By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 February 2026 at 12:59 pm
MEDINA – Medina’s Lenten luncheon series hosted by the Medina Area Association of Churches will begin Feb. 19 and take place at noon every Thursday for six weeks at the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street.
Participating churches will provide lunch on a rotating basis, followed by a meaningful reflection.
The first lunch Feb. 19 will be soup and sandwich provided by the First Presbyterian Church, followed by pasta on March 6 by Holy Trinity, quiche by One Church on March 6, pulled pork by Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on March 12, beef on weck March 19 by New Hope Community Church and scalloped potatoes and ham March 26, prepared by the Grove United Methodist Church.
Everyone is welcome to stop in to share in the meal and fellowship, said Barb Hancock, organizer of the Lenten lunches.
Meals begin at noon and the program ends at 1 p.m. Takeouts are available, beginning at noon. There is a suggested donation of $5 for lunch, with all the proceeds going to the Meals on Wheels orogram and the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion.
Comfortable seating for guests is available in the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Internationally recognized Mexican artist and composer will premiere work during Triennial arts initiative
Press Release, Medina Triennial and Go Art!
MEDINA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) is pleased to partner with the Medina Triennial to announce a casting call for community participants in a collaborative performance artwork premiering during the Triennial’s inaugural event in 2026.
This unique opportunity invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to take part in a filmed performance created by a renowned Mexican artist in collaboration with a composer and sound artist. The work will explore the history and hydrology of the Erie Canal through simple, guided vocal actions that together form an immersive soundscape.
Casting Call Details
The Medina Triennial will run from June through September 2026, highlighting contemporary art and community engagement throughout Medina and the Erie Canal corridor.
Participants are needed for a filmed performance directed by an internationally recognized artist.
The performance will feature accessible vocal actions, requiring no prior training.
Filming will take place on March 28 at 324 Catherine St., Medina (the former Medina High School) with optional rehearsals on March 25 and 26.
Participant Requirements
Open to singers, vocal enthusiasts, movers, and community members of all ages; no experience necessary.
Participants must provide their own transportation to Medina.
Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and submit a signed photo release.
Application Process
Interested individuals or groups should complete the participation form by February 20.
All participants will be credited and must consent to being filmed for promotional and archival purposes.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 February 2026 at 7:25 pm
A quartet of Holley-Kendall wrestlers earned top six place finishes at the Section V Division 2 state qualifier tournament which concluded this afternoon at Bath Haverling.
Jeremy Lutes (103) placed fourth, Brenden Eichas (138) and Immanuel Cornell (285) fifth and Parker Denning (144) sixth.
Press Release, The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – Do you know an artist or organization from Genesee or Orleans County that deserves recognition for their accomplishments in 2025? GO Art! is inviting community members to submit nominations for the annual Genean awards.
“Why ‘Genean’ you ask?” says Executive Director, Gregory Hallock, “Well, simply put, we decided that we needed to have our own unique awards (like the Oscars or Tony awards) for GENesee and OrlEANs counties, to recognize a few of the amazing people and organizations we have within our counties.”
The categories for nomination are as follows:
• Organization of the Year – This award honors a not-for-profit or for-profit arts organization for its outstanding achievements in 2025
• Individual Artist of the Year – This award honors an individual artist in any discipline for their achievements in 2025 or career-long body of work
• Arts and Culture Supporter of the Year – This award honors an individual or an organization outside of the arts and cultural sector for their work directly aiding in the arts and/or cultural sector during 2025.
To submit a nomination visit www.goart.org/genean. All nominations are due by March 1, 2026.
Last year’s winners included Organization of the Year, Dance Theater in Medina led by Brandon Johnson; Supporter (of the cultural sector) of the Year, Eden Cafe (Judy Hysek), Individual Artist of the Year, Mary Jo Whitman; Volunteer(s) of the Year, The Beatty Bro’s; Lifetime Achievement, The Batavia Concert Band.
On February 2, Stream US Data Centers hosted an “Open House – Community Information Session” at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall regarding the massive data center complex they are applying to build at WNY STAMP in Alabama. Here are our takeaways.
1) The event was structured so that all conversations between Stream employees and members of the public happened one on one or in small groups. The room was set up like a science fair, with numerous display boards arranged in a large circle. After signing in, members of the public were encouraged to walk around looking at the displays and talking with the specific Stream employees at each of the displays. Many glossy informational handouts were available to take home.
2) There was no large group presentation by Stream and no opportunity for members of the public to ask their questions in front of the whole group.
3) The event was well attended (about 75 people total over the course of two hours) and, from our observations and the conversations we overheard, most people seemed to be opposed to the proposed data center or to have significant concerns. This perception is reflected in the media coverage, see “Most attendees at Stream Data Center information session remain opposed to project” in The Batavian on Feb. 3 as an example.
4) A number of GCEDC staff and board, as well as local elected officials and Town employees, were present. They mostly stayed in a circle in the corner of the room, talking amongst themselves.
5) There were very few chairs and finding a place to sit down was difficult. This presented challenges for numerous attendees and also discouraged group conversation.
6) Stream provided comment postcards with a two lines of space to write in comments. No information was provided on other structured opportunities for asking questions, sharing concerns, or discussing the project with other community members. We were not proactively told about the review process.
Overall:
We were disappointed by the event.
We had hoped for an opportunity to hear a comprehensive presentation from Stream, and instead we had to ask for information in piecemeal conversations.
We wanted a chance to hear our neighbors’ questions and ask our questions in front of a large group so that others could hear our questions and concerns.
We were disappointed that GCEDC and local elected officials did not come over to talk with us.
We were disappointed that Stream did not share more details about their plans for “community engagement” and we assume this means they aren’t actually interested in hearing from the community that would be most impacted by the monster data center. We assume they held the Open House so they could check the box on community engagement.
Let’s tell Stream: hold an actual public meeting.
Stream says they plan to hold another open house during the week of February 23. We don’t want another science fair setup. Stream says they want to hear from us. So let’s tell them to change the format – we want an actual presentation on their plans, with time for questions and answers from the audience. Submit a comment on their website today!
Then, join Allies of TSN for an open, honest conversation about the data center plan
We know Stream isn’t telling us the whole story. But we’re trying to educate ourselves and each other. If you’d like to learn more and be part of our conversation, join us!
Desserts and Data Center Discussions #4 with Allies of Tonawanda Seneca Nation. February 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library at 19 Ross St. in Batavia.
No prior knowledge is needed to join and all perspectives are welcome. There will be light refreshments, and you’re welcome to bring a sweet treat to share. It is open to all so please invite your friends, family and neighbors to talk about what our community truly needs — and what we want to see at that site. For more info, see Allies of TSN and STOP the STAMP Monster Data Center on Facebook or call/text us at (585) 300-4925.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 February 2026 at 1:47 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Elijah Doxey goes in to score what proved to be the game winning three point play as CJ D’Agostino defends for Kendall. The Purple Eagles rallied with a big fourth quarter to nip the Eagles 62-61.
Putting together a huge fourth quarter comeback, Albion rallied to nip visiting Kendall 62-61 In a non league boys basketball game this afternoon.
Trailing by 15, 52-37, at the end of the third period, Albion rallied to outscore Kendall 25-9 in the decisive final quarter including a big 17-2 closing run to claim the wild win.
Still down by 14, 59-45, the Purple Eagles got back into the game with a key 9-0 run, including five by Elijah Doxey and four by Tyler Cody, to cut the deficit to 59-54.
Vinnie D’Agostino interrupted with a basket for Kendall upping the lead back to seven at 61-54, but the Eagles could not score again.
Albion got free throws by Adam Burgio and Elliot Trapiss to make it a two possession, 61-56, game setting the stage for a dramatic final 20 seconds.
Wesley Olles hit a big three with 17 seconds remaining to pull Albion to within two at 61-59.
The Purple Eagles then capped off the big comeback win on a steal and lay-up by Doxey which he converted into a game winning three point play with 14 seconds to go.
Doxey finished with a game high 22 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as Cody had 14, Nate Gibson 11, Olles 8, Burgio 4, Ezra Bloom 2 and Trapiss 1.
Tyler Cody puts up a shot in traffic for Albion as Vinnie D’Agostino (10) and Noah Morehouse (22) defend for Kendall.
All five starters hit double figures for Kendall as CJ D’Agostino had 16, Noah Morehouse 14, Vinnie D’Agostino 11 and Sammy Conte and Jonny Conte 10 each.
Kendall jumped out to a 16-4 first quarter lead as CJ D’Agostino had 8 and Morehouse and Sammy Conte 4 each.
The Eagles went on to lead by margins of 11, 29-18, at the half and by 15, 52-37, at the three-quarter mark. Jonny Conte had 6 in the second period while Morehouse had 8 and CJ D’Agostino 6 in the third quarter.
However, Albion caught fire in the final period as 12 points by Doxey, 6 by Cody and a big 3 by Olles sparked the Purple Eagles successful comeback bid.
Albion finishes the regular season at 10-9.
Kendall is now 12-6 with two Genesee Region League games remaining next week at home against Lyndonville on Monday and at Notre Dame on Wednesday.
Holley 58. Oakfield-Alabama 53
Holley trimmed visiting Oakfield-Alabama 58-53 in a G-R game this afternoon as Blake Coleman had 6 key points, including a three, to put the Hawks on top in the fourth quarter.
Josh Silpoch scored 20 and Avante Walker 14 to lead Holley.
Jonny Conte puts up a shot for Kendall against Albion defender Adam Burgio.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2026 at 1:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Rollin Hellner speaks during a Jan. 29 Medina Village Board held at the high school auditorium. At the meeting he faulted the board for poor planning with the purchase of a new ladder truck without having a spot to place it. During the meeting Hellner said he was running for mayor in the March 18 election, but he decided not to seek the position and is instead backing Deborah Padoleski, a retired village clerk-treasurer and current trustee. Padoleski on Feb. 9 made the motion to declare the ladder truck surplus, and two other trustees backed that motion.
MEDINA – Rollin Hellner’s supporters have his signs around Medina, urging people to vote for him for mayor and “Make Medina Greater” on March 18.
But Hellner ultimately decided not to pursue the position. Tuesday was the deadline for submitting petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in Medina. Hellner, 32, said he had enough signatures but is instead throwing his support behind Deborah Padoleski.
That makes it a two-person race with Padoleski against current Mayor Marguerite Sherman.
Hellner, owner of The Walsh, also owns a property development business. He said he didn’t want to split votes with Padoleski, who he said shares a similar goal as mayor. When Hellner announced his campaign for mayor, he said he didn’t know Padoleski also was planning to run.
He shares Padoleski’s position that the village didn’t do enough planning with the new ladder truck and fire hall addition, and its high taxes are driving out residents and discouraging businesses from investing in Medina.
“We have similar views,” Hellner said today about Padoleski. “A lot of business owners are frustrated with the current administration. And the taxes are just burying people.”
Hellner said village officials can come across as picking favorites and not always being fair in applying the rules.
He said the board and village government need to develop a plan for addressing the aging water and sewer lines, and also the sidewalks in disrepair.
He regrets Medina is now in the news around Western New York about the ladder truck and not having a permanent place to put it. The truck was in the compost facility and now will go to the DPW garage which is heated – until the board decides whether to sell it or keep it.
“The fire truck gets a lot of press coverage and it’s embarrassing,” Hellner said. “People see the division on board that’s not the Medina I came here for.”
He believes Padoleski can be a strong agent of change in bringing down the tax burden and helping to unify the village government.
Hellner has encouraged people who have campaign signs out for him to swap them out once the new ones arrive for Padoleski.
Sherman has been the mayor for nearly two years. She announced on Jan. 29 she wants to form a Long-Term Strategic Planning Committee to focus on Medina’s short and long-term infrastructure needs, financial sustainability, and responsible growth while preserving the character of our village.
Padoleski is running as a team with trustee candidates, Mark Prawel and Jeff Wagner. They are running under the “People’s Party.” Sherman is running under the “Village Party.”
Another candidate, Dean Bellack, is running for trustee under the “Connect Orleans Party.”
Medina’s local election don’t have the major political parties. Candidates instead pick an independent party line.
The Medina Village Board is shown during a meeting on Jan. 29 in the high school auditorium. From left include Trustee Deborah Padoleski, Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Trustee Mark Prawel and Trustee Scott Bieliski.
Photos courtesy of Assemblyman Hawley’s Office: Assemblyman Steve Hawley picked up valentines created by students at Jackson Primary School in Batavia and delivered those valentines to residents at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) continued his annual Valentines for Veterans initiative, bringing together local students and veteran residents at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia.
Handmade cards created by students at Jackson Primary School were gathered and delivered in person to the veterans.
“This event is a great opportunity every year to show my appreciation for our veterans and all of the sacrifices they have made to keep us free,” said Hawley. “As a veteran myself, the son of a veteran and a member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I know the hard work and dedication these brave men and women have given over the years, and I hope events like this can serve as a way to give back.”
Hawley began the visit at Jackson Primary School, stopping by Mrs. Megan Harloff’s first grade and Mrs. Melissa Mattice’s kindergarten classes to talk with students about veterans and the six branches of the military while thanking them for their thoughtful valentines.
The day concluded at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia, where Hawley personally handed out the valentines and expressed gratitude to residents for their service.
“This program connects students with our veterans, and in turn, our veterans receive messages of gratitude, such as ‘Thank you for your service,’” Hawley added. “It’s a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
This evocative sign was mercifully saved from the garbage pile by Erica Joan Wanescki who donated it to the Medina Historical Society.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County History
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 4
The Bishop Nursing Home in Medina, Rose Villa Nursing Home in Albion, the Rembrandt Nursing Home in Kendall are but a few of the Orleans County facilities that provided residential care for elderly and incapacitated patients from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Variously referred to as “convalescent homes,” “care homes” or “old-age homes,” they were privately owned and operated. Usually located in larger houses, the number of patients depended on how many bedrooms could be reconfigured and could range from 5 to 30.
In many cases the homeowners were nurses. Additional nursing staff were employed to cover shifts and nighttime hours. Doctors visited on a regular schedule and patient records were kept.
Patient care was provided in a homestyle setting. Meals were home-cooked, residents who were not bedridden could socialize in a common area. Family members or outside hired help assisted with housekeeping tasks.
The Holley Standard of June 15, 1954, contains an account of a new facility, the Birner Nursing Home in Kendall:
“After considerable remodeling and installations to conform with state laws, including the addition of a fire escape, the home is now ready for occupants. The patients will have the entire second floor, including a small sitting room of their own and a total of 12 patients can be taken care of. Mr. and Mrs. Binder and their two daughters will live downstairs”
The evolution of this era of public health care is complex. The concept of public responsibility for the care of the indigent had long been established and had evolved through various phases. By the beginning of the 20th century, the poorhouse model of care was under stress. Poverty rates among the elderly increased after the Depression and it was estimated that over 50% had insufficient income to support themselves.
The groundbreaking Social Security Act of 1935 provided a cash income to the elderly poor. However, the act prohibited the payment of cash to any “inmate of a public institution,” as a result of financial irregularities uncovered at almshouses and infirmaries. At that same time, many homeowners had lost their means of income and thus private nursing homes evolved.
The Medina Daily Journal, June 15, 1959 printed this ad for Green Acres Nursing Home in Albion.
We searched through obituary listings on www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org to compile this list:
ALBION
Doloway Nursing Home
Green Acres Nursing Home
Hughsen Nursing Home
Pagel’s Nursing Home
Parker Nursing Home
Rose Villa Nursing Home aka Hazard Nursing Home
BARRE
Waldo Nursing Home
CARLTON
Young’s Nursing Home
HOLLEY
Ethel DeVoe Nursing Home
Lynch Nursing Home
KENDALL
Birner Nursing Home
Rembrandt Nursing Home
MEDINA
Bishop Nursing Home
Casey Nursing Home
Poler Nursing Home
Timmy’s (Timmerman’s) Adult Home
This home care nursing home model was all but phased out by the early 1970s as the State Health Department imposed more stringent requirements.
Mrs. Gertude Patterson, operator of the Bishop Nursing Home in Medina, observed that they were being forced out oof business.
“Rocky (Nelson Rockefeller, (Gov. NYS 1959-1973) got a grant for state-owned nursing homes, so they are trying to force us little ones out of business so they can build big hospital type nursing homes.” (MDJ 8-10-1968)
On June 28, 1969, William Knights, Jr. presided over an auction of the “Entire Household Goods and Supplies” of “The Bishop.” Included were 24 hospital beds, 12 antique rockers, 12 regular rockers, 7, fire extinguishers, night bells, hospital commodes and “many other articles, too numerous to mention.”
(Special thanks to Mrs. Jean Cardone for her recollections. We welcome any additional information, photographs, etc. Send to Catherine.cooper@orleanscountyny.gov)
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 February 2026 at 9:43 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Caliyah St. Louis puts up a shot against Newfane defenders Emma Johnston (23) and Julia Leibring (11) during the Mustangs narrow win over the visiting Lady Panthers this evening.
Rebounding from an early 12 point deficit, Medina rallied to nip visiting Newfane 55-53 in the Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball season finale.
Trailing 20-8, Medina got back into the game by putting together a big 17-4 scoring urge to rally into a 25-24 lead at the half.
Alexa Demmer had 6 points and Samantha Heschke hit a 3 to lead that rally which also included baskets by Tatianna Maxon, Roswyn Oakes, Harmoni Wilson and Caliyah St. Louis.
The contest was deadlocked at 39-39 at the end of the third period as Newfane closed with a 6-0 run on baskets b Emma Johnston, Ah-Leena Golden and Taylor Kempton.
Golden had 8 in the period for the Lady Panthers while Maxon tallied 7 for the Mustangs.
Medina grabbed a 44-39 lead at the outset of the decisive final period on a two and a three by St. Louis.
Newfane did rally back into a tie twice, at 44-44 and again at 46-46, but could not regain the lead.
A three by Demmer put Medina back on top to stay at 49-46. Baskets by St. Louis, Heschke and Demmer then closed out the narrow victory for the Mustangs.
Demmer finished with 15 and Maxon and St. Louis 13 each to lead Medina. Heschke added 5, Wilson 4, Roswyn Oakes and Autumn Cornelis 2 each and Emberlyn Oakes 1.
Golden poured in a game high 30 to lead Newfane as Julia Leibring added 10, Julia Noonan 7, Emma Johnston 4 and Kempton 2.
Medina finishes the N-O season at 5-7 and Newfane at 3-9.
Ah-Leena Golden, who scored 30 for Newfane here drives to the basket against Medina defender Emberlyn Oakes.
Akron 43, Wilson 38
Akron earned a share of the N-O title with Wilson by downing the Lakewomen 43-38.
Clara Bogdan scored 13 and Marissa Brege 9 to lead Akron while Bella Thrush and Kairi Beck each scored 9 for Wilson.
Akron and Wilson finish the N-O season with identical 10-2 records.
Roy-Hart 73, Barker 35
Adella Dukes scored a game high 28 points, Millie Owens 16 and Kylie McOmber 8 to lead Roy-Hart past Barker.
Elise Monaco scored 13 and Cheyanne Rouse and Charlotte Haag both had 9 for Barker.
Final N-O Standings: Akron 10-2, Wilson 10-2, Albion 7-5, Roy-Hart 6-6, Medina 5-7, Newfane 3-9, Barker 1-11.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 February 2026 at 9:19 pm
Notre Dame outlasted host Albion 65-59 in overtime in a non league boys basketball game this evening.
Albion sent the contest into overtime deadlocked at 51-51 on a basket by Nate Gibson with two seconds remaining.
However, Notre Dame emerged with the win by outpointing Albion 14-8 in the extra period.
Chase Antinore finished with 22, Matthew McCulley 14 and TJ Cephus Jr. 10 to lead Noree Dame.
Tyler Cody had a game high 25 to pace Albion as Wesley Olles added 15 and Gibson 10.
Albion jumped out to a 17-6 first quarter lead as Gibson and Cody both had a two and a three and Olles a pair of baskets.
However, the Irish answered back with a 20-10 second period scoring edge to rally into a 26-26 tie at the half. Antinore scored 8, McCulley 7 and Cephus 5 to lead that rally.
Albion rallied into a narrow 38-37 lead at the end of the third period as Cody had 7 in the stanza.
Notre Dame is now 16-3 and Albion 9-9.
The Purple Eagles will next host Kendall in another non league game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 February 2026 at 9:17 pm
Newfane put together a decisive closing scoring surge to lock up a 53-45 win over visiting Medina in the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball season finale this evening.
Trailing 41-40, Newfane rallied to outscore Medina 13-4 the rest of the way to claim the win. Mac Capen had two baskets and a pair of free throws to lead that Panthers uprising which also included a three by Isaac Zachery, a basket by Camlo Flowers and two free throws by Kasey Wheat.
Capen finished with a game high 19, Wheat 14, Flowers 11, Nasir Spencer 6 and Zachery 3.
Kolton Fletcher scored 13 and Christian Moss 10 to pace Medina as Preston Woodworth added 7, Kendrick Russaw 6, Jerrell Nealy 5 and Hadrian Batista and Jayzon Wills 2 each.
The Panthers grabbed a 12-9 first quarter lead but the Mustangs rallied into a 26-23 lead at the half. Fletcher scored 13 and Moss 7 during that stretch while Capen had 6 and Flowers 4 for the Panthers.
The Mustangs upped the led to 30-25 at the outset of the third period after a three by Nealy and a basket by Wills.
However, the Panthers came storming back with a 14-4 run to close the period and rally into a 39-36 lead. Wheat hit a pair of threes to lead that rally which also included two baskets each by Capen and Spencer.
Keeping the momentum, the Panthers then outscored the Mustangs 14-9 in the decisive final period to claim the 53-45 victory. Capen had 6 points and Zachery hit a three to lead that surge.
The Panthers and Mustangs finish the N-O season with identical 6-6 records.
Barker 64, Roy-Hart 46
Donovan Hefferon scored 20, JJ Prynn 15, Anthony Taliaferro 13 and Carter DerSarkissian 11 to lead Barker to a 64-46 N-O win over Roy-Hart.
Akron 66, Wilson 43
Wilson had already locked up the N-O title but Akron spoiled the Lakemen’s bid for an undefeated N-O season as the host Tigers posted a 66-43 win.
Blake Gerstung scored a game high 33, including a school record 9 threes, to lead Akron as Derren Brooks added 14, Ben Gerstung 9, Brodie Hill 6 and Chuckie Rebmann 4.
Ryan Hough led Wilson with 9 as Brock Lepsch and Shamus George both had 7 and Aidan Neumann 6.
Final N-O Standings: Wilson 11-1, Akron 10-2, Albion 6-6, Medina 6-6, Newfane 6-6, Barker 2-10, Roy-Hart 1-11.
The Bishop Nursing Home in Medina, Rose Villa Nursing Home in Albion, the Rembrandt Nursing Home in Kendall are but a few of the Orleans County facilities that provided residential care for elderly and incapacitated patients from the 1930s to the 1970s.
