Photos and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band
The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Hershey, Pa. on May 29-31 for their annual spring trip and competition.
On Friday they visited Zoo America which covers 11 acres and home to 75 species and 200 animals.
On Saturday they were engaged in competitions. Marching Band and A’Cappella won their classes.
The marching band won best overall in parade band. Adler Class won the high school student accompanist award.
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Photo by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Clarendon Deputy Town Supervisor Allen Robinson, left, and Town Supervisor Marc Major stand by a new defibrillator, first aid station and emergency handbook at the Clarendon Town Hall. It is located inside the town courtroom.
Clarendon also has a Narcan kit among the emergency supplies.
The Clarendon Lions Club contributed $1,000 towards the new defibrillator. The Lions Club meets at the Town Hall and wanted to support the town for making the space available to the club.
The town also paid $800 and tapped into a $1,895 grant from AEDGrant.com. Town Supervisor Marc Major wrote the application in November and the grant was approved in December. The new defibrillator has a battery that lasts seven years. The defibrillator replaces one that had expired.
Major, a longtime Clarendon firefighter, also wanted a Narcan kit. He said he has administered that several times as a firefighter to someone having an overdose.
“If you can help somebody we’re lucky we can do it,” said Robinson.
Return to topPress Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will host a free Lunch & Learn for individuals interested in becoming Certified Family or Youth Advocates on Tuesday, June 16, at 12 p.m. at the Crickler Executive Business Center, 319 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY.
The free informational session is designed for people who want to use their lived experience to support families, youth, and their community. Attendees will learn about the certification process, the role of Family and Youth Advocates, and how advocacy work can help others navigate challenges while building valuable skills and creating paid opportunities.
Registration is required with a light lunch provided. For more information, contact rfrank@wnyil.org or call (585)815-8501, x406.
About Independent Living of the Genesee Region
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is part of the WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies—a peer-directed organization dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting civil rights, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. WNYIL achieves this through relentless advocacy, strong partnerships, impactful programs, responsible practices, and the incorporation of individual life experiences. For more information, visit: ILGR.org.
Return to topPress Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is demanding action to combat New York’s physician workforce shortage by addressing administrative backlogs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Currently, an administrative bottleneck within HHS’ Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is preventing hundreds of qualified, foreign-trained physicians from beginning their service around the United States, including at healthcare facilities in some of New York’s most rural and medically underserved areas.
“International medical graduates are absolutely critical to New York’s physician workforce, especially in rural areas of our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s healthcare providers cannot afford to lose qualified doctors to administrative red tape. I’m urging HHS to immediately address these backlogs so that New Yorkers can get the high-quality care that they deserve.”
International medical graduates make up over one-third of New York’s physician workforce, more than in nearly every other state. Persistent clinician shortages, which have been reported at medical centers across New York, have a devastating impact on patient care, increasing wait times, delaying patient care, and overburdening providers.
Physician shortages are particularly acute in New York’s rural and medically underserved areas. As Senator Gillibrand notes in her letter, “A 2025 report highlights that 16 of the state’s rural counties face alarming gaps in care, with several counties lacking even a single pediatrician or OB-GYN. On average, these counties have only four primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, which is less than half the statewide ratio.”
To improve care in these areas, New York hospitals rely on the J-1 visa waiver program, which allows international medical graduates to waive their two-year home residency requirement and stay in the United States if they commit to working in a Health Professional Shortage Area. However, monthslong delays processing J-1 waiver recommendations is exacerbating physician shortages, preventing hundreds of qualified physicians from beginning their service and creating challenges for New York hospitals creating staffing plans for the upcoming year. HHS has not provided a timeline for improvements of this process.
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Provided photo: Orleans Ready Mix donated all of the concrete, labor and topsoil required for a 60-foot-long ADA-accessible concrete pathway to the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
LYNDONVILLE – Camp Rainbow is celebrating a significant accessibility enhancement thanks to the generosity and dedication of local community members and businesses.
On May 28, a new ADA-compliant sidewalk and concrete patio were completed at the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion, ensuring greater accessibility for campers of all abilities. The project was organized by Dr. Arthur “Doc” Mruczek, Sr., MD and his wife, Donna Dean Mruczek, who served on the board for 5 years and understand the importance of accessibility.
The Marcy Mruczek Pavilion was originally dedicated in 2012 in memory of Marcy Mruczek, who served as a counselor at Camp Rainbow for three years. The pavilion itself was constructed by Terry Garrigan Builders, a company specializing in pole barn construction.
The Mruczek family’s connection to Camp Rainbow extends beyond Marcy’s service as a counselor. Dr. and Donna Mruczek’s daughter, Patty, enjoyed Camp Rainbow and benefited from its programs and services. Their personal connection to the camp and appreciation for the opportunities it provides inspired their commitment to ensuring that all campers can fully access and enjoy the camp experience.
Located adjacent to Camp Rainbow’s athletic area, the pavilion serves as an important gathering and respite space for campers. Its shaded setting provides a comfortable place for individuals to rest, cool down, socialize, and enjoy camp activities while remaining close to the action. The newly completed project includes a five-foot-wide, 60-foot-long ADA-accessible concrete pathway leading directly to the pavilion, along with a concrete patio beneath the structure. These improvements ensure that campers who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices can safely and comfortably access and enjoy the space.
Dr. Mruczek said, “Marcy loved Camp Rainbow, and providing accessible access for all campers is a meaningful way to honor her memory and ensure everyone can enjoy this special place.”
The project was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Orleans Ready Mix. Owner Reginald Cichocki donated all of the concrete, labor, and topsoil required for the project. Additional support was provided by volunteers Brian Breuilly and James Klafehn, along with mason and laborer Jordan Heye, and Arc GLOW’s Facilities Manager, Joe Goewey, all of whom generously donated their time, expertise, and labor to bring the project to completion.
Camp Rainbow and Arc GLOW extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this important accessibility improvement possible.
Their commitment and generosity will help ensure that Camp Rainbow remains a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can enjoy meaningful recreational experiences for years to come.
About Camp Rainbow
Camp Rainbow is Arc GLOW’s summer camp program serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The camp provides recreational opportunities, social connections, skill-building experiences, and lifelong memories in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Arc GLOW is a public non-profit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Orleans Ready Mix donated resources to the project.
Call Charlie! also hauled materials for the improvement project.
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s Office
WAHSINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced that her office will host a webinar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The AFG Program provides much-needed assistance to firefighters and first responders, helping fire departments and emergency response organizations fund training, equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and other critical resources.
The program is administered by FEMA and is designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and enhance public safety in communities across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from a FEMA Fire Program who will provide guidance on the current grant application process and answer questions from prospective applicants.
“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This webinar will help connect local departments and emergency personnel with federal resources that can strengthen their operations and better equip them to serve the people of Upstate New York.”
What: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Webinar
When: Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET
Where: Webinar will be held virtually via Zoom
RSVP to: NY24.RSVP@mail.house.gov
Interested participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to ensure the presentation can be tailored to specific areas of interest. Questions may be submitted by email with your RSVP.
Return to topPress Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the results of a survey to collect feedback from nearly 600 educators statewide at the conclusion of New York’s first phone-free school year — and the numbers speak for themselves.
Teachers overwhelmingly report that without smartphone distractions their students are more active in class discussion, more engaged with their peers, and more focused on their assignments.
Schools across New York State implemented one of the nation’s strongest phone-free policies at the start of the school year in September 2025, in line with the requirements of the distraction-free schools law that was enacted by Governor Hochul in May 2025.
“I successfully fought for New York schools to go phone-free because our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling – and these survey results show our nation-leading policy is working,” said Governor Hochul. “Teachers overwhelmingly report that without constant smartphone distractions, students are more focused on learning and more engaged with their peers. These are results we can all be proud of, and I congratulate New York students and educators as we near the end of an outstanding school year.”
End-of-Year Survey Results
The Governor’s Office received 585 total responses, representing all regions across the state, grade levels, and roles in schools, to its end-of-year survey on distraction-free learning.
Some key takeaways from the results included:
More specific positive feedback included:
Teacher in the Capital Region: “Great improvement. Stick to your beliefs on this one. It is working. Kids are actually socializing, talking, discussing and it is really good to see.”
School support staff in Western New York: “It is just so wonderful seeing kids being kids again. Without the draw to the cell phone, the students are engaging with each other again. It is so heartwarming to watch!”
School Administrator on Long Island: “This has taught students to focus better and to be without their phones. It has encouraged more collaboration during free time (i.e. students playing board games with one another in the cafeteria)”
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Every student deserves a learning environment that is engaging and designed to support their success. Providing access to schools that support student focus helps ensure that students can fully participate in high-quality instruction, build meaningful connections with their peers and educators, and develop the knowledge and skills they need for the future. We remain committed to supporting efforts that foster positive school climates where teaching and learning remain at the center of the educational experience.”
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Provided photo: Volunteers join students with disabilities as they parade in the Special Tracks event Thursday at Wise Intermediate School.
MEDINA – The 2026 Special Tracks event took place at Wise Intermediate School on Thursday afternoon, with 49 kids signing up to participate.
Special Tracks for children with disabilities has taken place in Medina since 2006, with the exception of 2020 because of Covid restrictions.
Mary Lou Tuohey, whose daughter Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrone, first learned about Special Tracks when Nicole attended Summit Educational School in Amherst.
“They did Special Tracks there, but there was nothing like that here then for special education kids. I talked to the school here, but they said they couldn’t afford it,” Tuohey said. “Then the PTSA stepped in and did fund-raising for the event.”
Now Debbie Tompkins, secretary at the High School, funds it, Tuohey said.
Travis Phillips and Alex DiLaura now coordinate the event, and Tuohey supports it in the background, she said.
Tuohey said participation in Special Tracks has steadily increased. Students get to choose three events in which to take part. Choices are 40-, 60- and 100-meter runs, softball throw, distance kick, standing and running long jump and relay race. Favorite events are the 40-meter run, distance kick and softball throw, Tuohey said.
Each student gets a ribbon for each event in which they participate, a medal and certificate with their name, event and date on it. Participants also get a cookie from Hans’s Bakery and free pizza.
Buddy volunteers are sought for each child.
“It’s a lot of fun to see the kids’ faces when they compete,” Tuohey said. “Even if they don’t win, they get a ribbon and a T-shirt which reads, ‘Special Tracks’”. They get so excited.”
Originally, Special Tracks was managed by Pam Maryjanowski, retired gym teacher at Medina Central School. Maryjanowski has always had an interest in children and adults with special needs. Early in her career, she was instrumental in getting sleds built by inmates at the prison for sled hockey participants. She also ran the Special Olympics for a number of years. She just returned from Nassau County where she attended their physical challenge games. She directed the special games at Brockport for 14 years. As a graduate student, it was her job to organize the games at Brockport, she said.
Maryjanowski retired from the Medina School System six years ago, but continues to support games for the physically challenged.
“I’m happy to see Special Tracks still going,” she said. “I am thrilled there are still people willing to organize and recruit volunteers for this program.”
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Photos by Tom Rivers: Jay Kovaleski, a high school physical education teacher, is congratulated by Albion Board of Education member Porsche Taylor on his impending retirement. Kovaleski also has been a long-time coach for swimming and tennis, helping Albion win several league titles during his tenure. He and other retirees were recognized by the school district during a reception Monday before the BOE meeting.
ALBION – The school district on Monday recognized retiring teachers for their long commitment to students and also honored other retiring staff who have been integral to the district operations. Altogether, the 13 retirees have worked 304 years at the district.
“The district is in a better place because you are in it,” Board of Education President Linda Weller said during a reception before the monthly BOE meeting.
District Superintendent Mickey Edwards first recognized three BOE members who are ending their tenures on the board.
David Sidari has served in the volunteer role since 1999. He retired in 2024, but came back about six months later in January 2025 to fill a vacancy.
Kurt Schmitt has served six years on the board and been active with the Finance & Audit, Facility and Safety, and Code of Conduct committees. Trellis Pore is finishing a five-year term. He has been on the Code of Conduct Committee.
Laura Simboli, the Albion school district treasurer, is congratulated on her retirement by Rick Recckio II, Assistant Superintendent for Finance. The school district honored retirees before the Board of Education meeting on Monday.
The 13 retirees from the district include:
Laura Simboli is retiring after 11 years at the District Office. She started as a payroll clerk and has been the treasurer the past four years.
Rick Recckio II, assistant superintendent for finance, said Simboli exudes kindness and has expertise in projected fund balance, cash flow and grants.
“I truly cannot imagine this place without her,” he said. “She has been the heart of this office in so many ways.”
Greg Staines, a computer specialist for the past 16 years, shakes hands with Joe Navarra, the information technology director at the school district.
Navarra said Staines has a knack where he can fix anything, without ever being ruffled by a challenge.
“He is a kind person who makes the workday better by just being around him,” Navarra said. “He has been a great person and friend to all of us.”
Angela Conway, elementary school principal, congratulates Dana Martin for his career in the elementary school.
Martin has been a long-time fifth grade teacher at the school. He started with Albion in 1997 as a Japanese teacher and then was an AIS teacher. He has led the Japanese Club the past 29 years and organized many cultural events at the school.
“He has a calm demeanor and genuine care for the students,” Conway said. “He is a thoughtful listener.”
Among his colleagues, Martin is also known as the “science guru,” she said.
Phil Gardner worked 30 years for the Albion School District.
Phil Gardner started at Albion as a long-term sub in 1996 and then worked nearly 30 years in the classroom, with most of his career in second grade.
“He is patient, soft spoken and kind,” said Conway, the school principal. “He creates an environment where very child feels valued.”
Robert Epperson, a first grade teacher, is retiring after 27 years. He also taught fourth grade at Albion. He was praised for his compassion and commitment to his students.
Theresa McClellan, a speech teacher and language pathologist at Albion for 27 years, was praised “for helping students find their voice.”
Beth Dunn and Terri Monacelli, teacher aides in Prekindergarten, are both retiring. Dunn worked 25 years for the district and is well regarded for her compassion to students and “incredible sense of humor,” Conway said.
Monacelli worked 31 years for Albion, starting as an aide in the former Even Start program. She has worked in PreK for the past 27 years. She is very prepared and organized, “but what sets Terri apart is her heart,” Conway said.
Terri Monacelli is retiring after 31 years as an aide in the elementary school.
In the Middle School, there are two retirees. Greg Martillotta is retired after 31 years as a music teacher including running the middle school band program. He retired in September.
Lee Sheehan retired in December after 18 years with Albion. She started in the elementary school and taught sixth grade the past eight years.
Brad Pritchard, the middle school principal, said Sheehan was committed to student growth and often supported her students outside of the classroom, attending dance recitals, school musicals and other events.
Lee Sheehan is congratulated by Board of Education member Kelly Kirby.
From the High School, three teachers are retiring.
Ann Sentiff is retiring after 10 years as a high school science teacher. She joined the district after farming for about 20 years. She also was a substitute teacher for four years.
Shelly Daggs has taught math and statistics for 28 years. She was unable to attend the reception because she was helping local students get ready for a horse show. Daggs has helped lead a 4-H horse program for many years.
Jennifer Ashbery, the high school principal, said Daggs has been “an outstanding teacher, colleague and friend.”
Jay Kovaleski is retiring after 21 years with Albion. He started his career teaching six years in the Rochester City School District. He taught high school physical education and also was the girls volleyball coach as well as the long-time leader of the tennis and varsity swimming programs.
Ashbery praised him for helping to bring out the best in students with the motto: “Play with Purpose, Swim with Purpose and Live with Purpose.”
Editor’s Note: Shelly Daggs, Ann Sentiff, Greg Martillotta, Robert Epperson, Theresa McClellan and Beth Dunn didn’t attend the reception on Monday.
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Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Don Adams, an Albion teacher since 1993, is congratulated by Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, after Adams was honored as Albion’s Educator of the year on Monday evening. Board of Education President Linda Weller is at left and BOE member Porsche Taylor is at right.
Adams was praised for bringing so much joy and optimism in his job as a elementary physical education teacher. He also teaches swim lessons over the summer and has coached soccer, basketball, softball and track in his tenure, most often working with modified teams of seventh- and eighth-graders.
“He leads with kindness and integrity,” Edwards said in announcing Adams as the Educator of the Year.
Adams received several nominations for the award. He has been a dedicated coach and mentor to other teachers.
“Whether in the classroom, on the field, or throughout the community, Don is a constant positive presence who demonstrates respect, compassion, and genuine care for all students, faculty, staff, and community members,” Edwards said. “His character, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work and learn alongside him.”
Adams said he loves working with younger students and being a part of the Albion school district.
“The young kids love to jump, run and play,” he said. “I try to have a huge influence and impact on every kid.”
Over the years he has taught hundreds of children to learn how to swim. He helps them overcome their fear of the water, and gradually build their confidence in the pool.
“I want to thank all of the students,” he said. “That’s what this is all about.”
Don Adams said he is thankful to work at the Albion school district. He thanked his family, the teachers he had growing up, and all of the students he’s had over a 33-year career. Up front from left include Board of Education members Kurt Schmitt, Linda Weller and Porsche Taylor.
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Provided photo: The Mini Mustang Marching Band was formed to allow fifth- and sixth-graders to become familiar with marching band before they become eligible to join the Mustang Marching Band in seventh grade. They are shown by the Olde Pickle Factory before the Memorial Day parade a week ago.
MEDINA – A new group of musicians has joined the band program at Medina High School – the Mini Mustang Marching Band.
Two music teachers – Andrea Busch, music teacher at Oak Orchard School, and Kyla Leno-Denise, assistant band director at the Junior-Senior High School – worked together to start the Mini Mustang Marching Band this year.
“Kyla and I wanted to find a way to get young students excited about marching band,” Busch said. “This gives them the opportunity to try it out before they are eligible to join the Mustang Marching Band in seventh grade.”
She said fifth and sixth grade students were invited to join, and 24 signed up.
“We didn’t know what to expect, this being the first year,” Busch said. “We are hopeful more will become involved next year.”
The Mini Band has already performed for their parents on a special preview night and in Medina’s Memorial Day Parade. Parents are also welcome to come to rehearsals to see what students do. They will perform again at Oak Orchard Elementary School and Wise Junior High on Flag Day.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Mini Mustang Marching Band heads down main Street and gets ready to make the turn on East Center Street during the Memorial Day parade.
The Mini and regular Mustang Marching Band got to perform their spring shows for each other during warmup for the Memorial Day Parade.
“It was a wonderful moment to see the high school students supporting the younger students, and then to see the younger students in awe of the older students,” Busch said. “We hope this helps build excitement in our music program and encourage more kids to join the Mustang Marching Band when they are finally old enough.”
“They are not a competitive group,” Busch said of the Mini Marching Band. “This just gives them a platform to have fun and perform before a crowd before joining a competitive group.”
The Mini Marching Band students practice from 5 to 6 p.m. two nights a week. Many have already signed up for fall marching band, Busch said.
“Kyla and I are so proud of the students,” Busch said. “We really are excited about their bright future with the regular Mustang Marching Band.”
Return to topCLARENDON – Heron Falls, a mobile home park off Route 31A with about 400 housing units and 800 residents, has asked the Clarendon Town Board to create a sewer district that would serve the park and connect into the Village of Holley system.
Heron Falls last year offered to pay an estimated $2 million to run a 4-inch sewer line from Heron Falls and connect into Holley’s system at Bennetts Corners Road.
During a town meeting in November, several Bennetts Corners Road residents spoke out against the project concerned it would bring development to their rural neighborhood and possibly foul odors and negative impacts from construction.
The Town Board ultimately voted unanimously not to support the project as presented.
But now Heron Falls, owned by Estates West MHC LLC, wants to try a new approach. It has submitted a petition to the town to form the Heron Falls Sewer District.
Town Supervisor Marc Major and the rest of the Town Board have referred the petition to Bond, Schoeneck and King Attorneys for its advice on how to proceed. Major said Heron Falls hasn’t taken an adversarial stance with Clarendon. The company has petitioned for a district in the same manner that a group of residents do when they are looking to form a water district.
The Town Board now takes it under review to see if it will proceed as a town-driven project.
When Heron Falls looked to hook into Holley’s sewer system, the Clarendon Town Board was brought into the process in the late stages, Major said.
If the sewer district goes forward, Major said he wants an agreement “where all parties benefit.”
Heron Falls last year offered to spend $2 million to extend public sewers in the town by about 2 miles.
Heron Falls, formerly called Thomas Estates, wants to decommission its aging wastewater treatment system on site and instead run a 4-inch sewer line to connect with Holley’s sewer system.
Heron Falls offered to pay for the new sewer lines and a pump station, and then turn the project over to the Village of Holley. Residents along 1,650 feet on Route 31A and then 9,150 feet along Bennetts Corners Road would have the option to connect to the sewer system, but wouldn’t be required, according to the proposal from last year.
Holley’s sewer plant currently treats about 210,000 gallons a day. Heron Falls wants to send another 38,000 to 70,000 a gallons to Holley’s plant which has a capacity to treat 450,000 gallons a day. Even with Heron Falls, Holley would have plenty of capacity to accommodate other users, village officials said.
Return to topBy Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 14
Gary E. Bullock, who died in the Vietnam War at age 24, is shown as a schoolboy in Holley.
HOLLEY – Memorial Day, the national holiday which honors American military personnel who died in service, was celebrated annually on May 30 from its inception in 1868 until 1971 when federal legislation changed its observance to the last Monday in May.
This year, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 25, the earliest date possible for this calendar occurrence. The next time the holiday will be as early as this will be 2037.
Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the first official observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The first nationwide observance of Decoration Day was in 1870.
On that year in Albion, a sizeable Military Procession convened at the Courthouse Square under the direction of the Chief Marshal, Col. E. M. Spaulding. Preceded by Hadley’s military band, it processed to Mt. Albion Cemetery.
Following prayers, the grave of each Civil War casualty was decorated while Captain Thomas Bell gave a brief military history of each of the deceased. The procession then reformed formally and marched back to the Courthouse Square where it was dismissed. Flowers for the decoration of the graves had been contributed and assembled at the Grand Jury Room in the Courthouse on the morning of the parade.
Recently, the paper records of Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock were donated to the Holley Depot Museum. A slim file, it poignantly illustrates the human cost of war. The file contains records of his birth and education, photographs, military records, death, burial and insurance records, as well as carefully clipped newspaper articles, now yellowing.
The only son of Mr. & Mrs. Dayton C. (Lolita) Bullock of 85 S. Main St. in Holley, Gary E. Bullock, aged 24, was killed in action in South Vietnam on Tuesday, January 31, 1967, when a bunker collapsed on him. His enlistment was almost over. He had been looking forward to leaving Vietnam on February 27. He was the fourth of the nine casualties of the war from Holley.
The “Statement of Casualty” announces that Gary Bullock died on Jan. 31, 1967 in Vietnam “as the result of injuries received while in a bunker which collapsed on him.”
The “Final Disposition” telegram. Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley. (Material courtesy of Kim Dalheim)
Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new policy to eliminate outdated restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants.
Effective immediately, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will no longer require applicants to disclose whether dancing will be permitted by patrons or consider questions on the application about patron dancing when reviewing on-premises license applications.
This policy change builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support live performances, arts and entertainment across New York and to modernize policies impacting the state’s nightlife and hospitality industry.
“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched, and our restaurants, bars and nightlife are a big part of what makes our communities so vibrant,” Governor Hochul said. “By eliminating this antiquated restriction on dancing, we’re making it easier for businesses to succeed and for New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the energy and excitement that define our state.”
New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “The SLA should be focused on public safety, quality of life, and the overall operation of licensed businesses — not on whether patrons choose to dance. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are continuing to remove unnecessary barriers and support the restaurants, bars, and venues that help make New York’s communities dynamic, welcoming, and full of energy. Dancing is good for the soul. Let’s celebrate!”
Key changes under this new policy include:
This policy change applies to all new applications, including those currently under review that have not yet been approved.
Licensees that currently have restrictions related to patron dancing may apply to modify their method of operation if they wish to allow dancing at their establishment.
The SLA will continue to review each application based on public convenience and advantage and the overall method of operation, while enforcing all laws and regulations related to noise, disorderly conduct and public safety. Businesses must continue to comply with all applicable municipal laws, regulations or zoning requirements related to dancing, entertainment and use of space.
Additional guidance on this new policy is available on the SLA’s website.
Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association Executive Director Scott Wexler said, “Hallelujah, the State Liquor Authority is calling off the “dancing police” in bars and restaurants in New York. For nearly 100 years since the repeal of Prohibition, operators of restaurants had to get special permission from the Liquor Authority to permit patrons to dance. In what resembled a scene from the movie “Footloose” owners would need to stop their customers from dancing to the jukebox or risk getting shut down. With this common sense change the Liquor Authority is removing the shroud from New Yorkers’ dance card – so let’s dance!”
New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association President Sandra Jaquez said, “For New York’s minority-owned restaurants, bars, and lounges, music and dancing are central to how our communities gather, celebrate, and support vibrant neighborhoods. We applaud Governor Hochul and Chair Lily Fan for removing outdated restrictions around patron dancing and taking a commonsense step toward modernizing New York’s hospitality rules. This change will help small businesses better serve their customers, strengthen commercial corridors, and continue contributing to the culture and economy of communities across the state.”
New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Fleischut said, “Thank you Governor Hochul and the State Liquor Authority for addressing regulatory red tape. (This) decision shows their continued commitment to modernizing and updating the antiquated alcohol laws that make it difficult to open and maintain a restaurant or bar. We look forward to continuing to work with them to help the hospitality industry thrive.”
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Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows the clock and Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The village of Albion receives about $47,000 from the state in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance. Cities that are similar in size to the village of Albion receive far more. The City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City receives $928,131 in AIM and another $323,328 in TMA. Salamanca has a population of 5,929 while Albion’s is 5,637.
The $268 billion enacted state budget from last week triples funding to muncipalities in Temporary Municipal Assistance, up from $50 million in the 2025-26 state budget to $150 million in the new budget.
The state began offering the Temporary Municipal Assistance in the 2024-25 budget at $50 million.
The temporary aid is on top of the $715 million for Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, which distributes AIM funding statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.
The TMA follows the same percentages with the overwhelming majority going to cities. Some of the tripling of TMA will trickle down to towns and villages in Orleans County.
Here is the breakdown of AIM and Temporary Assistance for Orleans County municipalities:
Orleans County doesn’t have any cities and its 10 towns and four villages will get a total of $80,148 as part of the TMA allocations. The county has a population of 40,343 so the temporary aid amounts to about $2 per person.
The cities get a lot more in assistance from the state. Here are some examples of smaller cities and their AIM and TMA:
Governor Kathy Hochul said the boost in temporary aid will help cities, towns and villages with rising costs.
“As bad federal policies like tariffs drive inflation and continue to raise costs for local governments, we are providing additional aid to localities to help hold the line on local taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “Strong local communities mean an even stronger New York, and these investments will go a long way to ensure that our local governments can continue to deliver for the communities they serve.”
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