Photos by Ginny Kropf: Brad Zacher and his son Henry, 5, build a fort with the giant LEGO blocks during  special event at Sacred Heart Club last year, sponsored by Medina Tourism Committee.

MEDINA – The second annual LEGO event sponsored by Medina Tourism Committee is scheduled for Saturday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Medina Tourism Committee member Barb Gorham said the event was so popular last year, they have decided to do it again. Because last year’s venue, Sacred Heart Club, was booked for tomorrow, the Committee decided to move it to the library.

The event was an idea of Jan Smith, a member of the Tourism Committee. The committee discussed it and thought it be a good fit for the community, Gorham said.

The theme last year was the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, while this year’s theme is the 250th anniversary of the country. However, entries for prizes do not have to have a theme, nor do entries for display. They may also be already-made.

Prizes will be awarded in age categories of K-2nd grade, 3rd to 7th grade, 8th to 12th grade and adults.

In addition to displays and the competition, there will be hands-on activities, building blocks and entertainment by Chuckles the Magician in the library from 11 a.m. to noon.

Gorham expressed her thanks to Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern for loaning them the building blocks.

A new feature this year will be the Boy Scouts selling hot dogs and beverages. Water and popcorn will be provided for the children.

Members of the ROCLUG LEGO building group out of Rochester sit with their giant display of creations they brought to Sacred Heart Club last year. From left are Robert Herberger, Chuck Frueh and Shyra Murphy, all of Geneva, They will be in Medina again for the second LEGO event Saturday (tomorrow) at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Shirley Verrico, Triennial operations manager; director and co-curator Kari Conte; and community engagement and programs coordinator Federico Rosario organize items from the Triennial for a cash and carry sale on Saturday at the Triennial Hub headquarters, 345 Main St.

MEDINA – Folks wanting a permanent souvenir from the recent Triennial, which ran for three months this summer throughout the village, can find a variety of merchandise at a Cash and Carry Sale on Saturday at the Triennial Hub headquarters at 345 North Main Street.

The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Credit cards will be accepted.

Triennial merchandise available at the sale will include appliances (refrigerator, freezer, small microwave, coffee pot), furniture (wood stools), coat racks, shelving, an office desk, things for gardens, a pond pump and liners, work items, wine glasses and other Triennial merchandise, according to Kari Conte, executive director and co-curator of the Triennial.

The Triennial ran from June 6 to Sept. 7 and drew about 30,000 people to see the art installations at 10 locations in Medina.

‘Socks’ reunites with pot-bellied siblings

Photos courtesy of Stephanie Marquardt: This pig named Socks created a lot of buzz in the Albion community while it was loose for nine days. Socks is now back home with her siblings, two pot-bellied pigs.

ALBION – The black pig that was on the lam for more than a week in Albion is back home. The pig named Socks came out of a wooded area last night and reunited with her two pot-bellied sisters.

Stephanie Marquardt said she called out to Socks, a pig that was on Keitel Road near the Route 31 intersection. The pig walked over to Marquardt and stepped into a horse trailer with her sisters.

Socks was sold to another person last Tuesday. That person hit a bump on Lattin Road, the tailgate fell and Socks jumped out of a vehicle and into the countryside.

Socks, right, is happy to be back home with a sibling.

Many people posted pictures of Socks on social media, typically wandering along Keitel Road or Riches Corners Road. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media on Wednesday that it was well aware of the pig on the loose.

“She was just a little home farm piggy and now she has so much publicity,” Marquardt said. “She is the mascot of Albion. Everybody has been stopping me and calling me the pig mommy. We are extremely surprised that are little pig has caused so much commotion.”

Marquardt and her family have been raising pigs in a fenced-in area in their backyard on Lattin Road. They want to keep Socks and will be putting in some fencing reinforcements. She expects to start a GoFundMe if people want to help pay for the stronger fence.

Socks is a four-month-old pig, and weighs about 85 to 100 pounds. Her mother is a Duroc and the father is American Guinea. Marquardt said the pig get top 400 pounds as it gets older.

Marquardt didn’t initially know Socks was on the loose until she saw the frenzy on social media. The pig was supposed to be with a new owner.

Marquardt said Socks seemed to enjoy all the attention and food people were leaving for her. Socks was hard to corral because many people were chasing her, Marquardt said.

She waited until Thursday night when the neighborhood was quiet and she called out to Socks. The pig then emerged from a wooded area.

“She comes when she is called,” Marquardt said.

File photo by Tom Rivers: These farmworkers pick cucumbers in August 2019 along Townline Road in Barre.

Press Release, Community Coalition for Justice

ALBION – “What Does a Welcoming Farm Community Look Like?” That’s the topic Father Joseph Marcoux and other speakers will address, Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion.

Father Joseph Marcoux

Father Joseph Marcoux is pastor of Blessed Virgin Mary Nativity Church in Brockport as well as Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hamlin.  Nativity has had an Hispanic ministry for farmworkers for several generations. The church has a Hispanic Deacon and Hispanic Coordinator on staff.

Father Joe is also a major in the Army National Guard, with whom he recently served six months in the Near East during the Iran War.  He’s been the pastor at Seton and Nativity churches for the past three years.

He previously served as pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Geneva from 2010 to 2023.  During his stay there, he became known for his sermons and a selection of these are available under his name. Several are applicable to Father Joe’s topic on Sept. 28: exclusivity and the acceptance of immigrants.  Copies will be available on the 28th.

Other speakers:

Dr. James Goetz, long-time medical director of Oak Orchard Medical Center, which serves the general public and farmworkers and their children and families through Brockport and branch offices in Orleans and Genesee counties and western Monroe.

Dr. Goetz is a graduate of Notre Dame University and received his medical degree from Ohio State. He subsequently got a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard.

Dr. Goetz tells that he’s a fan of St. Francis, who encourages us to spread Christ’s teachings, especially in service to the “poor,” “persecuted” and “least of these” through actions, “using words only as a last resort.”  He practiced for three years in Africa, before becoming the Medical Director of Oak Orchard, where he served for 45 years. Dr. Goetz is also the chair of Nativity’s Human Resources Committee.

Karen Watt, local farmer, is active and office holder in the local, state and national Farm Bureaus. She also is a board member and was president of the Oak Orchard Community Health Center and the Albion office bears her name commemoratively. Ms. Watt has also been named a  “Citizen of the year” by the Orleans Hub.

She currently serves on the National Advisory Commission on Migrant/Immigrant Farmworkers’ Health. It’s the second time she’s been chosen. She has served as its Chair.  (Interestingly, Bob Golden, also of the Community Coalition for Justice, has served as chair of the National Advisory Commission some time ago, under the President Reagan  administration.)

Also, Tom Rivers, editor of Orleans Hub, will have copies of his book, Farm Hands, available to buy. Tom tells of his experiences working for many weeks on several Orleans County farms and the difficulty of the work.  He tells of working side by side with immigrant workers and their hard work and kindnesses to him.

The Community Coalition for Justice includes a Catholic Nun, two ministers, a deacon, a physician, three nurses (two mental health nurses), two farmers, three office holders, including a former Legislature chair, four teachers,  five social workers and three criminal justice workers.

Several have served on state and national committees and have been named teacher, volunteer or citizen of the year. The CCJ has put on 26 programs over the last six years on racial and economic justice, including four on Native Americans.

Press Release, U.S Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that the Trump administration release funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the cold winter months.

“New Yorkers are already feeling the pain of President Trump’s economy at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy. Now, as temperatures begin to drop, they’re getting hit again: this time at the thermostat,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Fuel prices are soaring because of President Trump’s war with Iran, and New Yorkers need help heating their homes as temperatures drop. I’m calling on the Trump administration to immediately release LIHEAP funding to help low-income New Yorkers afford their energy bills.”

Last week, the price of crude oil rose to $100 per barrel for the first time since July—a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran. That has driven up the average cost of heating oil in New York up to $6.14 per gallon, which is a 66% increase from this time last year.

At the same time, President Trump’s administration has yet to release the LIHEAP funding that helps New Yorkers heat their homes in the fall and winter, which was appropriated by Congress in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 earlier this month. Under this bill, New York is slated to receive an estimated $360 million in LIHEAP funds.

With temperatures beginning to drop and fuel prices continuing to rise, Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding that the administration immediately release this funding.

The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story GO Barn! building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives. Go Art! has secured nearly $8 million in funding for the project and is seeking $15 million more from other foundations.

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) invites the community to participate in a special two-week silent auction beginning Saturday, September 19, and concluding with a closing reception on Saturday, October 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.

This fundraiser emerged from an unexpected change in GO Art!’s September exhibition schedule, which opened two gallery spaces and created a wonderful opportunity to showcase a curated collection of fine arts and crafts specifically donated by local artists and collectors for our GO BARN! auction fundraiser.

All proceeds will support the GO Barn! project—GO ART!’s transformational initiative to expand arts access, programming, and community space in Genesee and Orleans counties.

To date, GO ART! has secured approximately $7,859,493 in grant funding toward the GO Barn! project at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. While this represents significant progress, additional fundraising is essential. The silent auction offers community members a chance to enjoy original artwork while helping us move one step closer to making GO BARN! a reality, for which we are incredibly grateful.

GO Art! is proposing the new building at the fairgrounds to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.

The closing reception on Oct. 3 will feature the final bidding window from 5 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost for artists or guests to attend. To participate in the silent auction, register by obtaining a bidding number at the GO ART! gallery, located at 201 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY.

GO ART! warmly encourages residents, supporters, and art lovers to visit the galleries, place bids, and help bring the GO Barn! project closer to reality. To learn more about the GO Barn! project, visit: https://goart.org/support-us/go-barn/

For event information, email info@goart.org or call 585 343 9313.

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

LOCKPORT – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year.

Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.  The winners were announced at Opening Day for Orleans/Niagara BOCES at the Palace Theater in Lockport.

Dan Connolly is the Administrator of the Year. Connolly has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for almost ten years. He says his favorite part of the job is that every day is something new.  “There is no way I could do what I do without the outstanding staff that I work with.  I was shocked, grateful and humbled when I heard my name called on opening day.”

Harris Lieberman is the Adult Education Employee of the Year.  “I have worked for Orleans/Niagara BOCES since the Summer of 2015. I was hired as a part-time ESL teacher and worked in Waterport at the satellite facility, World Life Institute. I worked for five years and then took a leave of absence to live in China for almost three years. I returned in 2024 and retained full-time employment with Orleans/Niagara BOCES and now work primarily at 50 Main Street, Lockport.”

He says his favorite part of his job is getting to meet and teach students from all over the world. “Sometimes I feel like my students teach me more than I teach them. Their incredible life stories, struggles and resilience help motivate me to keep coming back to work year after year. I was completely surprised and deeply honored to win this award. Among all of the excellent individuals I work with, it is very humbling that I was chosen out of so many talented, passionate workers.”

Elaine Sheehan is the Clerical Person of the Year. She started working at BOCES in 2015 as a teacher’s aide for the LPN program. “My job responsibilities were greeting staff and young adults and helping them find where they needed to go. I also helped teachers if they ever needed anything.  I was very excited that my fellow employees like and appreciate me and everything I do. I feel very honored by them and to receive this award.”

Theresa Salmeri is the Maintenance Person of the Year. She has worked at BOCES for six years and retired this year. “My favorite part of the job were the people I work with and the freedom to work independently.”

She says she was shocked when she won. “People were texting me and letting me know I won. What great news to get!”

Lisa Bielmeier is the Staff Specialist of the Year. She has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 28 years.

“My favorite part of the job is working with our BOCES staff and our component districts highlighting all the important things they do to enrich the lives of children and adults,” she said. “What I really enjoy about my job is being creative, interacting with people and telling their stories.  I love that every day is different and I am always meeting and working with such dedicated educators.

“The ONBOCES Public Relations team that I am a part of are the best. My coworkers are talented, smart, passionate about their work and a lot of fun to be around. It makes coming to work so enjoyable.”

She says she was shocked when her name was called opening day during the awards. “It meant so much to me that the people I work with thought enough of me to nominate me for this award. I feel very humbled and honored.”

Tajwanna Jackson is the Teacher Aide of the Year.  “I have been with BOCES since March of 2023.  My favorite part of the job is being able to make a difference in a student(s) life. Being named Employee of the Year is truly an honor and a blessing. It makes me feel grateful and appreciated for the hard work and dedication I put into my job every day. I don’t come to work just to do a job I come with a purpose, knowing that the students, my coworkers, and the school community all matter.

“This recognition reminds me that the little things I do each day make a difference,” Jackson said. “Whether it is encouraging a student, helping someone through a difficult moment, supporting my coworkers, or simply being someone others can depend on, I am grateful that my efforts are noticed. Being Employee of the Year motivates me to continue growing, learning, and giving my very best. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference at the Niagara Academy.”

Sarah Koithan is the Teacher of the Year. “I started working the ESY (Extended School Year) program in 2008 as an aide and subbed during the school years. I spent two and a half years being a long-term substitute teacher before being officially hired in 2014. My favorite parts of my job are building relationships with my students and getting to see the small steps of progress that they make. I love reflecting back at their transformation throughout the year, how much they’ve grown, and when parents share the progress they notice as well. I also have some awesome colleagues. We make a great team together!”

Koithan says she was shocked when she heard her name opening day. “It means so much to me knowing that it comes from my peers and all of my hard work is noticed and appreciated by others. I put my heart and soul into a lot of projects to try to make our school a better place to work and do what’s best for the students. I was truly touched and work with such a special team of people.”

Jason Royce was named the Substitute of the Year.

Provided photos

BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley greets veterans this morning in the parking lot at Batavia Downs before the group left for the annual Patriot Trip to Washington, DC.

The trip includes stops at the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Eisenhower Towers, Iwo Jima Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and World War II Memorial.

The group of 95 people will be gone from today through Sunday.

The group received a sendoff from the Batavia High School Band, which played patriotic music.

Some of the group pose for a picture before taking off on the trip.

Hawley has been leading the Patriot Trip since 2008. He created the trip after seeing how meaningful it was for veterans to see the memorials and landmarks in Washington, D.C. Hawley joined his father, a World War II veteran, on a visit to DC to see the war memorials.

“I am very excited to get this year’s Patriot Trip underway and to once again have the opportunity to bring local veterans to our nation’s capital,” Hawley said. “There is no better way to honor those who have served our country than to bring them to these sacred places and allow them to see firsthand the memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice.”

Among the attendees on this trip is former Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt, a decorated helicopter pilot from the Vietnam War.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Some of the leaves at Mount Albion Cemetery are changing from green. This photo was taken on Saturday on the eastern side near the Church family monument.

The fall foliage season is in the early stages with some leaves changing from green.

I Love NY tourism on Wednesday posted its first fall foliage report from around the state. In Western New York and the Finger Lakes the leaves haven’t changed much.

The most significant changes are in the Adirondacks and Catskills. There are about 100 volunteer leaf observers around the state who send in weekly updates on fall foliage to the I LOVE NY program.

Locations with the most significant foliage change this weekend will include Tupper Lake, Long Lake, Wilmington, Benson, Lake Pleasant and Old Forge (Adirondacks); Delhi (Catskills); and Utica (Central New York), according to the report.

This map from I Love NY shows most of the leaves are still green in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.

Dan Crofts works with students through the IGNITE program at GCC

Provided photo: Dan Crofts holds a copy of his autobiography about being on the Autism Spectrum.

BATAVIA — For over 15 years, Dan Crofts has worked as a direct support professional for Arc GLOW.

Today, he can be found within the IGNITE (Inspiring Growth and Nurturing Independence Through Education) program at Genesee Community College (GCC). In this role, he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they participate in an inclusive higher education experience, helping students in developing vocational, social, communication, and independent living skills while participating in IGNITE classes, community outings, job site tours, internships, and audited college courses.

It is for his consistent support and dedication Crofts will be honored as one of the four awardees across the state of the 2026 Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. This annual award recognizes a DSP who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment to providing supports to people who have IDD.

“I would like to commend Dan Crofts on the work that he has done with my daughter. We first met Dan about four years ago (give or take) when my daughter first started services through Arc GLOW,” said Elizabeth Newman in a letter of support. “A couple of years ago, my daughter started the IGNITE program at GCC, and was overjoyed to hear that Dan had accepted the position with the IGNITE program and that she would be continuing to work with him!”

“Now two years later, he has continued to have such a positive impact on her learning and growth, and even though she has graduated from that program, we have been honored to hire Dan on as her self-hired community habilitation staff,” she continued. “He has been such a positive influence, mentor and roll model for my daughter and all those who he is around.”

Newman isn’t the only one who sings high praises of Crofts; Cathy Barcomb also wrote a letter of support saying he is patient, caring and compassionate.

“An example of this is the day my son was struggling emotionally, and I needed to pick him up from the program. Dan and Daniel were in the classroom when I arrived,” she said. “I proceeded to encourage my son to pack his backpack and to head home with me. After a little bit, he complied.

“During this time, Dan remained quietly working on his computer, only speaking to say goodbye to us. A few minutes later Dan texted me to let me know that he wasn’t ignoring us but was giving Daniel the space and time to collect himself and be able to leave without getting upset further. Dan understood what Daniel needed at that moment. That is one of Dan’s strengths; his ability to assess a situation and handle it admirably.”

In addition to his work as a DSP, Crofts is also an accomplished, published author whose work has appeared in various publications. He has written and published an autobiography detailing his own personal experiences as a person on the Autism Spectrum.

It is his experiences as both a professional and person with lived experience on the Autism spectrum which brings unique insight and perspective to his role. He willingly learns about new topics, technologies, and educational methods that can enhance participant experiences in both classroom and community settings.

Crofts often states that he may wish to remain a lifelong DSP because of his passion for the field and the individuals he serves.

The award will be presented to Crofts Friday, Sept. 25 during The Arc New York’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the Warren-Washington-Albany chapter of The Arc New York.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed guitarist Muriel Anderson and renowned guitarist Kinloch Nelson for a free concert this Saturday at noon.

The concert will feature two exceptional guitarists whose performances showcase the versatility, beauty and artistry of the guitar. Audience members can expect an entertaining afternoon of music featuring the distinctive styles and talents of Anderson and Nelson.

Muriel Anderson is an award-winning guitarist, harp guitarist, composer, and performer known for her innovative musicianship and engaging live performances. She has performed around the world and is recognized for her ability to blend a variety of musical styles.

Kinloch Nelson, a longtime favorite among guitar enthusiasts, is an accomplished guitarist and performer whose work spans a wide range of musical traditions and styles.

The performance is open to the public, and no registration is required. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The library is located at 134 South Main St.

This concert is 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 the New York State Legislature and administered by GO Art!

Senator seeks more funds for research, care for women experiencing menopause

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rick Scott (R-FL), ranking member and chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, held the first ever congressional hearing on menopause. At the hearing, expert witnesses testified about the urgent need to improve menopause research, training, and care.

Additionally, Gillibrand and Scott made a bipartisan request to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how the federal government currently coordinates and funds menopause research and care.

“Menopause impacts over half of our population, and the fact that Congress has never held a hearing on it is absolutely disgraceful,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today’s hearing was a critical step toward getting this issue front and center so that we can find the best ways to improve research, training, and care for women experiencing menopause. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues—men and women, Democrats and Republicans—to meet the moment on menopause.”

Menopause is one of the most under-researched, undertreated, and underdiagnosed fields of medicine. Women in midlife make up about a third of the U.S. population. However, less than 1% of federal women’s health research funding is allocated to menopause. Additionally, 80% of OB-GYN residents admit to being ill-prepared to discuss menopause—meaning that women who seek medical care for symptoms of menopause are often left untreated.

The lack of treatment for menopause also has massive economic implications. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that menopause costs the U.S. economy $26.6 billion per year, including $1.8 billion in lost work time alone. One in ten women leave the workforce because of menopause, taking decades of knowledge and experience with them.

Gillibrand and Scott’s bipartisan letter to GAO requests a report on the federal government’s role in menopause care and research. This report will help us better understand remaining gaps in menopause-related research, education, and treatment, and what the federal government can do to address these gaps. The text of the letter can be found by clicking here.