By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2025 at 1:11 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The historical marker by the Albion Free Methodist Church, which notes this is the first church in the denomination, is pelted with snow this morning.
More snow is headed to Orleans County. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. Tuesday for Orleans and Niagara counties.
The lake-effect snow will be 3 to 6 inches in the most persistent snow bands. There will also be winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour to create blowing snow with poor visibilities.
“Travel will be difficult,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commutes.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2025 at 10:29 am
Knights of Columbus also donates $3,000 to organization that assists veterans
Photos courtesy of Operation Honor
MEDINA – Operation Honor held its first cornhole tournament and basket raffle on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The event raised $5,600 for the organization that assists veterans in Orleans County with some of their bills and other needs.
There were 17 teams of two players. There were six boards in play on two floors at the Knights of Columbus.
The top players at the tournament include, from left: Mateo May, Mark Hamm, Tyler Thompson, Jeffrey Gearhart, Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer.
The winning teams include:
1st Big Wolf – Jeffrey Gearhart & Tyler Thompson
2nd Moonwalk – Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer
3rd Mayhamm – Mateo May & Mark Hamm
Operation Honor decided to change from a 5K run/walk to the cornhole tournament this year.
The Knights of Columbus in Medina also donated $3,000 to Operation Honor.
Pictured from left include Steve Winans, bar president for the Knights and an Operation Honor volunteer; Jim Mirand, grand knight for the K of C; Jenn Thom, leader of Operation Honor; and K of C board members, Howie Gardner and Bob Fox.
Libby Pollard-Woodroe, owner of Grand Pollard Insurance, sponsored one of the boards. Five other businesses also sponsored a board.
There were 35 raffle items including a $500 Tops gift card.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 November 2025 at 9:38 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley G-R All-Stars Ava Mosier, left, and Brynn Thomas.
A quartet of Holley players have earned spots on the Genesee Region League girls soccer All-Star team.
The Lady Hawks honorees include junior Mia Thom along with sophomores Ava Mosier, Brynn Thomas and Kyla Burne.
Mosier led Holley in scoring with 15 goals and 5 assists. Burne had 5 goals and 4 assists, Thom 4 goals and 7 assists and Thomas 3 goals and 5 assists.
Holley also had two Honorable Mention selections – sophomores Hanna Ostrom and Jayna Burris.
Ostrom had 8 goals and 5 assists and Burris 5 goals and 9 assists.
Lady Hawks All-Stars Mia Thom, left, and Kyla Burne.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 November 2025 at 9:27 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall G-R All-Stars Sophia Picardo, left, and Ryleigh Denning.
Champion Kendall has placed four players on the Genesee Region League girls soccer All-Star team.
Kendall, which went 11-0 in G-R competition, is represented by senior Stella Kwatek, juniors Addison Kludt and Sophia Picardo and sophomore Ryleigh Denning.
In addition Lady Eagles Coach Angel Rosario has been named G-R Coach of the Year.
Denning led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 28 goals and 6 assists. Picardo had 16 goals and a team high 23 assists, Kwiatek 6 goals and 8 assists and Kludt 4 goals and 5 assists.
Kendall also had seven players earn Honorable Mention including seniors Alea Barrett, Brooke Rodas and Haley Ball along with junior Keara Reed, sophomores Izzy D’Agostino and Brynn Hardenbrook and eighth grader Jersie Drake.
Rodas made 94 saves in goal and had a 0.33 goals against average. Drake had 10 goals and 8 assists, Barrett 6 goals and 6 assists, Ball 3 goals, D”Agostino 1 goal and 2 assists, Reed 1 goal and Hardenbrook 2 assists.
Lady Eagles All-Stars Addison Kludt, left, and Stella Kwiatek.
Provided photo: The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Oct. 25 at Godfrey’s Pond.
Press Release, Commodore Bob Bialkowski of Point Breeze Yacht Club
Commodore Bob Bialkowski reported that The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the at Godfrey’s Pond Clubhouse. During the business meeting upcoming events were discussed and new member recruiting.
After the meeting the members enjoyed a great fall roast beef dinner. Member Dan Schuth gave a presentation on the beautiful antique sailboat model that he acquired and restored.
Anyone with a fishing boat, power boat, sail boat or mega yacht may become a member. We are a very inexpensive club based at the Orleans County Marine Park. We charge no monthly fees just an annual membership fee which entitles you to all the benefits of the big clubs.
If you are a novice, we have seasoned members that will offer you advice and guidance. During the season we have several social and educational events which are always a good time to meet and talk to other boaters.
Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Commodore at commodore@pbycny.com or check our website at PBYCNY.com for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2025 at 9:00 pm
Orleans Hub readers sent in their own photos from the first snowfall of the season, including the top one of the two dogs by the Erie Canal in Medina. Kimberly Stawicki, a frequent photo contributor for the Hub, sent in that photos.
Stawicki also took these photos of the snow along the canal towpath. Many of the leaves remain on the trees.
Jacquelyn Cheverie sent in this photo of her dog, Moose, in snow in Holley.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2025 at 6:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery is covered in snow after the first snowfall of the season this afternoon. The carriage for the cannon was rebuilt in 2023 with new wheels after the other carriage had rotted.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County until 7 a.m. Monday. The Weather Service said the area can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow.
Here are some other photos at Mount Albion taken about 4:50 p.m.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 November 2025 at 1:34 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Running the Reverse Raffle fundraiser at Treasure Island were, from left, Tammy Pritchard, Becca Schoolcraft and Jorgie Lang.
LYNDONVILLE – Saturday night’s 31st annual Treasure Island fundraiser in support of Orleans Community Health raised an estimated $50,000, according to Megan Johnson, chair of the event and director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.
White Birch Golf Course hosted the event, which featured online betting a day before and during the event, a buffet meal, open bar, live auction and exciting opportunities to win prizes.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Treasure Island such a success – our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us,” said Johnson. “Thanks to your generosity, our auction alone raised nearly $25,000, and the event as a whole brought in close to $50,000 to support vital needs across all of Orleans Community Health. Every dollar helps strengthen local healthcare and ensures that our community continues to receive the best possible care, right here at home.”
Wes Pickreign acknowledges a bidder in the live auction at Treasure Island Saturday night.
Wes Pickreign again served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event, something he said he has been doing for a long time. He asked the audience how many of them had used the services at Medina Memorial Hospital and explained the advantages of having such a facility right here at home.
“I’ve been there two times and the attention I received was phenomenal,” Pickreign said.
Seven high-end items were donated for the live auction, with the highest bid being $2,550 for two tickets to the Buffalo Bills home opener next year in the new stadium. The package, donated by William and Jacquelyn Bixler, was valued at $1,200.
Other live auction items were a Buffalo Sabres VIP fan experience valued at $825. It was donated by the OCH Pharmacy Department and Buffalo Sabres and sold for a bid of $550.
Matthew Kennedy was in charge of the Pirate’s Pillage live auction item, a regular feature at Treasure Island.
A one-week stay in Myrtle Beach, donated by the Bixlers, was valued at $750 and was awarded to three bidders for $550 each.
A one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, donated by the club, was valued at $1,400 and sold for $1,300.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and her husband John donated a Buffalo Broadway Experience: Wicked Night on the Town, valued at $730. It brought a bid of $450.
Another high bid was $2,000 for a Four-Night Getaway to Lakefront Cape Cod, donated by Dr. Jeffrey and Ellen Schratz. The bid was the actual value of the prize.
Chuck and Nicole Geraci of Cheektowaga came to their first Treasure Island Saturday night. Here, they checked out the numbers left in the Reverse Raffle event.
The final item was a Here Comes Santa Claus lottery board with $500 in cash and $100 worth of scratch-off tickets, donated by Kathy Vicknair in memory of her husband Vic. Vic was a longtime member of the Treasure Island committee and was the DJ and sound man. He worked hard to raise funds for the hospital, Kathy said. The prize, valued at $600, sold for $750.
Some attendees were first-timers, while many others were repeat supporters of the event. One couple attending for the first time was Chuck and Nicole Garcia of Cheektowaga.
“I work for Seaway Insurance, so we wanted to come,” Nicole said. “It is very nice.”
Leah Brunner and her husband Matthew check out one of the items up for bids at Treasure Island. Leah, the nurse practitioner at the Albion’s Walk-in Clinic, said this is the first time they have attended the event.
Leah Brunner, the nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, and her husband Matthew were also first-time attendees.
“It’s been super fun,” Leah said.
Her husband added, “It’s been a blast.”
Seaway Insurance Associates was the Sunset Presenting sponsor of the event.
Other sponsors included Great Lakes Surgical Association, Lucky Cork sponsor; Baxter, Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club and Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, Palm Tree sponsors; and Cooper Funeral Home, Eastown Plaza, Hellner Development Company, Takeform and WNY Energy, Coconut sponsors.
Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, get ready to accept payment from bidders at the conclusion of Treasure Island Saturday night.
Jeanne Crane, center, chats with Richard Williams, his daughter Kate Brauen, his wife Mary Williams and Kate’s husband Trevor Brauen at Treasure Island Saturday night at White Birch Golf Course. The fundraiser was the 31st annual event to support Orleans Community Health.
Carol and Dean Bellack of Medina watch bids on their smart phones during the 31st annual Treasure Island Saturday night. An estimated $50,000 was raised by the event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2025 at 8:53 am
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans and Niagara counties from 10 a.m. today until 7 a.m. on Monday with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.
The rain will change to wet snow, the National Weather Service said.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”
Today is forecast for a high of 38 with an overnight low of 26. Monday there will be a chance of snow showers with a high of 31 and an overnight low of 21. On Tuesday, Veterans Day, there will be a chance of showers with a high near 36 and overnight low of 29.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2025 at 7:33 pm
Teams can win prizes, explore Orleans County
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Rotary Club is gearing up for its first Road Rally on Nov. 15. It’s start at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road and teams then embark on a journey that includes 8 checkpoints. Pictured on a recent windy day from left include Jennifer Hill-Young, Edee Hoffmeister, Kelly Kiebala and JT Thomas.
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has a new fundraiser that will get people out exploring the county while having fun and putting some of their skills to the test.
The club on Nov. 15 will have its first Road Rally. For $50 a vehicle, teams go on a journey that includes eight checkpoints. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road.
The teams will be given clues that will direct them on their journey. They also will have some tasks to complete and puzzles to solve. The event is similar to “The Amazing Race.”
The rally is expected to take about 2 ½ hours. The winning team gets $100, with $75 to second and $50 to third. There are also prizes for best decorated vehicle.
“I don’t think people realize how much fun this is going to be,” said JT Thomas, a Medina Rotary member who is helping to plan the event.
The club teamed with the Orleans County Tourism Department to pick some of the sites on the Road Rally.
“We wanted to highlight a lot of what Orleans County has to offer,” said Jennifer Hill-Young, another member of the Medina Rotary.
People don’t need to be local trivia experts to do well in the event.
“Observation is the number one skill,” Hill-Young said about a key to success in the event.
Medina Rotary in 2024 added a cornhole tournament in January and a meat raffle in March as new fundraisers that continued this year. The Road Rally is the newest effort to raise money for the club to give back to the community, while bringing people together for a fun time.
For more on the rally, and to purchase a ticket, click here. Or send a message to the Medina Rotary Club through its Facebook page.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 November 2025 at 4:48 pm
Scoring four goals in each half, Akron rolled to an 8-0 victory over East Rochester in the Class C field hockey Far West Regional this afternoon at Alden.
Morgan Tomporowski scored six goals, two in the first quarter and four more in the second half, to lead the way for Akron which also got first half goals by Mackenzie Tomporowski and Brooke Milhollen.
Improving to 16-1, Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class C champion Akron advances to next Saturday’s state semifinal.
East Rochester, which is the only Class C field hockey team in Section V, winds up the season at 0-17.
Girls Soccer – Far West Regional Byron-Bergen 5, Wilson 0
Continuing their quest for a second straight state championship, the Byron-Bergen Lady Bees blanked Wilson 5-0 in the Class C girls soccer Far West Regional this afternoon at Geneseo.
Mia Gray had the three goal hat-trick to lead the way for Byron-Bergen. She scored two quick goals in the first 12 minutes of the opening half and later netted another goal in the second half.
Grace DiQuattro and Elizabeth Starowitz also each scored a goal for Byron-Bergen which will take a 19-2 record into next Saturday’s state semifinal.
N-O League and Section VI Class C champion Wilson finishes the season at 17-2.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2025 at 1:29 pm
Provided photo
CLARENDON – Scouts from Troop 59 in Clarendon were out this morning in the annual “Scouting for Food.” They collected over 600 individual food items.
“We would like to thank the Community for their enormous support and the Community Center in Holley for distributing this food in a time of great need,” said Randy Moore, the troop’s scoutmaster.
Pictured from left are: Tyler Moore, Logan Lane, James Shaw, Scoutmaster Randy Moore and Committee Chairman Ken Shaw.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2025 at 10:27 am
ALBION – After more than a week delay in SNAP benefits, the funds should be disbursed beginning on Sunday in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
A U.S. District Court on Nov. 6 ordered the federal government to issue the full November SNAP benefits to eligible households. However, the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and that court sided with Trump on a temporary pause on paying the full SNAP benefits.
However, Gov. Kathy Hochul said SNAP beneficiaries in the state will be getting their full benefits beginning Sunday. Those payments are expected to continue through Nov. 13.
In Orleans County, there are 5,146 people who receive SNAP.
“After weeks of the Trump administration putting millions of New Yorkers through chaos and confusion, following guidance from USDA, I’ve directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November,” Hochul said in a statement. “We expect the first New Yorkers to begin having access to their benefits starting Sunday.
“Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders. It’s senseless and un-American and I’m working tirelessly to bring this uncertainty to an end for the nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on this program.”
