Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club celebrated another successful year on Thursday evening during its meeting at the Tavern on the Ridge.

Richard Remley, left, served as president the past 12 months. He hands off the gavel to incoming president, Mike Bonnewell.

Bonnewell is retired as Albion Central School superintendent. He previously served as Rotary Club president in 2017-18. He is active on the Albion Strawberry Festival Committee, and also is chairman of the Strawberry Festival parade.

Rotary Club member Don Bishop, left, presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Remley in appreciation for his leadership the past year.

The Club has been a part of the Albion community for more than a century and spearheads several events and fundraisers.

Its next big event will be a golf tournament July 16 at Shelridge Country Club in Medina with proceeds going to the Office for the Aging’s volunteer transportation program and other Rotary community projects.

The Rotary Club meets at the Tavern on the Ridge the first Thursday each month at noon and the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

Provided photo: Martin Miskell, Chief Executive Officer for Arc GLOW, congratulates Lynn Fleming, Arc’s CFO/COO, for completing The Arc New York Leadership Institute.

Arc GLOW Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer Lynn Fleming recently graduated from The Arc New York Leadership Institute.

She is one of the 26 participants who completed the 10-month executive development program. Throughout the program, participants engaged in group learning, one-on-one mentorship, and meaningful discussions designed to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare them to guide the Arc into continued success.

The Arc New York created the Leadership Institute to cultivate leadership potential across our statewide network and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Fleming, who joined the agency in 2019, has been a driving force for financial stability and programmatic growth across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Through The Arc New York Leadership Institute, she collaborated with peers statewide, analyzing innovative social enterprises and honing best practices to directly benefit the mission-driven impact at Arc GLOW.

Arc GLOW is a public non-profit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

To learn more, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Photos and information courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge #1006

ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge #1006 last Sunday held a Flag Day ceremony in the lodge on West State Street. Sharon Pollock, The Exalted Ruler of the lodge, is shown speaking during the ceremony.

Officers for the Elks in attendance were included Exalted Ruler Sharon Pollock, Leading Knight Chris Webb, Lecturing Knight Deloris Mosher, Secretary Lynda Standish, Esquire Allyn Phillips and Chaplain Edee Hoffmeister.

The Elks held the service with the assistance of the VFW Post.

Every flag the United States has had was presented and described.

Charlie Nesbitt, a Vietnam War veteran and former state assemblyman, served as guest speaker. Nesbitt and Pollock are shown with Ron Ayrault, a Navy veteran from Holley who served in the Korean War.

First Responders from the Albion Fire Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Mercy Flight attended the ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Amering

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley recognizes John Sansone for his 25 years of service as the village attorney. He was honored at last week’s Village Board meeting.

Pictured from left include former mayors Bill Quaranto and Dan Schiavone, attorney John Sansone, former Mayor Brian Sorochty, current Mayor Mark Bower, and former Mayor John Kenney.

Sansone started as Holley attorney in 2001 and has served with eight mayors during his tenure. The other mayors not in photo include Skip Carpenter, Kevin Lynch and Lewis Passarell.

Current Mayor Bower thanked Sansone for his “exceptional service and dedication” to the village. The board took a break at last week’s meeting to recognize Sansone, who was joined at the meeting by his wife, Maria.

Sansone was presented a plaque “with sincere appreciation for your guidance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Village of Holley and its residents.”

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

Terrian A. Huss

ALBION – This morning at 9:24, officers from the Albion Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at 217 South Main St. in the Village of Albion.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Terrian Huss, who remained at the scene. Huss, 34, advised officers that he had cut another individual during an altercation and stated that he no longer possessed the knife. Officers detained Huss while the circumstances of the incident were investigated.

The victim sustained a deep laceration to his chin measuring approximately two inches in length. Mercy EMS responded to the scene and evaluated the victim before he was transported for medical treatment.

During the investigation, Albion Police officers and deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office interviewed multiple witnesses who observed the incident. Officers also reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business, which allegedly showed Huss displaying a knife and advancing toward the victim. A copy of the surveillance video was obtained and secured as evidence.

The knife believed to have been used during the incident was recovered and logged into evidence.

At approximately 9:36 a.m., officers also determined that Huss had been involved in a separate larceny incident that occurred at a neighboring business approximately ten minutes prior to the assault. As a result of that investigation, Huss was additionally charged with Petit Larceny.

As a result of this investigation, Terrian Huss was arrested and charged with:

• Assault in the Second-Degree Class D Felony
• Menacing in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Endangerment in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct violation

Huss currently is an Albion resident. He was transported to the Albion Police Department for processing and subsequently remanded to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department at 585-590-5627.

All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

ALBION – Two people from Rochester pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to felony drug charges.

Both have no prior criminal history.

Tamage Faison, 19, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree for having cocaine in Albion on March 4.

As part of a plea agreement, there are no sentencing promises. He could face a 1 to 2 ½ year sentence in state prison or the judge could sentence Faison to the county jail or probation.

Faison will be sentenced on Sept. 23.

Another Rochester resident, Malcolm Power, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Power, 21, was found passed out in a car in Medina on May 14 with drugs in his backpack, said Susan Howard, the Orleans County district attorney.

Power could get a split sentence on Sept. 23 with up to six months in jail and 5 years of probation.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Part of a big tree came crashing down in the Village of Albion this afternoon, knocking out power to the neighborhood.

This tree is at the corner of Liberty and West Park streets. National Grid, the Village DPW, Albion Joint Fire District and Albion Police Department were all on the scene.

National Grid reported the power went out in the village for 786 customers at 1:24 p.m. It is estimating the power will be back on at 5 p.m.

The Grid said 943 customers are currently without power in Orleans County.

A high wind warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandi Zavitz was at the Medina Dog Park on Wednesday evening, creating a new mural that will feature portraits of about 35 dogs.

The new mural will have a celestial theme and will include many dogs that will be painted with angel wings, to signify they have passed away, said artist Brandi Zavitz.

She painted a 32-foot-long mural last year that included 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot).

The requests kept coming to be included on the initial mural. The 35 dogs are mostly requests from 2025. Zavitz wanted to include them on the new mural.

Like last year’s mural, she will pet them with personality, showing them doing some of their favorite things. She expects there will be tennis balls, and squirrels to chase in the new mural that will be 8 feet high and 16 feet long.

There was an overwhelming response to the mural after it debuted last year. Many people were amazed how Zavitz painted dogs as superheroes with capes, or doing their favorite activities – carrying sticks, playing with balls, eating ice cream or watching a Bills game.

Zavitz enjoys painting on site and chatting with people and seeing their dogs scamper about the dog park, which is on North Gravel Road near Boxwood Cemetery.

Zavitz sketched out some of the dogs on the board for the mural. She expects to complete the project in mid to late July.

Bryan McDowell sent in this photo of a swan and baby swan that he took behind the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.

A high wind warning is in effect for Orleans County and much of Western New York until 8 p.m. today. There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

“Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The fully leafed out trees will result in more tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months of the year, the Weather Service said.

There is also a beach hazards statement in effect until Saturday morning. The Weather Service said strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected at the beaches in Niagara and Orleans counties.

The high temperatures in the forecast include 77 today, 75 on Friday, 74 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday.

Brandon Johnson brings back dance studio for 23^rd year

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandon Johnson, owner of the Dance Theater, is joined by Amazie Phillips in cutting the ribbon for Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts. It is located at 415 West Ave., Suite #4.

Johnson at age 19 opened Dance Theater and for 22 years the studio was on Main Street. He moved to Florida about a year ago and worked as a judge at dancing competitions. He is glad to be back in his home community working with local dance students.

Brandon Johnson welcomes people to the grand reopening celebration for Dance Theater. His staff of dance instructors includes Alaina Sproile, Makenzie McGrath, Lizzy Zacher and Carly Voelker.

McGrath was a student at Dance Theater for 13 years. She is currently studying music education at Nazareth University. She said the community will respond to having Dance Theater back. Dance Theater served about 120 students from ages 3 to 18.

“It’s good they have this opportunity back,” McGrath said. “Dance is good for the mind and body.”

She said Johnson is very organized, and is a skilled teacher who is very good a showmanship. Most of all, he creates a welcoming environment, McGrath said.

During an open house, kids were able to try an obstacle course on one side of Dance Theater.

The studio will be offering summer camps before the fall season kicks off. Johnson announced the recital theme for 2026-2027: “Gingham and Glitter, a Homecoming Country Celebration.”

Johnson has emailed and messaged many of the dance families that have been with Dance Theater. He is pleased so many have been enthusiastic about his return.

“Dance Theater has always been more than just a place to dance,” Johnson said. “It is a place where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, last friendships are formed, and creativity and performance come to life.”

Johnson said Dance Theater will provide a positive, welcoming and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.

The studio provides classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro and technique to dancers ages 3 to 18 years old.

Brandon Johnson meets with families during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening.

He said he enjoyed working as a judge at dance competitions for 18 weeks last year, but the experience confirmed his true calling in running his own studio and being a dance teacher.

“As a judge I offered critiques and corrections,” he said. “I loved it, but it reminded me my place is in a classroom where the kids can create dance.”

ALBION – Two people were sentenced in Orleans County Court today, and another person pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise from Wal-Mart.

Alexander Senko, 31, of Albion was sentenced to 10 years of probation and will be on the sex offender registry. Senko pleaded guilty on April 1 to third-degree rape. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in 2023 when he was 29.

The victim of the crime spoke in court and said Senko manipulated her and sexually abused her.

“I lost my friends, my confidence and myself,” she said. “He twisted to my mind to think I was special.”

Senko apologized in court to the victim and her family.

“My lack of good, sound decision-making will forever haunt me,” he told County Court Judge Sanford Church.

The judge issued an order of protection for the victim for the next 10 years. Senko also will need to pay $1,425 in court fees and fines.

In another sentencing, Wilfred Barnes, 66, of Carlton was given five years of probation plus four months of weekends in jail for felony driving while intoxicated. He was stopped on Nov. 26 on Ridge Road in Gaines and registered a BAC of 0.12 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08. Barnes has a previous DWI in 2020.

Judge Church also revoked Barnes’s driver’s license for a year and will require an inter-lock ignition device that measures his BAC when he drives in the future.

In another case, Nevada Nichols, 31, of Batavia pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony.

She admitted to stealing $1,413 in merchandise from the Albion Wal-Mart, which is above the $1,000 threshold for fourth-degree grand larceny.

The charge could carry 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison, but Nichols could receive time in the county jail or probation when she is sentenced on Sept. 23.

In another case, the judge said he is considering revoking the probation for an Albion man and having him spend a year in the county jail.

Allan Bieber, 22, was sentenced in December to 10 years of probation for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.

He has missed many of his appointments for probation, sex offender counseling and mental health counseling. Those appointments are terms of his probation.

Judge Church will have Bieber appear in court on June 24 to decide if the probation will be revoked.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.

Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.

Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.

Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.

Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.

The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a

fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.

The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.

This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.

The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.

In other club news:

The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4^th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.

The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.

Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.

The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.

MEDINA – The opening concert in this season’s Blue Thursdays series at State Street park in Medina has been cancelled due to the rough weather conditions forecast for tomorrow.

“After consultation with the band, local meteorologists and other factors, Blue Thursdays regrets that we must cancel Opening Night with the Dave Viterna Group,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “There are many moving parts to an outdoor event of this scale and after weighing all factors – wet conditions, high wind gusts, exposing instruments/equipment to the elements, lingering showers during set up and the gig, it was decided it would be best to cancel. We appreciate your understanding and support!”

The series will kick off next week  with the Growlers Blues Band and continues with Thursday evening concerts beginning at 6 p.m. until Aug. 6.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. tonight until 8 p.m. Thursday for Orleans County and most of Western New York.

There will be .south winds from 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming  southwest during the day Thursday, the Weather Service said.

Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability

Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator

ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.

Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.

The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.

Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.

Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.

The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.

The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.

Tour Schedule:

• June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
• June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
• June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
• June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
• June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
• June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
• June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
• June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607