By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 November 2025 at 9:39 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s G-R All-Stars include, from left, Jonny Conte, Pablo Rosario-Reyes and Jonathan Esposito.
Undefeated (12-0) league champion Kendall has placed six players on the Genesee Region boys soccer All-Star team.
Senior Pablo Rosario-Reyes, who has been named G-R Player of the Year, heads the Eagles large contingent which also includes seniors Brandon Barrett, Vinnie D’Agostino, Jonas Rhodes, Jonny Conte and Jonathan Esposito.
Eagles junior Brenden Eichas has received Honorable Mention.
In addition, Kendall Coach Rich Esposito has been honored as G-R Coach of the Year.
Rosario-Reyes led Kendall with 24 goals and 25 assists. Barrett had 18 goals and 12 assists, Esposito 14 goals and 10 assists, Eichas 8 goals and 14 assists and D’Agostino 5 goals and 2 assists. In goal, Conte made 111 saves and had a goals against average of 0.39.
Kendall’s All-Star group also includes, from left, Vinnie D’Agostino, Brandon Barrett and Jonas Rhodes.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 November 2025 at 9:35 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s G-R All-Stars include, from left, Hunter Pachla, Cam Mosier and Chase Kempa.
A trio of Holley players have earned spots on the Genesee Region League boys soccer All-Star team.
The Hawks trio includes seniors Cam Mosier and Hunter Pachla along with junior Chase Kempa.
In addition, a quartet of Holley players have earned Honorable Mention including senior Blake Coleman, juniors Cooper Wolf and Aidan Kelley and sophomore Dylan Warner.
On the season, Wolf had 6 goals and 3 assists, Kempa 5 goals and 8 assists, Coleman 5 goals and 2 assists, and Mosier 3 goals and 5 assists as Warner made 61 saves in goal and had a 0.67 goals against average.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2025 at 8:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Volunteers and staff at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee were out in the cold for a couple hours on Monday morning for a food distribution. The top photo shows Barb Kurzowski (center), a volunteer from the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The CCE and Community Action have been helping each other at their food drives.
The distributions in Albion are usually the second Monday each month and include enough food for about 200 households.
Community Action announced there will be an extra distribution this month in Albion starting at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. This is at the municipal parking lot at 131 South Platt St. There is no need to register.
Ryan Lasal, director of community programming for Community Action, was among about 15 people helping to fill and deliver boxes of food.
Many of the people showed up two hours before the distribution started.
Foodlink had more food available for the people on Monday, and will be doing the extra distribution on Nov. 21.
“The need is great,” Lasal said.
The Community Action food pantry was nearly bare last week. People in the community donated $5,000 to help restock the pantry. Lasal said he spent $1,200 over the weekend at Costco to get more food for the local pantry.
To donate to Community Action online, visit caoginc.org/donations. To donate to the food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger, community services manager, at 585-589-5605 x101. To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org.
Taryn Moyle, program manager of the Child Care Resource Center, carries a box of food for a family.
Other upcoming distributions in Orleans County include:
Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, on Monday, December 1 beginning at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2 p.m.) Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St., on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (No registration required.)
Community Action at Albion municipal lot at 165 South Platt St. on Monday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. (No preregistration required.) Community Action also has the schedule for the first six months of 2026: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11 and June 8.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2025 at 6:39 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Phipps Road culvert over Otter Creek has been closed to traffic since Sept. 9, 2022.
ALBION – The Town of Albion is accepting bids from contractors to replace the Phipps Road bridge, which has been closed for more than three years.
The town is accepting proposals from contractors until 1 p.m. on Nov. 24. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said he is hopeful construction will in the spring as long as the project is within budget.
The bridge was closed to traffic in Albion on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.
The town has been awarded a $1.038 million state grant from the Bridge NY program. The span over a tributary of Otter Creek is 19.5 feet long. That technically makes it a culvert at 19.5 feet.
The new bridge will be 25 feet. Bridges are classified as spans that are at least 20 feet.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 5, 2023 that the project was approved for Bridge NY funds. Albion has been working with Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester for design and bid specifications, as well as securing easements.
The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micropiles (to rock) on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.
An alternate allowed is the prefabricated modular cast-in-place (CIP) bridge system. The prefabricated modular CIP bridge system must use prefabricated, lightweight panels that contain the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel. It needs to arrive site-ready to be filled with locally procured concrete, producing a cast in place, jointless superstructure that is self supporting during assembly and eliminates bearings, tie downs, and below span work.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Brockport lift bridge, which closed to traffic in May 2023 for an extensive rehabilitation, opened to motorists this afternoon. These photos were taken on Saturday.
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
BROCKPORT – New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that the historic lift bridge carrying Route 19 over the Erie Canal in the Village of Brockport has reopened following an extensive rehabilitation that modernized the structure and extended its service life by three decades.
With an upgraded lift system, new deck and several other improvements, the 110-year-old bridge will provide enhanced safety and resiliency along an important travel link to the Village of Brockport, a vibrant community along the Erie Canal with a bustling business district and Victorian charm.
“I’d like to thank everyone in the Village of Brockport for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of this project, and I sincerely hope that residents and visitors appreciate the beauty and historical significance of this finished product, which will preserve the lifespan of this iconic lift bridge for future generations to enjoy,” said Commissioner Dominguez.
The Route 19 steel truss lift bridge was built in 1915. As an important component of the Erie Canal system and a registered National Historic Landmark, the bridge benefits from protections that ensure it continues to look as it did early in the 20th century, with its trusses and lift towers preserved.
The bridge received a major overhaul as part of a project that included the Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The two projects cost $29.1 million.
As part of the bridge’s rehabilitation, its decks and portions of the truss system were replaced with high-strength, galvanized steel. To complete work on the trusses, the bridge was dismantled and the trusses moved to an area near the Canal, where more than 80% of the steel was replaced. Upgrades were also made to the mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s vertical lifting system, which raises and lowers the bridge to accommodate canal traffic.
Additional improvements included the rehabilitation of the bridge towers, installation of new bridge rails and repainting of the bridge in its existing shade of green. Pedestrian enhancements were also made including new signage, pavement markings and a realigned canal path on the bridge’s north end to improve visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.
The Village of Brockport is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is the largest community along State Route 19, which is also a primary travel route to the SUNY Brockport campus and a key conduit for the region’s many agricultural products.
The closure of the bridge drastically reduced traffic on Main Street in the downtown. WHAM in Rochester reports 10 businesses in Brockport in the downtown shut down during the bridge closure.
While the lift bridge has reopened to traffic, construction activities will continue adjacent to the structure and the traveling public should be advised of occasional short-term delays.
Rehabilitation of the State Route 19 bridge is part of a $29.1 million project to modernize and preserve New York State’s iconic canal structures. The project also included the Route 98 lift bridge over the Erie Canal in the nearby Village of Albion and builds on the Department’s prior successes in rehabilitating similar lift bridges in the Villages of Fairport and Spencerport, a $16.9 million project.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “We are thankful for the efforts of our partners at DOT to fully rehabilitate this historic lift bridge for the next generation of Brockport residents and visitors. We appreciate the patience of the community while this critical work was completed.”
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the last statewide Free Fishing Day of 2025 will occur Tuesday, Nov. 11, to mark Veterans Day and honor those who defended and protected our nation’s democracy and freedoms.
During Free Fishing Days, New York State waives the fishing license requirement for freshwater fishing in New York’s waters. While no license is required, all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect.
“Fall is a great time of year to fish in New York’s pristine waters while honoring a veteran in your life,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage New Yorkers to get offline and get outside on this free fishing day to enjoy an affordable outdoor recreation opportunity on the water and to reflect on the freedoms that we have in this country thanks to our veterans.”
As water temperatures drop through the fall, plenty of exciting fishing opportunities pick up across the state. Trout fishing is a fall favorite, as trout stream regulations are now catch and release, artificial lures only in inland streams statewide through March 31.
In addition to Free Fishing Days, there are other options for veterans or active-duty military members to fish for free or at a reduced cost. New York State offers free/reduced fee fishing licenses of 40 percent or more for active-duty military members meeting certain criteria and for resident veterans with a service-related disability.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC thanks all of New York’s veterans for their dedicated service and hopes that this free fishing day provides an opportunity for families and friends to spend time together exploring our natural environment along the remarkable fisheries we have here in New York State. Free fishing days are also the perfect time to introduce someone new to the sport or test out a new fishing spot at any of the state’s world class lakes, streams or ponds.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2025 at 1:11 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The historical marker by the Albion Free Methodist Church, which notes this is the first church in the denomination, is pelted with snow this morning.
More snow is headed to Orleans County. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. Tuesday for Orleans and Niagara counties.
The lake-effect snow will be 3 to 6 inches in the most persistent snow bands. There will also be winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour to create blowing snow with poor visibilities.
“Travel will be difficult,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commutes.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2025 at 10:29 am
Knights of Columbus also donates $3,000 to organization that assists veterans
Photos courtesy of Operation Honor
MEDINA – Operation Honor held its first cornhole tournament and basket raffle on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The event raised $5,600 for the organization that assists veterans in Orleans County with some of their bills and other needs.
There were 17 teams of two players. There were six boards in play on two floors at the Knights of Columbus.
The top players at the tournament include, from left: Mateo May, Mark Hamm, Tyler Thompson, Jeffrey Gearhart, Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer.
The winning teams include:
1st Big Wolf – Jeffrey Gearhart & Tyler Thompson
2nd Moonwalk – Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer
3rd Mayhamm – Mateo May & Mark Hamm
Operation Honor decided to change from a 5K run/walk to the cornhole tournament this year.
The Knights of Columbus in Medina also donated $3,000 to Operation Honor.
Pictured from left include Steve Winans, bar president for the Knights and an Operation Honor volunteer; Jim Mirand, grand knight for the K of C; Jenn Thom, leader of Operation Honor; and K of C board members, Howie Gardner and Bob Fox.
Libby Pollard-Woodroe, owner of Grand Pollard Insurance, sponsored one of the boards. Five other businesses also sponsored a board.
There were 35 raffle items including a $500 Tops gift card.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 November 2025 at 9:38 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley G-R All-Stars Ava Mosier, left, and Brynn Thomas.
A quartet of Holley players have earned spots on the Genesee Region League girls soccer All-Star team.
The Lady Hawks honorees include junior Mia Thom along with sophomores Ava Mosier, Brynn Thomas and Kyla Burne.
Mosier led Holley in scoring with 15 goals and 5 assists. Burne had 5 goals and 4 assists, Thom 4 goals and 7 assists and Thomas 3 goals and 5 assists.
Holley also had two Honorable Mention selections – sophomores Hanna Ostrom and Jayna Burris.
Ostrom had 8 goals and 5 assists and Burris 5 goals and 9 assists.
Lady Hawks All-Stars Mia Thom, left, and Kyla Burne.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 November 2025 at 9:27 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall G-R All-Stars Sophia Picardo, left, and Ryleigh Denning.
Champion Kendall has placed four players on the Genesee Region League girls soccer All-Star team.
Kendall, which went 11-0 in G-R competition, is represented by senior Stella Kwatek, juniors Addison Kludt and Sophia Picardo and sophomore Ryleigh Denning.
In addition Lady Eagles Coach Angel Rosario has been named G-R Coach of the Year.
Denning led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 28 goals and 6 assists. Picardo had 16 goals and a team high 23 assists, Kwiatek 6 goals and 8 assists and Kludt 4 goals and 5 assists.
Kendall also had seven players earn Honorable Mention including seniors Alea Barrett, Brooke Rodas and Haley Ball along with junior Keara Reed, sophomores Izzy D’Agostino and Brynn Hardenbrook and eighth grader Jersie Drake.
Rodas made 94 saves in goal and had a 0.33 goals against average. Drake had 10 goals and 8 assists, Barrett 6 goals and 6 assists, Ball 3 goals, D”Agostino 1 goal and 2 assists, Reed 1 goal and Hardenbrook 2 assists.
Lady Eagles All-Stars Addison Kludt, left, and Stella Kwiatek.
Provided photo: The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Oct. 25 at Godfrey’s Pond.
Press Release, Commodore Bob Bialkowski of Point Breeze Yacht Club
Commodore Bob Bialkowski reported that The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the at Godfrey’s Pond Clubhouse. During the business meeting upcoming events were discussed and new member recruiting.
After the meeting the members enjoyed a great fall roast beef dinner. Member Dan Schuth gave a presentation on the beautiful antique sailboat model that he acquired and restored.
Anyone with a fishing boat, power boat, sail boat or mega yacht may become a member. We are a very inexpensive club based at the Orleans County Marine Park. We charge no monthly fees just an annual membership fee which entitles you to all the benefits of the big clubs.
If you are a novice, we have seasoned members that will offer you advice and guidance. During the season we have several social and educational events which are always a good time to meet and talk to other boaters.
Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Commodore at commodore@pbycny.com or check our website at PBYCNY.com for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2025 at 9:00 pm
Orleans Hub readers sent in their own photos from the first snowfall of the season, including the top one of the two dogs by the Erie Canal in Medina. Kimberly Stawicki, a frequent photo contributor for the Hub, sent in that photos.
Stawicki also took these photos of the snow along the canal towpath. Many of the leaves remain on the trees.
Jacquelyn Cheverie sent in this photo of her dog, Moose, in snow in Holley.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2025 at 6:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery is covered in snow after the first snowfall of the season this afternoon. The carriage for the cannon was rebuilt in 2023 with new wheels after the other carriage had rotted.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County until 7 a.m. Monday. The Weather Service said the area can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow.
Here are some other photos at Mount Albion taken about 4:50 p.m.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 November 2025 at 1:34 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Running the Reverse Raffle fundraiser at Treasure Island were, from left, Tammy Pritchard, Becca Schoolcraft and Jorgie Lang.
LYNDONVILLE – Saturday night’s 31st annual Treasure Island fundraiser in support of Orleans Community Health raised an estimated $50,000, according to Megan Johnson, chair of the event and director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.
White Birch Golf Course hosted the event, which featured online betting a day before and during the event, a buffet meal, open bar, live auction and exciting opportunities to win prizes.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Treasure Island such a success – our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us,” said Johnson. “Thanks to your generosity, our auction alone raised nearly $25,000, and the event as a whole brought in close to $50,000 to support vital needs across all of Orleans Community Health. Every dollar helps strengthen local healthcare and ensures that our community continues to receive the best possible care, right here at home.”
Wes Pickreign acknowledges a bidder in the live auction at Treasure Island Saturday night.
Wes Pickreign again served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event, something he said he has been doing for a long time. He asked the audience how many of them had used the services at Medina Memorial Hospital and explained the advantages of having such a facility right here at home.
“I’ve been there two times and the attention I received was phenomenal,” Pickreign said.
Seven high-end items were donated for the live auction, with the highest bid being $2,550 for two tickets to the Buffalo Bills home opener next year in the new stadium. The package, donated by William and Jacquelyn Bixler, was valued at $1,200.
Other live auction items were a Buffalo Sabres VIP fan experience valued at $825. It was donated by the OCH Pharmacy Department and Buffalo Sabres and sold for a bid of $550.
Matthew Kennedy was in charge of the Pirate’s Pillage live auction item, a regular feature at Treasure Island.
A one-week stay in Myrtle Beach, donated by the Bixlers, was valued at $750 and was awarded to three bidders for $550 each.
A one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, donated by the club, was valued at $1,400 and sold for $1,300.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and her husband John donated a Buffalo Broadway Experience: Wicked Night on the Town, valued at $730. It brought a bid of $450.
Another high bid was $2,000 for a Four-Night Getaway to Lakefront Cape Cod, donated by Dr. Jeffrey and Ellen Schratz. The bid was the actual value of the prize.
Chuck and Nicole Geraci of Cheektowaga came to their first Treasure Island Saturday night. Here, they checked out the numbers left in the Reverse Raffle event.
The final item was a Here Comes Santa Claus lottery board with $500 in cash and $100 worth of scratch-off tickets, donated by Kathy Vicknair in memory of her husband Vic. Vic was a longtime member of the Treasure Island committee and was the DJ and sound man. He worked hard to raise funds for the hospital, Kathy said. The prize, valued at $600, sold for $750.
Some attendees were first-timers, while many others were repeat supporters of the event. One couple attending for the first time was Chuck and Nicole Garcia of Cheektowaga.
“I work for Seaway Insurance, so we wanted to come,” Nicole said. “It is very nice.”
Leah Brunner and her husband Matthew check out one of the items up for bids at Treasure Island. Leah, the nurse practitioner at the Albion’s Walk-in Clinic, said this is the first time they have attended the event.
Leah Brunner, the nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, and her husband Matthew were also first-time attendees.
“It’s been super fun,” Leah said.
Her husband added, “It’s been a blast.”
Seaway Insurance Associates was the Sunset Presenting sponsor of the event.
Other sponsors included Great Lakes Surgical Association, Lucky Cork sponsor; Baxter, Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club and Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, Palm Tree sponsors; and Cooper Funeral Home, Eastown Plaza, Hellner Development Company, Takeform and WNY Energy, Coconut sponsors.
Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, get ready to accept payment from bidders at the conclusion of Treasure Island Saturday night.
Jeanne Crane, center, chats with Richard Williams, his daughter Kate Brauen, his wife Mary Williams and Kate’s husband Trevor Brauen at Treasure Island Saturday night at White Birch Golf Course. The fundraiser was the 31st annual event to support Orleans Community Health.
Carol and Dean Bellack of Medina watch bids on their smart phones during the 31st annual Treasure Island Saturday night. An estimated $50,000 was raised by the event.
