Heron Falls asks Clarendon to create sewer district serving mobile home park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 4:32 pm

Town Board rejected previous effort to run sewer line from Heron Falls to Village of Holley

CLARENDON – Heron Falls, a mobile home park off Route 31A with about 400 housing units and 800 residents, has asked the Clarendon Town Board to create a sewer district that would serve the park and connect into the Village of Holley system.

Heron Falls last year offered to pay an estimated $2 million to run a 4-inch sewer line from Heron Falls and connect into Holley’s system at Bennetts Corners Road.

During a town meeting in November, several Bennetts Corners Road residents spoke out against the project concerned it would bring development to their rural neighborhood and possibly foul odors and negative impacts from construction.

The Town Board ultimately voted unanimously not to support the project as presented.

But now Heron Falls, owned by Estates West MHC LLC, wants to try a new approach. It has submitted a petition to the town to form the Heron Falls Sewer District.

Town Supervisor Marc Major and the rest of the Town Board have referred the petition to Bond, Schoeneck and King Attorneys for its advice on how to proceed. Major said Heron Falls hasn’t taken an adversarial stance with Clarendon. The company has petitioned for a district in the same manner that a group of residents do when they are looking to form a water district.

The Town Board now takes it under review to see if it will proceed.

When Heron Falls looked to hook into Holley’s sewer system, the Clarendon Town Board was brought into the process in the late stages, Major said.

If the sewer district goes forward, Major said he wants an agreement “where all parties benefit.”

Heron Falls last year offered to spend $2 million to extend public sewers in the town by about 2 miles.

Heron Falls, formerly called Thomas Estates, wants to decommission its aging wastewater treatment system on site and instead run a 4-inch sewer line to connect with Holley’s sewer system.

Heron Falls offered to pay for the new sewer lines and a pump station, and then turn the project over to the Village of Holley. Residents along 1,650 feet on Route 31A and then 9,150 feet along Bennetts Corners Road would have the option to connect to the sewer system, but wouldn’t be required, according to the proposal from last year.

Holley’s sewer plant currently treats about 210,000 gallons a day. Heron Falls wants to send another 38,000 to 70,000 a gallons to Holley’s plant which has a capacity to treat 450,000 gallons a day. Even with Heron Falls, Holley would have plenty of capacity to accommodate other users, village officials said.

Historian’s column: Loss of Holley’s Gary Bullock in Vietnam shows human cost of war

Posted 1 June 2026 at 2:20 pm

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 14

Gary E. Bullock, who died in the Vietnam War at age 24, is shown as a schoolboy in Holley.

HOLLEY – Memorial Day, the national holiday which honors American military personnel who died in service, was celebrated annually on May 30 from its inception in 1868 until 1971 when federal legislation changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

This year, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 25, the earliest date possible for this calendar occurrence. The next time the holiday will be as early as this will be 2037.

Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the first official observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The first nationwide observance of Decoration Day was in 1870.

On that year in Albion, a sizeable Military Procession convened at the Courthouse Square under the direction of the Chief Marshal, Col. E. M. Spaulding. Preceded by Hadley’s military band, it processed to Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Following prayers, the grave of each Civil War casualty was decorated while Captain Thomas Bell gave a brief military history of each of the deceased. The procession then reformed formally and marched back to the Courthouse Square where it was dismissed. Flowers for the decoration of the graves had been contributed and assembled at the Grand Jury Room in the Courthouse on the morning of the parade.

Recently, the paper records of Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock were donated to the Holley Depot Museum. A slim file, it poignantly illustrates the human cost of war. The file contains records of his birth and education, photographs, military records, death, burial and insurance records, as well as carefully clipped newspaper articles, now yellowing.

The only son of Mr. & Mrs. Dayton C. (Lolita) Bullock of 85 S. Main St. in Holley, Gary E. Bullock, aged 24, was killed in action in South Vietnam on Tuesday, January 31, 1967, when a bunker collapsed on him. His enlistment was almost over. He had been looking forward to leaving Vietnam on February 27. He was the fourth of the nine casualties of the war from Holley.

The “Statement of Casualty” announces that Gary Bullock died on Jan. 31, 1967 in Vietnam “as the result of injuries received while in a bunker which collapsed on him.”

The “Final Disposition” telegram. Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley. (Material courtesy of Kim Dalheim)

NYS Liquor Authority eliminates ‘antiquated’ restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants

Posted 1 June 2026 at 11:53 am

Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new policy to eliminate outdated restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants.

Effective immediately, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will no longer require applicants to disclose whether dancing will be permitted by patrons or consider questions on the application about patron dancing when reviewing on-premises license applications.

This policy change builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support live performances, arts and entertainment across New York and to modernize policies impacting the state’s nightlife and hospitality industry.

“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched, and our restaurants, bars and nightlife are a big part of what makes our communities so vibrant,” Governor Hochul said. “By eliminating this antiquated restriction on dancing, we’re making it easier for businesses to succeed and for New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the energy and excitement that define our state.”

New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “The SLA should be focused on public safety, quality of life, and the overall operation of licensed businesses — not on whether patrons choose to dance. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are continuing to remove unnecessary barriers and support the restaurants, bars, and venues that help make New York’s communities dynamic, welcoming, and full of energy. Dancing is good for the soul. Let’s celebrate!”

Key changes under this new policy include:

The SLA will no longer consider responses related to patron dancing when evaluating applications for on-premises liquor licenses.
Applicants will no longer be required to disclose whether patron dancing will be permitted on the Authority’s on-premises license application, method of operation change application, municipal notice form, public interest questionnaire and other related materials.
Applicants may omit or leave blank any such questions without impacting the evaluation of their application.

This policy change applies to all new applications, including those currently under review that have not yet been approved.

Licensees that currently have restrictions related to patron dancing may apply to modify their method of operation if they wish to allow dancing at their establishment.

The SLA will continue to review each application based on public convenience and advantage and the overall method of operation, while enforcing all laws and regulations related to noise, disorderly conduct and public safety. Businesses must continue to comply with all applicable municipal laws, regulations or zoning requirements related to dancing, entertainment and use of space.

Additional guidance on this new policy is available on the SLA’s website.

Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association Executive Director Scott Wexler said, “Hallelujah, the State Liquor Authority is calling off the “dancing police” in bars and restaurants in New York. For nearly 100 years since the repeal of Prohibition, operators of restaurants had to get special permission from the Liquor Authority to permit patrons to dance. In what resembled a scene from the movie “Footloose” owners would need to stop their customers from dancing to the jukebox or risk getting shut down. With this common sense change the Liquor Authority is removing the shroud from New Yorkers’ dance card – so let’s dance!”

New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association President Sandra Jaquez said, “For New York’s minority-owned restaurants, bars, and lounges, music and dancing are central to how our communities gather, celebrate, and support vibrant neighborhoods. We applaud Governor Hochul and Chair Lily Fan for removing outdated restrictions around patron dancing and taking a commonsense step toward modernizing New York’s hospitality rules. This change will help small businesses better serve their customers, strengthen commercial corridors, and continue contributing to the culture and economy of communities across the state.”

New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Fleischut said, “Thank you Governor Hochul and the State Liquor Authority for addressing regulatory red tape. (This) decision shows their continued commitment to modernizing and updating the antiquated alcohol laws that make it difficult to open and maintain a restaurant or bar. We look forward to continuing to work with them to help the hospitality industry thrive.”

State budget gives local municipalities slight bump in aid

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:54 am

Villages, towns get small percentage of AIM funding from NYS

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows the clock and Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The village of Albion receives about $47,000 from the state in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance. Cities that are similar in size to the village of Albion receive far more. The City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City receives $928,131 in AIM and another $323,328 in TMA. Salamanca has a population of 5,929 while Albion’s is 5,637.

The $268 billion enacted state budget from last week triples funding to muncipalities in Temporary Municipal Assistance, up from $50 million in the 2025-26 state budget to $150 million in the new budget.

The state began offering the Temporary Municipal Assistance in the 2024-25 budget at $50 million.

The temporary aid is on top of the $715 million for Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, which distributes AIM funding statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.

The TMA follows the same percentages with the overwhelming majority going to cities. Some of the tripling of TMA will trickle down to towns and villages in Orleans County.

Here is the breakdown of AIM and Temporary Assistance for Orleans County municipalities:

Village of Albion – $38,811 AIM, $8,145 TMA, population 5,637
Village of Holley – $17,786 AIM, $3,732 TMA, population 1,754
Village of Lyndonville – $6,251 AIM, $1,311 TMA, population 791
Village of Medina – $45,523 AIM, $9,555 TMA, population 6,047
Town of Albion – $46,944 AIM, $9,852 TMA, population 7,639
Town of Barre – $12,486 AIM, $2,619 TMA, population 1,830
Town of Carlton – $13,680 AIM, $2,871 TMA, population 2,823
Town of Clarendon – $11,416 AIM, $2,397 TMA, population 3,305
Town of Gaines – $21,323 AIM, $4,476 TMA, population 3,226
Town of Kendall – $21,299 AIM, $4,470 TMA, population 2,614
Town of Murray – $44,677 AIM, $9,375 TMA, population 4,806
Town of Ridgeway – $46,273 AIM, $9,711 TMA, population 6,577
Town of Shelby – $45,007 AIM, $9,447 TMA, population 4,878
Town of Yates – $10,421 AIM, $2,187 TMA, population 2,567

Orleans County doesn’t have any cities and its 10 towns and four villages will get a total of $80,148 as part of the TMA allocations. The county has a population of 40,343 so the temporary aid amounts to about $2 per person.

The cities get a lot more in assistance from the state. Here are some examples of smaller cities and their AIM and TMA:

City of Batavia in Genesee County – $1,750,975 AIM, $609,978 TMA, population 15,174
City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City – $928,131 AIM, $323,328 TMA, population 5,929
City of Sherrill in Oneida City – $372,689 AIM, $129,831 TMA, population 3,077
City of Lockport in Niagara County – $2,650,525 AIM, $923,349 TMA, population 20,876

Governor Kathy Hochul said the boost in temporary aid will help cities, towns and villages with rising costs.

“As bad federal policies like tariffs drive inflation and continue to raise costs for local governments, we are providing additional aid to localities to help hold the line on local taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “Strong local communities mean an even stronger New York, and these investments will go a long way to ensure that our local governments can continue to deliver for the communities they serve.”

Mustangs set to begin state playoffs Tuesday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:06 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The opening round of the state tournament is next up for the Medina baseball squad, which is shown here celebrating with the trophy after Saturday’s 3-1 Section VI Class B championship game win over JFK. In front are Jadon Luxon, Vinny Gray, Aidan Papaj, Hadrian Batista, Ryan Pegelow, Carlos Doval and Kolton Fletcher. In back are Mason Berry, Lathan McEwen-Miller, Luke Duffina, Preston Woodworth, Cam Fike, Steven Gobelli and Jimmy Dieter.

Fresh from capturing a third straight Section VI Class B title, Medina will now begin state tournament competition with a Sub Regional contest against the Section V Class B winner (either Bath Haverling or Wellsville) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Frontier High School.

Medina advanced by downing JFK 3-0 for the Section VI Class B title on Saturday at Frontier.

The state tournament appearance is the third in a row and the fifth in the last seven years for the Mustangs.

Bath Haverling defeated Waylnd-Cohocton 1-0 for the Section V Clas B1 title and Wellsville bested East Rochester 10-2 for the B2 championship on Saturday. Bath and Wellsville will now play today for the Section V Class B berth in the state tournament opposite Medina in Tuesday’s Sub Regional.

Medina brings a 19-2 overall record into the state tournament including a perfect 16-0 mark in Niagara-Orleans League games (12-0) and sectional contests (4-0).

The Mustangs pitching trio of Preston Woodworth (7 wins), Aidan Papaj (6 wins) and Vinng Gray (3 wins) has registered 12 shutouts and given up a total of only 4 runs during this current 16-0 run. Those 4 runs were solo tallies which came in 4 different games.

Bath brings a 20-2 record into today’s Section V state qualifier while Wellsville is 14-7.

The winner of Tuesday’s game will advance to Saturday’s West Regional contest also at Frontier High School.

Gas price falls 19 cents nationally, but only 2 cents in Orleans in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:56 am

$4.60 price in Orleans is highest in WNY

The national average price for regular unleaded gas has fallen 19 cents in the past week to $4.32, while the price is down 6 cents state-wide to $4.53 a gallon. A year ago the national price was at $3.14 while the state-wide average was at $3.12.

The average price today in Orleans County is at $4.599, which is the highest in Western New York and down 2 cents from a week ago, according to AAA.

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

Orleans, $4.599
Genesee, $4.480
Monroe, $4.523
Niagara, $4.509
Erie, $4.553
Wyoming, $4.595
Livingston, $4.557
Chautauqua, $4.568
Cattaraugus, $4.537
Allegany, $4.550

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.833 while Hamilton County in the Adirondacks is the highest upstate at $4.799.

“Gas prices have edged down slightly as June begins, offering brief relief after a Memorial Day travel surge,” AAA said in a press release this morning. “AAA projects 39.1 million Americans drove 50 miles or more during the travel period despite elevated fuel costs.

“Meanwhile, crude oil prices have been wavering amid renewed geopolitical tensions, including uncertainty surrounding negotiations with Iran. Any setback could quickly push prices higher again, and with the summer driving season ramping up, gas costs are expected to remain on the higher side for the foreseeable future.”

Medina Mustangs FC gets first victory

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:17 am

Playing at full strength for the first time, the Medina Mustangs FC snapped a season opening three game losing streak by downing the Rance FC 4-1 Sunday evening in a Buffalo and District Soccer League Championship Division game at Sahlens Sports Park.

Medina scored in the first half on a goal by Peter Martillotta as Caleb Suckow earned the assist.

The Mustangs then claimed the victory on three second half goals by Cole Callard off assists from Martillotta, Kyan Mathieu and Aiden Price.

The Mustangs will next have their home opener against the Sporting Cavs at 6 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.

This Thursday Medina will begin Tehel Cup competition at Tapestry at 6:30 p.m.

Ox mascot riding hydrobike in Medina among photo winners in state-wide contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:00 am

Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Ox rides a hydro-bike on the Erie Canal in Medina on July 18. This was one of five photos that won a statewide contest.

A photo of an ox mascot riding a hydrobike in Medina’s Canal Basin is one of five state-wide winners in a photo contest by the New York State Association of Counties.

Isabella Zasa, a digital contest creator and tourism assistant in the county’s Tourism Department, took the photo on July 18 showing Orly the Ox. In the background are people on kayaks, the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge and the “Big Apple” sculpture created by Richard Bannister.

Zasa spent part of her time last year creating frequent social media posts with Orly highlighting local history, attractions and activities in Orleans County. The hydrobike feature was among more than 200 posts that Zasa helped created in 2025, when Orly was out for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.

The New York State Association of Counties welcomes photos each year in contest that wants to “capture the spirit of your county.”

The rules state: “County government has many angles to capture, including public safety, infrastructure, public health, parks, community engagement, and more! Whether it’s an infrastructure project, a community event, or a snapshot of county operations, your photo can help illustrate the impact of counties across New York State.”

Zasa’s photo of Orly the Ox will be featured in an NYSAC News magazine as well as the 2027 NYSAC Calendar.

This photo of Main Street in Batavia and the Upton Monument was taken out of the old Genesee County Courthouse by Steven Falitico and also was among the five winners in the photo contest.

Other winners included “Tompkins County Naturalization Ceremony” at the County Courthouse in Ithaca by Robert Henry; “Madsion County Fair at Dusk” in Brookfield by Melissa During; and an aerial photo of “Chemung County, NY Government Sewer Consolidation Project” in Elmira by Jett Industries, Inc.

Self-Advocacy Day brings messages, activities of inclusion and empowerment

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 8:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Brittany Glasier, a behavior specialist with Arc GLOW, paints a temporary tattoo on Tammy Cummings of Barker as part of Saturday’s 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day.

The event was held at the Trolley Building at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.

Provided photo: About 60 people attended the conference and many toured an ambulance brought by Mercy Flight EMS. Pam Cherry of Mercy Flight gave an overview on emergency response by Mercy Flight.

Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard also gave a presentation on safety.

Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, spoke about the importance of “being seen” and encouraged the group to be active in the community.

There was also a presentation by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, and welcome messages by Andrew Johnston is president of Orleans County Self-Advocate All Stars, and Logan Gerling, president of the Junior Self-Advocacy All Stars.

Saturday’s event was attended by about 60 people, which was up from last year’s event, Johnston said.

Christina Fontaine of Rochester tries the fish bowl toss. There were many activities for people to connect, learn and have fun together.

The direct support professionals through the Arc’s community services program helped run many of the games and programs.

Robert Hall, who works as a direct support professional with Arc GLOW, aims at the target with the dunk tank.

Robert Hall hit the target and a bucket of water dumped on Tyler Nunnery, who is vice president of the Self-Advocate All Stars in Orleans County.

The day self-advocacy day is dedicated in memory of Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper, who both passed away in 2022.

Doherty passed away at age 38 on May 5, 2022. He was active in many groups in the community and was an Eagle Scout. He volunteered with the Bullard Park restoration, the Albion Strawberry Festival and the 4-H Fair. He was a member of the Albion Lion’s Club.

He was one of the founders of the Self-Advocacy All Stars in Orleans County and attended state-wide conferences. From those experiences he wanted to have a conference in Orleans County and worked on planning the first one just before his death.

Hopper, age 71, passed away January 6, 2022. She worked for many years for the Arc as an assembly line worker. In the early ’80s she also worked at the Orleans County Nursing Home in the laundry department. Hopper was a former member of the Board of Directors for the Orleans County Arc.

Loretta Windnagle of Holley, a junior self advocate, throws a ball at the dunk tank target, on Saturday.

Peggy Dollinger reacts after someone hit the dunk tank target and she was doused in water.

Albion girls U18 soccer team wins opener

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 9:23 pm

The Albion girls U18 soccer team downed the visiting Batavia Blue 2-1 this evening in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League season opener.

Lena Grillo and Mia Standish each scored a goal for Albion as Madi Frasier had an assist.

Holley U11 team wins Chili soccer tourney

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:39 pm

Contributed Photo – The Holley Hawks soccer club boys U11 team swept the Chili Soccer Association tournament this weekend. defeating Fairport 2-1, Clarence 6-0, Chili 3-1, and in the finals Chili 5-3. In back, from left are: Coach Jamie Gale, Trent Klatt, Kacey Flow, Kellen Farrell, Stephen Frittos, Logan Spencer, Jake Bevins, Matthew Meyers, Aryan Bower, Jaxson Lynch, Coach Jeff Lutes Front: Kyle Lutes, Mavrick DeYoung, Brayden Adam’s, Hudson Ashton, Finn Barhydt, Cruz Stevens, Zach Gale, Jeffrey Lutes Not pictured: Arianna Rivera.

Ceremony marks Midget League’s 70th season

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 7:47 pm

Contributed Photo – Now in its milestone 70th season, the Albion Midget League held a belated opening ceremony on Saturday at the Midget League field. Bad weather forced the ceremony to be cancelled on opening day. Here former longtime Albion varsity baseball coach Gary “Chico” Mannella throws out the ceremonial opening pitch. His catcher was Buzz O’Mara who has umpired in the Midget League for 48 years. Mannella played for Sandstone during his midget league days as his father Guido was the team’s first coach . During his 21 years as Albion’s varsity coach, Chico Mannella guided the Purple Eagles to 13 Niagara-Orleans League championships, 3 Section VI titles and over 300 wins. “I guess that’s where I got my baseball DNA” Mannella has said of his early days playing for Sandstone at Sandstone Park.

Midget wins for Sandstone and Elks/Rotary

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 7:00 pm

Sandstone scored a pair of 9-0 wins last week over Vets and Carlton in Albion Midget League baseball action.

Elks Rotary also bested Carlton 9-1.

Nikko Russo had 2 hits including a triple, Giavanni LaMartina 2 including a double and Dominic Westland 2 to lead the way for Sandstone in the win over Vets. LaMartina also pitched 4 innings striking out 8 and Russo 2 innings fanning 6.

Vets had hits by Khristopher Wilston-Jones and Jaikiah Drisdom.

Bryce Saxton then had 3 hits including a double and triple and Russo 3 including 2 double in the win over Carlton as Cooper Traxler and Matthew Colmenero each added 2. Russo also pitched 5 innings striking out 14.

Elks Rotary 9, Carlton 1
Remi Ebbs registered 6 strikeouts and Ryno Coots 3 for Elks/Rotary. Coots also had 2 hits and Kayden Donnelly a two-run hit as Jordyn Williams had a strong game defensively at third base.

Rash of late bogeys hurt Green’s finishing round at N.J. tournament

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 31 May 2026 at 4:45 pm

Bogey problems, which arose early on Friday’s opening round, came back again late today as Medina’s Melanie Green posted a 3 over par final round at the LPGA Tour’s ShopRite Tournament at Galloway, New Jersey.

Unable to register a birdie, Green had pars on 15 holes but bogeys on 11, 12 and 16 to finish the tournament with a 1 over par 214 total.

She opened the tourney with a 1 over par 72 on Friday but rebounded with a 3 under round of 68 on Saturday to temporarily improve to a tie for 12 place.

Green will next be competing in the U.S. Women’s Open in California this coming Thursday through Sunday.

Dubby’s Tailgate feels the love on final day and hopes to reopen in future

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2026 at 3:22 pm

Wood fired pizza mobile business will continue

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Alexander family completed a busy day Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate, the last one at 165 Platt St. for Dubby’s.

Brian and Rebecca Alexander opened the business about 5 ½ years ago. They said lease and building issues forced them to close Dubby’s Tailgate but they are hopeful Dubby’s Tailgate will be back at another location in the future.

“This is a bump in the road and not a dead end,” Brian said on Saturday night.

The top photo includes Brian and Rebecca and their five children as well as employee Madison Muckle at far right. Pictured from left include Brian, Maxine, Rebecca, Barrett, Abby, Michael, Lily Strickland and Madison Muckle. The Alexanders employed about 10 people at Dubby’s outside of their family over the years.

Dubby’s operated out of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse that proved a great venue for cornhole tournaments, parties, benefits, and other special events, including a wine-tasting after party with musicians for the Albion Merchants Association, Orleans County’s Family Game Night and the Home and garden Show for the Chamber of Commerce.

Rebecca Alexander cooked out of a wood-fired oven on Saturday. Her husband Brian and their daughter Abby also are shown in the busy kitchen. Abby said she racked up 18,000 steps by the end of evening.

Dubby’s will continue the wood-fired pizza mobile business that started about eight years ago. This Friday they will be at the Red Rocks Ponds RV Resort on Canal Road in Holley.

The Alexanders said they appreciated the strong community support for Dubby’s Tailgate, which featured the restaurant and many tailgate games, including cornhole, pool, “Fowling” a combination of football and bowling, Skeeball, darts and other activities.

The Alexanders said they are proud the concept as an “eater-tainment” business worked. They made many friends and were pleased to see the many benefits raise money for people in a health crisis.

Brian and Rebecca Alexander are shown by a Dubby’s Tailgate mural inside the warehouse that offered many games for people to have fun. Dubby’s hosted popular cornhole leagues and tournaments. Some of those tournaments had 100 teams, and brought in professional players.

Debbie Prest helped put on some of the benefits, and has been a loyal customer from day one at Dubby’s Tailgate. One of the benefits was in her honor after she was diagnosed with cancer.

“They have definitely contributed to the community and to everybody,” Prest said on Saturday at a counter inside Dubby’s.

She praised the Alexanders for not charging a rental fee to host the benefits, and they welcomed outside groups to cook chicken barbecues on site as additional fundraisers for the beneficiaries of the benefits even though Dubby’s didn’t get any direct revenue from the chicken barbecues.

Dubby’s also had plenty of space to put baskets up for raffle. Some of the benefits had well over 100 baskets and other larger items.

Prest said she admires how the family with five children works well together.

There were more than 150 baskets up for raffle on July 20, 2025 during a benefit at Dubby’s for Debbie Prest. Dubby’s hosted many benefits and community events in the past five years.

Tina and Jeremy Neal often would dine out at Dubby’s, meeting there for dinner after her Friday shift at Ace Hardware. Their late son Byron loved the cheese pizza at Dubby’s. His parents would often order that pizza in his honor.

“We adore these people,” Tina said about the Alexanders. “They are lovely people.”

On Saturday, Tina ordered pizza logs while Jeremy had an Uncle Tony pizza with meatballs and creamy garlic drizzle.

Mike Beach has been the cornhole league coordinator the past five years. Dubby’s proved a great venue for the league and tournaments. Albion is located between Rochester and Buffalo and the tournaments drew players from both metro areas.

Dubby’s also had space for 14 boards to be played at once. Most other tournament sites have space for 5 to 8 boards. Dubby’s also has the restaurant and bar on site, where many locations might just offer pizza slices and hot dogs.

“People love it here,” Beach said on Saturday after a final cornhole tournament. “It had the best of everything.”

He was happy to coordinate the league and tournaments, pleased to see people socializing in Albion.

“Here you had a place to hang out,” he said. “There was nothing like it. We’ve met so many people and had so much fun here the past five years.”

Brian and Rebecca said they want to recreate Dubby’s Tailgate at another location. They learned some lessons with the Platt Street location, and they know the business model works.

“We’re not going out because we weren’t unsuccessful,” Rebecca said. “We were just hitting our groove.”