Chamber celebrates businesses, citizens at annual awards dinner

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 4:51 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce held its 27^th annual awards dinner on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Club and presented nine different awards.

The winners include:

Business of the Year: Velocitii
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Zambito
New Business of the Year: Homestead Pest Control
Small Business of the Year: Bentley Brothers
Phoenix Award: Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory
Agricultural Business of the Year: RLW Cattle
Hidden Gem: Hurd Orchards
Business Person of the Year: Dan DeCarlo
Community Service Award: Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern

Pictured, first row, from left: Dan DeCarlo, Jeff Brandt and Heather Smith of Velocitii, Jami Allport of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Morgan Woodworth of RLW Cattle, Laura Bentley of Bentley Brothers, Rita Zambito, and Susan Hurd Machamer of Hurd Orchards.

Back Row: Richie Sarrero and Andrew Meier of Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory, Brian O’Neill of Velocitii, Lane and Nathan Woodworth (on behalf of their parents Rachel and Patrick Woodworth) of RLW Cattle, Jacob Ivison of Homestead Pest Control, and Amy Machamer and Amelia Sidonio of Hurd Orchards.

Orleans Hub expects to have more photos and comments from the winners posted on Saturday.

Rosario Farms brings fruits, veggies as a new vendor at Canal Village Farmers’ Market

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 October 2025 at 3:59 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.

The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.

They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.

“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”

Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.

“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.

They also rent a farm on Route 104.

“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”

This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.

Veterans, active military get 11% discount at Tops on Veterans Day

Posted 24 October 2025 at 12:33 pm

Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Friendly Markets announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. To date this program has afforded our veterans over $1million dollars in discounts.

On Tuesday, November 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. Tops has stores in Orleans County at Albion and Medina.

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, we’re proud to have helped save our veterans over $1 million dollars. This annual savings is just one of the many ways we strive to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”

Additionally, select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. Flags will be on sale through Nov. 15.

HEAP program delayed ‘indefinitely’ due to federal government shutdown

Posted 24 October 2025 at 12:21 pm

Press Release, Orleans and Niagara counties

Orleans County Department of Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni and Niagara County DSS Commissioner Meghan Lutz today issued a joint statement to residents regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025 -2026 season.

“Please be advised that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed indefinitely. We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter and our staff will be ready to move forward with applications as soon as the process starts. We will be releasing more information about the HEAP process as we receive it.

“The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by our offices and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards continues at this time. We have been told, however, that these programs could be impacted as well if the shutdown continues into November.”

To learn more about HEAP and to keep up with any updates, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#heap. Information on the federal shutdown can be found at the top of that page.

Sheriff’s Office hosting Drug Take Back Day on Saturday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:16 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Public Safety Building.

This is an opportunity to properly and safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.

For the safety of the staff at the Sheriff’s Office, do not bring uncapped, unsecured, or loose needles and sharps.

Operation Honor switches from 5K to Cornhole Tournament on Nov. 8

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:06 am

Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.

MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.

The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.

The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.

Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament. The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.

To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.

Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.

Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.

Chick-fil-A will open in Brockport on Oct. 29

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 9:33 am

Photos from Chick-fil-A: The new Chick-fil-A will be at the intersection of route 19 and 31 in the Town of Sweden.

BROCKPORT – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open in Brockport on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 a.m.

The new Chick-fil-A is owned and operated by Aaron Reynolds, who worked at Chick-fil-A in college. He was able to use a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures scholarship to help with his education.

“What began as a part-time job during graduate school quickly became my greatest passion,” Reynolds said. “I’m thrilled to open Chick-fil-A Brockport in a community I now proudly call home and to invest in Team Members as they grow and discover their own potential, just like I did.”

The new Chick-fil-A has been under construction since March. It is located at the corner of Rt. 19 and Rt. 31 in the Town of Sweden with the address 4871 Lake Rd. S.

The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the drive-thru open until 11 p.m. and will offer dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, curbside pick-up and Mobile Thru.

The new Chick-fil-A brings approximately 100 jobs to the community and joins four other Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Rochester market.

Customers who dress in a cow print on the opening day will receive a free entrée.

Chick-fil-A released this map of the property to show the traffic flow at the site.

Albion, Medina downtown businesses will welcome kids for Beggar’s Night on Friday

Posted 23 October 2025 at 10:09 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Pamela Jenks of Pretty Sweet Bakery, right and Debbie Prest of Red Check Rustic dole out the candy in Albion during Beggar’s Night on Oct. 27, 2023.

By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf

Halloween is still almost a week away but local kids can get a chance to collect lots of candy on Friday during beggar’s Night in the downtowns of Albion and Medina.

The downtowns in both villages will have hundreds of children in costumes for Beggar’s Nite. That day is observed the Friday before Halloween. This year, Halloween is on a Friday so Beggar’s Nite will be a week ahead of Oct. 31.

Provided photo: The Print Shop has candy boxes and stickers ready for each child on Beggars’ Night in Medina. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at outside the The Print Shop, 128 East Center St. In Albion, Beggar’s Night begins at 5 p.m.

Albion has Beggar’s Nite from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, while in Medina the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In medina, the event starts outside The Print Shop by the Medicine Shoppe.

The Print Shop is upping the ante this year, bringing more fun, fog and community spirit, according to Micheal Fuller, co-owner of the business with Dameon Heslor.

An estimated 700 children are expected in downtown Medina, where they will receive a royal send-off as they go trick-or-treating. The Print Shop will bubble and fog machines, festive music and a custom photo backdrop at the beginning of the Beggar’s Night route in the downtown.

The Print Shop team has created custom-designed items in their shop for each child. Also, a first-time feature will be Greenlief’s food truck on site during the entire evening.

“Beggars’ Night is one of our favorite events, because it gives us a chance to give back to the community that supports us all year long,” Heslor said. “Seeing the kids’ excitement and being part of a night that brings so many families downtown reminds us why we love being here in Medina.”

Albion’s Beggar’s Night starts at 5 p.m. There isn’t a specific starting spot. The trick or treating line in a loop.

People can park behind the fire department, next to Courthouse Square or the small municipal lot on Platt Street.

Roy-Hart and Albion will open sectional volleyball competition with home matches

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 October 2025 at 9:33 pm

Seeded No. 3, undefeated (10-0) Niagara-Orleans League champion Roy-Hart will host No. 6 Southwestern in the quarterfinals of the Section VI Class B2 volleyball tournament at 6 p.m. on Thursday October 30.

Also in a Class B2 opening round match, No. 9 Medina will visit No. 8 Salamanca on 6 p.m. on Tuesday October 28. The winner will face top seeded Olmsted on Oct. 30.

In Class B1, No. 8 Albion will host No. 9 Alden in an opening round match at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. The winner will visit top seeded Depew on Oct. 30.

In Class C opening round matches on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. No. 8 Wilson will host rival No. 9 Newfane and No. 12 Akron will visit No. 4 Performing Arts.

Medina welcomes participants for Parade of Lights on Nov. 29

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:49 pm

Photos courtesy of Dave Miller: The Parade of Lights banner leads off last year’s parade. Plans are well underway for this year’s parade Nov. 29.

MEDINA – Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping, but one thing which is picking up speed is planning for this year’s Parade of Lights, scheduled Nov. 29.

Jim Hancock heads the Parade of Lights Committee, which met Monday night at the home Reinhard Rogowski. Members include Barb Hancock, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Dave and Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Kathie Valley and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Kevin and Sue DeHollander).

Hancock was delighted to report he already has a number of first-time entrants and several returning floats, and is urging citizens, business people, organizations and fire companies to put their thinking caps on and come up with a float.

Entry forms to enter a float or become a sponsor are available online at www.christmasinmedina.com. Deadline to submit entries is Nov. 25. The parade follows a day-long Christmas celebration in Medina, sponsored by the Medina Area Partnership.

The Parade of Lights has been a major attraction in Medina and beyond since its inception 16 years ago, attracting thousands of people every year and 35 to 45 parade entries.

A musical group, the Hit Men from Rochester, will perform at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park. Other musical groups marching in the parade are Medina Mustang Marching Band, the Mark Time Marchers and Pembroke High School Marching Band.

Sponsorship levels are available at diamond, platinum, gold, bronze and silver levels.

Entrants may choose to compete in one of seven categories – Non-profit, Commercial, Religious, Fire Department, Service Club/Organization, Agriculture and Other.

Floats will be judged by a panel of judges and prizes awarded in each class for Best in Class, in addition to a Grand Prize.

Again this year, a tree light ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park and fireworks by Young Explosives of Rochester will take place at 5:45 p.m.

Anyone with questions may call Hancock at (585) 798-2118.

Niagara-Orleans BOCES was the grand champion in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024. The parade committee is accepting applications until Nov. 25 for floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 29.

Local businesses urged to register and update listings on OnlyInOrleans.com

Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:34 pm

Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency

ALBION – Orleans County-based businesses are reminded to register or renew their professional listings on OnlyInOrleans.com to ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date for future projects and local procurement opportunities.

Maintaining current listings helps ensure local businesses remain visible and competitive for upcoming initiatives that prioritize Orleans County companies.

Businesses with a brick-and-mortar presence in the county are encouraged to log in and update their contact details, services, and other relevant information. Eligible participants should have an established operational site in Orleans County.

The database is administered through the Orleans Economic Development Agency to assist new enterprise and existing corporations seeking goods and services from within Orleans County.

Kendall’s Class of 1975 celebrates 50th reunion

Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:26 pm

Provided photos and information courtesy of Peggy Bropst

KENDALL – Twenty-five classmates, seven teachers and their guests met on Saturday, October 11th at the Back Porch 585 Tavern for an afternoon of reminiscing, visiting, music, good food and lots of laughing!

Pictured, in front: Rosemary Nix Steffen and Joan Smith Page.

Next row: Bill Uhl, Beverly Fair-Brooks, Peggy Wheelock Bropst, Debbie Hansen Thomas, Brenda Munzert Jackling, Joy Meiers Cliff, Cheryl Schepler Fishbaugh, Dona Wilson Maynard, Tina Knittle Harper, Cheryl Kludt Cole, Judy Smith Fox and Nanci Barthel Bogan.

Back row: Dave Cole, Kim Smith, Mark Elmore, Rob Kraynik, Kathy Redshaw Gardner, Karen Waye St. John, Andy Keyser, Ron Graham, Mark Maynard, Garry Schildt and Ray Oehlbeck.

Mark Maynard led us on a wonderful walk down memory lane and the Rev. Kim Smith blessed our class, our meal and those we have lost from the class – Mary Cataldi, Valerie Coolbaugh, Tim Graham, Mike Gray, Rick Lardner, Judy Rowles, Tim Tytler, Wayne Vanderlaan, Kevin Van Orden and Mike Woodhams.

The class enjoyed a Kendall-themed cake for the milestone reunion.

Teachers in attendance were Linda Curtis, Jerry Greenlee, Gail Johnson, George Lonnen, Gary Kent, Carla Petronio and Jim Sauberan.

Rural Schools Association will host forum at O/N BOCES on Nov. 5

Posted 23 October 2025 at 3:12 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

SANBORN – The Rural Schools Association of New York State is inviting the community, school administrators, teachers and business members to attend a forum on Nov. 5 at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Conference Center at 4124 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.

It will run from 6 to 8 p.m. with David Little, executive director of the RSA, as the featured presenter.

The event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community to discuss the future of our rural schools and communities. There will be a briefing on the current state of rural education, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives on the local and regional challenges impacting rural schools and the communities that support them.

The RSA invites the community to share their thoughts in advance and read what others have shared at RSA’s Digital Thought Exchange at https://bit.ly/ruralforum. Your feedback will help guide the efficient and effective use of resources in support of rural students and education as the RSA continues to work on behalf of rural communities.