Medina Sandstone Trust announces $11K in grants for local organizations

Staff Reports Posted 23 March 2026 at 3:57 pm

MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society has approved $11,540 in grants to local organizations.

The grants generally are about $1,000.

Here are the grants that were approved:

Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry – to purchase laundry detergent for clients.
Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern – to assist with the purchase of beds and mattresses for clients in Medina.
Home for the Holidays 5K – for their annual Veterans Christmas Drive to provide holiday gifts and essential items to veterans and their families.
Friends of Boxwood Cemetery – to hire an engineering firm to use GPR to locate unmarked graves in Potter’s Field and other cemetery sites.
The Medina Historical Society – to cover the cost of historical speakers and publicity costs for future programming and to purchase archival quality boxes to store photograph negatives.
Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council – to purchase equipment and upgrades to their traveling stage.
Orleans Renaissance Group – to purchase a stepladder, table and chairs for the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Arc GLOW – to purchase a 10-piece bundle of wireless silent disco LED headphones for use at Camp Rainbow.
Orleans Koinonia Kitchen – to help provide food and weekly meals for those in need.
Calvary Cupboard – for emergency food assistance to those in need.

2025 Special Project – In addition to the annual grant awards, a donation was given to the Orleans County Historical Association to provide funding for the new wooden floor for the chapel at Mt. Albion Cemetery. That building from 1875 is undergoing restoration with a new roof, repointing and other repairs.

Cuts by state would hurt Community Action’s weatherization program that provides many critical services

Posted 23 March 2026 at 3:12 pm

Editor:

New York’s most vulnerable residents – including many right here in Orleans and Genesee counties – are at risk because of a quiet but deeply concerning budget decision.

Across the state, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) providers are raising the alarm about proposed funding cuts, and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is no exception.

Weatherization is far more than insulation and air sealing. Our team of eight walks into homes every day and finds serious safety issues that don’t show up on spreadsheets—homes without ceilings, exposed electrical hazards, kitchens without ventilation that force families to disconnect smoke detectors just to get through the day. The work we do prevents tragedies, reduces energy costs permanently, and helps neighbors live in safe, healthy homes.

Yet the Governor’s budget removes 10% of the HEAP funding traditionally dedicated to WAP. For agencies like ours, that 10% represents up to 60% of the operating budget that keeps these programs running. The impact would be immediate and painful: fewer homes served, fewer families able to afford heat, and potential layoffs for the skilled workers who deliver these essential services.

Our Weatherization team assists between 50 and 100 families each year, and we currently have a waitlist of 200 households—200 families who are already waiting for help. In a climate like ours, where winter hits hard and heating costs keep climbing, we simply cannot turn our backs on them.

WAP is one of New York’s most effective tools for lowering energy costs while improving health and safety. Cutting it undermines affordability, community stability, and long term energy goals.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken this message directly to Albany and Washington, D.C., because our families deserve to be heard. Now we need your voice too. Please contact your elected officials before the April 1 budget deadline and urge them to restore this critical funding.

Our communities cannot afford to lose a program that delivers real savings, real safety, and real impact.

Renee M. Hungerford

Executive Director/CEO

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

Crosby’s will celebrate reopening of remodeled Albion store on Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2026 at 2:15 pm

ALBION – Crosby’s will unveil the grand reopening of its store in Albion on Friday morning at 204 South Main St.

The company has remodeled the convenience store and will have a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. This follows the remodeling of Crosby’s other store in Albion on North Main Street in May 2024.

Crosby’s, owned by the Reid Group in Lockport, has revamped the store at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The company operates 86 throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 10 a.m. celebration also will serve as the kickoff to Crosby’s yearly partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in which various donation efforts will begin across all Crosby’s stores in service of CF and finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

In addition, Crosby’s will be donating $300 to Albion Central School District and $500 to Albion Fire Department.

“We’re proud to continue serving the Albion community,” said Lenny Smith, Vice President of Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum. “This was a major remodel and a significant reinvestment in the store. Our focus is simple — exceed customers’ expectations every day, every time.”

The remodeled store will have 16 employees. The store will offer Crosby’s food items including their freshly made pizza, made-to-order subs and specialty drinks such as hot chocolate, 100% Columbian Coffee and slushies.

1,759 black bears harvested by hunters in NYS last year, second-most in DEC’s records

Posted 23 March 2026 at 12:44 pm

State-wide there was 4 percent increase, with none taken in Orleans County

Photo from DEC: A bear marks a tree in Steuben County. This image was captured through Snapshot NY, a project launched in 2025 to monitor NY wildlife through remote cameras operated by DEC and citizen scientists.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunters harvested an estimated 1,759 black bears during the 2025-26 hunting seasons, with none reported in Orleans County.

According to DEC’s tracking of the annual bear harvest since 1955 (PDF), the 2025 statewide bear harvest was second only to the 2003 season and Southern Zone estimates set a new harvest record.

“The recovery and growth of New York’s bear population is testament to DEC’s vigilant wildlife management efforts,” said Commissioner Lefton. “New York’s big game management plans help maintain populations at levels that are acceptable for local communities and provide sustainable hunting opportunities.”

Statewide, hunters harvested approximately 4% more bears than the 2024 season and 18% above the 10-year average. The Southern Zone take included an estimated 1,202 bears taken, including the 10 heaviest bears recorded for the year. The Northern Zone harvest estimate of 557 bears was slightly lower than 2024, but still above the 10-year average.

The record-setting bear season in the Southern Zone is the culmination of a long-term pattern DEC documented in New York’s bear populations. In the 1950s, bears only occupied the most remote and mountainous regions of New York, such as the Adirondack, Catskill, and Allegheny mountains. Over the past 70 years, bears gradually expanded their range in the State, and DEC began opening new areas for bear hunting.

Map from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Bears now occupy most areas of the state except Long Island and New York City, and all areas of the state are open to bear hunting except Long Island and areas closed to big game hunting. The expansion of bear range was particularly notable in the Southern Zone. The Southern Zone bear harvest exceeded the Northern Zone for the first time in 1998 and accounted for most of New York’s bear harvest for the past 20 years.

While bear populations and hunting opportunities increased in the Southern Zone, the Northern Zone remains a traditional destination for many New York bear hunters. Northern Zone bears typically grow slower in the wilderness ecosystems of the Adirondacks but tend to survive to older ages than their Southern Zone counterparts. All but one of the oldest bears on DEC record were taken in the Northern Zone.

Notable Numbers from the 2025 Bear Season:

74: The number of Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), out of 88 open to bear hunting, with reported 2025 bear harvests.
562 pounds: The dressed weight of the heaviest 2025 reported bear, harvested in the town of Olive, Ulster County, WMU 3C.
668: The number of harvested bears from which DEC received pre-molar teeth to determine the bear’s age in 2025.
26 years: The age of the oldest bear harvested in 2024 (the most recent year for which age data are available). The bear was harvested in the town Mooers, Clinton County, WMU 5A.
21: Bears harvested per 100 square miles in WMU 3C, the highest harvest density of any WMU for the 2025 seasons.

Black bear harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required of all successful bear hunters, and the physical examination of bears by DEC staff, cooperating taxidermists, and meat processors.

Harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and determining the rate at which hunters report their bear harvests in each zone. In fall 2026, DEC will send a commemorative 2025 Black Bear Management Cooperator Patch and a letter confirming each bear’s age to all hunters who reported their bear harvest and submitted a tooth for age analysis.

For more information, click here to see the DEC’s black bear harvest report.

Local trio on Roberts Wesleyan track teams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 March 2026 at 12:20 pm

Contributed Photos – This trio of former Niagara-Orleans League student-athletes are now compeitng on the Roberts Wesleyan University track teams. They include, from left, Barker graduate Kaitlyn Goodwin who is a senior distance runner majoring in English Education, Roy-Hart grad Josiah Rodriguez who is a freshman distance runner majoring in Accounting, and Medina grad Madelyn Rutledge who is a sophomore jumper who earned All East Coast Conference honors last spring in the triple jump.

Medina scouts will accepting food donations on Saturday at Tops store

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2026 at 10:59 am

MEDINA – Scouts in Medina’s Pack 28 will be at the Tops store on Saturday for their annual “Scouting for Food” event.

Instead of going to homes in the community, the scouts will accept the food at the Tops store from 9 a.m. to noon. The food will be given to the food pantry at The Vine church on Maple Ridge Road.

The scouts will be handing out flyers in the store lobby with lists of heavily requested items. Shoppers can purchase those items and then donate them on their way out, said Jeff Baron, Cub Scout leader of Pack 28.

There also will be a location out front marked for people to pull up and drop off items.

Some of the most requested items include: pasta, cereal, peanut butter, canned soups & stews, tuna fish and infant formula.

Albion scouts will be doing a “Scouting for Food” collection in April.

Medina softball squad eyes rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 March 2026 at 9:49 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s veteran group includes, in front, Lilly Maynard, Lilah Class, Molly Cook, Isabelle Perez and Alexa Demmer. In back are Harmoni Wilson, Samantha Heschke, Karlee Cau, Savannah Jo Thompson and Jenna Cecchini.

Looking to rebound from last spring’s winless (0-12) Niagara-Orleans League campaign, the Medina varsity softball team returns a large group of 10 veterans.

Junior catcher Alexa Demmer, who earned first team N-O All-League honors last year, junior pitcher Samantha Heschke, who was second team honoree and senior outfielder Lilah Class, who was an Honorable Mention selection, leads the Mustangs veteran group.

That contingent also includes seniors Molly Cook (outfield/infield) and Karlee Cau (infield/pitcher); juniors Isabelle Perez (outfield) and Lilly Maynard (outfield); sophomore Harmoni Wilson (outfield) and freshmen Jenna Cecchini (outfield) and Savannah Jo Thompson (shortstop).

The Mustangs graduation losses included outfielder Eva Lacy and infielders Sophia Goyette and Makenzie Alverez.

“I’m very excited about the season,” said Jess Forrestel who takes over the Mustangs coaching reins. “We have a good group back and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The Mustangs are scheduled to tune-up for the March 30 N-O opener at defending co-champion Barker at 4:45 p.m. by hosting JFK in a non league contest at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The Mustangs N-O home opener is slated for April 1 against defending co-champion Roy-Hart at 4:45 p.m.

Medina Tribune on April 20, 1865 reported deep mourning in community over Lincoln’s death

Posted 23 March 2026 at 9:43 am

The April 20, 1865 issue of the Medina Tribune included coverage of the Lincoln assassination on pages 2 and 3.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 8

MEDINA – When print newspapers were part of daily life, it was not uncommon for people to clip significant articles – births, marriages, obituaries etc. as tangible records of significant events.

Historic events with loud headlines such as “WAR DECLARED” or “MAN WALKS ON MOON” somehow compelled people to save entire issues, as though the whole paper was imbued with the importance of the event. These papers still have the power to stop us in our tracks.

A well-preserved edition of the Medina Tribune was rediscovered recently at a home in Shelby. At first glance, it appears to be a run-of-the-mill issue. “Courtship Among the Zulus” and “The Oldest Man in the World” are two of the front-page articles, along with advertisements for items ranging from silk hats to oysters and the standard elixir advertisement in this case Pineapple Cider.

But the reason why this newspaper issue was saved becomes apparent on pages two and three. For it is an historic issue after all: it deals with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. A closer look at the date provides an explanation. The assassination occurred on April 14, 1865, which was a Friday, Good Friday, in fact.

At that time local papers were weekly and were published on Thursdays. Thus, this issue, dated April 20, 1865, is the first local newspaper to cover the event and hence the reason it was saved.

On Sunday, April 16th, the churches in Medina were draped in mourning, emblematic of the deep sorrow felt for the death of the President. A Union meeting of the various churches was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church in the evening. “The house was crowded and a most intensely solemn feeling prevailed throughout the entire service.”

The discourse delivered by the Baptist minister, Rev. D. VanAlstyne was apparently particularly impressive and was included in this issue of the Tribune by popular request. It is powerful indeed; one can well imagine the impact it would have had when delivered from the pulpit, just two days after the event, by a minister who, most likely, was well-schooled in the art of oratory.

“Let the Nation in her wrath and just indignation trample the system of slavery into utter extinction. This is an uncommon occasion; a great calamity is ours; the nation is in mourning over an unparalleled crime, and I shall offer no apologies for speaking plain and honest words”

Scheduling details for President Lincoln’s funeral train were announced. Citizens who wished to take a last look at the remains were encouraged to take the morning train from Medina to Buffalo on Thursday, April 27th as the train was scheduled to stop in Buffalo from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Also included in this issue: Governor Fenton’s announcement of the National Calamity, the text of President Andrew Jackson’s Inaugural Address delivered on April 15th as well as details of the $100,000 reward offered: $50,000 for information that would lead to the arrest of John Wilkes Booth, and $25,000 each for the apprehension of conspirators George Atzerodt or David Herold.

We never cease to be amazed at the items that survive through the years, resurfacing out of time and space to give us a glimpse of another era. We thank the Zelazny family for this treasure.

After marathon public hearing showing strong opposition to STAMP, more ways to make voice heard

Posted 23 March 2026 at 9:02 am

Editor:

On March 19, as I listened to 5 ½ hours of testimony during GCEDC’s public hearing on its proposal to award $1.46 billion in financial incentives to a data center complex at STAMP, I felt a new sense of community with my fellow Genesee County residents.

I learned that they share my concerns about this plan. I learned they too fear the air and water pollution, 24/7 noise, impacts on our precious wildlife and birds.

They also see the proposed tax abatements to STREAM US Data Centers, their financial backer Apollo Global Management, and an undisclosed Big Tech firm operator as a bad investment for our County.

We all think 125 jobs – at $11.7 million per job in incentives – is just not worth the harms. That Big Tech and Private Equity will put their own profits before the well-being of our County.

That GCEDC needs to justify why it wants to invite a company – Apollo – whose former and current execs have extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein, into our community.

That GCEDC must reject this harmful proposal. We can do better.

So, join me on March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Desserts and Data Centers with Allies of TSN at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia or Zoom video conferencing. Go to GCEDC’s Board Meeting on March 26 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center.

Submit a comment to GCEDC at streampublichearing@gcedc.com by March 31. Call/text (585) 300-4925 or “No Monster Data Center at STAMP” Facebook group for more info.

Alyssa Beuler

Oakfield

Gas prices up 24 cents in NY in past week, while diesel spikes 39 cents to $5.53

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2026 at 8:14 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas prices at the Crosby’s in Albion on Sunday evening at Route 98 and Route 31 show $3.74 for regular unleaded and $5.45 for diesel. A block away at Kwik Fill, the price was $3.79 for regular unleaded.

Gas prices went up an average of 24 cents in New York State in the past week to $3.86 a gallon for regular unleaded while the national average is at $3.94, up 22 cents. In New York, gas has now gone up 86 cents since it was $2.999 a month ago, AAA reported.

Diesel has seen a much bigger increase, up $1.54 in the past month from $3.991 a month ago to $5.531 today. A week ago the diesel price was $5.136.

In Orleans County, the average price for regular unleaded is at $3.766 today, up 12.5 cents from the $3.641 a week ago, and $3.306 two weeks ago.

Here are the averages today for counties in Western New York:

Orleans, $3.766
Genesee, $3.711
Monroe, $3.804
Niagara, $3.698
Erie, $3.787
Wyoming, $3.763
Livingston, $3.775
Chautauqua, $3.664
Cattaraugus, $3.641
Allegany, $3.709

AAA issued this statement this morning:

“Friday marked the official start of Spring and prices at the pump continued to climb by 22 cents in the past week. With the Spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand.

“The White House’s recent announcement of plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves over four months has had no immediate relief on the oil market so far, as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb.

“According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.24 million b/d to 8.72 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 249.5 million barrels to 244.0 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.

“Diesel prices have also escalated. The national average is $5.25, up 26 cents while the New York average is $5.53, up 39 cents in the past week.”

Nearly 100 complete Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K/10K in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2026 at 6:22 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ann More of Buffalo is in the last stretch of the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion on Saturday. She finished in 34:13.

There were 90 participants in the race which included a 10K option for the first time.

There were 25 finishers in the new 10K. Jacob Walsh of Buffalo won the 10K for the males in a time of 42:23, while Madison Vekich of Niagara Falls was the first female in a time of 48:25.

In the 5K, 65 finished the course with Harrison Flanagan of Holley the first male to cross the finish line in time of 20:02, while Julia Rohde of Lockport was the first female with a time of 22:05.

The runners are lined up on Clarendon Road near the driveway for the Albion Town Hall. The course then turned right on East Avenue (Route 31) and went to Mount Albion Cemetery and then back on Route 31 for a finish in the parking lot. For then 10K, the runners basically did a repeat of the course.

The race is named in honor of the late Wayne Burlison, an Albion music teacher who passed away from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. His wife, Lisa, addressed the runners at the starting line.

The annual Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run/Walk is a slightly longer 5K. A 5K is 3.1 miles. The Burlison race is 3.17 miles. That distance symbolizes the 3 months and 17 days Burlison lived from when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer until his death at age 36 on March 26, 2014.

Some of the proceeds from the race go to Orleans Community Health to help with colorectal screenings and awareness.

Brian Cousins of Corfu crosses the finish line in 35:24. Runners passed through a large inflatable of a colon as they hit the finish line.

Wayne Burlison’s wife Lisa addresses the runners at the start of the race. Lisa is recently married to Tom Wink, who is holding a printout of her remarks. Lisa and Wayne’s son Adam is at right. He completed the 5K.

Lisa and Wayne were married for nearly 15 years. Wayne was a genetic carrier of Lynch syndrome, which most commonly leads to colon cancer but also increases the risk for several other cancers. About 1 in 297 people carry Lynch syndrome, yet around 95% don’t know they have it, Lisa said in her pre-race remarks.

She urged people to get checked for colorectal cancer, and to not ignore any symptoms.

“Wayne lived with deep integrity, strong faith, and quiet perseverance,” his wife said. “He loved Jesus wholeheartedly, as well as his family, music and running. Some of my favorite memories are of him running with worship music in his ears, finding freedom and joy in both faith and movement.”

Tom Hawkins of Williamson completes the race in 37:17

Wolfpack Multisports organized the race and also will be directing the Albion Strawberry Festival 5K/8K on June 13. Click here for more information on that race.

Barker diamond squad faces a rebuilding task

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 March 2026 at 9:37 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s veteran group includes, in front, JJ Prynn and Drew LaGreca. In back are Logan Flint, Keagan Schall, Aaden Munn and Dom Cimato.

Facing a bit of a rebuilding task, the Barker baseball squad is led by a group of six veterans.

That contingent includes seniors JJ Prynn (outfield/pitcher), Dom Cimato (utility) and Aaden Munn (infield) along with juniors Logan Flint (infield/pitcher) and Keagan Schaal (utility) and sophomore Drew LaGreca (infield). Prynn earned second team Niagara-Orleans All League honors last spring.

“We have some experience back but we lost six regulars to graduation so we’re rebuilding a bit,” said Coach Jesse Watts.

The Bulldogs graduation losses included Isaac Monaco (shortstop/pitcher), Owen Harris (second base/outfield), Noah Sandolfini (catcher/pitcher), Tristan Garcia (third base/pitcher), Ireland Brady (second base/pitcher) and Michael Kalynycz (outfield/pitcher). Monaco and Sandolfini were both second team N-O All League honorees.

Barker, which went 3-9 in N-O action last spring will begin prepping for the April 13 league home opener against Wilson by hosting Kendall on March 25 at 4:45 p.m.

Medina brings ‘High School Musical’ to stage, with show challenging stereotypes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2026 at 8:33 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina students sing “Stick to the Status Quo” to close out act one on Saturday night of High School Musical. The song is about breaking free from social stereotypes and the pressure to stay in cliques.

At the end of the musical, students sing “We’re All in This Together,” a message of unity over division.

“This show is about a group of students trying to find where they belong within the school community, and ultimately how their differences help them discover who they truly are. It’s a story about acceptance, inclusivity, and friendship which is incredibly important to us as directors,” says Medina JSHS directors Rachel Trillizio and Anna Ferlito.

Medina performed the show on Friday and Saturday and has a final performance today at 2 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Jackson McGrath plays Troy Bolton, the star of the basketball team. He also is interested in theater to the dismay of the his father, the basketball coach. In this scene, Troy and the team sing, “Get’cha Head in the Game.” Troy is distracted by a new girl in the school, Gabriella, and the idea he might enjoy singing.

Troy (Jackson McGrath) and Gabriella (Ava Blount) first meet on new year’s Eve when they are both vacationing at a ski lodge in Utah. They sing a karaoke duet together, “Start of Something New.” When Troy returns home to East High School in New Mexico, Gabriella has transferred there by coincidence.

Sharpay Evans (Arabella White) and her twin brother Ryan (Arik Papaj) do a very up tempo version of “What I’ve Been Looking For” during an audition for the school musical. Sharpay is a very energetic student, and the star of the theater program who loves being the center of attention. Her brother dutifully aids her in her quests, including sabotaging Gabriella’s relationship with Troy.

Zoey McKinney plays Ms. Darbus, the leader of the drama department. She dislikes sports and cell phones. She is talking with the class, including student Kelsi Nielsen, a musical composer played by Veda Cogovan.

Chris Mulcahy Jr. plays Coach Bolton, Troy’s father and coach of the basketball team. He sees Gabriella as a distraction to Troy’s basketball career.

In “Stick to the Status Quo,” a skater stands on the table in the cafeteria and would pretend to play the cello on his skateboard, showing it’s OK to try other interests. James Page plays the character, Ripper.

Volunteers sought for Canal Clean Sweep events in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2026 at 5:20 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley students and community volunteers expanded their community cleanup last year on May 17 to include working on the landscaping by the tank at the Holley VFW post. The group reset memorial bricks, put down mulch and yanked out a lot of weeds.

Volunteers are welcome for Canal Clean Sweep events in Orleans County and other canal communities in the state.

The events are planned in alignment with the Parks & Trails New York annual state-wide Earth Day Canal Clean Sweep. Most of the events are April 17 to 19, but not all are in that time frame.

Holley has one of the biggest clean sweep efforts, with more than 100 students in the EarlyAct and Interact Clubs taking the lead in picking up trash along the canal and also on village streets and parks.

Holley calls it a “Day of Impact” and it will be from 10 a.m. to noon on May 17. This year’s clean sweep is in honor of Eric Fredendall, a Holley grad and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who passed away at age 46 on Feb. 17 after a battle with cancer.

The “Day of Impact” begins at the elementary school parking lot at 10 a.m. before the volunteers disperse into the community.

Adam Burgio, an Albion student, picks up litter and trash near the railroad tracks by Platt Street on April 19, 2025 during a Canal Clean Sweep event. The Albion Rotary Club and Interact Club at the school filled 19 garbage bags with a total weight of 307 pounds.

Other clean sweep events registered on the Park and Trails website in Orleans County include:

Albion – April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Tinsel (Lockstone) and participants will receive free ice cream, gloves and trash bags.

Holley – April 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet in the pavilion at the Canal Park Trail in Holley and will be provided with light breakfast refreshments before cleaning begins. This event is coordinated by the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District & Orleans County Tourism.

Medina – April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon (with rain date on May 2). The Medina Lions Club welcomes people on the park on the east side of the canal near the lift bridge on the north side of the Medina village. Participants will clean up the trash and mulch the trees, bushes, sculptures and ground signs.

Medina – April 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Medina Junior Senior High School Student IMPACT Club will be picking up litter along the canal, beginning near Ryan Street.

There is time for other groups to register for cleanup events along the canal, too. Click here for more information.

Lyndonville soars with Peter Pan musical

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2026 at 1:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Central School is performing Peter Pan for the school’s annual musical. The top photo shows the cast on Friday’s opening night. There are more performances at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Gavyn Draper stars as Peter Pan and he gets to fly about the stage in several scenes. Peter Pan and other characters – Wendy, John and Michael Darling – get to fly by using wires with harnesses and pulleys.

There are about 35 students in the cast, 20-plus in the stage crew and another 14 in the pit orchestra.

Lyndonville is coming off a highly acclaimed musical season a year ago when its show, Newsies, was named “Production of the Year” for small schools in the Rochester region by the Stars of Tomorrow program which sends trained evaluators to the school musicals.

Draper, a sophomore, has been performing in shows since he was in third grade, first at his church. By fifth grade, he was on stage for the Lyndonville school musicals.

“I like singing and acting, and I like an audience,” he said before Friday’s show.

Last year’s show gave him “goose bumps” on stage to see how the cast came together in a powerful way, and to see the crowd react.

He believes the message of Peter Pan is to embrace your childhood for as long as you can.

Austin Fonda plays the role of Captain Hook in Neverland. Captain Hook wants to kill Peter because he cut off his hand and threw it to a crocodile. Hook leads a group of pirates. In this photo, Fonda sings about a mysterious woman who has captured Hook’s fancy.

Sarah Corser plays the role of Tiger Lily, who leads a group of Indians who are hunting the pirates. Tiger Lily and Peter Pan reach a truce and friendship.

Peter Pan (Gavyn Draper) sprinkles some fairy dust on the three Darling children and urges then to “think lovely thoughts” so they can fly with him to Neverland. Emily Kroll plays Wendy (left), Jackson Hargrave is Michael Darling (center) and Bella Bresett is John Darling. In this scene, they’re singing, “I’m Flying.”

Draper is playing the role his mother, Katie (Thurber) Draper, played as Peter Pan in 2002. Becky Botsford, a Lyndonville music teacher, also was Wendy in the 2002 production. She is playing the bassoon in the pit orchestra for this year’s show.

Jen Trupo, the musical director the past 15 years at Lyndonville, said the flying characters make the show feel “magical.” She believes the musical shares a powerful message.

“I just want everyone to really soar above adversity and the all the Captain Hooks in their life and all the things that they are weighing them down,” she said.

Wendy Darling (Amy Kroll) is in Neverland and shares stories with the Lost Boys, who ask her to be their mother.