By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 1:39 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Bicentennial Committee is urging churches across the county to ring their bells at noon on April 15 for a minute.
The county will be celebrating its 200th anniversary with a celebration starting at noon in the county courthouse on April15. The courthouse bell also will be rung for a minute beginning at 12 p.m.
Orleans is marking the 200th anniversary of when it was formally established by the State Legislature on April 15, 1825. Orleans used to be part of Genesee County but split off and formed its owned county on 1825 with 10 towns – Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates.
Press Release, New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs
Provided photos: New Yorkers can now apply for Iraq War (left) and Afghan War (right) commemorative medals, if they served in those campaigns.
LATHAM – The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is now issuing commemorative Afghanistan and Iraq War medals approved by the State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.
The medals are not for wear on a uniform but were designed and authorized as a way for the legislature to thank veterans of these wars for their service.
Two bills, signed into law by the governor in November 2023, created the New York State Afghanistan War Commemorative Medal and the New York State Iraq War Commemorative Medal.
The Afghan War medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who served in Afghanistan between October 2001 and August 2021.
The Iraq War medal is for service members who served in Iraq between March 2003 and December 2011.
Last year the Division of Military and Naval Affairs began issuing commemorative medals to military veterans who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
“On behalf of the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul, we at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs are proud to be able to play a role in recognizing the military service of those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York.
Veterans can apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/.
Applicants can use an online firm to request the medals, or they can print out, and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be New York state resident now, or have been a New York state resident when they served in Iraq or Afghanistan
Applicants must provide a digital or paper copy of their Department of Defense Form 214 (DD214) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as proof of military service in the two theaters of action.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be award posthumously.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the Orleans County students on the Provost’s List for the fall semester.
Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina school district hosted ColorBurst 2025 on Saturday with 23 winter guard teams performing in the high school gym. The event draws about 500 spectators to Medina. The Medina guard is shown in the top photo.
Winter guard is a hybrid artform and sport that combines elements of music, dance, choreography and military-like precision in a competitive arena. Winter guard is touted for benefits for participants that include teamwork, fitness, timing, planning, responsibility, coordination, and goal-setting.
Medina competes in the SA class and presented its show, “Tidal.” Medina portrayed the power of water, and how the pull from the moon and natural events can disrupt the typically serene element into a powerful tidal wave.
There are 16 students in Medina’s varsity winterguard. The Medina JV also performed a show, “Going Up.”
Here are the top scores for the different divisions on Saturday:
Novice – Gates Chili with a score of 52.45.
Cadets – Ventures with 60.38
Regional A – Naples with 70.84
A1 Class – Ventures in A1 class with 71.18
Scholastic A – Victor Blue Devils in Scholastic with 83.5
Independent A – Gates Chili at 81.87
Seniors – Luminosa with 80.05
Independent Open – Gates Chili at 83.60
Greece Regional A presented its show, “Dancing Queen,” and featured music by Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Billy Elish’s “What was I Made For.”
Marcus Whitman performed “Tightrope” with music from The Greatest Showman. The show explores the power of trust and collaboration. ‘Life’s challenges are best faced together,” the Marcus Whitman Winterguard said in a message in the program. “Join us as we discover the strength found in walking side by side.”
The Victor Cadet Winterguard performed a show, “Singing in the Rain.” The cadets range in age from grades 5 to 8.
The crowd gave an enthusiastic response to the Victor cadets.
The all-abilities colorguard, Heritage Hurricanes, include performers from Heritage Christian Services and other community members in the Rochester area. They perform to the “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind and Fire. The group is directed by Medina native Melissa Jaeger.
The Hinsdale Headliners performed to a full moon poem, set in a deep dark forest. The show celebrates the moon and seeks to bring peace.
Ventures did a show, “The Overview Effect,” that reflected on the cognitive and emotional shift astronauts experience when viewing the Earth from space. It was set to music from “It’s A Wonderful World.”
Victor’s varsity guard did a powerful show, “Fragments of Forever.” The show included childhood photos of the guard members, who performed to Adele’s song, “When We Were Young.” They invited the crowd to walk down memory lane and revisit childhood memories.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 8:42 am
Brett Sobieraski
ROCHESTER – A retired Rochester police sergeant who has inspired many and raised $300,000 towards charitable causes with endurances feats has been chosen “Citizen of the Year” and will be honored in Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.
Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, was chosen as the “Citizen of the year” by the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m., beginning at East and Alexander, heading down East Avenue to the Liberty Pole. There, the parade heads west down Main Street and ends at the corner of Fitzhugh Street.
The parade has a theme celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, and honors the Irish immigrants who were a major part of the workforce for the canal.
Sobieraski has pushed himself in endurance challenges to raise money for fallen police officers and also the Special Olympics organization.
In 2023, he completed “8 States for Maz” and ran 1,310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Sobieraski ran a marathon every day in a journey tht started in Florida and ended in Rochester. One of his marathons was in Orleans County.
He wrote a book about the experience – “8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour” – where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers.
The writeup on Sobieraski from the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee includes:
Brett Sobieraski grew up in Lockport and always wanted to be a police officer just like his father, John. Sobieraski was hired by the Lockport Police Department when he was 21 and worked there for four years, before transferring to the Rochester Police Department.
At RPD, he worked primarily in narcotics and on the SWAT Team during his career, as well as being an instructor at the Police Academy. He retired as a sergeant after 32 years of service.
He also served on the Board of Directors at Huther Doyle for over 20 years, helping individuals and families with addiction issues. In the early 2000s, Brett vowed to start living a healthier lifestyle. This eventually led him to ultra-distance events, and he used his grit and determination to finish extreme challenges, including swimming nonstop across Lake Ontario, running 175 miles along the Erie Canal, running 50 hours straight for various charities, and completing the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, California, which is recognized as the most demanding and toughest road race on the planet.
In 2023, Brett completed “8 States for Maz” running 1310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Brett wrote a book about that journey called 8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour, where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers. People who gave him the last dollars out of their pocket for a family and a hero they’d never meet. It’s a beautiful story about America and about the kindness of Americans.
Brett has raised over $300,000 for charities such as Special Olympics New York, Veterans Outreach Center and the Mazurkiewicz family. Brett also wrote his memoir Gray Man – An Average Man’s Journey to Personal Greatness that provides a glimpse into what is possible when you set the conditions, put in the time and believe you can train yourself to achieve just about anything.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
Photos courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: Tom Homan, executive associate director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, speaks in the State Capitol today with Republican members of the State Senate and State Assembly.
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today were joined by United States “Border Czar” Tom Homan at the State Capitol to highlight the need for increased border security and the need to put an end to New York’s misguided sanctuary policies.
Director Homan joined the Republican Conferences to highlight state legislation to restore cooperation between local and state agencies and federal immigration authorities, as well as enhancing security measures at the northern border.
“Laken’s Law” (S.2538/A.2262), sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, would restore cooperation between New York courts and law enforcement and federal immigration authorities when an illegal immigrant is arrested or detained.
Senator Dan Stec and Assemblyman Scott Gray sponsor legislation (S.1427/A.1528) to repeal the “Green Light Law” to exempt counties that share a border with Canada from the provisions of the 2019 law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and restricted information sharing between state and federal authorities. Senator Dan Stec also carries legislation for a full repeal of the Green Light Law statewide (S.3489).
“The migrant crisis has raged out of control in New York as a direct result of open border and sanctuary policies enacted by Democrats at the state and federal levels. It’s refreshing to see the new administration taking definitive action to secure our borders and remove those here illegally who are making our communities less safe. It’s a great honor to be joined today by Border Czar Tom Homan, to thank him for his efforts, and urge that New York finally take action to put an end to policies that tie the hands of our law enforcement agencies so they can fully cooperate with our federal counterparts,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics. There should be no debate. For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants only to face opposition from Democrats. It’s common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.
Rob Ortt, Republican leader in the State Senate, speaks during today’s press conference.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2025 at 8:10 pm
The state will have a ban on residential brush burning from March 16 to May 14 due to the increased risk of wildfires.
The burn ban went into immediate effect in parts of the state after wildfires in Long Island last weekend. That earlier ban included Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.
The ban goes state-wide on March 16. Since 2009, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.
When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation, the DEC said.
Small backyard fire pits ad campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires.
People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them, the DEC said. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today has introduced the No Tax on LOSAP Act, to raise the threshold of nontaxable LOSAP awards at the federal level from $600 a year to $12,000 a year.
Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Laura Gillen (NY-4).
LOSAP, or Length of Service Award Payments, are provided to New York State volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. LOSAP awards are tax-exempt at the state level in New York, with each volunteer awarded $20 per month times the number of years of service. The No Tax on LOSAP award would raise the federal tax-exempt threshold to $12,000/year, up from the current $600/year threshold, which would boost retention and compensation for volunteer firefighters.
Rep. Tenney has been a strong supporter of volunteer firefighters across NY-24. In 2024, she held five roundtable events in five counties to hear directly from volunteer firefighters. In addition, she cosponsored the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act to expand access for volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs.
“Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers are essential for the safety and well-being of our rural communities,” Tenney said. “Across NY-24, we have over 250 fire departments, many of which rely on volunteer firefighters. Yet, in recent years, the number of volunteer firefighters has declined, making it more important than ever to fairly compensate and reward their dedication. The No Tax on LOSAP Act will raise the tax-exemption threshold to recognize their service and encourage more volunteers to join.”
“More than 85 percent of the fire and emergency response in New York State is done by volunteers. Unfortunately, over the last decade, the number of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel had dropped dramatically across New York,” said John D’Alessandro, Association Secretary, Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Exempting LOSAP payments from Federal income tax would be a strong incentive in recruiting and retaining volunteer first responders. Once again, Congresswoman Tenney and members of the New York Congressional delegation have shown their understanding and support of the dedicated volunteers who protect their communities.”
Provided photos and information from Orleans County Music Educators Association
LYNDOMVILLE – The Orleans County Music Educators Association held their second All-County Music Festival on Saturday in Lyndonville.
Performing at the festival were the OCMEA All-County Elementary Band, Jr. High Chorus, and Sr. High Band. Each group was conducted by teachers from Orleans County school districts. There were over 240 students who participated from the five districts in Orleans County.
Mike Thaine of Albion leads the senior high band on Saturday.
The Elementary Band was conducted by Ms. Jeanette Sheliga (Medina), Mr. Scott Wheeler (Holley), Ms. Meghan Pitarresi (Kendall), and Mr. Greg Martillotta (Albion). Performance selections included “Snake Pit” by Tyler Arcari, “Me (reAffirmation) by Randall Standridge, “All Ye Young Sailors” by Pierre LaPlante, and “Cake by the Ocean” by Doug Adams.
The Jr. High Choir was conducted by Mrs. Jennifer Trupo (Lyndonville), Mrs. Rebekah Yoder (Kendall), Ms. Rachel Trillizio (Medina), and Mrs. Kelly Marzano (Holley). Performance selections included “The Cuckoo” by Robert Hugh, “El Vito” by Emily Crocker, “For Good” by Steven Schwartz, and “Everlasting Melody” by Rollo Dilworth.
Zach Busch of Holley also conducted the senior high band at the concert.
The Sr. High Band was conducted by Mr. Zachary Busch (Holley) and Mr. Michael Thaine (Albion). Performance selections included “Bandology” by Eric Osterling, “O Magnum Mysterium” by Robert Reynolds, “Rev” by Randall Standridge, and “Defying Gravity” by Steven Schwartz.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) spoke out today against Gov. Hochul’s executive order banning correctional officers who participated in demonstrations criticizing her administration’s radical criminal justice policies, such as the HALT Act, from being hired for state positions.
Hochul also says she will recommend these concerned officers be removed from the Central Registry of Police and Peace Officers, which would prevent them from being hired as police at the state and local levels. Hawley is frustrated that this administration continues to go out of its way to keep our law enforcement officers down and coddle career criminals.
“It’s clear now more than ever that Gov. Hochul has fully turned her back on the law enforcement community,” said Hawley. “This isn’t just a simple policy decision, it’s political censorship. Had these officers been demonstrating in support of closing prisons and bail reform, she would be calling them heroes. If this administration had any common sense left, they would be standing alongside our men and women in blue, not taking away their livelihood.
“These are working families who are being hung out to dry because Gov. Hochul can’t handle the fact that her policies created this crisis. This decision is out of touch and reckless, and New Yorkers have had enough. It’s about time the governor got off her high horse and did her job instead of firing correctional officers for trying to protect theirs.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2025 at 9:12 am
Megg Wakefield
MEDINA – A local resident is asking the Village Board to back an effort to create a community garden in Medina.
Megg Wakefield said the effort would beautify part of the village and engage residents in growing vegetables.
She asked the board to think about a spot in the village for a garden. It could be at a park, a vacant lot, or on other village-owned land, perhaps next to the village office on Park Avenue.
She would like a spot in the village that is easily accessible to many residents, including those with limited transportation.
Wakefield said the garden could start small this year. She envisions it being “as low impact as possible.”
There may be grants available or donations to help with the costs for seeds, raised beds and other supplies.
Wakefield pointed to Holley’s community garden as a model. The Medina Village Board asked Wakefield to submit information on how the Holley garden functions.
Holley opened its community garden in 2017 on Route 31 on the east side of the village. The garden opened in the spring 2017 when the Clarendon Lions Club and the Myron Holley Garden Club agreed to supervise the project, which was facilitated by a $15,000 grant through the Orleans County Public Health Department. The grant was supplied by the Medical Reserve Corporation under the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Association of City, County and Health Officials.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman would like to pick a site in the village soon because the spring planting season isn’t too far away.
“It’s a great idea,” she said during Monday’s Village Board meeting. “It’s great for communities.”
Wakefield said she would start a Facebook group for the Medina Community Garden. Others interested in the effort can email her at Meggan.wakefield@gmail.com.
File photo: Holley celebrated the opening of its community garden in May 2017.
Attendees will discuss climate change, causes and effects of climate change, actions people can take to address climate change by advancing our policy agenda in the Congress and personal actions, too.
The group welcomes anyone who is serious about solving climate change as a volunteer. Citizens’ Climate Lobby work with members of Congress across the political spectrum to find common ground on climate change action.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national nonprofit organization with local chapters across the country. The group has been the primary catalyst for the energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. To learn more about our work, visit citizensclimatelobby.org.
ALBANY – CSEA and the State of New York today reached an agreement to extend to April 1, 2026, accrued vacation leave for Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (DOCCS) workers who were impacted by the recent illegal strike of corrections officers and corrections sergeants at multiple state correctional facilities across the state.
This agreement will allow CSEA-represented employees of DOCCS and the Office of Mental Health who were assigned to work in a DOCCS facility between Feb. 17, 2025, and April 1, 2025, who would other forfeit accrued vacation leave on April 12, 2025, to be given until the close of business on April 1, 2026, to use such excess vacation credits. Any such unused excess vacation credits as of the close of business on April 12, 2026, will be forfeited by employees.
CSEA had earlier secured increased overtime pay and safety protections for members impacted by the strike.
“We applaud Governor Hochul and her administration for extending accrued vacation leave for CSEA members who showed up to their jobs every day during the crisis,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “I also thank our union members, who stepped up in a tough situation and ensured the safety and security of the facilities and care of inmates while facing long shifts and exhaustive hours. CSEA will continue to push for safer working condition and resources that workers need to continue to do their jobs effectively.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2025 at 10:14 pm
Tenney votes ‘yes’ while Morelle is a ‘no’
The House of Representatives in a party-line vote, 217-213, voted today to keep funding the federal government through Sept. 30. The vote averts a government shutdown on Friday, but still needs to pass the Senate.
Claudia Tenney, a Republican from Oswego, issued this statement:
“House Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution today that ensures President Trump’s America First agenda will be implemented. Americans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and are eager to take the next steps to achieve the policy priorities of his campaign last year.
“While I do not favor Continuing Resolutions, it is essential to keep the government open so the reconciliation process will continue to move forward. If we fail to pass a reconciliation package that includes an extension of the Trump Tax Cuts, taxpayers in NY-24 will see an average tax increase of 25%. Expanding the permanency and the certainty of the Trump Tax Cuts is essential and a priority for President Trump and the future prosperity and security of the American people.
“Funding the federal government is a constitutional obligation, and House Republicans have upheld that duty. Once again, House Republicans passed several individual FY25 appropriations bills, while the Senate, under Chuck Schumer’s failed leadership, did not vote on a single appropriations bill. A shutdown would harm our servicemembers and their families, hinder CBP and ICE from securing our borders and deporting dangerous criminal illegal aliens, and severely cost taxpayers. Notably, Democrats voted for a nearly identical CR in December. Yet now, with President Trump in the Oval Office, they are voting to send our nation into a costly government shutdown and are putting their disdain for President Trump over the well-being of the American people.”
“While I am disappointed that this CR does not include my FY25 Community Project Funding requests, the CR fully funds essential government services while reducing discretionary spending to lower the topline number. By freezing spending at current levels, this clean CR is another step toward fulfilling the America First Agenda that Congressional Republicans and President Trump promised to the American people.”
Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, opposed the Continuing Resolution. He issued this statement:
“House Republicans have rammed through a partisan spending bill that hands President Trump unchecked power to slash essential programs, forcing devastating cuts Americans fear.
“Ignoring their responsibility to craft a budget that meets the needs of working families, House Republicans have given Trump a green light to gut veterans’ services, slash Social Security retirement benefits, and strip healthcare from seniors and children—all to fund massive tax breaks to his billionaire friends.
“This isn’t just fiscally reckless—it’s a direct attack on the well-being of everyday Americans. It’s chaos by design, perfectly aligned with the President’s brand: Trump and his friends first, working families last.”
