Federal cost shifts, inflation and rising healthcare and pensions strain counties

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

As a confluence of federal cost shifts, general inflation, rising pension obligations, and growing healthcare costs are creating a fiscal emergency for county governments, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is calling for support in the SFY 2027 State Budget.

Starting in 2027, counties will be forced to absorb at least $870 million in higher costs from federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, reductions in federal Medicaid revenue, growth in current pension obligations, and other state mandated cost shifts. These increases arrive as counties are already showing signs of fiscal stress, with 12 counties exceeding the property tax cap in their 2026 budgets—the most in a decade.

Counties are calling on the Governor and State Legislature to assume the local share of new SNAP administrative costs and provide meaningful county relief, on par with what has been proposed for other municipalities, in the enacted SFY 2026–27 budget.

“Counties are the backbone of New York’s service delivery system, implementing state and federal programs in every community,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of NYSAC. “But this wave of new costs is just unsustainable, and without state partnership, local governments will be forced into difficult choices that could reduce services to residents and businesses.”

Federal Cost Shifts

Beginning October 1, 2026, under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the federal share of SNAP administrative costs drops from 50 percent to 25 percent—shifting an estimated $170 million in new annual costs to counties and New York City. At the same time, New York’s SNAP error rate exposes the state to up to $1.2 billion in annual federal penalties beginning as early as October 2027.

New York is one of only three states in the nation that requires counties to both administer SNAP and pay a share of its administrative costs. When the federal share drops from 50 percent to 25 percent, counties—not the state—are left holding 75 percent of the bill.

“Nearly three million New Yorkers depend on SNAP each month—the vast majority are children, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Phil Church, President of NYSAC. “If counties cannot meet the administrative demands of a restructured program, New Yorkers who depend on these benefits will suffer. We warned our Congressional Delegation this would happen and urged a federal delay.”

Medicaid Cost Shifts

New York State is unique in its requirement that counties and New York City must pay a direct share of the program costs of Medicaid services. Today, this cost exceeds $7.6 billion annually.

In SFY 2024, the State began to phase out the annual sharing of $625 million in federal Medicaid funds. By early 2025, these federal savings to counties were completely eliminated. Counties and New York City are now absorbing this loss in funding into local budgets.

“For just a handful of mandated programs, including Medicaid, counties and New York City contribute more than $14 billion annually in local taxes,” said Ryan McMahon, president of the New York State County Executives Association. “And yet, every budget proposal this year allocated zero dollars in new state revenue sharing or unrestricted aid to counties.”

Pension Costs—Before and After Enhancements

Based on the State Comptroller’s October 2025 actuarial report, NYSAC projects that employer pension contributions for FYE 2027 will increase by approximately $180 million for counties alone—before any benefit enhancements currently under consideration in this budget take effect.

The pension enhancements now being discussed could add another $125 to $150 million in new annual costs for counties, bringing the potential total to $330 million.  Most of this new higher state-imposed expense was not accounted for when counties adopted their budgets in late 2025.

“It is worth noting that a central purpose of the 2012 Tier 6 reforms was precisely to prevent local governments from bearing these costs—with an explicit commitment that the State would pre-fund any future benefit enhancements. That commitment should be honored,” noted Acquario.

The Medina Triennial is proposing banners to be on the Medina Triennial Hub building at 345 North Main St., the former NAPA site. The Triennial also wants a series of other wayfinding signs for the upcoming arts initiative that is expected to draw 50,000 people to Medina from June 6 to Sept. 7.

MEDINA – The Village Planning Board has approved sign applications for several downtown businesses and also gave the OK for a series of signs in the village for the upcoming Medina Triennial arts exhibition.

• The Planning Board met on Tuesday and approved the sign application for Alexandra Peracciny Photography. She is moving her studio from the upstairs of Blissett’s to a storefront at 426 Main St.

The board approved the main sign for the building at 16 feet by 2 feet, but wants more details one three vinyl cling signs with two proposed for the windows and one for the door. Peracciny will need to provide more information on the size of the vinyl signs.

• The board approved a new projecting sign for Cuppa Joe at 112 East Center St. Joe Blake is the new owner of the coffee shop after acquiring the Coffee Pot Café from Dan and Hans Rosentreter.

• A sign was approved for “Medina Mart” at 123 East Center St. Saleh Almadhrahi of Lackawanna is running the business and will have a sign mounted near the roof. The sign will be 166 inches by 20 inches.

• The Medina Triennial wants a series of wayfinding signs, as well as two large banners on the Triennial’s main building at 426 North Main St. The banners will note the theme of the Triennial: “All That Sustains Us.”

The Triennial is seeking permission for many temporary signs around the village and downtown area. The Planning Board gave its OK. The Villkage Board will need to give final approval for signs on village-owned property at Rotary Park, State Street Park and the Canal Basin.

The Triennial wants 12 vinyl signs on sidewalks with arrows directing people to the Hub building at 345 North Main St., Rotary Park, State Street Park and the Railroad Museum.

The Triennial also wants 4 stake signs directing people to Medina Triennial, the old high school on Catherine Street which will house several exhibits, and the Railroad Museum on West Avenue.

The Triennial also wants 10 post signs about the Medina Triennial with the theme “All That Sustains Us” and eight A-frame signs.

Dan Gardner, the code enforcement officer, acknowledged the situation is out of the ordinary with so many temporary signs. He said the village should consider these on a case-by-case basis.

He said the signs are needed because there will be an influx of visitors and the art installations will be at multiple locations in the community.

Planning Board members said they are concerned about an abundance of signs in the downtown already, but they agreed the wayfinding signage would be helpful to the visitors and local residents during the three months.

“There will be a lot of exhibits all over the village and people will need to know where to go,” Gardner said.

Planning Board member David Flynn cast a no vote on the signs saying them seemed out of character with the historic downtown.

Kevin Sheehan advised by attorneys he can’t serve in both roles

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kevin Sheehan speaks during a candidate forum on March 5. He was elected to the Albion Village Board on March 18. He was sworn in as a village trustee on April 6, the start of a four-year term.

ALBION – Kevin Sheehan believed he could serve as both an Albion village trustee and a commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.

He said the roles seemed separate. The Albion Fire Department used to be part of the village budget with the Village Board functioning as oversight of the fire department, setting and managing its budget.

But the fire department shifted to the Albion Joint Fire District on Jan. 1, 2025. Sheehan was elected to a three-year term as a fire commissioner on Dec. 10, 2024. The commissioners set the district’s budget, and the taxes for the district are collected as part of the Albion and Gaines tax bills in January.

On March 18, he was elected to a four-year as village trustee. Soon after that election he was advised by both the village attorney and fire district attorney that the two offices are incompatible and he can’t do both.

The sticking point, Sheehan said, is the fire district leases the fire hall from the village. In that role, the village has influence over the fire district’s budget. The Village Board works with the fire commissioners to set the rent for the building.

Sheehan wrote a letter March 27, resigning as fire commissioner, effective March 29.

He attended this evening’s fire district monthly meeting, and sat in the audience rather than at the table with the fire commissioners in the back of the fire hall.

Sheehan said he very much enjoyed serving as a fire commissioner and regretted he needed to step down from the position.

“Mr. Sheehan, it has been an honor and a pleasure to have you as a commissioner,” Al Cheverie, the chairman, told him at the meeting.

The fire district currently only has three out of five fire commissioners in office. The district has yet to allow Charlie Monacelli to take office. He was elected in December but has a past felony conviction for attempted burglary in the third degree in 2000. He was in prison for 4 ½ years and then was on parole until 2009. Monacelli wants to be installed as commissioner and has told the district he will pursue litigation if his civil rights continue to be violated with him being kept from the position. He insists arson is the only disqualifying charge to serve as a fire commissioner.

Cheverie, during this evening’s meeting, said the fire commissioners are under a “gag order” and can’t comment on the issue publicly.

He said the fire commissioners will discuss filling Sheehan’s vacancy next month, which likely will be done by appointment.

Cheverie also said the fire commissioners, who also include David Buczek and Derek Howes, need to divvy up Sheehan’s work on the fire district. Sheehan was on three committees: finance, building and legal.

At its meeting this evening, the fire commissioners:

• Approved two new members as firefighters – Kyle Sidari and Lisa DeCarlo.

• Approved paying $575 each to the top 10 responders to calls in 2025.

• Authorized Treasurer Victoria Tabor to invest fire district funds in treasuries which are like CDs. Tabor was authorized to put $380,000 from the “Apparatus Repair & Replacement Reserve” into a fund that will generate 3.75 percent interest if untouched until April 2027, 3.78 percent through October 2027, and a 3.80 percent annual percentage yield until April 2028.

The commissioners also authorized investing $50,000 from the “Building Repair & Replacement Reserve” into a fund with a yield of 3.44 percent through March 2027.

Photos courtesy of CCE in Orleans County: Master Food Preserver volunteer Karen Desjardin showcases food preservation equipment during last year’s MFP Training.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans CCE Master Food Preserver volunteers are pleased to announce their class lineup for the 2026 season.

The classes kick off on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6 p.m. with a free Intro to Canning and Food Preserving class. Master Food Preserver volunteers will teach attendees basic information needed to start preserving food at home.

The class will offer tips and tricks, reputable recipe resources, as well as steps for safe canning at home. The MFP volunteers will also showcase canning equipment, tools and jars so participants can get a first-hand look at the various food preservation options available.

Master Food Preserver Eileen Sorochty fills a piecrust at a previous Master Food Preserver class.  Eileen and MFP volunteer Albie Suozzi will be leading two youth food preservation classes in 2026.

“This first class in the series is not only an introduction to food preservation for those who have never tried it before, but also a good review for those that may already have some canning experience,” said Karen Desjardin one of the MFP volunteers leading the Intro to Canning class. “Things do change as more research is done. Plus, if you’re only canning once a year, it’s always good to hear reminders about the very important safety guidelines in canning food at home.”

In addition to the Intro to Canning class, Master Food Preservers will be offering another free class on the Economics of Home Food Preservation and Four-Corner Pantry Skills.  This is a new class topic for the Master Food Preservers focusing on how to organize and stock a versatile pantry as well as the economic benefits to preserving food at home. That class will be offered on Wednesday, June 24th at 6 p.m.

Both free classes will be taught classroom style in the “Buzz” Hill Education Center of the Orleans CCE office, while the remaining workshops will be hands-on classes in the Trolley Kitchen. The hands-on classes are all offered for a $15 per person fee and will focus on building participant’s skills in various methods of food preservation. Those class topics and dates are:

• Jelly Workshop: Weds, May 6, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Tomato Preservation: Weds, August 5, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Pressure Canning: Weds, September 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Mustard and Pesto Recipes: Weds, October 7th, 6 to 9 p.m.

Master Food Preservers are also so excited to announce two new youth canning classes in the schedule this year! The first class will be a Jam Making class offered on Saturday, June 13th, 1 to 4 p.m. and the second class will be on Tuesday, August 25th, 1 to 4 p.m. on “Canning 101” where students will learn to make a quick pickle recipe.

“I was inspired to offer a youth workshop in food preservation because I see a need today for kids to learn how to be self-sufficient in the home environment,” said Eileen Sorochty, MFP volunteer and one of the teachers for the youth classes. “I think it will give the children a feeling of accomplishment and build self-confidence. Besides, who doesn’t like strawberry jam or a great tasting pickle!”

Both youth classes are offered at a discounted rate of $5 per person.  Attendees must be enrolled in 4-H (they can be enrolled the day of the class for an additional $5) and must be accompanied by an adult. Youth attending the June Jam Making class can enter their jams as exhibits in the Orleans County 4-H Fair!

Details on all classes can be found at the Orleans CCE website Events page (click here). Pre-registration is required for all classes – spots are limited. To register or for more details, please contact the Orleans CCE Master Food Preserver coordinator Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265 ext. 125.

Orleans wants to upgrade former GCC site in Albion, which is now used by Probation Department

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Probation Department now utilizes the former GCC building in Albion at 13925 Route 31, West Suite 200. The County Legislature approved paying $975,000 to Herring Enterprises of Holley for the building in October 2023. The county also bought 25.7 acres of vacant land from James Herring Sr., adjacent to the site for $500,000.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has released a list of funding requests for the 24^th Congressional District in New York, and noted a $1.65 million request from Orleans County to upgrade the former GCC site in Albion, which is now used by the Probation Department.

The Orleans County Legislature approved spending $975,000 for the GCC site on Route 31 in October 2023. It is now used by the Probation Department, which moved out of the Public Safety Building.

Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, said she and county officials met with Tenney and her staff in February to make the case for the funding and need to upgrade the county’s public safety facilities.

“Congresswoman Tenney promises us she would fight hard for our project and we are so grateful she has delivered,” Johnson said in a statement released by Tenney’s office.

Skip Draper, a county legislator on the Public Safety Committee, added, “These funds will help with the continued realignment of our public safety services, including the modernization  of the former Genesee County Community College building in Albion for the Probation Department. This is an investment to help keep our community safe and we thank Congresswoman Tenney for her tremendous efforts.”

Tenney on Wednesday announced she has submitted 20 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration through the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding process. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can submit requests for federal funding for high-priority projects with strong local support. Each submission is reviewed to ensure transparency, accountability, and that taxpayer dollars are directed toward projects that deliver measurable benefits to communities across NY-24, Tenney said.

This year’s submissions focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing public safety, investing in clean water and drinking water systems, and supporting workforce development across Upstate New York, she said.

“Bureaucrats in Washington do not know our communities better than the people who actually live and work here,” Tenney said. “These projects reflect the priorities of local leaders across NY-24 and focus on delivering real results. From upgrading water systems and supporting first responders to investing in workforce development and economic growth, these submissions put our communities first. I will continue fighting to ensure these projects are funded and that every federal dollar sent back to our district is spent responsibly and effectively.”

The list of submitted projects in Tenney’s district include:

• $1,000,000 for Town of Brutus – Joint Sanitary Sewer System Improvements
• $5,000,000 for Genesee County / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Project
• $1,803,820 for SUNY Genesee Community College – Welding Workforce Development Initiative
• $2,000,000 for Town of Cape Vincent – Water District No. 7
• $1,000,000 for Town of Pamelia – Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements and Expansion
• $1,250,000 for Livingston County Sheriff’s Office – Mobile Command Vehicle Acquisition
• $750,000 for Oak Orchard Community Health Center – Rural CARE (Community Access, Realignment and Expansion) Initiative
• $1,000,000 for Niagara County Sheriff’s Office – In-Car Mobile Radio Replacement Project
• $2,000,000 for Town of Porter – Waterline Improvement Project
• $1,000,000 for Ontario County – Animal Care Facility Improvements
• $7,000,000 for USDA Agricultural Research Service – National Grape Improvement Center
• $1,000,000 for Ontario County – Wastewater Pump Station Modernization Project
• $1,650,000 for Orleans County – Facility Rehabilitation for Seniors and Probation Services
• $2,000,000 for Town of Volney – Sewer Project
• $2,000,000 for Town of Reading – Water System Expansion
• $1,000,000 for Town of Hastings – Wastewater System Expansion
• $4,500,000 for New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes – Infrastructure Improvements
• $2,500,000 for Village of Newark – North Main Street Reconstruction
• $1,429,600 for Village of Arcade – Waterline Replacement
• $2,393,000 Village of Dresden – Water System Improvements

Students also place a dozen new Revolutionary War bronze flag markers

Photos courtesy of Tim Archer

MEDINA – These Albion students, Blake Doty (left) and Jeffrey Echevarria, put a refurbished historic marker back on Wednesday. This marker is at the Millville Cemetery in the town of Shelby.

Albion students repainted four historic markers, a process that started in the fall.

This marker is on North Gravel Road (Route 63) just north of the lift bridge and Erie Canal. It notes the location of the first commercial quarry for Medina Sandstone. It was established by John Ryan.

Students on Wednesday also put a refurbished historic marker in Ridgeway on Route 104 where a tavern opened in 1811. The road was the first Indian Trail route then a stagecoach route.

A fourth historic marker for the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse was finished last fall. That schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the region.

The students also placed a dozen new Revolutionary War bronze flag markers on graves that didn’t have the markers. Jeffrey Echevarria is shown at the Gaines Cemetery placing a marker for John Percival. The markers were donated by the Orleans Chapter DAR.

Press Release, Albion Fire Department

ALBION – The Albion Fire Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the members of our community who came out to support our Subway fundraiser on April 2.

Events like these play an important role in helping us continue to serve and protect the residents of Albion and Gaines.

We would also like to thank the staff at Subway for their partnership and hospitality.

The continued support from our community means more than words can express. It is an honor to serve such a dedicated and caring community.

Thank you again for standing with the Albion Fire Department.

We would also like to invite you on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Recruit NY event at the  Albion Fire Department, 108 N. Platt St. We will have information and demonstrations throughout the day.

If you’re not sure if you want to join, you are still welcome to stop down and chat with us.

Image taken from Pixcams: This picture shows a bald eagle feeding two chicks today. Three eaglets have recently hatched in this nest. One of the eaglets died on Monday after getting displaced in the nest.

BASOM – The third eaglet has hatched in a bald eagle nest at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 39 days after its mother laid the egg.

Many people have been following the progress through a nest cam. Click here to see a livestream made available by the Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The third chick hatched late Tuesday night around midnight. For a while, the nest cam showed a broken shell with the chick nearly out. By early this morning there was an empty shell and with the fluffy eaglet next to its sibling.

The arrival of the eaglet was welcome news for the people following along through the nest cam. The first eaglet to hatch on April 1 sadly died on Monday when it was displaced in the nest by the mother’s foot.

Press Release, Barker Community Band

BARKER – The Barker Community Band continues its 42nd season entertaining the Barker/Somerset community as well as those of several surrounding areas of western New York.

Founded in 1984 by Barker Central School instrumental music teacher Amrom Chodos, and currently under the conductorship of Kevin Hauser, the band has steadily grown and currently is comprised of members from Barker and others from Niagara, Orleans, Erie and Monroe counties.

Always seeking new musicians of varying abilities with a love for music and a willingness to practice toward improvement, current members range from high school age to senior citizens.

The band is part of Barker Central School’s Adult Education Program, and (except for January and February), rehearses year-round at the school on Mondays beginning at 7 p.m.  For more information contact Marcia at (716) 946-1371.

The Barker Community Band’s 2026 summer schedule:

• June 29 (Monday) at 6:30 p.m. – Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St. Lyndonville
• July 6 (Monday) at 7 p.m. – Hartland Church, 8019 Ridge Rd. Gasport
• July 14 (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. – Wilson Historical Society, 641 Lake St. (Rt. 425) Wilson
• July 25 (Saturday) at 4:30 p.m. – Barker Cornfest, Barker village park gazebo
• July 27 (Monday) at 7 p.m. – Exley UMC; 7 pm; 338 Lake Str. (Rt. 425) Wilson
• Aug. 9 (Sunday) at 2 p.m. – Olcott Gazebo, 5979 E. Main St. Olcott
• Aug. 17 (Monday) at 6 p.m. – Faith UMC, 1449 Quaker Rd. Barker
• Sept. 20 (Sunday) at 2 p.m. – Cobblestone Farm Festival, 7449 Lake Rd. Appleton

I think I might be getting cranky in my old age. Eighty-seven does qualify as “old,” doesn’t it?

What is making me cranky right now are grocery stores. Stores you are familiar with and love shopping at – until one day you walk in and nothing is where it used to be.

I know what their theory is – if you can’t find what you want, you walk around and pick up a cart full of things you had no intention of buying and probably don’t need or even have a use for. But you’ve put more money in their pocket.

That happened to me recently and I was being particularly cranky that day, so I told the lady stocking a shelf that I couldn’t find what I wanted and I was not going to play their games looking for it. I told her one of the things I wanted was corned beef, so I was heading for the meat aisle, which they hadn’t moved, and getting my corned beef and leaving. Then I got in my car and drove to the discount grocery in Albion – where everything is in the same place and there is always a place to park near the door.

Oh yeah. Parking is another issue. Our local discount store some time ago decided to take three prime parking spaces closest to the door and devote them solely to online shoppers. Boy, does that irk me. So they have three spaces for online shoppers, who may or may not be elderly or handicapped, and two parking spaces reserved for “handicapped.” I call that discrimination.

When they first made that designation, I didn’t shop there for a year. Instead I drove 10 miles to the other store, which still has all their handicap parking close to the door. And people who elect to drive to the store and do their own shopping are not penalized.

The way I see it, if for whatever reason, you elect to have someone else do your shopping for you, you have priority. I realize some people find it impossible to physically go to the store, but in the instance of this local store, the online shopper could easily pull up next to the building while the clerk brings his or her groceries to the car. No parking spaces would be occupied.

I go by that store nearly every day, and sometimes several times a day. And rarely do I ever see a car parked in those three “reserved for online shoppers” parking spaces. Yet, the manager of the store told me they are often full. I haven’t seen more than one car there in the nearly two years. And most of the time, they are all empty.

For that matter, online parking spaces could be reserved farther from the door. The store employee who brings the groceries to the car is not handicapped and would have no trouble pushing a grocery cart to the second row or even the back of the parking lot. And leave those spaces closest to the door for those who make the extra effort to come to the store and do their own shopping.

When a shopper, like me, who is elderly and maybe finds walking a little difficult, can’t find a space close to the store, they have to walk all the way to the back of the parking lot, unload their groceries, walk all the way back to return the cart and then make the trip back to the car.

I have even defiantly parked in an online space on occasion, but then decided why should I park illegally to shop at a store that doesn’t consider me a priority.

I tried to shop at that store again, and not only were the two handicap spaces filled, but the entire parking lot was full, except for the very back row, farthest from the door. While the three online shopping spaces were all empty. So you know what I did.

I drove to Albion and spent my $100 there. And I had a parking space closest to the door.

File photo by Eliott Neidert: This photo from February 2017 was taken by a drone and shows part of downtown Albion with the Orleans County Courthouse in the background.

Press Release, Village of Albion

ALBION – The Village of Albion is inviting local business owners to participate in an upcoming Comprehensive Planning Workshop on April 22 at 5 p.m., to be held prior to the Village Board meeting at the Village Office, 35 E. Bank St.

This workshop is an important opportunity for Albion’s business community to share ideas, concerns, and priorities that will help shape the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-term roadmap guiding decisions about economic development, infrastructure, land use and community growth.

Village officials are specifically seeking feedback from business owners about:

• Current business conditions in the Village
• Barriers to growth and investment
• Opportunities for revitalization and economic development
• Infrastructure and parking needs
• Ideas to strengthen Albion’s downtown and commercial areas

Input gathered during this session will directly inform the goals and strategies included in the Comprehensive Plan. The Village encourages all business owners, whether long-established or newly opened, to attend and help shape Albion’s future.

“This is a valuable chance for the business community to have a voice in planning for the future of Albion,” said Nichola Ostrander. “Your insight is critical to creating a plan that supports local businesses and promotes sustainable growth.”

No registration is required. For more information, contact Nichola Ostrander at info@cmdgroup-usa.com.

Photo courtesy of Cobblestone Museum: The Cobblestone Museum will present a virtual Zoom event about Depression Era glass April 9. Here, a table is set with Depression Era glass for a luncheon at the Vagg House. The blue pieces are Moderntone Cobalt Depression glass. The Zoom program will begin at 7 p.m.

GAINES – The latest Zoom event by the Cobblestone Museum will be on Depression Era glass, presented by members of the Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester.

At 7 p.m. April 9, Kathy McCarney and Mary Czech, with assistance from Patti Drumright, will provide information on the history of glass made during the Depression Era, including popular patterns, the variety of items found in a typical Depression Era kitchen, how to spot reproductions and the relevance of this this collectible glass today.

McCarney and Czech have each been a member of the Depression Glass Club of Rochester for more than 30 years. McCarney holds the position of vice president and Czech is recording secretary.

“Kathy is nationally known for her knowledge of glass and as being one of the founding members and administrators of the Elegant and Everyday Glass Gallery,” said Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum. “Mary belongs to multiple glass company organizations and loves the hunt for glass.”

The location of the Vagg house at the corner of routes 98 and 104 dates back to 1818. Joseph and his wife Nellie moved there in 1909. Joseph was a blacksmith who later repaired farm machinery. His shop closed in 1956.

After Joseph’s death in 1956, Nellie bequeathed the blacksmith shop and his tools to the Cobblestone Society to preserve as a museum in his memory.  Years later, the Vagg house and its contents were acquired by the Cobblestone Society and Museum, who purchased the property after the death of owner Rene’ Schasel in 2019.

In the kitchen cupboards was a collection of Depression glass in pink and cobalt blue Moderntone. American Pattern Glass and pink Depression glass were available in the early 1930s.

For information and reservations for the April 9 Zoom event, go to www.CobblestoneMuseum.org to book online or call (585) 589-9013. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants.

Admission is a sliding scale donation starting at $5.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The committee heading a meat raffle to benefit Medina Rotary discuss plans at a meeting at The Walsh. Clockwise from left are Liz Landis, Dawn Meland, Skip Helfrich, Carl Tuohey, Cindy Hewitt and Barb Jantzi. The event is scheduled April 25 at Ridgeway Fire Hall.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club will sponsor its third annual meat raffle April 25 at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd.

Founded in 1923, Medina Rotary continues to serve the community with a handful of members. The group is currently seeking sponsorships from local businesses to support their latest venture, which they call “a fun, community-based event,”  according to Cindy Hewitt, who co-chairs the fundraiser with Barb Jantzi and Liz Landis. Other committee members are Dawn Meland, Carl Tuohey and Skip Helfrich.

Sponsorship benefits will include recognition as an official event sponsor, the business name and logo displayed on a printed banner at the event, exposure to more than 150 local attendees and support of the Medina Rotary Club’s mission.

Funds raised through sponsorships will be used to cover four larger door prizes and themed gift baskets for the basket raffle, helping Rotary to create an exciting and memorable experience for attendees, Hewitt said.

“The Medina Rotary Club is proud to support local community organizations and respond to calls of need within Medina,” Hewitt said.

The Medina Rotary Club’s community involvement includes volunteering at the food pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church,  scholarships for local high school seniors, financial support for local non-profit organizations, assistance for local families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas and installation of benches in town parks and sports fields. They also provide mattresses for people in need.

Medina Rotary’s main objective is service – in the community, the workplace and around the globe, according to information provided by Hewitt. It is part of Rotary International, a non-political and non-religious group open to all.

The April 25 meat raffle will also include a 50/50 drawing. Doors will open at 6 p.m., followed by the event from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sponsorships of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Anyone wishing to support the meat raffle or looking for more information can contact Medina Rotary Club by e-mail at medinanyrotary@gmail.org.

New members are always welcome at Medina Rotary. Anyone interested will find more information by logging on the group’s website (click here).