Conservative Party chairman urges support for Wambach in Shelby
Editor:
Shelby voters, I would like to tell you a few things about my friend and fellow committeeman Mark Wambach.
First off, Mark is not a politician. When the former councilman abandoned his seat and made the seat available to the three parties in Orleans County, Mark stepped up without hesitating. He felt it was his duty to help his town out of a bad situation.
Mark pays attention to the smallest details. Mark is a problem solver and will bring that with him to be an asset to the three candidates that won the primary in June of this year. Mark’s insight will bring fresh ideas to Shelby’s town government.
Mark understands that with an aging and tax stressed population in your town that keeping taxes flat or reducing them is paramount to a thriving community. Mark also understands that allowing new business and reducing the government stresses on existing ones will only make for a better vibrant community.
Mark will work with other towns and their leaders to get the best deal for you. It’s constituents first and foremost. Mark has a great respect for the farming community that is the backbone of the town.
Mark has attended workshops and meetings and is well versed on what is going on in the town. He will come in if elected with a good understanding of the problems that need to be addressed. Mark is a very approachable person and willing to listen. Mark is not afraid to admit if he is wrong and will make a concerted effort to change course.
Mark above all is honest and hard working. His word is his bond. He will be very frugal with your tax dollars and only spend what is absolutely necessary to keep government working. Only needs over wants. Living within the means of the money collected.
He knows what a burden it has become for a good majority of you coming up with the money for that tax bill. I truly believe he will work hard to make the town of Shelby a better place to live for all of its residents.
Folks it’s time to elect people who have true conservative principles when it comes to your money and quite frankly the party that has been in control has violated that trust. Please vote for Mark on Row C the Conservative Party line and vote for all the conservative party-endorsed candidates right across the line.
The team of James Heminway for Supervisor, Lawrence Waters, Edward Zelazny and Mark Wambach as your town councilmen are a dream team for all the taxpayers in your town. They will work for you. No agendas. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Don’t sit this one out. Go vote.
Paul Lauricella
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman
Praise for Tonawanda Seneca Nation for latest legal victory to stop massive data center
Editor:
Congratulations to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation for their second massive legal victory against STAMP and the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).
Through their ligation they forced the US Fish and Wildlife Service to retract a key right-of-way permit that would have allowed STAMP to run a waterline through the swamps into Orleans County. It would have dumped up to 6 million gallons of phosphorous-laden waste water into the already endangered Oak Orchard Creek.
While many Orleans County residents only learned about it recently, the Nation had been fighting it for years. The hydrogen globes stand idle with no ability to channel waste water. Their desperate attempt to divert the waste water through Oakfield will likely fail.
Having failed here, GCEDC attempted to push through a massive data center using an outdated and insufficient State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) like they have done in the past.
But this time, in a masterly move, the Nation joined forces with the Sierra Club and challenged the dubious SEQR in court. Knowing they didn’t have a leg to stand on, GCEDC voluntarily retracted project approval requests. They tried to spin it that the reason was because they intend to build an even larger data center.
But the reality is that all environmental reviews of future projects won’t sneak through behind closed doors and will be thoroughly reviewed and a larger data center would have an even bigger influence on the environment. To date the Stream U.S. data center has not completed a purchase and sale agreement for the land and it remains in doubt.
The Nation and the Sierra Club have dismissed their litigation with prejudice which allows them to return to court with the same issues in any further projects. Victory!
STAMP’s placement of the 1,263 acres in agricultural land, surrounded by a network of protected land that encompasses ecologically rich wetlands and forests that provide critical habitat for a diversity for birds, plants and animals borders on criminal.
It is plausible that STAMP would have no footprint there at all if they had followed legal guidelines like consulting with an adjoining sovereign nation as required by law. But they have chosen to conceal their actions from the public from day one until the present with the hopes of progressing without public knowledge or challenge.
The terrain of the STAMP land and its water runoff leads directly to the Tonawanda Creek where any harmful drainage or spills will affect the people of the Tonawanda Rez directly. They have wells not city water. The ancient Big Woods located between the Rez and STAMP has long been a source of medicinal plants and a valued hunting ground is at risk. They are fighting for their way of life over land that was once part of the reservation and stolen from them.
After 20 years and more than $410 million in subsidies paid by us, the taxpayers, GCDEC has struggled to get viable tenants. Currently, only Edwards Vacuum is under construction. It’s time to cut our losses and stop using tax payers’ money to keep it propped up.
The Tonawanda Nation has not won the war. But they have won some key victories and will continue to fight until their land and way of life is secure. The People of the Longhouse have a belief that they should look seven generations ahead when making decisions and that is what they are doing.
I celebrate their victories and you can too. There is a Victory Rally at Batavia City Hall on November 8th at noon to celebrate No Data Centers at STAMP. Everyone is welcome. You can also follow them on Facebook on their Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
Arthur Barnes
Shelby
Albion Interact helps at Foodlink warehouse in Rochester
Photo courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion Central School
ROCHESTER – Members of the Albion High School Interact Club spent Wednesday morning at the Foodlink warehouse in Rochester sorting food supplies for eventual distribution to programs and “food-insecure” families throughout Western New York.
The students sorted through six pallets of canned goods – over 5,400 pounds of food that will provide 4,500 individual meals. Pictured from left are Hannah Olles, Aubrey Bruning, Adele Mathes, Nisi Beltran, Hanna Kumalac, Heidi Franco, Julia Graham, Brooke Doty and Lillian Fisher.
Bent’s Opera House hosting free hot buffet and food drive on Nov. 9
Press Release, Bent’s Opera House
MEDINA – Bent’s Opera House will open its doors to the community on Sunday, Nov. 9, for a free hot buffet and food drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In light of the recent SNAP benefit shutdowns, the event aims to provide comfort and relief to families affected by food insecurity in the region .
The buffet will operate on a “Pay-What-You-Can” basis — allowing guests to contribute what they are able, or nothing at all. Whether dining in or taking a meal to go, everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated but never required .
In addition to the hot buffet, to-go boxes and non-perishable food items will be available for community members to take home. The event underscores Bent’s Opera House’s ongoing commitment to serving as a gathering place for kindness, generosity, and shared support during challenging times .
“We know these times have been difficult for many in our community,” said Jaclyn Eichas, general manager of Bent’s Opera House. “Our hope is that this event provides not just a warm meal, but a reminder that no one faces hardship alone.”
Reservations are encouraged but not required. For more information, please call (585) 318-2110 or visit bentsoperahouse.com.
Quince trees were once very popular in Orleans County
Photographs courtesy of Tom Wenhold: A quince tree in full glory on Route 18 in the Town of Yates.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 38
How was your quince harvest this year? Did you make a quince pie or a batch of quince marmalade?
Quince trees were cultivated in Orleans County orchards for many years but have become less common.
The October 6, 1847, Orleans Republican carried an ad from the N. Spicer & Son Nursery at Kendall Corners advertising quince trees for sale.
A fruit orchard “near the Knowlesville depot” which was offered for sale in March 1875, included a quince orchard of 100 trees.
The quince crop of 1883 was unusually large. About 4,000 barrels shipped from Albion at $3.50 per barrel.
In the 1970s, the Brown farm in Waterport grew 55 acres of quince, “the largest acreage of quince on one farm in the U.S.” according to a Journal-Register article.
A ripening quince in sunlight.
A quince resembles a cross between an apple and a pear and emits a lemony aroma. The fruit is hard even when ripe and cannot be eaten out of hand when picked, but must be stewed, candied or jellied to make it palatable. It turns a lovely rosy hue when cooked. It has a high pectin content and was used to make jelly and marmalade. It is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Here is a recipe for a Quince Pie from the “Queen of the Household” cookbook published in 1891: Pare, slice and stew 6 quinces till soft, then press through a sieve. Add to this 1-pint milk and 4 well beaten eggs. Sweeten to taste. Bake in a bottom crust ¾ hour in a moderate oven.
Another recipe in the book is for “Quince Cheese,” which is quince marmalade boiled down very thick. “It will turn out as firm as cheese and can be cut into slices.” No doubt this was the origin of the “slices of quince” mentioned in that wonderful nonsense poem by Edward Lear, “The Owl and the Pussycat.”
“They dined on mince and slices of quince
Which they ate with a runcible spoon.”
Barker will host Medina in Class C field hockey sectional semifinal Monday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Maggie Lonnen and Barker’s Sophia Gerhardt battle for control of the ball during a regular season contest. The Mustangs and Lady Bulldogs will meet again in the Class C sectional semifinals on Monday at Barker at 7 p.m.
Niagara-Orleans League foes No. 2 seeded Barker and No. 3 Medina will meet in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class C field hockey playoffs at 7 p.m. Monday at Barker.
Monday’s other semifinal will have N-O champion No. 1 seed Akron facing No. 5 Eden at 4:30 p.m. on the blue turf at Alden.
The Class C finals will be held at Alden on Thursday at 8 p.m.
Barker downed Medina twice during the N-O by scores of 1-0 and 7-2.
The Barker offense has been led by Madelina Pavlock with 20 goals, Sophia Pavlock 6 and Jordyn Kinne 4.
Penelope Schalck has led the Medina offense with 22 goals as Jenelle Stalker has 8, Maggie Lonnen 7, Emi Batista 5 and Savannah Jo Thompson, Lilah Class and Ava Blount with 4 each.
Barker advanced by nipping No. 7 Newfane 1-0 in the quarterfinals while Medina downed No. 6 Wilson 4-2.
Barker went 10-2 in N-O competition and is 12-5 overall while Medina went 6-6 in the league and is now 11-6 overall.
Roy-Hart has home match for Class B2 volleyball sectional semifinal Monday
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Niagara-Orleans League champion No. 3 seed Roy-Hart will host No. 7 JFK in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class B2 volleyball playoffs at 6 p.m. Monday. The victor will advance to Wednesday’s B2 final at Cheektowaga at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of the No. 8 Salamanca vs. No 5 Springville semifinal. Roy-Hart advanced by defeating No. 6 Southwestern in four sets in the quarterfinals while JFK ousted No. 2 DaVinci in five sets. Here Kylie McOmber tips the ball over the net for the Lady Rams during the quarterfinal win.
Proclamation from Assemblyman Hawley highlights impact of Erie Canal over 200 years
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a proclamation celebrating the first 200 years of the Erie Canal. Hawley attended Tuesday’s Orleans County legislature meeting and presented the proclamation to County Historian Catherine Cooper, second from right, Tourism Direct Dawn Borchert and County Legislator Ed Morgan.
The Erie Canal opened on Oct. 26, 1825 when Gov. DeWitt Clinton departed Buffalo leading a flotilla of boats across the canal to New York City. They reached that destination on Nov. 4, 1825.
The canal, brought new commerce, settlers and opportunity to New York tate, including Orleans County, Hawley said.
The waterway has played a critical role in connecting people and places across the state, and led to many thriving hamlets and villages.
Hawley noted the canal continues to have an economic, cultural and toruism role in the state. Orleans County also has seven of the 16 lift bridges on the canal, the most of any county.
County Historian Catherine Cooper also spoke during the presentation and noted Orleans County also is observing its bicentennial this year. She said there have been many events and efforts in the past year to highlight the county’s 200th anniversary.
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GO Art! welcomes submissions in upcoming Members’ Exhibition
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – As the holiday season approaches, GO Art! is thrilled to invite its members—including our Board of Directors and staff—to participate in one of our most anticipated exhibitions of the year: The Annual GO Art! Members’ Exhibition.
This celebratory showcase will close out 2025 with a vibrant array of original works across diverse media and styles, reflecting the creativity and spirit of our artistic community.
We are now accepting submissions for the 2025–2026 Members’ Exhibition, to be held at GO Art!’s Seymour Place gallery, located at 201 East Main Street, Batavia, NY. The exhibition will run from Dec. 6 through Jan. 31 with an opening reception on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to selected artists during the reception.
Eligibility & Guidelines
- Open to all current GO Art! member artists.
- All media are welcome. Maximum dimensions: 30” x 36”. (Limited space available for sculpture—please call for details.)
- Each member may submit up to three original works (2D or 3D).
- Previously exhibited works are not eligible.
- All 2D pieces must be wired and ready to hang.
- Works that do not meet submission guidelines will be returned.
Submission Instructions
- Download the submission contract or request a copy from GO Art!
- Email the title, medium, and price of each piece to: jswaby@goart.org
- Clearly label each artwork with its title on the back.
- Include a hard copy of the completed contract when dropping off artwork.
Key Dates
- Artwork Drop-Off: December 1–3 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Opening Reception: December 18 (6 to 8 p.m.)
- Exhibition Dates: December 6 to January 31
Join us in celebrating the end of the year with creativity, community, and connection. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your work, engage with fellow artists, and be recognized for your contributions to the arts in our region.
For more information, please contact: Jackie Swaby, Education Director & Gallery Curator. Email: jswaby@goart.org, GO Art! phone: 585-343-9313.
Merchants Association announces winners in Albion scarecrow contest
ALBION – The Albion Merchants Association has announced the winners of its scarecrow contest.
Scariest: “Jack Skellington” by Carly & Cassidy Dix
Cutest: “Jem” by Jesika Cramer
Funniest: “Bobby” by Hazel Bringenberg
Wackiest: “Funky Party Princess Pickle Toes” by Amber Stinson
“Thank you to all of you who came out for the Albion Fall Fest ’25 and built scarecrows,” the Merchants Association stated. “The Scarecrow Contest ’25 winners will receive gift certificate cards. Also, a hearty thank you to the Albion Lion’s Club for supplying this year’s judges for the Scarecrow Contest.”
Naples downs Kendall in Class C2 title contest
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Brandon Barrett goes flying by Naples goalie Joseph Christmas as he makes the save. The action took place during the Eagles Section V Class C 2 title game loss to the Big Green this afternoon at Honeoye Falls-Lima.
Scoring a goal in each half, No. 2 seed Naples bested top seeded Kendall 2-0 in the Section V Class C2 boys soccer tournament championship game this afternoon at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School.
Connor Betrus scored what proved to be the game winning goal for Naples with 8 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Big Green later got a big insurance goal from Oscar Austin with 24 minutes remaining in the second half.
“They were solid,” said Kendall Coach Rich Esposito of Naples. “We had no answer for them. They beat us to every ball. We just ran into a better team.”
The loss snapped a season long 18 game winning streak for Kendall which was the defending Class C2 champion.
Naples, which stays undefeated at 17-0, advances to next week’s Section V Class C state qualifier contest against Class C1 champion Williamson which defeated East Rochester 2-1.
Wilson 1, Allegany-Limestone 0
Top seeded Wilson nipped No. 2 Allegany-Limestone 1-0 in the Section VI Class C boys soccer tournament championship game this afternoon at West Seneca East.
Gage Galie scored the game’s lone goal with just two minutes remaining for Wilson which stays undefeated at 19-0.
Girls Soccer
Wilson 1, Frewsburg 0
Top seeded Wilson edged No. 2 Frewsburg 1-0 in the Section VI Class C girls soccer tournament championship game this afternoon at Allegany-Limestone.
Zoey Beck scored the game’s lone goal in the second half for Wilson which improves to 17-1.
Kendall’s Andrew Cole goes up for a header against Naples’ Oscar Austin.
Kendall’s Tyler McCue battles for control of the ball with Riccardo Izzo from Naples.
Clocks fall back an hour tonight
Photo by Tom Rivers: The former First Methodist Episcopal Church in Holley has a four-sided clock tower in the Public Square. This building was constructed in 1868-1869 is is part of the Holley Village Historic District, which in 2015 was included on the National Register of Historic Places.
HOLLEY – Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight with the end of Daylight Savings Time and a return to standard time at 2 a.m.
AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.
An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.
Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.
“As we fall back, drivers need to stay alert, especially in the early evening as darkness arrives and children may be at play,” said AAA Western and Central New York Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “It’s a reminder to eliminate distractions behind the wheel and slow down to increase reaction time.”
AAA recommends the following:
Drivers
- Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.
- Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.
- Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.
- Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.
- Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Preliminary data indicates there were 36,743 animal-related crashes in New York in 2024 – that’s equivalent to one animal-related crash every 15 minutes, often outside of daylight hours
Pedestrians
- Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.
- Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.
Headlights
- With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
- AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.
School Safety
- Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.
- Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
Daylight saving time begins on March 8, 2026. Efforts to eliminate the clock changes, such as the Sunshine Protection Act that passed the Senate in March 2022 and was not approved by the House of Representatives, have stalled for now.
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4-H program leader in Orleans receives state and national recognition
Kristina Gabalski has led local program serving 375 youths since 2018
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kristina Gabalski accepts a “Special Recognition Award” from the Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday. She was presented the award from County Legislator Ed Morgan. Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, is at left.
Gabalski has led the 4-H program in Orleans County since 2018. It currenly serves 375 youths with 50 adult volunteers.
Gabalski recently was honored with “Achievement in Service” awards at the state and national levels by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.
Gabalski leads the local 4-H program and has expanded her responsibilities at the state and district levels, Batt said.
“She continually looks for ways to integrate new topics and methods of delivery that best meet the needs of Orleans County youth,” Batt said. “This includes Spark clubs that not only offer enrolled youth a chance to try something new but also entice unenrolled youth to join.”
He praised her for working with school staff and administrators to support 4-H clubs in schools.
“Most importantly volunteers, parents, and alumni trust and respect Kristina,” Batt said. “Her advocacy of the value of project records, and engagement with all these groups helps to strengthen the people power infrastructure of the county program.”
Gabalski, in accepting the award at the Legislature meeting, said the 4-H youth represent the county well, and not only at the annual 4-H Fair in late July every summer. 4-H’ers go to Albany to meet with state legislators, attend programs at Cornell University and SUNY Cobleskill, and also compete at the State Fair in Syracuse.
“The Legislature can be extremely proud of our youth in Orleans County,” she said.
Gabalski, as 4-H program coordinator, oversees all project areas of 4-H in Orleans County: Animal Science, Family and Consumer Science, STEM, Horse and Dog Program Development, Public Presentations and Civic Engagement. The Animal Science Program includes livestock, horses, and small companion animals and youth exhibits during the
Orleans County 4-H Fair. The 4-H rabbit club hosts an annual Rabbit and Cavy Day and 4-H Rabbit Show. Approximately 200 youth are engaged in animal science.
