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NYU students filming at Pratt theater in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2026 at 8:43 am

‘Madam George’ expected to be entered in film festivals

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Maja Korsika, a filmmaker and student at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, is shown in the Pratt theater in downtown Albion on Saturday. Korsika is the writer and director of a short film, Madam George, which she described as an absurdist comedy.

Korsika and a team of about 20-25 people will be spending four days in Albion working on the 12-minute film.

Korsika was looking up photos of the Pratt Center in New York City when she came across photo of the Pratt theater in Albion on the internet. Those photos by Walter Jakubowski showed the opera house in Albion as an authentic theater from about a century ago.

Crew members getting ready to shoot a scene inside the Pratt Theater on Saturday. The crew arrived in Albion about 2 a.m. Saturday and will be busy making the film this weekend.

The Pratt Opera House was built in 1882 by a local farmer, John Pratt. The Pratt was largely unused after 1930, until Michael Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler worked to save the site over the past 20 years at 114-120 North Main St.

When Korsika saw the photos online of the Pratt Theater, she went to the Pratt website and contacted Bonafede to ask if she could see the theater. She and two others from her team drove from New York City in early March and toured the opera house.

She was convinced the Pratt would be an ideal backdrop for her film.

“I like the rawness of the this theater,” she said. “There is so much imperfection that makes it so cinematic.”

The brick walls and wooden floors are better than a sterile “black box” studio for making the film, she said.

The Pratt stage needed to be cleared out to accommodate the filmmakers. Bonafede had drums and percussion equipment on the stage from concerts in 2024, as well as historic wall hangings and amplifiers. He was able to mobilize a group to move all of those items last week.

He is hopeful the film will allow more people to see the Pratt theater and Albion, which has many historic resources besides an authentic opera house. Albion is home to five districts on the National Register of Historic Places – Courthouse Square, downtown Albion, Mount Albion Cemetery, the Cobblestone Museum and Erie Canal.

“This will shine a good light on the community,” Bonafede said about the film.

Korsika said she and her team will do the coloring and sound design after the filming in Albion. She plans to enter “Madam George” in film festivals with a premiere in late summer or early fall.

Korsika is thankful for the accommodations and hospitality of the Bonafede family and the Albion community.

Photos courtesy of Taylor McCabe

In one scene on Saturday, West Bank Street needed to be closed briefly to traffic. The Albion Police Department was able to block off the street for about 20 minutes beginning around 10:30 a.m.

The group is shown with dancers in the GAR room, which used as a gathering place of Civil war veterans from 1884 to 1930. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) room is on the third floor of the Day and Day building next to the Pratt.

The film crew is expected to shoot scenes today at the Pratt and on Beaver Alley.

Strong finish keeps Green in title contention at the LPGA’s LA Championship

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 9:21 pm

Golf Channel Photo – Melanie Green celebrates after making a birdie putt on the 9th hole today at the LA Championship.

A strong finish at today’s third round has kept Medina’s Melanie Green in title contention at the LPGA Tour’s LA Championship Tournament at Los Angeles.

Registering birdies on two of the final three holes earned Green a 3 under par round of 69 on the day good for tourney total of 12 under and a tie for sixth place only three shots back of the leader.

Green, who was 9 under going into today’s round improved to 11 under on the front nine with birdies on 2 and 9.

She then rebounded strongly from a bogey on 14 to register clutch birdies on 16 and 18 to take a 12 under score into Sunday’s title deciding final round.

Green opened the tourney with a sizzling 5 under par round of 67 on Thursday and followed that up with a strong 4 under par round of 68 on Friday to vault her to 9 under and a spot in the top five.

Being among the leaders Green was shown on several holes during the Golf Channel’s three hour telecast this evening including a shot of her making a huge birdie putt on 18 to keep a hold of a share of sixth place.

OCH has navigators to help access health insurance through the marketplace

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 April 2026 at 6:24 pm

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the launch of its New York State of Health Marketplace Assistance Program for 2026, made possible through a newly awarded grant supporting residents in both Orleans and Genesee counties.

They hope to extend the funding beyond 2026 to continue meeting the growing need for accessible health insurance guidance in the region, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at OCH.

“Access to health coverage is foundational to building healthier communities,” Robinson said. “This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure residents understand their options and receive the assistance they need at no cost.”

This initiative is part of OCH’s larger Healthy Communities Program, designed to provide health and wellness information to community members of all ages.

Through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health, certified navigators are now available to help individuals and families navigate their health insurance options through the NY State of Health Marketplace.

Navigators provide clear, unbiased information about available health insurance plans, helping residents compare coverage options, understand benefits and select plans that best meet their needs. These trained assistors offer personalized, one-on-one support to guide individuals through the enrollment process.

This free and confidential service is available at no cost to the community and includes assistance with:

  • Applying for health insurance coverage
  • Renewing or updating coverage plans
  • Understanding eligibility for financial assistance
  • Answering questions about available options and plan choices

One certified navigator will be based at the Batavia Dialysis Center and another at Medina Memorial Hospital. In addition to these locations, additional team members are available to assist, expanding the program’s reach across the region.

Beyond on-site appointments, certified navigators will conduct extensive community outreach, meeting individuals where it is most convenient – including community centers, libraries, partner organizations and local events. Navigators are already traveling to additional locations to further increase access and reduce barriers to enrollment.

Appointments are available by scheduling in advance, ensuring each individual receives dedicated time and support. All services are provided in a confidential setting, with a focus on helping residents find coverage that fits their unique needs.

Community members interested in scheduling an appointment, as well as organizations interested in hosting outreach visits, are encouraged to contact Orleans Community Health or visit OrleansCommunityHealth.org for more information.

Navigators may be reached directly by calling Jordan Grollmes in Orleans County at (585) 798-2476 or Dennis Ziolkowski in Genesee County at (585) 798-8125.

Public urged to take ‘Walk in Nurses’ Shoes’ challenge, covering 105 miles in May

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 April 2026 at 6:21 pm

MEDINA – Nurses at Orleans Community Health walk an average of 105 miles every month, caring for patients, according to Megan Johnson, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

“This May, we are inviting the community to try it,” Johnson said. “Not because it’s easy, but because it matters.”

May is designated as “Walk a Month in a Nurses’ Shoes” month, a virtual challenge where individuals walk 105 miles throughout May, while raising support for patient care, right here in our community, Johnson said. Orleans Community Health’s goal is $10,000.

Participants are encouraged to ask friends and family to support their journey with pledges or donations. They may walk at their own pace and track their miles however they choose.

The challenge follows a successful inaugural event in 2025.

Throughout the month of May, participants are encouraged to commit to walking 105 miles at their own pace – whether indoors or outdoors, individually or as part of a team. This flexible, inclusive format allows anyone to participate, regardless of fitness level or schedule.

Highlights of the event also include weekly prizes and community recognition, awards for top fundraisers and teams and friendly competition and community engagement.

“We were incredibly encouraged by the community’s response in 2025,” Johnson said. “This challenge is more than just a fitness goal – it’s a way to recognize the tireless work of our nurses and come together to make a meaningful impact on patient care in our community.”

“Whether you hit all 105 miles or just take the first step, you’re making a difference, because every dollar raised helps ensure care stays close to home for the people who need it most,” Johnson said. “Let’s show our nurses what their work means in this community – one step at a time.”

Donations can be sent to Orleans Community Health Foundation with the name of the person to be credited and their name will be added to the page.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit patient care initiatives at Orleans Community Health.

Kendall downs Pembroke in G-R tennis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 5:56 pm

The Kendall Eagles Tennis team downed visiting Pembroke 4-1 in a Genesee Region League match Friday to improve to 2-0.
1st singles- Jonny Esposito (K) def D.J. Hale (P): 6-2, 6-3
2nd singles- Joe Fagan (K) def Gage Baker (P): 6-1, 6-0
3rd singles- Mitch Buzard (K) def Angelo Woods (P): 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

1st doubles- Aidan Kwiatkowski/Lucas Barrett (K) def Tyler Koepf/Leo Lang (P): 7-5, 7-6 (7-4)
2nd doubles- Reece Starowicz/Camden Schneider (P) def Devin Derosia/Anthony Seymour (K): 6-2, 6-1

Tigers score diamond victory over Panthers

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 5:07 pm

Lyndonville evened its record at 2-2 with an 11-1 win over visiting Newfane in a non league baseball game this afternoon.

Quincey McClinsey went the distance on the mound for the Tigers allowing only 3 hits and striking out 13.

Lyndonville took the lead for good with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning on an error and a bases loaded walk.

The Tigers pulled away to a 7-1 lead by scoring 4 times in the third inning highlighted by a two-run single by Atticus Mank.

Albion goes 10 innings to earn first softball win; Barker splits at Lady Bulldogs tourney

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 4:53 pm

Snapping a season opening four game losing streak, Albion outlasted visiting Newfane 11-10 in 10 innings in a Niagara-Orleans League softball contest this afternoon.

Sophia Bouchey scored the game winning run for the Purple Eagles which also gave new Coach Albion graduate Jenn (Knaak) Mattle her first win at her alma mater.

Aubrielle Barry went the distance in the circle for Albion registering 6 strikeouts.

Lux Froman had 2 hits, including a home run, and Kaitlin Bennett a triple to lead the Purple Eagles offense which also included singles by Bailey Hickman, Katelyn Viza and Bouchey.

Albion is now 1-3 in the league (1-4 overall) and Newfane 0-3 in the league.

Lady Bulldogs split at Barker Tourney

Barker earned a split at the host Lady Bulldogs softball tournament today.

Barker defeated Wilson 8-1 in the semifinals but then dropped a 10-3 decision to Oakfield-Alabama in the championship game.

Winning pitcher Madyson Flint had 4 hits, Madelina Pavlock 3 and Lexi Brazzell and Kaylee Stoll 2 each for Barker in the win over Wilson.

Flint and Peyton Bradley both had doubles during a 2 run first inning. Flint and Pavlock later had doubles during a 4 run fourth inning uprising.

In the circle, Flint scattered 5 hits and struck out 10.

In the finals, Oakfield-Alabama scored five runs in the seventh inning on two singles, a double, a walk, an error and a sacrifice bunt to lock up the win.

Barker did hold a 3-2 lead after scoring three times in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Brazzell and a two-run double by Melodi Murphy.

However, Oakfield-Alabama answered with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth on double, two singles and an error to regain the lead for good at 5-3.

Clutch 7th inning scoring burst rallies Lady Tigers to narrow softball win over Irish

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 3:12 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Braelynn Dillenbeck lays down a bunt during the Lady Tigers come from behind win over Notre Dame this morning.

Putting together a clutch last inning rally, Lyndonville nipped visiting Notre Dame 8-7 in a Genesee Region League softball game this morning.

Trailing 7-4, Lyndonville rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning capped off by Hannah Fox’s RBI single with two out which plated the game winner.

A double by Alexa Robinson and an error combined to plate the first three runs of the rally tying the contest at 7-7. Singles by Rylan Townsend and Emily Dill and an error loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.

Earlier, Lyndonville scored once in the third on a bases loaded walk and three times in the fourth on a two-run single by winning pitcher Arnie Sturtevant and an RBI single by Isabella Groves which pulled the Lady Tigers to within two of the Irish at 6-4. A single by Natalie Rath and an error set up that threat.

Fox had a total of 3 hits on the day as Sturtevant and Groves each had 2.

In the circle, Sturtevant scattered 6 hits and struck out 8.

The Irish built up as much as a 6-0 lead after scoring 4 runs in the top of the third inning on an error, 3 singles and a double.

Lyndonville catcher Alexa Robinson takes the throw to get the force out on Notre Dame’s Olivia Gillard at home plate.

Volunteers bring in record-high haul in Albion trash pickup – 342.5 pounds

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2026 at 1:57 pm

Photo by Tim McMurray

ALBION – It was a big haul of trash today with 342.5 pounds picked up along the railroad tracks in Albion. That is a new record high since the Albion Rotary Club and Rotary Interact started the annual cleanup in 2021. This year students from the Albion National Junior Honor Society joined the effort and helped set the new record, eclipsing the 307 pounds from last year.

Photos by Tom Rivers

The trash was picked up as part of the Erie Canal Cleanup efforts around the county and state today.

Three high school students – Gideon Pask, Nisi Beltran Roblero and Julia Graham – are picking up garbage near the railroad tracks close to West Academy Street.

The volunteers filled about 25 big trash bags in area just east of Platt Street going along the railroad tracks to West Academy Street.

Rotary Club members Mike Schmackpheffer and Sandra Walter work on an area east of Platt Street.

Tim Archer, the Interact Club advisor, teams with students Ayme Vallejo-Morales and Cordelia Rivers in getting trash along the tracks.

Albion mayor Tim McMurray helped haul about 25 bags of garbage to the drop area by Tinsel/The Lockstone where it will be picked up by Canal Corp. workers.

Lady Eagles romp with 18 hit attack

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 April 2026 at 9:46 am

Pounding out 18 hits, Kendall romped to a 21-2 win over Wheatland-Chili in a Genesee Region League softball game Friday.

Izzy D’Agostino, Teagan Shaw and Sophia Picardo each had 3 hits for the Lady Eagles as Alea Barrett, Brynn Hardenbrook and Adriana D’Agostino each had 2.

Gabby Hauptman earned the win in the circle giving up only 2 hits and striking out 3.

Kendall moved on top to stay by scoring 3 quick runs in the first inning on singles by Shaw, Picardo and Ella Cole.

The Lady Eagles then broke the contest wide open by exploding for 11 runs in the second inning. A two-run triple by Brooke Rodas, a two-run double by Shaw and a two-run single by Izzy D’Agostino highlighted that uprising as Picardo, Hardenbrook and  Barrett each had RBI singles.

Kendall improves to 3-2 with the win.

GO Art! honors 2 from Orleans for service to cultural life in community

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2026 at 8:59 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Gregory Hallock, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, presents a “Lifetime Achievement” award to Lynne Menz on Friday at GO Art! in Batavia. Menz received the award for her many years of working on arts and cultural events in Orleans County.

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has recognized an organization and a long-time community member for their efforts to add cultural programs to Orleans County.

GO Art! each year presents Genean awards to people and organizations that are committed to cultural life in Genesee and Orleans counties. The awards were presented on March 28, but Lynne Menz, the Lifetime Achievement winner from Orleans County, was unable to attend the program that evening.

On Friday, when GO Art! was announcing its grants to cultural programs for 2026 in Orleans County, Menz also was presented with her Genean Award.

Menz, a Point Breeze resident, worked for many years with the Orleans County Tourism Department, and has been a very active volunteer with the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Association and Medina Sandstone Society.

Menz helped her father, the late Bill Menz, raise community support for a bronze statue of a soldier outside the YMCA in Medina, which formerly was used as the Medina Armory to train soldiers.

She is doesn’t with her projects. She is leading the Friends of Orleans County Marine Park in hosting a popup and jam on Sept. 12, a marketplace at the park on Route 98 with vendors and music.

There will also be a new fisherman selfie sign at the park for anglers to pose with fish.

Provided photo: Jodi Fisher, program director for GO ART!, presents the “Organization of the Year” award to the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Inc., a not-for-profit organization. This award was presented on March 28 to G-ACRE leaders, including Ron Albertson, center, and John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director for the past 50 years.

G-ACRE runs the annual Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival, featuring bands and performers all day in an August celebration.

G-ACRE also has been a fundraising arm for recent improvements at Bullard Park, including new basketball and pickleball courts, a spray park, pavilion, disc golf course and other improvements.

The full list of Genean Awards includes:

  • Lifetime Achievement in Orleans County: Lynne Menz
  • Lifetime Achievement in Genesee County: Maryanne Arena
  • Supporter (of the Cultural Sector) of the Year: Raeann Engler
  • Individual Artist of the Year: Bill Schutt
  • Honorable Mention: Lily Renz
  • Organization of the Year: Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE)
  • Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Hofmaster

Niagara Falls man charged with robbery in Medina

Posted 18 April 2026 at 8:14 am

Press Release, Medina Police Department

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department announces the arrest of Javon J. Presley, 37, of Niagara Falls, in connection with a robbery that occurred on February 14, 2026, in the Village of Medina.

Following an investigation by Sgt. Reeves and Officer Meredith, Presley was identified as a suspect. On April 16, 2026, he turned himself in to the Medina Police Department pursuant to an arrest warrant.

Presley has been charged with:

  • Burglary in the Second Degree (New York State Penal Law §140.25[2])
  • Robbery in the Third Degree (New York State Penal Law §160.05)
  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree – Credit Card (New York State Penal Law §155.30[4])
  • Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation (New York State Penal Law §121.11)

Presley was processed and transported to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment.

The Medina Police Department reminds the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mustangs down rival Purple Eagles

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 April 2026 at 9:32 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj dives into second base ahead of the throw to Albion’s Viktor Snyder during the Mustangs win over the Purple Eagles this evening at Vets Park.

Defending champion Medina capped off a 3-0 week to open the Niagara-Orleans League baseball season by downing rival Albion 7-0 this evening at Vets Park.

Preston Woodworth hurled a one hit shutout with 9 strikeouts to lead the way for Medina which scored in five different innings.

Medina moved on top to stay by scoring a quick run in the first on an RI single by Aidan Papaj.

The Mustangs tacked on another solo run in the second on a fielders choice play off the bat of Jacob Duffina. A single by Jimmy Dieter followed by bunt singles by Ryan Pegelow and Lathan McEwen-Miller loaded the bases to set up the threat.

McEwen-Miller also had an RBI single in the fourth inning an an error plated a run in the fifth.

The Mustangs closed out the win with three runs in the sixth on a single by Duffina, three walks, a balk, a hit batter and a wild pitch.

Nate Gibson had Albion’s lone hit in the first inning.

Albion is now 0-2 in N-O action.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Albion but soggy field conditions there caused the game to be switched to Medina.

The Mustangs and Purple Eagles are scheduled to meet again on Monday.

Medina’s Jimmy Dieter sprints to first base beating the throw to Albion’s Mason Snook.

Roy-Hart and Kendall score diamond wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 April 2026 at 9:03 pm

Scoring in five different innings, Roy-Hart bested Barker 12-2 in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.

Evan Poeller set the tone for Roy-Hart by belting a solo home run in the first inning.

The Rams quickly tacked on three runs in the second inning on a single by Sean Mettler, a ground out and a fielders choice play and three more in the third on doubles by Poeller and Isaac Smith, a single by Hank Snyder and a sacrifice fly by RJ Townsend.

Gavin Heideman later hit a two-run homer to highlight a four run sixth inning which locked up the win.

Smith finished with 3 hits as Poeller, Heideman and Will Bundrock each had 2.

Drew LaGreca had a pair of hits for Barker.

Jared Hy earned the win for the Rams scattering 4 hits and striking out 9 in 5 innings of work.

Roy-Hart is now 2-0 and Barker 2-1 in N-O action.

Kendall 13, Pembroke 2
Improving to 8-0, Kendall scored in 6 different innings to defeat Pembroke 13-2 in a Genesee Region League game.

Jacob Abrams and Andrew D’Agostino both had 3 hits for the Eagles as Vinnie D’Agostino, Sammy Conte and Andrew Cole each had 2.

CJ D’Agostino picked up the win on the mound allowing 3 hits and striking out 8 in five innings of work.

Kendall scored two quick runs on errors in the first inning and then pulled away with four tallies in the second on RBI singles by Andrew D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino and a two run error.

Wilson 10, Newfane 3
Wilson downed rival Newfane 10-3 as Wyatt Sherman banged out 4 hits and Logan Held allowed only 2 hits and struck out 12 in 5.2 innings of work on the mound.

Wilson is now 1-2 and Newfane 0-1 in N-O competition.