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.
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.
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.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 November 2025 at 10:58 am
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.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 November 2025 at 10:54 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2025 at 8:56 am
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2025 at 6:55 pm
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.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 November 2025 at 5:32 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2025 at 5:08 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2025 at 10:12 am
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 November 2025 at 9:00 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Rindy Punch, a resident of the North Wing, hands out candy to a young visitor during Wednesday’s Halloween party. (Right) North Wing activities director Adrian Belson, left, and Anna Lewis, activities coordinator, pose in costume with Lewis’ Golden Retriever Billie at the annual Halloween party for residents of the residential wing at Medina Memorial Hospital.
MEDINA – Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing showed their Halloween spirit on Friday morning at the annual party planned by Activities Director Adrian Belson.
Belson started the party seven or eight years ago, and it has grown into a Halloween tradition.
Each year, all the residents are dressed in costume, with help from staff and family. The activities department has an assortment of costumes, and families brought in items so all the residents were decked out for the occasion.
Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing dressed in costume and lined both hallways during their annual Halloween Party. Here, in front, resident Pat Watson is visited by her daughters, Sue Weese at left and Ann Watson, right.
All 28 residents of the North Wing are dressed in a costume and given a bucket of candy to hand out to children who visit. This includes children of staff and friends and the P ‘Raising Day Care Center, who visit every year.
“Adrian has got this event down to a science,” said certified nursing assistant Tina Kelley. “She’s been doing it for years. The whole Activities Department does a wonderful job here. They also do a big celebration for Thanksgiving with staff and family members, as well as Christmas.”
(Left) Makenzie Muck and Kaitlyn Albone of Lyndonville are dressed as a chicken and duck for their visit to the North Wing’s Halloween party on Wednesday morning. Kaitlyn holds her daughter Nova, who will be 1 on Nov. 11. They said Anna Lewis told them about the party and they wanted to visit because their grandma used to be a resident there. (Right) Lindsay Wilston, a certified nursing assistant at the North Wing, was dressed in costume for the Halloween party for residents. Residents were given buckets of candy to hand out to visitors, which included children from P ‘Raising Kids Day Care.
One resident was Audrey Bieliski, who dressed as a nurse. It was a fitting costume, as Bieliski actually worked as a nurse in the hospital for 36 years, said her daughter Margo Sarchia.
“It’s amazing they do this,” Sarchia said. “It takes so much time but they always put the residents first.”
After children and other guests visited all the residents who lined the halls and got their candy, they were given punch and Halloween cookies.
Nicki Fredericks visits her brother Fulton Rogers there every day and thought the costume party was wonderful.
“It’s great they do something like this,” Fredericks said. “Every resident is in costume, even if it’s just a hat or a neckerchief. They do a good job here. It’s nice to see.”
Visiting Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing Halloween party were, from left, Tom Bloomer, North Wing administrator; Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing; and Cassie Maynard, charge nurse.
Audrey Bieliski dressed as a nurse, a fitting costume, as she was a nurse on the North Wing for 36 years. On the wall behind her is a picture of her in uniform with three staff members, taken in 1975. Friday morning she handed out candy with other North Wing residents to young children who visited, many from P ‘Raising Kids Day Care. Waiting for his candy is Jon Kirkpatrick, 2, of Lyndonville, whose mom Amber works in the unit.
How was your quince harvest this year? Did you make a quince pie or a batch of quince marmalade?
