Photos courtesy of WALL\THERAPY – Justin Suarez works on his mural on the northside of The Lockstone in Albion at 160 North Main St. This is one of four murals in the Rochester region funded by the by Governor Hochul’s CHARM Initiative and supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Press Release, WALL\THERAPY

ROCHESTER – WALL\THERAPY is proud to announce the completion of four new public art murals throughout the Finger Lakes region. The works are part of the Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) program, an initiative from Governor Kathy Hochul and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

The new murals include:

“Starbright” by Pamela Carvalho and Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom, at Rio Tomatlan in Canandaigua. This mural depicts the figure of a woman calmly gazing forward as vibrantly-colored stars swirl around her.

Pamela Carvalho has been tattooing since 2013 and it is a job that she cherishes more every year. Having the opportunity to give someone something that they can admire forever is a privilege she does not ever plan on taking lightly, or for granted.

“Sanctuary” by Sarah C. Rutherford – Located at Dutch Creatives’ Collaborative in Rochester. Surrounded by electric pulses emanating from the figure, the mural portrays a person getting lost in music.

For the past 18 years, Sarah C. Rutherford (she/her) has worked in her chosen community of Rochester as a muralist, painter, educator and community-based artist. She is the co-founder of THE YARDS Collaborative Art Space and the creator of the mural project Her Voice Carries, featuring local women who lift up the voices of others. Sarah was also awarded a Creative Rebuild NY grant in partnership with Willow Domestic Violence Center to expand her multifaceted public art project, Stories of Strength, which directly engages and works alongside survivors of domestic violence.

“Take Care” by Francheska Diaz and Callisto Daly at Lyell Branch Library in Rochester. This mural features five vignettes, two designed by Callisto Daly and three by Francheska Diaz celebrating themes of nature, community and intergenerational relationships.

Roc Paint Division youth and alumni artists assisted with the installation.

Francheska Diaz is an artist based in Rochester. Her work showcases themes of emotion, identity and human connection. Her artwork creates a bridge between her nostalgic inner world and her audience. She develops her dream world through painting; a colorful place full of flowers, plants, fruit, and sunshine.

As a Puerto Rican, family is a huge part of her culture and she honors this by using old family photographs as inspiration for her paintings. Incorporating her family in the work makes her feel connected to them while also connecting her to the viewer through a shared experience.

In addition to her artwork, she co-leads a youth mural arts employment program, Roc Paint Division. She mentors and teaches teenagers in the city about mural work, drawing, and painting. Creating a space for the youth to harness their skills as both an artist and a human.

Callisto Daly is a youth educator and alumnus of Roc Paint Division.

“Blossom” by Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom at The Lockstone in Albion. This mural celebrates local plants and pollinators, featuring a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Swallowtail Butterfly and Bumblebee, along with zinnia, purple coneflower, dahlia, and sunflowers.

Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom is an artist, educator, and co-founder of Roc Paint Division, with two decades of experience in creating public art. He has painted murals throughout much of the United States, with a particular emphasis on showcasing wildlife and natural species. Through his mural work, Justin aims to engage communities and inspire a greater commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship.

The 2026 CHARM program has led to the creation of 42 works of art in 31 counties, building on last year’s initial program of 56 murals across 21 counties.

“Murals cultivate civic pride, spur community engagement, and become destinations to attract visitors that spark economic development,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts.

“NYSCA is proud to continue this successful program into its second year, supporting more and more public art throughout New York State.”

“We are honored that WALL\THERAPY and Roc Paint Division have been selected to continue with the CHARM initiative in its second year,” said Erich S. Lehman, curator of WALL\THERAPY. “Having our longstanding efforts supported at the statewide level is incredibly meaningful, as it directly allows our programming and impact to evolve through both the murals we produce and the mentorship of our young artists.”

About WALL\THERAPY

WALL\THERAPY is an art and community intervention project in Rochester, using public murals as a means to transform the urban landscape, inspire and build community.

WALL\THERAPY murals have transformed walls, buildings, and neighborhoods. This transformation has sparked inspiration in individuals and communities alike. The murals have become part of the local conversation, the local identity, and the fabric of the city. Local art classes and schools tour the murals as part of the curriculum. Local professionals change their route to the murals as part of their drive home. Local artists, young and old, find inspiration in the works.

WALL\THERAPY mural project is now recognized worldwide. People from 2,000-plus cities in 104 countries have visited the WALL\THERAPY site to learn more. New mural artists from around the world ask about painting Rochester, for the first time or for another time.

About Roc Paint Division

Roc Paint Division is a youth employment and development program. Designed for high school-aged artists of all skill levels, the program offers hands-on training in researching, designing and producing large-scale public murals.

Through a supportive artistic environment, youth participants develop creative skills and build critical life competencies — including teamwork, time management and accountability. Whether participants go on to pursue careers in the arts or other fields, Roc Paint Division fosters pride, confidence and a lasting sense of community impact.

Since its inception, Roc Paint Division has employed more than 60 youth muralists and produced 48 public murals throughout the city. Each mural represents a unique collaboration between young artists, lead staff and guest muralists from across New York State and beyond. Roc Paint Division is made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. The New York State Council on the Arts will award more than $161 million in FY 2027, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov.

MEDINA –The National Honor Society at Medina High School will again be serving dinner to veterans and their families.

The annual Veterans’ Day Dinner will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the high school cafeteria.

The dinner will be catered and is free to veterans and their families. NHS members collect donations to cover the cost of the meals.

Veterans and their families who want to attend are urged to call the high school office at (585) 798-2700 by Nov. 2. Reservations can also be emailed to NHS advisor Zachary Harris at zwharris@medinacsd.org.

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Village officials will be joined by artist Mary Jo Whitman during a dedication and reception at 3 p.m. on Oct. 21 for the new “Holley is Home” mural.

Whitman, a Holley native and graduate, spent about six weeks diligently creating the mural on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.

Whitman, a Batavia resident, used a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural. She was approached by Holley mayor Mark Bower about a mural with Holley landmarks.

Whitman painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, the gazebo by the canal, the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts in the Public Square that incudes Sam’s Diner.

ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to 3 years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Jeffrey Fitzsimmons, 34, of West Oak Orchard Street also will get 10 years of post-release supervision. The judge also issued an order of protection for the victim for up to 10 years when Fitzsimmons is released from prison.

Fitzsimmons was charged in April with first-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a children for inappropriately touching a 15-year-old girl.

He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and admitted in court previously to committing the crime. However, during a pre-sentence investigation with probation staff, Fitzsimmons wouldn’t admit to the crime, District Attorney Susan Howard said.

Judge Church faulted Fitzsimmons for not taking responsibility for the crime.

“You pleaded guilty but now you deny it happened?” Judge Church said.

The mother of the alleged victim spoke in court this morning and said Fitzsimmons caused emotional trauma to her daughter by allegedly forcing himself on her and violating her trust.

“My child deserves justice,” the mother said. “Watching your child go through this is the most horrible thing in the world.”

She asked for the maximum possible sentence in the plea and for the highest level on the sex offender registry. That level on the registry will be determined in a separate hearing when Fitzsimmons is close to his release date from prison.

Photo courtesy of The Batavian: The alleged perpetrator of an armed robbery in Medina on Tuesday morning then drove to Batavia in a red SUV, and crashed near the of intersection of Richmond Avenue and State Street.

MEDINA – A man who allegedly robbed the Family Dollar in medina on Tuesday morning, putting a gun to the head of an employee, has been arrested but is currently in Strong Memorial Hospital recovering from injuries after crashing an SUV in Batavia.

The alleged robber will be arraigned and likely remanded to the Orleans County Jail soon after being discharged by Strong, said Corey Black, the Medina police chief.

The man drove off from Family Dollar and his SUV was detected by a Flock camera. Law enforcement were alerted when the SUV was in Batavia.

The driver of the SUV collided with another vehicle near the intersection of Richmond Avenue and State Street. The SUV driver was unconscious and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Black said he will release the man’s name and more details from the crime once the man has been arraigned and is out of the hospital. Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies are staying at Strong, keeping the man under arrest.

Black said the Flock camera system was paramount in the quick response by law enforcement in an adjoining county.

A member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was able to put the red SUV and the last three digits of the license plate into the Flock system.

Medina Police were then assisted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Albion Police, State Police, Batavia Police, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.

“This is a very dangerous person,” Black said about the alleged robber. “At the end of the day, the cooperation of the law enforcement agencies working together was huge.”

Provided photos: Walkers and runners head up the hill toward the East Shelby Community Bible Church on the first leg of the Knights Kaderli Run/Walk on Oct. 3.

EAST SHELBY – The Knights Kaderli Memorial Walk/Run on Oct. 3 has raised $26,000 to date, with donations still coming in, according to Melissa Knights Bertrand, an organizer of the event.

The fundraiser was started when the families of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli merged their fundraisers into one, and since then have given away $2 million to cancer patients and their families in Orleans County.

“We are so grateful to the Orleans County communities for their continued generous support and participation at our events,” said Bertrand. “We know there are many activities and charitable events to choose from on a beautiful fall Saturday, and we are humbled that so many made an effort to join us.”

The most popular items at the Knights Kaderli fundraiser Oct. 3 were a Josh Allen jersey and a collection of merchandise in memory of Dave Green. The event has raised $26,000 to date, and donations are still coming in.

The annual event takes place at East Shelby Fire Hall, where a walk/run begins the day, followed by a huge basket raffle.

Two special raffle items which were popular were a Josh Allen jersey and an assortment of items in memory of Dave Green. The walk/run was dedicated to the memory of Green, a retired Orleans County sheriff and a longtime member of the East Shelby Fire Company. He also was a supporter of the Knights Kaderli Fund. Green passed away at age 83 on May 22. In his honor, walkers and runners wore green shirts with the initial “D” on them.

Anyone may donate to the fund 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.

Provided photos: The Bergholz German Band will be performing Saturday in Lyndonville at the White Birch Golf Course.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – At their first September meeting the Lyndonville Lions hosted Janice Infantino the lions District Governor. She was on hand to inform the  lions of the present programs and services available to regional clubs through Lions Club International.

She reviewed agendas and plans from the local club for future events and offered several resources that might be able to assist the Lyndonville Lions in upcoming events.

As District Governor she will visit all the regional district clubs in the next few months to continue to gain information on regional clubs and offer resources to assist local clubs to better serve their residents. As the Regional Governor she recognized several Lyndonville Lions for milestones in service as she presented Chevron awards to Nicole Spohr with a 15-year service pin, Dr. Tom Wenhold with a 30-year service pin and Roger Wolfe with a 45-year service pin.

District Governor Janice Infantino presents Nicole Spohr with an award recognizing her 15 years of service to the Lyndonville Lions.

The Lions were happy to announce that they will be participating in the Village of Lyndonville “Trunk and Treat” to be held on October 31 at 5 p.m. in the Village of Lyndonville.  I

n further activities  the club finalized the details of their upcoming 3rd annual Oktoberfest on October 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Resort. The Bergholz German Band is a traditional German Oompah and Brass Band based out of Tonawanda. They are  scheduled to perform their traditional German polkas, waltzes and various Bavarian songs during their performance.

The club is excited to welcome the Bergholz Band to Lyndonville and want to congratulate them on their recent induction into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. For presale tickets and reservations please call 585-733-6423. Individual seats are available for $50 or tables of 8 for $360. All tickets include hot German pretzels with mustard, a German buffet of sauerkraut, bratwurst and various sausages with German potato salad and schnitzel just to mention some of the item included.

Of course apple strudel will be served at the end of the evening. German beer will be available along with a cash bar for “Besucher’s,” German for visitors to the Oktoberfest event.  The evening will feature a large basket raffle,  steinholding or “Masskrugstemmen” contest and the coronation of the royal court of the 2026 Oktoberfest.  The Masskrugstemmen is a traditional contest in Germany where participants hold a full one-liter beer stein straight out in front of them with one arm. You lose if you bend your elbow, lean backwards, switch hands or spill any beer from your stein. The traditional and very popular “shot ski” will make its  second appearance  this year. The Lyndonville Lions would like to invite all to attend this cultural Autumn event.

In preparation for their free eye exam and glasses clinic this spring the Lyndonville Lions donated over 1,000 pairs of glasses to the regional Lions collection effort. Glasses that are deemed unusable are collected and transported to a recycling center. Some donated glasses can be refitted and used at the Eye Exam Clinic. Those that are deemed unusable are sent to a recycling center where they are broken down to metal, glass and plastic for recycling.

The Lions would like to express their appreciation to the Hilton-Spencerport Express trucking company for their assistance in transporting these glasses.  Glasses from all the regional Lions Clubs are collected at their facility and then transported free of charge to area recycling complexes. The Lyndonville Lions want to thank the Medina Lions in their assistance with this collection process.

Medina Lions Club member and First Vice District Governor Peter Kaiser assists the Lyndonville Lions with collect and transportation of donated glasses.

The Lions would like to thank all those who have supported the Lions over the years and wish all a safe and happy fall season. May God continue to bless all and keep a special watch over the men and women of our United States military during this turbulent period.

Please see the Lyndonville Lions web page for details Lyndonvillelionsclub.org or contact us via email at lyndonvillelionsclub@aol.com for information on upcoming events. Prost to all!

Press Release, Orleans County Personnel Department

ALBION – The Orleans County Personnel Department today announced the county will be hosting a recruitment event on Friday, November 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Administration Building for those interested in county employment.

Attendees will learn about available positions, meet with representatives from various departments and participate in on-the-spot interviews.

“Working for Orleans County is an opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a difference in the community where you live,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson. “And given the wide range of services provided by county government, there may be several different areas of interest for a person to consider.”

Orleans County offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, participation in the New York State Retirement System, paid holidays, annual pay increases and opportunities for professional advancement. County employment may also qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

“One of the things we want people to understand is that county government offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth and long-term career stability,” said Johnson. “We have employees with a wide variety of educational backgrounds, skills and experiences. You may be surprised to learn just how many different opportunities exist within county government.”

Walk-ins are welcome, although attendees are encouraged to register in advance by completing the recruitment survey available through the event’s promotional materials. The survey will help county staff identify positions that may be a good match for each applicant’s skills, education and interests.

The recruitment event will take place in Conference Room C at the Orleans County Administration Building, located at 14016 Route 31 West in Albion. For more information, contact Orleans County at (585) 589-3108 or email careers@orleanscountyny.gov.

HOLLEY – A Holley man who was heavily intoxicated allegedly fired multiple gun shots this afternoon. The shots weren’t fired at a person, said Police Chief Robert Barton.

There was a large police presence at 68 Geddes St. after neighbors called 911 at 2:47 p.m. about a man with a gun.

When police arrived, the man was agitated but was responsive to verbal commands, Chief Barton said. The man was taken into custody without incident. He was taken by Mercy EMS ambulance to Unity Hospital for a psychological evaluation. A Holley police officer rode in the ambulance with the Mercy EMS crew.

Chief Barton said the incident remains under investigation. He expects criminal charges will be filed.

He didn’t release the man’s name this evening. He said the man is known to Holley Police based on prior interactions.

There was a search warrant of the home, a spacious former bed and breakfast. The Albion Police Department K9 and a K9 from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department skilled in nitrate detection for gunpowder were part of the search. Chief Barton isn’t publicly disclosing anything from the search due to the ongoing investigation.

Holley Police were assisted at the scene by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Albion PD and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Barton commended neighbors for their assistance and statements. One neighbor said three shots were fired by the man, while another neighbor said it was four shots.

Part of Geddes Street was shut down for several hours by the Murray Joint Fire District while police and the K9 units searched the scene.

Photos courtesy of Orleans Community Connects: People enjoy food and conversation at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, which is based at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 560 East Ave. in Albion.

Press Release, Orleans Community Connects

ALBION – Thanks to an incredible outpouring of community support, dedicated volunteers, and funding assistance from Orleans Community Connects, local outreach efforts are making a significant impact on residents in need throughout Orleans County.

So far this year, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen has served and distributed approximately 20,000 meals, providing nourishment and hope to individuals and families across the county. With support from Orleans Community Connects, the organization has been able to supply food and cooking essentials for volunteer groups who generously prepare meals for weekly community dinners.

The outreach extends far beyond the kitchen. A team of eight volunteer drivers delivers meals throughout every town and village in Orleans County, ensuring homebound residents have access to nutritious food and regular check-ins from caring community members.

In addition, more than 1,300 homeless care bags have been distributed to individuals experiencing hardship. These bags provide essential items and connect recipients with additional community resources.

“When someone walks through our doors, they receive much more than a hot meal,” said Faith, director of Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. “They find friendship, compassion, and the love of Jesus. We want people to know they are valued and cared for.”

The organization offers a variety of services to community members, including:

• Fresh and frozen meals to enjoy at home
• Care bags with essential items
• Access to a free community table
• Information and referrals for food, shelter, and emergency assistance throughout Orleans County
• Wellness checks and support through meal delivery volunteers

The kitchen welcomes anyone in need, regardless of age or circumstance, with no questions asked. Volunteers and staff work to ensure residents not only receive food but also feel connected, supported and safe.

“We love our community and are continually inspired by the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and local supporters,” Faith added. “We are truly grateful to Orleans Community Connects. Their partnership allows us to reach so many more people and provide critical support to those who need it most.”

As demand for services continues to grow, the organization remains committed to serving Orleans County residents with dignity, compassion, and hope. They are located at Harvest Christian Fellowship 560 East Ave in Albion.

“At Orleans Community Connects, we believe strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “This program is a powerful example of what happens when local organizations, volunteers, and supporters come together with a shared commitment to caring for others. We are proud to support an effort that provides not only meals, but also connection, compassion, and hope to thousands of Orleans County residents.”

Provided photo: Cory Lewis is director of Rehabilitation Services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center. Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, providing patients with greater access to physical therapy,  occupational therapy and speech therapy in one convenient location.

Physical therapy services will continue to be available at both Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, ensuring patients throughout the community have convenient options for receiving care.

“This expansion is really about making rehabilitation services more accessible and convenient for our patients,” said Cory Lewis, director of Rehabilitation Services at Orleans Community Health. “By bringing occupational therapy to Medina, we’re creating a more centralized location where patients can access multiple rehabilitation services. At the same time, we’re maintaining physical therapy services in Albion to continue meeting the needs of that community.”

The move is part of reducing patient wait times, Lewis said. Wait times at local clinics have been long throughout this year, typically around three weeks, he added. A major goal of this expansion is to improve access and provide more timely therapy services for the community.

With staffing additions coming to PT in early November, OCH will be able to offer more appointments, later in the day. The Albion Healthcare Center will be treating patients until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which should provide more options for those who have difficulty attending during traditional work hours.

“For many of our patients, rehabilitation is just one part of their overall path to getting healthier and stronger,” Lewis said. “Having these services located within the hospital allows us to work more closely with other departments and providers.”

Rehabilitation services at Orleans Community Health are designed to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, illnesses and other conditions that affect mobility, independence and everyday activities.

Physical therapy will be offered in Medina and Albion; occupational therapy in Medina and speech therapy in Medina.

This expansion reflects Orleans Community Health’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high quality healthcare services close to home.

“Our goal is to help patients get back to doing the things they enjoy and living as independently as possible,” Lewis said. “Whether someone is recovering from surgery, working through an injury or managing a chronic condition, we want to make sure they have the support and resources they need right here in their community.”

To make an appointment in Medina for PT, OT or ST, call (585) 798-0266; or for PT at the Albion Healthcare Center, call (585) 589-2273.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – New sidewalks are in along Maple Ridge Road in Medina. This photo from Monday shows the sidewalks looking east from Ricky Place.

About 2,000 feet of new sidewalks are going in along the north side of Maple Ridge as part of a project that is adding a pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek.

RJT Construction Services is the general contractor on the project after submitting the low bid of $837,448. Barton & Loguidice also provided engineering services for $166,300.

This section of Maple Ridge Road is looking west from Ricky Place. This section of Maple Ridge near the creek has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center.

There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA. (The sign for Mariachi de Oro Mexican restaurant can be seen in the distance.)

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

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

The DeClerk family posted a picture on Facebook of Woody back home this afternoon in Albion after four days on the lam.

ALBION – Woody the wallaby is back home with the DeClerk family after about four days on the loose.

Woody was startled during a thunder and lightning storm and took a high leap in his enclosure. He then squeezed through a window and took off from the DeClerk barn on Route 279.

Woody sparked a lot of comments on Facebook and social media as he shocked people on North Main Street and near the Five Corners.

The Orleans Hub posted a story about Woody at 1:36 p.m. today. At around 3 p.m., Cary DeClerk, Woody’s owner was called by a resident at Oak Orchard Estates off Route 98. He saw Woody in his backyard.

DeClerk headed over and could see Woody. He asked the man and his family to head inside. DeClerk got down on a knee. Woody eventually came close to DeClerk, who used a fishing net to catch Woody.

He then carried the 40-pound wallaby to his Jeep. Woody seemed happy to be back with DeClerk. He drove about a mile to their home on Route 279.

It didn’t take long for Woody to settle in for a long nap.

Woody joined a menagerie of other animals at the DeClerks, including two albino wallabies, and two red kangaroos.

DeClerk appreciates the community keeping a lookout for Woody the past few days.

“I can’t thank everyone enough,” he said.

Provided photo: The DeClerk family in Albion is missing their wallaby, which escaped during a storm four nights ago.

ALBION – A wallaby named Woody is a local a social media sensation, causing a stir and many double-takes by hopping around the northern part of Albion and the Five Corners in Gaines.

Woody is like a kangaroo. He escaped from his enclosure at the DeClerk family on Route 279 during a thunder and lightning storm about four nights ago. Woody is about three feet tall and weighs 40 pounds, said Cary DeClerk, Woody’s owner.

Woody must have been startled during the storm. He hopped above the feeder in his enclosure and squeezed through a 14-by-14-inch opening. He was then in the barn with other animals. DeClerk said a grandchild left the barn door open. There was some added excitement after baby piglets were born. Woody saw an opening and hopped off.

He has been spotted many times near the five corners intersection and in peoples’ backyards along Route 98, just north of the village.

DeClerk said Woody seems to be enjoying his freedom.

“He’s not aggressive,” DeClerk said. “He’s a very friendly animal. He’s carefree. He doesn’t cause any problems.”

If anyone sees the wallaby, DeClerk asked that they give him a call at 585-590-6566. If the animal sneaks into a backyard with a fence or into a garage or barn with a door, people could close the fence or door to hold him until DeClerk gets there.

Otherwise, Woody is difficult to corral.

 DeClerk worries Woody could eat a toxin, get hit by a vehicle or get attacked by a coyote. During winter, he might struggle to find food if he stays out in the cold.

DeClerk has two other albino wallabies, and two red kangaroos. He brought a wallaby to the Albion Fall Festival in 2025 as well as some of his other animals.

“I’m losing sleep over this guy being gone,” DeClerk said. “He is a personal friend of mine.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Cary DeClerk brough an albino wallaby to Albion’s Fall Festival on Oct. 4, 2025.