Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion firefighters Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher hose down a spot on Route 31 where a car burst into flames at about 1:40 p.m. today near the Transit Road intersection.

The car was being hauled to a scrap yard on a trailer. Something from the car was hanging and sparked from hitting the road. That spark caused the car to catch fire, Albion Fire Chief Rob Conner said.

Provided photo

The car burst into flames and spewed dark smoke. A section of Route 31 from Denmore and Transit roads was closed to traffic for more than a half hour. No one was injured.

ALBION – A Holley man was arraigned this morning in Orleans County Court on 13 counts, including attempted murder in the second degree.

David Simoni, 32, was charged on June 15 after he allegedly lunged at a Holley police officer, attempting to stab him, when the officer was dispatched to the Holley waterfalls on Frisbee Terrace that evening.

Simoni was allegedly walking around with a knife antagonizing people, Robert Barton, Holley police chief, said on June 16.

An Holley officer approached Simoni, who was sitting on a park bench and did not respond to any of the officer’s questions. The officer then spoke with other individuals in the park to investigate the incident, Barton said.

When the officer returned to Simoni, who was still sitting on the bench, a physical altercation ensued as Simoni lunged at the officer, Barton said. During the altercation, the man attempted to stab the officer with a knife, Barton said.

With the assistance of nearby citizens, the officer was able to disarm Simoni and then the officer utilized his taser to cause the male to disengage. The male was taken into custody without further incident.

Simoni has been in the Orleans County Jail on $50,000 cash bail and $100,000 bond. County Court Judge Sanford Church kept the bail at those levels during today’s arraignment.

Simoni also was arraigned on menacing a police officer, reckless endangerment in the first degree, attempted assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, menacing in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, criminal mischief with intent to damage property, acting in an injurious manner to a child younger than 17, and resisting arrest.

Simoni is represented by Public Defender Joanne Best. She and District Attorney Joe Cardone both requested a mental health evaluation for Simoni, and Church agreed to order that evaluation.

Provided photo

BATAVIA – A new billboard has been installed along the Thruway near the Batavia exit, promoting fishing in Orleans County, in particular, the Oak Orchard River.

The billboard is just east of the Batavia exit on the northside of the Thruway.

The County’s Tourism Department has a two-year agreement with Outfront Media in Boston, Mass. for the billboard. The design will change every six months.

Outfront will be paid $28,600 over the two years with the money coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. Guidelines for  using the funds allow the federal dollars to be used to promote tourism.

The county has transferred $67,978 in American Rescue Plan funds to the Tourism Department.

County officials want to better promote the fishery, which is the county’s top tourism attraction.

A survey in 2017 by the state Department of Environmental Conservation put the total economic impact from fishing in Orleans at $27,989,393 in 2017, according to survey results. Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571.

The DEC report also ranks which species of fish the anglers were primarily trying to catch. The survey reports that 23 percent said they were primarily fishing in Orleans County for Chinook salmon, with 20 percent saying were after brown trout. Another 18 percent said largemouth bass were their primary target and 14 percent said steelhead/rainbow trout.

Photos courtesy of Kathaline Woodruff

LYNDONVILLE – The band Blue Sky performs Monday evening outside the Yates Community Library at the library’s new back patio.

The library is hosting several concerts this summer on Monday evenings. The concerts receive some state arts funding through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Blue Sky kept the crowd entertained on Monday evening.

The concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule the rest of the summer includes:

• Aug. 9 – Eagle Creek
• Aug. 16 – Mr. Mustard
• Aug. 23 – Laces Out
• Aug. 30 – Barker Community Band.

The public is welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket, even a dinner picnic for the events.

Celtic Spirit performed on the lawn behind the library on July 26. The pipe band mixes traditional bagpipe music with various modern instruments, in its own unique arrangements.

The Old Hippies performed on July 19.

The library at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 also is hosting a book discussion led by Anne Smiley about the three-volume graphic memoir, March, which is about the late Congressman John Lewis and his experiences as a leader in the Civil Rights movement.

The library’s book club, “Renegade Readers,” is reading March and will be participating in the discussion.

Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Western District of New York

ROCHESTER – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Philip M. Close, 43, of Rochester, who pleaded guilty to a 74-count indictment, including 61 counts of production of child pornography and 13 counts of possession of material containing child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 50 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles A. Siragusa.

“As a result of this sentence, this defendant will likely spend most or all of the rest of his life behind bars,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Let this case serve as an example to any individual in a position of trust with children—if you seek to exploit children to satisfy your own perverse interests, be prepared to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and potentially to lose your freedom forever.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that from 2016 to 2019, the defendant owned the Close School of Music on West Ridge Road in the Town of Parma and provided private music lessons to children of all ages.

During that time, Close hid spy cameras throughout the school and secretly recorded the students, parents, and other teachers. Some of those cameras captured videos of the defendant inappropriately touching his students and himself during lessons.

Close also placed two spy cameras in the school’s only bathroom: one under the toilet and one hidden in a watercooler facing the toilet. The defendant intentionally positioned these cameras to record the naked genitals of young girls when they stood up from the toilet. Prior to opening the Close School of Music in 2016, the defendant worked at a different music school. Between 2012 and 2016, he also placed a spy camera in the bathroom of that school and intentionally recorded the naked genitals of young girls when they went to the bathroom.

Between 2012 and 2019, Close produced hundreds of videos of child pornography involving 61 identified minor victims. The youngest victim was four years old. While executing search warrants at the Close School of Music, investigators also discovered 13 devices that contained other images and videos of child pornography.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul has refrained from speaking out about sexual harassment allegations against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying she would withhold comment until the attorney general completed her investigation.

Leticia James, the attorney general, presented the findings of an independent investigation today, concluding that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, broke state and federal laws, and led a “toxic” work environment.

Hochul issued this statement this afternoon:

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service.

“The AG’s investigation has documented repulsive & unlawful behavior by the Governor towards multiple women. I believe these brave women & admire their courage coming forward.

“No one is above the law. Under the New York Constitution, the Assembly will now determine the next steps.

“Because Lieutenant Governors stand next in the line of succession, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the process at this moment.”

Bob Duffy, a former Rochester police chief and mayor, served as lieutenant governor the first four years of Cuomo’s nearly 11 years as governor. Duffy, who is now president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Duffy issued this statement:

“I am shocked and dismayed to learn the findings of the investigation led by Attorney General James, and I applaud the courage of the women who came forward to share their experiences. Speaking out about toxic work environments and sexual harassment is difficult under any circumstances, but even more so when such behaviors are carried out by a person in a position of power. ‘Intent’ does not matter. At issue is the impact of actions.

“Everyone deserves a work environment free of harassment, retaliation, bullying, and fear. The responsibility of leaders is to establish a positive and safe work culture. It is unfortunate to see that this investigation concludes the opposite is true.

“While it is not my role to speculate on the Governor’s political future, this comprehensive report provides a path forward for accountability and expectations of our leaders.”

‘No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office.’

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following their call for resignation in March, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following joint statement:

“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories – and we commend the women for doing so.

“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment.

“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”

‘The facts are much different than what has been portrayed.’ – Andrew Cuomo

This screen shot shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo responding to a report that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women.

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo was defiant in a response to a damning report that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women and broke state and federal laws.

Attorney General Letitia James released the findings from the report today at 11 a.m. Her office hired independent investigators who worked five months, interviewing 179 people and reviewed 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures as evidence during the investigation.

James and the investigators said the governor engaged in unwanted groping, kissing and hugging, and made inappropriate comments.

Cuomo and his senior staff also took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. The investigators found Cuomo’s Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

But Cuomo said at 1 p.m. today in a prerecorded message that he never inappropriately touched anyone, and his tendency to touch people – men and women – by the face is meant to show warmth. He apologized and said he didn’t “fully appreciate” that his style isn’t viewed as appropriate to some generations and cultures.

The governor insisted politics and bias tainted the report from the attorney general.

“The facts are much different than what has been portrayed,” Cuomo said. “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”

He urged people to go to his website to see his detailed responses to the allegations.

“Trial by newspaper or biased reviews are not the way to find facts in this matter,” he said.

Cuomo said a “superheated if not toxic political environment” needs to be considered by the public in assessing the report and the investigators’ damning conclusion against him.

“Politics and bias are interwoven throughout every aspect of this situation,” he said. “One would be naive to think otherwise.”

He said his focus will remain on serving as governor

“What matters to me at the end of the day is getting the most done I can for you, and that is what I do every day, and I will not be distracted from that job,” he said.

“We have a lot to do. We still have to manage the Covid beast. It is not dead yet. It’s not over. We then have to reopen and reimagine our state because our future is going to be what we make it.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Congressman Chris Jacobs have both issued statements following an investigation from the State Attorney General that he sexually harassed 11 women and broke state and federal laws.

State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) issued this statement:

“Today is a sad and sobering day for all New Yorkers.  The Attorney General’s findings confirm and reinforce the allegations brought by the brave women who came forward against a powerful figure — that Andrew Cuomo is a serial harasser, unfit to hold public office. In the wake of another devastating report, now more than ever Andrew Cuomo must resign. If he fails to do so, the legislature must immediately reconvene to take action to remove him.

“New Yorkers have already been subjected to far too many lies, scandals and misdeeds perpetrated by this Governor and his associates. It is time to bring this sad, tawdry and corrupt chapter in New York’s history to a close, and to restore decency, honesty, and accountability to our state’s highest office. New York is facing profound challenges, ranging from a wave of violence in our streets, to a badly battered economy.  To effectively address these challenges, we need a change in leadership as quickly as possible.

“I must also commend the Attorney General and her team for refusing to be intimidated by this Governor. From the very beginning, Andrew Cuomo and his associates attempted to bully, undercut, and undermine the Attorney General — all as part of an effort to prevent her from doing her job.  From attempting to block the initial referral to the Attorney General’s office, to the intimidation of potential witnesses, to the blatant attempts to smear her integrity and motivations, this Governor left no stone unturned in his efforts to prevent the truth from being discovered.

“While this will undoubtedly go down as a dark day in New York’s history, we must now take steps to ensure that it will also be remembered as an important turning point that restores accountability and trustworthiness to state government.”

Congressman Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park, issued this statement:

“Andrew Cuomo has irreparably disgraced his office, broken numerous laws, and intimidated at least one brave employee who came forward and reported his consistent abuse. He cannot serve as Governor of New York any longer, he must resign immediately and face justice for his crimes.”

UPDATED at 1:49 p.m.: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, says Cuomo should resign or be removed from office.

“What we heard today should sicken everyone at a human level, and we cannot allow the governor to continue as our executive knowing our worst fears about his actions are true,” Hawley said in a statement. “He must resign now, and if not, we must reject his leadership resoundingly to send a message that conduct of this nature will never be acceptable, by anyone. He has abused his power in the most horrific of ways, and the time has now come for the legislative branch to assert itself and do what is right in this critical moment.”

Report finds Executive Chamber ‘rife with fear and intimidation’

Press Release, Attorney General Letitia James

NEW YORK – The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.

Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”

The investigators find that Governor Cuomo’s actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.

‘I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.’ – AG Leticia James

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.

Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.

As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering “blanket denials” or that he had a “lack of recollection as to specific incidents.”

The investigators also found that the governor’s recollection “stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants’ recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor’s conduct.”

Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was “rife with fear and intimidation” that not only “enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur,” but also “created a hostile work environment overall.” Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in “retaliatory” behavior by “intend[ing] to discredit and disparage” a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.

The investigation found that Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber’s retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber’s own equal employment policies.

Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized — in addition to Joon H. Kim — as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized — in addition to Anne L. Clark — as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.

Prices topped $20K, most in years despite fewer animals

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ruth Kuipers, 11, of Byron leads a steer in the show ring during Saturday’s 4-H meat animal auction. Empire Tractor paid $3.15 a pound or nearly $4,000 for the steer.

KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H meat animal auction returned as a live event at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Saturday. Last year’s event was online when the fair was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This year the prices were way up and topped $20,000. That was for six rabbits, two steer and five pigs. The last live auction at the fair two years ago totaled $12,950. On Saturday the total was $20,118.

There was a smaller group of animals than in recent auctions. Many 4-Hers who typically have animals in the auction didn’t get started in time, working with either a steer or pig. That is a commitment for several months.

Hugh Gabalski, 14, of Byron is shown with the grand champion rabbit at the 4-H meat animal auction. Most of the rabbits sold for about $100 each. Gabalski was pleased with the prices. “More than anything I’m just glad we had a county fair this year,” he said.

With uncertainty about this year’s fair back in the winter and spring, some of the 4-Hers decided against committing to raising an animal for the auction.

Some of the 4-Hers decided late in the process to work with pigs for the fair, but those animals were only about 150 pounds, well below the minimum weight for the auction of 200 pounds.

Buyers were very generous during the auction, paying way above the market price. One of the pigs sold at $11 per pound with Panek Farms shocking the crowd paying about $3,000 for the animal and then donating it back to be auctioned off again. Several other buyers gave the animal back to be auctioned again with the second sales  going entirely to support the 4-H program.

Buyers included: (Steer) Bentley Brothers and Empire Tractor; (Pigs) Western New York Energy, Panek Farms, Genesee Feeds, Empire Tractor, Apex Clean Energy and Joe Sidonio (2); (Rabbits) Bradley Johnson, Bentley Brothers, David Piedmonte, HLW Acres (2), B & R Butchering and Bill Gerling.

Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron is in the showring with a pig while Liz Kron and Zack Welker scan the crowd for bids.

Zack Welker worked as a ringman at the auction, eyeing the crowds for bids and giving an enthusiastic reaction when the prices were on the move.

Joe Sidonio bought two pigs when the  animals were donated back to be resold. His purchases were about $2,000 total and that went to the 4-H program. His daughter Amelia, now 19, was in the program for about a decade.

“We’re recognizing the importance of agriculture in our community,” Sidonio said about the bidders. “And I think 4-H is the best program for a child. I’ve never seen a 4-H kid in any kind of trouble.”

He said the kids that work with the animals not only need responsibility, but they learn economics, genetics and connecting with buyers.

Phil Doty of Albion is co-owner of Empire Tractor, which has five locations. He bought a pig and steer on Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H meat animal auction.

“This is my home county and I want to make sure FFA and 4-H both keep going,” Doty said.

He plans to donate the meat from the two animals to his employees.

Herman Weber, owner of HLW Acres in Attica, bought two rabbits on Saturday. He said he will be buying animals raised by 4-Hers at 11 different auctions in the Western New York region.

“I want to support these kids,” he said. “They are deserving.  These animals are given higher-quality feed. The kids have so much invested in them.”

Grant Kuipers, 9, of Byron is shown with a pig that sold for about $3,000 to Panek Farms. That was one of the most shocking bids in recent memory of the auction. Ryan McLenithan of Cambridge served as auctioneer, with assistance from Janie Schutz, left, and her sister, Rylie Lear.

David Piedmonte of Holley has been a regular at the 4-H meat animal auctions. He bought a rabbit on Saturday. He said he wants to support 4-Hers and their months of work with the animals.

Andy Beach, holding daughter Aubrianna, bids on one of the pigs. He is co-owner of A & P Cattle. Beach usually works as one of the ringmen during the auction.

These rabbits owned by Joan Gabalski were sold at Saturday’s meat animal auction at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The tugboat Syracuse carries inspectors and officials from the State Canal Corp. on the Erie Canal in Albion on Sept. 14, 2016.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission Reauthorization Act to provide federal funding and support to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

“The Erie Canal is part of our heritage in Western New York, it supported our economic and industrial boom in the 19th century and continues to drive our economy and attract tourism today,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to support this legislation to provide additional federal support to the National Heritage Corridor. From Lockport to Medina, it is my hope that the Canal in NY-27 will be visited for generations to come.”

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4192) would reauthorize the National Heritage Corridor through 2037 and authorize an additional $16 million in federal funding. National Heritage Areas are maintained by a mix of public and private sector investments.

Having a grant writer available in Orleans County for non-profit organizations is a game changer, said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County.

Matt Holland

Bellack pushed for a $450,000 grant over five years from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, which has allowed United Way to hire a grant writer and fundraiser for Orleans County.

Matt Holland of Medina assumed his duties as grant writer on July 6, joining Nyla Gaylord of Clarendon, who started as fundraiser several weeks earlier. Gaylord wrote the grant on her own time which resulted in United Way receiving the $450,000.

Holland is a native of Oregon and has worked for 10 years with non-profits, including museums, historic preservation and cultural research.

He has a master’s in anthropology from the University of Buffalo and a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Oregon. His most recent job was with the Buffalo History Museum as program and volunteer coordinator.

He has done a lot of grant writing with the History Museum and Gresham Historical Society in Oregon.

“I thought this job with United Way was a good opportunity to work with and learn about the community I’d just moved into,” Holland said.

His wife Catherine is tasting room manager at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road.

Having a grant writer free of charge in Orleans County means a lot of non-profit organizations will be able to apply for grants who weren’t able to before, Holland said.

“The sky’s the limit now,” he said. “My goal is to take that burden off agencies who don’t have the time, staff or expertise to write a grant.”

Holland is getting to know everyone in the non-profit community and what needs they have, he said. He is working with United Way to form a committee to look at priorities.

“It has been fascinating to learn all the different projects and needs in the county,” Holland said.

“Our expectations are that we are going to see this impact all non-profits in our county,” Bellack said. “Our priority is to help agencies we support, and eventually all non-profits in the county. Matt has been busy gathering information from the non-profit agencies and prioritizing how we work and who we will work with going forward. We are looking to put together partnerships with our board and the non-profits in the county.”

While people are excited and calling about assistance in writing a grant, Bellack said they have to be sure those asking for help are ready for the grant process.

“They have to have a defined need and their books have to be in order,” he said.

Bellack said it is a complicated process and there are different reporting requirements for federal, state, foundational and corporate grants. Holland is the only full time grant writer in Orleans County, Bellack said.

Any non-profit in Orleans County can contact Holland for information on applying for a grant by e-mailing him at grants@orleansunitedway.org.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The amphitheater at Bullard Park will be used for an outdoor showing on Friday of Monsters, Inc.

ALBION – The new amphitheater at Bullard Park will be used Friday for an outdoor showing of the movie, Monsters, Inc.

The leaders of the Albion Summer Festival will be hosting the Friday movie nights. The first one will be 9 p.m. on Friday with more to follow on Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

Zack Burgess, one of the organizers, said families are welcome to come down and watch the movie on a giant screen that will be set up at the amphitheater.

“We’re encouraging people to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on,” Burgess said.

There will be a food truck, The Shack, available for people to get something to eat.

The amphitheater opened on June 19 to an open mic concert featuring local bands and musicians.

The venue will host a scaled-down “Albion Summer Festival 6.5” musical festival on Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Medina Central School:  Pictured from left include Daniel Doctor (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School), Chris Hughes (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School) and Jenn Stearns (Principal Oak Orchard Primary School).

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Oak Orchard Primary School Principal Jenn Stearns and Clifford Wise Intermediate Co-Principals Daniel Doctor and Chris Hughes are excited about starting the school year with a meet-and-greet with students and their families.

On Monday, August 30^th, from 3 to 6 p.m. between the two schools on the playground, the two schools will be hosting a welcome back picnic.

“We feel this will be a good head start to the new school year and it will be nice to see the kids and their parents,” Mr. Hughes said. “Also we will now have the third grade at the intermediate school and it will give the students and their parents a chance to get comfortable with that.  Summer is long for us when we are at the school and there are no students. We really miss them!”

Mrs. Stearns says the get together will achieve many goals.

“It’s an opportunity to visit the campus before the start of school, meet some of the staff, allow the students to catch up with friends and for us to get everyone’s paperwork before school actually starts,” she said. “For some of our students, they have not been in class for over a year and a half. We want to ease any fears they have about coming back and get them excited.”   Mr. Doctor says it’s a great way to build partnerships with parents.

“We can’t wait to see everyone!”

In the event of rain, the picnic will be moved to the gymnasiums of each school. The principals say that parents can feel free to bring their child’s school supplies in a labeled paper bag. They also encourage families to bring in their filled out paperwork they received in their summer mailer.

For 7th and 8th graders who will be entering the high school this upcoming school year, there will be an orientation and tour on Wednesday, August 25^th, for 7th grade at 6 p.m. and on Thursday, August 26th, for 8th grade at 6 p.m. Students will get information about academics, school activities, clubs and a copy of their schedule.