Provided photo: Medina Memorial Hospital will participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 14. Here, Erica Chutko, director of imaging, does a CT scan of a patient’s lungs.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Medina Memorial Hospital will once again participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 14.

The nationwide initiative, held during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aims to increase awareness of the importance of early detection and expand access to potentially lifesaving lung cancer screenings, according to information provided by Scott Robinson, director of marketing for OCH.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, screening with low-dose computed tomography can help detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Despite the benefits of early detection, many individuals who qualify for screening have never been screened.

“Early detection can make a tremendous difference in the treatment and outcomes of lung cancer,” Robinson said. “By participating in National Lung Cancer Screening Day, we’re helping remove barriers to preventive care and encouraging members of our community to take an important step toward protecting their health.”

On Nov. 14, Medina Memorial Hospital will offer low-dose CT lung cancer screenings to eligible patients. The screening is quick, painless and non-invasive, using a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. The test can identify abnormalities that may require further evaluation, often before symptoms develop.

Individuals may qualify for annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening if they meet the following criteria:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old.
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (equivalent to smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years).
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
• Have no signs of symptoms of lung cancer.
• Have a physician’s order for the screening.
• Obtain prior authorization if required by their insurance provider.

Insurance coverage requirements may vary, including different age eligibility criteria for Medicare beneficiaries. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether lung cancer screening is appropriate for them.

In taking the first step toward early detection, Orleans Community Health encourages community members who meet the screening criteria to speak with their primary care provider and consider scheduling a screening. Individuals with a history of smoking who have never undergone lung cancer screening are especially encouraged to learn more about their eligibility.

Individuals should call Medina Memorial Hospital at (585) 798-8054 to learn more about eligibility or to schedule a lung cancer screening.

Provided photos: This cornhole boards include two of the sponsors, Zacher Construction and the Crusaders Motorcycle Club.

Press Release, Operation Honor

MEDINA – Operation Honor is hosting its second annual cornhole tournament and basket raffle fundraiser on November 14th to raise money for local veterans.

The organization switched from doing a 5K near Veterans Day to the cornhole tournament. The event takes place at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament begins at 1 p.m. and baskets will be drawn 4 p.m.

The doors will open at noon for practice and basket entries. There will be food and drinks available for purchase all day. K of C staff will be running food specials in support of the event. Guests are welcome to watch the tournament and the basket raffle is open to the public. You will not need to be present to win.

Operation Honor is still looking for basket donations, and participants for the tournament.

Basket Raffle donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.

Cornhole Registration is $60 per team with a t-shirt included for a chance to win the final prizes.

To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.

Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It has helped with veterans’ utility bills, car payments, and heating pellets. The organization has also helped with disaster relief and supports veterans in other ways such as donations to the local van service for medical appointments and other veteran-focused initiatives.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo shows the top of the 90-foot-high bell tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. The tower was hit by lightning on Sept. 1, 2013, causing a chunk of a turret in the tower to fall on the sidewalk. It has since been repaired.

Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight with the with the end of Daylight Savings Time and a return to standard time at 2 a.m.

AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.

An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.

Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.

AAA recommends the following:

Drivers

Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.

Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.

Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.

Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.

Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Be especially vigilant for deer and other wildlife. New York reported 36,743 animal-related crashes in 2024, averaging one crash approximately every 15 minutes, many occurring during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours.

Pedestrians

Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.

Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.

Headlights

With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.

AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.

School Safety

Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.

Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

“As we fall back, drivers need to stay especially alert during the evening commute as darkness arrives earlier and more people are out walking, exercising or traveling home from school and work,” said AAA Western and Central New York Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “Now is a good time to eliminate distractions, slow down and be prepared for changing road conditions.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Beggar’s Nite was a big event in downtown Medina this evening with more than 1,000 kids in costume descending on the downtown, including these two kids dressed as inflatable characters.

Many of the business owners were stocked with candy to give out to the kids. Beggar’s Nite is held the Friday before Halloween.

This group crosses on North Main Street with Medina police officer Alex Villegas keeping an eye on the traffic.

Dave Burd doles out candy from The Vintage Cigar, where he is co-owner.

Byron Hill, 10, dressed as Abraham Lincoln and recited the Gettysburg Address while walking the downtown with his little brother, Joshua, who was Rubble from Paw Patrol.

This group from A Kut Above gave out treats. From left include Addyson Ruppel, Jessica Ickowski, Addison Reale, Adriana Ruppel and Tina Ossterling, who is co-owner.

Medina Police Chief Corey Black stands in the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, directing traffic. A group of kids are in the back by the Bent’s Opera House.

The staff at The Fringe again dressed up in characters, this time in a theme of famed musicians. From left include Amanda Mank as Michael Jackson, her daughter Chloe as Stitch, Vanessa Lhommendieu (owner) as Sia and holding a Frenchie dog dressed in tribute to Dolly Parton, Jennifer Printup as Prince, and Leah Printup as Elvis Presley.

Mary Lewis of Creekside Floral serves up lots of candy from her store on Main Street.

Marci Fulwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery passes out the treats. She also works as a teacher’s aide for pre-K and kindergarten in Medina and was warmly greeted by many of the kids.

Colby Blake, left, and his father Joe gave out candy from their business, Cuppa Joe.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association handed put lots of candy this evening during Beggar’s Nite. Many businesses and organizations were set up in the downtown business district given out treats to hundreds of kids in costume.

Kyle Holz, pastor of Community of Hope, formerly known as the Albion Free Methodist Church, dressed up as a hamburger. The church had eight different stations with glow sticks, treats, Bibles and crosses. There were also inflatable games, popcorn and hot chocolate.

Canalside Community Church also passed out goodies and materials.

Ava Waters passes out candy The Tree House, which is owned by her mother, Michelle Waters. That preschool is at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex and was part of Beggar’s Nite for the first time. Businesses and organizations that aren’t in the downtown are welcome to give out candy for Beggar’s Nite.

Stephanie Stinson, left, and Stephanie Ward greeted children and gave them candy when they stopped by Albion Agencies.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office had bags of candy ready for the kids. Sheriff Chris Bourke was there, and so was Chief Deputy Torry Tooley, Amy Sherman (Sheriff’s Account manager) and Sherman’s daughter, Savannah who passed out most of the candy.

Albion mayor Tim McMurray dressed up as a scary inflatable character outside the Village Office, which was one of the stops for candy.

Lions Club members Marie Snyder and Kevin Howard were happy to disburse treats.

Tara Thom and Brenda Radzinski had a big pot of candy outside the Town and Country Quilt Shop on East Bank Street.

Rose Friedl and other staff at the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern kept pace with lines of children.

The Dancing Fireside Witches performed some broom dances on Main Street.

Lori Laine, one of the Dancing Fireside Witches, gets a video of the broom-dance troupe.

Edwards Vacuum builds $319 million facility which will have 600 employees at full capacity

Photos courtesy of Genesee County Economic Development Center: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer joins Edwards Vacuum leaders and local officials in cutting the ribbon on Thursday for the new manufacturing site at 6685 Crosby Rd., Basom.

Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center

BASOM – Edwards Vacuum, a global leader in vacuum and abatement solutions and part of Atlas Copco Group, has celebrated the official opening of its new manufacturing facility in Genesee County.

The facility represents Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in US manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain infrastructure, helping strengthen America’s ability to produce critical technologies domestically while supporting the continued growth of the semiconductor industry.

Purpose-built to produce the advanced dry vacuum pumps used in semiconductor manufacturing, the Genesee facility expands Edwards’ North American production capabilities and will cater for the demand driven by investments in semiconductor manufacturing across the US.

Powered by renewable hydroelectric energy generated from nearby Niagara Falls, the facility combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with Edwards’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and long-term regional investment.

The Genesee site will support customers across North America and around the world while creating high-quality manufacturing, engineering, and technical career opportunities in Western New York. The investment further strengthens the region’s growing position within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

“This facility reflects our confidence in both the future of the semiconductor industry and the strength of the Western New York community,” said Dan Papsidero, General Manager of Edwards’ Product Company Genesee. “As someone who grew up in this region, it is especially rewarding to help lead an investment that creates opportunities for local talent, supports advanced manufacturing, and contributes to the continued growth of our community. We are proud to be building world-class products here, while creating long-term partnerships that will help strengthen the region for generations to come.”

The project is the result of strong collaboration between industry, government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Edwards also recognizes the contributions of regional partners whose support helped advance the project and reinforce Western New York’s growing role in the semiconductor industry.

“The opening of Genesee marks an important milestone in Edwards’ commitment to serving the global semiconductor industry,” said Martin Tollner, President of Atlas Copco Group’s Semiconductor division. “As chip manufacturers continue to invest in next-generation technologies and expanded production in the United States, Edwards is proud to invest alongside them. This facility strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities, supports a more resilient semiconductor supply chain, and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class vacuum technology built in the United States.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer secured an $18 million federal CHIPS grant award for the Edwards Vacuum project.

“Edwards Vacuum, America’s first semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility, is open for business right here in Genesee County!” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. “Today, major semiconductor companies look to Genesee County as home to the advanced vacuum technology they need for their chip fabs that only Edwards Vacuum will make in the USA.”

“When I wrote and passed into law the CHIPS & Science Act, it was with bringing to the U.S. and New York cutting-edge facilities like this in mind,” Schumer said. “Four years ago, I personally called on Edwards to locate their new factory along Upstate New York’s emerging semiconductor superhighway. Thankfully, Edwards agreed Genesee County was the best place for their business, bringing up to 600 new, good-paying jobs to Western New York and boosting the region’s growing semiconductor Tech Hub. I’m proud to have delivered $18 million in federal CHIPS funding to Edwards Vacuum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life. America’s next era of chip manufacturing is underway here in Upstate, and I can confidently say New York’s best days are ahead.”

Edwards Vacuum plans to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year in phase one at its Genesee County facility, with plans to scale up to 20,000 units annually.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum’s newly completed state-of-the-art facility represents hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars invested in Upstate New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is building a strong semiconductor ecosystem statewide, furthering its global reputation as the preeminent hub for advanced manufacturing.”

The grand opening celebration brings together employees, customers, community leaders, educational partners, economic development organizations, and elected officials to recognize the collective effort that helped bring the facility from vision to reality.

The Genesee opening reflects Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in North American manufacturing and innovation. Together with other recently announced investments across the US, the project underscores the Group’s long-term commitment to advancing technology leadership, supporting strategic industries, strengthening American manufacturing capabilities, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for the future. Atlas Copco Group’s US footprint includes 26 production, remanufacturing, and distribution centers, more than 160 locations, and approximately 7,500 employees, demonstrating the Group’s longstanding commitment to American industry and innovation.

About Edwards

For over 100 years, we’ve been a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum and exhaust management systems and innovative service solutions. Our technology is essential in industries ranging from semiconductors and renewable energy to pharmaceuticals and scientific research.

Part of Atlas Copco Group, we operate as part of a global family of brands. Over 8,000 Edwards employees work together to create, engineer and enable environments where innovation thrives.

Editor’s Note Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement about Edwards Vacuum’s new facility in Genesee County: “The completion of the state-of-the-art Edwards Vacuum manufacturing facility is proof positive that there is no place else for advanced manufacturing than New York State. Edwards’ decision to choose New York means hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in the Upstate economy while helping to strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain and ensuring that New York remains a global hub of innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “This is an exciting milestone for Genesee County and all of Western New York. The opening of Edwards Vacuum represents a tremendous investment in our community, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthening our local economy and positioning our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when we invest in American manufacturing and create opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers to build successful careers right here at home.”

“Western New York has a proud history of manufacturing, and investments like this are helping build its future. I am proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Edwards Vacuum and our local partners. This facility will not only create new opportunities for our workforce but also help ensure Genesee County remains a competitive destination for businesses looking to grow and innovate. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on our community for generations to come.”

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

KENDALL – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Route 237 will be closed between Route 18 and Kendall Creek Road in the Town of Kendall, Orleans County, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 2, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.

The road is expected to be reopened by Friday, November 13.

Motorists should follow the posted detour using Route 104, Route 272 and Route 18.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Dr. Jane van Dis

ALBION – Green Orleans, a grassroots organization committed to preserving the environment and an affiliate of the Community Coalition for Justice, is sponsoring a presentation Nov. 4 at Hoag Library on “How to Eat Less Plastic.”

At 6:30 p.m., Dr. Jane van Dis, a doctor at Strong Memorial Hospital, will lead a program on the simple ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.

“We ingest plastics through the food we eat and the water we drink,” van Dis said.

Van Dis has worked with the effects of microplastics on the body, particularly effecting mothers and their babies, said Sister Dolores, coordinator of Green Orleans.

She previously spoke in Albion on March 5, 2025 in a presentation called, “The Toxicity of Plastics.” She lectures nationally and internationally on the intersection of the climate and plastic crisis and women’s and maternal health.

Van Dis co-founded OBGYN’s for Sustainable Future, an interest group of Healthcare Without Harm. She has published in academic journals on the climate crisis and women’s health. She is on Tik Tok, where she addresses plastics, pollution and women’s/maternal health and creates short educational videos.

More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, and environmentalists estimate 25 to 51 trillion plastic pieces currently float across marine environments. At best, only 9 percent of plastics get recycled, Sister Dolores said. Many plastics are not recyclable and even many of those that are wind up in landfills or in our waterways.

The microplastics break down under sunlight and waves into particles smaller than 5 mm, and absorb toxic chemicals. These enter the marine food web and eventually reach human seafood supplies.

Green Orleans began as part of the Community Coalition for Justice in 2020, with people interested in the earth’s sustainability. They meet at 11:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at Hoag Library.

The Nov. 4 presentation will include light snacks and refreshments. Those attending are asked to bring a refillable, non-plastic water bottle.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Lions Club have donated medical equipment that will be going to people harmed in the Russian war against Ukraine. Mike Albanese pushes the wheelchair in this photo.

The Lions Club has a Medical Loan Closet in the basement of the Kendall Medical Office at 16815 Roosevelt Hwy. There were many surplus items and the Lions Club donated six wheelchairs, about 70 walkers, and many crutches, rolling walkers with seats and IV poles.

The club still has many of the items to loan out to people who need them in the Kendall community and eastern Orleans County.

“We have way more stuff than we need,” said John Becker, a Lion Club member who runs the Medical Loan Closet with Mike Cusimano and Gary Crawford.

Mike Albanese, left, and Tom Cole, a Lions Club member and owner of the Hilton-Spencerport Express trucking company, put the donated items in one of Cole’s trucks. Cole would then deliver the equipment to a Xerox warehouse in Webster, joining other medical equipment items that will be transported by a shipping container to Ukraine. That shipment will be coordinated by RocMaidan, a humanitarian and medical aid organization affiliated with the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester.

Maureen Lemke of Kendall volunteers with RocMaidan and helped load the medical equipment on Thursday. In addition to all the medical equipment from Kendall and other medical loan closets, she said RocMaidan also will be sending hospital beds, medications, surgical backpacks and energy bars.

Ukraine has suffered since it was invaded by Russia on February 24, 2022.

RocMaidan formed in 2014 to assist Ukraine after a Russian invasion of Crimea. RocMaidan has shipped over 500 tons of aid to Ukraine since then. The organization is packing its 33^rd shipping container on Saturday and it will include the medical equipment from Kendall.

Dave Strasenburgh pushes a wheelchair that will be donated to war victims in Ukraine.

Kendall has had a medical loan closet since the 1970s. It was initially based at the Kendall Fire Hall but outgrew that space. It was then in Town Hall basement but needed more room. It is now in the basement of the Kendall Medical Center, where it has a walk-out basement making it easy to bring in items and get them out when they are needed by people in the community.

The group that loaded the medical equipment on Thursday includes, front row, from left: John Becker, Mike Cusimano, Dave Strasenburgh, Gary Crawford, and Maureen and John Lemke. In back: Mike Albanese and Tom Cole.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – The Town of Kendall Highway Department has installed a new sidewalk from the Dollar General to Kendall Road (Route 237), a project to make pedestrians safer near a busy corridor of the town.

Dollar General opened the 9,100-square-foot store on Dec. 18, 2017 and town officials say the store has been busy. It is located on the north side of Route 18, just west of the Route 237 intersection.

The Highway Department connected a sidewalk from the store to Kendall Road.

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band

MEDINA – Last night, the Medina Mustang Marching Band honored its 2027 seniors. The evening began at Veterans’ Park, where the band performed its 2026 show, “We the People.”

Each senior then walked with their family to be recognized for their accomplishments in the band. The night concluded with band members teaching a family member or friend how to march.

The season concludes on Sunday at the Carrier Dome, now known as the JMLA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. SS2 class starts at 2:20 p.m. and Medina performs at 2:46 p.m.

There are 50 bands in 6 classes that participate in this event. Performances for all of the bands starts at 8 a.m. and continue throughout  the day. Medina is scheduled to perform at 2:46 but give yourself plenty of time to get into the dome and find a seat.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Sgt. Dillon Black of the Albion Police Department presents a proposal to the Albion Village Board on Wednesday for the Albion PD to offer firearm safety courses. Mayor Tim McMurray hears the proposal with Village Trustee William Gabalski at left.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department wants to offer an 18-hour class for people seeking to get a Concealed Carry Pistol Permit from New York State.

Sergeant Dillon Black presented the proposal to the Village Board on Wednesday and board members said they support the plan, but first want to hear for village attorney John Sansone and the village’s insurance carrier.

The APD would charge $300 for the class, with village residents getting a discount, according to the proposal.

Two Albion police officers are already certified to lead the class as firearms instructors and a third officer may become certified, Black told the board. His father, Corey Black, was a long-time instructor of a pistol permit class in Orleans County.

Sgt. Black of the APD proposed a class with 16 hours of classroom learning and 2 hours of live-fire range training.

The Village Board said it would make a decision during its Nov. 18 meeting and expects an approval.

Black would like to start with a smaller class of about 8 students and expand to a maximum of 30 in the future.

He told the board it would cost the village about $100 per student with staff time to run the class, plus ammunition and printing of coursework and certificates.

The police department would like any revenue generated to stay in the police budget and go into the APD reserve funds, Sgt. Black said.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C Batavia) was critical of Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing two new gun-control measures that further restrict ammunition purchases and expand firearm safe-storage requirements, calling the action political grandstanding that imposes real costs on responsible gun owners while doing little to stop criminals.

The bills, signed last week at a New Yorkers Against Gun Violence event, include S.7236/A.7983, which expands ammunition background-check denials, and Francesco’s Law, which extends existing safe storage requirements and criminal liability to gun owners regardless of whether they live with a minor or a person prohibited from possessing a gun. The storage changes take effect in January 2027.

 “This is classic Albany grandstanding,” said Hawley. “Gov. Hochul signs more gun rules at a photo-op and claims she’s keeping New Yorkers safe, but the people who actually pay the price are the law-abiding gun owners, not criminals. This measure expands ammunition restrictions beyond federal law and raises due process concerns.

“Lawful buyers now face more delays, fees and red tape every time they purchase ammunition. These costs in time, money and inconvenience fall almost entirely on people who already follow the law. If the goal was really public safety, Albany would focus on holding repeat offenders accountable instead of making it harder and more expensive for honest citizens to exercise their rights.”

Hawley noted that New York already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, yet the new measures continue to layer compliance burdens on owners and small dealers without meaningfully addressing illegal guns or violent crime.