boys JV basketball coach and Basketball Boosters member. “We hope our community will consider bringing their friends and families out to experience the incredible show the Wizards put on. It is always a night to remember and our basketball teams truly appreciate the support.”

Tickets can be purchased on the Albion website. More information about the Harlem Wizards can be found on their website.

OOL Museum this weekend welcomed family of Emelee Arbuckle

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum presented a light show on Saturday that honored Emelee Arbuckle, who was 23 when she died in a motorcycle accident in Florida in 2013. Her family has left bricks with her name engraved at about 300 lighthouses around the country. The bricks are typically buried or left in the water close by the lighthouse. Oak Orchard is the fifth lighthouse to find the brick and contact Emelee’s parents.

Ken and Karen Arbuckle of Melbourne Beach, Fla. visited the Oak Orchard Lighthouse on Saturday evening for a special light show as a tribute for their daughter, Emelee. The show was in addition to the nightly 30-minute light show that starts a half hour at sunset. That light show mimics the Northern Lights.

POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum presented a special light show on Saturday in honor of a Florida woman was passed away at age 23 on Dec. 29, 2013 from complications following a motorcycle accident.

Emelee Arbuckle was connected to the water. She was the top coxswain on her high school rowing team. She was also an artist who wanted to teach art to disabled children.

Her parents, Ken and Karen Arbuckle, visited Point Breeze over the weekend. The Arbuckles have left about 300 engraved bricks at lighthouses around the country. They were at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse on Aug. 4, 2024 and buried a brick engraved with their daughter’s name and nickname: Emelee “Bean” Arbuckle.

The Arbuckles typically will bury a brick at the southeast corner of a lighthouse or leave in close to shore in the water.

At the Oak Orchard Lighthouse, a new lighting system was being installed in August to display a light show that would mimic the Aurora Borealis. Lighthouse volunteers worked with A.J. Hetzke of IlluminFx Lighting Systems to install the system which debuted on Aug. 14.

Cheryl Giacherio was digging at the southwest corner on Aug. 7, creating a hole for one of four corner canisters for the lights. The top of the lighthouse has 192 lights for the show.

When Giacherio dug down in the dirt, she found a brick in honor of Emelee “Bean” Arbuckle. An internet search showed the story of Emelee, and helped connect the lighthouse museum to her family.

It was the fifth brick that has been found with Emelee’s name.

The Arbuckles made the trip up from Melbourne Beach, Florida on Friday, and presented a collage with a poem by their daughter that will be on display in the lighthouse.

The lighthouse museum had a special tribute for the family on Saturday night. Hetzke of IlluminFx created a new light show for Emelee.

“Thank you so much for honoring our girl,” Mrs. Arbuckle told a group at the lighthouse on Saturday night. “No one has ever done anything like this for us.”

Emelee Arbuckle is shown at left. Here is the brick that was found last month with her name at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Emelee’s mother feels like it was a God-ordained miracle that the brick was discovered at Oak Orchard. Her husband usually buries the bricks in the southeast corner. This time, he put it at the southwest corner, right where a hole would be dug a year later for the light show.

“This was God,” Mrs. Arbuckle said. “He was coordinating this to all come together. You need to recognize these miracles when they happen.”

She thanked Hetzke for the light show, which was set to music.

“With the music, you can feel it in your heart,” Mrs. Arbuckle said.

She and her husband have been to at least 400 lighthouses in the past 12 years, trying to leave a memorial brick or a “handheart” of her and her husband’s hands creating a heart shape. The Arbuckles take a picture of that heart shape with the lighthouse in the background if they can’t get up close in person. Some of the lighthouses are off limits to the public. (They stopped by the Braddock Point Lighthouse in Hilton on Saturday but couldn’t get close enough to leave a brick because it’s on private property.)

The Arbuckles are happy when people find a brick with their daughter’s name, and reach out to her parents.

“It’s about saying Emelee’s name so it isn’t forgotten,” Mr. Arbuckle said.

Here are other photos from the light show on Saturday night.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This group passes under the lift bridge in Eagle Harbor on Friday. They are aboard a replica of the Seneca Chief. This boat is 73 feet long and is making a commemorative journey along the canal in hoor the canal’s 200th anniversary. The boat was built as a replica of the original Seneca Chief that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the maiden voyage on the completed canal in 1825.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 34

“View on the Erie Canal” – The New York Public Library Digital Collections from 1832.

The commemorative journey of the Seneca Chief along the Erie Canal has attracted a great deal of attention. The boat left Buffalo on Wednesday and is on a 33-day tour that ends Oct. 26 in New York City.

On the original trip, the boat was hauled by “four fully caparisoned grey horses.” That would have been quite a sight! For this voyage, the horses have been replaced by a 33-foot-long tugboat, the C.L. Churchill.

We have mentioned the novel Rome Haul by Walter D. Edmonds in a previous column. It portrays a realistic view of life in the early years of the canal. The sight of the Seneca Chief brought this passage to mind. Here Dan Harrow remembers the opening of the canal and that first voyage:

“We’d talked about the canal. It didn’t seem it would ever get to us. They’d surveyed in ’19 (1819) and the route would come close to my place….Then, first thing we knowed, in ’23, men commenced working on the route between Black Rock and Lockport…..

 “I remember, two springs after that, how me and Ellen sat on the big stoop in June. A warm afternoon. The word come the water would come in from Erie. And after a while we seen it come. Brown and muddy, very slow, so’s not to rip the banks. It went by us in a little creek. We watched it rise all day. At night it was still getting up. Brown and muddy. We didn’t have no supper. We didn’t want it. We’d listen to the water eddy down below all night. In the morning it had come off blue in the sun — pretty near that color.”

“Tolls was taken on the first of October. It had been a fine farming summer. I’d had more money in than I’d expected for a single year. Then on the twenty-sixth the opening come.”

“It was a masterful event. The leaves had turned late that year, and there was still color to the woods. “They had put cannon — you know how —all along the canal and down the Hudson. There was an old ten-pounder mounted on my rise of ground, its snout pointing west, and there was one of McDonough’s sailors there to touch it off.

“The neighbors came next morning early. Ellen and the women had gotten up a big feast. The men sat on the porch, looking down the canal to the lake. I had some Jamaica and Golden Medford for them — it was a brisk morning. Cool from frost at night, but no wind at all. The smoke from our pipes hung under the roof. The children played round — noisy. The cook smells came out to us.

“The sailor, Benjy Wright, sat on the cannon’s butt… About nine o’clock Benjy cut him a hard plug with his sailor knife. He lighted his match and we stood waiting. Then a cannon sounded down by Buffalo. And Benjy touched the match to the fuse and in a minute the old gun bucked and roared, and a glass broke in the window of the parlor….Then we sat down and watched Benjy load up the cannon. And an hour and forty minutes later there was a cannon faint to eastward of us. And our gun bucked and shot again and we heard a gun boom in Buffalo. But with that sound from the eastward of us we knowed that New York knowed. The sound of it told us that.

“All to once we knowed there was other people back east who knowed about us. We were in a country as big as half the world, but with that shot it all come closer together. We weren’t alone.

“For a while there was silence.

“Clinton’s boat come along a while later when we were eating dinner. The food got burnt somehow. But we cheered him by and his four grey matched horses, and he waved to us. And we cheered the other boats.

“But nights now me and my wife hear the boats once in a while —a horn, maybe — or, when it’s still, the clink of a trace chain. Or we see the night lanterns. The railroads come in time. But here it didn’t make so much difference.”

Rome Haul by Walter D. Edmonds in 1929 is available through your local library.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of Medina Area Partnership who volunteered at Medina Senior Center to check in participants of Ale in Autumn, posed for a picture after the crowds had thinned out. There were 565 people who purchased tickets for Ale in Autumn.

MEDINA – Those who bought tickets for the annual Ale in Autumn, sponsored by Medina Area Partnership, enjoyed a beautiful day Saturday walking through the streets of town, and enjoying a different ale at nearly two dozen participating businesses.

Taylor Sugar and Erin Taylor of Albion check in with Ann Fisher-Bale, head organizer of Ale in Autumn. Sugar has attended the event before and had a lot of fun, she said. But his was Taylor’s first time.

Deana Dena Anderson pours beer at The Walsh for Matt Corser of Middleport during Ale in Autumn on Saturday. This was Corser’s first time at the event, and he attended with friends from Canada.

Sarah Fisher said one lady came dressed as a cow.

A different feature this year for participants was getting their picture taken at Alexandra Peracciny Photography. They could choose from themed props and got to take their picture home in a card-like frame.

Dawn Borchet, director of Orleans County Tourism, provided juice and water bottles for the goodie bags each ticket holder received. The bags also contain their glass, pretzels, a pen, Koozie and a program.

Participants checked in at the Medina Senior Center,  where Patrick Weissend checked their ID. The head of Tompkins/Bank of Castile in Medina, Weissend has had the same duties for at least 10 years, he said.

At The Walsh, Deana Dena Andersen poured ale from a small kiosk outside. The area is roped off for entertainment with chairs and a big screen TV. At the end, the band Darrel Brown and the Chill Factor provided music.

Fisher-Bale said this event brings in people from all over the area, including Canada.

Funds from this event and other fundraisers has allowed MAP to purchase the sound system downtown.

“The money we make goes toward improvements and promoting our member businesses,” Fisher-Bale said.

Ann Fisher-Bale, right, checks in Taylor Sugar and Erin Taylor at Medina Senior Center. Participants of Ale in Autumn checked in there, where they were ID’d and received a goodie bag.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Angela Rogers of Batavia and Karl Dionne of Toronto try a beer poured by Randy Huslor, co-owner of The Print Shop, which was one of the stops for Ale in Autumn.

At Modern Mercantile, beer tastings from Talking Cursive in Syracuse were served by Holly Lederhouse, left, and Bekah Osher.

A commemorative glass has a light beer, Oktoberfest, from Meier’s Creek Brewing Company in Cazenovia. This photo is inside the Medina Triennial Hub in the former NAPA building on Main Street.

Matt Hollenback pours a tasting of beer for Victoria Schicker of Medina at the Medina Triennial site.

The Medina Hemp House put out a sign celebrating a festive day in Medina.

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band

The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Oswego on Saturday for their third competition this season. It was a large crowd and the weather was perfect.

Medina competed in the SS1 division and was one of six schools in that class. Phoenix earned 1st place with a score of 84.15 while Medina came in 6th with a score 76.10.

In SS2, Oswego earned 1st place with a score of 78.275 and in LS3, Syracuse earned 1st place with 73.6

This coming Saturday on Oct. 4^th, the Medina band travels to Webster for their fourth competition of the season.

More important than the scores are watching the students each week as their routine progresses and their skills and confidence improve.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Walkers start out from State Street Park on the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s Saturday morning. An estimated 200 participated.

MEDINA – The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday morning in State Street Park, with an estimated 200 participants.

Volunteers arrived early to get ready for the 9.m. registration, set up the basket raffle and provide refreshments for the walkers.

 Medina Mayor Marguerite opened the morning’s activity, saying it was a great day.

“We are all touched by Alzheimer’s, me included,” Sherman said, sharing that her mother Doris Fuller died of the disease.

A group of walkers from Park Avenue Therapy posed for a picture in the Promise Garden. They also had a booth at the Walk for Alzheimer’s on Saturday.

Retired disc jockey from WKBW, Randy Bushover, was master of ceremonies for the event for the 13th year, he said.

“I get to use my old communication skills,” Bushover said.

Walk manager was Lynn Hughes from the Alzheimer’s Association, who greeted volunteers and oversaw their duties.

UB Neurology had a table with information on screening, assessment and other services for patients and their families dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Beth Schmidt of Albion plants a flower in the Promise Garden in memory of her mother Joanne Welch, who died of Alzheimer’s six years ago.

At one tent, manned by Carolyn Walker, flowers could be purchased in a variety of colors, to be “planted” in the Promise Garden. Each color signified different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Blue meant you have the disease; yellow meant you are a caregiver; purple signifies you have lost someone from the disease; orange indicates you support the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s; and white is the Hope for a Cure – the hope there will some day be a survivor of Alzheimer’s.

Mollie Radzinski was chosen to set the pace for walk, and led the estimated 200 on their way, over the Horan Road bridge, along the canal to the lift bridge and back by the Canal Basin to State Street Park.

Radzinski said when she learned they were looking for volunteers, it would be a great thing to do.

The annual walk is the biggest fundraiser locally for the Alzheimer’s Association.

(Left) Mollie Radzinski and Beth Schmidt of Albion pose with Orly the Ox on his first visit to an Alzheimer’s Walk, Saturday morning in State Street Park. Orly is the Orleans County mascot for this year’s bicentennial celebration. (Right) Randy Bushover, right, retired disc jockey from WBEN, holds the microphone for Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, as she speaks during opening ceremonies of the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s in Medina.

Orly the Ox poses with four ladies holding a different colored flower. Each color symbolizes a different aspect of Alzheimer’s. From left, after Orly, are Kailea Lalka, Pamela Allen, Martha Meyers and Carolyn Wagner.

Nicole Tuohey, left, her mother Mary Lou Tuohey and Mary Lou’s sister Amy Murray have actively supported Alzheimer’s for years, as both Mary Lou’s and Amy’s grandparents died from the disease.

Press Release, Go. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $85 million in grant funding has been allocated to county level primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and primary PSAP backup centers to prepare for the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) in 57 counties across the state.

The NG911 Grant Program is specifically to support call handling equipment to include interfaces and software applications needed for agencies to receive and process incidents with the goal of increasing statewide capabilities to accept NG911 calls in accordance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards. All eligible counties received a base amount of $1 million in funding and the remaining funds were allocated based on population.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and that means ensuring that we have the technology and equipment in place to support our first responders and their quick response to emergency situations,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will ensure that our 911 systems are operating effectively and efficiently when any New Yorker reaches out for emergency assistance in their time of need.”

In January, Governor Hochul awarded $55 million statewide to enhance emergency communications systems, including $10 million awarded under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program, which encouraged the development of NG911 technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Governor Hochul understands that our 911 systems are key during any emergency, and this grant funding will help New York communities across the state prepare to implement NG911. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch responders are our first line of assistance and this funding will help support them with new equipment and software to increase their capabilities.”

New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “The transition to Next Generation 911 technology will significantly enhance our counties’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. This $85 million commitment ensures that New York’s counties can implement the digital infrastructure needed to improve response times, enhance caller location accuracy, and ultimately save more lives. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued leadership in preparing our state for the future of emergency communications.”