Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: These students are recognized for their literacy achievements.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

PENDLETON – On the evening of May 13, the Starpoint Fine Arts Center was filled with excitement and pride as over 400 students, families, and educators came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young writers at the annual Literacy Celebration, proudly sponsored by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center.

Each year, the Teacher Center—a New York State grant-funded organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning—hosts a literacy contest for students in grades K–8. This year’s inspiring theme, “Get Outdoors and Be Active!”, encouraged students to explore the joys and benefits of physical and mental wellness through outdoor activities.

Hundreds of imaginative entries were created, with students sharing personal stories about hiking with friends, sledding in winter, camping with family, biking through nature, and more. In total, 40 teachers from 10 school districts across Niagara and Orleans counties submitted their best students work, resulting in 147 exceptional entries.

Students were invited to showcase their creativity in a format of their choosing—ranging from essays and electronic books to digital comic strips and multimedia slideshows. Each entry demonstrated impressive storytelling, originality and writing skill.

The evening’s festivities began with an engaging keynote by local author and certified yoga instructor Mari Irwin, who captivated the audience with readings from her book “Yay for Yoga” and led the crowd in a series of calming relaxation techniques. Her interactive presentation set a joyful and reflective tone for the evening.

Following the keynote, students took the stage to proudly read their winning entries and receive certificates and prizes—including writing journals and creative design books. Their courage, enthusiasm, and talent were truly inspiring, and the room was filled with applause, laughter, and plenty of proud parents and teachers.

The Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center, under the leadership of Director Cheryl Herman and the Teacher Center Policy Board, extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this memorable event. Special appreciation goes to Mari Irwin for her inspiring keynote, the O/N BOCES culinary students for providing delicious refreshments, and to all the teachers and families who continue to nurture a love for writing, creativity, and outdoor exploration.

Thank you for helping us celebrate literacy and inspire the next generation of storytellers!

Top winners for each grade level are as follows:

K: Gianni Chuilli (Holy Ghost Lutheran), Joseph Falsetti (Lew-Port) and Violet Purinton (Lew-Port); 1: Phoebe Belliveau (Roy-Hart), Jasmine Jaeckle (Holy Ghost) and Damien Udell (Roy-Hart); 2: Amelia Milazzo (Starpoint), Emmett Miller (Starpoint), Estella Printup (Niagara Wheatfield), Amiya Riches (Barker), and Adeline Wahl (Barker); 3: Sophia Harshman (Holy Ghost), Lucy Heimiller (Newfane) and Abram Phipps (Sacred Heart Villa); 4: Andrew Fisher (Holy Ghost) and Lily Hockenberry (Holy Ghost); 5: Amelia Linkowski (Barker), Hope Rasch (Holy Ghost) and Avery Snell (Barker); 6-8: Lydia Atwater (Barker), Mathea Johnson (NT) and Hannah Monaco (Barker).

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson speaks during the dedication of the Medal of Honor Wall in the second floor of the County Office Building, outside the legislative chambers.

The wall was dedicated on Tuesday before the Legislature’s monthly meeting.

The county first introduced the wall on March 23, 2022 when a portrait was unveiled of David Bellavia, a Lyndonville native, being presented the Medal of Honor from president Donald Trump on June 26, 2019 at the White House.

The wall now includes all five recipients from Orleans County who received the nation’s highest military honor: Bellavia, Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville, John E. Butts of Medina, Thomas Wilbur Kates of Shelby and Charles D. Harris of Albion.

Takeform in Medina made the plaques and displays on the wall, including the Mystical wallcovering of a bald eagle and American flag. Hilary Misiti served as the project manager for Takeform. Nick Mroz, the Veterans Service Agency director, and Lisa Stenshorn, the clerk of Legislature, also spearheaded the project from the county’s end.

Charlie Nesbitt speaks during the Medal of Honor Wall dedication. Nesbitt is a retired state assemblyman. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, for rescuing an American soldier in a hostile enemy zone in the jungles of Laos, across the border from Vietnam. Nesbitt served in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969. He flew helicopters that teamed with special forces soldiers.

Nesbitt said the Medal of Honor Wall serves as inspiration to the community, and makes a statement that Orleans County values the commitment of those who serve in the military and the sacrifices of their families.

It is the small towns in places like Orleans County where many often serve on the front lines, making the difference for the country in battle, Nesbitt said.

The display includes an updated headshot of Bellavia (second from left) and portraits of Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville (second from right) and John Butts of Medina (center). Photos aren’t available of the other recipients Thomas Wilbur Kates and Charles D. Harris.

The five Medal of Honor recipients include:

• David Bellavia is the first living veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation’s highest military medal. He was honored for his acts of valor on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents, saving the lives of the members of his unit.

“That night, Bellavia single-handedly saved an entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow Soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire,” the U.S. Army states in Bellavia’s Medal of Honor recognition. “He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield.”

• Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville was assigned as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II with the 358th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group stationed out of England. On Dec. 20, 1943, Vosler’s fourth combat mission. The plane was under fire and had two engines knocked out with the aircraft windmilling out of control.

When a fellow aviator was knocked unconscious, Vosler maneuvered himself into the tailgun. Another 20-mm shell hit the aircraft, sending shrapnel into Vosler’s chest, face, and eyes. He continued to deliver defensive fire upon German aircraft until the attacks subsided. Nearly out of fuel and losing altitude quickly, the crew jettisoned every piece of equipment to lighten the plane.

Vosler, severely wounded and floating in and out of consciousness, begged the crew to throw him out of the plane to reduce weight. As the aircraft plunged into the frigid waters of the North Sea, Vosler crawled out of the aircraft onto a wing. A passing Norwegian trawler quickly picked up the crew and transferred them to a British rescue vessel. One of Vosler’s eyes had one of his to be removed, and the other required extensive surgery.

• John E. Butts of Medina is the only one of the five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County who received the honor posthumously. Butts was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor in the Normandy invasion in June 1944.

Butts was in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France. On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.

On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.

One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.

Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission,” President Harry Truman said in the citation for the medal, which was awarded on July 19, 1945.

• Thomas Wilbur Kates, born in Shelby on May 7, 1865, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion, a nearly two-year uprising led by the Yihetuan (or Boxers) against foreign imperialists in China.

Kates accepted enlistment with the U.S. Marine Corps at New York City on July 21, 1899. Pvt. Kates and other Marines were dispatched to China on June 18, 1900, where they remained through October 10, 1900. According to his citation, Kates was awarded the Medal of Honor “…for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 1st Regiment (Marines), in action in the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900. Private Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.”

Maj. Waller wrote in a letter dated July 6, 1900, that “…of the men I wish to say, while all in the engagements we participated in, behaved in such a manner as to bring forth the highest praise from the foreign officers…Cpl. Thomas W. Kates.”

He continued, “…the specifically distinguished of these being Corporal Kates and Privates Campbell and Francis, with the Colt gun.” According to the Report of the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps dated September 29, 1900, these three men remained with Lt. Powell, holding a position with an M1895 Colt-Browning Machine Gun until all but Campbell and Powell were gunned down. They destroyed the gun to prevent it from entering enemy hands before they commenced their retreat.

• Charles D. Harris, who fought in the Civil War, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Apache Wars in 1869. The specifics of the engagement and the actions that warranted the awarding of the medal remain shrouded in mystery. After the war, Harris returned to Albion and lived a quiet life until his passing on September 6, 1895. He is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery.

(Editor’s Note: Former Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard researched the four other Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County. He shared the details in previous columns and presentations when he was historian.)

James Nudd, assistant director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, speaks during the wall dedication.

“This Medal of Honor memorial is not just a decoration; it is a symbol of all the courage, sacrifice and strength these heroes embodied in those moments, and throughout their service,” Nudd said. “But it is also a reminder of the many others who served alongside them, many of whom never made it home, and many of whom will never have their stories told.”

Nudd said the wall should inspire those who see it, sending a message that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite of it.

“Let it remind us that the true measure of a person is not found in what they seek for themselves, but it what they are willing to give for others,” he said. “And let it remind us that freedom, peace and security are never guaranteed, but are earned every day by men and women like these, who chose to put the needs of others ahead of their own, without ever asking for recognition.”

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Photo courtesy of O/N BOCES: Pictured from left include Dr. Ronald Barstys (Director of Special Programs of Orleans/Niagara BOCES), Krista Macomber and Dr. Taweepon Farrar (District Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer of Orleans/Niagara BOCES).

Krista Macomber, a Special Programs Coordinator at Orleans/Niagara BOCES, was among those recognized from across the Western New York area by the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYSEC) on April 30   at their Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Creekside Banquet Hall in Cheektowaga.

WNYSEC is an organization that provides support for the educational community, such as professional development, mentoring opportunities and research.  Each year, WNYSEC honors exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators, and board of education members for their outstanding service to their students, schools, district, and community.

According to Special Education Placement, Testing and Extended School Year Coordinator Lorrina Kostuk-Madonia, Mrs. Macomber’s legacy reflects a deep commitment to education, leadership and service to the community.

“She has had a remarkable journey from when she was hired in 2004 to her upcoming retirement this year,” Kostuk-Madonia said. “She has done impactful work throughout her tenure with Orleans/Niagara BOCES as a principal at the Orleans Learning Center, our classrooms at Emmet Belknap, Newfane Learning Center and the Godfrey Learning Center.”

In her career at ONBOCES, Mrs. Macomber has been named the Administrator of the Year and received the Exemplary Service Award for her work with the 13 component districts of ONBOCES.

“Krista is highly respected by her staff, colleagues and students,” says Kostuk-Madonia.  “She has built strong, positive relationships with her team, which has contributed to her staff’s willingness to follow her through transitions and support the various programs she leads. In summary, she is a highly accomplished educational leader whose impact extends far beyond the schools she oversees.

“Her dedication to her students, staff, and community, as well as her exceptional leadership qualities, make her an exemplary model for others to aspire. Her career reflects the highest standards of integrity, commitment and service, and she is truly deserving for any recognition for her contributions to education.”

Provided photo by Isaac Robinson at cemetery in Carlton

ALBION – Members from the American Legion Sheret Post 35 and VFW Post 4635 fired salutes at 10 locations on Memorial Day morning before the parade.

The locations included the Orleans Vets Club, Veterans Park at Linwood Avenue and Brown Street, Old Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, New Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Mount Albion, Fancher Corner Monument, Otter Creek Cemetery, Waterport Cemetery, Carlton and the American Legion Post.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Betty Sue Miller, the Hoag Library director, gives blood on Dec. 17, 2022 during a blood drive at the library. Miller has welcomed blood drives and many other programs into the library.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is proud to announce that Library Director Betty Sue Miller has been awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the Nioga Library System, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to public library service across Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties.

The award was presented during the Nioga Library System’s annual meeting, where colleagues and library leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in library service. The Outstanding Service Award honors individuals who go above and beyond in promoting library access, innovation and community impact.

Miller was recognized not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her welcoming personality and commitment to building strong relationships with the community. Patrons and colleagues alike know her as someone who is always ready with a smile, a warm greeting and a genuine interest in helping others. Her approachable nature and willingness to meet with and listen to patrons have made Hoag Library a trusted and inviting space for all.

Under her leadership, Hoag Library has expanded outreach programming, enhanced technology offerings, and strengthened community partnerships. She is also a recent graduate of the 2024 Leadership Orleans program, where she collaborated with leaders from across the region to address local challenges and build stronger communities.

For more information about Hoag Library’s programs and services, visit www.hoaglibrary.org.

‘Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act’ seen as costly red tape

Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s Office: State. Sen. Rob Ortt and some of his Republican colleagues speak in Albany today against the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference stood in opposition to the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act  (S.1464), a crushing mandate on businesses that will lead to higher costs for consumers.

This bill would impose costly new mandates and additional burdensome red tape for New York businesses by forcing businesses to register with a packaging reduction organization and setting unrealistic timelines for the elimination of certain materials for packaging purposes.

This legislation will further drive up the cost of doing business in the State, and will lead to more job losses and businesses leaving the state. It will lead to even higher consumer costs at a time when New York’s economy is already struggling and outmigration is at an all-time high.

“In reality this bill will have very little impact on saving the earth, but a very big, very devastating real life impact on hardworking New Yorkers and businesses,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “This is nothing more than a crushing mandate that will make it more expensive to do business in New York and lead to higher costs on consumer goods at a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling.”

According to a Consumer Cost Study from May of 2024 conducted by the Business Council of New York State, consumers could be faced with a $1 billion dollar a year cost increase over a five year period. This could lead to increased household costs of $720 per household, at a time when New Yorkers are already struggling to make ends meet amidst skyrocketing costs and rates of inflation.

“The Harckham/Glick packaging EPR bill is the wrong approach for New York,” said Ken Pokalsky, Vice President, The Business Council of New York State. “It will result in increased consumer costs and reduced consumer choice, and will be costly if not impossible for businesses to comply with. In key respects, it differs significantly from what other states have recently adopted, including Minnesota and Maryland. New York should adopt workable solutions, that focus on improving its recycling programs, not banning materials and products.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A fire at 14098 Route 31 in Albion was limited to the back entrance of the house.

Albion Fire Department officials said the resident of the house and his dogs were safely able to get out.

A quick response by firefighters contained the fire to a back entrance attachment, without the fire spreading into the house.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5 p.m. Albion police officers and firefighters encountered a smoky scene and called for mutual aid with Barre, Murray, Medina, Shelby, Carlton and the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency all responding.

Part of Route 31 from in between King Street an State School Road was closed to traffic for about 30 minutes.

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Lianna Sheffer, CFS Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor; Tim & Kathy Drake, Orleans County’s Foster Parents of the Year; and Lizzy Boring, CFS’s Homefinder.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services Child and Family Services Unit (CFS) hosted its annual Foster Care Family Fun Night last week, where Tim and Kathy Drake were honored as the 2025 Foster Parents of the Year.

“Within the past year, Tim and Kathy have opened their home to several children that have either been placed directly with them or who are provided daycare in their home while the youth’s given foster parents are working,” said Lianna Sheffer, CFS Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor.  “Tim and Kathy have shown empathy to the youth they have had in their care, while also being strong role models for each youth, and advocates for the youths’ wants and wishes. They attend school meetings, and are always willing to assist the caseworkers with transportation for visitation and various other appointments.

 “Tim and Kathy have also gone above and beyond to be a resource and support for biological families and to reinforce the agency goal of safely reuniting families, while making it known to the youth in their care that they will always be a resource for them, whatever the outcome of the case,” Sheffer said. “Orleans County thanks the Drakes for their continued dedication and support to our community.”

The event was organized by CFS’s Homefinder, Lizzy Boring.  Boring has been in the role for three months, providing support to foster and adoptive families, and working on recruiting more foster parents for youth in need.  If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact Boring at 585-589-3161.

MEDINA – Jimmy Dieter, a Scout in Troop 35, is working to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank.

For his project, he wants to build a batting cage in Butts Park. Dieter is proposing a batting cage that would be 55 feet long and 14 feet wide to be used by Medina youth baseball and softball teams.

The wood structure would be up year-round but the nets for cage would likely just be up in spring until late summer.

There would be four 6 by 6 posts at the corners of the cage. They will be used to hold plastic-coated steel cables to hang a net from. Pressure-treated skirting will be installed around the hitting area and filled with fine packable stone with a turf hitting installed at one end, according to his project description that Dieter presented last week to the Village Board.

There are four baseball diamonds at Butts Park but no designated warm-up area for the players to safely take hitting practice. If players take batting practice on an open field, there are sometimes accidents with players, coaches or spectators getting hit with errant baseballs or even baseball bats, Dieter said.

The Village Board gave its permission to the project, with the stipulation Dieter work with DPW Superintendent Jason Watts on the location for the batting cage. Dieter likes a spot in between field near the Oak Orchard Creek.

“It’s the best area that is out of the way,” he told the board.

Dieter will lead scouts in the project, which is an estimated $850. He will secure the funding or donations for the batting cage.

LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 2025 “For Women Only” will return at a new date with exciting new features designed to inspire an evening of connection, awareness and tribute.

This year’s event is scheduled for June 12 at the White Birch to coincide with World Cancer Month, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. It’s theme, The Journey, reflects the powerful and deeply personal paths of those impacted by cancer – honoring the struggles, triumphs and support that define each experience.

“We chose The Journey as our theme this year to emphasize that cancer touches lives in many ways – and every path is unique, courageous and worth honoring,” Robinson said.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature two dynamic speaker panels – one comprised of individuals sharing personal journeys and the ways cancer has affected their lives; and another featuring professionals in the field who will offer valuable insights, resources and takeaways.

In addition to moving stories and important information, the evening will include raffles, time to connect and reflect and a heartfelt tribute slideshow honoring loved ones lost, survivors and those still fighting any form of cancer.

“The evening is about shared strength, support and community,” Robinson said.

Local vendors have also been invited to the event. There is no fee to participate as a vendor, but donation of a gift card or basket is kindly asked for to support the event’s fundraising raffles. Robinson added this is a great opportunity to showcase a business while supporting a meaningful cause.

To be included in the memorial and tribute slideshow, click here for more information.

Tickets are $30, and it is recommended purchasing them early, as the event regularly sells out. Tickets may be reserved by calling Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or by purchasing online (click here).

Sponsorships are also available. Information, along with vendor inquiries and how to donate a raffle item, is available by contacting Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation at www.majohnson@medinamemorial.org.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way,” Johnson said. “For Women Only: the Journey is our opportunity to come together, honor those experiences and walk this road – together.”

Event will be Sept. 27 at Medina’s State Street Park

Press Release, Alzheimer’s Association

Provided photo from Alzheimer’s Association: Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole are shown in Medina at a recent Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Nicole is holding a bag of paper links she sells for the Alzheimer’s Association.

MEDINA – Mary Lou Tuohey has been named as the chair of the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Orleans County, a role she has held for several years.

Tuohey recently retired as owner of Case-Nic Cookies in Medina. She and her daughter, Nicole, are well known in the area for their fundraising on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I am excited to once again participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I walk in honor, memory and support of my Mom, Dad and two aunts who all passed from Alzheimer’s,” Tuohey said. “Remember those who forget to remember…”

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Orleans County will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at State Street Park in Medina.

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  “We hope everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease, as well as funding research toward treatments that will finally end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York, there are more than 426,500 people living with the disease and 656,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/WNYwalk.

Photo by Tom Rivers: During a simulation showing the dangers of drunk driving on May 16, 2024 outside Kendall Junior/Senior High School, Monroe Ambulance medics have Jimmie Swift on a stretcher. He was one of three students taken away by ambulance as part of the simulation. Gracie Robb and Lucas Jones also portrayed injured students who needed ambulance transport. The simulation was done the day before the prom.

Press Release, AAA

The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically.

Across the country, 13,135 people have been killed in a crash involving a teen driver between 2019-2023. Over 30 percent of those deaths occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA’s review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2023 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 860, happened during the 100 Deadliest Days, a 21 percent increase from 2022.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing a disturbing trend,” said Marke Dickinson, AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO. “On average, eight people are killed per day in teen driving crashes in the summer, compared to seven per day during the rest of the year.”

New York State Police report a 13 percent increase in motor vehicle fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days from 2023 to 2024.

“Teen drivers don’t have much experience, and they take chances,” said NYSP Troop A Public Information Officer James O’Callaghan. “I have a 16-year-old at home. I’m speaking to you as a parent, develop those good habits. We all strive to set our kids up for success, it should be no different behind the wheel.”

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors:

• Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
• Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
• Texting (35%)
• Red-light running (32%)
• Aggressive driving (31%)
• Drowsy driving (25%)
• Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

AAA encourages parents to:

• Talk with teens early and often about avoiding dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment, and distracted driving. Serve as a role model for safe behavior.
• Always buckle up, and follow posted speed limits.
• Teach by example, minimize risky behavior; conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
• Make a parent-teen driving agreement setting family rules for driving.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Veterans line up around the Company F memorial in front of the YMCA (formerly the Medina Armory and home to Company F) to fire a three-gun salute this morning.

MEDINA – Memorial Day observances began early in Medina on Monday morning, with members of Medina’s Honor Guard firing three-gun salutes at all the veterans’ sites in the village and nearby area.

The Honor Guard, made up of members of Medina’s American Legion and VFW, met early for coffee and donuts at the VFW, before starting out with their rifles and flags.

Peter Huth, right, reads a prayer as the Honor Guard waits to fire a three-gun salute in the veterans’ section at Boxwood Cemetery.

Their first stop is always the Vietnam Veterans’ memorial in front of the American Legion on North Main Street, followed by the veterans’ sections at Boxwood Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery and Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Then it was on to the Company F Memorial in front of the YMCA, formerly the Medina Armory. Next stop is the Korean War Memorial on Park Avenue, across from the Olde Pickle Factory; then the tank at Oak Orchard Elementary School; and, lastly, the Butts-Clark Memorial in Butts Park on South Main Street.

Flag carriers representing the five branches of the military stand at attention in Boxwood Cemetery as Ryder Jones, left, and his brother River, in the distance at right, play echo taps.

At each site today, the service began with a prayer read by Peter Huth, followed by the three-gun salute and ending with echo taps, played by brothers Ryder and River Jones, both Medina High School students and members of the Mustang Marching Band.

Jim Freas is the officer in charge of the volunteers, who says he can’t remember how long they’ve been providing this honor to veterans.

Bradley Nudd, a member of the firing squad, said he started in 1972, when his dad Al Nudd told him they needed younger men to step up. He has been participating ever since, sometimes stepping in as bugler.

Veterans from the VFW and American Legion enjoy coffee and donuts before starting out to fire three-gun salutes at veterans’ memorials in the area on Memorial Day. In front are Jim Freas, officer in command of the Honor Guard, Larry Szatkowski and Dave Wells. At rear are Marine Nick Fintak and Medina Mustang buglers River and Ryder Jones.