BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has won his re-election bid for state Assembly in the 139th District.
First elected in 2006, Hawley has a record of delivering results for Western New York. During his re-election campaign, Hawley ran on the platform of bringing back conservative principles to our state while bringing down costs for working families and supporting our law enforcement officers.
Hawley is grateful to have received the support of the 139th Assembly District and looks forward to bringing common-sense policies back to Albany.
“I want to thank the residents of the 139th Assembly District for their unwavering support in this year’s election,” said Hawley, who was unopposed in the election. “I spoke with countless voters throughout this campaign all the way from Albion to Batavia and I’m beyond grateful for the words of encouragement and support I received along the way. Last night, we saw an incredible return to conservative values that built our nation and our state.
“Now more than ever, New Yorkers want meaningful change and homegrown representation. I’m honored to be your choice to be a part of that change in Albany for the next two years. I will continue to support policies that will keep our community safe and affordable as we create a better future for Western New York.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Girl Scouts in the Cobblestone Service Unit in Albion created a float in a Polar Express theme during the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25, 2023. The 16th annual parade will be on Nov. 30.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – Entries for the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30 are slowly coming in, and parade chair Jim Hancock urges individuals, businesses, religious groups, schools, fire departments and any other group to consider entering a float.
Prizes are awarded in half a dozen categories.
More than 20 floats have already been entered in this 16th annual Parade of Lights, eight of which are new this year, Hancock said. Several who haven’t entered in years have returned. The deadline to enter a float is Nov. 24 and entry forms can be found by clicking here.
Ginny Kropf is shown with Mike Randall last year when she was featured by Channel 7 as one of WNY’s busiest reporters.
The parade at 6 p.m. caps off Christmas in Medina, which this year will have a new feature in the appearance of Friends of Harmony Barbershop Quartet from Buffalo, who will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. in Rotary Park.
There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides on Main Street from 1 to 5 p.m., complements of Yohe Draft Horses from Albion.
As in previous years, a fireworks display is planned at 5:45 p.m. over Main Street, provided by Young Explosives from the Rochester area.
At 5 p.m., Prime Time Brass will present a concert in Rotary Park, followed at 5:30 by lighting of the giant Christmas tree by the grand marshal.
A full day of activities are scheduled in the downtown business district, thanks to the Medina Area Partnership and the village’s Tourism Committee. They invite folks to come and spend the day, see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a noon parade, along with Pets on Parade, and enjoy what the shops have to offer.
The Parade of Lights Committee has announced the 2024 Grand Marshal for this year’s Parade of Lights is Ginny Kropf.
“Our planning committee was unanimous in our selection,” Hancock said. “The committee tries to select someone local who has been an asset to the Medina community, and Ginny certainly fits this description.”
Kropf has worked as a local news reporter for more than 30 years. Kropf won an Associated Press writing award when she was at The Daily News in Batavia.
She also is active in community organizations, including more than 25 years on the board of United Way of Orleans County and 10-plus years as a member of the Medina Railroad Museum board.
“Ginny has been so supportive of not only our event, but so many other community events over the many years she has been reporting for Orleans Hub and the Hometown Extra. She is one of Medina’s biggest supporters and very deserving of this honor,” Hancock said.
Press Release and photo from Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is pleased to announce the return of its “Wishing Tree” at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More this November, offering community members a unique way to support those in need during the holiday season.
Beginning the first week of November, the Wishing Tree will be adorned with special coupons and anonymous wishes that provide a helping hand to community members who may be facing hardships this season.
The Wishing Tree invites individuals to purchase coupons in-store or online that can be redeemed by others in need. These coupons include practical items such as two pairs of socks, a winter jacket, or $5 toward clothing or gift purchases. All purchased coupons will be hung on the Wishing Tree, offering immediate assistance to those who need it most.
In addition to the coupons, the Wishing Tree will hold anonymous wishes submitted by community members. After filling out a short intake form, individuals can share a wish that will be posted on the tree for adoption by others. Once a wish is fulfilled, the gift will be brought to Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More for pickup.
“We are thrilled to bring the Wishing Tree back this year, especially after seeing the impact it had on our community last holiday season,” said Cassie Healy, store manager. “This year, we’ve made it even easier for people to participate by adding online links for those who may not be able to visit the store in person. Every act of kindness helps, and we’re excited to see our community come together again to support one another.”
To purchase a coupon online, community members can use the following links:
Coupons purchased online will be hung on the tree by Community Action staff, and anonymous wishes will be updated on the Community Action Facebook page. Any extra coupons will be distributed to other Community Action locations and local warming shelters, extending the reach of support throughout the region.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2024 at 9:31 am
Lewis County tops at 73.9 percent for Trump
Donald Trump is shown in his official White House portrait in 2017.
Orleans County gave strong support for Donald Trump for U.S. President, with Trump getting 69.9 percent of the vote.
Only three other counties topped that percentage: Lewis, Wyoming and Allegany.
Trump picked up more support in New York this time. Kamala Harris had 55.4 percent to Trump’s 44.6 percent, according to the Associated Press.
Four years ago, Joe Biden had 60.9 percent of the vote, compared to 37.7 percent for Trump. Biden had 2 million more votes than Trump in 2020 – 5,244,886 to 3,251,997.
This election, Harris won New York and its 28 electoral votes by about 800,000 votes, 4,151,877 to 3,338,581 with 96 percent of polling sites reporting, according to the AP.
Here are the counties with the highest percentage votes for Trump:
Lewis – 73.9 percent for Trump (47.8 percentage points over Harris)
Wyoming – 73.8 percent for Trump (47.6 percentage points over Harris)
Allegany – 72.1 percent for Trump (44.3 points over Harris)
Orleans – 69.9 percent for Trump (40.5 percentage points over Harris)
Other nearby counties include:
Genesee – 67.1 percent for Trump, 32.9 percent for Harris
Monroe – 58.5 percent for Harris, 40.4 percent for Trump
Niagara – 57.7 percent for Trump, 42.3 percent for Harris
Erie – 53.8 percent for Harris, 44.8 percent for Trump
Livingston – 60.8 percent for Trump, 39.2 percent for Harris
On the other side of the political spectrum, New York County (Manhattan) was the most lopsided county with 80.8 percent for Harris (63.6 percentage points over Trump).
In Upstate New York, Tompkins County was the most in favor of Harris with 73.2 percent (48.4 points over Trump.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2024 at 8:06 am
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and State Sen. Rob Ortt all cruised to election victories.
Gillibrand was first elected to the Senate in 2009. She won another six-year term.
“This victory makes it absolutely clear that New Yorkers believe in a government that works, and that we must put people over politics,” Gillibrand said in a statement on Tuesday night. “I am committed to finding common sense solutions, which is why I always reach across the aisle to find common ground, from delivering health benefits for first responders and veterans, to taking illegal guns off the street, to bringing down costs for New York families. New Yorkers believe in fundamental truths, like caring about our neighbors and treating others with kindness, decency and respect. That has been, and will continue to be, the hallmark of my public service.”
Gillibrand, a Democrat, didn’t fare too well in Orleans County, a Republican stronghold. She received 5,344 votes to the 11,375 to Michael Sapraicone.
Claudia Tenney won a fourth term in Congress in a redrawn NY-24. Orleans County currently is split in districts represented by Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, and Tenney, a Republican who lives in Oswego County. But redistricting has put all of Orleans in Tenney’s district, which covers about a dozen counties.
She defeated David Wagenhauser, a Democrat from Seneca County. In Orleans County, Tenney received 12,131 votes to 4,327 for Wagenhauser.
“I am honored by the overwhelming support from the voters of NY-24 tonight,” Tenney said last night in a statement. “Our grassroots campaign was able to reach voters in every corner of this new district with our message of economic growth, a secure border and safe streets.
“Since representing NY-24, our office has delivered millions for this community, stood up for local taxpayers against oppressive governments in Albany and Washington and remain the only Member of Congress to explain every vote I take on the House Floor in detail,” Tenney said. “Our unparalleled transparency and aggressive advocacy have resonated with voters across all party lines. While our election may be over, the fight has just begun to ensure President Trump’s victory tonight along with key Congressional Districts. As the founder and Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, we will continue to closely monitor the swing states and swing districts to ensure that only legal votes are counted.”
Rob Ortt was unopposed for another term in the State Senate. His district includes all of Orleans and all of Niagara, and part of western Monroe County. He was first elected to the Senate 10 years ago.
Ortt received 13,996 in Orleans out of 17,931 total. There were 65 write-in votes and 3,870 who didn’t vote for Ortt.
“I want to thank the constituents of the 62nd Senate District for once again placing their trust in me and electing me to represent them in our State Senate,” he said in a statement last night. “Serving the residents of Western New York remains an honor of a lifetime and something that I will never take for granted. I will continue to fight for you each and every day.
“I’d also like to congratulate all of tonight’s GOP winners, including my good friends Angelo Morinello and Paul Bologna who will represent the 145th and 144th Assembly Districts, respectively,” Ortt said. “I have every confidence they will continue to fight for the liberties, values, and livelihoods of Western New York families and businesses. Thank you for trusting in us to make New York a safer, more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 10:57 pm
Susan Howard elected district attorney
Photo by Tom Rivers: A Medina resident displayed this sign in support of Donald Trump for president.
ALBION – Donald Trump won a commanding victory in Orleans County with 70 percent of the vote – 12,432 out of 17,780 ballots cast.
Head to head against Kamala Harris, Trump had a 70.4 percent advantage to 29.4 percent for Harris. There were also 121 write-in votes, 145 who didn’t vote for president, and 6 that were overvotes with more than one candidate picked.
The 70.0 percent for Trump with early votes, today’s in-person votes and most of the absentees compares to 71.4 percent in 2020 when he faced Joe Biden, and 66.8 percent of the election day votes in 2016 against Hillary Clinton.
Here are the results in Orleans County:
Federal
• U.S. President/Vice President (4-year term)
Donald Trump/JD Vance (R, C) – 12,432
Kamala Harris, Tim Walz (D, WF) – 5,227
• U.S. Senator (6-year term)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WF) – 5,344
Michael Sapraicone (R-C) – 11,375
Diane Sare (LaRouche) – 53
• Representative to Congress, 24th District (2-year term)
Claudia Tenney (R, C) – 12,131
David Wagenhauser (D) – 4,327
State
• Proposition One
Yes – 5,800
No – 10,718
• Supreme Court Justice, 8th District (4 positions)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 9:22 pm
ALBION – Registered voters in Orleans County requested 1,265 absentee ballots and 1,095 were returned by today, Board of Elections officials said this evening.
The potential of 170 other absentees need to be postmarked by today and received in the mail by next Tuesday when they will be counted, said Mike Mele and Janice Grabowski, the county’s election commissioners.
Of the 1,095 absentees returned so far, all but 40 should be part of the vote totals later tonight, Mele and Grabowski said. Those 40 not counted were received on Monday and today and will be counted on Nov. 12.
The commissioners said there has been a big turnout today, with lines but the wait rarely topped 15 minutes. Mele said in Monroe County there have been waits of 2 ½ hours.
“There have been some lines but we expected that,” Mele said at about 9 p.m.
The county is using new voting machines this election and Mele and Grabowski said there haven’t been any significant issues with the machines, which replaced 15-year-old optical-scan equipment.
The polls closed today in Orleans County at 9 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 8:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – It’s an election day winner, every year for at least a half century: a turkey dinner with an assortment of pie served by the West Barre United Methodist Church.
The top photo shows church volunteers getting takeout containers full of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, squash and cranberry sauce.
From left include Lanor Markle, Dan Shuler and Randy Huffman with Alice Mathes on the opposite side of the table.
The church served 482 dinners that were available by presale. The meals have been take-out only since the Covid pandemic in 2020.
“We do it on election day to encourage people to vote and then eat, or to eat and then vote,” said Ruth Miller, a longtime church volunteer.
She can recall the church serving the Thanksgiving-style dinners for at least 50 years.
Church volunteers worked on the dinner the past four days. They cooked 28 turkeys.
These strawberry pies were among 14 different types of pie for people to choose from for the dinner.
Lee Preston gets the tickets from Nancy Muoio and two of her friends.
“It’s a home-cooked meal that I don’t have to cook,” said Barb Titus-Canham, who was in the vehicle with Muoio. The group was going back to Titus-Canham’s home to enjoy the meal together.
Muoio said she has been looking forward to the meal. The big draw: “The pies,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 6:47 pm
Provided photos: The ballot in today’s election at Kendall Elementary School shows a choice between mashed potato bowl with chicken, corn, cheese and gravy OR a sweet and sour chicken and rice bowl.
KENDALL – Elementary students and staff made their voices clear in a landslide vote today. They want sweet and sour chicken rice bowl on the school menu.
Students and staff were asked to choose between sweet and sour chicken rice bowl, or mashed potato bowl with chicken, corn, cheese and gravy.
The chicken rice bowl won with 297 votes to 112 for the mashed potato bowl.
Kevin Watson, the school principal, said the school’s head chef, Megan Bouchey, will work to add the new option to the school menu in January.
(Left) Audra Keirn, district clerk and administrative assistant to the superintendent, cast a ballot in today’s election. (Right) Two kindergartners – Logan Butterfield and Nora Rasmusson – vote in the election. They are in Kristy Markham’s class.
The school created ballots, hung posters, and posted mini promotions on the school sign board.
Superintendent Nick Picardo and Watson also filmed a 5-minute informercial in school’s television student alerting students about the upcoming vote. Picardo and Watson both test-tasted each menu item live and offered their recommendation.
Watson picked the mashed potato bowl while Picardo favored the sweet and sour chicken.
After classes voted today, they posed by a “VOTE” sign outside the main office. This photo shows Taylor Kingsbury’s 4th grade class.
This is the third election at the school on an issue of interest to students. Last year students voted on which slide would better for the school’s new playground: the double slide or a swirl slide.
There were 376 ballots cast, and the swirl was dominant with 303 votes to 73 for the double slide. The district breaks ground on a new playground in the spring that will include the swirl slide.
“Students will see their voice in action soon!” Watson said.
In the first election in 2022, students picked the name for the school’s eagle mascot. “Talon” was the winner.
Kevin Watson, the school principal, and Joseph Reger, a sixth grader, announce the results of the election.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 12:50 pm
MEDINA – Two people have been charged with assault in the stabbings that occurred around midnight on Saturday, Medina Police Chief Todd Draper announced.
Edward Gibson, 42, of Medina and Deon Jackson, 24, of Medina have both been charged with first-degree assault. Gibson is held in the county jail with no bail while bail was set at $100,000 for Jackson. Both were arraigned in the jail through the centralized arraignment process (CAP).
Two people, a woman and a man, were stabbed just before midnight on Nov. 1 in the Canal Basin. They were transported to Medina Memorial Hospital by private vehicle and later transferred to ECMC. Both have since been released from the hospital, Draper said.
Orders of protection have been issued for both victims.
A search warrant was conducted at a suspect’s residence, Draper said. The investigation is continuing, and Draper said more charges may be forthcoming.
“Based on the investigation it is believed that individuals in this case were known to each other, and that the incident was not random,” the police chief said.
Several Medina police officers worked on the investigation. Draper said the Medina PD was assisted by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, New York State Parole, New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit, and the Niagara County Crime Analysis Center.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 11:26 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The concrete wall on the northside of the Canal Basin in Medina has crumbled in many spots in recent years.
The State Canal Corp. is planning to spend about $10 million upgrading the wall in the Canal Basin and also making improvements to the towpath from Bates Road to the lift bridge, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.
She said preliminary designs are about 60 percent complete. She has seen the plans and said the end result will be a dramatic improvement for the community.
The state isn’t ready yet to release the designs, Sherman said. She said the north wall work will be staggered over several years because the work can only be done when the canal in drained during the winter and early spring.
Sherman said the state is bearing the costs of the project without any local share needed from Medina.
Signs alert walkers and cyclists to a bumpy stretch of the towpath on the north side of the Canal Basin. This sign tells cyclists to walk their bikes on a rough section of the trail.
The wall is crumbling and bumpy in many spaces.
The state Canal Corp. also is planning improvements over about 1.5 miles of the towpath. This stretch is just east of the Canal Basin area leading to Bates Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 7:07 am
Photo by Marsha Rivers: Polls opened at Hoag Library in Albion at 6 a.m. today. There are 11 polling locations open in the county until 9 p.m.
ALBION – The big day has arrived with polls open throughout Orleans County. There are 25,538 registered voters in the county and 4,539 already cast ballots in nine days of early voting.
Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Click here to see a list of pollign sites in the county.
The big race is for U.S. president with Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are on the Democratic and Working Family lines, while Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance are on the Republican and Conservative lines.
Other positions on the ballot include:
Federal
U.S. Senator (6-year term) – Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WF), Michael Sapraicone (R-C) and Diane Sare (LaRouche)
Representative to Congress, 24th District (2-year term) – David Wagenhauser (D) and Claudia Tenney (R, C)
State
Supreme Court Justice, 8th District (4 positions) – Henry Nowak (D, R, C, WF), Catherine Nugent-Panepinto (D, R, C, WF), Deborah Chimes (D, R, C) and Michael Norris (D, R, C)
NYS Senate, 62nd District (2-year term) – Robert Ortt (R, C)
NYS Assembly, 139th District (2-year term) – Stephen Hawley (R, C)
Orleans County
County Clerk (4-year term) – Nadine Hanlon (R)
District Attorney (4-year term) – Susan Howard (R, C)
Coroner (4-year term for 3 positions) – Rocco Sidari (R), Scott Schmidt (R) and Julie Woodworth (R)
Carlton
Town Clerk (1 year to fill vacancy) – Deborah Yockel (R)
Council Member (1 year to fill vacancy) – John L. Olles (R)
The ballot also includes the state-wide proposition number one, which adds certain protections to the State Bill of Rights, covering ethnicity, national origin,age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections against discrimination in the New York State Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Provided photos: (Left) St. Mary’s Church organist Aaron Grabowski built this harpsichord, which he will play during a concert Nov. 16 at the church. Grabowski is a builder and restorer of organs by profession for Parson’s Pipe Organ Restoration. (Right) Aaron Grabowski will play in concert Nov. 16 at St. Mary’s Church in Medina. The concert, titled “Echoes of Elegance,” will begin at 7 p.m. and feature French Baroque and classical music.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 November 2024 at 7:00 am
MEDINA – Aaron Grabowski’s love of music is equaled only by his talent.
The Medina resident will be featured in a musical program, Echoes of Elegance, on Nov. 16 at St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish).
Grabowski, who studied music at the University of Buffalo, is music director and principal organist at Holy Trinity. By profession, he is a builder and restorer of organs for Parsons Pipe Organ Restorations.
His musical career began when he was in college and studied under David Fuller, musicologist, organist and harpsichordist, who studied with noted organist E. Power Biggs.
“That’s where I got my penchant for studying harpsichord,” Grabowski said. “During my course of study, I would house sit for him when he went to Europe. He had a French made harpsichord in his house and I got a chance to play it and fell in love with it.”
Recently, through a colleague of his, Grabowski had the opportunity to purchase a harpsichord kit and he has spent the last year and a half building it in his living room and basement, with his wife’s permission. His instrument is modeled after the French design of the 18th century. He is three-fourths of the way done, but it is very playable, although it still needs more cosmetic and tonal work, he said.
Grabowski explained a harpsichord has a rich sound and the type of music played on them is very attractive to him.
“I love presenting music people have never heard or rarely heard before,” he said.
That will be the focus of the concert Nov. 16, which will be played on St. Mary’s organ and the harpsichord.
“My goal is to present music of the Court of King Louis XIV and XV,” Grabowski said.
The music will span early Baroque to early classic.
“I intend to set a mood of reflection, away from modern concepts of listening.,” he said. “We will turn the lights down and encourage the audience to use their imagination to the best of their ability.”
He explained organ music can be very sacred and sometimes bold, but also sometimes tender.
There is no admission charge, but a free will offering will be accepted. The concert will support the music program of St. Mary’s Church, Grabowski said.
Grabowski has been St. Mary’s organist since 2007. He said he was raking leaves in front of his house one day when the church organist walked by and stopped. He mentioned he was available to substitute if they needed one.
“She said, ‘You can have the job,’” Grabowski said. “I interviewed with Father Vatter and here I am.”
Grabowski added they have a Christmas concert in the planning with St. Mary’s, St. Joseph’s in Albion and St. Mary’s in Holley. Further information will be forthcoming.
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is pleased to announce the return of its “Wishing Tree” at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More this November, offering community members a unique way to support those in need during the holiday season.
