By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2026 at 1:01 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion 8th-grade students in Kamie Feder’s enrichment art class have been painting a patriotic mural the past three school days at Veterans Park in Albion at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street.
Aleeah Vallejo is shown working on the silhouette of a soldier saluting. The mural is on the south side of the bathrooms at the park. Before Monday, this wall was bland and all white.
Nikko Russo is on a step ladder working on a bald eagle while Blair Daggett paints poppies for the mural.
Blair Daggett gives the poppies different shades of red. Blair also had the main design for the mural, which is 9 feet high and 36 feet long.
The mural shows a bald eagle, a silhouette of a soldier saluting, red poppy flowers, the American flag, and the message “Lest We Forget.”
This is the third mural in the community that has been painted by Feder and her students. In recent years, Feder and her students worked on a flower-themed mural at the former bathrooms at Bullard Park and also revamped a canal-themed mural on the Albion fire hall. Feder’s classes also have done many murals inside the middle school.
There are five students working on the mural today. During the three days, 11 different students have worked on the project.
The students and their teacher are shown by the mural after they had lunch and were getting ready to complete the large painting. From left include Blair Daggett, Nikko Russo, teacher Kamie Feder, Adalynn Saeva, Julianna Grier and Aleeah Vallejo.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2026 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October.
The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 7, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion).
The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets.
Animals must be at least 3 months old.
Each animal must be leashed or secured in a crate.
Animals must be accompanied by an adult who can safely control the animal.
Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
Remember to bring proof of previous vaccination.
“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2026 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both counties and is a preventable viral disease.”
To prevent the spread of rabies, the health department reminds residents to take the following precautions:
Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Obey leash laws. Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the health department.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, touch, or attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats, bunnies, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters. If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and call the health department. DO NOT release it! For a video on how to safety capture a bat, visit https://bit.ly/CatchBatVideo
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2026 at 8:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BATAVIA – Anthony Hernandez Landaverde, a sophomore at Lyndonville, operates an excavator on Tuesday at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia. The excavator was one of the stations at the annual GLOW With Your Hands workforce exploration event.
There were about 1,200 students from the four rural GLOW counties at the event. In Orleans County, the participation included 45 from Lyndonville, 60 from Albion, 40 from Kendall, 40 from Medina and 20 from Holley.
Tanner Holliman, a Kendall student, is shown some lineman skills from Kevin Czuba of National Grid. The utility company shared about jobs with the company, including linemen, service work, stations work, material handlings and planning.
The workforce development staff, business and economic development leaders, and education officials from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming have teamed to organize GLOW With Your Hands since 2019, to help students see high-demand careers in manufacturing, agriculture, skilled trades and healthcare.
The officials want to fill needed positions for local businesses and connect local students to careers in their communities.
Brunner in Medina had a team at GLOW With Your Hands for the first time to let students know about the company that manufactures brakes for big trucks and school buses. Brunners will be expanding and adding 30 to 40 employees at Medina because it will be producing lease rings at the site.
From left to right include Justin Ennis, human resources for Brunner; Samantha Ford, human resources for Brunner; Brian Pitcher, forge manager; Michael Lang, engineer; Seamir Rahman, materials manager; and Josh Sanders, maintenance supervisor.
CNC Technical Solutions in Medina also had a display at GLOW With Your Hands and showed students its robot dog. CNC offers hands-on industrial training.
Kayleigh Hepper of Perry uses an auto-feed screw gun to hang drywall at one of the station’s on Tuesday. David Littlefield, an instructor with Rochester Davis-Fetch, a commercial interior contractor, led the station. Littlefield said the GLOW With Your Hands event did a great job showing students many different career opportunities in the local community.
Students meet with businesses and organizations in one of the fairgrounds buildings. There were more than 70 employers, industry partners, post-secondary institutions and workforce organizations representing opportunities throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Since 2019, more than 6,000 students have attended GLOW With Your Hands.
Charles Augello, owner of Western New York Aerial AG, showed students his drone and highlighted how agriculture is embracing technology. Augello started his company last year. He is very busy, often doing 150 to 200 fill-ups a day and spraying herbicides and fungicides for local farmers.
The drone was in demand this year with so much wet weather. The mud often kept farmers from getting sprayers and equipment in their fields. Augello was able to use his drone with a 26-gallon tank to spray onions and other vegetables.
“We need more drone applicators in the area,” he said.
Students in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES highlighted that program to other students. From left include Jackson Snook, a senior at Albion, and Brody Hazel of Lyndonville. In back is Mason Snook, an Albion senior.
Jackson said he enjoys making different parts of machines. The BOCES programs also has been a fun way to meet students from other nearby districts, he said.
The AME program teaches Computer Numerical Machining, Computer Aided Design and welding technologies.
Mason Snook said there is a lot of hands-on learning in the class.
“We spend about a half-hour in the classroom, then it’s about two hours of building things,” he said.
GLOW workforce officials said the local BOCES programs have seen a boost in enrollment partly through the GLOW With Your Hands events.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2026 at 7:59 am
Browsery now has 75 vendors in Albion and Medina
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Staff at Medina’s Downtown Browsery have announced a grand opening Oct. 9, 10 and 11 to celebrate the store’s expansion. Pictured are David Sevenski, vendor and board president; Ruth Higgins, vendor and volunteer; and Erik Sinkora, vendor and store manager.
MEDINA – Taking a quote from Mary Poppins, “When one door closes, another door opens.”
Such is the case in Medina, where the closing of one store on Main Street has provided the opportunity for another to expand.
The Downtown Browsery at 413 Main St., of which Erik Sinkora is manager, has expanded its store into one next door which was recently vacated. They will celebrate a grand opening on Oct. 9 with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. Cookies and punch will be available and a coupon promotion will take place all week.
“We currently have three store fronts in Albion, and now have two here,” Sinkora said. “Our new space gives us room for 10 more booths and seven more shelving units.”
He said they have a waiting list for vendors in both stores. Currently there are more than 75 vendors in Albion and Medina. To become a vendor, one must also commit to volunteering a minimum of 10 hours a month in the store. Sinkora not only manages the store, he is also a vendor. He sells items made from alpaca items which comes from the alpaca he and his wife raise at Lake Shore Alpaca.
Sevenski has a booth selling Pyrex and vintage kitchen furnishings.
A day this week found Ruth Higgins volunteering. In her booth she sells Barbie items, kitchen boas, aprons and playing cards.
Other items to be found in the store are beer coaster clocks, steampunk lamps, quill greeting cards to benefit a mission for girls at risk, herbs, incense, pottery, comic books, cameo brooches, local honey and jams, spaghetti sauce from Albanese and maple products – just to name a few.
The Downtown Browsery opened in Albion in 2004 and utilizes three store fronts previously occupied by Landauer’s on North Main St. The Medina store opened in 2019 and continues to grow.
Information online reveals that consignment shops are surging in popularity among all age groups, due to economic inflation and rising costs. One site states, “With high household expenses, consumers turn to resale and consignment shops to find clothing, accessories and home goods at a fraction of traditional retail prices.”
They are also an unexpensive way for home crafters or small businesses to sell their wares. The Browsery charges by the square footage of a booth, and booths are available in all sizes. A shelf can be rented for less money.
Board president David Sevenski has filled this space at The Downtown Browsery in Medina with a collection of Pyrex and items found in a retro kitchen.
Sinkora said a lot of merchandise changes with the seasons, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A recent day found sisters-in-law Emma Weeks and Angel Hoy browsing the store with Emma’s mother.
“We come her quite often and always go home with something,” Weeks said.
The store is open seven days a week from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and from Tuesday to Saturday after that. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation board of directors has indicated its intent to move forward with a recommended plan to consolidate its branch operations from eight locations to two, following a multi-year review of the branch network and its long-term financial sustainability. The board is expected to take formal action on the proposed plan.
Under the proposed Plan, WROTBC would retain its Wehrle location in Williamsville and Marway location in Gates. The Auburn, Clinton (Cheektowaga), Empire (Penfield), Jamestown, Lyell (Rochester) and River (North Tonawanda) branches are proposed to cease operations on or about Oct. 31.
The recommended plan comes after several years of reviewing the financial performance and changing needs of WROTBC’s branch network, culminating in an extensive analysis conducted in 2026. That review considered operating performance, wagering activity, property ownership and value, geographic coverage, customer accessibility, alternative wagering options and the long-term viability of the branch locations.
While Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has continued to grow, WROTBC’s traditional branch operations have faced ongoing financial challenges as technology and online wagering options continue to change how customers choose to wager. The six branches currently proposed for closure lost approximately $730,000 in 2025 and have already lost more than $700,000 through August 2026. Those losses are projected to reach nearly $1 million for the full year.
The proposed consolidation continues WROTBC’s efforts to address the changing financial and operational needs of its traditional branch network. From 2020 through 2023, the Corporation closed nine branch locations—six in 2020, two in 2022 and one in 2023.
“This recommended Plan was not a decision that was made quickly or easily,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “These branches have been part of their communities for many years, and we are grateful to the employees who have represented Western and served our customers every day. At the same time, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect the long-term financial health of the Corporation and allow us to continue growing distributions and investing in our member municipalities.”
Under the plan, the consolidation is expected to improve the corporation’s financial performance and increase distributions to its participating municipalities, based on 2026 projections, while maintaining WROTBC’s physical presence in both the Buffalo and Rochester markets.
WROTBC recognizes that the most difficult aspect of this proposed transition will be the impact on employees. Thirteen employees would be affected by the proposed closures. Management is committed to working closely with the union throughout the process. It has invited the union to the bargaining table to negotiate in good faith over the impact of the plan on affected employees.
“We greatly appreciate the years of service and dedication these employees have given to Western and to our customers,” said Board Chair, Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney. “Our goal is to handle this transition with respect and to provide as many options as we reasonably can for the employees who are affected.”
Following any closures, the corporation expects to begin independent assessments of its owned branch properties. WROTBC anticipates marketing the affected properties for sale following those assessments, with estimated net proceeds of more than $2 million. The Corporation expects to use those proceeds to support future growth and capital needs.
“Western has changed considerably over the years, and how our customers choose to wager has changed with it,” Brown said. “This proposed plan would allow us to respond to those changes while putting the Corporation in a stronger position for the future.”
Editor’s Note: Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation owned collectively by 15 Western and Central New York counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. Orleans County is among the member counties. There was an OTB branch in Albion that was shut down back in February 2016. That site at 317 West Ave. is now owned by Oak Orchard Health.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2026 at 4:12 pm
MEDINA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Orleans Community Health is promoting early detection and education to help combat this disease. In support of this effort, Medina Memorial Hospital is offering free 3D mammography screenings during October and November.
3D mammography is a highly effective screening tool that improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, according to information from Scott Robinson, Orleans Community Health’s director of marketing.
Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, giving radiologists a detailed, layer-by-layer view. This results in better detection rates, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
With the added attention around breast cancer awareness in October, the Imaging Department at Orleans Community Health is now scheduling appointments on extended days, which includes Saturdays. This will allow for an additional 50-plus screenings to occur during the month.
To qualify for a free screening, an appointment to have a mammogram must be scheduled during October or November, Robinson said.
“Whether you already have an appointment or need to book one, this offer applies only during these months,” he said. “We strongly encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to schedule their appointments now.”
For women who require additional testing, onsite ultrasounds are also available. The hospital’s dedicated team provides compassionate care in a supportive and comfortable environment, Robinson added.
To book a mammogram, call (585) 798-8055. Remember, screenings can be scheduled for any month of the year and do not need to wait for October. Anyone with questions is urged not to hesitate, but to call and ask for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2026 at 11:05 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Four friends enjoyed camaraderie and sampled ale at The Vintage Cigar on Medina’s Main Street during Ale in Autumn on Saturday. From left are Marie Bell of Akron, Jeannette and Don Geberling of Cheektowaga, and at rear is Marie’s husband Bob Arnold.
MEDINA – Saturday’s Ale in Autumn was about the most perfect day organizers could have hoped for. The day brought beautiful fall weather and a nearly sold-out event, according to Ann Fisher-Bale, coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, sponsor and organizer of the event that brought nearly 600 to the downtown to sample beer.
Tickets were sold for three different start times to participants who checked in at the Medina Senior Center. There, they were first ID’d by Pattrick Weissend and then had their tickets checked by Wendy Wilson and Bale, before getting a wristband from Sarah Fisher or Anne Joynt.
Pat Weissend (in blue Bills shirt) IDs for ticket holders checking in at the Medina Senior Center for Ale in Autumn on Saturday.
After picking up their souvenir glass and a goodie bag filled with snacks, pen, coupons and other items, participants proceeded to the back of the room to buy tickets on baskets which were available at each participating business. Ticket holders were also eligible to win a grand prize basket valued at $500.
John and Melissa Gorham have attended every Ale in Autumn, they said.
“It’s a chance to try different beers, and the snacks are usually very good,” John said.
Wendy Wilson checks tickets for Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport at the Senior Center on Saturday. Behind Wilson is Anne Joynt, Medina native who is running for New York State Supreme Court and volunteered to help. At Wilson’s left is Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, which sponsors the event.
For Barb Gorham, it is a way to get out and about before the snow comes.
“And you always run into friends you haven’t seen for a while,” she said.
Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport said she has attended the event every year.
“It’s a great way to get together with friends and support local businesses,” she said.
A new business, Katie’s Dipped Delights, was being promoted by Katie’s husband Brian Wiesinger in front of the English Rose Tea Shoppe. Seated at left is Brian’s mom Carole. Katie makes four kinds of gourmet apples, using Honeycrisp they buy from Roberts’, Brian said.
At The Vintage Cigar, Joe Meyer and owner Jim Robinson poured ale for a steady stream of participants.
Robinson, whose wife Cindy runs the English Rose Tea Shoppe, said they participate in Ale and Autumn every year, at one store or the other.
“The weather is always good and people come in who didn’t know there was a cigar store in town,” Robinson said.
One group of friends sipping their ale in the store was Bob Arnold and his wife Marie Bell of Akron with Don and Jeannette Heberling of Cheektowaga.
“We’ve been coming to this event for years,” Don said. “We’ve come to every one.”
Jeannette said it was a great community building event.
“The shops change and it’s good to see the different shops and what they sell,” Don said.
Entertaining near Main Street TV and Appliances on Saturday were Kathy Vandemortel of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford. Vandemoreal plays fiddle, while Sugarman plays banjo.
Gabriella Albanese of Albion has also attended Ale in Autumn every year.
“I’m not a beer drinker, but my sister and a friend love the opportunity to go together and visit all the stores,” Albanese said.
Local musician Rob Robinson for the last several years has arranged to have buskers on the street entertaining during Ale in Autumn. It is an age-old tradition for musicians to perform on a street corner for money. Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band who performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance.
“We have been nearly every year,” said Skinny, who was born in Medina.
“I love coming here,” he said. “I love Medina.”
Just down the street Kathy Vandemortel of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford were entertaining – she on fiddle and he on banjo. Vandemortel has taken part in Ale in Autumn for three years, but this is Sugarman’s first appearance.
Winner of the Grand Prize worth $500 was Melissa Streiff.
Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band that performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance. Standing in the center is Rob Robinson of Medina, also a musician, whose idea it was to have buskers.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group poses for a fun photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, 426 Main St., which was also one of the pouring stations for the Ale in Autumn.
Dave Sevenski, right, pours a sample of an IPA from the Hamburg Brewery for Christopher Hare of Medina. They are at the Downtown Browsery. Hare was happy to be out and seeing so many people.
“It’s better than sitting home and watching college football,” he said.
Lezly Rosario, bartender for Mile 303 Cantina, serves Bells amber ale. The Mile 303 Cantina is run by Gali Rosario and Leonel Rosario Jr.
Daniel Sprague played his electric guitar near Rotary Park as one of the musicians in the downtown.
Rick Zucco of Niagara Falls also performed as a busker.
ALBION – Christ Episcopal Church is proud to announce the opening of Noah’s Bowl, its new community pet food pantry, designed to provide free supplemental dog and cat food to local pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
The new pantry aims to help reduce economic strain on pet owners and prevent animal surrenders by ensuring that families do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved companion animal.
“Times are tough for many in our community, and pets are cherished members of the family,” said Nicole Spohr, director of the pet project at Christ Church. “We want to offer a safety net, so families facing temporary hardship don’t have to part with their animals.”
The pantry will be open on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The pet pantry is a walk-up pantry and will be dispensed from our West Park Street entrance. We ask everyone to be kind, courteous, and have “pawtience.”
To kick off our pet food pantry opening, we will be having a Pet Blessing this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 26 South Main St., Albion.
All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and under the owner’s control. A small distribution of pet food will be available while supplies last on this day.
Grand Opening & Distribution Details
Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: West Park Street (side parking lot of Christ Church)
Requirements: limit of one pickup per household
Distribution: Cat – 3 lb. bag
Dog – Small dog – 2 bags of 3-lb. bags; Large dog – 3 bags of 3-lb. bags
How the Community can help
The pet food pantry operates on community support and donations. Noah’s Bowl is currently accepting donations of unopened, unexpired dry and canned dog and cat food.
If anyone would like to make a pet food donation, please call 585-589-5314. Monetary donations can be sent to Christ Church at 26 South Main Street, Albion, New York 14411, with “Noah’s Bowl” noted on the memo line. For more information, please call 585-589-5314.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2026 at 8:03 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Todd Jantzi, an auctioneer and owner of Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service in Batavia, looks for bids during an art auction on Saturday at Marti’s on Main, an art gallery in Albion run by Kim Martillotta Muscarella.
He is shown with a painting by Richard Hart, one of 35 pieces of art work in the auction.
The first-ever art auction raised $8,000 for Marti’s, a non-profit art gallery that features many artists during the year and also hosts art classes and other special events.
Kim Martillotta Muscarella, leader of Marti’s on Main, welcomes the group for the auction. She thanked the artists for donating their work. She gave three on her paintings for the auction.
Martillotta Muscarella first ran Marti’s from her home on North Main Street in Albion, and then for a year at the Cobblestone Museum. In 2019, she started to transform the former Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County into an art gallery. The site opened as Marti’s on Main in 2021. It hosts several art shows a year, as well as concerts and art classes.
Martillotta Muscarella said 180 different artists have been featured at Marti’s since her first show in 2008, including about 120 who had their first show at a gallery.
Martillotta Muscarella established a non-profit organization about a year ago to help with fundraising to make the site more sustainable.
Todd Jantzi scans the crowd for bids. Jantzi bought one of the pieces himself. He thanked the group for their generosity and efforts to strengthen Marti’s, which he called a community asset.
A painting by Roseanne Mascari goes up for bid. Marrit Vaga, left, helped run the auction. Judy Wenrich, front right, bid on several of the pieces and donated one her works, showing two horses.
The auction included art work from Arthur Barnes, Tony Barry, Rebecca Barry-Kent, Jeanne Borrelli, David Burke, Rich Della Costa, Bradeen Erakare, Paul Facklam, George Graham, Pat Greene, Richard Hart, Sarah Hyatt, Laura Kemler, Jappie King Black, Arlene London, Chris Manaseri, Diana August Martin, Kim Martillotta Muscarella, Nikki Martillotta McFarland, Roseanne Mascari, Rebecca Maynard, Cindy Meal, Peter Monacelli, Connie Mosher, Michael O’Keefe, Nancy Radzik, Harvey Rayner, Ester Rolick, Brian Seekins, Sharon Stewart, Suzanne Wells, Mark Weld, Judy Wenrich, Bob Wisner and Tom Zangerle.
Some of the artwork in the auction is shown in this photo.
Marti’s on Main has transferred the former Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 20 South Main St. This building is part of the Courthouse Square Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2026 at 7:36 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: A group walks down East Shelby Road on Oct. 7, 2023 for the 35th annual walk/run for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. The Knights and Kaderli families estimate that more than $2 million has been used from the fund since it was established, helping cover some of the utilities, co-pays and other bills for people fighting cancer in Orleans County.
EAST SHELBY – The Knights-Kaderli Walk/Fundraiser will take place for the 38th year on Saturday at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
The charity was formed when two families who had lost loved ones to cancer decided to merge their separate fundraisers into one, and the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run was born.
The event honors the memory of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli, both of whom died of cancer. Since its inception, the charity has raised and given away $2 million to cancer patients undergoing treatment and their families in Orleans County, said Melissa Bertrand, Knights’ daughter who chairs the event.
Bertrand stressed that every penny raised or donated to the fund is given away. There are no administrative costs.
Saturday’s event will feature the walk/run, which Bertrand describes as “a big country walk,” beginning at the fire hall on East Shelby Road and continuing a mile to East Shelby Community Church, where it turns east on Barber Road for a mile, then north on Town Line Road, back to Hemlock Ridge and the fire hall.
Registration for the walk and sale of tickets for the basket raffle begin at 9:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 11 a.m. Basket raffle tickets will be sold until 1:30 p.m. A special raffle will feature Buffalo Bills and Sabres items.
Lunch will also be served, and those who spend $20 (either in walk sponsorships or raffle tickets) at the event will receive free lunch.
The walk and basket raffle are the charity’s biggest fundraisers, Bertrand said. Other fundraising during the year includes a chicken barbecue in June and a memorial golf tournament.
Donations to the fund are received from memorials or bequests from wills. Anyone may donate on Venmo@KnightsKaderli or by sending a check to Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina, or on the Knights Kaderli website by credit card.
As a special tribute to the late Dave Green, this year’s walk will be dedicated to him.
“He did so much to support our charity and the community,” Bertrand said.
In Green’s honor, volunteers this year will be given green shirts with Dave’s initials in the middle.
“He was such a good guy and a loyal follower,” Bertrand said.
Bertrand thanks the community for its continued support.
“I always marvel at what a small community can do to raise money for those in need,” she said.
Volunteers will be at East Shelby Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to accept baskets from anyone who wishes to donate one.
Key administrators of the Knights-Kaderli Fund are Bertrand (Knight’s daughter), president; Mary Zelazny (Kaderli’s daughter), vice president; and Sue Knights (Richard’s widow), who handles accounting and acknowledgments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2026 at 9:35 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – New concrete footers went in today for the new bridge under construction on Phipps Road in Albion.
The previous bridge was closed to traffic on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.
Keeler Construction is general contractor for the project, after submitting the low bid of $992,851.
Keeler is replacing the previous19.5-foot-long culvert and with one that is 25 feet long.
The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micro-piles on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.
All Ways Concrete Pumping in Auburn brought in a slinger with a 110-foot reach to pour concrete for the new footers.
The pre-cast culvert sections will be set on the footers. Once the new bridge is in place, the top will be paved over with asphalt with guard rails on the sides.
A state grant through the Bridge NY program for $1.038 million is covering most of the cost for the new bridge, which is expected to be open to traffic later this fall.
The bridge is over a tributary of Otter Creek. The water is directed through the two large pipes. This is looking south at the tributary.
Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester provided design services and now is doing construction inspection.
Here is how the bridge looked soon after it was closed to traffic on Sept. 9, 2022.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2026 at 5:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Village of Albion has a new basketball hoop on a concrete quarter court at St. Joseph’s Park on North Clinton Street.
The smaller court was paid with state funds administered by the Orleans County Youth Bureau.
Another one of the smaller basketball courts will be installed at Veterans Park at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street, said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director.
The village has money for a third court that will either go at Carosol Park at Caroline Street and Ingersoll Street or at Lafayette Park with entrances on both West Park and West State streets.
“They will be shooter courts to give kids in the area something more to do especially if they’re younger and can not make it to Bullard,” said Mayor Tim McMurray. “We just want to provide the kids another avenue for entertainment, getting outdoors and off the phones.”
At St. Joseph’s Park, a deteriorating pavilion was removed to make room for the new basketball area.
Grillo said he is pleased to see the new court at St. Joseph’s, and looks forward to the next two courts.
“I think it’s wonderful,” he said. “We want to give people an opportunity with the parks on all areas of the village. That’s our goal.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2026 at 3:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – A caravan of vehicles helped move a 222,500-pound load from Graham Manufacturing in Batavia this morning to the Erie Canal in Albion.
The top photo shows utility workers raising wires high to give the load its needed clearance.
The slow-moving caravan of vehicles slowed down traffic as it made its way north on Route 98.
It then turned left and went west on Route 31A, before turning right and going north on Gaines Basin Road, until making a final right hand turn on Albion-Eagle Harbor Road.
The load is a 195,500-pound condenser made by Graham. The cradle for the condenser weighed an additional 27,000 pounds, for a 222,500-pound total.
A group of bucket trucks are ready to raise wires for the load as its moves north on Gaines basin Road near the intersection with Countyhouse Road.
This is at least the fourth condenser made by Graham that was taken to the Erie Canal for transport. Previous condensers headed east to its final destination at the Navy.
Previous trips went to Albany, then down the Hudson River to New York Harbor. From there the condensers went on an ocean-going-barge for the trip to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
Massive cranes are in place to move the condenser to a barge. The barge wasn’t there to take the condenser by early this afternoon.
The load is close to the Erie Canal, just west of the boat launch on Albion-Eagle Harbor Road.
