Residence on Butts Road will serve up to 25 women including 5 bedrooms for women with young children

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A group from UConnectCare as well as others gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration this afternoon for a new residence on Butts Road. The site will serve women in treatment for substance use disorder. The site will also offer behavioral health care.

In the center of this photo shows Amanda Lloyd, assistant director of residence; Stephanie Nadolinski (holding scissors), director of residential services for UConnectCare and the site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.

Nadolinski is the on-site leader. She has worked 25 years for UConnectCare, which was previously known as GCASA. Nadolinski brings experience of running the Atwater House in Batavia, which provides residential treatment for men with substance use disorder.

UConnectCare is looking forward to offering treatment and services at the site. It recently received its operating certificate from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

The group, which includes representatives for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and elected officials, welcomed the first residential treatment option for women and their children in the GLOW region.

The first residents will move in next week. Nadolinski expects six to eight women to move in the first week, and then another six to eight the following week. That will give staff and the residents a chance to adjust to the new location, which will have 15 to 20 employees.

The first priority will be given to women who need treatment who are currently homeless. Nadolinski said IV users also will be given priority.

She said most of the residents at the site are expected to come from the GLOW region but she said the site will be open to women from Monroe, Erie, Niagara and other counties as well.

This is one of the bedrooms for a mother and her children. There are five bedrooms for mothers who can have up two children at the residence who are 5 or younger.

The building contains a variety of spaces to support and continue the recovery process including counseling, group sessions and career and personal development spaces.

UConnectCare said there are very few options in the region for residential treatment for women that also can accommodate their children.

Orleans County Legislator Don Allport presents a citation to UConnectCare leaders Stephanie Nadolinski (left), site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.

UConnectCare also received certificates of commendation from the offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The state Department of Health provided a $4.6 million grant for construction of the residence. That grant doesn’t include the operation of the site, which will be staffed 24-7, including two employees at night.

UConnectCare picked Albion for the project because many of the agency’s other residential and treatment programs are based in Batavia.

Most of the women at the site are expected to stay several months as they work on their rehab and re-entry. The maximum tends to be a six-month stay, but Parry-Gurak said people could stay longer as long as they are working on their treatment.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Santa Claus visited Hoag Library on Nov. 28, 2022, sporting his casual wear. The library’s main meeting room was full of youngsters wanting to meet Santa and share their Christmas wish list. Santa will be back at Hoag on Dec. 1. Santa is shown reading the book, Reindeer Christmas, by Mark Kimball Moulton and Karen Hillard Good.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library invites the community to join in a series of engaging programs as the library concludes 2025, featuring the final concerts of its Music Series, festive holiday events, and a community blood drive.

The Hoag Library Music Series, presented in partnership with GO ART! and the Statewide Community Regrant Program, offers two remaining performances in 2025.

On Saturday, November 15 at noon, classical guitarist Tom Torrisi and violinist Angel Rhodes will perform. The series concludes on Saturday, December 13 at noon with a performance by the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra. All concerts are free and open to the public, with plans already underway for the 2026 season.

The library’s holiday programming begins with a visit from Santa Claus on Monday, December 1 at 6 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages.

The Friends of Hoag Library will host their annual Tasty Treats event on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m., featuring local business Serenity Vitality Café. Registration is required. Proceeds from this event directly support Hoag Library programs and services. The Friends also want to remind the community that their bookstore sells titles by local authors, which make great holiday gifts!

Additionally, Hoag Library will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org.

For more information about Hoag Library programs and events, please visit www.hoaglibrary.org or follow Hoag Library on Facebook and Instagram.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented today on the state’s decision to delay the implementation of the controversial All-Electric Buildings Act.

The proposal, which was set to go into effect at the start of the new year, would prohibit natural gas and heating oil equipment in many new construction projects, including private residences. News of the delay broke after state attorneys agreed to a stipulation that was filed in the U.S. District Court calling for a suspension until an appellate court made a decision in the case.

This news comes amid backlash from upstate communities over the effect this policy would have on rural areas that rely on fossil fuels to heat and power their homes and businesses. Hawley, a longtime critic of this initiative, is pleased to see this delay; however, he hopes to see a permanent suspension of this proposal from the state.

“Today is a day of victory for rural communities across Western New York,” said Hawley. “We must keep in mind, however, that while Kathy Hochul’s ‘Green New Deal’ agenda has been delayed, we need to keep working toward a full repeal of this disastrous policy.

“I’ve spoken with countless individuals across my district, many of whom own small businesses or simply rely on fossil fuel sources in their daily lives, and they all tell me the same thing. This proposal was simply not feasible. I’m glad to see the state has finally woken up to the needs of rural communities, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues in the state Assembly to repeal the rest of this radical climate agenda.”

Construction to start in spring on new visitor center

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Cobblestone Society held its annual meeting on Nov. 1 and presented awards including, from left: Jeannette Riley representing the Riley family received the Donna Rodden Hospitality Award; Chris Capurso was named Volunteer of the Year; and Marie Bell, owner of Country Treasures Quilt Shop in Brockport, received the Business Partner of the Year award.

GAINES – The Cobblestone Society & Museum held its annual meeting on Nov. 1 and honored several key supporters of the Cobblestone Museum. The attendees also heard about an effort to save the last remaining cobblestone house in Rochester.

Museum President Matt Holland announced the organization expects to break ground on a new visitor center this spring. The museum has $1.6 million in place for the project. That includes a $716,000 state grant for the visitor’s center at the corner of routes 98 and 104 in Gaines. The new Thompson-Kast Visitors Center will go next to a brick house from 1830.

The Cobblestone Society formed in 1960 initially to save the Cobblestone Church from 1834 and the then the cobblestone schoolhouse down the road on Route 104. The school was built in 1849. The museum has grown to about 15 structures.

This rendering shows the new Thompson-Kast Visitors Center for the Cobblestone Museum, left, which would be next to a historic brick home from the 1830s.

The Cobblestone Museum & Society held the annual meeting at the Gaines Carlton Community Church and presented awards for people who have made significant contributions to the organziation.

Business Partner of the Year – Marie Bell, owner of Country Treasures Quilt Shop in Brockport, was named Business Partner of the Year.  Since 2016 she has extended financial support toward programming connected to quilts, whether live or virtual events.  In 2025 she was the exclusive sponsor of a virtual program featuring a remarkable textile held by the Kentucky Historical Society, the Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell Graveyard Quilt, c. 1843, said Sue Bonafini, the museum’s assistant director.

Provided photo: Pat’s Auto Repair of Albion owned by Patrick & Marissa Olles received the Community Partner Award for sponsoring several events at the Cobblestone Museum.

Donna Rodden Hospitality Award – The Riley family of Albion graciously allowed members and friends of the Society to visit their magnificent gardens on the north bank of the Erie Canal for our midsummer celebration in July.

“They received the Donna Rodden Hospitality Award, which recognizes the hosting of events on behalf of the museum,” Bonafini said. “This special event has become an ideal fundraiser for the Museum, and we greatly appreciate the family’s efforts to prepare and share their beautiful location with all of us.”

Community Partner Award – Patrick & Marissa Olles, owners of Pat’s Auto Repair of Albion, received the Community Partner Award. Museum members at the Bronze Membership level, the Olles have sponsored several events when funding was needed, including sponsorship of two virtual programs during the 2025 off-season, and they were the exclusive sponsor of last year’s Solar Eclipse celebration in April.

“They have provided more than one gift basket for our events,” Bonafini said. “They’ve donated some merchandise with their company logo for our use, and they went home with more than one item from our Membership Dinner auction this past May, which equates to additional financial support for our organization.”

Volunteer of the Year – Chris Capurso was named Volunteer of the Year. She is a trustee of the Cobblestone Society and a volunteer since 2021. Capurso has demonstrated a willingness to take on a variety of roles to assist staff with daily operations, special events or other projects. She also recently became a docent and is now sharing the history of the museum buildings with the public. This past season she tackled several special activities, including the sorting of 110 boxes of donated books for our Used Books building.

Tim Keller and his wife Debbi shared about a community effort to prevent the last cobblestone house in Rochester from being demolished to make way for a dollar store.

The Lockwood-Alhart Cobblestone House & Retail Plaza is at 1090 Culver Rd. After the community rallied to save the building from 1835, the owner opted to donate it to Rochester Land Bank Corporation. The Kellers and community members are now optimistic the site will be a satellite city office for people to meet with city staff.

Don Alhart, a legendary Rochester television broadcaster, shared about his family’s connection to the house. The Alhart family owned it until 1988.

“Losing a structure like the Lockwood-Alhart House for a dollar store, that’s quite a slap in the face to the residents of the City of Rochester,” Mrs. Keller said.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Volunteers on duty at Lyndonville United Methodist Church’s Hope Resales Holiday Shop are, from left, Cathy Bane-Dinse, Cathie Barry, Anne Hyndman and Roxinne Montague.

LYNDONVILLE – Anyone looking for an unusual or unique Christmas gift just might want to check out Hope Resales Holiday Shop at Lyndonville United Methodist Church.

Hope Resales Thrift Shop was an idea developed by former church member Ruth Hedges in 2019, before she moved east to be near her family.

Since then, the shop has generated thousands of dollars, which have benefited the church and its missions.

“Ruth was in charge of missions for our church and got the idea to start a thrift shop to earn money for missions,” said Cathie Barry, a church member and thrift shop volunteer.

Cathie Berry and Colleen Gooding look at a list of charitable causes to which the Lyndonville Methodist Church has donated with profits from their Hope Resales Thrift Shop. The shop’s Christmas Store recently opened, with an entire fellowship hall full of holiday items.

The shop was immediately popular and profitable. Then they decided to open a separate holiday shop at Christmas time.

“People who work in our sorting room say there’s not a day goes by that they don’t get donations of Christmas items,” Barry said.

“This is the place to get good deals on games and toys,” said volunteer Anne Hyndman. “People who regularly shop here are always asking when are we opening the Christmas store.”

The Christmas Store grew from an idea developed years ago by their women’s group, who started a mini mall at Christmas, where children could come and shop for their parents and friends at very reasonable prices.

“Whatever money a child had, we accepted it for the gift they wanted,” Barry said. “It was a custom for parents to sit in another room drinking coffee and eating cookies while volunteers helped their children shop. There was also a room for wrapping.”

A customer browses in Hope Resales Holiday Shop at Lyndonville United Methodist Church. The shop is full of all kinds of Christmas items, from games and toys to clothing and Christmas trees.

Hyndman said people would come in and give them donations to be used for children who didn’t have any money to buy gifts.

After the lady who came up with the idea died, people were constantly asking if the church was going to do it again. The result was the Christmas Store.

“People like to shop here because they get good deals on games and toys,” Hyndman said.

This year could end up being a record year for giving, Barry said. Last year they gave a total of $10,000 to their church missions and to local charities, including the food pantry housed at the Presbyterian Church, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion, a homeless shelter in Lockport, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, local libraries, PAWS Animal Shelter and more. They have already donated $9,000 to various causes and anticipate a very busy month ahead.

This table features an assortment of miniature Christmas buildings and accessories.

“It takes a lot of volunteers to run the thrift shop,” Barry said. “We need sales people, cleaners, sorters, organizers and people to create displays. We can always use more help. It’s really kind of fun. Some great friendships have been made with the people we work with here. And we really love the people who shop here. We often pray together before we open the doors.’

“And we have prayed with our customers who came through the door,” Hyndman said.

Hope Resales has become a favorite place to shop for many people.

“Often, we open the doors at 10 a.m. and by 10:02 there are eight people in the store,” Barry said.

Hope Resales, managed by Colleen Gooding, is located in the basement of the church at 102 North Main St., and offers clothing in all sizes for the entire family, gifts, housewares, jewelry and more. Entrance is through the door on the northeast corner of the building. The Christmas Store is in the fellowship hall, one floor above. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. The Christmas Store opened Nov. 5 and will be open through Dec. 20.

Orleans approved for $1.75 million for Public Safety Building roof, upgrades

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, was approved for $1.75 million for roof repairs and other upgrades.

The federal government shutdown is over after 43 days after the House of Representatives followed the Senate in voting to keep the government funded. President Trump then signed the budget bill on Wednesday evening.

Congressman Joe Morelle of Rochester, a Democrat whose district used to include part of Orleans County, voted against the bill.

He issued this statement on Wednesday night: “Today I voted NO on the funding deal because it fails to do what matters most: bring down the crushing cost of health care for working people.

“The Republican majority continues to be more focused on fulfilling Donald Trump’s whims and pleasing their billionaire donors than on making Americans’ lives better. Once again, the President has used fear, hatred, and cruelty to get what he wants.

“At its heart, this budget fails millions of American families who now face massive increases in their health insurance premiums. Mr. President, how are they supposed to survive that?

“There is a long way to go, and we must find a bipartisan solution before it’s too late.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican whose district includes Orleans and about a dozen other counties, supported the bill, which passed 222-209.

She highlighted $1.75 million in the bill for Orleans County for repairs to the roof at the Orleans County Public Safety Building and other upgrades to the building on Route 31 in Albion.

Tenney issued this statement: “After weeks of senseless disorder and delay, the House has finally taken action to reopen the government and deliver stability to families, small businesses, and our troops.

“This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats manufactured a crisis to damage President Trump’s America First agenda while federal workers went without pay and essential services were disrupted. Their partisan games hurt the very people they claim to represent.”

“House Republicans delivered a clean CR to fund the government and pay our servicemembers. Democrats blocked every effort and used hardworking Americans as political leverage. Only after weeks of using the American people as leverage did they finally accept nearly the same terms we offered from the start.”

Tenney highlighted these projects in her district  FY26 Community Project Funding and general appropriations process:

• City of Oswego Police Department — $1,000,000 towards a new police station, to enhance public safety operations.
• Orleans County Public Safety Building — $1,750,000 for critical safety and security improvements.
• Town of Torrey Water District #2 — $2,050,000 for resource and infrastructure upgrades, expanding clean water access for residents.
• Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station — $16,110,000 for the new Combined Operations Airfield Facility.
• Fort Drum — $9,500,000 for the design of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition and $8,300,000 for the design of the ORTC Transient Training Barracks.

“These projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to clean water, bolster our national security, improve troop readiness, and deliver meaningful results for our region,” Tenney said. “While Democrats wasted weeks playing politics, House Republicans remained focused on getting things done for the American people and for Upstate New York.”

Ryan Armstrong

ALBION – The man driving a U-Haul that plunged into the Erie Canal on Sept. 2, following a high-speed chase with law enforcement, was arraigned in Orleans County Court this morning on manslaughter and numerous other felonies.

Ryan Armstrong, 43, was driving a stolen U-Haul with Reginald Russell, 56, of Rochester as the passenger.

The two had been spotted allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport and loading them into the U-Haul. They attempted to flee law enforcement in a chase where speeds reached speeds up to 85 miles per hour. The chase went from Clarkson into Ogden, back through Brockport and eventually onto a canal service road in Orleans County.

Police used spike strips in the area of Bennetts Corners Road, where one of the vehicle’s tires became deflated. Armstrong then drove onto the southside of canal pathway before driving the U-Haul into the water, just east of Bennetts Corners Road.

Russell escaped the vehicle and was spotted struggling in the water before he went under, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies jumped in to try and save him, but could not find him due to murky water conditions. Russell’s body was later recovered by a scuba team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Armstrong escaped the vehicle, swam to the north side of the canal and ran away, but was eventually caught and taken into custody with the use of drone technology, said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Armstrong today was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church. Armstrong has been charged with manslaughter for recklessly causing a death, as well as these felonies: fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree, criminal possession of stolen property valued at more than $50,000 in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death.

Armstrong also faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment in the second degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, and criminal mischief for property damage.

Judge Church set bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insurance bond or $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent.

Armstrong is next to appear in court on Nov. 24 for a conference.

In other cases in County Court:

• Jason Dusett, 50, of Lyndonville was sentenced to six months in the county jail for aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony. He also has to pay $490 in court surcharges, a $50 DNA database fee, $25 DWI fee and $25 crime victims fee.

Dusett was stopped on June 12 and a state trooper recorded Dusett’s Blood Alcohol Content at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit. Dusett has a previous DWI in Victor in 2018.

• In cases from last week, Joseph Reamer, 53, of Albion pleaded guilty to third-degree rape for sexual contact without the other person’s consent in April 2025. He faces up to two years in state prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 7.

• Marcus Donley, 22, of Medina was sentenced to 364 in the county jail for violating his probation by not getting treatment or housing. Donley is on probation for third-degree burglary and criminal mischief.

VFW honors vets with service, complimentary lunch

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Heather Smith, left, and Jaylen Thomas, both students in the Job Corps’ carpentry program who worked on the project, pose with the bench their class made and donated to the Medina VFW Tuesday. With them are Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary, and Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services Officer.

MEDINA – The Medina VFW Post was a beehive of activity on Tuesday, as it showed its support of veterans and welcomed Iroquois Job Corps students, with operations director JT Thomas of Medina.

It has become an annual tradition for the VFW to serve a free lunch to veterans and their families, and for Job Corps students to assist with set-up and serving, and hand out cards which they made for veterans.

Tom Snyder, front, a Navy veteran, and Nick Fitzak, a member of the Marine Corps Reserves, receive greeting cards from Arletys Arrigo and Sienna Jack, students at Iroquois Job Corps. The local Job Corps is open and is accepting new students.

Part of the Job Corps’ mission is to provide community service, and Iroquois thrives on helping surrounding communities whenever needed, said JT Thomas, operations director at Job Corps.

“Our veterans play a special part in our community service, as students and staff greatly appreciate the service our veterans provided, and we help with veterans’ events whenever possible,” Thomas said. “The local VFW Auxiliary reached out to Job Corps for assistance several years back, and we have been participating ever since. The focus is on our veterans, our students and the Job Corps program. We are open and enrolling students and continuing to support and assist the community.”

Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard fire a 21-gun salute, followed by playing of Taps, at the VFW in Medina on Tuesday, prior to going to Orchard Manor on Bates Road and the Veterans’ Park in Lyndonville to fire 21-gun salutes.

The Veterans Day observance began with the a 21-gun salute in the parking lot by the Orleans County Honor Guard, after which they drove to Orchard Manor Rehabilitation facility on Bates Road and repeated the firing. From there they traveled to Lyndonville, where they performed a 21-gun salute at the Veterans’ Park downtown by the water, before returning to the VFW for lunch.

The Honor Guard is led by Jim Freas and includes members from Medina, Lyndonville and Albion VFW and Legion posts.

Posing with the patriotic bench made for the VFW in Medina by students in the Iroquois Job Corps carpentry class are, from left, Tom Snyder, Eric Delano, Jim Freas, Louis Chraston, Pat Little and Mike Harmer.

This Veterans Day had one extra special feature. The students in the Job Corps carpentry class made a large patriotic bench, which they delivered and donated to the VFW on Tuesday.

Two of the students were Jaylen Thomas and Heather Smith, both of whom are in the carpentry class and worked on the bench.

“I sanded and painted it, including the stars and stripes,” Jaylen proudly pointed out.

On the front of the bench was a plaque which read, “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Iroquois Job Corps, Nov. 11, 2025.”

Iroquois Job Corps students Arletys Arrigo, left, and Sienna Jack set the tables at Medina VFW, in preparation of serving free lunch to veterans.

Also at the VFW was Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services officer, who shared information on upcoming events to benefit veterans. These included a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair Monday at the VFW, and the annual veterans’ holiday dinner Dec. 16 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, sponsored through the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 589-3219.

Veterans Day observances continued on Tuesday with presentation of the “Missing Man” table by Pat Little of Gasport. As he read the meaning of the table set with an empty chair, plate with salt and a lemon, a candle and upside-down class, Jim Freas and Louis Chraston stood at attention on either side.

The VFW Post annually serves the Veterans’ Day lunch to an estimated 50 veterans, according to Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary.

Jim Freas, left, and Louis Chraston stand at attention while Pat Little reads the meaning behind the “Missing Man table,” during a tribute to veterans Tuesday at the VFW in Medina.

Ron Thomas, right, a Vietnam veteran, gets a greeting card from Job Corps students Alphonzo Snow and Zyshonne Humphrey as he and his wife Betty Jean arrived at the Medina VFW Tuesday for lunch.

Deon Jackson

ALBION – A Medina man who threw feces at four corrections officers in the Orleans County Jail, causing three to miss extended time at work, was sentenced this morning to 2 ½ to 5 years in state prison.

Deon Jackson, 25, in September was sentenced to 7 years in state prison for first-degree assault as an accomplice in two stabbings at the Canal Basin in Medina on Nov. 1, 2024.

Jackson will have the new sentence of 2 ½ to 5 years added to the 7-year prison sentence. He was sentenced for aggravated harassment of employees by an inmate Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Jackson threw the feces at the corrections officers on May 26. Three of the staff had it land in their eyes and mouth, while it got on the clothes of another corrections officer. Three of them had to take strong anti-viral medicine that flushes the immune system. It left them feeling sick and out of work for two to three weeks.

“There is no denying the crime and the impact it had on the officers,” Jackson’s attorney Claudette Caldwell said at sentencing.

Jackson was off a mood disorder medicine that may have contributed to his actions, she said. The jail tried one medicine and it didn’t work, and the staff was looking for another option to help Jackson, Caldwell said.

Jackson, in court today, apologized for the incident.

“These weren’t the right actions,” he said. “I feel bad for doing it. I’m sorry to the victims for doing that.”

Assistant district attorney Dan Punch called it “a disgusting crime” that Jackson then allegedly bragged about in the jail. Punch sought the maximum sentence and for it to run consecutively, not concurrently.

Judge Church sentenced Jackson to the maximum, and to have it added to the current sentence for assault.

“Obviously, he can’t control himself,” Church said.

‘Continuity doesn’t mean that no change occurs, but that what does change remains recognizable and connected to the past.’ – Adrienne Kirby

A photo from the early 1900s, showing the front of what is now the Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn.

By Adrienne Kirby, Town of Gaines Historian

GAINES – The Bicentennial of Orleans County is a singular point in time to reflect on our roots. As historian, it is part and parcel of my job description.

Occasionally, I am asked to provide a letter of support for historical endeavors in Gaines. Several years ago, the Cobblestone Society asked for a letter to support their efforts to place the hamlet of Childs on the National Historic Register. As I thought about the importance and significance of Childs and of how I would express that to someone who had never seen it, I realized that what I had written was a bit of an “Ode to Childs” in prose.

In the spirit of the County Legislature, which encouraged the citizens of Orleans County to “commemorate the worthwhile endeavors of their predecessors and look forward to the future of this fine county with optimism,” in their Proclamation for the Bicentennial, I present my reflection on Childs, NY.

Our two hundred year old home sits on a rise that slightly elevates it above most of the other buildings in Childs. One of my favorite aspects of our house is the view from my son’s second story bedroom window at night. From there, I can look over the rooftops of my neighbors to the east and see the heart of Childs.

From this angle, the Tavern on the Ridge is barely visible, largely in shadow. The traffic light indicates the crossroads hidden by the silhouettes of houses crowded up against the southwest corner. A portion of Crosby’s signage glows, adding further illumination to the Cobblestone Church, its bell tower a stunning stark white against a black evening sky. This scene is almost magical on a snowy winter’s night; it is so still and peaceful.

A notable aspect of Childs is its continuity. Continuity doesn’t mean that no change occurs, but that what does change remains recognizable and connected to the past. Architecturally speaking, some buildings have been repurposed from their original intent. Others have had some minor exterior cosmetic changes made over the last sixty years in the name of energy efficiency or ease of maintenance. But by and large, these buildings would be easily recognized by their former inhabitants. The convenience store building, a mere fifteen years old, can also lay claim to continuing Child’s history; there has almost always been a general store on that corner, selling food and sundry goods.

A photo from 1964 shows spectators gathered across the road from the H&A Superette to view the addition of the restored tower to the Cobblestone Church.

The buildings in Childs take center stage, and yet there are trees, too, that serve as landmarks and contribute to the sense of continuity here. Driving in from the east, the lone pine in the front yard of the Visitor’s Center signals one’s approach to Childs long before the road sign does.

Coming from the south, a beautiful sycamore just north of the intersection, nearly three times taller than the corner store, crowns the horizon. The oversize leaves and fragrant blossoms of the catalpa tree at the Vagg house add to the sense of place.

These particular trees and others, have been here nearly a hundred years or more. I know of an instance in which a neighbor successfully negotiated with the town to prevent an old maple from being cut down. The trees are as much a part of Child’s heritage as its buildings.

Two hundred years ago, most of Child’s citizens were farmers. Agriculture remains a primary industry in the Town of Gaines. Almost every backyard of the some dozen families of this hamlet looks out onto a field. In 1890, these fields probably produced beans. In the 1950s, there were surely tomatoes growing. Now, we tend to see wheat or soybeans.

Agriculture has yet another impact here. Unlike many other livelihoods and professions now, farmers don’t move every few years. Because they are dependent upon the land, they understand the value of a particular place. Farmers helped found the Cobblestone Society in order to save the cobblestone church, as well as the schoolhouse. They continue to be significant contributors to large scale community projects.

The National Register of Historic Places highlights what is unique and worth preserving for a national audience. A successful application from the Cobblestone Society to place the hamlet of Childs on the Register will affirm and make known to the whole country what we who live here have long known and appreciated.

The Cobblestone Church, Ward House and Schoolhouse have been designated National Historic Landmarks for several decades, the only buildings in Orleans County to have that honor. But in March of this year, all of Childs was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving our bit of Western New York a well-deserved national spotlight, highlighting how the past and the present can live side by side. It is a source of pride to those of us, who, in the words of the Legislature, “acknowledge the advantage of living here.”

MEDINA – Medina VFW will host a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at their post at 216 East Center St.

The event is supported by GO Health and Orleans County Veterans’ Services via the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

In addition to local healthcare resources and local benefit information, veterans will receive free food and drinks, according to Veterans’ Services officer Nik Mroz.

The event is open to veterans, plus one guest. Registration is required by calling Orleans County Veterans’ Services at (585) 589-3219.

Provided photo: Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall will perform his award-winning Charles Dickens show Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

MEDINA – Realizing the increased demand for food, a new Medina resident has teamed with a Medina native to offer an evening of entertainment to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall, who recently moved to Medina with his wife Kathy, has offered to perform his award-winning impersonation of Charles Dickens at the Medina Theater on Dec. 19.

“I think we got caught up in the spirit of the holidays, and definitely in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Randall said. “Everyone is donating their time and Joe (Cardone) is donating the theater – which is the biggest part. I hope it puts everyone in the spirit of the holiday season, and as Tiny Tim observed, ‘God bless us, everyone.’”

Prior to the doors opening at 7 p.m., Cardone said there will be a brass quartet playing and Christmas carols sung under the marquee. The evening will also feature Medina High School’s Select A’Capella Choir.

Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will qualify to be entered in drawings for prizes. Food will be divided between MAAC and food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine.

Randall has performed a variety of roles around the country, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of Mark Twain Live. He has also performed as a magician and is a member of the Puppeteers of America.

He may be best-known, however, for his 40 years with WKBW-TV, where he was an award-winning meteorologist, morning show host and feature reporter until his retirement more than a year ago. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

In a review by Night and Day of Randall’s performance as Charles Dickens at Musical Fare Theater in 2007, they declare “The one-man show brings out all the talent of this multi-faceted local actor. Dressed in period costume with beard and hair style and voice to match, Randall transported theater-goers to March 1868 when Dickens visited Buffalo to sold-out crowds. In his show, Randall demonstrates his versatility by performing every person in a voice befitting that character.”

Since its premiere in 2007, Randall has given more than 200 performances across Western New York. He amazes audiences by memorizing his hour and a half show, word for word.

Tickets to the show are $10 and may be ordered online at www.themedinatheatrecompany.com.

“This is Mike’s gift to the village of Medina,” Cardone said. “It is an event for the entire community.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Two seasons have collided in Orleans County the past couple days with snow falling along with many leaves. This photo was taken this morning along the Erie Canal towpath in Albion.

Another winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans County with the National Weather Service saying 3 to 5 inches of snow is headed to Orleans by 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The advisory also includes Niagara County. The Weather Service said there could be slippery road conditions for the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands.,” the Weather Service said. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jerry Shaffer, a Medina native who is co-founder and president of the Red Star Foundation, gets the crowd ready for the winning 50/50 number during an event Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate. Todd Graham of the Who Dats is at right.

The Red Star Foundation and Orleans County Veterans Service Agency teamed for the event at Dubby’s which offered veterans and their guests free food and games.

The Red Star Foundation highlights the issue of suicide by veterans and first responders.

The Red Star Foundation has a banner and a pin with a red star as the focus to be given to loved ones in a design similar to the banners for Gold Star and Blue Star families. Blue Star families have a loved one on active duty. A Gold Star family had a loved one killed in active duty.

The Red Star banners honor the service of veterans or first responders, and Shaffer said he believes the banner can reduce the stigma of suicide. He wants to help build a network of support among the families who have endured such a loss.

Rich McAdoo, a Medina native and Ridgeway firefighter, presents the 50/50 winnings to Dakota Morasco. McAdoo is on the board of directors for the Red Star Foundation. McAdoo is recovering from a motorcycle accident about two months ago.

“Veterans are very near and dear to my heart,” said McAdoo, who works with the Border Patrol. “Suicide is a major problem in the veterans’ community.”

The Red Star Foundation is working to set up a peer-to-peer network to help veterans in a mental health crisis.

The organization was launched 1 ½ years ago. Many veterans suffer from depression and many have a post-traumatic stress disorder. When they leave active duty, their chances of suicide increase 50 percent, Shaffer said, because many feel a loss of a sense of identity and purpose, and a loss of their military community when they are no longer on active duty.

Saturday’s event was funded with support from the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project, which includes state funding for social events and support for veterans to help them not feel so isolated and connect with their communities.

The Who Dats were one of two bands that performed during the event. They are shown performing “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money. The band includes, from left: Ed Hilfiker, Alex DeSmit on drums, Lonnie Froman as lead singer, Todd Graham and John Borello.

Travis Fitch performed from 1 to 3 p.m., and The Who Dats were on stage from 3 to 6 p.m.

Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia, met with Bills fans at Dubby’s. He also had many of the T-shirts from 26 Shirts. He is holding one of his favorite shirt designs about Buffalo Wings.

26 Shirts sells limited edition Buffalo-themed apparel. It has raised over $2 million to support families battling a health crisis, including many children with cancer.

Mike Beach of Albion, right, purchased one of the items from 26 Shirts. Del Reid is a well-known Bills fan.

He said Bills Mafia is about the greater community of Buffalo Bills fan, who are passionate about their team whether in a long playoff drought or as a Super Bowl contender.