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Assembly candidate thanks volunteers for collecting signatures to get on ballot, ready to bring new voice to Albany

Posted 20 April 2026 at 10:08 am

Editor:

To the many volunteers who took the time to brave the cold and knock on doors, thank you for your efforts in gathering petition signatures for me to get on the ballot. That was a lot of precious time and energy.

I needed 500 signatures to earn my name on the ballot this November. Together we collected over 1,000! Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer their phones to talk with me about what issues matter to you. Thank you to those who believe in me and have, in some capacity, already contributed to my campaign.

For those of you who have doubts, I would like to share some information. The only qualifications to run for state assembly are being a US citizen, 18 years old, a resident of the state for 5 years, and a resident of the district for 12 months preceding election.

My qualifications: Born in USA, 43 years old, NY resident my entire life, district resident my entire life minus a few years in my 20s in neighboring counties. If they are willing to potentially let 18 years hold the same office, I think I am more than capable of learning the job.

From the start of my activism I have always been clear that I’m not hiding. There’s resources that tell people where I am and when I’ll be there. I encourage you to come talk to me in person. You might be surprised how much we have in common.

The very first article ever written about me was last year for the April 5th Hands off protest. In the article there was a picture of me holding a sign that said “hands off our bodies.” There were definitely hundreds of other topics I could have picked instead but it was no accident choosing this one.

I knew it would be controversial and get people talking. I was immediately met with an onslaught of nasty comments and character critics from total strangers. Still I persisted. I showed up on the day of the protest and made a point to talk to as many of the 300 participants that I could.

I went on to organize a handful more protests and every time I was met with the same response. Seeing other people trying to do something, anything, in a time that is discouraging and isolating gave them hope.

As I kept meeting more and more new people, something else became a common topic, that a majority of people feel misrepresented or underrepresented by their elected officials. When I would ask them who specifically I got the same response, all of them. From the community members on the town boards to the congressional representatives, and everyone in between. People are looking for change. Too many of our races for office are uncontested. Meaning candidates were/are running unopposed, which is an automatic win.

People should have a choice. Given the state of our country we are a heavily divided nation between two parties. If anyone had a chance at getting traction as an opponent I had to run as a democrat. I have always been a no party voter and even now with a D after my name on the ballot I still vote for the better candidate. I didn’t want to primary Mr. Hawley, I wanted to run against him. If I was going to win I wanted it to be earned not handed to me because I beat him in a primary. Political races should be contested. Every race, every seat, every time.

Running for office for me isn’t difficult. Burying your best friend you had had since kindergarten at age 33. That’s difficult. Knowing they died from a completely treatable condition, because they had no health insurance and were too proud to apply for Medicaid, even though they were the exact person that system was designed for. That’s difficult.

Navigating a cancer diagnosis alone, weeks after burying that friend. That’s difficult. Having cancer removal surgery a few months later and having to ask co-workers for a ride to and from the hospital, because your family couldn’t be bothered to return one day early from being snowbirds. That’s difficult. Having to support yourself, with no one else helping to pay the bills, no one to help with dishes, the laundry, the cooking. That’s difficult.

Navigating a broken healthcare system, with chronic undiagnosed medical issues and being told there’s nothing wrong with you, even though you’re living it so you know that’s not true. That’s difficult. Having to drop out of college, 12 credits from earning your bachelor’s degree, because you ran out of money and all the resources to keep going. Thus meaning having to pivot and figure something else out for your life, giving up on your hopes and dreams. That’s difficult.

Being told your whole life you aren’t good enough by the same people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. That’s difficult. Being a statistic of sexual assault by a family member and having no one believe you. That’s difficult.

So no, running for office, that’s not difficult. Dealing with internet trolls and hate speech from people who have never met me or don’t know my story. That’s not difficult. Other people’s opinions of me are none of my business.

All winter long I’ve been proving my point of not hiding by wearing my bright red coat. I’m sure you’ve seen me, I’m hard to miss, 6 feet tall bright red coat. I’m not hiding. Come talk to me. I’m sure you’ll find we have a lot more in common than you think. If I win this election I will be a representative of everyone. I want to hear from everyone, regardless of political affiliations. I want to be an advocate for the betterment of everyone. I don’t care if you have an R or D after your name. I don’t care if we don’t agree on every issue. We should work together to make a better place for everyone.

Why should people have to stay in their circumstances just because they were born into them? No one asks to be born, and no one really gets to decide where they are born. We all bleed red, we all have hearts, and lungs, and livers, and kidneys. We are all the same inside.

So why are we so divided by what’s on the outside? Hate is a learned behavior. Choose kindness, compassion and love. At the end of the day we all are going to die at some time. So why spend life making it harder for someone else? Choose kindness, compassion and love. I have worked a lot of jobs and have seen a lot of ugliness. Choose kindness, compassion and love.

I’m your Doordash driver. I know the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, I live it every day. I also work a blue collar factory job. I  know what it means to get your hands dirty or work 60+ hour weeks to keep a roof over your head and food in your belly. I’ve sat near you in local restaurants, movie theaters, and bars.

Running for office was never about me. It’s about advocating for my friends and neighbors at a table that has the potential to make a difference. I’m not afraid, I’m not hiding, so come find me. Let’s chat.

Sarah Wolcott

Batavia

Candidate for New York State Assembly District 139

Union for corrections officers says prisons becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous

Posted 20 April 2026 at 9:53 am

Press Release, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

ALBANY – Today, NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul on behalf of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, declaring that the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is in a full-scale systemic emergency.

The letter details an alarming surge in violence, dangerous contraband, staff assaults, overdoses, exposures, and deaths inside state prisons. Specific recent incidents include:

  • At Mohawk Correctional Facility, three correction officers and two National Guard members were hospitalized after exposure to an unknown substance on papers brought in by a visitor; one officer required intensive care and a ventilator.
  • At Clinton Correctional Facility, eight officers were injured in just six days across five separate incidents involving assaults by intoxicated incarcerated individuals and large-scale disturbances with recovered weapons.
  • At Coxsackie, a convicted murderer attacked officers with a broken pen, seriously injuring staff.
  • At Lakeview, a counselor and an officer were brutally assaulted in a classroom; the same individual later assaulted staff again at Attica while housed in a Residential Rehabilitation Unit (RRU).
  • At Upstate Correctional Facility, one incarcerated individual murdered his bunkmate — a preventable tragedy that a review of the perpetrator’s history shows was foreseeable.

In addition, two separate inmate-on-inmate deaths at Riverview, and Gouverneur are under State Police investigation, and DOCCS data shows 44 incarcerated deaths year-to-date as of April 1, including six suicides. Officers at Riverview recently intercepted more than two pounds of marijuana smuggled in a microwave shipment, and multiple visitors have been caught attempting to bring in contraband.

President Summers stated:

“Our correctional facilities are no longer operating under normal conditions. They are under extreme pressure and becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous for everyone inside the walls. Our members are being assaulted. Staff are being exposed to unknown and potentially lethal substances. Contraband is flooding the system and driving disorder, medical emergencies, violence, and death. This is a crisis that demands the Governor’s direct and personal intervention.”

The letter urges Governor Hochul to immediately engage with the State Legislature and advocate for the adoption of the Statewide HALT Committee’s balanced recommendations to amend the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act.

Those recommendations include expanding serious offenses eligible for segregated confinement, allowing temporary SHU or RRU placement for protective custody when safety risks are unreasonable, and permitting up to 15 days of SHU for repeated misconduct after alternative interventions have failed.

Summers further called for stronger penalties under New York’s contraband laws for smuggling drugs, weapons, and toxic materials into facilities — whether by visitors, mail, packages, or external deliveries — and for a comprehensive statewide strategy to reduce and ultimately eliminate double bunking where it compromises security and human safety.

“The safety of the men and women who work in our state prisons — and the stability of the entire correctional system — now rests on Governor Hochul’s leadership,” Summers concluded. “We implore her to use the full weight of her office to ensure these critical reforms are passed swiftly. NYSCOPBA stands ready to meet with the Governor or her staff at the earliest opportunity to provide any additional information or support required. The time for action is now.”

Large local group on FLCC diamond squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 April 2026 at 9:43 am

Contributed Photos – This spring’s Finger Lakes Community College baseball team includes a large group of local players. That contingent includes, from left, Medina’s Julian Woodworth, a sophomore outfielder, along with the Roy-Hart duo of Ethan Kuzma, a sophomore catcher, and Jacob Gould, a sophomore infielder.

The local FLCC diamond group also includes, from left, Kendall’s Zack Barrett, a sophomore pitcher, along with the Wilson duo of Connor Ernest, a sophomore pitcher, and Tyler Durow, a sophomore catcher. FLCC is now 21-13 overall on the season.

Gas prices hold steady in Orleans, down 8 cents nationally in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2026 at 9:26 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for gas at the Medina Crosby’s on Saturday included $4.19 for regular unleaded, $5.09 for premium and $5.99 for diesel.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Orleans County stayed at $4.18 a gallon today, the same price as a week ago. That price at $4.176 is the highest among the Western New York counties today.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.05, down 8 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.16, AAA reported today.

The state-wide average is $4.11 today, which is down 2 cents from a week ago. A year ago, it was $3.09, AAA said.

“Gas prices began to drop last week following a sharp decline in oil prices after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran,” AAA said this morning in a news release. “Since then, the price for a barrel of crude oil has continued to trade below $100. However, maritime traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued as regional tensions persist and negotiations continue.

“This morning, oil prices range from $88 to $94 per barrel. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand is up while total domestic gasoline supply is down. Meanwhile, gasoline production is on the rise.”

Here are the average prices among WNY counties:

  • Orleans, $4.176
  • Genesee, $4.158
  • Monroe, $4.170
  • Niagara, $4.078
  • Erie, $4.166
  • Wyoming, $4.150
  • Livingston, $4.174
  • Chautauqua, $4.124
  • Cattaraugus, $3.877
  • Allegany, $4.080

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.408.

The diesel price is at $5.920 today, which is down 3 cents from a  week ago. A year ago, diesel was at $3.906.

Historian shares the tale of jumping bass at the Oak Orchard

Posted 19 April 2026 at 10:01 pm

Oak Orchard on a serene day, 1900

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 9

CARLTON – You may have heard of bass jumping out of the water.

But have you heard about bass jumping out of water and into a boat?

A recent Orleans Hub article about restocking fish at Oak Orchard reminded us of this true tale recorded by Helen Allen in the 1940’s. Allen was a Town of Carlton historian and a 50-year local correspondent for the Orleans Republican.

She interviewed many older residents and chronicled their recollections. John Podgers, a blacksmith, was one of her sources. At one time, he had a steamboat which he used to take passengers up and down the Oak Orchard Creek and out on Lake Ontario, charging ten cents a person. He told tales of sudden onset storms out on the lake and close calls coming into the harbor. Helen recorded and later published Podger’s absolutely true tale of the jumping bass:

JOHN PODGER’S JUMPING BASS

“One lovely summer evening, two couples from the Inn had engaged John to take them for a ride up and down the creek. They were very tired and had come to the Inn for a quiet rest. They brought banjos and mandolins with them and played and sang as they rode along. John said the music there on the water sounded beautiful and he was enjoying it immensely.

Suddenly the nocturnal harmony was shattered by a woman’s scream and the clatter of mandolins dropped to the bottom of the boat! He looked around to see what had happened. The two ladies had dropped their instruments and were crouched up on the seat. A big black bass was flopping about on the bottom of the boat. The ladies were still moaning in terror, but the men were too excited to notice.

“Will that fish jump out?” asked one.

“Well,” John said, “he jumped in so I guess he’ll jump out if he wants to.”

At that, the man made a lunge and grabbed the fish with both hands.

“I brought out fifty dollars’ worth of fishing tackles and have been fishing for a week without getting a bite,” he said, “and this fish is not getting away.”

The ladies wanted to go in but the men insisted John go up the creek again. The bass kept jumping and soon there were six big ones in the boat. By this time their wives were in hysterics and the men had to take them ashore.

One of the men found a pail to carry the fish in and he said to John, “Come up to the hotel with me for no one will believe me when I tell this story.”

At the Inn everyone admired the bass. They weighed them and found the six totaled eighteen pounds, but no one would believe that they had jumped into the boat. So, John was engaged to take all the men from the hotel on a fishing expedition the next evening. The two musical ladies were in such a state they had to be sent home but their husbands stayed to prove the truthfulness of their story.

The next evening, a jeering crowd of men rode up and down the creek for a time without anything happening, but when it became dark enough for the steamer’s headlight to shine clearly over the water, the bass started jumping again and several landed in the boat.

After that, John and his boat were in great demand. Guests from the hotels, cottages, neighbors and people from Albion and farther away went out nearly every night. Usually, the black bass were accommodating but sometimes there was disappointment as some friend or relative was brought from a distance to see the jumping fish and nary a one showed up.

One evening, Elder Brown, the Presbyterian minister was in the boat when a bass landed on the canopy on top of the boat, flopped about for a minute and then slid off the other side. When they went ashore that night, Elder Brown told his friends that the fish had now taken to jumping right over the boat.

Charles Hart hired a fishing boat and followed the steamer. Quite a crowd of men were in the two boats and John said that the black bass were in great jumping form that night. Every time one landed in either boat, the men would yell and there was great excitement to see which one would get the bigger catch.

The steamer won out but together they caught 52 fish, and a bushel basket would not hold them all. Of course, only a small proportion of the bass that jumped landed in the boats and John said that from his position in the bow looking down the beam of the light, the fish were breaking water so fast that it looked as if the whole creek was boiling.

It was a fantastic sight, the bubbling water, the many fish jumping just above the surface and many more that leaped high and then came horizontally for a few feet, straight toward the headlight, with wiggling fins and tails and wet glistening bodies as if swimming through the air, and then dropped back into the water or into the boat.

The jumping bass of Oak Orchard Creek was the chief topic of conversation in a wide area of western New York and even in more distant places for a time.

The nest year the black bass appeared to be more sophisticated and scarcely noticed the steamboat’s headlight.”

Incidentally, the Oak Orchard River Bass Anglers Club is still active; it was started in 1975 by Jack Ainslie and Mike Elam.

Top 10 finish for Green at LA Championship

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 April 2026 at 9:00 pm

Golf Channel Photo – Melanie Green waits to tee off at today’s final round of the LPGAs’s LA Championship tournament.

Surviving a very up and down day at today’s final round, Medina’s Melanie Green has posted a top 10 finish at the LPGA Tour’s LA Championship Tournament at Los Angeles.

Green posted a 1 over par round of 73 today to finish the four day tournament with an 11 under total and a tie for 9th place.

The first two holes set the tone for today’s wild roller coaster ride as she birdied 1 to go to 13 under only to bogey 2 to go back to 12 under.

That trend repeated itself a couple of holes later as she again birdied 4 to go 13 under only to bogey 5 to go back to 12 under.

Bogeys on 10 and 12 dropped her to 10 under but she regrouped answering with birdies on 14 and 15 to go back to 12 under.

However the roller-coaster ride had one more dip as a bogey on the par 3 17th hole dropped her back to 11 under, a score she held with a pair on 18.

She finished the tourney with a 277 total after rounds of 67, 68, 69 and 73.

The tie for 9th was her best finish in what was only the fourth tourney of this her LPGA rookie season.

Marti’s art gallery in Albion kicks off new season with expanded calendar

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2026 at 11:36 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – George Graham of Oakfield holds a stone sculpture he made called the “English Rose” that is featured at the Marti’s on Main art gallery. Graham’s piece is made from Indiana limestone. Behind him on mantel are two more of his sculptures: “Floppy Disk” made of alabaster and “Mobius II” made from Pink Wonderstone.

Graham and Richard Bannister will be featured sculptors at Marti’s which kicked off a new season of art shows on Friday. The gallery at 20 South Main St. also is having an open house today from noon to 4 p.m.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella, the gallery’s owner, has an expanded lineup of shows this year, up from six last year to eight in 2026. This is Marti’s 16th season of doing art shows in Albion.

These paintings were created by Dr. Athena Nichols, an Albion High School art teachers. Marti’s is displaying artwork by Nichols and five of her students – Hanna Kumulac, Aubrey Gannon, Nerik Santiago Franco, Lindsay Crawford and Mickhale Meyer-Lane.

The schedule and the opening celebations on the third Friday each month include:

  • April 17 – Albion High School Seniors Show and Tony Barry
  • May 15 – Becky Winans, Cindy Meal and Mark Weld
  • June 19 – Arthur Barnes, Marco Rodrigues, David Burke and Rosie Patronski
  • July 17 – Kim Martillotta, Richard Della Costa, Nancy Radzik and Rebecca-Berry Kent
  • Aug. 21 – Jan Kisiel, Jenna Papponetti, Paul Facklam and Sharon Stewart
  • Sept. 18 – Jennifer Hecker, Jeff Watkins, Jill Gussow and Rosanne Mascari
  • Oct. 16 – Sam Roskowski and Susan Cameron-Duffy
  • Nov. 20 – Shirley Nigro, Elizabeth Cooper, Paul Martin and Geoff Harding

For more information on the gallery, call Martillotta at 585-590-9211.

Artwork by Hanna Kumulac

Photography by Mickhale Meyer-Lane

Artwork by Aubrey Gannon

Kermit and giraffe artwork by Lindsay Crawford and artwork at right by Aubrey Gannon

Weekly high school sports schedule

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 April 2026 at 9:56 am

Monday
Baseball – Barker at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Albion vs. Medina site and time to be determined
Softball – Albion at Medina, Akron at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Elba, Kendall at Pembroke, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Newfane at Albion, Roy-Hart at Medina, Barker at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Baseball – Alexander at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Attica, 5 p.m.
Softball – Kendall at Medina, 4:30 p.m.; Wilson at Roy-Hart, Notre Dame at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Perry at Holley, 5:15 p.m.
Lacrosse – East Aurora at Medina, 7 p.m.
Track – Roy-Hart at Medina, Newfane at Albion, Barker at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday
Baseball – Albion at Barker, Newfane at Roy-Hart, Akron at Wilson 4:45 p.m.
Softball – Medina at Akron, Wilson at Albion, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Attica at Lyndonville, Alexander at Kendall, Holley at Oakfield-Alabama, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Albion at Barker, Wilson at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Akron

Thursday
Baseball – CSAT at Lyndonville, Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 5 p.m.
Softball – Byron-Bergen at Albion, Alexander at Barker, 5 p.m.
Lacrosse – Medina at Newfane, 7 p.m.
Track – Albion at Barker, Wilson at Roy-Hart, Akron at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.

Friday
Baseball – Brockport at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Barker at Albion, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Softball – Newfane at Medina, Barker at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, Byron-Bergen at Kendall, Holley at Pembroke, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Roy-Hart at Albion, Barker at Akron

Saturday
Baseball – Pavilion/York at Albion, Pembroke at Lyndonville, 11 a.m.; Roy-Hart at Williamsville South, 12 p.m.; City Honors at Medina, 7 p.m.
Softball – Holley at Notre Dame, 11 a.m.; Roy-Hart at Lyndonville, 2 p.m.

 

NYU students filming at Pratt theater in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2026 at 8:43 am

‘Madam George’ expected to be entered in film festivals

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Maja Korsika, a filmmaker and student at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, is shown in the Pratt theater in downtown Albion on Saturday. Korsika is the writer and director of a short film, Madam George, which she described as an absurdist comedy.

Korsika and a team of about 20-25 people will be spending four days in Albion working on the 12-minute film.

Korsika was looking up photos of the Pratt Center in New York City when she came across photo of the Pratt theater in Albion on the internet. Those photos by Walter Jakubowski showed the opera house in Albion as an authentic theater from about a century ago.

Crew members getting ready to shoot a scene inside the Pratt Theater on Saturday. The crew arrived in Albion about 2 a.m. Saturday and will be busy making the film this weekend.

The Pratt Opera House was built in 1882 by a local farmer, John Pratt. The Pratt was largely unused after 1930, until Michael Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler worked to save the site over the past 20 years at 114-120 North Main St.

When Korsika saw the photos online of the Pratt Theater, she went to the Pratt website and contacted Bonafede to ask if she could see the theater. She and two others from her team drove from New York City in early March and toured the opera house.

She was convinced the Pratt would be an ideal backdrop for her film.

“I like the rawness of the this theater,” she said. “There is so much imperfection that makes it so cinematic.”

The brick walls and wooden floors are better than a sterile “black box” studio for making the film, she said.

The Pratt stage needed to be cleared out to accommodate the filmmakers. Bonafede had drums and percussion equipment on the stage from concerts in 2024, as well as historic wall hangings and amplifiers. He was able to mobilize a group to move all of those items last week.

He is hopeful the film will allow more people to see the Pratt theater and Albion, which has many historic resources besides an authentic opera house. Albion is home to five districts on the National Register of Historic Places – Courthouse Square, downtown Albion, Mount Albion Cemetery, the Cobblestone Museum and Erie Canal.

“This will shine a good light on the community,” Bonafede said about the film.

Korsika said she and her team will do the coloring and sound design after the filming in Albion. She plans to enter “Madam George” in film festivals with a premiere in late summer or early fall.

Korsika is thankful for the accommodations and hospitality of the Bonafede family and the Albion community.

Photos courtesy of Taylor McCabe

In one scene on Saturday, West Bank Street needed to be closed briefly to traffic. The Albion Police Department was able to block off the street for about 20 minutes beginning around 10:30 a.m.

The group is shown with dancers in the GAR room, which used as a gathering place of Civil war veterans from 1884 to 1930. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) room is on the third floor of the Day and Day building next to the Pratt.

The film crew is expected to shoot scenes today at the Pratt and on Beaver Alley.

Strong finish keeps Green in title contention at the LPGA’s LA Championship

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 9:21 pm

Golf Channel Photo – Melanie Green celebrates after making a birdie putt on the 9th hole today at the LA Championship.

A strong finish at today’s third round has kept Medina’s Melanie Green in title contention at the LPGA Tour’s LA Championship Tournament at Los Angeles.

Registering birdies on two of the final three holes earned Green a 3 under par round of 69 on the day good for tourney total of 12 under and a tie for sixth place only three shots back of the leader.

Green, who was 9 under going into today’s round improved to 11 under on the front nine with birdies on 2 and 9.

She then rebounded strongly from a bogey on 14 to register clutch birdies on 16 and 18 to take a 12 under score into Sunday’s title deciding final round.

Green opened the tourney with a sizzling 5 under par round of 67 on Thursday and followed that up with a strong 4 under par round of 68 on Friday to vault her to 9 under and a spot in the top five.

Being among the leaders Green was shown on several holes during the Golf Channel’s three hour telecast this evening including a shot of her making a huge birdie putt on 18 to keep a hold of a share of sixth place.

OCH has navigators to help access health insurance through the marketplace

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 April 2026 at 6:24 pm

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the launch of its New York State of Health Marketplace Assistance Program for 2026, made possible through a newly awarded grant supporting residents in both Orleans and Genesee counties.

They hope to extend the funding beyond 2026 to continue meeting the growing need for accessible health insurance guidance in the region, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at OCH.

“Access to health coverage is foundational to building healthier communities,” Robinson said. “This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure residents understand their options and receive the assistance they need at no cost.”

This initiative is part of OCH’s larger Healthy Communities Program, designed to provide health and wellness information to community members of all ages.

Through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health, certified navigators are now available to help individuals and families navigate their health insurance options through the NY State of Health Marketplace.

Navigators provide clear, unbiased information about available health insurance plans, helping residents compare coverage options, understand benefits and select plans that best meet their needs. These trained assistors offer personalized, one-on-one support to guide individuals through the enrollment process.

This free and confidential service is available at no cost to the community and includes assistance with:

  • Applying for health insurance coverage
  • Renewing or updating coverage plans
  • Understanding eligibility for financial assistance
  • Answering questions about available options and plan choices

One certified navigator will be based at the Batavia Dialysis Center and another at Medina Memorial Hospital. In addition to these locations, additional team members are available to assist, expanding the program’s reach across the region.

Beyond on-site appointments, certified navigators will conduct extensive community outreach, meeting individuals where it is most convenient – including community centers, libraries, partner organizations and local events. Navigators are already traveling to additional locations to further increase access and reduce barriers to enrollment.

Appointments are available by scheduling in advance, ensuring each individual receives dedicated time and support. All services are provided in a confidential setting, with a focus on helping residents find coverage that fits their unique needs.

Community members interested in scheduling an appointment, as well as organizations interested in hosting outreach visits, are encouraged to contact Orleans Community Health or visit OrleansCommunityHealth.org for more information.

Navigators may be reached directly by calling Jordan Grollmes in Orleans County at (585) 798-2476 or Dennis Ziolkowski in Genesee County at (585) 798-8125.

Public urged to take ‘Walk in Nurses’ Shoes’ challenge, covering 105 miles in May

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 April 2026 at 6:21 pm

MEDINA – Nurses at Orleans Community Health walk an average of 105 miles every month, caring for patients, according to Megan Johnson, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

“This May, we are inviting the community to try it,” Johnson said. “Not because it’s easy, but because it matters.”

May is designated as “Walk a Month in a Nurses’ Shoes” month, a virtual challenge where individuals walk 105 miles throughout May, while raising support for patient care, right here in our community, Johnson said. Orleans Community Health’s goal is $10,000.

Participants are encouraged to ask friends and family to support their journey with pledges or donations. They may walk at their own pace and track their miles however they choose.

The challenge follows a successful inaugural event in 2025.

Throughout the month of May, participants are encouraged to commit to walking 105 miles at their own pace – whether indoors or outdoors, individually or as part of a team. This flexible, inclusive format allows anyone to participate, regardless of fitness level or schedule.

Highlights of the event also include weekly prizes and community recognition, awards for top fundraisers and teams and friendly competition and community engagement.

“We were incredibly encouraged by the community’s response in 2025,” Johnson said. “This challenge is more than just a fitness goal – it’s a way to recognize the tireless work of our nurses and come together to make a meaningful impact on patient care in our community.”

“Whether you hit all 105 miles or just take the first step, you’re making a difference, because every dollar raised helps ensure care stays close to home for the people who need it most,” Johnson said. “Let’s show our nurses what their work means in this community – one step at a time.”

Donations can be sent to Orleans Community Health Foundation with the name of the person to be credited and their name will be added to the page.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit patient care initiatives at Orleans Community Health.

Kendall downs Pembroke in G-R tennis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 5:56 pm

The Kendall Eagles Tennis team downed visiting Pembroke 4-1 in a Genesee Region League match Friday to improve to 2-0.
1st singles- Jonny Esposito (K) def D.J. Hale (P): 6-2, 6-3
2nd singles- Joe Fagan (K) def Gage Baker (P): 6-1, 6-0
3rd singles- Mitch Buzard (K) def Angelo Woods (P): 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

1st doubles- Aidan Kwiatkowski/Lucas Barrett (K) def Tyler Koepf/Leo Lang (P): 7-5, 7-6 (7-4)
2nd doubles- Reece Starowicz/Camden Schneider (P) def Devin Derosia/Anthony Seymour (K): 6-2, 6-1