Medina’s big celebration for Old Home Week in 1906 started as a prank

Posted 2 September 2026 at 1:26 pm

Old Home Week Committee member Senator Irving L’Hommedieu’s residence at 219 West Center St. was gaily bedecked for the occasion.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 24

MEDINA – It all started as a prank….

This year marks the 120th anniversary of Medina’s gala Old Home Week in 1906. We are familiar with the postcard views of the Main Street buildings bedecked with bunting, the parade scenes, the crowds, but we know little of the details of the week.

During a slow news period early in 1906, J. Barry Murphy, a Medina correspondent who supplied articles to regional newspapers, wrote a fully fleshed, totally fabricated, tongue-in-cheek article describing detailed plans for an Old Home Week celebration planned for Medina in August of that year.

The “Old Home Week” concept is ascribed to New Hampshire Gov. Frank Rollin who in the 1890s encouraged towns to invite former residents back to visit their hometowns and celebrate their connections and heritage. This idea proved popular and Old Home Week events were soon being organized in adjoining states and in New York.

Murphy named the members of the organizing committee, all prominent Medinians, and outlined the plans for the event. People thought it was a great idea and assumed that it was indeed a definite plan. The article was taken seriously and Murphy’s attempt at humor backfired. He had to approach the named committee members and ask them to co-operate. They agreed.

Judge Childs was named Honorary Chairman of the General Old Home Week Committee (apparently, he was not amused by Murphy’s humor). George A. Bowen was appointed Vice-chairman. Senator Irving L’Hommedieu, Mayor S.A. Cook, former Mayor W.B. Robbins, and Capt. S.A. Ross and Robert Mahar were the other committee members. Sadly, Judge Childs passed away on May 16, 1906. His daughter, Julia, was appointed as Secretary.

Despite this background, the Old Home Week committee did a stellar job in organizing the event. It established headquarters in the Downs-Kearney building, 108-110 West Center St.

A register of Medinians who had moved away was established at the Wright and Ross store and people were encouraged to supply names and addresses. The Buffalo Courier Express of July 24, 1906, reported that the committee had sent 750 invitations, many of which included whole families.

Soon, replies were pouring in from all parts of the country and the acceptance rate exceeded expectations. Even the reply letters reflect the excitement this event generated. People were so honored to be remembered, to be personally invited. The replies, some handwritten, some typed on company letterhead, are a study unto themselves, reflecting the circumstances of the correspondents and the economy of the times.

A sample of the letters received in response to Old Home Week invitations.

Old Home Week Events

Sunday, August 19 – Old Home Week began with appropriate services in all of the churches. In the evening, the S.A. Cook band gave a sacred concert at the High School park which was attended by over two thousand people

Monday, August 20 – Arrival Day. Showers and overcast sky. A registration office was set up by the train depot, visitors were encouraged to sign in and were given a badge, a pass and a program.

Pass provided to registrants of Old Home Week

Tuesday, August 21 – Registration Day. Clear skies. At 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Medina residents were awoken by a cacophony of sound – every whistle in Medina was blown and bells were rung, a cannon boomed, boys beat tin cans and yelled. A salute of 81 guns representing the 81 years of the town’s history was fired. This noisy concert lasted for ten minutes and signaled the commencement of Old Home Week.

Members of the Automobile Club took visitors on tours of the village in the afternoon.

A sense of excitement was palpable as the town was thronged with visitors out renewing acquaintances and admiring the decorations.

In the evening, a formal reception was held at the Armory which was splendidly decorated in yellow and white. Mayor Seelye A. Cook presided. Senator Irving L’Hommedieu delivered the Address of Welcome to which former Medinian, Hon. John Ford of New York City, responded.

Homecomers representing prominent families of former days spoke: Frank Ellicott of Chicago spoke of the Ellicotts, perhaps the most influential families in WNY at one time, Harry Davis of Denver spoke of the Davis family and Harry A. Chase of Rochester delineated the connections of the Chase family. Representatives of the Brown, Hedley, Newell, Hill, Whalen, and Ives families also spoke. Professor Shea’s orchestra furnished the music.

Wednesday, August 22 – Church and School Day featured a dazzling parade of children dressed in white with colorful accessories. Each denomination vied with the other in putting forth its best efforts. St. John’s Episcopal Sunday school children, divided into classes, were first in line. The girls were dressed in white and wore orange sunbonnets, carried orange parasols and long garlands of sweet peas. Thirty boys dressed in white and wearing white caps, pulled a float representing the ship of peace.

The parade formed at the Baptist Church on West Ave. and marched from West Ave. to Park Ave. to Main St., then to Pearl St. Prospect to Center and back to West Ave. where it disbanded.

Methodist and Baptist children were also dressed in white, with purple and yellow accents respectively,

The marching children were followed by parade officers in carriages, a pony-cart Maypole and a float of children in swings.

In the evening, a crowd of several thousand attended a grand concert. A massed chorus of 200 voices led by Dr. Emily F. Swett performed, with orchestral accompaniment provided by Prof. Shea’s orchestra.

Thursday’s parade of floats

Thursday, August 23 – Clear skies. A Buffalo Times headline on 8/24 stated that “thirty-thousand visitors were in Medina yesterday”. It was a day crammed with activity. In the morning, two hundred and fifty supervisors and former supervisors held their annual reunion at the Armory. The 17th New York Battery held their annual reunion at the Grand Army Hall. Concerts and sporting events were held.

The parade approaches on the left, view from West Avenue, looking east.

The parade which began at 2:00 p.m. was the highlight of the week. The two-mile long procession, which formed on West Ave. was led by the Medina police and the 29th Separate Company of Medina. Mayor S.A. Cook and the village trustees followed in carriages.

The fire companies, the fire wagon and the steam fire engine followed. Then came the Knights of Columbus, the I.O.O.F. and employees of the Central Foundry. A host of local businesses were represented by colorful floats followed: O’Donnell Lumber, Wright & Ross, the Bignall Company, and A.J. Richards to name but a few.

Concerts were held at various locations. At 9:00, clubs and organizations held smokers and receptions in their rooms. The brilliant illumination provided by the Swett Electric Co. added to the atmosphere and people socialized well into the night.

The ambitious lighting display provided by the A. L. Swett Electric Co. contributed to the magic of Old Home Week.

Friday, August 24 – At 10:00 a.m., the 29th Separate Company gave a concert at the corner of Main and West Center Streets. Sporting events featured on Friday, with a lacrosse game in the morning and a football game in the afternoon. Later that evening “the finest display of fireworks ever seen in Medina” was followed by a masked carnival on Main Street and the jollity continued until morning

Saturday was set aside as a day for quiet visits, family reunions, picnics and excursions.

Though the event formally concluded on Friday, director George A. Bowen decided to carry through until Sunday, since there were so many people still in town. He also wished to end with a calmer note than the hilarity of Friday night’s carnival.

On Sunday evening, the S.A, Cook Band performed a sacred concert at the Four Corners. A select chorus under the direction of Dr. Emily F. Swett sang “Onward Christian Soldiers”, “Nearer my God to Thee” and concluded appropriately with “Home Sweet Home”.

(Material courtesy of Medina Historical Society.)

Albion partners with COP Security for upcoming school year

Posted 2 September 2026 at 12:31 pm

District will have 2 security staff on duty during school day

Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: from left include Kevin Parker, Joseph Fuller, Randy Hoke, Shawn O’Mara, Joe Robinson and Jeff Gifaldi.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion Central School is proud to share that it will be working with COP Security to oversee districtwide safety and security operations for the 2026-27 school year.

The COP Security team is composed of both retired and current law enforcement officers, as well as U.S. military veterans, bringing extensive experience and specialized training to enhance safety at Albion schools.

With the new partnership, campus security presence will increase from one to two security team members on campus during school hours. There are a total of six security team members assigned to the Albion district. They will be present at Back-to-School Night for students and families to meet and address any questions.

“As we head into a new school year, safety is always of highest priority,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion district superintendent. “We look forward to welcoming and working closely with our new security team to maintain a space where students and staff feel protected and at ease, allowing for their focus to remain on learning, leading and growing.”

COP Security, founded in 1998, takes pride in providing comprehensive security solutions, having served private and public area schools throughout the western New York area for 15 years.

“We understand that a secure learning environment for students and staff is paramount and we are committed to ensuring that their well-being is always at the forefront of our efforts,” said Shawn O’Mara, COP Security Director. “We thank Albion Schools for trusting us and look forward to building strong relationships and a welcoming atmosphere within the school community.”

The District previously utilized the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for their School Resource Officer services, as well as Albion Police Department, and sincerely thanks them for their many years of trusted partnership.

Meet the COP Security team assigned to Albion schools:

Kevin Parker – a retired Orleans Corrections Officer, he is involved with several community organizations, and served in the U.S. Navy.
Joseph Fuller – a retired Albion police officer, Fuller served as K9 handler, and Albion School Resource Officer for five years, and retired with the rank of sergeant. He holds several law enforcement certifications.
Randy Hoke – a retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy, he served as community relations deputy, criminal investigator and retired with the rank of sergeant. Hoke holds several law enforcement certifications and is threat assessment certified.
Shawn O’Mara – He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. O’Mara is a retired Gates Police Officer and has served as Director of Security for Holley and Wheatland School Districts as well as Trinity Private Schools. He is a federal instructor for active shooter training and holds several law enforcement certifications.
Joe Robinson – a retired Greece Police Officer, he served in the supervisor role as first line sergeant. He currently serves as a part-time officer with the Avon Police Department. He holds several certifications under the NYS Department of Justice.
Jeff Gifaldi – a retired Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy, he served 25 years, holding titles of undersheriff and criminal investigator. He holds several law enforcement certifications.

6 displaced in Medina after tree falls on house

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 10:07 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A powerful thunderstorm this morning knocked down a tree that landed on 413 Park Ave. in Medina at about 7:45 a.m.

The house has three apartments and the six residents all need to relocate. None of them were injured. Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley said they will be able to stay with other family and friends. The house next door also received some damage from branches.

The roof of the house at 413 Park Ave. was badly damaged and some of the windows were broken.

Pictured from left include Medina Fire Department Lt. Tim Miller, code enforcement officer Dan Gardner, Fire Chief Steve Cooley and DPW superintendent Jason Watts.

“It shook the whole house,” said Bryan Dimon, one of the residents. “I thought it was just thunder. It broke one of my windows.”

When he came outside to see the massive silver maple, laying on the house, he felt thankful.

“It could have been a lot worse,” he said.

The village Department of Public Works will work to remove the tree from the site. A section of the street will be blocked off to traffic.

The tree missed the power lines, which are located on the other side of the street and also fell between the power connections for the houses.

Another tree fell at 203 Erin Rd. in Medina and broke a window and torn off some facia.

Sue Wilson was standing on her porch with her dog when a maple tree fell very close to her house.

She heard a crash. The tree knocked glass inside her house from the broken window. She also is thankful it didn’t do more damage. Firefighters said she can stay in her home while the tree is cleaned up.

Sue Wilson is on the phone with her insurance company after a tree fell close to her house, causing some damage this morning.

Senior quartet leads Kendall spikers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 September 2026 at 8:18 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Kendall into the upcoming Genesee Region League volleyball season will be this quartet of seniors including Irelynn Maloney, Emma Minster, Maya Tater and Rylan Clark. Coach Tige Noni’s Lady Eagles returnees also include juniors Makayla Bentley and Riley Kinser and sophomore Kayla Minster. Kendall will visit Newfane for a non league match on Thursday before opening the G-R campaign at home against Notre Dame on September 8.

Merged Roy-Hart/Medina girls varsity soccer team preps for first N-O League season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 September 2026 at 8:09 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the Roy-Hart/Medina team into the upcoming season will be this quartet of team captains. From left are Lilly Maynard from Medina along with the Roy-Hart trio of Courtney Aquilina, Maria Trombley and Addison Carr.

Finishing in the runner-up spot last fall the now merged Roy-Hart/Medina girls soccer team returns a good nucleus with which to again challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League honors.

Low participation numbers over the last couple of years has caused Medina to join with Roy-Hart.

Roy-Hart’s veteran group is led by a quartet of N-O All-League honorees including seniors Maria Trombley, who was a first team honoree and goalie Courtney Aquilina who was a second team selection along with juniors forward Ruth Walker who earned first team honors and Josephine Silsby who was an Honorable Mention pick.

The Lady Rms returnees also include seniors Maizie Cilliberto, Kenney Boyle and Addison Carr along with junior Julia Verratti.

Medina’s group is led by seniors Lilly Maynard and Alexa Demmer.

Roy-Hart/Medina will open the season by competing in the Tonawanda Tournament this Friday and Saturday facing the host school in the first round. The Lady Rams will then open the N-O season at home against Akron on September 9.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 8:15 a.m.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2026 at 7:54 am

Storm could bring golf ball-size hail, 70 mph wind gusts

Photo courtesy of Robyn Ottaviano: It was a dramatic red sky on Lake Ontario this morning at sunrise. It’s the calm before the storm. “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning!” Ottaviano said.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 8:15 a.m. for Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Niagara, Monroe and Erie counties.

“Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 12 miles west of Lakeside Beach State Park to near Newfane to near Sanborn, moving southeast at 45 miles per hour,” the National Weather Service said.

The storm could bring golf ball-size hail and 70 mile per hour wind gusts, the Weather Service said.

“People and animals outdoors will be injured,” the NWS said. “Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings.”

The Weather Service said to remain alert for a possible tornado.

“Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms,” the Weather Service said. “If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.”

Hawks open with win over Purple Eagles

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 9:21 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley bested visiting Albion 6-0 in a season opening non league boys soccer game this evening. Here Holley’s Cameron Kelley works to get the ball away from Albion’s Garret Jones. Jayden Rivera and Mason Merle each scored two goals for the Hawks as Chase Kempa and Cooper Wolf both had one. Tarek Garrett added three assists as Wolf, Kempa and Matt Armstrong each had one.

Albion’s Landon Graybill goes between Holley defenders Chase Kempa and Garrett Tarek.

Albion downs Holley in volleyball opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 9:00 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion downed host Holley 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 in a non league season opening volleyball match this evening. Here Albion’s Charlotte Pike sets up Melia Prince for a spike attempt. Pike had 11 assists and 6 aces on the evening as Jillian LeBaron had 5 kills and Prince 5 kills and 4 aces.

Holley’s Autumn Bradley returns a serve between Kylie Allport (4) and Madison Bonacci (14). Brianna Pellegrino had 6 aces and 5 kills, Desiree McCormick 4 assists and Bradley 5 defensive digs.

Medina village seeks big increase for ambulance service from 3 towns

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2026 at 7:13 pm

Some village officials say hike from $35,000 to $135,000 for each town ‘not enough’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Maak, a retired Medina firefighter who helped set up the ambulance service through the fire department in 2006, said it would be more fair for taxpayers if the service was billed through the county so one municipality, such as Medina, doesn’t bear the bulk of the cost. In back from left are Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Debbie Padoleski and Trustee Mark Prawel.

MEDINA – Village officials will be asking the towns of Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates to contribute $135,000 each in 2027 towards the ambulance service provided by the Medina Fire Department.

That is a significant jump from the $35,000 each town was paying in 2026. But Medina officials say, even with the big increase, the towns are still getting a deal compared to what the village taxpayers are spending for the service.

Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon has publicly stated the $135,000 is too high for Yates. He has talked with Mercy Flight EMS to see if that agency would provide the service at a lower cost. Mercy Flight is contracted with the seven towns in central and eastern Orleans to provide ambulance coverage.

Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski said the Village Board was trying for a multi-year contract with the three towns but now is looking at a one-year agreement. That should provide more data on the precise costs to the village for running the ambulance service.

Medina’s career firefighters also serve as EMTs and paramedics. About 90 percent of their calls are EMS-related.

Village Trustee Scott Bieliski said the ambulance service accounts for about $1.3 million of the village’s $3.96 million tax levy. The fire department expense outside of the ambulance is approximately another $400,000, he said.

“Paying $35,000 is now here nearly enough,” Mayor Debbie Padoleski said about the current town contribution. “We’re providing a service to them and we have to pay for that service.”

Trustee Mark Prawel said the $135,000 from each of the three towns is still too low and he wants them to pay more.

The other Village Board members agreed, but they opposed seeking more for now. Trustee Jess Marciano said it would appear to be in bad faith after telling the towns in the negotiations in recent months that the village’s requested number was $135,000.

Padoleski pushed to settle on that number so the towns can know what to expect as the town boards work to put together their town budgets for 2027. The towns are working on those spending plans now.

“I think it should be higher,” Prawel said during last week’s board meeting. “I think we shot too low.”

The seven towns in eastern and central Orleans County are in a three-year contract with Mercy Flight where that organization was paid $250,000 in 2025, $275,000 in 2026 and will be paid $300,000 in 2027.

The towns pay a share based on call volume. The Medina mayor said she opposes using call volume for a funding formula. The budget for the ambulance service doesn’t change for Medina if calls go up or down, she said.

‘There is no doubt this is an expensive service,” Padoleski said. “It’s going to be expensive no matter where you get it.”

If all three towns pay the $135,000 or $405,000 total, the village residents would still be funding about $900,000 of the cost.

“Medina village residents are paying a lot more for the ambulance,” Bieliski said. “It’s not even comparable.”

The Village Board also said they want to make sure the towns out the town expense for the ambulance in the outside-village fund so village residents don’t pay twice for the service in their taxes.

Bieliski said a one-year contract will give the village and town officials more time to digst the numbers and consider the future of the EMS services in western Orleans.

“The numbers are astronomical,” he said. “We get a great service. Everyone just needs to come together on the numbers.”

Mike Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, was part of the team that helped establish the ambulance service through the fire department in 2006. The Medina FD replaced Rural Metro for the ambulance service in western Orleans.

Maak said it would make more sense to fund the service through the county-wide taxes, similar to how the garbage and recycling is billed and paid for with an annual fee. That way, Maak said, the costs are spread out fairly without one entity bearing too much of the expense.

If the service continues through the Medina FD, there has to be significantly more buy in from the neighboring towns, he said.

“The can can’t be kicked down the road anymore,” Maak said during the meeting last week. “We are at the breaking point.”

Marine Park hosting Pop-Up & Jam on Sept. 12

Posted 1 September 2026 at 4:51 pm

Oak Orchard Ox to be dedicated at 11 a.m.

Press Release, Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks

POINT BREEZE – The Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks and community partners invite residents and visitors to spend a day along the Oak Orchard River at Pop-Up & Jam, a free community event featuring the “OONA Emporium” flea market, arts & crafts, food vendors, and live music on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orleans County Marine Park, 1110 Point Breeze Road, Kent, NY.

Pop-Up & Jam is reminiscent of the former Wooden Boat Festival held annually from 2001 to 2009, combining the fun of an open-air market with an afternoon of live entertainment at one of Orleans County’s most scenic waterfront destinations. Pop-up Coordinator Lynne Menz was one of a handful of event coordinators for the boat festival 20 years ago.

“I often hear how much the neighbors miss the 2-day boat festival that celebrated the character of Point Breeze and the Oak,” said Menz, who is a coordinator for the OONA Summer Concert Series, a board member of Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks and a core team member of Carlton Heart & Soul program. “This is a perfect fit to bring neighbors together for a community yard sale/swap meet and celebrate the end of the Summer in Point Breeze with live music.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. to dedicate the life-sized Oak Orchard Ox, a bicentennial project that was painted by local artist, Carol Culhane and recently installed by Orleans County in the Marine Park between the parkway bridges. The meticulously hand-painted ox traces the story of the Oak Orchard River from Lake Alice to Lake Ontario, celebrating both the history and natural beauty of Orleans County, New York. This project was made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program and administered by GO Art.

Besides browsing the Pop-ups: the OONA Emporium Flea Market and arts and crafts vendors, you can get a tarot card reading, enjoy offerings from food vendors, and stay for an afternoon of live music. Meet members of organizations such as Carlton Community Heart & Soul, the Point Breeze Yacht Club, Orleans County Tourism and OONA/Friends of Orleans County Marine Park.

Vendor space is still available. Registration for a vendor booth is open until Sunday, September 6th. The cost is $25 for a 10×10 vendor space and free for OONA members. Contact lynne@focmp.org or complete the form on our website (click here).

Live Music Schedule (“JAM”)

Live music will be continuous from noon to 6 p.m. utilizing both pavilions in the park as stages. These bands have never performed at the OONA summer concert series and we are excited to welcome them to our neighborhood.

12 noon – Tom Keefer & Celtic Cross performing Celtic Rock
2 p.m. – The Coupe de Villes performing R&B and Classic Rock
4 p.m. – The Eddie Joe Clark Band performing Country hits and originals

The event is presented by the Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks in partnership with Carlton Community Heart & Soul, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association (OONA) and GO Art! This event is made possible with funds from the 2026 Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State legislature and administered by GO Art!

The Orleans County Marine Park is located along the Oak Orchard River at Point Breeze, just a short distance from Lake Ontario and off the Lake Ontario State Parkway in Point Breeze. Bring a lawn chair and your shopping bags!

Admission is free. This is a rain or shine event.

Albion Family Dental hygienists grateful for small-town atmosphere, patient connections

Posted 1 September 2026 at 2:57 pm

Ciara Gregoire, left, and Ashley Rush work as dental hygienists at Albion Family Dental, which is located in the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 243 South Main St., Suite 121.

Sponsored Content

ALBION – Albion Family Dental will be expanding, adding more space with renovations this fall to better serve patients. The dental practice has already added another full-time hygienist.

Ashley Rush recently joined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career 14 years ago at Albion Family Dental with Dr. Mark Rumble. He retired about three years ago. Today, the practice is led by Dr. Jeremy Brandwein.

Albion Family Dental offers preventive services including regular dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealants, and general education and tips for the whole family concerning at-home dental care.

The cosmetic services include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite fillings, crowns and bridges. For more information, click here to be directed to Albion Family Dental’s website.

Ashley Rush recently rejoined Albion Family Dental as a hygienist. She started her career there 14 years ago. Ashley stated the following:

“I have been a dental hygienist in Albion for more than 14 years. After graduating from the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, in 2012, I made the move to Western New York. Originally from East Central Illinois, I was drawn to the area by my husband, who is from Waterport.

I began my career at Dr. Rumble’s office, where I worked for 9 1/2 years before returning to Albion Family Dental. Reconnecting with longtime patients has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing their excitement about my return has truly touched my heart. What I enjoy most about being a dental hygienist is building meaningful relationships with my patients and getting to know them on a personal level.

Albion is a wonderful community, and I feel fortunate to work here and see familiar faces both in and outside the office.

Many of my patients know me best as the mom of triplets. They followed my journey through pregnancy, and now my children are preparing to enter fourth grade! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We love backyard camping, fishing, and making memories at our cabin in the Adirondacks.”

Kim Novak

Kim Novak has more than four decades of working as a local dental hygienist. She stated the following:

“I have been a dental hygienist for over 42 years. I began my dental career as a dental assistant working for Dr. Karl Heuer. His advice and mentoring inspired me to pursue my career as a dental hygienist, and I was fortunate to work alongside him for more than 36 years until his retirement.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with my patients and their families. Getting to know them, taking a genuine interest in their lives, and sharing in their milestones is what I love most about my career.

Now, as part of the Albion Family Dental team, I have had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of those familiar faces. It has been so much fun catching up, hearing their family news, and continuing the relationships that mean so much to me.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re simply getting together or heading to our cottage in Three Mile Bay. I am also the proud grandmother of three, who affectionately call me ‘Pippi.’ I enjoy cheering them on and attending their activities, from dance recitals and horse shows to baseball games.

In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, especially creating costumes and making quilts for special people in my life.

I strive to master the craft as my mom did, although she certainly set the bar high!”

Ciara Gregoire enjoys working a small town like Albion where she can get to know the patients.

“Hello my name is Ciara and I’ve been a dental hygienist for 3 years, with experience working in pediatrics and a passion for helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident in my dental chair. I grew up in Barker, so I’ve always appreciated the close-knit feeling of a small town. I’m so happy to now be working in another wonderful small town like Albion and becoming part of the community.

One of my favorite parts of being a hygienist is building genuine connections and lasting relationships with my patients. I love getting to know each person, creating a comfortable environment, and providing gentle, thorough care while educating them on how to maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. I’m always looking for my next adventure, so I’d love to hear about your favorite travel stories, must-visit destinations, or any great hiking trails you’d recommend!”

The above is a paid advertorial. Businesses and/or agencies interested in advertising can contact Brad London by email or by calling the office at (585) 589-5641.

Florida congressman introduces legislation in House to change name of Lake Ontario

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2026 at 2:08 pm

‘I’m a proud American, and I’ve always believed there’s nothing wrong with a little more American pride. So I figured, why stop at the Gulf? Lake America sounds a whole lot better.’ – Congressman Jimmy Patronis Jr.

File photo: The Lake Ontario shoreline is shown at Point Breeze with a full moon in distance.

A Florida congressman introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to change Lake Ontario’s name to “Lake America.”

Jimmy Patronis Jr., a Republican, represents Florida’s 1^st congressional district in the Western Panhandle. He introduced the bill following President Donald’s Trump executive order on Thursday that changes to lake’s name. Trump made that order unilaterally, without a prior vote by Congress.

Trump’s order directed the federal government to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, and gives the Interior Department 30 days to update the federal Geographic Names Information System. It also directs federal agencies to use the new name on maps, contracts, documents and other communications.

The president made the executive order amidst a trade dispute with Canada. Mark Carney, the Canadian primes minister, said Canada will always recognize “Lake Ontario” as the officially name.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the name remains “Lake Ontario” in New York State.

However, in Florida, it will be taught as “Lake America,” said Henry Mack, that state’s education commissioner.

Congressman Patronis on Monday introduced the “Lake America Act.” He said that President Trump’s official renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been met with strong support across Northwest Florida.

“President Trump put America back on the map. Now we’re putting America on Lake Ontario,” Congressman Patronis stated in a press release. “Canada can call it whatever they want, but here in America, I say we call it Lake America. I’m a proud American, and I’ve always believed there’s nothing wrong with a little more American pride. So I figured, why stop at the Gulf? Lake America sounds a whole lot better.”

The Lake America Act would:

Rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
Replace references to Lake Ontario with “Lake America” across federal laws, maps, regulations, and official records.
Direct the Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Board on Geographic Names to oversee implementation.
Require federal agencies to update their maps and documents within 180 days.

“Representing Florida’s First Congressional District, including Destin and Pensacola, I saw firsthand the pride and patriotism that came with the Gulf of America,” Patronis said. “I love that energy, and I think this is another opportunity to build on it. This is another tool in President Trump’s toolbox to put America First and restore pride in our great country.”

Three Democrats in Congress introduced their own legislation on Monday to stop President Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario and protect the historic names of all five Great Lakes.

Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D, MI-06) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) introduced the “Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act.”

The legislation would prohibit the President, Secretary of the Interior, or any other federal official acting under presidential authority from changing the official geographic names of Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie or Lake Superior.

Albion and Barker golfers win N-O openers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 1:47 pm

Balanced scoring earned Albion a 235-269 win over Wilson in a season opening Niagara-Orleans League golf match at Hickory Ridge this morning.

Albion had four players in the 40’s as Gavin Boyce shot 43, Owen Spencer 46, Drew Pritchard 47 and Viktor Snyder 49.

Wilson’s Ben Meyers took medalist honors with a 39.

Barker 250, Akron 252
Barker edged Akron 250-252 in an N-O opener on Monday as Hudson Prynn took medalist honors with a 40.

Albion/Medina OC Rivals varsity football team will debut Thursday evening at Akron

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 12:14 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Jayzon Wills and his Albion/Medina OC Rivals teammates will make their debut at Akron on Thursday evening.

It is the start of a new era!

Now teammates after 125 years as rivals on the football field, members of the fledgling Albion/Medina OC Rivals varsity team will begin their historic debut season at 7 p.m. Thursday against Akron on Akron’s old football field.

The game was originally scheduled to be played on Akron’s new turf field but the facility is not completed.

“It’s super exciting,” said Rivals Head Coach Eric Valley. “Everyone has been eager to learn and to help each other. It’s a great opportunity for us to go out and compete together.”

Offensively the OC Rivals will have Preston Woodworth at quarterback backed up by Boe Preston with Elijah Doxey, Jayzon Wills and Jaxson Lynch working at the running back spots; Noah Harrison, Hadrian Batista. Rocco Sidari and Malik Lamar manning the wide receiver spots and Jack Conn at tight end.

Upfront the Rivals will be looking to Jackson Snook, Logan Kast, Nate Surdel, Ryan Frentz, Matthew Jacobs, Cole Herman, TJ Champney and Jayden Travis.

Newfane at Barker/Roy-Hart
Barker/Roy-Hart will host Newfane in an interdivisional opener at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Panthers handed the Bulls their only regular season loss in last year’s opener at Newfane.

The Bulls offense will include veterans Max Townsend at quarterback, Owen Maedl at running back, Ashton Ark and Carter DerSarkissian at wide receiver and RJ Townsend, Jakob West, Logan Flint and John Brigham up front.

Holley/Lyndonville at South Seneca
Holley/Lyndonville will visit South Seneca at 1 p.m. Saturday in a non league contest.