Lyndonville’s display of 82 Christmas trees celebrates community, loved ones

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:37 am

Families, businesses and organizations decorate trees at Veterans Park

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville turned on the lights Saturday for 82 Christmas trees decorated at Veterans Park. Many of the trees are decorated in memory of loves, while businesses and organizations also puts lights and ornaments on the trees.

Lyndonville started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has continues to have a strong response from the community.

This tree with angel at top was decorated by the family of Derwood and Dorothy James.

One of the trees is decorated by the Bradley family for family members including Wes Bradley, who was a founding member of Christmas in Lyndonville Committee. For the first 12 years of the celebration, Bradley served as the emcee when Santa arrived by carriage and led the countdown to Santa flipping the switch to light up the trees.

Bradley, a beloved teacher and coach in Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 27. He also was chairman of Lyndonville’s fireworks effort for many years.

Carla Woodworth, left of Santa, served as emcee on Saturday and helped guide Santa to the “North Pole” electric switch so he could turn on the power for all the trees.

The Hardner-Smith family decorated the tree in lower right in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lucyszyn. It includes a chicken ornament on top.

The patriotic tree with flags was decorated by Lyndonville Lions Club.

R-H/Barker hosts Dick Lang Memorial Duals

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 7:40 pm

Host Roy-Hart/Barker and Holley-Kendall both went 5-1 at the second annual Dick Lang Memorial Dual Wrestling Tournament held today at Middleport.

Williamsville East-North finished at 6-0 while Williamsville South earned a one-third share of second place at 5-1.

Roy-Hart/Barker defeated Canisius 78-6, Tonawanda 54-26, Lake Shore 48-35, CSAT 71-12 and Lafayette 66-14 but lost to Williamsville East-North 57-24.

Holley-Kendall defeated Lake Shore 60-18, Tonawanda 59-21, Canisius 60-18, CSAT 66-14 and Lafayette 51-23 but lost to Williamsville East-North 42-39.

Trio leads Albion at Charger Duals

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:58 pm

Contributed Photo – Albion’s trio of Stryker Sanders, Jaxon Lynch and Drake Schomske went undefeated at the Charger Duals wrestling tournament held today at Cheektowaga.

Albion went 3-1 a the Charger Duals Wrestling Tournament today at Cheektowaga.

The Purple Eagles defeated Cheektowaga 51-27, St. Mary’s. Lancaster 53-21 and Maryvale 54-28 but dropped a narrow 42-39 decision to Fredonia.

Albion was led by a trio of undefeated wrestlers inclding Jaxon Lynch, Drake Schomske and Stryker Sanders.

Medina competed at the Byron-Bergen Tournament as Luke Duffina (132) placed second and Jake Duffina (118) and Tyler Raduns (1165) both took sixth.

In the JV competition for Medina, Davi Mucoucah (138) placed first and Cole Herman (215) second.

Lady Eagles edge Mustangs for tourney title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:32 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Mia Price puts up a shot against Medina defender Roswyn Oakes during the Lady Eagles tournament championship game win this afternoon.

Kendall trimmed Medina 37-31 in the championship game of the host Lady Eagles Tip-Off Tournament this afternoon.

Mia Price scored 15, Teagan Shaw 10, Sophia Picado and Izzy D’Agostino 4 each and Stella Kwiatek and Brynn Hardenbrook 2 each for Kendall.

Caliyah St. Louis led Medina with 12 as Tatianna Maxon and Sam Heschke both had 7, Roswyn Oakes 3 and Emberlyn Oakes 2.

The contest was deadlocked at 19-19 at the end of the first half which saw four ties and four lead changes. Shaw had 7 and Price 6 for Kendall during that stretch while St. Louis and Maxon both netted 7 for Medina.

Kendall moved on top to stay at 33-27 by outscoring Medina 14-8 in the third period.

Breaking away from the game’s last tie at 27-27, the Lady Eagles closed the period with a 6-0 run on a layup off a steal and a free throw by Price and a three by Shaw. Price had a total of 7 in the period.

The Mustangs could get no closer than five in the low scoring final period which saw each team score only four points.

Medina’s Sam Heschke grabs a rebound as Izzy D’Agostino (12) and Teagan Shaw (10) move in for Kendall.

Mustangs post win over Ken East Bulldogs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:24 pm

Medina completed a sweep of a pair of season opening non league games at Kenmore East by downing the host Bulldogs 67-56 this afternoon as Jerrell Nealy and Preston Woodworth combined for 51 points.

Nealy scored 26 including 10 in the third period and 7 in the fourth. Woodworth netted 25 including 9 in the first quarter and 7 in both the second and third periods.

Kolton Fletcher added 9 and Avion Johnson 4 for the Mustangs which led 35-26 at the half.

The Mustang had defeated West Seneca East 51-44 at Ken East in the season opener on Friday.

Medina will next visit Starpoint in a non league contest at 7 p.m. Monday.

Perry 81, Holley 40
Cooper Wolf scored 16, Josh Silpoch 13 and Avante Walker 6 for Holley in a 81-40 non league game loss at Perry this afternoon.

Wilson 66, Cardinal O’Hara 59
Aidan Neumann scored 38 and Ryan Hough 15 to lead Wilson to a 66-59 non league win over Cardinal O’Hara.

Lady Hawks trim Albion for tourney win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:19 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Hanna Ostrom drives against Albion’s Aaliyah Jones during the Lady Hawks Kendall Tournament win over the Purple Eagles this afternoon.

Moving on top to stay in the third quarter, Holley went on to down Albion 30-26 this afternoon in the consolation game of the Kendall girls basketball tournament.

Trailing 18-12, Holley closed the third period with an 11-0 run to take the lead for good at 23-18. Kyla Burne and Jayna Burris both had a pair of baskets and Mia Thom a three to key the Lady Hawks rally.

Albion closed to within one, 24-23, early in the final period on a basket by Jocelyn Friedl but could not pull even.

Burne answered with big back-to-back baskets upping the Holley lead to 28-23.

The closest Albion could get after that was at 28-26 on a three by Leah Pawlak as a steal and a layup at the buzzer by Burris capped off the Lady Hawks win.

Burne finished with 10, Brynn Thomas 8, Burris 6, Thom 5 and Hanna Ostrom 1 for the Lady Hawks.

Aaliyah Jones, Friedl and Melia Prince each scored 6, Pawlak 5 and Madison Markle 3 for the Purple Eagles.

Albion’s Melia Prince and Holley’s Alexis VanAmeron battle for the ball.

Farmers, in tough drought year, donate 37,000 pounds of produce in Albion FFA food drive

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 10:43 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait, left, and Loralei Gailie moves a pallet of onions that were donated for the Albion FFA food drive. The FFA delivered 37,000 pounds of food to Community Action this morning which was distributed to food pantries in the community.

ALBION – The Albion FFA completed its annual food drive today and the farming community once again stepped up in a big way by giving 37,000 pounds of produce and canned food.

The farmers gave of their harvest in a tough growing year caused by a drought that diminished yields.

The farmers still set aside some of their crop for the annual food drive which the Albion FFA has spearheaded since 2010.

“Everybody still showed their support,” said Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait.

The FFA calls farmers to line up the donations. Basinait said many of the local growers had much smaller crops this year due to the lack of rain in the summer. Last year’s drive totaled 45,000 pounds.

The Albion FFA members and supporters pose for a group photo outside the ag shop at the school before taking the food to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. The FFA is led by advisor Scott Oldenburg.

The FFA started the food drive in 2010 with 3,000 pounds in the first effort. The food drive record is 53,000 pounds in 2020.

Volunteers carry boxes of hams, turkeys and eggs to a cooler at Community Action. The agency will use that food for families during the upcoming holiday season. Community Action has 337 families receiving food and gifts.

The group of FFA students and volunteers and staff for Community Action pose before unloading trucks of produce. Panek Farms loaned the tractor trailer to transport the food from the school to Community Action.

The following farms donated to the food drive:

Nesbitt farm with apples, Poverty Hill Farms (Neal family) with butter, Charlie Swan with butter, Panek’s, Partyka’s with potatoes, East Farms with canned goods, Kirby’s farm Market with apples, Root Brothers with cabbage, Rush’s with potatoes, Preston’s with apples, Orchard Dale (Brown family) with apples, Kludt’s with squash, My-T Acres with potatoes and canned goods, Brightly’s with apples an assortment of squash, Triple G with onions and potatoes, CY Farms with onions, Stymus Farms with potatoes, Circle R with apples, Lynn-Ette and Sons with cabbage, Hurd Orchards with apples, Martin Farms with winter squash, Save-A-Lot in Albion with hams and turkeys, Heberle Farms with apples, Sungrow (formerly Intergrow) with tomatoes, Kreher’s with eggs.

Santa arrives by fire truck during Clarendon’s lighted parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 7:55 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

CLARENDON – Santa waves to people along Route 237 in Clarendon during a lighted parade on Friday night. He was able to ride on Clarendon’s ladder truck.

The fifth annual parade started at the fire hall on Route 31A, then went through the town’s main intersection and took a right turn onto Route 237, and then a left on Church Street to the Historical Society.

Santa was able to ride up high on the fire truck, waving to people who braved the cold temperatures for the parade.

Megan Rombaut drives this tractor from Rombaut Repair and Landscape.

The Holley Interact Club at the school district brought a contingent of kids for the parade.

Apollo Wilmot, 7, shares a Christmas wish list with Santa in the Clarendon Historical Society museum.

Town Historian Melissa Ierlan holds her granddaughter Rylie next to an ox statue that Ierlan covered with photos from Clarendon as part of the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration this year.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office led off the parade with a contingent of vehicles.

The Boy Scouts carried the colors – American flag and one for the Boy Scouts.

Girl Scouts had a float in the parade and they promoted an upcoming cookie sale.

The Grinch was back in the parade and handed out onions to people along the route.

The Murray Joint Fire District participated in the parade and put some Christmas lights on a fire truck.

Stonehill Farms joined the parade the procession.

Second half Pal-Mac surge downs Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 December 2025 at 9:42 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Gibson puts up a shot against Pal-Mac defender Jackson Dennie during the Purple Eagles home court loss to the Red Raiders this evening.

Pulling away in the second half, Palmyra-Macedon posted a 69-50 win over Albion this evening in the host Purple Eagles non league season opener.

Breaking away from a 28-28 half-time deadlock, Pal-Mac took charge with 22-11 third period scoring surge to move out to a 50-39 lead. Three baskets by Eli Smith and two threes by Derek Leone highlighted that uprising. Smith finished with a team high 17.

Pal-Mac then put a lock on the win by outpointing Albion 19-11 in the final period.

Elijah Doxey took game high scoring honors for Albion with 29 as Tyler Cody and Nate Gibson both had 7, Wesley Olles 4 and Josh Schoeberlein 3. Doxey scored 12 in the opening period to spark the Purple Eagles out to an 18-13 lead.

Albion next visits defending champion Akron Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Niagara-Orleans League opener.

Albion’s Tyler Cody drives to the basket ahead of Pal-Mac defender Will Frick.

Mustangs down Trojans in season opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 December 2025 at 9:22 pm

A fast start and a strong finish combined to earn Medina a 51-44 victory over West Seneca East in the Mustangs non league season opener this evening at Kenmore East.

Jerrell Nealy scored 12 and Preston Woodworth 11 to lead the Medina offense as Carlos Doval added 8, Kolton Fletcher 7, Christian Moss 5, Bryan Santiago-Bautista 3, Vinny Gray 2, Hadrian Batista 2 and Jimmy Dieter 1.

Medina jumped out to a 17-10 first quarter lead as Nealy hit two threes, Doval one and Fletcher added a pair of baskets.

Holding slender leads of 25-22 at the half and 35-34 after three quarters, the Mustangs put a lock on the win by outpointing the Trojans 16-11 in the decisive final period.

Doval and Santiago-Bautista both hit threes and Fletcher had a three-point play to lead that late surge which also included three free throws by Woodworth and baskets by Nealy and Moss.

The Mustangs will return to Kenmore East on Saturday to face the host Bulldogs at 1 p.m.

Houghton 41, Lyndonville 31
Houghton downed host Lyndonville 41-31 in a non league contest.

Atticus Mank scored 12, Lane Woodworth 11 and Colton Smith 6 for Lyndonville

Notre Dame 66, Barker 56
Notre Dame bested Barker 66-56 in another non league contest.

Anthony Taliaferro scored 17, Donovan Hefferon 12 and Jackson Prynn 11 for Barker.

Roy-Hart 70, Allegany-Limestone 46
Roy-Hart downed visiting Allegany-Limestone 70-46 in a non league game as Matt Aquilina scored 29, Tysen McCaa 13 and Vinny Fazzio 10.

Girls Basketball
Niagara-Wheatfied 50, Roy-Hart 21
Host Niagara-Wheatfield topped Roy-Hart 50-21 in a non league girl contest.

Adella Dukes scored 16 for Roy-Hart.

GLOW Out! to present HIV/AIDS awareness event in Albion on Dec. 12

Posted 5 December 2025 at 6:11 pm

Press Release, GLOW Out!

ALBION – December is national HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and GLOW Out! Is hosting a free event in Albion to share information and resources with the community.

On Friday, December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion, GLOW Out! will partner with Trillium Health to share information about HIV prevention, as well as honor the history of HIV/AIDS Awareness Month.

There will be presentations on the history of the AIDS epidemic in the United Sattes, as well as current updates and options for local testing and treatment for HIV. Trillium Health will provide information and resources, as well as free rapid onsite HIV testing at the event for those interested.

Learn more about Trillium Health’s services at trilliumhealth.org.

Early detection of HIV is vital for effective treatment, and with more knowledge, HIV can be and is manageable for many people who live with HIV+ status in America. Prevention options exist for those whose partners are HIV+ as well. Open communication with partners is another important tool in prevention and management of HIV.

Residents can seek more information and testing for HIV (and other infections) at their primary care provider or: the Batavia location of Rochester Regional Urgent Care on Oak Orchard Road; at the Batavia Health Center location of Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York on West Main Street; or at either the Albion or Medina locations of Orleans Community Health.

Attendees at the event will be welcome to participate in coloring crafts or make a red ribbon pin, the symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Other local human service providers will also be present with information and resources.

Free HIV awareness stickers will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle prize. Light refreshments are also included.

Email Director@GLOWOUT.org for more information.

GLOW Out! connects the LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community when we need it most. More information is available at glowout.org.

Barre Tractor Parade showcases heart of this rural community

Posted 5 December 2025 at 4:54 pm

Editor:

On December 13th at 5:30 p.m., the heart of Barre will once again glow with a warmth that no winter chill can diminish.

Now in its 8th year, the Barre Tractor Parade has grown into a charming holiday tradition. A celebration not just of the season, but of community, creativity and the rural roots of Barre.

At a time of year when holiday events can feel increasingly commercial, Barre’s Tractor Parade stands proudly apart. It doesn’t rely on a grand budget.

Instead, it draws its magic from the hands of local farmers, families and businesses who transform their hard working tractors into rolling works of art, draped in twinkling lights and bursting with personality. A reminder that the most meaningful traditions are often the ones we build together.

More than a light parade, it reflects the heart of Barre itself. Neighbors gathering, children and adults bundled up and generations sharing stories of their favorite tractor.

Join us at 5:30 pm on December 13th for another year of bright lights, shared laughter and a town that continues to shine from the inside out.

Respectfully submitted,

Betsy Miller

Barre Betterment Committee

Lee-Whedon announces gala and auction to support expansion project at library

Posted 5 December 2025 at 4:37 pm

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is thrilled to announce its upcoming Fundraising Gala and Auction, marking the grand conclusion of the library’s fundraising campaign.

All proceeds from the event will directly support construction costs, ensuring the community’s library continues to grow and thrive.

The gala on Feb. 6 will feature a live auction of library furniture, a silent auction, and a basket raffle, offering guests a wide variety of exciting items. Tickets are available at the library or online through Eventbrite (click here). General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets are $50 and include early admission and a swag bag. The event will include music, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres.

Guests can look forward to fun and unique auction items such as winery tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, signed books by popular authors, and original artwork including children’s book illustrations and pottery. For sneak peeks of available items, attendees are encouraged to follow Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is recommended.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support this community has shown throughout our expansion project,” said Library Director Kristine Mostyn. “The generosity of volunteers, both in time and contributions, has been invaluable.”

If you are interested in donating to the gala, please contact Kristine at 585.798.3430.

Construction on the expansion is well underway. Foundation walls, underground electricity, and underground plumbing have been installed, with the exterior of the building expected to be completed by year’s end. Two naming opportunities remain available for donors wishing to make a lasting impact on the library’s future.