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Medina romps to soccer win over O’Hara
Five players scored goals as Medina romped to a 10-0 victory at Cardinal O’Hara in a non league boys soccer game this afternoon.
Aidan Papaj scored 4 goals and Izzy Anderson 3 to lead the Mustangs attack as Aleks Seefeldt, Tyler Raduns and Owen Sargent each had 1.
Jake Foley had 3 assists and Seefeldt 2 as the Mustangs improve to 7-2 overall.
Barker blanks Medina in N-O field hockey
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Elise Monaco and Medina’s Jenelle Stalker go after the ball during this afternoon’s game at Barker which was won by the host Bulldogs.
A lightning quick goal in the first 65 seconds ignited Barker to a 4-0 win over visiting Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game this afternoon.
Sophia Pavlock, Elise Monaco and Milayna May each had a goal and an assist and Brooke Weber a goal for Barker which led 3-0 at the half.
Barker improves to 6-1 while Medina slips to 0-4.
Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson works to get by Barker’s Lauren Zglinicki as Milayna May backs up the play.
WROTB to reduce betting branches from 8 to 2, citing mounting losses from sites
Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation board of directors has indicated its intent to move forward with a recommended plan to consolidate its branch operations from eight locations to two, following a multi-year review of the branch network and its long-term financial sustainability. The board is expected to take formal action on the proposed plan.
Under the proposed Plan, WROTBC would retain its Wehrle location in Williamsville and Marway location in Gates. The Auburn, Clinton (Cheektowaga), Empire (Penfield), Jamestown, Lyell (Rochester) and River (North Tonawanda) branches are proposed to cease operations on or about Oct. 31.
The recommended plan comes after several years of reviewing the financial performance and changing needs of WROTBC’s branch network, culminating in an extensive analysis conducted in 2026. That review considered operating performance, wagering activity, property ownership and value, geographic coverage, customer accessibility, alternative wagering options and the long-term viability of the branch locations.
While Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has continued to grow, WROTBC’s traditional branch operations have faced ongoing financial challenges as technology and online wagering options continue to change how customers choose to wager. The six branches currently proposed for closure lost approximately $730,000 in 2025 and have already lost more than $700,000 through August 2026. Those losses are projected to reach nearly $1 million for the full year.
The proposed consolidation continues WROTBC’s efforts to address the changing financial and operational needs of its traditional branch network. From 2020 through 2023, the Corporation closed nine branch locations—six in 2020, two in 2022 and one in 2023.
“This recommended Plan was not a decision that was made quickly or easily,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “These branches have been part of their communities for many years, and we are grateful to the employees who have represented Western and served our customers every day. At the same time, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect the long-term financial health of the Corporation and allow us to continue growing distributions and investing in our member municipalities.”
Under the plan, the consolidation is expected to improve the corporation’s financial performance and increase distributions to its participating municipalities, based on 2026 projections, while maintaining WROTBC’s physical presence in both the Buffalo and Rochester markets.
WROTBC recognizes that the most difficult aspect of this proposed transition will be the impact on employees. Thirteen employees would be affected by the proposed closures. Management is committed to working closely with the union throughout the process. It has invited the union to the bargaining table to negotiate in good faith over the impact of the plan on affected employees.
“We greatly appreciate the years of service and dedication these employees have given to Western and to our customers,” said Board Chair, Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney. “Our goal is to handle this transition with respect and to provide as many options as we reasonably can for the employees who are affected.”
Following any closures, the corporation expects to begin independent assessments of its owned branch properties. WROTBC anticipates marketing the affected properties for sale following those assessments, with estimated net proceeds of more than $2 million. The Corporation expects to use those proceeds to support future growth and capital needs.
“Western has changed considerably over the years, and how our customers choose to wager has changed with it,” Brown said. “This proposed plan would allow us to respond to those changes while putting the Corporation in a stronger position for the future.”
Editor’s Note: Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation owned collectively by 15 Western and Central New York counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. Orleans County is among the member counties. There was an OTB branch in Albion that was shut down back in February 2016. That site at 317 West Ave. is now owned by Oak Orchard Health.
Medina hospital offering free 3D mammography screenings during October, November
MEDINA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Orleans Community Health is promoting early detection and education to help combat this disease. In support of this effort, Medina Memorial Hospital is offering free 3D mammography screenings during October and November.
3D mammography is a highly effective screening tool that improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, according to information from Scott Robinson, Orleans Community Health’s director of marketing.
Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, giving radiologists a detailed, layer-by-layer view. This results in better detection rates, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
With the added attention around breast cancer awareness in October, the Imaging Department at Orleans Community Health is now scheduling appointments on extended days, which includes Saturdays. This will allow for an additional 50-plus screenings to occur during the month.
To qualify for a free screening, an appointment to have a mammogram must be scheduled during October or November, Robinson said.
“Whether you already have an appointment or need to book one, this offer applies only during these months,” he said. “We strongly encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to schedule their appointments now.”
For women who require additional testing, onsite ultrasounds are also available. The hospital’s dedicated team provides compassionate care in a supportive and comfortable environment, Robinson added.
To book a mammogram, call (585) 798-8055. Remember, screenings can be scheduled for any month of the year and do not need to wait for October. Anyone with questions is urged not to hesitate, but to call and ask for more information.
The bottom line is – Early detection saves lives.
Ale in Autumn brought nearly 600 to downtown Medina
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Four friends enjoyed camaraderie and sampled ale at The Vintage Cigar on Medina’s Main Street during Ale in Autumn on Saturday. From left are Marie Bell of Akron, Jeannette and Don Geberling of Cheektowaga, and at rear is Marie’s husband Bob Arnold.
MEDINA – Saturday’s Ale in Autumn was about the most perfect day organizers could have hoped for. The day brought beautiful fall weather and a nearly sold-out event, according to Ann Fisher-Bale, coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, sponsor and organizer of the event that brought nearly 600 to the downtown to sample beer.
Tickets were sold for three different start times to participants who checked in at the Medina Senior Center. There, they were first ID’d by Pattrick Weissend and then had their tickets checked by Wendy Wilson and Bale, before getting a wristband from Sarah Fisher or Anne Joynt.
Pat Weissend (in blue Bills shirt) IDs for ticket holders checking in at the Medina Senior Center for Ale in Autumn on Saturday.
After picking up their souvenir glass and a goodie bag filled with snacks, pen, coupons and other items, participants proceeded to the back of the room to buy tickets on baskets which were available at each participating business. Ticket holders were also eligible to win a grand prize basket valued at $500.
John and Melissa Gorham have attended every Ale in Autumn, they said.
“It’s a chance to try different beers, and the snacks are usually very good,” John said.
Wendy Wilson checks tickets for Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport at the Senior Center on Saturday. Behind Wilson is Anne Joynt, Medina native who is running for New York State Supreme Court and volunteered to help. At Wilson’s left is Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, which sponsors the event.
For Barb Gorham, it is a way to get out and about before the snow comes.
“And you always run into friends you haven’t seen for a while,” she said.
Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport said she has attended the event every year.
“It’s a great way to get together with friends and support local businesses,” she said.
A new business, Katie’s Dipped Delights, was being promoted by Katie’s husband Brian Wiesinger in front of the English Rose Tea Shoppe. Seated at left is Brian’s mom Carole. Katie makes four kinds of gourmet apples, using Honeycrisp they buy from Roberts’, Brian said.
At The Vintage Cigar, Joe Meyer and owner Jim Robinson poured ale for a steady stream of participants.
Robinson, whose wife Cindy runs the English Rose Tea Shoppe, said they participate in Ale and Autumn every year, at one store or the other.
“The weather is always good and people come in who didn’t know there was a cigar store in town,” Robinson said.
One group of friends sipping their ale in the store was Bob Arnold and his wife Marie Bell of Akron with Don and Jeannette Heberling of Cheektowaga.
“We’ve been coming to this event for years,” Don said. “We’ve come to every one.”
Jeannette said it was a great community building event.
“The shops change and it’s good to see the different shops and what they sell,” Don said.
Entertaining near Main Street TV and Appliances on Saturday were Kathy Vandemoreal of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford. Vandemoreal plays fiddle, while Sugarman plays banjo.
Gabriella Albanese of Albion has also attended Ale in Autumn every year.
“I’m not a beer drinker, but my sister and a friend love the opportunity to go together and visit all the stores,” Albanese said.
Local musician Rob Robinson for the last several years has arranged to have buskers on the street entertaining during Ale in Autumn. It is an age-old tradition for musicians to perform on a street corner for money. Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band who performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance.
“We have been nearly every year,” said Skinny, who was born in Medina.
“I love coming here,” he said. “I love Medina.”
Just down the street Kathy Vandemoreal of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford were entertaining – she on fiddle and he on banjo. Vandemoreal has taken part in Ale in Autumn for three years, but this is Sugarman’s first appearance.
Winner of the Grand Prize worth $500 was Melissa Streiff.
Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band that performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance. Standing in the center is Rob Robinson of Medina, also a musician, whose idea it was to have buskers.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group poses for a fun photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, 426 Main St., which was also one of the pouring stations for the Ale in Autumn.
Dave Sevenski, right, pours a sample of an IPA from the Hamburg Brewery for Christopher Hare of Medina. They are at the Downtown Browsery. Hare was happy to be out and seeing so many people.
“It’s better than sitting home and watching college football,” he said.
Lezly Rosario, bartender for Mile 303 Cantina, serves Bells amber ale. The Mile 303 Cantina is run by Gali Rosario and Leonel Rosario Jr.
Daniel Sprague played his electric guitar near Rotary Park as one of the musicians in the downtown.
Rick Zucco of Niagara Falls also performed as a busker.
Episcopal Church in Albion to open Noah’s Bowl, a pet food pantry
Press Release, Christ Episcopal Church
ALBION – Christ Episcopal Church is proud to announce the opening of Noah’s Bowl, its new community pet food pantry, designed to provide free supplemental dog and cat food to local pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
The new pantry aims to help reduce economic strain on pet owners and prevent animal surrenders by ensuring that families do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved companion animal.
“Times are tough for many in our community, and pets are cherished members of the family,” said Nicole Spohr, director of the pet project at Christ Church. “We want to offer a safety net, so families facing temporary hardship don’t have to part with their animals.”
The pantry will be open on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The pet pantry is a walk-up pantry and will be dispensed from our West Park Street entrance. We ask everyone to be kind, courteous, and have “pawtience.”
To kick off our pet food pantry opening, we will be having a Pet Blessing this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 26 South Main St., Albion.
All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and under the owner’s control. A small distribution of pet food will be available while supplies last on this day.
Grand Opening & Distribution Details
Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: West Park Street (side parking lot of Christ Church)
Requirements: limit of one pickup per household
Distribution: Cat – 3 lb. bag
Dog – Small dog – 2 bags of 3-lb. bags; Large dog – 3 bags of 3-lb. bags
How the Community can help
The pet food pantry operates on community support and donations. Noah’s Bowl is currently accepting donations of unopened, unexpired dry and canned dog and cat food.
If anyone would like to make a pet food donation, please call 585-589-5314. Monetary donations can be sent to Christ Church at 26 South Main Street, Albion, New York 14411, with “Noah’s Bowl” noted on the memo line. For more information, please call 585-589-5314.
Art auction raised $8K for Marti’s on Main in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Todd Jantzi, an auctioneer and owner of Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service in Batavia, looks for bids during an art auction on Saturday at Marti’s on Main, an art gallery in Albion run by Kim Martillotta Muscarella.
He is shown with a painting by Richard Hart, one of 35 pieces of art work in the auction.
The first-ever art auction raised $8,000 for Marti’s, a non-profit art gallery that features many artists during the year and also hosts art classes and other special events.
Kim Martillotta Muscarella, leader of Marti’s on Main, welcomes the group for the auction. She thanked the artists for donating their work. She gave three on her paintings for the auction.
Martillotta Muscarella first ran Marti’s from her home on North Main Street in Albion, and then for a year at the Cobblestone Museum. In 2019, she started to transform the former Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County into an art gallery. The site opened as Marti’s on Main in 2021. It hosts several art shows a year, as well as concerts and art classes.
Martillotta Muscarella said 180 different artists have been featured at Marti’s since her first show in 2008, including about 120 who had their first show at a gallery.
Martillotta Muscarella established a non-profit organization about a year ago to help with fundraising to make the site more sustainable.
Todd Jantzi scans the crowd for bids. Jantzi bought one of the pieces himself. He thanked the group for their generosity and efforts to strengthen Marti’s, which he called a community asset.
A painting by Roseanne Mascari goes up for bid. Marrit Vaga, left, helped run the auction. Judy Wenrich, front right, bid on several of the pieces and donated one her works, showing two horses.
The auction included art work from Arthur Barnes, Tony Barry, Rebecca Barry-Kent, Jeanne Borrelli, David Burke, Rich Della Costa, Bradeen Erakare, Paul Facklam, George Graham, Pat Greene, Richard Hart, Sarah Hyatt, Laura Kemler, Jappie King Black, Arlene London, Chris Manaseri, Diana August Martin, Kim Martillotta Muscarella, Nikki Martillotta McFarland, Roseanne Mascari, Rebecca Maynard, Cindy Meal, Peter Monacelli, Connie Mosher, Michael O’Keefe, Nancy Radzik, Harvey Rayner, Ester Rolick, Brian Seekins, Sharon Stewart, Suzanne Wells, Mark Weld, Judy Wenrich, Bob Wisner and Tom Zangerle.
Some of the artwork in the auction is shown in this photo.
Marti’s on Main has transferred the former Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 20 South Main St. This building is part of the Courthouse Square Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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38th annual Knights-Kaderli walk/fundraiser set for Saturday in East Shelby
File photo by Tom Rivers: A group walks down East Shelby Road on Oct. 7, 2023 for the 35th annual walk/run for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. The Knights and Kaderli families estimate that more than $2 million has been used from the fund since it was established, helping cover some of the utilities, co-pays and other bills for people fighting cancer in Orleans County.
EAST SHELBY – The Knights-Kaderli Walk/Fundraiser will take place for the 38th year on Saturday at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
The charity was formed when two families who had lost loved ones to cancer decided to merge their separate fundraisers into one, and the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run was born.
The event honors the memory of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli, both of whom died of cancer. Since its inception, the charity has raised and given away $2 million to cancer patients undergoing treatment and their families in Orleans County, said Melissa Bertrand, Knights’ daughter who chairs the event.
Bertrand stressed that every penny raised or donated to the fund is given away. There are no administrative costs.
Saturday’s event will feature the walk/run, which Bertrand describes as “a big country walk,” beginning at the fire hall on East Shelby Road and continuing a mile to East Shelby Community Church, where it turns east on Barber Road for a mile, then north on Town Line Road, back to Hemlock Ridge and the fire hall.
Registration for the walk and sale of tickets for the basket raffle begin at 9:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 11 a.m. Basket raffle tickets will be sold until 1:30 p.m. A special raffle will feature Buffalo Bills and Sabres items.
Lunch will also be served, and those who spend $20 (either in walk sponsorships or raffle tickets) at the event will receive free lunch.
The walk and basket raffle are the charity’s biggest fundraisers, Bertrand said. Other fundraising during the year includes a chicken barbecue in June and a memorial golf tournament.
Donations to the fund are received from memorials or bequests from wills. Anyone may donate on Venmo@KnightsKaderli or by sending a check to Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina, or on the Knights Kaderli website by credit card.
As a special tribute to the late Dave Green, this year’s walk will be dedicated to him.
“He did so much to support our charity and the community,” Bertrand said.
In Green’s honor, volunteers this year will be given green shirts with Dave’s initials in the middle.
“He was such a good guy and a loyal follower,” Bertrand said.
Bertrand thanks the community for its continued support.
“I always marvel at what a small community can do to raise money for those in need,” she said.
Volunteers will be at East Shelby Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to accept baskets from anyone who wishes to donate one.
Key administrators of the Knights-Kaderli Fund are Bertrand (Knight’s daughter), president; Mary Zelazny (Kaderli’s daughter), vice president; and Sue Knights (Richard’s widow), who handles accounting and acknowledgments.
Contractors busy working on new bridge on Phipps Road in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – New concrete footers went in today for the new bridge under construction on Phipps Road in Albion.
The previous bridge was closed to traffic on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.
Keeler Construction is general contractor for the project, after submitting the low bid of $992,851.
Keeler is replacing the previous19.5-foot-long culvert and with one that is 25 feet long.
The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micro-piles on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.
All Ways Concrete Pumping in Auburn brought in a slinger with a 110-foot reach to pour concrete for the new footers.
The pre-cast culvert sections will be set on the footers. Once the new bridge is in place, the top will be paved over with asphalt with guard rails on the sides.
A state grant through the Bridge NY program for $1.038 million is covering most of the cost for the new bridge, which is expected to be open to traffic later this fall.
The bridge is over a tributary of Otter Creek. The water is directed through the two large pipes. This is looking south at the tributary.
Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester provided design services and now is doing construction inspection.
Here is how the bridge looked soon after it was closed to traffic on Sept. 9, 2022.
