By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 7:05 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recognized two of its members, June Persia and Ben Lennox, with an award named in honor of the late John Keding, a very dedicated member.
The “Pride of the Pride” award was presented to Persia and Lennox for their outstanding service to the club, and active participation at many of the clubs fundraisers and community service projects.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 8:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION/MEDINA – The downtown business districts in Albion and Medina held their annual Beggar’s Nite celebrations on Friday evening and passed out candy to hundreds of kids in costume. They were able to fill their bags and baskets with treats – a week before Halloween.
The top photo shows a kid dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob is on the hunt for candy along Main Street in front of KeyBank.
Provided photo: Rylie, Sydney and Shelby Ierlan are shown with their mother, Mykailah Roberts, in Albion. They had a Cat in the Hat theme.
Anita Finley, lower right, was among the merchants passing out candy in downtown Albion.
A friendly Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street made an appearance in Albion.
The Downtown Browsery welcomed kids into the building where there were several stops for candy and prizes.
This group did a witches’ dance on Main Street in Albion.
The Print Shop upped its efforts during Beggar’s Night in medina, creating this banner as a photo back drop. A long line waited outside at the Print Shop’s parking lot.
These kids in the photo include a brother and sister. Alyvia Chmylak, 6, of Holley is the Corpse Bride and her brother Kayden, age 9, is a Horror Rabbit.
Jana Howard, back left, and Tina Oosterling, co-owner of A Kut Above, gave out lots of candy. They look forward to Beggar’s Nite every year.
“We live to see the kids,” Howard said. “We see a lot of people we know. The kids are growing up fast.”
Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop, dressed as the IT character and served as a crossing guard during the busy event.
Riki Lake, dressed as pumpkin, passed out candy next to her son, Lakato who was a character from Squid Games. They are outside the new office for CHPC.
Micheal Fuller, co-owner of The Print Shop, hands out boxes of candy and stickers. Print Shop went through 800 in the first hour and had 1,000 ready to give away. Nicole Keith is the butterfly and her daughter Aurora is Miraculous Ladybug.
Marci Fullwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery, disperses candy while in a character in the window portrays Jason from the Friday the 13th movies.
The Fringe not only passed out candy but they dressed out as characters from Hocus Pocus.
In front, Khloe Mank, 9, is Emily Binx. In back from left are Leah Printup as Thackery Binx (the iconic cat), Jennifer Printup as Winifred Sanderson, Amanda Mank as Mary Sanderson, and Vanessa Lhommedieu as Sarah Sanderson.
Lhommedieu is owner of The Fringe. Last year the group dressed up as characters from Beetlejuice.
“I love the magic of Halloween for kids,” she said. “It’s fun when your co-workers join in the shenanigans with you.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 8:36 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This scary character is at the beginning of the Haunted Hallway at The Villages of Orleans, a nursing home on Route 31 in Albion.
For the second year, the activities staff at The Villages has created a “Haunted Hallway” where the community can get a scare, and at the end receive candy and treats from residents of The Villages.
Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, ventured through the creepy hallway. Orly dressed as a nurse. He wanted to support the effort, and meet some of the residents who were passing out candy at the end of the hallway.
The dimly lit indoor hallway has several scary spots. Some Albion students are volunteering during the event which continues today from 6 to 8 p.m. (Watch out for the Silly String from these students.)
The activities department dressed up as characters for the event. From left includes Rhiannon Farrell, Meghan Clark, Orly the Ox and Nancy Donahue.
There is no charge to go through the Haunted Hallway but donations are accepted for the activities department.
Some of the residents passing out candy said they hope to see more kids today going through the hallway.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2025 at 10:46 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Kolton Fletcher dives in for the winning touchdown in the final two minutes of tonight’s game against Batavia at Vets Park.
A touchdown in the final two minutes earned Medina a narrow 27-26 win over Batavia in a penalty filled regular season ending non league football game at Vets Park this evening.
Trailing 26-21, Medina rallied for the win as Kolton Fletcher scored on a 4 yard touchdown run with 2:01 remaining. Fletcher also caught a 24 yard pass from quarterback Preston Woodworth to highlight the drive.
The Mustangs defensive unit then preserved the win when Avion Johnson recovered a Batavia fumble at the Blue Devils 39 yard line.
Batavia took the lead for the last time at 26-21 on a two yard touchdown run by quarterback William Stevens with 9:17 remaining.
Medina had taken a 21-20 lead late in the third quarter on a 10 yard TD pass from Woodworth to Hadrian Batista.
The Blue Devils grabbed a 20-15 lead at the half on a 22 yard TD run by Devre Sanders and a two-point conversion carry by Maggio Bucholz with just 38 seconds remaining in the second quarter..
Medina’s first half scoring came on touchdown runs of 5 and 4 yards by Christian Moss, a two-point conversion pass from Woodworth to Jayzon Wills and an extra point kick by Davi Mucoucah. A fumble recovery by Fletcher set up the opportunity for the second TD.
Medina finishes the regular season at 6-2 and Batavia at 4-4.
It marked the first time Medina and Batavia have met on the football field since 1967.
Other Scores
Maryvale 49, Albion 6 (Kaiden Froman scored the Albion touchdown)
Canisteo-Greenwood 46, Holley 0
Medina’s Kendrick Russaw tries to get around Batavia defender William Stevens.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2025 at 10:15 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Vinny Gray, who scored the Mustangs lone goal, goes over Fredonia goalie Luka Paoletta trying to score another goal. The action took place during the Mustangs sectional win at Vets Park this afternoon.
A lone early goal proved to be just enough as No. 4 seeded Medina nipped No. 5 Fredonia 1-0 in a Section VI Class B boys soccer tournament quarterfinal game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Vinny Gray scored the Mustangs goal just four minutes into the first half off an assist from Izzy Anderson as a corner kick by Aleks Seefeldt started the play.
Cam Fike made several big saves in goal over the final 25 minutes to preserve the Mustangs narrow lead.
Luke Duffina, Ryan Pegelow, Owen Sargent, Jimmy Dieter and Bryson Ford anchored the Medina defense.
Medina next faces top seeded Lafayette in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Monday at All High Stadium in Buffalo. Lafayette downed No. 8 Tonawanda 3-0.
Class C Wilson 4, North Collins 0
Top seeded Wilson blanked No. 8 North Collins 4-0 as Cole Hermann scored three goals.
Medina goalie Cam Fike goes high to knock the ball away on a Fredonia corner kick opportunity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 4:51 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce held its 27th annual awards dinner on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Club and presented nine different awards.
The winners include:
Business of the Year: Velocitii
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Zambito
New Business of the Year: Homestead Pest Control
Small Business of the Year: Bentley Brothers
Phoenix Award: Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory
Agricultural Business of the Year: RLW Cattle
Hidden Gem: Hurd Orchards
Business Person of the Year: Dan DeCarlo
Community Service Award: Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern
Pictured, first row, from left: Dan DeCarlo, Jeff Brandt and Heather Smith of Velocitii, Jami Allport of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Morgan Woodworth of RLW Cattle, Laura Bentley of Bentley Brothers, Rita Zambito, and Susan Hurd Machamer of Hurd Orchards.
Back Row: Richie Sarrero and Andrew Meier of Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory, Brian O’Neill of Velocitii, Lane and Nathan Woodworth (on behalf of their parents Rachel and Patrick Woodworth) of RLW Cattle, Jacob Ivison of Homestead Pest Control, and Amy Machamer and Amelia Sidonio of Hurd Orchards.
Orleans Hub expects to have more photos and comments from the winners posted on Saturday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 October 2025 at 3:59 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.
The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.
They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.
“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”
Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.
“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.
They also rent a farm on Route 104.
“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”
This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.
Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.
Tops Friendly Markets announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off their grocery bill this Veterans Day.
This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. To date this program has afforded our veterans over $1million dollars in discounts.
On Tuesday, November 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. Tops has stores in Orleans County at Albion and Medina.
Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off their total purchase that day.
“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, we’re proud to have helped save our veterans over $1 million dollars. This annual savings is just one of the many ways we strive to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”
Additionally, select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. Flags will be on sale through Nov. 15.
Orleans County Department of Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni and Niagara County DSS Commissioner Meghan Lutz today issued a joint statement to residents regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025 -2026 season.
“Please be advised that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed indefinitely. We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter and our staff will be ready to move forward with applications as soon as the process starts. We will be releasing more information about the HEAP process as we receive it.
“The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by our offices and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards continues at this time. We have been told, however, that these programs could be impacted as well if the shutdown continues into November.”
To learn more about HEAP and to keep up with any updates, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#heap. Information on the federal shutdown can be found at the top of that page.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:16 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Public Safety Building.
This is an opportunity to properly and safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.
For the safety of the staff at the Sheriff’s Office, do not bring uncapped, unsecured, or loose needles and sharps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:06 am
Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.
The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.
The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.
Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament. The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.
To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.
Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.
Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 9:33 am
Photos from Chick-fil-A: The new Chick-fil-A will be at the intersection of route 19 and 31 in the Town of Sweden.
BROCKPORT – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open in Brockport on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 a.m.
The new Chick-fil-A is owned and operated by Aaron Reynolds, who worked at Chick-fil-A in college. He was able to use a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures scholarship to help with his education.
“What began as a part-time job during graduate school quickly became my greatest passion,” Reynolds said. “I’m thrilled to open Chick-fil-A Brockport in a community I now proudly call home and to invest in Team Members as they grow and discover their own potential, just like I did.”
The new Chick-fil-A has been under construction since March. It is located at the corner of Rt. 19 and Rt. 31 in the Town of Sweden with the address 4871 Lake Rd. S.
The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the drive-thru open until 11 p.m. and will offer dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, curbside pick-up and Mobile Thru.
The new Chick-fil-A brings approximately 100 jobs to the community and joins four other Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Rochester market.
Customers who dress in a cow print on the opening day will receive a free entrée.
Chick-fil-A released this map of the property to show the traffic flow at the site.