Ian Mackay wants to show what’s possible for wheelchair users with accessible outdoor infrastructure; Trip goes through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28
Provided photo: Ian Mackay will use mouth-controlled power wheelchair to travel the Erie Canal towpath. He is scheduled to pass through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28.
Press Release, Ian’s Ride
ALBANY TO BUFFALO – Ian Mackay, who is paralyzed from the neck down, will take on his next Big Ride, traveling 360 miles along New York’s historic Erie Canalway Trail in his power wheelchair Sept. 20-28.
The ride from Albany to Buffalo will highlight what’s possible for wheelchair users when accessible infrastructure makes outdoor recreation more inclusive. Mackay, founder and executive director of Ian’s Ride, a Port Angeles, Washington-based nonprofit, will travel through communities along the historic canal, drawing attention to the importance of accessible trails and the opportunities they create for people with mobility disabilities.
Following the ride will be the premiere of Good Moment, a feature-length documentary chronicling Mackay’s world-record ride in a mouth-controlled power wheelchair. The film explores Mackay’s determination, his relationship with the outdoors and the role of community and adaptive technology in making adventures like this possible.
“This is an opportunity to show what’s possible when people have access to the outdoors,” Mackay said. “The Erie Canalway Trail is an incredible piece of American history, and I’m excited to experience it with my friends, meet people along the way and continue pushing for trails that everyone can enjoy.”
The Erie Canalway Trail adventure builds on a series of long-distance rides that began in 2016, when Mackay crossed Washington state in his power wheelchair. Those experiences inspired the creation of Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities.
Highlighting the importance of accessible infrastructure
The Erie Canalway Trail offers Mackay an opportunity to demonstrate how accessible public spaces can expand opportunities for people with disabilities to explore the outdoors, connect with communities and experience the history and beauty of their surroundings.
Kim Ridley, New York state chief disability officer, said the journey underscores the importance of inclusive outdoor environments.
“New York state is committed to building an inclusive outdoor environment where every individual, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty and history of our state,” Ridley said. “Ian’s 370-mile journey along the historic Erie Canalway Trail highlights the critical importance of accessible public trails, recreational infrastructure, and community connection.”
Ridley said Mackay’s ride demonstrates how universal design and outdoor accessibility can create transformative experiences for residents and visitors of all abilities.
“We are proud to welcome Ian’s Ride to the Empire State and look forward to continuing our work toward a fully accessible New York,” she said.
New York State Canal Corp. Director Ben Walsh said the corporation shares Mackay’s commitment to expanding accessible outdoor recreation.
“We are proud to welcome Ian to the Erie Canalway Trail,” Walsh said. “Like Ian, we are on a mission to increase accessibility and promote accessible outdoor recreation, so we are thrilled to support him on his journey.”
Walsh encouraged people to join Mackay on the trail, adding that he looks forward to riding alongside him.
Rails to Trails Conservancy also is supporting the journey. Brandi Horton, the organization’s vice president of communications, said Ian’s Ride demonstrates how trails connect people to opportunities and bring communities together.
“When Ian and his team set out to tackle a trail ride, they prove the power of trails to build community, inviting partners like us to be part of the journey and introducing the importance of accessible outdoor recreation all along the way,” Horton said.
“The impact that Ian’s Ride delivers is invaluable, making clear that having safe ways to be active outside is not nice to have — it’s essential,” she said.
United Spinal Association, which advocates for people with mobility-related disabilities, also will support Mackay’s efforts to expand access to trails and parks.
“United Spinal Association is proud to support Ian’s Ride in its critical effort to open up the great outdoors to people of all abilities,” said Matt Castelluccio, the organization’s CEO. “Like Ian’s Ride, United Spinal Association is committed to helping people with mobility-related disabilities live their lives to the fullest.”
Castelluccio said the organization will continue working alongside Mackay to expand access to America’s trails and parks.
Join Ian on the trail
The Erie Canalway Trail ride is an opportunity for people to experience the trail alongside Mackay and learn more about the role accessible infrastructure plays in making outdoor recreation possible.
Community members and media are encouraged to join the ride for a portion of the journey, meet the group along the route and follow updates from the trail.
For more information about the ride, its itinerary and opportunities to participate, visit iansride.com/ride-the-erie.
About Ian’s Ride
Ian’s Ride is a Washington State-based nonprofit founded by Ian Mackay in 2016. The organization works to make the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities through inclusive rides, community partnerships and advocacy for accessible outdoor recreation.
The schedule includes:
Day One (Explore NYC): Saturday, Sept. 19 – Battery Park, NYC → Elmsford for 28 miles
Day Two (Start the Erie): Sunday, Sept. 20 – Albany/Waterford → Amsterdam for 47 miles
Day Three: Monday, Sept. 21 – Amsterdam → Little Falls for 39 miles
Day Four: Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Little Falls → Rome for 40 miles
Day Five: Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Rome → Syracuse for 45 miles
Day Six: Thursday, Sept. 24 – Syracuse → Weedsport for 26 miles
Day Seven: Friday, Sept. 25 – Weedsport → Newark for 33 miles
Day Eight: Saturday, Sept. 26 – Newark → Rochester for 34 miles
Day Nine: Sunday, Sept. 27 – Rochester → Albion for 34 miles
Day Ten: Monday, Sept. 28 – Albion → Buffalo for 46 miles
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2026 at 11:57 am
Average price in Orleans County now at $4.38 a gallon
Photo by Tom Rivers: The average price for regular unleaded is at $4.39 today at the Crosby’s in Albion, corner of routes 98 and 31. With the rewards card at 5 cents off, the price drops to $4.34.
The average price for regular unleaded gas jumped 16 cents nationally in the past week to $4.31 a gallon, while in New York State, the average is at $4.39, which is up 8 cents since last Monday, AAA reported.
A year ago the average prices were at $3.17 nationally and $3.25 in New York State.
In Orleans County, the price increased from $4.34 to $4.83.
“Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil back into the $100 to $110 per barrel range for the first time since July, sending pump prices to levels comparable to June,” AAA said in a statement this morning for its weekly gas price report. “This September, the national average is rising during a period when gas prices typically decline due to lower seasonal demand.”
Diesel prices are at a record high. The national average is $6.23 per gallon, up 33 cents from last week. New York’s average diesel price is $6.17 per gallon, up 25 cents from last week and nearly double the $3.10 average recorded one year ago.
Here are the average prices around Western New York:
Single filers with incomes under $150K to receive $100
Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office: Governor Kathy Hochul speaks on Aug. 20 in Webster for a celebration of Coca-Cola Company and Fairlife’s $650 million, state-of-the-art dairy production facility in Monroe County.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that energy rebate checks up to $200 will be sent to 8.2 million households across New York State starting on September 21.
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue through December. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
“As Washington Republicans continue to send the cost of everything from utility bills to gas and groceries soaring, I’ll never stop working to address the rising cost of living for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump — and that’s why we’re putting money directly back in New Yorkers’ pockets by sending energy rebate checks to millions of families as part of our affordability agenda.”
Governor Hochul’s enacted budget included a one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) to help provide needed relief in the face of federal tariffs that have increased the cost of living across the board and President Trump’s war in Iran that has New Yorkers now paying on average $4.35 per gallon at the pumps, a 45% jump since the war began. Diesel has jumped 49% since the war began at the end of February to $5.98 per gallon.
POWER checks will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The rebates will be issued as advanced credit checks and will be mailed out between September and December.
Who’s Eligible for a POWER Check?
You are eligible for a rebate credit check if, for tax year 2024, you:
Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
Were a full-time resident for New York State;
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds; and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2026 at 8:13 am
Provided photos
MEDINA – About 30 firefighters were out on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon with a boot drive to collect money for Make-A-Wish.
The firefighters collected nearly $6,000 – $5,955.60. There are a couple more donations coming in, too, said Tim Petry of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Firefighters from East Shelby, Medina, Shelby and Ridgeway were at three intersections in the community. There were at Route 104 and Route 63 in Ridgeway; Maple Ridge Road near the Route 63 intersection in Shelby; and downtown Medina at the main intersection.
Make-A-Wish is an organization that gives life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2026 at 7:03 pm
Band opens season with 2nd place at Jordan-Elbridge
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Marching Band performs on Sept. 11, 2026 during halftime of the OC Rivals football at Vets Park. The band is debuting new uniforms this season and also is performing a show, “We The People” celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with the music of Aaron Copeland.
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band is shown performing at halftime on Friday evening of the OC Rivals football game versus Lakeshore. The game was played at Vets Park in Medina.
The band the next day then competed for the first time this season at Jordan-Elbridge High School in Jordan, which is near Auburn.
The competition featured nine bands, six of which were in Medina’s class, SS2. In that class Medina came in 2nd place behind Oswego.
Medina’s show is called “We The People” and celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with the music of Aaron Copeland.
The band consists of 90 students and is directed by Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch. The band is led on the field by drum major Sophia Lopez. The is performing in new uniforms this year.
Medina’s next performance is at their home show, “Fall Festival of Bands” on Saturday, Sept. 26th beginning at 6 p.m. at Vets Park.
The results from Saturday include:
SS2 – 1st, Oswego with 69.700; 2nd, Medina with 67.900; 3rd, Westmoreland with 67.250; 4th, Jordan-Elbridge with 66.900; 5th, Horseheads with 65.850; 6th, Vestal with 63.750.
LS2 – 1st, Corning with 69.250.
National – 1st, West Genesee with 79.100; 2nd, Baldwinsville with 77.600.
(Left) This notebook was used in 1893 to record a trip to the World’s Fair, held in Chicago. (Right) The first page of the notebook.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 25
A small, modest notebook with a brown cover. It is easy to overlook. Its condition belies its age though, it is a surprise to open it, read the date and the first page:
Sept. 4, 1893
“Left home for the World’s Fair. Took the 6:44 train for Buffalo, arrived there 9 p.m., left at 10 pm. Paid for two tickets to Buffalo $2.04
Paid for ticket to Chicago $20. On the way we passed through the following places: Dunkirk, Erie, Ashtabula, Cleveland, Landusky, Toledo. Passed through Elkhart 9’o clock a.m. Thursday. Stopped 20 min. for refreshment. Paid for coffee .10 cents.”
This notebook is unique. It is a hand-written record of a visit to the World’s Columbian Exposition, generally referred to as the World’s Fair, which was held in Chicago from May 1 – October 30, 1893. The entries are short and terse. We are assuming that this traveler is a gentleman traveling with his wife. His record of this three-week trip covers only 26 of these short pages. He includes a list of expenses on the last five pages. The remainder of the notebook is blank.
[P.2]“Passed through South Bend, 9:50 am. Passed through Seaport 10:50 am, 5 miles from Chicago.
Weds. Sept 5 paid for 1 room at Calumet Hotel .75c and 4 meals $1.40. Went to Fairgrounds at 8:00 at 64th St. entrance, gate fee .50c.”
Naturally, we were intrigued by the prices. Yes, .75c for a room! We checked.
Our anonymous traveler chose to travel by train. He would have traveled on the Nickel Plate Road, which advertised three fast express trains daily between Buffalo and Chicago, “with superb dining carriages.”
One could also have traveled by steamer. The Cleveland & Buffalo Transit Co. advertised the “Great All-Water Route” on magnificent side-wheel steel steamers from Buffalo, with the option of visiting Cleveland, Detroit and Mackinac Island.
The theme of the 1893 World’s Fair was a celebration of human achievement and progress. Our diarist was suitably impressed with all that he saw. Visiting the New York State building, he wrote: “Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The shades and ceiling are carved too beautiful for description.”
Over the course of the next few days, he saw:
[P.4] “The old pistol that shot Tecumseh… A punch bowl used by General Washington which was on display in the Pennsylvania Building and also a plaster cast of his face after death ….The old charter from Charles II to William Penn 1682 also a seal attached to the charter for the territory now known as Pennsylvania.”
At the Art Gallery, he saw a statue of Charles Dickens; the Emperor of Germany; William Shakespeare; Abraham Lincoln; Emperor William 2 of Germany; a painting of the Death of Archimedes and a painting of deer by Rosa Bonheur, owned by Consul General of Spain. In Governor’s Building, a flag used on the tent of General Washington was on display.
[P.8] “Paid .50c for coffee, tea & doughnuts at Wellington Café in the Fishery Building. Paid for lunch, .35c Thursday evening.”
This World’s Fair visitor certainly made the most of his trip. Over the next three days, he visited the Leather & Shoe exhibit, listened to Flecker’s Elgin Band, and toured the Machinery and Agricultural Buildings. He went into Marshall Field’s store and saw the Pullman building on Michigan Avenue.
Twenty-seven million people visited the 1893 World’s Fair. Many people from Orleans County made the trip as this “news” was reported in the newspaper social columns: Mr. & Mrs. Walter Tuttle, Mrs. E.J. Vosler, Mrs. Hawley and Mrs. George Lum were part of a group from Lyndonville that went in June, Martin Sutter and John Griffin from Medina went in August.
Some World’s Fair attendees took advantage of their trip to Chicago to expand their trips. George W. Kohler of South Dakota attended the Fair in June and then came east to visit family in West Shelby, after an absence of 14 years.
Our diarist also visited relatives during the last week of his trip – Dean Jaquith, Ben Jaquith, Aunt Flora, Cousin Lydia and visited Willie Tanner’s grave in Cleveland.
The final entry on September 27:
“Took cars in Cleveland for home, got into Buffalo 3 PM, found friends waiting for us, reached Albion 6:30 pm. Fred came for us, found Mr. Tanner not well, having been poorly during the three weeks of our absence.”
This little notebook gives us a glance into everyday life in the 1890s. Travel and communication were efficient. Public transportation worked. Travelers could expect to be met at the train station, as arranged. The city of Chicago handled the influx of Fair visitors. People assumed that these systems would work and felt confident about traveling. The speed of travel may have increased over the past 130 years, but as to efficiency and public confidence, well, that’s debatable.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2026 at 12:24 pm
Community welcome to complete surveys and share vision for town
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mollie Radzinski, the coordinator of the Carlton Heart & Soul program, is shown by a banner with the logo for the initiative. She attended the Pop-Up & Jam event on Saturday at the Orleans County Marine Park with vendors and musicians.
CARLTON – A coordinator has been hired for the Carlton Heart & Soul project. The community received grant funding for the initiative.
Mollie Radzinski has been hired as the part-time coordinator. She brings deep community connections, and lots of knowledge and passion to the part-time position.
“She the right person for the job,” said Jim Tabor, vice president of the Carlton Heart & Soul Committee. “She’s energetic with a lot of good ideas.”
Carlton is one of 140 “Heart & Soul” communities. The program is led by local residents and officials to develop a vision for the community’s future that reflects what residents love about their community and why they choose to live there.
The Carlton Community Heart & Soul Core Team includes: Peter Bartula, president; Jim Tabor, vice president; Penny Miller, secretary; Lynn Wright, treasurer; Lynne Menz, communications; and John Fitzak, Chris Manaseri, Brian McCue and Heather Tabor.
Radzinski works full-time as a senior communications specialist for the Rochester Institute of Technology in the College of Science; Division of Access, Engagement and Success; and RIT Global.
She also is a board member for the Lake Plains Players, a lector and teacher at Holy Family Parish, a member of the Catholic Daughters, a board member for the Albion Alumni Foundation, and a dance teacher at Gotta Dance Performing Arts in Albion.
Carlton is the first “Heart & Soul” community in Orleans County. Carlton was picked by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Community Foundation for Buffalo to be the first community to implement the Heart & Soul model in Orleans County, an initiative fully funded with grant support from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
Carlton is currently in Phase 1 of the initiative and is collecting input from residents.
The four-phase, step-by-step process includes:
Phase 1: Imagine – Heart & Soul teams are formed to build awareness, interest, and commitment in all segments of the community.
Phase 2: Connect – Stories are gathered from residents, leading to the development of Heart & Soul Statements that identify what matters most and reflect what they love about their towns.
Phase 3: Plan – Residents develop action plans to guide future town planning based on their Heart & Soul Statements.
Phase 4: Act – Heart & Soul Statements are officially adopted by town and city councils, incorporated into comprehensive and other plans, and are used to guide future policies and decisions.
Radzinski and the local team urged residents and stakeholders in Carlton to complete an online survey about the town. Click here to see it.
Carlton doesn’t have a clear downtown business district or focal point like a city or village. Carlton is split up into three different school districts – Albion, Kendall and Lyndonville. There are also multiple zip codes with Kent, Waterport and Albion.
Jim Tabor and Radzinski said the Heart & Soul model will help identify focal points for the town and develop a plan for building on Carlton’s strengths and improving on some of the weaker areas.
Some suggestions so far include recreational enhancements to the town park such as basketball and pickleball courts as well as trails linking the east and west sides of the Oak Orchard River.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2026 at 8:18 am
OONA seeks to name ox painted by Carol Culhane
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – An ox sculpture painted with scenes of Carlton’s past and present was dedicated on Saturday.
The only thing missing: what to name this new addition to the Orleans County Marine Park.
The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Marine Park spearheaded the project using a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Carol Culhane, an artist who lives in Carlton, took on the challenge of painting scenes from Carlton.
One side of the ox features the community’s past while the other shows present day Carlton.
“The sculpture is dedicated to the people of Orleans County – past and present,” Culhane said in a statement about the ox. “May it honor the courage of the early settlers, the enduring beauty of the Oak Orchard River, and the wildlife that continues to thrive along its shores.”
The “Past” side highlights the following:
Waterport Pond – Before the construction of the Waterport Dam and the creation of Lake Alice, this area was known as the Waterport Pond. The natural landscape of river, wetlands, waterfalls and wooded shoreline provided both beauty and habitat for wildlife.
Waterport Trestle and Hojack Line – Built in 1875 as part of the Rome, Waterport and Ogdensburg Railroad, later known as the Hojack Line, the Waterport Trestle carried trains high above the oak Orchard River gorge near Waterport.
Point Breeze Hotel (original the Orleans House) – The large white hotel painted on the hip of the ox represents the historic Point Breeze Hotel, originally known as the Orleans House. Located on the east side of Oak Orchard Harbor, the hotel welcomed generations of visitors.
Oak Orchard Inn – Located on the west side of Oak Orchard Harbor, the oak Orchard Inn was a well-known resort hotel that welcomed summer visitors to Point Breeze.
Historic Harbor and Lighthouse at Sunset – This scene recalls the early Oak Orchard Harbor when shipping, fishing and tourism helped define life along the lake Ontario shoreline. The original lighthouse was toppled in a violent wind storm in 1916.
Great Blue Heron and Wetland Life – A great blue heron, turtles, lil pads and wetland vegetation represent the wildlife that has long depended on the Oak Orchard River ecosystem.
Carol Culhane shows the ox to David Dickinson of nearby Lakeshore Road. He marveled at the attention to detail on the ox.
The “Now” side of the ox features:
Lake Alice – Lake Alice was constructed around 1920. The manmade reservoir was created by Albert Sweat, who dammed the oak Orchard River as part of a power project at the water port Dam. He transformed the original river landlandscape. Today, lake Alice is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking and observing wildlife.
Waterport Dam and Hydroelectric Station – The Waterport Dam created lake Alice and continues to generate hydroelectric electricity.
Fly Fishermen – The Oak Orchard River is internationally known for exceptional trout and salmon fishing.
Kayakers and Canoeists – The Oak Orchard River remains a destination for paddlers and nature lovers.
Charter Boats and Marina Activity – Oak Orchard Harbor is famous for world-class sport fishing on Lake Ontario.
Break Walls and Lighthouse Replica – The harbor entrance, break walls, and modern lighthouse replica built in 2010 guide boaters safely into the harbor.
There are also “hidden wildlife and discoveries” on the ox with wildlife intended to delight children and encourage visitors to explore every section of the ox. Among the creatures hidden include a great blue heron, painted turtles, mint green tree frog, dragonflies, monarch butterflies, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, ladybugs, bald eagle, Canada geese, seagulls and tundra swans.
Carol Culhane is shown with the ox on Saturday. She also painted one featuring pioneers for the Orleans County Historian’s Office and will be doing two more: one for the County Office Building and one for the Town of Kendall.
Cheryl Giacherio, a member of OONA, praised Culhane for her efforts to include so many places in Carlton, and to paint many fun wildlife creatures as well.
“It’s so beautiful,” Giacherio said during a dedication on Saturday.
The ox is placed between the two Parkway bridges over the marine Park. The ox will go inside during the winter to help preserve the artwork and keep the ox safe.
Frank Panczyszyn of OONA led the dedication ceremony. He said the ox a great addition to the Marine Park. OONA was the principal sponsor of the project.
“We appreciate her hard work with the artwork,” Panczyszyn said.
The ox is located between the two Parkway bridges at the Orleans County Marine Park.
OONA and the Friends of the Marine Park want to name the ox.
The Orleans Hub editor was there on Saturday for the dedication and a Pop-Up & Jam event with vendors and concerts.
I suggested naming the ox “Albert” in honor of Albert Swett. He is the one who dammed the Oak Orchard River and created Lake Alice for a hydroelectric project. Swett owned the Swett Iron Works and did a similar power project in Medina with Glenwood Lake.
Lake Alice has been a peaceful setting for more than a century in the Town of Carlton. This tranquil waterway was formed to create power at the Waterport Dam around 1920. (The Waterport Generating Station is now owned by Brookfield Power with a capacity of 4 megawatts.)
Swett named Lake Alice after his daughter. Alice Swett was only 10 when she died on Feb. 12, 1884. She is buried in the family plot at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina.
This ox is one of seven so far that will be painted or decorated. So far there is one at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville, two in Carlton, two for county-owned sites in Albion, one headed to Kendall and one in Clarendon.
Dawn Borchert, the county tourism director, said the oxen could be part of a tourism trail that highlights local sights and history.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2026 at 3:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross performs today at the Orleans County Marine Park for the Pop-Up & Jam event presented by the Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks in partnership with Carlton Community Heart & Soul, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and GO Art!
Other music performers include the Coupe de Villes performing R&B and classic rock, with the Eddie Joe Clark Band performing country hits and originals beginning at 4 p.m.
Michael Miskuly performs with Celtic Cross. Other band members include Tom Keefer, Jon Fisher and John Lynch.
There are 16 vendors at the event, including Grateful Creations. Natalie Maddalena of Holley, left, makes the homemade jewelry, sun catchers, key chains and other accessories. She was joined in her booth by her sister, Isabella Jones.
Lynne Menz, left, greets Bill and Nancy Karcher, the former owners of the Lighthouse Restaurant at Point Breeze. They were visited the event. The Karchers and Menz helped form the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association in 2009, with a goal to have concerts and events at the Marine Park. OONA has hosted a summer concert series since 2010.
Menz was one of the vendors at today’s festival and she helped organize the event, which goes until 6 p.m. The Marine Park is located on Route 98 near the entrance to the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2026 at 8:38 am
‘Let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.’ – Rev. David Fish
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike Donahue and the Honor Guard provided a dignified presence during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on Friday on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 victims in New York City, Washington, DC and rural Shanksville, Pa.
About 9,000 more have died since from illnesses from being exposed to the toxic dust and hazardous air after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in NYC.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said the community will never forget the horrific event on Sept. 11, 2001. She said people history, even major events, are often quickly forgotten.
“To many of us gathered today, the events of 25 years ago seem like the happened yesterday,” Johnson told the crowd. Yet, we must remember that a whole generation has been born since those attacks – these are our emerging leaders and it is up to us to ensure the lessons we learned from 9/11 do not fade away to the dustbin of history, but rather are passed on to them.”
Johnson said the terrorists attacks were less than a year after a very contentious presidential election, with George W. Bush defeating Al Gore.
“Many were saying the country was hopelessly divided, a sentiment we hear quite often today,” she said. “Yet, in the aftermath of 9/11, the country came together as never before. When things are at their worst, America is at its best. This is a stark reminder that political identity should always take a back seat to one simple fact: We are all Americans.”
About 20 local firefighters stand together during the remembrance service outside the courthouse.
There were about 200 people in attendance for the half-hour service. That was more than double the number at the service a year ago.
During the Sept. 11 attack, 343 New York City firefighters were killed that day.
David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, shared an opening and closing prayer. Fish was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and spent about two years in New York City after Sept. 11 providing security and assisting in the aftermath of the attacks.
“Lord, help us to never forget,” Fish said. “But let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.
“Give comfort to those who still grieve. Strengthen those who continue to serve others. Watch over our first responders, members of our military, and all who place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.”
A giant American flag was held up by ladder trucks from Albion and Murray. Traffic was closed on Main Street in between State Street and Park Street for the remembrance service.
These firefighters are pictured by the flag just before the service, which started at 6 p.m.
About 16 law enforcement officers from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department stand at attention during the service.
There were 72 law enforcement officers killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
Justin Niederhofer, director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, shared a timeline from 25 years earlier.
On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.
“We were attacked and wounded beyond belief but not beyond repair,” Niederhofer said.
Sheriff Chris Bourke, back left, led the group in the pledge of allegiance and Scott Schmidt, right, gave the keynote address.
These firefighters are seen between members of the Honor Guard on the courthouse lawn. Orleans County has held a Sept.11 remembrance service every year since 2001.
Scott Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, speaks during the service. He spent nearly three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.
He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero. He noted the death toll continues to grow as more people die each year from their exposure to particulates while working at or near Ground Zero or from when then were fleeing the site where two skyscrapers collapsed.
“A 25-year remembrance is also known as a Silver Jubilee,” Schmidt said. “Silver is a precious metal, one worth saving and protecting. Much like the freedoms that our fore-fathers dictated to the world 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was created to save us from ruling powers of the kingdom of Great Britain. It was penned to provide freedoms and rights to the people of the United States. Among those rights were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those rights and freedoms which we all enjoy today, much like silver metal, are worth protecting.”
Schmidt said the group gathers to remember the 2,997 civilians and first responders killed on Sept. 11 after terrorists turned four commercial airplanes into “flying bombs of death and destruction.”
“Today we mourn for their families who will forever have an empty seat at the table and a vacant and void space when they reach out to hug their loved one,” he said. “We hope and pray this day and all days, that all the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 or in the days and year following due to related illnesses, we hope and pray that they have received the greatest reward from whatever or whomever their God happens to be.”
Brad Nudd plays Taps near the end of the service. He is on the steps of the County Clerks’ Building.
Doug Egling played “America the Beautiful” with the crowd then singing, “God Bless America.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2026 at 3:53 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Mary Jo Whitman works on a mural today with a message “Holley is Home.” Whitman, an artist from Batavia, is a 1995 Holley graduate.
She received a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural which is on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower approached Whitman about creating the mural that will include Holley landmarks. She has already painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, and the gazebo by the canal. She will be adding the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts that incudes Sam’s Diner.
Whitman started painted the mural on site about two weeks ago. She said the project should be complete by the end of October, and possibly sooner if there is a nice stretch of conducive weather.
Bower said he has heard lots of good feedback from the community so far, and he is amazed by how realistic her work is of the local landmarks.
Here is how the mural looked on Tuesday. The painting will go higher, just below the second floor windows.
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is pleased to announce a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event will be held on Saturday, September 26th at the Orleans County Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.
Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.
For child passenger safety seat questions, please contact Certified Technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2026 at 6:49 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Village Board on Wednesday issued a proclamation declaring September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The board presented the proclamation to Tina and Jeremy Neal, who are the parents of Byron Neal, at age 8 on April 14, 2023 after a brave battle with cancer.
From include village trustees Jami Allport, William Gabalski, Jeremy and Tina Neal, Mayor Tim McMurray, and trustees Greg Bennett and Kevin Sheehan.
“Village of Albion residents are urged to recognize the impact of pediatric cancer on families within our community and honor the children in our community whose lives have been cut short by cancer,” the proclamation states.
Tina Neal thanked the board for issuing the proclamation and showing support for the families who have lost children to cancer. The Neal family is active in C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association.
The proclamation states National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor children and families affected by this deadly disease and to rally support for ground- breaking research that can save kids’ lives.
The American Cancer Society states that in 2025 about 9,550 children in the United States under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer.
In the Rochester region, 61 local children have been newly diagnosed with cancer, and 5 have relapsed and 5 children have died from the disease in 2025.
“Although cancer is pernicious and complex, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month challenges us to change the numbers; we must remain vigilant to improve these statistics and press forward,” the proclamation states.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2026 at 9:01 pm
Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers
CARLTON – It was a spectacular sunset this evening, especially over Lake Ontario. This photo was taken from the beach near the Oak Orchard Marine Park.
This is another photo from the beach, just to the west of the Oak Orchard Harbor.
Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the sunset over the Erie Canal in Medina.
The high temperatures for the next few days include 70 on Friday, 78 on Saturday, 76 on Sunday and 68 on Monday.
A small, modest notebook with a brown cover. It is easy to overlook. Its condition belies its age though, it is a surprise to open it, read the date and the first page:
