By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2025 at 4:34 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Nyla Gaylord, executive director for the United Way of Orleans County, speaks during a forum in May about housing challenges in Orleans County. The organization has worked on several issues in the community outside of the traditional fundraising efforts by the United Way.
After more than six decades of service, the United Way of Orleans County has officially changed its name to Orleans Community Connects.
The change reflects the organization’s deep roots in the community and its expanding role as a connector of people, resources and opportunities, according to executive director Nyla Gaylord.
“This new name represents who we’ve become – a local, independent organization focused on collaboration, innovation and the unique strengths of Orleans County,” Gaylord said. “We are still the same trusted organization our community knows and values, but with a renewed energy and vision for the future.”
The new tagline – “Rooted in Community, Driven by Connections” – captures the organization’s focus on partnership-driven initiatives that improve lives and strengthens familiar neighborhoods in Orleans County.
Gaylord continued, “Over the past several years, the organization has led efforts in housing revitalization, digital literacy, caregiver support and food access, bringing together residents, local government and nonprofits to tackle community challenges.”
Orleans Community Connects remains dedicated to serving all residents of the county, continuing to support programs and services that build local capacity and connect people to essential resources. Fundraising will continue to be a priority to enable us to fund these programs and services, Gaylord added.
“This change isn’t about moving away from our past, it’s about building upon our recent successes,” she said. “We are growing into a future where collaboration and community connections are the keys to lasting change.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2025 at 3:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is shown on Aug. 5 outside Brunner in Medina when he met with local officials to show his support for the Job Corps program. Job Corps has a site in Medina. The program was thrown into turmoil when the federal Department of Labor held up background checks on students and the DOL threatened to shut down 99 of the centers.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer extended his streak of visiting all 62 counties in New York State to 27 years.
Schumer met his goal of seeing all 62 counties in 2025 after being in Columbia County earlier today to highlight legislation that he said would help dairy farmers across Upstate NY and boost nutrition in schools.
“Traveling to every corner of the Empire State, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life, it’s what energizes me,” Schumer said in news release. “Every year, I am reminded of why I do this tour. Every person I meet, every story stays with me and inspires my daily work in Washington.”
The senator was in Orleans County on Aug. 5 outside Brunner in Medina. He came to Orleans County to show his support for the Job Corps program.
“This year, more than ever before, visiting all 62 counties pushed me to fight even harder to help lower costs for families, protect healthcare, and deliver for New York,” Schumer said. “That is why you can always find me mixing and mingling in every crowd from Buffalo to Brooklyn to hear directly from people about what is important to them. There’s still so much work to be done – I can’t wait to get back on the road visiting all 62 counties again next year — listening to voters and delivering for New Yorkers.”
Schumer has kept going to all of New York’s counties despite the increased demands of being the Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate.
“God gave me a lot of energy, and there is nothing that motivates me more than fighting for the people of New York,” he said. “I may have gained a new fancy title of Senate Leader, but my two favorite titles have been and will always be: New York’s senator, and above all else, New Yorker. “
Schumer touted the following successes for Wester New York and the Rochester area:
WESTERN NEW YORK
Led The Charge To Protect The FAA’s 1,500-Hour Flight Rule: Building on years of work with the families of victims of the tragic Flight 3407 plane crash in Western NY, Schumer worked relentlessly with the victims’ families in the wake of new threats to roll back the 1,500-hour rule. Schumer successfully pushed Secretary Duffy to meet with the families, stood against Trump’s nominees threatening to roll back basic air safety standards, and stood with families to ensure the 1,500-hour rule remains protected.
Secured $25 Million For Olean’s West State Street Project: In January, Schumer secured a whopping $25 million in federal funding for the City of Olean’s Reconnecting Communities Project, one of the largest grants in the city’s history. The funding will better connect the main streets with major hubs like the St. Bonaventure University campus with safer, more modern roadways for the community.
Delivered $67 Million Pension Fix for Niagara County Laborers’ Local No. 91: After years of advocacy to secure relief for ailing multiemployer pension plans for union workers, Schumer announced the Laborers’ Local No. 91 Pension Plan covering construction workers in Niagara County will receive an approximately $67 million pension fix from the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan.
ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES
Secured $100 Million For Rochester Inner Loop Highway Removal: After Schumer personally called U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, advocating for federal funding, he announced a whopping $100 million for Rochester’s Inner Loop North Transformation Project to reconnect disadvantaged neighborhoods to Rochester’s downtown in January. The project will eliminate a major barrier in the heart of Rochester while re-investing in the Rochester communities harmed by the construction of the Inner Loop and creating more jobs.
Ensured Ryan Corbett Returned Home Safely After Two Years of Taliban Detention: After years of working tirelessly with senior national security officials and a bipartisan Congressional coalition, Schumer’s persistent advocacy helped bring Ryan home to his family and Finger Lakes community after over two years of being wrongfully detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban.
Secured Federal Cancer Center Designation For Wilmot Cancer Institute: After more than a decade of Schumer’s persistent advocacy, Wilmot was named a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, unlocking access to increased federal funding, cutting-edge clinical trials, and top-tier cancer research opportunities.
Pushed CSX To Restore The Gillett Road Bridge: The CSX-owned Gillett Road Bridge was forced to close indefinitely due to structural deficiencies. After a year of inaction from CSX, Schumer visited the site in Monroe County and directly called the CSX CEO about reopening the bridge, leading to the company agreeing to repair the bridge, restoring a critical link for the local community.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer was in Medina on Aug. 5 to show his support for the Iroquois Job Corps Center, one of 99 that was targeted for closure by the U.S. Department of Labor. A federal judge issued an injunction to keep the program going while the case is heard in court. Schumer said the Iroquois site in the past half century has provided critical job and life skills to at-risk students.
“We’re all here with one single message: We want to save the Iroquois Job Corps Center,” Schumer said. “We got to save it if we want our young people to have a future. We don’t want them to have a handout. We want them to have a future. They should know if they work hard and learn a skill they can get a good-paying job to support a family and be proud parents and proud spouses. That’s what this center has done for so long.”
Club will be judging outdoor holiday decorations in Lyndonville and Yates
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Like years past, the Lyndonville Lions continued their efforts assisting the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign by ringing the bell at the Tops grocery Store in Medina on Dec. 12. Pictured from left include Julie Godfrey, Bruce Schmidt, Jeff Johnson, Lynne Johnson and Dave Godfrey.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions close out the 2025 calendar with a flurry of holiday events. The month of December saw the Lyndonville Lions support or carry out many holiday events in and around the Village of Lyndonville and Town of Yates.
On Dec. 6, the Lions supplied hot dogs and much needed hot chocolate to the attendees of the annual Community Tree Lighting Event. Over 80 trees came to full illumination as Santa himself pulled the switch to start a four-week run of Christmas trees welcoming all to the streets of Lyndonville.
The Lyndonville Lions started a new project to decorate all municipal buildings in the village for the holiday season by supplying lights and manpower to decorate the Yates Community Library and Village Hall, just to mention a few. The Club hopes that this project grows over the years and that private and public buildings on Main Street will be fully decorate for the future holiday seasons.
John Belson hangs Christmas lights on Yates Community Library.
December 10th saw the Lions hold their Annual Christmas Dinner at the White Birch Golf Course. During this celebration the Club continued its charitable efforts by having all attendees donate unwrapped presents to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern for their annual toy drive.
Mr. Kevin Clark did not disappoint as he delivered his Christmas Show which included piano Christmas songs, various holiday games of Christmas trivia, and ended with the entire group singing Christmas carols.
The Lions held their Christmas Dinner Party on Dec. 10 with entertainment by Kevin Clark.
On December 11th, Lions Club the continued its tradition of distributing poinsettia plants to shut-ins, local churches and health care agencies was carried out. The club delivered individual plants to local residents in the Lyndonville area as well as donating dozens of plants to needy organizations like the North Wing Nursing Facility at Orleans Community Health in Medina and Orchard Manor Nursing Facility on Bates Road. Several local churches received plants and will deliver them for the Lions to their needy parishioners.
Adrienne Belson, Activities Director at North Wing, is shown with Laura Belson and Dave Godfrey.
Upcoming events, like the much-anticipated Annual Lions Club Holiday Decorations Awards, will be carried out in the next few weeks. A well-trained team of Lyndonville Lions will traverse the streets and byways of the Village of Lyndonville and Town of Yates in search of the best decorated homes.
Awards will be distributed to the top three selections inside the Village and in the Town of Yates. All those wishing to participate just need to have their decorations up and on for the committee to judge. We thank those for helping to bring some extra joy to those who enjoy seeing the Holiday Lights.
The club would like to announce that their Second Annual Snow Flake Bowling Tournament will be held on February 28th at 3 p.m. at the Medina Lanes. The Club wishes to invite anybody wanting to participate. Contact the club for information by emailing gwendolynlarge002@gmail.com.
The Lyndonville Lions would like to wish all a joyous Hanukkah, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
May God bless all of us during this most joyous time of the year and continue to bless this great nation we live in.
Staff will be setting up for veterans holiday banquet on Tuesday evening
Press Release, Orleans County Veterans Services
ALBION – Orleans County Veterans Services will be closing their office in Albion at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday so staff can set up for the veterans holiday banquet that evening. The office will resume regular office hours on Wednesday.
“The Veterans Holiday Banquet is a major event for our office and requires the efforts of our staff for setup so we need to close the office early,” said Nik Mroz, Director of Veterans Services. “We apologize for any inconvenience.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2025 at 8:54 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Volunteers representing all branches of the military, the space program and unknown soldiers wait to place wreaths on veterans’ graves at Boxwood Cemetery Saturday noon.
MEDINA – This year, 1,260 wreaths were purchased through Wreaths Across America for veterans’ graves in the Medina area. On Saturday, 1,225 were placed in Boxwood, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Cemeteries on North Gravel Road.
The ceremony at Boxwood began at noon with emcee Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office. Dave Kusmierczak, chaplain, began the program with prayer, followed by Kate Draper singing the National Anthem.
Mroz welcomed veterans, their families and volunteers, saying this was a day to “celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
A moment to silence was observed to remember the fallen, prisoners of war and those missing in action, and to honor those who have served and those still serving. Mroz said Wreaths Across America ceremonies took place on Saturday in more than 5,200 locations in all 50 states, U.S. territories and at 26 American cemeteries overseas, ensuring we remember our heroes wherever they rest.
Mroz quoted Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, saying, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and added on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.”
(Left) Tom Snyder, a U.S. Navy veterans’ electricians mate 2nd class, stands at attention after placing a wreath on a sailor’s grave. Snyder was the organizer of this year’s Wreath’s Across American program, which started in Medina in 2013. (Right) U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lance Cpl. Nicolas Fitzak prepares to place a wreath on a Marine’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday in Boxwood Cemetery.
Mroz introduced a member of each branch of the military, the Space Force and the Merchant Marines, who laid a wreath at a veteran’s grave who served in that branch.
They were Louis A. Chraston, U.S. Army Active Duty Staff Sgt.; U. S. Marine Corps veteran Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Fitzak; U.S. Navy Veteran electrician’s mate 2nd Class Tom Snyder; U.S. Air Force Active Duty M Sgt. Michael J. Owczarczak; U.S. Air National Guardsman Airman 1st Class Noah Heinkler of the U.S. Space Force; U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Cadet Brendon Hodkin in the United States Coast Guard; Diana Anderson, representing the United States Merchant Marines; and the final wreath placed by Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley, a U.S. Army veteran 1st lieutenant, in honor of the more than 80,000 United States servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either prisoner of war or missing in action.
Wreaths left over from the three cemeteries were free for the public to take to place on a veteran’s grave in other cemeteries. Snyder said he had already taken one for his father’s grave in Mount Albion Cemetery. Brad Nudd, a member of the Orleans County Honor Guard, said he takes one to place on his brother-in-law Gary Gross’ grave at Marshall Road Cemetery.
Mroz reminded those gathered at Boxwood Cemetery to consider purchasing a wreath, which are buy one for $17 and get one free until the end of December. They may be purchased by seeing Hailey at the village of Medina offices on Park Avenue.
Emcee Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office, introduces Chaplain Dave Kusmierczak, right, who offered a moment of prayer. At left, Kate Draper waits to sing the National Anthem, while members of Orleans County’s Honor Guard wait at right to fire a three-gun salute, followed by playing of Taps.
WEST BARRE – Mildred Anne Paine, who grew up in the cobblestone house on Pine Hill Road in the Town of Barre, spent over forty years of her adult life as a missionary in Japan. Hers is a remarkable story.
Born on July 25, 1893, Mildred was the third of five children of Emory and Martha Waterman Paine. Emory was a farmer in Barre. Mildred’s great-grandfather, Elisha Wright, an early pioneer, was one of the organizers of the West Barre Methodist Episcopal Church, as it was then referred to, in the 1830s. (An historic marker on Eagle Harbor Road highlights the location of Wright’s home.)
Mildred received her early education at Schoolhouse #6, a one-room cobblestone structure close to her home. She later attended Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, NY and Oberlin College, Ohio. She then taught at West Barre and Shelby schoolhouses for several years.
Mildred Anne Paine, 1893-1988
In 1919, at the age of 26, she was commissioned by the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society as a missionary to Japan. The Society, which had been established in 1869, sponsored and sent women to establish schools and spread the word of Christ.
Mildred studied Japanese for one year and worked at the Japanese city of Kagoshima in southern Kyushu for five years. She wrote:
“The strange Japanese culture and baffling language were my environment at the Tokyo Language School and in Kagoshima until 1926.”
She returned to the U.S. in 1927 and studied for a Master’s degree at Boston College.
In 1928, she was assigned to rebuild an important Methodist sponsored Welfare Center in Tokyo. It had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1923. The center, named “Ai Kei Gakuen” (Garden Radiating Love and Grace) was located in a slum. Many residents were ragpickers, while scores were homeless or destitute. Mildred was associated with the Center for 33 years, during which time thousands were enrolled in the orphanage, schools, and clinics which she established.
In an interview with the Democrat and Chronicle while on a rare visit home in 1934, Mildred explained that their missionary work could not be overt:
“If we made any attempt to coerce the people towards the religion, the Buddhists and Shintoists would at once take their children away. If we live our faith, and the people find there is something in Christianity that these other religions do not have, then is the time to explain. Once they become our friends, then we can discuss any subject freely with them.”
She commented that life there was far from monotonous, but full of thrilling adventures and “underground currents.”
With the outbreak of WWII, Mildred was interned in September 1942. Her sister, Helen Parsons Frey, recounted that “The soldiers who came to arrest her shot their guns inside of her house. All of her dishes were broken – except one plate. She found the plate when she returned after her internment.”
Fortunately, Mildred experienced “very fair” treatment at the camp. She was also fortunate to be among the 1,300 repatriates who boarded the M.S. Gripsholm, a Swedish cruise ship which had been chartered by the U.S. government to transport civilians and POWs caught behind enemy lines.
Mildred enjoyed time with her brother Cuyler following her return to the U.S. in 1963. He died in 1965.
The six-week return voyage began in Mormuago, a small harbor in Portuguese India, on October 19, 1943 and included stops in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and Rio de Janeiro. On her arrival in New York on December 1, 1943, Mildred was greeted by her sister, Helen (Howard Parsons) and by Rev. Jesse Young, and his wife Ruth, who later served at the West Barre Church from 1955-57.
Mildred spent several months with Helen, Howard and their family at the family home on Pine Hill Road. She returned to Japan after the war and remained there until 1962. She was awarded two honors by the Japanese government: a citation from the Welfare Ministry of Japan in 1958, for her “devotion to children, boys and youth welfare” and in 1960, the 4th Class of the Imperial Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare in recognition of her social work at Ai Kei Gakuen.
Upon her return to the U.S. in 1963, she was involved in counseling and promotional work for the Wesleyan Service Guild. Following a stroke in 1967, she went to live at the United Methodist Retirement Home in Asheville, N.C., where she died on September 7, 1988, at the age of 95. She is buried in the family plot in the West Barre Cemetery.
A collection of Mildred’s personal papers, including 23 diaries, correspondence and photographs is held by the General Commission on Archives and History, an online mission of the United Methodist Church. This collection covers the years 1957-1974. Sadly, the material from 1926-1943, which would have chronicled her first impressions and early experiences, is missing. Most likely, it was destroyed at the time of her arrest.
Mildred’s brother, Cuyler and sister, Ruth continued the family involvement with the West Barre Church. In later years, her younger sister, Clara Otis, joined Mildred in Japan to assist her missionary work. Continuing the family tradition, her niece, Esther, and husband George Heustis spent forty-three years as missionaries in Brazil.
Mildred’s sister Helen served in the Youth Ministry in New York City along with her husband, Marvin Frey. Marvin wrote over 300 hymns and is the subject of an historic marker at the West Barre Cemetery.
Many thanks to Adrienne Daniels, Town of Barre Historian, and Karen Markle of the West Barre Church for their generous assistance.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 December 2025 at 7:42 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A sea of boxed food and gifts is ready for firefighters to begin delivering as soon as they finish their breakfast at The Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday morning.
MEDINA – One-hundred and ten families in the Medina area will have gifts and a Christmas dinner, thanks to the Medina Area Association of Churches’ annual Red Barrel/Present program.
Chaired for the sixth year by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple, this year’s giveaway will provide Christmas for 350 individuals, ranging from infants to senior citizens.
(Left) Deb Taylor, chief of East Shelby Fire Company, carries a box of gifts out to a waiting truck for delivery on Saturday morning. (Right) Deanna Quackenbush from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company carries a Christmas gift box out of The Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday morning.
No one can count how many years this program has been ongoing, but it was taken over by MAAC decades ago, and grew from a toy giveaway started by Medina firefighters. Ever since, the Medina firefighters and volunteers from East Shelby, Ridgeway and Shelby have volunteered to deliver upwards of 40 red barrels to strategic locations throughout the Medina area, then pick up the filled barrels early in December and, finally, deliver the packed Christmas boxes to a hundred or more homes.
Sherry Tuohey-Sipple chairs the program, and said none of it would happen if it weren’t for the dedicated volunteers, who sort gifts, pack the boxes and otherwise help with the project.
“We had a lot of volunteers this year,” Tuohey-Sipple said. “The firemen returned the filled barrels to us on Dec. 3, and we started sorting and packing immediately. We had at least 25 volunteers each day, some of which were new.”
Cher Beach, a new volunteer, and Norma Jean Foster, head of the food committee for MAAC’s Christmas gift program, bring out hams to add to the boxes just before local firefighters arrived to deliver them on Saturday morning. At left, Sherry Tuohey-Sipple, head of the MAAC Christmas Present program, makes a final check of one gift box.
Two of the new volunteers were Katie Oakes and Meghan Fuller, who recently joined the MAAC committee.
“I’ve loved this program forever, and as soon as I heard there was an opening, I jumped right in,” Oakes said.
Katie and Meghan have done a lot to promote us this year,” said Norma Jean Foster, who heads the food committee and is responsible for buying the hams and other essentials for a Christmas dinner for each family.
Each year, the biggest challenge is to find gifts suitable for teens, and this year, Oakes and Fuller took on that task. The “teen” category includes ages 9 through 18, and this year there were 98 in that age group. Each child got a gift, Tuohey-Sipple said.
Firefighters from Medina, Shelby, Ridgeway and East Shelby, along with other volunteers, enjoyed a free breakfast Saturday morning at The Grove United Methodist Church. Firefighters delivered boxes of gifts and food for a Christmas dinner to 110 families.
Each year for many years, Bob Harrold of Lyndonville has searched, acquired and restored red wagons and donated them to MAAC. This year Jim Sipple also restored one. The MAAC committee tries to give the red wagons to families who don’t have a car. Many have said how the wagon came in so handy either to give their young children a ride to the grocery store or to carry home their groceries.
This year, two new toy ATVs were donated. Also commended was Jane Wharron, who crocheted lap throws for each of the senior citizens who got a Christmas box, and Kathie McMoil, who works with Foster on the food committee.
“People are so dedicated, even our kitchen crew who put on the breakfast,” Tuohey-Sipple said.
Medina fire chief Steve Cooley finds room for one more Christmas box in his truck on Saturday, when firefighters from Medina, Shelby, East Shelby and Ridgeway delivered Christmas gift boxes to 110 families in the Medina area.
Addressing the firefighters, Tuohey-Sipple said, “We couldn’t do this program without you. You distribute the barrels, you pick them up and bring them back in, and then you deliver the boxes.”
Steve Cooley, Medina’s fire chief, said this was the 16th year he has been volunteering his time to the MAAC project.
“This is a time when people need us the most,” he said.
Also volunteering their time was East Shelby’s fire chief Deb Taylor, Austin Seefeldt and Alexis Rutherford from Ridgeway, along with Ridgeway’s assistant chief, Jerry Lewis.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2025 at 6:56 pm
Advisory goes from 10 a.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: These Christmas Gingerbread inflatables were part of the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade on Saturday in Albion.
The National Weather Services has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County from 10 a.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Another 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected. The advisory also includes Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes with snow covered roads.”
The weather will warm up later in the week. The highs in the forecast show 33 on Tuesday, 39 on Wednesday, 48 on Thursday, 32 on Friday and 40 on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2025 at 2:09 pm
More than 30 parade participants brave 20-degree weather
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bloom’s Flower Shop took first place in the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade on Saturday in Albion.
Bloom’s won the $600 first place prize with a float that featured Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Bloom’s passes down Main Street in front of the judge’s stand. There were about 30 floats and other parade entries in the fifth annual lighted parade in Albion.
Eye of Oden, a dog training site in Kent, won second place and $400 for its entry in the parade.
Eye of Oden had several dogs and their handlers in the parade.
The Albion FFA won third place and $200 for a float with a theme from the Toy Story. Toy Story has a message, “You got a friend in me.” The FFA shared its message: “You got a friend in the Albion FFA.”
Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, joined Santa and Mrs. Claus in a float. That float was a decorated boat to celebrate the Erie Canal, which also observed its 200th anniversary in 2025.
Orly, Mrs. Claus and Santa greet people as they head north on Main Street. The parade started and ended at Dubby’s Tailgate.
Albion’s youth football was in the parade and celebrated its recent undefeated season and championship in the Niagara Orleans Football Association.
ARG Disposal & Transfer, a dumpster rental service in Albion, decorated float for the hometown parade.
Vendi Excavating & Septic of Rochester decorated some of their trucks in lights.
Hearth & Home Real Estate in Albion was the first float in the parade.
Painted Sky Ranch in Brockport brought several horses for the parade.
Luddy’s Equipment Rental of Albion decorated a float for the parade.
Four Seasons Stables in Lanesborough, Mass. brought horses and a float for the parade.
Head Start from Community Action had a large group participating in the parade.
Quill’s Towing in Barre joined in the parade.
Town and Country Quilt Shop created a float.
Some Albion students led by music teacher Karen Conn sang Christmas carols in the parade.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 December 2025 at 9:38 am
Monday Boys Basketball – Oakfield-Alabama at Barker, 6:30 p.m.; Albion at LeRoy, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Global Concepts, 6:30 p.m.; Albion at Byron-Bergen, Barker at Elba, Red Jacket at Holley, Kendall at Avon, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Maryvale at Medina, Cleve Hill at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, Holley at Attica, Kendall at Alexander, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Newfane at Wilson, 6:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Starpoint, 7 p.m. Swimming – Albion at Newfane, 5 p.m.
Wednesday Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, Holley at Attica, Kendall at Alexander, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Newfane at Medina, Roy-Hart/Barker at Wilson, Alexander/Pembroke at Lyndonville, Byron-Bergen at Holley-Kendall, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Byron-Bergen at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Wilson at Barker, 6 p.m.; Albion at Newfane, 6:30 p.m. Swimming – Akron at Albion, 5 p.m. Wrestling – Albion at Akron, 6 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Barker at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina, Newfane at Albion, 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Gananda, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Medina at Roy-Hart, 5:30 p.m.; Byron-Bergen at Holley, Attica at Kendall, 7 p.m. Swimming – Medina at Roy-Hart/Barker, 5 p.m.
Saturday Girls Basketball – Letchworth at Albion, 12 p.m. Wrestling – Holley-Kendall at East Rochester Tournament
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2025 at 8:40 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Barre Betterment Committee held its annual tractor parade on Saturday in Barre. The top photo shows some of the participants getting ready for the parade at the Van Lieshout farm on East Barre Road.
The parade started at the farm and headed north on Route 98 to the Barre Town Park.
More than dozen tractors and other farm and construction equipment were part of the procession on a 22-degree evening.
Tractors and farm equipment used the Van Lie Shout farm as a staging area before the Barre Tractor Parade on Dec. 13, 2025. The Barre water tower is in the background.
Kurt Dudley rides his tractor in the parade.
Mike Van Lieshout has his tractor decorated with lots of lights.
Lee Markle drives this tractor pulling a float for the West Barre Church. Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, hitched a ride on the float.
Keeler Construction wished the community a Merry Christmas.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 December 2025 at 9:53 pm
Lyndonville’s annual Fred Large Memorial Wrestling Tournament held today included two girls weight classes with Albion and Lyndonville girls claiming top honors.
In the 113-123 lb. class, Albion’s Mia Standish took top honors going 3-0. Lyndonville’s Emily Garcia went 2-1 to take second place.
In the 132-146 lb. class, Lyndonville’s Ainsley Vann went 3-0 to take first place honors. Lew-Port’s Mariana Bucelato finished second going 2-1.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 December 2025 at 8:33 pm
Improving to 2-1, Roy-Hart downed host Attica 55-41 in a non league boys basketball game this evening.
Matt Aquilina poured in 24 and Tysen McCaa had 9 to set the pace for the Rams which led by 8 (14-6) after the first quarter, by 10 (29-19) at the half and by 12 (42-30) at the end of the third quarter. Aquilina scored 8 in the second quarter and 7 in the third.
Roy-Hart next hosts Cleveland Hill in another non league game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Rams then begin Niagara-Orleans League competition at Medina on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Wilson 70, Tully 52
Wilson defeated Tully (Section III near Syracuse) 70-52 this evening in the championship game of the Wilson Tip-Off Tournament.
Aidan Neumann scored 29 and Ryan Hough 16 to lead the Lakemen. Neumann surpassed the 1,000 career points milestone.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 December 2025 at 5:15 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Jake Gidley works against CSAT’s Dieu Mera Babuliza in a 144 lb. bout at the Fred Large Memorial Tournament today at Lyndonville.
Holley-Kendall had two individual weight class champions and host Lyndonville one at the annual Fred Large Memorial Wrestling Tournament today.
Jeremy Lutes won at 103 and Brenden Eichas at 138 for Holley-Kendall. Lutes pinned Nathan Dollinger (McQuaid) in 3:34 in his title bout while Eichas went 3-0 in round robin competition at 138.
Lyndonville’s Shannon Withey won at 165 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Medina’s Tyler Raduns in the finals.
Wilson also had two champions in Roman Zarbo (110) and Victor Cusatis (157) as did Byron-Bergen with James Lamb (150) and Soloman Smith (170).
Holley-Kendall also had Parker Denning (144) place third, Kohle Pachla (126) fifth and Jacob Abrams (150), Carter McGrain (175), Tyler Davenport (190) and Aiden McGrain (215) sixth.
Lyndonville also had Brody Hazel (150) and Ben Doolan (190) place second, Justin Holmes (126) third, Abby Alexander (110), Greyson Romano (175) and Bryson Hazel (103) fourth, and Iziah Rodriguez (118), Jake Gidley (144) and Michael Alexander (157) sixth.
Medina had Luke Duffina (132) place second and Jake Duffina (118) fifth.
Albion’s Jackson Snook placed third at 285.
Niagara Falls won the team title with 220 points as Wayne (133), Byron-Bergen (120), Lyndonville (119.5) and Holley-Kendall (89) rounded out the top five.
Medina’s Jake Duffina works against Lyndonville’s Iziah Rodriguez in a 118 lb. match.
Holley-Kendall’s Kohle Pachla in action against Ace Komme from Williamson/Sodus/Marion.
WEST BARRE – Mildred Anne Paine, who grew up in the cobblestone house on Pine Hill Road in the Town of Barre, spent over forty years of her adult life as a missionary in Japan. Hers is a remarkable story.
