Albion’s musical, Annie, wins big at Stars of Tomorrow
Lyndonville, Medina also recognized for theatrical performances
Photos by Tom Rivers: Neveya Barnes starred as Annie in Albion’s performance of the Annie musical in March and Gideon Pask is Oliver Warbucks at right. They were both recognized for “achievement in a lead role” by the Stars of Tomorrow on Friday. Brayden Whittier, left, performed the role of Bert Healy, a charismatic and goofy radio announcer. Annie and Warbucks went on the show in a search for her biological parents.
ROCHESTER – Three school musicals in Orleans County were well represented at the annual Stars of Tomorrow program that highlights outstanding achievement in local high school theater.
There are 50 schools in the Stars program in the Rochester region.
Albion was a big winner in the small schools division, one of 10 musicals named a “Showstopper” for its production of Annie.
The orphans, including Rianne Hand on table, sing the opening number form Annie, “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
In addition to being a “Showstopper,” Albion won the following awards and recognitions:
- Achievement in theatrical storytelling
- Achievement in acting ensemble
- Achievement in vocal ensemble
- Achievement in dance ensemble
- Achievement in production crew
- Achievement in production design
- Achievement in student orchestra
- Achievement in a leading role – Neveya Barnes as Annie and Gideon Pask as Oliver Warbucks
Lily Brigham received a “Tip of the Hat” for her solo in the song, “N.Y.C.” Brigham played the role of a “Star to Be.”
Tip of the Hat:
- Kaitlin Basinait as the deck manager
- Hannah Kumalac as the stage manager
- Lily Brigham, “Star to Be”
- Julia Button, “Lily St. Regis”
Lyndonville’s Gavyn Draper performed the lead role of Peter Pan and was recognized for “Achievement in a Leading Role.”
Lyndonville’s production of Peter Pan received several honors:
- Achievement in theatrical storytelling
- Achievement in acting ensemble
- Achievement in production crew
- Achievement in production design
- Achievement in a leading role – Gavyn Draper as Peter Pan
Lily Botsford received a “Tip of the Hat” as the Crocodile and also as the Ostrich. Her the Crocodile pursues Captain Hook, played by Austin Fonda.
Tip of the Hat:
- Lily Botsford as the Ostrich/Crocodile
- Sarah Corser as Tiger Lily
- Sierra Frasier and Melanie Jay, percussion
Medina performed High School Musical. Ava Blount played Gabriella and was recognized for “achievement in a lead role.”
Other laurels for Medina include:
- Achievement in theatrical storytelling
- Achievement in acting ensemble
- Achievement in dance ensemble
- Achievement in production crew
- Achievement in production design
- Achievement in a lead role – Arabella White as “Sharpay Evans” and Ava Blount as “Gabriella Montez”
Tip of the Hat
- Madelyn Elliot as “Taylor”
- Adam James Horton as “Jack Scott”
Arabella White starred as Sharpay Evans in Medina’s production of High School Musical.
Group gathers outside county courthouse for Day of Prayer
Provided photos
ALBION – A group of church leaders and Christians in Orleans County gathered at noon outside the Orleans County Courthouse on Thursday for the National Day of Prayer.
There were about 35 people at the gathering. Orleans and all 62 counties in the state were part of the observances.
“This was the 75th annual National Day of Prayer and it coincides with America 250, so there was some additional effort to have prayer gatherings throughout the country on that day,” said the Rev. Tim Lindsay, the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship.
Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, leads the group in a time of worship.
There were about 35 in attendance, including some of the students from the Orleans County Christian School.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issuing a proclamation declaring May 7 as the “Day of Prayer.”
“New York honors and acknowledges that collective reflection strengthens social fabric; praying for friends, family, neighbors, and newcomers is an act of love and respect, not done in the interest of self, but in service to others,” the proclamation states.
“New York State welcomes and values the autonomy of those seeking peace and belonging by way of deep reflection when in need of divine support.”
The first call to prayer was in 1775, when the Continental Congress sought wisdom for a new nation,” the proclamation states.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for a day of “humiliation, fasting and prayer,” and in 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution establishing a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan officially designated it as an annual tradition on the first Thursday in May.
Forecast shows 50s, 60s this week with sunshine
Bob Chaplin took this photo of a sunrise recently at Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.
The forecast for today shows showers and thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon and evening between 5 and 9 p.m., some of which could produce strong gusty winds and hail, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
The high should reach 66 today in Orleans County on a party sunny day.
The forecast then calls for sunny and high of 58 on Sunday, sunny and a high of 54 on Monday, sunny and a high of 56 on Tuesday, mostly cloudy and a high near 59 on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the forecast calls for a chance of showers and high near 60, with a partly sunny Friday and a high near 65.
Robyn Ottaviano took a photo of this striking sunrise this morning at the Medina Canal Port to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.
Medina romps to boost N-O record to 9-0
Front-running defending champion Medina romped to a 21-1 win under the lights at Barker this evening to improve to 9-0 in Niagara-Orleans League baseball action.
Vinny Gray earned the win on the mound for the Mustangs giving up only 2 hits and striking out 8 in five innings of work.
Aidan Papaj gave Medina an early 2-0 lead with an RBI single in the first inning and an RBI double in the third.
The Mustangs upped the advantage to 7-0 on a two-run triple by Gray in the fourth inning and an RBI triple by Cam Fike, an RBI sacrifice fly by Jimmy Dieter and a run producing error in the fifth frame.
Medina capped off the win with a huge 13 run sixth inning which included RBI doubles by Carlos Doval and Preston Woodworth, a two-run single by Hadrian Batista and an RBI single by Ryan Pegelow.
Doval, Papaj and Gray each finished with a pair of hits.
Sal Ruvio drove in Barker’s run with a fifth inning double.
Barker finishes the N-O season at 4-8.
Medina is next scheduled to host Pavilion/York in a non league game at Vets Park at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Notre Dame nips Kendall in key G-R contest
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – It was a classic pitching dual at Vets Park this evening between Kendall’s Nic Cole and Notre Dame’s Evan Fitzpatrick as Notre Dame emerged with 1-0 win.
Notre Dame pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to nip Kendall 1-0 in a key Genesee Region League baseball game at Medina’s Vets Park this evening.
Improving to 9-0 in the league and 12-1 overall Notre Dame scored the game’s lone run with two outs on an error.
Evan Fitzpatrick picked up the win on the mound for the Irish allowing just 1 hit and striking out 6.
That lone hit was a first inning double by CJ D’Agostino who was left stranded.
Nic Cole hurled a 2 hitter with 9 strikeouts for Kendall which is now 7-1 in the league and 12-2 overall.
Kendall’s Jacob Abrams makes a catch in centerfield at left. At right, Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino tries for the out at first base as Notre Dame’s Chase Antinore beats the throw.
Law enforcement joins students for Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School
ALBION – Ashleigh Stornelli, Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy and Albion School Resource Officer, holds the torch with Dejeanna Conner, an Albion senior, during today’s Law Enforcement Torch Run.
This is the 40th anniversary of the Torch Run and the fourth time law enforcement agencies in Orleans County have been part of the effort, which raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics NY.
Law enforcement officers and Albion students in Shari Berg’s middle school life skills class and Kathy Winan’s high school life skills class join for a photo before they headed from Dubby’s Tailgate down East Avenue to the school.
The law enforcement officers went on a longer route – 2.7 miles.
Law enforcement from the following agencies were part of the Torch Run: Village of Albion Police Department , Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and Orleans County Probation.
Medina and Kendall bow in softball
A big six run first inning sparked Akron to a 17-12 win over Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Kennadee Jonathan had 3 hits for Akron which scored in every inning.
Medina scored 5 times in the third inning highlighted by a two-run single by Jenna Cecchini to cut the deficit to 9-5 but could get no closer.
Akron is now 5-3 an Medina 1-8 in N-O action.
Pembroke 9, Kendall 8
Trailing 8-7, Pembroke scored twice in the seventh inning on a two-run single by Diem Laney to edge Kendall 9-8 in a Genesee Region League softball game.
Laney, Taylor Bishoff, Camille Campbell and Karter Stewart each had a pair of hits for Pembroke. Bishoff’s hits included a home run and Campbell’s two doubles.
Izzy D’Agostino, Teagan Shaw, Brooke Rodas and Brynn Hardenbrook each had 2 hits for Kendall. Shaw’s hits included a triple and D’Agostino’s a double.
In another G-R contest, Alexander defeated Holley 18-2.
Barker, Kendall, Holley post tennis wins
Barker improved to 8-1 in Niagara-Orleans League tennis competition with a 4-1 win over Albion this afternoon.
Daniel Goodwin won at first singles for Barker which also swept the three doubles matches with wins by the duos of Oscar Dergel – Lucas Nestoros, Luke Fay – Aaden Munn and Nick Heideman – Aurora Wass.
Albion’s Jillian LeBaron won at second singles.
Wilson stayed tied with Barker for the N-O lead at 8-1 by downing Roy-Hart 3-2.
Kendall 3, Notre Dame 2
Kendall improved to 9-2 in Genesee Region League tennis action with a 3-2 win at Batavia Notre-Dame this evening.
Match Summary:
1st Singles – Jonny Esposito (K) Lylli Miller (ND): 6-0, 6-0
2nd Singles – Joe Fagan (K) def Cam Milohollen (ND) 6-0, 6-0
3rd Singles- Devin Derosia (K) def Randy Laska: 10-1
1st Doubles- Riley Yunker/Tim Bartz (ND) def Aidan Kwiatkowski/Lucas Barrett (K) 6-1, 3-6, 7-5
2nd Doubles- Ben Landers/Alex Wyder (ND) def Anthony Seymour/Mitch Buzard (K) 6-1, 3-6, 6-2
Holley and Byron-Bergen split
Holley defeats Byron-Bergen 3-2
Match Summary
1st singles Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated Arthur Boggs (Holley) 8-1
2nd singles Cooper Wolf (Holley) defeated Erron Kimble (BB) 8-2
3rd singles Dylan Warner (Holley) defeated Levi McGrath (BB) 8-4
1st doubles Josmar Herandez, Tarek Garrett (Holley) defeated Sara Bishop, Justin Gabehart (BB) 8-2
2nd doubles Evan Bannister, Josiah Hiscutt (BB) defeated Carissa Klossner, Adyn Felock (Holley) 8-1
Byron-Bergen defeats Holley 3-2
Match Summary
1st singles Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated Arthur Boggs (Holley) 8-0
2nd singles Erron Kimble (BB) defeated Cooper Wolf (Holley) 8-6
3rd singles Dylan Warner (Holley) defeated Levi McGrath (BB) 8-6
1st doubles Josmar Herandez, Tarek Garrett (Holley) defeated Sara Bishop, Justin Gabehart (BB) 8-6
2nd doubles Evan Bannister, Josiah Hiscutt (BB) defeated Carissa Klossner, Adyn Felock (Holley) 8-3
Albion tops Wilson for 5th straight N-O win
Surging Albion made it five Niagara-Orleans League baseball wins in a row as the Purple Eagles posted a 12-1 victory at Wilson this afternoon.
Gavin Boyce went the distance on the mound for the Purple Eagles giving up only 3 hits and striking out 4.
The Purple Eagles defense also turned a pair of double plays, the first triggered by shortstop Elliott Trapiss in the second inning and the other started by Boyce in the fourth frame.
The Purple Eagles scored their first seven runs without the benefit of a hit tallying once in the first on a ground out, three times in the third on 3 walks, 2 passed balls and a groundout and three times in the fourth on an error and 2 passed balls.
Albion capped off the win with 5 runs in the sixth as Viktor Snyder had a two-run single and Mason Snook and Logan Scott-Grager had RBI singles.
Albion improves to 6-3 in N-O action and Wilson drops to 1-9.
Akron 5, Newfane 0
Akron blanked Newfane 5-0 in another n-O contest as Conlan Luck picked up the win on the mound scattering 6 hits and striking out 9.
Jackson Nice had a two-run single in the first inning and an RBI single in the sixth to lead the Tigers at the plate.
Akron is now 6-4 and Newfane 1-9 in N-O competition.
Lady Tigers post key win over Lady Hornets
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – It was a real pitchers dual between Lyndonville’s Arnie Sturtevant, left, and Oakfield-Alabama’s Savannah Durham this afternoon as the host Lady Tigers edged the Lady Hornets 2-0.
Avenging an early season 10-2 loss, Lyndonville blanked visiting Oakfield-Alabama 2-0 in a key Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.
The Lady Tigers scored the only two runs they needed as it turned out in the first inning on an RBI single by Isabella Groves and a wild pitch.
Arnie Sturtevant earned the win in the circle for Lyndonville scattering 4 hits and striking out 4 to reach the 200 mark in career strikeouts.
She registered two clutch strikeouts in the top of the seventh to preserve the narrow win as the Lady Hornets left runners stranded at second and third.
Savannah Durham likewise had a strong effort in the circle for the Lady Hornets giving up only 2 hits and striking out 6.
It was also a milestone day for Lyndonville Coach Joe Moore who earned his 200th career win.
Lyndonville improves to 10-1 in the league and 11-1 overall while Oakfield-Alabama is 8-1, 11-1.
Lyndonville first baseman Isabella Groves takes the throw to get the out on Oakfield-Alabama’s Rylee Denny.
Green moves into top 10 at Mizuho Tourney
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Moving up into the top 10, Medina’s Melanie Green posted a second round score of 2 under par 70 today to gain a share of sixth place at the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open Tournament being played at West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Green, who posted an even par round of 70 to open the tournament on Thursday, moved up 31 spots in the standings with her 2 under par round.
Starting on the front nine, Green got off to a strong start notching birdies on 3, 4 and 8 to go to 3 under and gain a tie for fourth place.
However, back-to-back bogeys on 10 and 11 set her back a bit to 1 under but she rebounded with a birdie on 13 to finish the day at 2 under and easily make the cut.
The tournament will continue on Saturday and conclude on Sunday.
Lyndonville school district presenting $19 million budget with 2.5% tax increase
LYNDONVILLE – The school district will be presenting a $19,194,000 budget to the public on may 19. The budget increases spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26.
The tax levy will increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
There will be a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Stroyan Auditorium, with the vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
“Because of these rising costs, maintaining the same level of programs and opportunities requires an increase in the budget, said Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent. “If the budget were to remain the same, we would need to reduce what we currently provide for students.”
Lyon wrote a letter to the community in the district newsletter. Click here to see the budget newsletter.
“Our goal is to continue building on the progress we’ve made while staying true to our shared values,” she said. “The proposed budget reflects that commitment.”
The budget includes an increase in state aid from $12,113,808 to $13,375,309. The district also plans to use more reserve funds – from $495,220 to $746,032.
There are other propositions on the ballot:
• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000
• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722)
• Board of Education – Jerod Thurber’s spot is up for election. Dana Goetze is the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year term.
Farmers’ market in Medina shifts to summer location this Saturday
Canal Village Farmers’ Market uses former NAPA site during cold weather months
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Kusmierczak, left, buys a cabbage from Ron Human of Human Farms in Appleton. Human has been a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market since shortly after it opened more than 10 years ago.
MEDINA – On Saturday, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will open at its summer location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, featuring new vendors, activities for children and special focus on events of interest to adults. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly.
A handful of dedicated vendors have kept the market going since 2015, but to thrive, more vendors are needed and, most importantly, regular shoppers.
“Canal Village Farmers’ Market wants to grow both its vendor base and dedicated customer base,” said market manager Gail Miller. “Vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety. The market has a great selection at this time, and will be adding some new vendors this season – another vegetable farm, flowers and crafts. Mushrooms will be back, as Baker Farms will begin selling Hartland Organics mushrooms. We are looking for a soap vendor, wineries and other unique items.”
Rose Baker of Baker Farms talks with market manager Gail Miller, right, while a customer looks on. Baker Farms on Beals Road raises and sells its own beef, pork and eggs.
Miller recommends watching the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all of the products available each week.
Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, sponsor of the market, urged community support of the venture.
“The market has been around for more than 10 years now,” Busch said. “In those earlier years we had more than 500 customers every Saturday, with many of the same vendors and products we have now. We really need our customers to recommit to supporting our community farmers’ market. It’s good for our farmers and producers, and good for the community. Our market isn’t the glitziest, but it has a lot to offer – great products, kids’ activities, live music – and this year we’re adding even more.”
This year’s vendors include Baker Farms (garlic, eggs, beef, pork and scapes); Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jams); Hazel & Honey Bakes (scones, cookies and sourdough); Human Farms and Greenhouse (vegetables, fruit, eggs and plants); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); Kimbriel Farm (vegetables); Rosario Farm (fruit and vegetables); Flower Fields Forever (flowers); and crafts (MGERH, Metal Neurosis, EBS Luxuries and two others starting in mid-June.
This list does not show all products available.
A customer buys microgreens from Leonard Bower at Bower Family Farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina.
Special events planned for kids include, on opening day, a Kids’ Tent where they will show how to do a little art on a cup and plant several seeds in it. In June, the market will participate in Medina Area Partnership’s Faery Festival, and on July 3 the annual Zucchini 500 till take place. All ages are invited to attend this fun event.
Just for adults, on June 6 the market will have a limited number of spots available for folks who need an area to sell items during the Medina Community Yard Sale. Almost any type of merchandise can be sold at the market. In addition, adults will enjoy food demos throughout the season, given by chef Caitlyn from Shelridge County Club. Another event will be “Dog Days of Summer,” where people will vote for the best dog in certain categories. Additional events will be added later in the season, Miller said.
The market also offers free space to non-profits to promote their organization or cause.
For more information or to request a vendor spot, contact canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Sue Payne of Medina crochets doilies at her booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at its winter site in the former NAPA Building.
Citizens preparedness training class offered May 23
Orleans County EMO hosting class that includes free kits with basic survival essentials
Information from Orleans County Emergency Management Office
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office is hosting a class Citizens Preparedness Corps Training Class on Saturday, May 23rd beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Trolley Building.
The class is taught by the National Guard with the intention of teaching the average person how to prepare for disaster or emergency situations, Orleans County EMO officials said.
The course includes information about the types of risks and hazards people face, how to develop individual/household plans for risks and hazards, and what emergency supplies should be considered, and learn how helping yourself (and others) in advance will help you react faster when in a crisis.
Additionally, this is a bag-event – meaning every household registered will receive a basic starter kit. These are backpacks (easy for grab and go in an emergency) stocked with some basic survival essentials to help you in a disaster event.
The kits are created for the individual, but during class people are instructed how to expand their kits for additional needs to better prepare themselves. Just like the training, these kits are completely free. People need to register so the National Guard can bring enough kits for those attending. Training should take no more than 90-minutes.
This is a great class for everyone, all ages, and circumstances, the EMO said.
To register online, click here.
Wilson stickmen score win over Medina
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Building up an 8-2 half-time advantage, Wilson went on to down Medina 15-4 in a D Division lacrosse game at Vet Park this evening. Brayden Lewis, shown here looking to work the ball up field, scored a goal for the Mustangs as did Clayton Wagner, Sawyer Lilleby and Brennan Allen.
