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Office for the Aging hosting Medicare Vendor Fair on Nov. 10 at Hoag Library
Press Release, Orleans County Office for the Aging
ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging will be hosting a Medicare vendor fair on Nov. 10 at Hoag Library.
The fair is for Medicare beneficiaries during the fall Annual Open Enrollment period which runs from October 15th through December 7th. Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review plan information and make educated decisions on what they want their coverage to be starting January 1, 2027.
During the vendor fair, representatives from Medicare Advantage Plans will be present to assist people in understanding changes in current plans and discuss any new plans for 2027. They can also help those interested enroll in a plan.
Attendees should bring their original Medicare Card and a list of both their prescription drugs and medical providers. Health insurance counselors from OFA will also be on hand to answer questions and screen for benefits.
The Medicare vendor fairs will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion.
Registration for the event is encouraged. Light refreshments will be served. For registration and additional information, call OFA at 585-589-3191.
Historian’s column: Evocative photos from yesteryear in Albion show a variety of businesses
Enterprises included road sprinkler to quell dust, coal yard along canal, bean-sorting operation
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 29
ALBION – This column features a sampling of evocative photographs of times gone by in Albion.
The top photograph dates to 1910 when the canal area adjacent to the swing bridge in Albion was being enlarged.
Ralph Vick, Maurice Schwartz and Don Campbell are seen here standing on the old canal bank which was dredged that summer. A fleet of boats ferrying a cargo of lumber waits its turn. The bridge swung from the center of the canal so that boats could pass on either side.
This 1905 photo shows coal being unloaded from a canal boat at John Howard’s Coal Yard at the foot of Clinton St., Albion. Hard, dusty work. Several men on the canal boat shoveled coal into the large bucket which was hoisted by pulley to the top of the large chute and then emptied into the coal barn.
Later, the coal was loaded onto wagons and delivered to area businesses and homes. Coal was the primary source of fuel for power and heat. John Howard’s was one of five coal yards located by the canal in the early 1900s.
This eye-catching photo shows a group of about 50 female workers who worked during the winter months at the M. W. Tilden warehouse located at the north end of West Academy Street. in Albion. The workers hand sorted beans on a conveyor belt and removed imperfect beans, stones and debris. Rejected beans, known as “poor beans” were sold to farmers who cooked them to feed swine.
The photograph was taken in 1911, around the time the warehouse was purchased by the state for the canal widening project. As it transpired, that area was not used in the widening project.
Unpaved municipal streets became very dusty during the summer. Sprinkling water on road surfaces helped quell the dust. The Village of Albion contracted with Shourds Bros., then located on the north end of Platt St., to provide this service which was included in property taxes.
If a property owner was delinquent in payment of taxes, the street area in front of that property was not sprinkled. Shourds Bros. also sprinkled the racetrack at the Orleans County Fairgrounds before and after every race and as otherwise needed.
A water tank can be seen in the center of the photograph. A large wooden tank is being filled. The tank sits on a wagon which was pulled by a team of horses.
Treasure Island set for Nov. 7 to benefit Medina Memorial, Orleans Community Health
Provided photos: This group enjoys a previous Treasure Island fundraiser at the White Birch Golf Course. The 32ndannual event will be on Nov. 7.
LYNDONVILLE – Trips to Cape Cod and Myrtle Beach, Bills tickets and about 100 other prizes await those who attend Orleans Community Health’s 32 annual Treasure Island.
The gala fundraiser will take place Nov. 7 at White Birch Golf Course, beginning at 5 p.m.
Sponsored by Orleans Community Health Foundation, the event has brought the community together for a night of fun in support of local healthcare, according to Foundation director Megan Johnson.
This year’s event features more than 100 silent auction items, 11 dinner stations, a three-hour open bar and music provided by DJ JT Thomas. Live auction packages include a one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, memorabilia from the Bills’ Super Bown eras and a package featuring cash and 14 different gift cards.
Treasure Island includes many sought-after items in its auction.
Silent auction items include tickets to Shea’s Theater, box seats to the Nutcracker, pizza for a year from Mark’s Pizzeria, overnight stays and free play at Batavia Downs, along with many other items and experiences – all donated by local business and individuals.
Bidding, for ticketed guests only, is online via the app, which can be accessed on the Orleans Community Health’s Treasure Island website.
Returning to lead the live auction will be Wes Pickreign.
Presenting sponsor is Seaway Insurance Associates, along with Palm Tree sponsors Takeform, Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union and Baxter; Coconut sponsors, Mitchell Family Funeral Homes, WNY Energy and Manning & Napier.
“We’re fortunate to have so many businesses and individuals who continue to support Treasure Island year after year,” Johnson said. “It’s a fun evening that brings our community together, but more importantly, every ticket purchased, sponsorships and auction donations help support the hospital and the care we provide to our friends, families and neighbors.”
Treasure Island is OCH’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds benefit expanding essential health services and enhancing patient care at Orleans Community Health.
Tickets are $60 per person or $450 for a reserved table of eight. The event is open to guests age 21 or older. Tickets may be purchased online at https://auctria.events/Treasure Island.
Medina Marching Band takes 1st in latest competition, with finals on Nov. 1
Photo and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters
The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Greece on Saturday for their sixth competition this season. There were six bands in total in different classifications performing to a sell-out crowd in beautiful weather conditions.
Medina & Le Roy are both classed in SS2 and Medina scored 85.20 followed by Le Roy with 83.65.
Other bands performing this night were Marcus Whitman in SS3 with 77.20, Hilton in LS3 with 77.35, Greece in LS2 with 87.25 and East Irondequoit in SS1 with 90.0.
The season finale is Sunday, Nov. 1st in the Carrier Dome/JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse when all of the bands that participate in this conference will perform in competition. This is approximately 50 bands in 6 different classes.
During the championships on Nov. 1, there will be nine bands competing in SS2. The schedule for that division includes:
- 2:20 p.m. – Westmoreland
- 2:33 p.m. – Vestal
- 2:46 p.m. – Medina
- 2:59 p.m. – Johnson City
- 3:12 p.m. – Horseheads
- 3:25 p.m. – Le Roy
- 3:38 p.m. – Oswego
- 3:51 p.m. – Jordan-Elbridge
- 4:04 p.m. – Mohonasen
For more information go to www.NYSFBC.org.
OC Rivals will host Sectional opener Thursday
The OC Rivals will begin Section VI Class B football playoff competition on Thursday by hosting Iroquois at 7:05 p.m. at Vets Park.
The OC Rivals are the B1 Division’s No. 2 seed while Iroquois is the B2 Division’s No. 3 seed.
The other Class B quarterfinal games, which will all be played at 7 p.m. Friday, will have Lackawanna at West Seneca East, McKinley at Depew and Maryvale at Pioneer.
West Seneca East is the No. 1 seed, McKinley No. 3 and Maryvale No. 4 from the B1 Division.
Pioneer is the No. 1 seed, Depew No. 2 and Lackawanna No. 4 from the B2 Division.
Field Hockey, Volleyball sectionals start Mon.
Section VI Class C field hockey playoff competition will get underway on Monday with four quarterfinal contests.
Those games will have No. 8 seed Newfane at No. 1 Iroquois, No. 7 Roy-Hart at No. 2 Akron, No. 6 Medina at No. 3 Barker and No. 5 Eden at No. 4 Wilson.
All at 5 p.m. games except the Medina at Barker contest which is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Volleyball sectionals
The Section VI volleyball sectionals will also begin on Monday.
In Class B1, No. 8 Albion will host No. 9 East Aurora at 6 p.m.
In Class B2, No. 9 Akron will visit No. 8 Alden at 6 p.m.
In Class C, No. 13 Medina will visit No. 4 Chautauqua Lake, No. 5 Wilson will host No. 12 Falconer and No. 2 Newfane will host No. 15 Tapestry all at 6 p.m. In addition, No. 8 Roy-Hart will host No. 9 Allegany-Limestone at 6:30 p.m.
In Section V volleyball openers on Monday at 6 p.m. No. 13 Kendall will visit No. 4 Byron-Bergen in Class C2 and No. 14 Holley will visit No. 3 Pembroke in Class C1.
In Class D2, No. 7 Lyndonville will visit No. 2 Fillmore on Friday.
Barker/Roy-Hart will host Portville in a Class C sectional quarterfinal game on Friday
Top seeded C North Division champion Barker/Roy-Hart will begin Section VI playoff competition by hosting Portville in a Class C quarterfinal game at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker.
Barker/Roy-Hart, which brings a 7-0 division record into the playoffs, is the C North No. 1 seed while Portville, is the No. 4 C South Division seed.
The victor will play the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Cleve Hill and Clymer-Sherman-Panama (CSP) in the semifinals.
The other Class C quarterfinal game on Friday will have Chautauqua Lake at Springville and JFK at Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove.
Bogeys slow Green’s final round at Korea
It was a tough final few holes as Medina’s Melanie Green posted a 2 over par 74 on Sunday’s (Korea time) final round of the LPGA Tour’s BMW Championship being played in South Korea.
Green had three bogeys over the final five holes on 14, 17 and 18. Earlier, she also had a bogey on 7 and a double bogey on 3. Those were largely off set by 4 birdies on 1, 6, 9 and 16.
She finished the tourney with rounds of 68, 72, 75 and 74 for a 289 total.
The LPGA Tour will next compete in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next week.
Lyndonville will cut ribbon on new playground this Wednesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: A team from Parkitects and others work to install playground equipment and pour concrete on Oct. 6 outside Lyndonville Central School.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district will celebrate a new playground for students and the community with a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
The new playground is accessible for children with mobility issues and disabilities. The playground was designed and installed by Parkitects, a company owned by Lyndonville graduate Ben Frasier.
Parkitects donated about $250,000 in equipment and in-kind services to the playground. The school district also was able to use $160,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for playground equipment.
Frasier and a team of 18 Parkitects employees spent most of the day on Oct. 6 installing a new playground at Lyndonville. A rubberized surface also has since been added.
Orleans Ready Mix donated concrete for the project. Those donations were lined up by Steve Grabowski, the district’s director of facilities.
Other donations included: Watson Construction Group with removal/demolition of all of the old playground equipment and 14 inches of mulch; Barre Stone Company with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Shelby Crushed Stone with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Town of Yates with hauling the stone to the school; and Medina Lumber & Hardware with pressure treated 2×12’s covering 228 linear feet around the perimeter.
The new playground includes a We-Go-Round, Sway Fun Glider, We-Saw and other equipment that will be accessible to kids of all abilities and mobilities. The previous playground was over 20 years old and wasn’t handicapped accessible.
Kendall firefighters complete very busy Fire Prevention Week at elementary school
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department has officially wrapped up its 2026 Fire Prevention Week, following five days of educational activities, interactive demonstrations, and community involvement at Kendall Elementary School.
The week, held October 19–23, brought together firefighters, students, teachers, families, and neighboring emergency service agencies to promote fire safety awareness and teach potentially lifesaving skills.
Assistant Fire Chief James Fox of the Kendall Fire Department described the week as an overwhelming success, crediting the dedication of department members, school staff, neighboring agencies, and especially Deputy Chief Mike Cole, who was responsible for planning and coordinating the entire week.
“We had an absolutely incredible week,” Fox said. “I’m honestly not sure who enjoys Fire Prevention Week more, the kids or our firefighters. Seeing the excitement on their faces and watching them learn things that could someday save their lives makes all the planning and preparation worthwhile.”
The department organized a different set of activities each day, giving students multiple opportunities to interact with firefighters and learn about fire prevention.
Monday, October 19 – Fire Prevention Week Kickoff
The week began with Kendall firefighters greeting students as they arrived at school. Later that morning, firefighters visited kindergarten classrooms to read to students and introduce important fire safety concepts.
The day’s safety message encouraged families to check their smoke detectors and replace batteries when needed.
Tuesday, October 20 – Family Safety Night
Tuesday evening brought students and their families together for Family Safety Night, held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kendall Central School tennis courts and FTF building.
Families had the opportunity to explore fire apparatus, examine firefighting gear, learn about escape planning, and enjoy pizza while interacting with local firefighters.
The evening emphasized the importance of having a family fire escape plan and knowing what to do when a smoke alarm sounds.
Wednesday, October 21 – Firefighters Visit Kendall Elementary
Wednesday featured one of the week’s most interactive experiences as firefighters visited Kendall Elementary School during the school day.
Students toured fire trucks, participated in fire hose demonstrations, and learned through a smoke simulator.
The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District joined the activities, bringing its rescue truck and giving students a closer look at specialized equipment used during emergency operations.
Orleans County Emergency Management Office also assisted by providing its Smoke House Trailer, offering students an opportunity to learn about smoke conditions and safe evacuation practices.
“Having Hamlin come out with their rescue truck and the EMO provide the smoke trailer added so much to the experience,” Fox explained. “It gives the kids a chance to see equipment and learn things they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”
Thursday, October 22 – Home Fire Escape Planning
Thursday’s activities shifted the focus to what students and their families can do at home to prepare for an emergency.
Students were encouraged to practice a home fire escape plan, identify a safe family meeting place, and discuss emergency procedures with their parents.
Families were also invited to participate in a special activity by submitting a photograph at their designated meeting location for an opportunity to enter a prize raffle.
“One of the biggest things we want kids to take away from this week is the importance of having a plan,” Fox said. “We want them going home and talking to their parents about smoke alarms, escape routes, and where everyone should meet if there’s a fire.”
Friday, October 23 – Firefighter Safety and the Pumpkin Drop
The week concluded Friday with firefighter safety presentations, a fire ladder truck question-and-answer session, and the highly anticipated pumpkin drop.
The Brockport Fire District brought its Quint, an aerial ladder truck, to Kendall Elementary School for the grand finale.
Students watched as pumpkins were dropped from the elevated ladder, providing an exciting conclusion to a week of learning and fun.
“The pumpkin drop was one of the highlights of the week,” Fox said. “The kids absolutely love it, and I think our members enjoy watching their reactions just as much. Having Brockport bring their Quint to help us finish the week was fantastic.”
Deputy Chief Mike Cole Recognized for Planning and Leadership
While Fire Prevention Week involved numerous firefighters and community partners, Fox made a point of recognizing Deputy Chief Mike Cole for the extensive work he put into organizing the entire event.
“I really want to give credit where credit is due, and that’s to our Deputy Chief, Mike Cole,” Fox said. “Mike planned this entire week and coordinated everything from start to finish. From working with the school and arranging the different activities to coordinating with neighboring departments and making sure everything came together, he put an incredible amount of time and effort into making this happen.”
Fox emphasized that much of the work involved in organizing an event of this size takes place long before students ever see a fire truck arrive at school.
“People see the fire trucks, the demonstrations, and the excitement, but they don’t always see the countless hours of preparation that go into making something like this possible,” Fox explained. “Mike deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for the work he did behind the scenes. He took the lead on this, and the success of the week really speaks for itself.”
Fox added that Cole’s commitment reflects the dedication of the department’s leadership and its continued investment in community education.
“We’re fortunate to have someone like Mike who is willing to put in that kind of time and effort for our community,” Fox said. “He did an outstanding job, and I want to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.
Fox emphasized that an event of this size would not be possible without the cooperation of multiple organizations and countless hours of preparation.
The Kendall Fire Department extended special appreciation to the Hamlin Fire Department, Brockport Fire Department, Orleans County, and the Kendall Central School District.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our neighboring departments, the school district, and our own members,” Fox explained. “Everyone came together to make this a memorable experience for the kids.”
Fox also recognized the volunteer firefighters who dedicated their time throughout the week.
“Our members are volunteers. They have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside the fire department, but they still make time to come out and spend the day with these kids,” Fox said. “That says a lot about the dedication of the people we have in this department.”
More Than Just Fire Trucks and Fun
Although the week included plenty of excitement, Fox stressed that the primary mission remains education and prevention.
“Fire Prevention Week is about much more than showing kids fire trucks and letting them spray water,” Fox said. “We’re teaching them how to recognize dangerous situations, what to do when a smoke alarm goes off, and how to get themselves and their families out safely.”
Fox explained that building positive relationships between children and firefighters is another important benefit of the program.
“We want kids to recognize firefighters as people they can trust, especially during an emergency,” Fox said. “If a child ever experiences a fire, we don’t want them to be afraid of the firefighter coming to help them. We want them to understand that we’re there to keep them safe.”
Already Looking Ahead to 2027
While this year’s activities have concluded, the Kendall Fire Department is already preparing for next year’s event.
“Believe it or not, planning for Fire Prevention Week 2027 has already started,” Fox said. “Every year, we try to build on what we’ve done and find ways to make it even better. We want this to be something the students remember and look forward to every year.”
Fox concluded by once again recognizing Deputy Chief Cole, the department’s volunteers, and the community partnerships that made the week possible.
“I’m extremely proud of our department and everyone who helped make this happen,” Fox said. “Mike Cole deserves a lot of credit for putting this entire week together, and our members deserve recognition for stepping up and making it happen. We have an incredible school district, great neighboring fire departments, and firefighters who genuinely care about this community. When everyone comes together like they did this week, great things happen.”
For the Kendall Fire Department, Fire Prevention Week 2026 was not simply five days of activities. It was an investment in the safety, education, and future of the community’s youngest residents.
And with preparations for 2027 already underway, the department hopes to make next year’s celebration even bigger and better.
