As a lifelong resident of Clarendon, I have been an active member of this community since I was 10 years old. I have raised my family here and my grandchildren are also being raised here.
Being a member of Boy Scout Troop 59 and doing community service projects to helping my father mow the town properties and pioneer cemeteries from the age of fourteen has only increased my devotion to the town.
I am a member of the Clarendon Fire Company and have my own landscaping business which serves many members of the community and local area for the last 30 years which gives me the perspective of the residents in Clarendon as I know my customers and talk to them. I volunteer at the Clarendon Historical Society, Orleans County Historical Association, local parades and cemetery clean up events to name a few.
I have been serving on the Clarendon Town Board since June and have become well versed in the issues and concerns facing the town and the challenges it brings, from the budget process to being aware of the resident’s needs, wellbeing and safety.
I would appreciate your support in the upcoming November election so I can continue to serve the town I’ve called home all of my life.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 October 2025 at 8:45 am
Provided photos: The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has started a food and personal care pantry at Albion Central School in the middle and high schools. This photo from February includes, from left, Rose Friedl, youth coordinator for GOMOC; Jami Allport, executive director for GOMOC; and Brittany Barleben, middle and high school social worker.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jami Allport is director of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, which will be recognized with the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award Oct. 23 at White Birch Golf Course.
ALBION – The organization known for years as “The Agency of Last Resort” will be honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce with the Community Service Award.
The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and other honorees will be recognized at the 27th annual awards ceremony on Oct. 23 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
Jami Allport, director of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, said the organization is very excited about receiving that honor.
GOMOC began in 1955 as the Migrant Ministry, when Medina teacher Arden McAllister and Sister Marian Adrian started it to support migrant farmworkers in Orleans County. Sister Marian would eventually serve as director from 1991 until her retirement in 2006.
The agency focused on meeting the basic needs of migrant families who were vital to the local economy, but often lacked access to stable housing, transportation and essential services.
Over time, the GOMOC mission was expanded to serve all individuals and families in crisis in Orleans and Genesee counties. Today, according to Allport, GOMOC operates a wide range of critical community programs which address immediate needs, while helping families work toward stability.
This includes a furniture program coordinated by Staci Palmer with truck drivers James Shoeberlein Jr. and Kyle Woolston; Emergency Assistance Program, overseen by the office staff as a whole; Homeless Outreach Program, overseen by Steven Trembley; Youth and Family Empowerment Program, led by Rosie Friedl; the Mary Grace Room, overseen by high school intern Abby Kincaid; and Rental Assistance Program, run by Office Manager Carol Whalin.
Through these efforts, COMOC continues to be a lifeline for residents who have nowhere else to turn, Allport said. The organization operates on the belief that every individual deserves respect, dignity and access to resources, regardless of their circumstances.
For many years, the agency had officers on Main Street, until being offered space in the First Presbyterian Church, where they moved in March 2024.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce,” Allport said. “This recognition reflects not just the work of our staff, but the incredible support of our entire community. Together, we make a difference in the lives of people who need it most.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion village trustee Tim McMurray and Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, on Jan. 25, 2024 walk along the railroad tracks in Albion between Main Street and West Academy Street. They were among several agency and government leaders out that day trying the measure the homeless population in the community. Allport offered gift cards to Tops, as well as snacks, blankets and gloves. GOMOC for the past year has made backpacks with supplies available to the local unhoused population. The backpacks were purchased with a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 October 2025 at 9:49 pm
Defending champion Roy-Hart clinched at least a tie for the Niagara-Orleans League volleyball championship with a straight set 25-16, 25-17, 25-15 win over runner-up Newfane this evening.
Lauren Snyder had 8 kills, Grace Pearl and Kylie McOmber 7 kills, Raegan Kern 5 kills and Ryleigh Capen 23 assists for Roy-Hart.
Roy-Hart is now 8-0 and Newfane 6-2.
Wilson 25-17, 25-25, Medina 10-25-15, 14
Wilson improves to 5-3 with the four set win over Medina which slips to 0-8.
Akron 23-25-25-20-15, Albion 25-23-2-25-13
Jillian LeBaron had 8 aces, 6 kills and 47 digs, Anna Grillo 5 kills, 2 aces and 46 digs, Melia Prince 6 kills and Katelyn Viza 5 aces for Albion in the five set loss to Akron.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 October 2025 at 9:34 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Shayla Higgins works around Medina defenders Lucia DiCureia (5) and Lillian Maynard (2) during this evening’s game at Vets Park.
Albion downed Medina 8-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game at Vets Park this evening.
Melanie Viza and Julia Button both had two goals for the Purple Eagles as Lena Grillo, Shayla Higgins, Alayna Flugel, McKinley Knight and Brittany Lewis each had one.
Albion is now 2-5-4 and Medina 0-10 in N-O action.
Barker/Lyndonville 2, Newfane 0
Goals by Abby Alexander and Alexa Robinson keyed Barker/Lyndonville to a 2-0 N-O win over Newfane.
Barker/Lyndonville is now 5-3-3 and Newfane 3-7 in N-O competition.
Kendall 11, Finney 0
Kendall romped to an 11-0 non league win over GC Finney as Ryleigh Denning had 4 goals, Hailey Ball and Payton Vogt 2 and Sophia Picardo, Aleah Barrett, Stella Kwiatek and Izzy D’Agostino one each.
Picardo and Addison Kludt both had a pair of assists. Picardo is now Kendall’s career leader in assists.
Kendall is now 14-1 overall.
Holley 3, Attica 0
Holley blanked Attica 3-0 in a Genesee Region League game as Kyla Burne scored all three goals and Hanna Ostrom had an assist.
Zoey Warner made three saves to earn the shutout in goal.
Holley is now 8-3-1 in G-R action.
Boys Soccer Albion 2, Cardinal O’Hara 0
Albion downed visiting Cardinal O’Hara 2-0 in a non league game on goals by Joey Bropst and Alakai Colmenero.
Akron 1, Roy-Hart 0
Akron nipped Roy-Hart 1-0 in an N-O contest on a goal by Sawyer Ranney.
Medina’s Rhoswyn Oakes sends the ball up field as Kailee Anstey pursues for Albion.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 October 2025 at 9:11 pm
Building up a commanding 28-0 half-time advantage, Medina went on to down host Tonawanda 49-8 in a C North Division game this evening.
Quarterback Preston Woodworth opened the scoring for Medina with an 11 yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Kolton Fletcher had a 30 yard run and a 30 yard pass reception to highlight the drive. Davi Mucoucah tacked on the first of his seven extra point kicks.
Christian Moss then had three short touchdown runs on carries of 7, 2 and 6 yards to boost the Mustangs advantage to 28-0 at the half. Woodworth had a 32 yard pass completion to Vinny Gray to highlight the first of those TD drives and a 32 yard run on the second.
The Mustangs tacked on three more touchdowns in the second half on a 68 yard kickoff return by Fletcher, and scoring runs of 1 and 45 yards by Woodworth.
Defensively the Mustangs got fumble recovers by Mathew Jacobs, Jayzon Wills and Avion Johnson and a pass interception by Gray.
The Mustangs are now 3-2 in the division and 4-2 overall while the Timberwolves are 0-6.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2025 at 8:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Carrie O’Neill, a member of the Orleans County Youth Board, waits for a kid to select a board game after visiting many of the booths and trying the games and activities.
Free board games were offered when kids completed their passport by trying the different activities at Family Game Night.
This was the 11th annual event and the third time it was hosted by Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion. Dubby’s served up two slices of pizza for each person.
Many of the county government departments and agencies in the community had booths with activities and prizes. The event was organized by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and County Legislature.
The mascots from McDonald’s, Grimace and Hamburglar, greeted kids inside Dubby’s. There were 472 people registered, and the total attendance was likely even closer to 500. That is the most in the 11 years of Family Game Night.
Grimace and Hamburglar meet Charli Wulf, 5, of Holley. Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, also greeted local kids at the event.
Staff from the Probation Department offered a chance to play a cup stacking game and to win prizes. In back from left for probation include secretary Amy Albone, probation assistant Michelle Coots, and probation director Sarah Osborne. They gave away pumpkins donated by Coots’s grandson, 11-year-old Nathan Gray of Nathan’s Produce.
Kat Holland from the Personnel Department did a plate spinning demonstration as part of the Personnel Department’s booth. Katie Harvey, the personnel director, is at left.
Cara Wachob, a home base visitor and Early Head Start advocate, led the booth for Community Action and invited kids and their parents to play different games.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2025 at 5:24 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
EAST SHELBY – A fire caused extensive damage this afternoon inside a house at 12491 Smith Rd.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 3:30. No one was home at the time of the fire. A family of three lives there in a house owned by Douglas Watson.
The family’s dog perished in the blaze. The fire in under investigation and the cause is undetermined at this time.
Multiple firefighters joined east Shelby in responding to call. The fire caused extensive damage to first and second floors, and the attic.
Zack Petry, deputy chief for Shelby, is on the ladder trying to vent the house from smoke.
Firefighters set up a dump tank for an added supply of water. This is a rural area in southern Shelby near the refuge where there aren’t fire hydrants.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2025 at 9:22 am
Matt Punch recognized for service with Medina Medical Loan Closet
Photos from Medina Lions Club
MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club in late September installed a new sign for the Lions Park along the Erie Canal. This spot is just east of the lift bridge.
Chris and Julie Keller, left, installed the sign with assistance from Pete Kaiser and Jim Hancock. The Lions Club thanks Takeform for its work on the lettering and design.
The Lions Club also recently honored Matt Punch with the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to our community. Punch has been a driving force for the Medina Medical Loan Closet.
ALBION — Bills fans and veterans alike are in for an unforgettable afternoon at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion as the community comes together for a Veterans Tailgate, a celebration honoring the service and sacrifice of Orleans County veterans.
On November 8 from 1 to 6 p.m., Dubby’s will be buzzing with live music, sports on the screens, free food and plenty of Buffalo spirit. The event is being hosted by the Red Star Foundation in partnership with Orleans County Veteran Services and promises to be a high-energy mix of football fandom and heartfelt gratitude.
Live music will keep the fun going all afternoon, with Travis Fitch performing an acoustic set from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by local crowd-favorite Who Dats rocking the stage from 3 to 6 p.m. to close out the celebration.
One of the biggest highlights: special guest Del Reid, the co-founder of the Bills Mafia and owner of 26 Shirts, will be in attendance. Reid, a beloved figure in the Bills community, is known not only for rallying fans but also for his tireless charity work. Bills Mafia members will no doubt want to stop by, shake his hand, and show their Buffalo pride.
To keep the tailgate vibes strong, there will be free food for veterans and a guest, including pizza, wings, baked ziti, and beverages. That offer is limited to the first 200 veterans and guests, so registering early is encouraged. For everyone else, Dubby’s will be running specials on food and drinks all day long, making it the perfect spot to cheer, eat, and celebrate together.
“This is about more than just good food and music. it’s about honoring the men and women of Orleans County who have served their country,” said Rich McAdoo from the Red Star Foundation. “And in true Bills Mafia fashion, we’re bringing the community together to make it something special.”
Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply a proud Bills fan, the Veterans Day Tailgate is your chance to show up, say thank you, and enjoy an afternoon of fun, football, and fellowship.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 October 2025 at 8:43 am
Provided photos of David Neth, writing as D. Allen, with the covers of two of his books.
MEDINA – On Saturday, Author’s Note will welcome Batavia author David Neth, who will sign copies of his two latest novels.
Writing as D. Allen, Neth will sign copies of At the Core and Home for the Holidays.
At the Core is a small-town romance set in Medina, featuring rivals-to-lovers, grumpy sunshine charm and the fight to save a family orchard.
Autumn Chapman is the fourth-generation owner of her family’s struggling apple orchard. Her uncles, who are co-owners, want to sell what’s left and walk away while they still can, but Autumn doesn’t want to let the legacy of her family’s business did with her. But, as the man who is trying to convince them to sell learns more and more about the orchard, Autumn and her family’s business, he starts to think maybe he is on the wrong side of the fight.
Home for the Holidays is a Christmas family drama set in Corfu about a mother who tricks her three adult children into coming home for Christmas without them knowing the others are coming. As they all slip into the roles of their former selves, the siblings agree to play nice to make their mother happy for the Christmas season. But as the week goes on. It becomes more and more apparent they all have their secrets, including their mother.
D. Allen is a nom de plume for David Neth, who writes heartfelt small-town romance like the Montana Beach and Small Town Christmas series. He also writes urban fantasy and superhero fiction under his own name. A school librarian with more than a decade in the book world, Neth lives in Batavia with his family.
Neth will sign copies of his books and answer questions during his visit at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Author’s Note is located at 519 Main St., Medina. For those who are unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at authorsnote.com. For more information, contact Author’s Note at (585) 798-3642.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2025 at 8:26 am
A frost advisory has been issued from 11 p.m. tonight to 9 a.m. on Friday for Orleans County. Temperatures in the lower 30s will result in frost formation, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Temperatures in the lower 30s will result in frost formation.
The advisory also includes nearby counties of Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston.
The frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left unprotected, the Weather Service said.
Today will be sunny with a high near 55, followed by highs of 66 on Friday, 69 on Saturday and 67 on Sunday.
