Photos and information courtesy of the Medina Band Boosters
GATES – Medina’s varsity and JV winter guard groups both competed Saturday in the North East Color Guard Circuit Championships at Gates Chili.
The top photo shows Medina’s varsity winter guard with scored 78.55 and finished fourth in the A1 class. Corning-Painted Post HS won with 82.810 in the division.
There were 29 guards performing that came from NYS, Canada and PA at the championships.
Classifications are determined by age and skill level. The Medina Colorguard Club performed in exhibition and therefore not scored.
Medina’s JV guard competed in the Cadet class and scored 75.24 putting them in 2nd place in a group of 6 guards. The Lancaster Cadet scored 76.780 for first place.
While the WG season comes to close the entire band will be preparing for the parade season.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 March 2026 at 6:00 pm
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Three birdies on the back nine of today’s final round has earned Medina’s Melanie Green a solid 10 under par finish at the LPGA Tour’s Ford Championship Tournament at Phoenix.
Green started the day at 7 under and was still at that score after 10 holes.
However, she put together back-to-back clutch birdies on 11 and 12 to go 9 under and the tacked on a birdie at 17 for the second day in a row to finish the day with a 3 under 69.
She completed the tourney with a 10 under par total score of 278.
She had just one bogie on the day and 4 birdies to earn her third sub par round of the four day tournament.
She also had a 3 under par 69 to open the tourney on Thursday. She followed that up with a 5 under 67 on round two on Friday and a 1 over 73 on the third round on Saturday.
Green’s next LPGA Tour start will be at the LA Championship April 16-19 at Tarzana, California.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 March 2026 at 9:29 am
The calendar says it is a bit early but the Niagara-Orleans League softball season is scheduled to get underway on Monday with a full slate of three games at 4:45 p.m.
Those contests will have Medina at defending co-champion Barker, Albion at Akron and Wilson at Newfane.
Defending co-champion Roy-Hart, which has the bye on Monday, will visit Medina at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. The other two 4:45 p.m. games that afternoon will have Newfane at Albion and Barker at Wilson.
On the baseball diamond, Kendall will be playing a pair of games at Myrtle Beach on Monday and Thursday.
Weekly Schedule Monday Baseball – Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, 5 p.m. Softball – Medina at Barker, Albion at Akron, Wilson at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday Softball – Alexander at Barker, 4:45 p.m. Lacrosse – Medina at Akron, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Baseball – CSAT at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Tonawanda at Albion, Roy-Hart at Sweet Home. 5 p.m. Softball – Roy-Hart at Medina, Newfane at Albion, Barker at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; CSAT at Lyndonville, 5 p.m. Lacrosse – Depew at Medina, 7 p.m.
Thursday Baseball – Pembroke at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, 5 p.m. Softball – Oakfield-Alabama at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
Friday Softball – Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, 5 p.m.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 March 2026 at 9:25 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Lyndonville varsity baseball squad’s lineup includes, in front, Austin Fonda, Landon Markidis, Colton Smith, Devon Babcock and Shannon Withey. In back are Shawn Robertson, Brandon Dill, Quincy McClinsey, Thomas Blake, Atticus Mank and Will Arlington. Missing are Christopher Dix and Lane Woodworth.
Continuing to build, Lyndonville is prepping for its second season since returning to varsity baseball competition with a youthful but veteran laden lineup.
Seniors Austin Fonda (second base) and Colton Smith (shortstop) head the Tigers large veteran contingent which also includes juniors Quincy McClinsey (pitcher/third base), Atticus Mank (first base/pitcher), Landon Markidis (third base), Shannon Withey (outfield), Will Arlington and Thomas Blake along with sophomores Lane Woodworth (outfield), Brandon Dill (first base), Shawn Robertson (third base) and Devon Babcock (outfield).
The Tigers graduation losses from last spring’s return to varsity competition 1-16 team include Cole Moyle (catcher) and Jacob Pitcher (outfield/pitcher).
“We do have a large group back but it is a young team that needs to get more varsity experience,” said Coach Brad Hoffee.
The Tigers are scheduled to open the Genesee Region League season at home on Monday against Wheatland-Chili at 5 p.m.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 March 2026 at 8:54 am
‘Connected we are stronger. This is not a slogan. It is a strategy for rural success’
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Kathy Blackburn, left, and Gabrielle Barone share a light moment during the gathering Wednesday night sponsored by Orleans Community Connects. (Right) Dean Bellack, board president of Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way) and director Nyla Gaylord addressed invited guests to an informal gathering Wednesday night at Zambistro’s. Its purpose was to explain the name change from United Way.
MEDINA – Invited members of the community shared conversation and camaraderie at a gathering Wednesday night at Zambistro’s, during which leadership of the former United Way explained the new mission and reason for the name change to Orleans Community Connects.
The evening began with introduction of officers from Jodi Gaines, who was a longtime member of United Way of Eastern Orleans (when there were two United Ways in the county). Gaines now continues her membership, having served as president several terms and is now treasurer of Orleans Community Connects.
Virginia Kropf started as a member of United Way of Western Orleans around 2000-01 and later also became a member of Eastern United Way until the two merged in 2011. She continues to serve as secretary, a position she has held for more than a decade.
Jerome Pawlak is vice president, having started as a member of Eastern United Way in 1985. He remembers his dad’s grocery store in Albion supporting United Way when he was a youngster helping in the store.
Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connects, speaks to a gathering of local residents who attended an informative meeting Wednesday at Zambistro’s.
President Dean Bellack attended his first meeting in 2019, at which the current director announced she was leaving. Bellack stated he had just retired from his company and sold it and he would be willing to step in as director until a new director could be hired. He served in that position until Nyla Gaylord was hired, who serves as director today.
Other board members are Barry Flansburg, Richard Hellert, Amit Misra and David Gagne.
Wednesday’s program continued with a brief history of United Way by Kropf. She shared how the agency was founded in the 1960s by Van Hungerford and several friends as the Community Chest. It was Hungerford’s belief there ought to be one agency in the county to which people could donate, thereby eliminating all the individual requests an organization would get.
United Way of Western Orleans shared an office with the American Red Cross, first above where Avanti’s is now, then in an office on the west side of Main, until moving across the street when Kennedy Brothers closed in 2000.
At some point they shared an office with the Medina Chamber of Commerce, until merging with Eastern to become United Way of Orleans County. They met at various locations, including the Crooked Door, Swan Library and the former Washington Mutual complex, until being offered permanent space (and their current office) at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Kropf said she couldn’t count the times she has told someone that money donated to United Way in Orleans County, stays in Orleans County. And that will remain true under the new name.
Nyla Gaylord, executive director, spoke next and said the evening celebrated an important milestone in the agency’s evolution into Orleans Community Connects.
“This isn’t just a new name,” Gaylord said. “It reflects our growing role as a connector of people, ideas and resources, all focused on strengthening Orleans County.”
Dean Bellack greets MarcAnthony Bucci from the Buffalo Community Foundation and Katie Brisson from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. They attended Orleans Community Connect’s get-together, along with Maura Dewan of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
Gaylord said the agency’s new journey began when Bellack stepped into the role of executive director.
“After retiring from a long career as a manufacturer’s representative, he brought those same strengths that defined his career – relationship building, community connections and a talent for bringing people together,” Gaylord said. “Almost immediately, Dean started contacting foundations in Buffalo and Rochester to ask for money.
“Almost immediately, foundations in Rochester and Buffalo reached out to us, asking for help to distribute emergency funds for rent, utilities and basic need,” Gaylord said. “We immediately convened nonprofit leaders from across the county to coordinate how those funds would reach families in need. It was a defining moment – one which showed how powerful our local network could be when we worked together.”
When foundations asked what rural counties needed, Orleans’ answer was “digital literacy.” Then grants were written and received to address digital literacy in Orleans County, resulting in the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative.
Gaylord explained how she spent her own time while working as director of Ministry of Concern to write a grant, which resulted in funding of a grant writer at United Way for five years. Shortly after she joined United Way. She stepped into the role as executive director in July 2023.
“As someone who spent more than 30 years working in nonprofit administration and has lived in Orleans County my entire life, I felt called to help guide this next chapter,” Gaylord said.”
This would be addressing a previously neglected homeless population, supporting countywide outreach during the rollout of a new broadband system, convening a community conversation on housing and addressing a housing shortage. United Way also was involved in establishment of a warming center in Albion, a model which is now being replicated in Brockport and Warsaw.
Photo courtesy of Dawn Winkler: Clockwise from left, Kathy Blackburn, Sally Mathes, Carol Bellack and Ginny Kropf enjoy hors d’oeuvres and conversation during Orleans Community Connects gathering at Zambistro’s. Kropf has been a member of United Way (now Orleans Community Connects) for an estimated 25 years and secretary for at least a dozen years.
Partnering with consultant Nick Coulter and former county legislator Ken DeRoller resulted in forming the first Affordable Housing Summit last fall. Coulter is now working with a local developer to help move affordable housing projects forward.
All this work was made possible by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. Today Orleans Community Connects’ programs include Caregivers Revitalize, Connect Orleans broadband research, Highmark CHEFS nutrition education and Housing Development consulting services.
“Board member David Gagne said Orleans County needs to help itself, and that is exactly what we are doing,” Gaylord said. “We are bringing partners together, identifying solutions and building the systems that will strengthen this community for years to come. That spirit of collaboration, responsiveness and local problem solving is what inspired our new name, Orleans Community Connects. Because the truth is simple – when we connect, great things happen.”
Dean Bellack concluded the evening by explaining where the organization is going and why that direction matters to every donor, every elected official and every business leader here.
“At the center of Orleans Community Connects is a simple truth – connected we are stronger,” Bellack said. “This is not a slogan. It is a strategy for rural success.”
Bellack said we all know the challenges – a shrinking population, rising costs, limited staff and a competitive grant environment.
“These pressures affect our towns, our villages, our nonprofits and our businesses,” Bellack said. “And they affect the long-term stability of our county. But when we connect our efforts – when we stop duplicating work and start aligning resources, we can accomplish far more than any one entity can do alone.”
The first major initiative Orleans Community Connects is launching is a series of collaborative meetings with every town and village in Orleans County. These will be structured, working conversations, not ceremonial gatherings, Bellack said.
“When we understand the full landscape, we can begin to coordinate instead of compete,” Bellack said. “We can align projects, strengthen applications and bring more funding into Orleans County.”
At the same time, Orleans Community Connects is preparing to take a major step forward by establishing their own internal capacity very soon. This will include professional grant writing support for towns, villages and nonprofits; coordination of multi-partner projects; administrative support for complex state and federal applications; and the ability to move ideas into action with consistency and follow-through.
“As we grow, it is important to be clear about our commitments,” Bellack said. “OCC will continue charitable giving to the most deserving nonprofits in Orleans County, funded through special events, just as we have always done. We will not send one penny outside the county. Every dollar stays here.”
Above all, Bellack said to accomplish their growth in Orleans County they need leaders at the table.
“To accomplish our goals, we need two to four additional board members who share our mission and who understand the value of coordinated, countywide impact,” Bellack said. “We especially need one or two individuals with town or village government experience, and a treasurer with strong financial expertise and experience with grants. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Orleans County in a meaningful, lasting way.”
‘We are not asking for charity. We are asking you to join us, because the return on this investment will be felt in every corner of Orleans County.’ – Dean Bellack
Bellack closed by explaining, like United Way, Orleans Community Connects needs community investment in order to grow.
He said he was not asking for gifts.
“A gift is charity,” Bellack said. “An investment is belief. An investment says, ‘I expect this to grow. I expect this to produce results. I expect this to benefit the people who live and work here.’ We are not asking for charity. We are asking you to join us, because the return on this investment will be felt in every corner of Orleans County.
“That is the future we are building. A future rooted in connection and driven by collaboration, where every community has the tools, the support and the resources to succeed. We thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you for being part of what comes next.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 March 2026 at 8:24 am
ALBION – The non-emergency administrative phone lines for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office are currently down. The phone lines, such as (585) 589-5527, aren’t working and the Verizon doesn’t has an estimate for restoration at this time, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Callers can instead use 911 for non-emergency needs until the other phone lines are back in service.
Verizon and Orleans County technicians have been working on this issue since 1:30 a.m.
“We will advise when the lines have been restored,” Bourke said. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
First of all, I’d like to thank a recent letter writer, for his many years of service in criminal justice.
Hey Bob, where did you find a recent episode of Gunsmoke. I’m not a big fan of old westerns, but I believe some of the cast, have moved on to that cattle ranch in the sky.
I’m an older guy, too. I remember the St. George Floyd riots. How many of those protesters were thrown in solitary? How about the BLM riots, many of their leaders got rich, not jail time? I could name many more, like Antifa who get paid to riot..
We have a constitutional right to protest. That does not mean burning down buildings, throwing rocks or frozen water bottles at police. I can remember a reporter, standing in front of burning building, saying it was mostly peaceful.
Rioting is wrong no matter who does it. Democrats only remember the one time people on the right did it.
I read you folks are planning a No Kings protest. Please don’t destroy police cars, or block traffic. You cost taxpayers a lot of money.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as Americans across the country protest the Trump administration’s corruption and chaos as part of the third No Kings Day of Nonviolent Action, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced that she will be introducing new legislation to bar the use of a sitting U.S. president’s name, image, likeness, or signature to decorate or designate federal property, assets, or currency.
“In America, we do not bow to kings,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our president should be focused on bringing down grocery prices, making health care affordable, and ensuring every family can get ahead, not using their position to boost their own personal brand. It is time that we institute this ban and make sure that our government serves the people, not one person’s ego.”
This bill, which Senator Gillibrand plans to introduce in the next Senate working period, would include prohibitions on actions such as hanging banners with a sitting president’s face on the side of federal buildings; naming a class of warships after a sitting president; tacking the sitting president’s name onto the name of an existing federal building; depicting a sitting president on a federally issued commemorative coin; or placing a sitting president’s signature on U.S. paper currency.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2026 at 1:49 pm
Participants braved cold, received many friendly horn honks and some middle fingers
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County today for the first time joined the “No Kings” protests around the country. Just over 100 attended the protest in Albion at the main intersection of routes 98 and 31.
They stood to send a message that oppose a president accumulating executive power while dismissing the roles of the legislative and judicial branches.
Over 3,000 protests were planned around the country today. The first “No Kings” protests were last year on the June 14, the birthday of President Donald Trump.
Protesters say Donald Trump has used his power to bring the United States to war with Iran, to arrest and detain people around the country without due process, to impose tariffs and issue numerous executive orders – all without following the democratic process that is a cornerstone of the country.
The war with Iran has sent gas prices soaring, with the price hitting $4.00 a gallon at the Crosby’s in Albion at route 31 and 98.
Protesters today said Trump campaigned on getting the U.S. out of wars but instead seems to relish military interventions and conflicts. And his actions are causing economic pain around the country and world.
Beth Wood helped organize today’s “No Kings” protest. She is secretary for the Orleans County Democratic Party. She wanted local residents to have a chance to gather to send a message about Trump and his move towards an authoritative government.
Wood said she is impressed by the turnout of more than 100 people, standing for two hours in 30-degree temperatures. And she appreciated the many positive horn honks which outnumbered the revving engines and middle fingers.
“A lot of people feel very alone and worried about the executive branch having so much control over so many things,” Wood said. “We want to support full democracy.”
Wood said the “No Kings” protest is non-partisan and she was pleased to see some Republicans and independents joining Democrats at the rally in Albion.
“This is an opportunity to take advantage of our Constitutional freedoms before they are disintegrated,” she said.
There were numerous home-made signs at the protest today in Albion.
Jim Renfrew, vice president of the Orleans County Democratic Party, said Trump is governing like a king, plastering his name and likeness of buildings. There will be a commemorative coin for the 250th anniversary of the country with Trump’s portrait, and the Treasury Department announced this week that paper currency will be bearing Trump’s signature.
The Kennedy Center, which was named as memorial for slain president John F. Kennedy, in December added Trump’s name and is now “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
Renfrew said “it’s very disturbing” to see Trump getting the king treatment with money and the naming of buildings in his honor, which ius out of the norm for a sitting and living U.S. president.
Renfrew was expecting about 30 people at the protest in Albion. The event went from noon to 2 p.m. By 12:05, there were 75 people at the intersection, holding signs. By 1 o’clock, there were about 120 at the rally.
Renfrew also went to a “No Kings” protest in the morning in Gates that he said was attended by more than 500 people.
“There is definitely something going on here,” Renfrew said about the movement.
Some protesters say Trump hasn’t been upfront about the rationale for bombing Iran, and still hasn’t made the goals clear.
Jeff Lewis, the Democratic Party chairman in Orleans County, said he saw people from all political parties at the protest.
“We want people here to know that they matter,” he said. “Democracy and the Constitution isn’t for just one person. It’s for all people.”
He said the local Democrats are seeing strong interest which he hopes can translate into more people running for local political offices. Too many elections have unopposed candidates.
“People need to know their vote counts,” he said.
Protesters say they see an attack on democracy from Trump and his enablers, and the people need to speak out.
Michael Plitt, Democratic Party chairman in Genesee County, attended the ‘No Kings” rally in Albion. He was in town to help gather signatures for political candidates.
He said Democrats are much more eager to sign petitions and help collect signatures than he has seen before.
They want a stronger say in their local government, which is dominated by Republicans.
“We just want to give people a choice,” he said. “So many of the elections are unopposed. People don’t realize you can run for office. There is no secret club or handshake. They should reach out to their local Democratic committee.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2026 at 11:33 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Cub Scouts from pack 3025 in Lyndonville were in the Albion Tops grocery today from 9 a.m. to noon for “Scouting for Food.” They welcomed donations from shoppers. Many dropped off canned food on their way out of the store. The top photo shows Logan Gaelens-Puma taking the food out of a bag that was donated from a shopper. He is assisted by Noah Stevens.
The two Cub Scouts were joined by their mothers, Rayne Stevens (back left) and Jessica Gaelens.
The food collected today will be given to the food pantry at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. That church also sponsors pack 3025.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 March 2026 at 9:19 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s large veteran group includes, in front, Peyton May, Brooke Corser, Hayley Hillburn and Maddy Totah. In back are Grace Pearl, Hannah Verratti, Millie Owens, Alayna Kowalski, Abby Fox and Ryleigh Capen.
Defending co-champion Roy-Hart returns a veteran laden lineup which looks to again challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League softbsll honors.
Last spring Roy-Hart shared the N-O title with Barker at 10-2.
The battery of pitcher Abby Fox and catcher Peyton May heads that large veteran group which also includes seniors Millie Owens (second base) Alayna Kowalski (third base), Hayley Hillburn (center field), Ryleigh Capen, Grace Pearl, Maddy Totah and Hannah Verratti along with junior Brooke Corser (first base).
Fox and Hillburn were both first team N-O All-League honorees last spring while Owens and Corser here second team picks and May an Honorable Mention selection.
The Lady Rams main graduation loss was first team All League shortstop Kaitlin Mettler.
New Coach Ari Carey’s Lady Rams are scheduled to open N-O competition at Medina on Wednesday at 4:45 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2026 at 8:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Neveya Barnes plays the role of Annie, here singing “It’s the Hard Knock Life” with orphans Sophie Kozody (Maggie), left, and Olivia Andrews (July).
Albion High School performed Annie on Friday night and there are two more shows today at noon at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the middle school auditorium.
The orphans sing about the hard life in the orphanage where they are forced to clean and live in deprivation. The musical is set amidst the Great Depression in New York City.
The orphans are played by, form left: Olivia Andrews, Chloe Mosele, Makenzie Cook, Sophie Kozody, Nicole Loney, Lily Brigham, D Johnson, Amelia Symons, Rianne Hand and Neveya Barnes.
Adelaide Pettit plays the role of Miss Aggie Hannigan, an orphanage matron who hates children but is very fond of alcoholic beverages. She sings about “Little Girls” and the frustration of being surrounded by children.
Annie (Neveya Barnes) gets a fashion makeover and joins Oliver Warbucks (Gideon Pask), a billionaire businessman, on a walk through the glamorous New York City. Then are headed to the movies. Warbucks is a stern businessman who opens his home and heart to Annie.
Phoebe Allen plays the role of Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’ faithful secretary. Grace loves Annie right from the beginning. Drake, the head butler at Warbucks’ mansion, is played by Aniela Wilson. Grace and the staff of servants are singing “I Don’t Need Anything But You.”
The Boylan Sisters sing “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” on Bert Healy’s radio show. The sisters include, from left: Lily Brigham, Reagan Flor and Julia Graham. Annie and Oliver Warbucks went on the radio show to announce a $50,000 reward to a couple who could prove they are Annie’s parents.
When the $50,000 reward is announced, Rooster Hannigan gets an idea to pretend he and his girlfriend, Lily St. Regis, are the parents. Rooster is Miss Hannigan’s brother.
Here they are singing “Easy Street.” From left include Adelaide Pettit as Miss Hannigan, Bradyn Whittier as Rooster Hannigan, and Julia Button as Lily St. Regis. Rooster and Lily will pretend to be Ralph and Shirley Mudge, claiming to be Annie’s parents.
Four Albion teachers and Principal Jennifer Ashbery played the roles of Cabinet members for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They are trying to think of how to improve the economy. Annie inspires them with her optimism.
Albion teacher Mr. Rich Gannon, lower left, really poured himself into the role of Harold Ickes. Bradyn Whitter, a senior, portrayed Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Other Cabinet members include, going left from Annie and Warbucks, Mr. Josh Green as Henry Morganthau, Mr. Bill Dambra as Cordell Hull, Mr. Chad Owen as Louis Howe, and Mrs. Jennifer Ashbery as Frances Perkins.
The teachers and principal soak up the applause at the end of the musical.
