Photos by Tom Rivers: Town of Shelby residents, Darlene Scharping (left) and Mike Zelazny both spoke during a public hearing on the Shelby town budget on Tuesday. They urged the Town Board to try to reduce a proposed tax increase. “We just pay, pay, pay and it’s not getting any better,” Scharping said.

SHELBY – Town of Shelby property owners will likely be facing a steep tax increase in their town taxes in 2027, Town Board members said during a public hearing on Tuesday about the preliminary budget which shows a 22 percent tax increase.

Town Supervisor Jim Heminway said the board has meticulously gone through the budget over nine meetings, and he doesn’t see any more significant cuts or revenue to whittle down the tax increase. The board will have another meeting before finalized the budget which must be done by Nov. 20. The final budget meeting date hasn’t been set yet.

Heminway said the town dwindled down its fund balance in the 2024 and 2025 budgets, leaving the board with little left to help offset taxes. With less fund balance and a $100,000 increase in an ambulance contract, Shelby has no choice but to raise taxes, Heminway said during the public hearing on Tuesday.

Town Supervisor Jim Heminway said town officials have worked diligently to try to reduce a tax hike in the 2027 budget.

“It’s a painful process but the numbers don’t lie,” Heminway said. “None of us wants to see the taxes go up. It means we have to pay more, too. Everyone sitting on this board is a taxpayer, too.”

Shelby’s preliminary budget sets spending at $2,483,643. That is up from the $2,271,132 in 2026, but also down significantly from the $2,732,759 in 2024 and $3,045,220 in 2025.

The town will be paying the Village of Medina an additional $100,000 in an ambulance contract for 2027 – from $35,000 to $135,000. Heminway said other increases – fuel, health insurance, utilities, salaries – are driving up the town’s budget.

Shelby has a much smaller fund balance, money that accumulated and was unspent. In 2024, the town used $917,939 in fund balance followed by $961,139 to offset property taxes. In 2026, the town was down to $241,000 in fund balance and next year’s budget would only utilize $150,000.

With less money in the bank with the fund balance, Heminway said the board needs to resort to property taxes to keep the roads maintained and plowed, the town hall functioning and other core duties of the town government.

The budget would increase the tax levy by 21.9 percent or by $241,960 – from $1,103,227 to $1,345,187.

Despite that increase, the tax rate will go down due to a big jump in tax assessments. The town’s overall assessed value increased by 32.2 percent or by $97.5 million from $302.2 million to $399.7 million. The assessments outside the village increased 39.6 percent or by $71.2 million from $179.8 million to $251.0 million.

The rate for village property owners in the town will drop from $2.24 per $1,000 of assessed property to $1.99, while the outside village rate will decrease from $4.61 per $1,000 to $4.19, according to the preliminary budget.

During the public hearing, two residents said they were concerned by the tax increase. Mike Zelazny and Darlene Scharping noted the significant hike.

Scharping said residents are feeling cost increases everywhere.

“We’re taxed too death,” she said. “We just pay, pay, pay and it’s not getting any better.”

Town Councilwoman Linda Limina said excessive use of the fund balance by board in 2024 and 2025 left the current board in a difficult position where a tax increase is unavoidable.

“We are now down to pretty much the bare minimum,” she said about the current budget. “And it’s getting expensive to run the bare minimum.”

Councilman Larry Waters said he and the board members have been diligent in reducing expenses in the 2027 budget.

“We went over every line, forwards and backwards,” he said. “We are really trying our very best.”

John Parada, a local resident, said he attended nearly all the budget workshops and has seen the board members agonize over the budget.

“They have cut as much as they could,” he said.

Organization has expanded programs, invested in facilities

Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo from Sept. 14 shows officials and supporters for Arc GLOW cutting the ribbon for the agency’s new office in Albion for Community Services and Self-Direction at 438 West Ave. Jill Pegelow, vice president of community services and self direction for Arc GLOW, holds the scissors for the ribbon-cutting.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

In 2021, the Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming joined together to form Arc GLOW.

Five years later, the agency continues to grow its programs, facilities, and community impact across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. This year alone, Arc GLOW held two ribbon cuttings: one for the new Golisano IRA in Le Roy and the new Community Services and Self-Direction location at 438 West Ave. in Albion.

Additional projects are underway, including the development of a Direct Support Training (DSP) Training Center, located at Arc GLOW’s administrative site at 18 Main St. in Mt. Morris and the Arc GLOW Community Center in Batavia. Renovations have also begun to transform the Hilltop sheltered workshop into the Career Exploration Center, a prevocational program aiming to promote community integration, expand volunteer opportunities, and provide meaningful job‑skills training.

In 2023, Arc GLOW bought the former Leicester school on Mount Morris Road to use for their day habilitation, community pre-vocational and recreation programs. In 2024, the agency was honored to be amongst the 82 non-profit organizations to receive funding from Tom Golisano, who donated $5 million to the agency.

Arc GLOW has launched innovative programs that create new opportunities for people with IDD. The Genesee IGNITE (Inspiring Growth & Nurturing Independence Through Education) college experience program, in partnership with SUNY Genesee Community College, came into existence after the success of L.I.V.E.S. (Learning, Independence, Vocational and Educational Skills), which is in partnership with SUNY Geneseo, allowing the agency to expand their inclusive college experience program.

Brittany Glasier, a behavior specialist with Arc GLOW, paints a temporary tattoo on Tammy Cummings of Barker as part of the 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day on May 30 at the Trolley Building, which is at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The Arts Collective is a new initiative where the people with IDD build confidence, make connections, and showcase unique talents while having fun and trying something new. Performances, in partnership with GO ART!, and made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

“While we celebrate five years as Arc GLOW, we also recognize the 65 years of history, dedication, and commitment that brought us to this moment. That legacy is the people we have supported, the people who have been helped to lead more fulfilling and successful lives, as enabled and lifted every day by our families, volunteers, community partners, and the talented and dedicated professionals that make us go!” said Eric Parker, Arc GLOW board president, during Arc GLOW’s annual award dinner and meeting. “I am incredibly proud of what Arc GLOW has accomplished in five years, especially in the last year, and even more excited about what lies ahead.”

Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO, highlighted some of the successes as a result of the merger during the meeting:

• Arc GLOW now supports about 2,000 people across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties, and have grown to more than 1,100 employees in full-time, part-time and per diem positions.
• Arc GLOW has invested in updating and expanding their fleet and now own roughly 325 vehicles.
• Invested into infrastructure upgrades across homes and programs to ensure Arc GLOW has safe, accessible, modern and efficient resources which support people with IDD and its employees.
• Invested in IT systems and phones, as well as strengthened cybersecurity.
• The return of the Guardianship program.
• The increase in Arc GLOW outreach with community partners and referrals.
• Arc GLOW invested over $9 million in updating and expanding their fleet and now has roughly 325 vehicles.
• Over the past five years, $1.8 million has been invested into infrastructure upgrades at agency homes and programs to ensure Arc GLOW has safe, accessible, modern and efficient resources to support people with IDD and their employees.

“None of this happens because of one person or one department. It happens because of our dedicated employees, the individuals and families who trust us, our Board of Directors, volunteers, donors and community partners,” Miskell said. “As we celebrate five years of Arc GLOW, we can be proud of what we have built together, and even more excited about what comes next.”

Members and supporters of Arc GLOW and the Self Advocate All-Stars marched in the Albion Strawberry Festival Parade on June 14, 2025, and some carried signs including this one, “Be Kind, For Everyone You Meet is Fighting A Battle.”

Miskell outlined Arc GLOW’s 2027 goals, which include:

• Growing recreation opportunities for adults and children.
• Continuously looking at ways to save money and increase revenue to be financially viable and sustain the agency’s mission.
• Continued efforts and dedication to the agency’s Strategic Plan with the four focus areas of: creating a culture of flexibility, growth and development to attract and retain staff; adaption of program offerings to align with evolving community needs and interests; increase discretionary revenue to help the agency grow and sustain their mission; and creation of a strong community brand to bring Arc GLOW more awareness, more support and new opportunities.

“While five years is an important milestone, it’s also just the beginning,” Miskell said. “Here’s to celebrating where we’ve been, recognizing where we are today, and looking forward to all that we will accomplish together in the years ahead.”

To learn more about Arc GLOW and support its mission, visit ArcGLOW.org.

YATES – A section of Route 18 will be repaved, one of 68 paving projects around the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.

The repaving will be on Route 18 from the Niagara County line to oak orchard Creek, covering Yates and part of Carlton. It will cost $81,000, according to the governor’s office.

Other nearby projects include:

• $2 million to resurface Route 5 (Main Street) within the Village of LeRoy and Route 19 (Clay Street) from the south village line to Randall Road in the Town of LeRoy and Village of LeRoy, Genesee County.
• $2 million to resurface Route 19 from Route 31 to Route 104, and Route 31 from Redman Road to the Sweden Corners Plaza entrance east of Route 19 in the Village of Brockport and the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson in Monroe County.

Hochul announced $100 million in funding for repaving projects in 68 locations across the state to help rejuvenate roadways impacted by the harsh winter weather. A total of 642 lane miles of state highways across every region of the state will be repaved under the State Department of Transportation’s “Harsh Winter Paving” program.

“New York’s roads face challenging conditions from extreme weather in all seasons, and this investment will help to rejuvenate some of the state highways most impacted by the harsh winter weather we see each year,” Hochul said.

BARRE – The unveiling of a mural celebrating the Barre community will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. The date was originally reported as Nov. 19 but needed to be moved back a day.

Stacey Kirby Steward created the 4-by-8-foot painting that will be on display at the Barre Town Hall.

The mural includes Barre landmarks and highlights an agricultural theme. Steward is working on the final touches, and she tried to show different parts of Barre, including Route 98, West Barre, East Barre, Pine Hill and some of the crops on the muck.

The Barre Betterment Committee spearheaded the project and received a grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. The public is welcome to the unveiling next Wednesday.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kevin Foster and his son Jack, owners of RJT Construction Services, were the first to walk across a new pedestrian bridge that was set into place on Oct. 15 over the Oak Orchard Creek in Medina.

MEDINA – Village of Medina officials and other local leaders will celebrate a new pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The bridge was set into place on Oct. 15. A crane from Trimble Services LLC in Fulton lifted the 33,000-pound steel bridge over the Oak Orchard. The bridge was manufactured by Bridge Brothers Inc. from Pickens, South Carolina.

The bridge is 100 feet long and 8 feet wide. It was delivered in Medina on a truck in two 50-foot sections and bolted together by RJT Construction Services, the general contractor on a project that also included 2,000 feet of sidewalks along Maple Ridge Road.

The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent is being paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500) using their share of funds from a now closed revolving loan fund through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is considering making West Oak Orchard Street, between Gwinn and Genesee, no parking.

This is a section that includes Veterans Park, where Village Trustee Jeff Wagner said the street is often congested with traffic, making it challenging for emergency vehicles and other motorists.  People often park along the street when there are games and other events at Vets Park.

The board will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 to hear feedback on the proposal. The hearing will be at the Shelby Town Hall.

MEDINA – The Village Board on Monday approved buying two new patrol vehicles for the police department, and also announced the board is close to new collective bargaining agreement with the union for the police officers.

The department has been operating about half strength with officers, including its former police chief, leaving for other departments where the pay is significantly higher.

The board said it is committed to rebuilding the department. The officers have been without a contract for about 3 ½ years.

The Medina PD currently has three marked patrol vehicles and an unmarked car.

The board approved spending $66,701 each for Ford Explorers that will be outfitted with light bars, steel cage, and other equipment. The vehicles will be purchased from Bob Johnson Ford in Avon at the state bid price.

Medina will pay for them through a Bind Anticipation Note to be paid over three years. The interest rate is expected to be between 4 and 5 percent.

The new vehicles are expected to arrive in the spring, Police Chief Corey Black said.

The department has two Tahoes  with mileage in the 50,000 to 60,000 range, Black said. Both have had engine trouble but he expects they can last with less wear and tear once the new vehicles join the fleet.

There is a Ford Explorer with about 140,000 miles that Black expects to be sold once the new vehicles arrive. The unmarked car is a Malibu that Black said has a lot of miles. He said that vehicle could stay with the village, but might be better utilized for other departments to go to conferences and trainings.

Black said he would ultimately like to see the Medina PD get on a schedule of replacing a vehicle every four years.

Brett Sobieraski

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski announced today he is running for Orleans County sheriff. Sobieraski, a retired sergeant with the Rochester Police Department, works an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.

He will be challenging Chris Bourke, who wants another four-year term. Bourke has been sheriff the past seven years. He is a 42-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, starting as a part-time corrections officer and working his way up as a deputy sheriff, K9 officer, lieutenant, undersheriff and then sheriff.

The two faced each other for sheriff in 2019, with Bourke the victor, 51 to 49 percent in a Republican primary. Sobieraski was then a write-in candidate in November 2019 and received about 20 percent of the vote.

Sobieraski lives in Carlton. He has more than three decades of law enforcement experience.

“I’m running for Orleans County Sheriff because Kathy Hochul and Democrat Socialists in Albany and Washington continue to strip us of our rights and coddle career criminals,” he said in a campaign announcement this morning. “I’m a conservative Republican who will fight every day to protect our communities from dangerous offenders and make our community safer.”

With the Task Force he said he has investigated and arrested dozens of felony-level drug dealers, leading to the seizure of deadly narcotics, illegal weapons and drug proceeds. The Task Force operates within the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office.

Sobieraski began his career with the Lockport Police Department before joining the Rochester Police Department and becoming a sergeant. He supervised the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and served as entry team leader with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

He also served as an instructor at the regional police academy, training the next generation of law enforcement professionals in drug identification, officer safety and emergency response.

Sobieraski, 60, is also well known in the region for taking on endurance challenges to raise money and awareness for families of fallen law enforcement officers, and non-profit organizations. In July, he raised over $25,000 for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee by leading an effort to cover 400 miles on foot over eight days.

In 2023, he ran 50 marathons in 50 days, starting in Florida and ending in Rochester. He raised over $100,000 for the family of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.

When his sons were kids, Soberiaski also volunteered as a local sports coach with the Kendall Wrestling Program and baseball team. He is the founder of Limitless Racing Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in road races.

He also volunteered with the Special Olympics, Huther Doyle addiction services, veterans’ organizations, families of fallen law enforcement officers, and individuals battling serious illnesses.

“Orleans County is my home,” he stated in a news release. “While Albany politicians prioritize criminals and make us less safe, I’ll be the fighter our community needs to aggressively target those bringing dangerous drugs into our community, create safer roads, unify our local police agencies, and bring new leadership into the Sheriff’s Office. We need change. I’m ready to get to work for our families, businesses and schools.”

A Republican primary is scheduled for June 22, 2027, with the general election on Nov. 2.

Photos courtesy of Cobblestone Museum: The cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz on Route 104 in Ridgeway was recognized with a Historic Preservation Award by the Cobblestone Museum on Oct. 30.

LYNDONVILLE – Five historic structures in Orleans County were recognized Oct. 30 by the Cobblestone Society and Museum with a Historic Preservation Award.

The annual award ceremony, which took place at White Birch Golf Course, was emceed by Cobblestone director Doug Farley.

Recognized for their historic significance were the cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz at 12387 Ridge Rd., Medina; the office of Albion Agencies at 30 North Main St., Albion; the Maple Crest, 503 Prospect, Medina; the First Presbyterian Church, 29 East State St., Albion; and the chapel at Hillside Cemetery, corner of Route 237 and South Holley Road, Holley.

The cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz was built in the late 1830s as a Greek Revival, cottage style house. Around the late 1860s, the appearance of the house was altered by raising the roof and creating a two-story, center-entrance building. The home had multiple owners, including John Amos, whose descendants lived in the home for 100 years. The next owner was Sheri Egeli, followed by Ciechanowicz.

Farley said Ciechanowicz’s remarks were especially poignant as she had just entered hospice care and came in a wheelchair, accompanied by two hospice workers and several family members.

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Albion Agencies, Bill & Jackie Bixler, in Albion

Albion Agencies is owned by William Bixler, and is the oldest and largest insurance agency in Orleans County. In continuous operation since 1844, it was originally operated as a fire insurance agency.

Operated by the Haines family from 1919 to 2018, the building is commonly referred to as the Haines Building. Christopher Haines served as president for many years, continuing the family’s stewardship. Constructed of brick, it was built in the early 19th century as a residence.

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First Presbyterian Church in Albion

The Albion First Presbyterian Church was completed and dedicated in 1874, as a result of a bequest of $50,000 (nearly $1 million today) by Elizur Hart, who died in 1870. Built at a cost of nearly $80,000, its 175-foot spire is the tallest structure in Orleans County.

The church has a two-manual Hook and Hastings organ, which cost $3,500 and was celebrated as one of the finest in Western New York. In 1937, the church boasted 450 members.

A fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, the church is constructed of Medina sandstone. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the earliest settlers of Orleans County and represents the foundation on which our area was built. It reflects an age of great wealth, prosperity and generosity.

The church has remained a major architectural and spiritual landmark in Albion. It continues active ministry, community engagement and preservation of its historic building. In 2024, the congregation celebrated its bicentennial, marking the 200th anniversary since the church’s founding. Current pastor is the Rev. Sue Thaine, an Albion native who has served since 2018.

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Hillside Cemetery Chapel  in Clarendon

Hillside Cemetery Chapel is an 1894 Gothic Revival chapel, designed by Addison Forbes, originally from Kendall. He also designed the Baptist Church in Morton, the Episcopal Church in Holley and the Methodist Church in Adams Basin.

The chapel is constructed of locally quarried rough faced Medina sandstone in the Gothic Revival style. A prominent feature is the flying buttress which supports an obelisk and serves as a decorative element, as well as a ventilator for the underground vault. The chairs, lectern and cast-iron stove are original to the building. The chapel was recently restored through the cooperative efforts of the town of Clarendon and the Clarendon Historical Society.

The chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the cemetery. It is also in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.

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Maple Crest in Medina

Maple Crest at 503 Prospect St., is owned by Rollin Hellner. It was the family home of Judge Henry Childs, and later became known as The Maple Crest Inn. The Maple Crest was built in 1860 for a Main Street merchant, who was a cousin of Susan B. Anthony.

Current owner, Rollin Hellner, remarked “When I saw the Maple Crest, I knew I wanted to live there,” he said. “I bought it in July 2022.” Hellner has made some repairs and restored the windows, original plasterwork and the parquet flooring. He has painted the outside in the home’s original color.

The Cobblestone Society and Museum takes its preservation mission very seriously. Caring for 11 historic buildings and equally as many out-buildings is a daunting task for an organization of our size, Farley said.

“Luckily, we have many dedicated volunteers and supporters who share our vision for a future that includes our cherished past,” Farley said. “We are pleased and proud that our preservation efforts have been recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service as the Cobblestone National Historic Landmark District.”

This honor is offered to a select group of roughly 3% of all structures which have been entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Provided photos: Nearly 200 people attended Saturday’s Treasure Island fundraiser at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – Another Treasure Island fundraiser was celebrated by Orleans Community Health Foundation on Saturday at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, raising more than $50,000 to support the healthcare needs of the community.

This was the 32nd year for the annual event, which welcomed 175 guests for a wonderful evening of generosity, community spirit and friendly competition, all in support of keeping quality healthcare close to home, said Megan Johnson, director of OCH Foundation.

This year’s auctions were especially successful, said Johnson, bringing in a record-breaking $25,000, including more than $10,000 through the live auction alone. Guests bid on a wide variety of generously donated items and experiences, including vacation getaways, golf memberships, dining experiences and more. With more than 140 silent auction items, exciting live auction packages and popular raffles, there was something for everyone.

(Left) Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, and Megan Johnson, director of OCH Foundation, appreciate the public’s support at the Treasure Island fundraiser on Saturday at the White Birch Golf Course. (Right) Wes Pickreign served as auctioneer on Saturday. JT Thomas, in back, served as the DJ.

One of the highlights of the evening was the popular Pirates’ Pillage Raffle, which gave participants the chance to win their choice of any live auction package for just $50. This year’s lucky winner selected the Buffalo Bills tickets, claiming the package before bidding in the live auction began.

During her remarks, Johnson shared some of the exciting growth taking place at Orleans Community Health, including record Emergency Department volumes and a 70% increase in outpatient surgeries in 2026. She also emphasized the continued importance of community support, even as the hospital expands its services.

“Growth and success don’t mean the financial challenges of operating a rural hospital simply disappear,” Johnson said. “In many ways, growth brings new needs and new expenses.”

Johnson highlighted several projects made possible through the generosity of Foundation supporters in recent years, including the opening of the Medina Healthcare Center, the purchase of surgical scopes to support expanded surgical services and a new fuel tank to support the hospital’s emergency generators.

Photos by Tom Rivers: There were more 140 silent auction items up for auction, including many Buffalo Bills photographs and memorabilia. David Cook donated many of the photos he took of Jim Kelly and other Bills stars during the Super Bowl run from the 1990 to 1993 seasons.

Foundation funding has also supported smaller but equally meaningful improvements, including new laundry equipment, patient and family recliners and activities and outings for residents of the North Wing Skilled Nursing Facility.

“Our community depends on Orleans Community Health, and Orleans Community Health depends on our community,” Johnson said. “For 32 years, Treasure Island has been a wonderful example of that partnership. Year after year, this community shows up for its hospital, and I hope everyone knows just how much that means to all of us.”

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Sunset Presenting Sponsor Seaway Insurance Associates, Lucky Cork Sponsor Oak Orchard Health, Palm Tree Sponsors Baxter, Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union and Takeform, and Coconut Sponsors Cooper Funeral Home-Mitchell Family Funeral Homes, Manning & Napier and WNY Energy.

The Foundation also thanks the many businesses and individuals who donated items, sponsored the event, advertised in the program book and contributed to the evening’s success.

Special recognition goes to the Treasure Island Auction Committee, the many setup and event night volunteers, auctioneer Wes Pickreign and DJ JT Thomas, who generously donated their times and talents. The Foundation also thanks White Birch Golf Course for hosting the event.

“Whether you’ve been coming to Treasure Island for decades or this is your very first time, I hope you know how much your support means,” Johnson said. “There are so many worthy organizations and causes in our community, and we never take for granted the fact you chose to spend your evening here, supporting ours.”

With another successful year in the books, the Foundation is already looking forward to welcoming returning guests and new supports to the 33rd annual Treasure Island on Nov. 6, 2027.

The Orleans Community Health Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a wonderful evening and an investment in the future of healthcare in our community, Johnson said.

The crowd started to arrive at 5 p.m. for an event that lasted until 9 p.m.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion firefighters Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher sweep the burnt grass and branches back into a fire along an Erie Canal embankment near Keitel Road in Albion on April 8, 2021.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C Batavia) is encouraging eligible volunteer fire departments throughout the 139th Assembly District to apply for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 2026 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program, which provides up to $3,500 for wildland firefighting equipment and supplies.

Eligible purchases include protective gear, communications equipment, hoses, nozzles and hand tools. Departments must have at least 80 volunteer personnel, provide wildland fire protection to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and provide a dollar-for-dollar local match.

“Our volunteer firefighters dedicate countless hours to protecting our communities, and ensuring they have the equipment and resources necessary to do their jobs is incredibly important,” said Hawley. “I encourage eligible departments to pursue this funding opportunity, and my office is available to provide letters of support for their applications.”

Applications are due Dec. 30. Departments can find program information and applications through the DEC website or contact DEC at vfagrant@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-2496.

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Stacey Kirby Steward is working on a mural celebrating the Barre community. The 4-by-8-foot painting will be unveiled at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Barre Town Hall.

The mural includes Barre landmarks and highlights an agricultural theme. Steward is working on the final touches, and she tried to show different parts of Barre, including Route 98, West Barre, East Barre, Pine Hill and some of the crops on the muck.

The Barre Betterment Committee spearheaded the project and received a grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Steward did two community painting sessions in September with the Barre community as part of the project.

The public is welcome to the unveiling next Wednesday.

Some months will have 2 distributions with 1 in afternoon

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brian Patten, a member of the Albion Interact Club at school, helps with a food distribution this morning from the Albion municipal lot on Platt Street across from the back entrance to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee manages the state-funded food distribution, working with Foodlink in Rochester.

Tina Schleede, chief financial officer for Community Action, helps pack boxes with food. Caleb Wolfe, right, was one of four Interact Club members from the school who helped this morning with the distribution.

Community Action and the volunteers were able to give out food for about 200 households.

The food distributions started more than six years during the height of the Covid pandemic. Community Action announced the distributions will continue through at least June, with some months having two distributions in Albion, including an afternoon option.

The dates for the distribution in Albion for the upcoming months include:

• Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
• Jan. 11 at 10 a.m.
• Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.
• Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
• March 8 at 10 a.m.
• March 30 at 4 p.m.
• April 12 at 10 a.m.
• May 10 at 10 a.m.
• June 14 at 10 a.m.
• June 29 at 4 p.m.

Ernest Gursslin of Community Action, left, and Brody Furness, an Albion student, carry food to the vehicles that were lined up in the parking lot.

 For more information about the food distributions, call Community Action at (585) 589-5605. Ext. 101.

The Lyndonville Presbyterian Church and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County also run food distributions. Check Foodlink for a calendar of the when the distributions are happening in the Rochester region.

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo from Sunday morning at the Swallow Hallow Nature Trail off Knowlesville Road at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The area won’t see snow accumulations yet this week with the forecast showing highs in the mid 40s and above, including one day with a high of 60, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Today, the forecast shows a high of 51 with a chance of showers and an overnight low around 40 followed by a high of 60 on Tuesday with an overnight low of 41.

On Wednesday, which is Veterans Day, the high will be 55 with an overnight low of 39. That is followed by a high near 49 on Thursday with an overnight low around 34.

Friday will have a high near 44 with a low around 32, followed by a high near 46 on Saturday with an overnight low around 34, according to the Weather Service.